Christmas time is here again, like every year before. And like every year before, all the old Christmas hits are upon us once more. From "Merry Christmas Everybody" to "Merry Christmas, Everyone", here are the top 5 Christmas songs...
Of Allllllll Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime
5. Feed the World - Band Aid/Band Aid 20 (And any other versions there may be)
It's pretty damn hard to argue with a song with as much moral high-ground as this one. Normally I'm fairly lukewarm towards songs like this because very often the music is sacrificed for the song's message. Here however, there is no such sacrifice: The song is actually pretty damn good, it has a big chorus, a wealth of singing talent the likes of which has never been seen before or since, and yes, what they're singing about is important, and shouldn't be forgotten about. I say, don't feel guilty about having been lucky enough to be born into a wealthy country... but spare a thought for those who aren't so fortunate as you tuck into your Turkey this Christmas day
4. Merry Christmas, Everyone - Shakin' Stevens
God. Damn. This. Song. It's SO catchy. The Grinch himself would sing along. It's certainly not the most lyrically complex or thematically diverse song you'll ever come accross, it's as simplistic as it gets, but it just doesn't matter, such is the infectious nature of it's melody, and that DAMN chorus. The key change at the end of the second chorus is the icing on the proverbial Christmas cake as it kicks off a superb ending to a superb song.
3. Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade
Do I really need to say anything about this song? Everyone knows it, everyone loves it, and with good reason: This song is Christmas. The anthemic chorus, the resounding "IT'S CHRIIIIISTMAAAAAAAAS" that bookends the song, the eminently identifiable lyrics, the song is utterly synonymous with Christmas, and tightly deserves to be considered one of the greatest Christmas songs of all time.
2. White Wine in the Sun - Tim Minchin
This song isn't quite as well known as the others on the list, and may be a little more polarising... but I don't think anything better sums up what Christmas means to me, on a personal level, than Tim Michins magnum opus, White Wine in the Sun. I, like Minchin, am hardly religious. And sometimes I get asked, as an Atheist, why do you celebrate Christmas, a traditionally religious holiday. This Christmas, as with every other, I will celebrate the fact that, for one day, my family will all be under one roof, and this song, this beautiful piece of art... reminds me what Christmas really is all about.
1. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues ft. Kirsty McCall
How on earth could it possibly be anything else? This song is one of those songs that reminds me why I listen to music in the first place. It's music goes from beautifully sentimental to wild and merry, it's lyrics effortlessly transition between contempt, pity, happiness, sadness, optimism, pessimism, love and hate in a song that has more emotion, more poignancy, more intimacy and more heart in 4 minutes than the Twilight saga has in it's 10+ hour running time. This song... is perfect. Every line, every note, every beat, every second. It reaches as high a point as any piece of art has ever reached. This song... this beautiful, wonderful song... is perfect.
22 December, 2012
14 December, 2012
UEFA Champions League 2012: Analyzing the Candidates
The group stage of the UEFA Champions League has concluded, the stage is set and now the cast is confirmed. 16 of Europe's elite will now do battle to claim the most prestigious prize in club football, and become champions of Europe. Four wins are all that separates the remaining teams from failure and immortality...
But, cliche ridden wank aside, which of the remaining teams has the best chance of lifting the coveted trophy, come the end of March? Let's take a look at who we have left, as we (and by we, I of course mean me) rank these elite clubs, and Arsenal, starting from least likely to win and moving up...
16. Galatasary
The Turks barely escaped group H by the skin of their teeth, even having an inferior goal difference to 3rd placed Cluj. They would be underdogs against any of the other 15.
Prediction: This is the team everyone will have their fingers crossed to draw against in the second round, where Galatasary's European quest will almost certainly come to an end.
15. Arsenal
One of just two English teams in the draw, Arsenal only qualified by a point from what was one of the relatively weaker groups, and are now very likely to face a difficult draw in the next round.
Prediction: Considering their second placed finish, Arsenal are highly unlikely to progress any further, barring a very kind draw.
14. Shaktar Donetsk
Shaktar progressed through the group stages at the expense of reigning champions Chelsea, and could be a tricky challenge on their own turf, but are unlikely to cause much trouble over two legs.
Prediction: Barring some luck on and off the pitch, Shaktar probably won't get much further.
13. Porto
Porto currently sit joint top of their domestic league, tied on both points and goals with Benfica who are only top due to having scored one goal more. They have they talent to cause problems, particularly James Rodriguez who may well have sought pastures new by this time next year.
Prediction: A tricky draw for whoever the meet, but Porto would be fortunate to reach the quarter finals.
12. Schalke
Despite reaching the semi-finals of the UCL in 2011, Schalke are unlikely to cause much damage this year. They currently sit in fifth place in the Bundesliga, 16 points off the ridiculous pace set by the rampant Bayern Munich, but winning their group means the possibility of a kinder draw in the next round.
Prediction: Schalke are largely relying on a fortunate draw to progress further, and are very unlikely to repeat the success of 2011.
11. Celtic
The Scottish champions secured one of the most famous results in their history with victory over group winners Barcelona, and are notoriously difficult to beat on their own ground. But they face stern competition in the next round, with the possibility of drawing Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Prediction: On their own ground, Celtic really can beat just about anybody, and that prowess at home could see Celtic perhaps sneaking into the quarter finals. Against the elite clubs though, they simply won't be good enough over two legs.
10. Valencia
Impressive in the group stage as they pushed last years runners-up Bayern Munich all the way, only finishing second on head-to-head, Valencia have gone off the boil a little as of late, with just 2 wins in their last 5.
Prediction: Valencia have the talent to progress further, but they may be relying on the draw a little, and are certainly unlikely to go further than the quarter finals.
9. AC Milan
Milan currently sit in 7th place in Serie A, 14 points which might as well be 14 light years away from Juventus who currently top the table. They also failed to top their group and thus face the prospect of a difficult draw in the next round
Prediction: Milan could very well go through, but it's difficult to see progressing past the quarter finals.
8. Malaga
Malaga's domestic form has also sputtered a little as of late, but they topped a group that included AC Milan, and are better than most of the teams they can draw in the next round.
Prediction: Malaga are better than any of the teams they can draw in the next round and are likely to progress to the quarter finals. They won't trouble the elite clubs though.
7. Paris SG
In spite of the incredible financial power that PSG now posess, they are currently 3 points off the pace in Ligue 1, sitting second behind Lyon. In a straight match however, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrohimovic and Tiago Silva in their ranks, PSG will be a challenge for any team they come up against.
Prediction: PSG should reach the quarter finals, and may even have an outside chance of reaching the Semi's if the draw goes their way.
6. Juventus
Juventus currently sit top of Serie A with a four point lead over Inter Milan. It's been a long road to recovery for Juventus, but the Italian champions are most definitely back amongst the elite of European football.
Prediction: The quarter finals should be a bare minimum for Juventus, and realistically they should be looking to reach the semis.
5. Manchester United
It's been a strange season thus far for United, as they have coupled probably the best strike partnership in Europe with one of the leakiest defences in their history. However, they currently sit 6 points clear at the top of the premiership following a dramatic win over second placed local rivals and current champions, Manchester City, and if they can stay free if injuries, United have the firepower to outgun anyone, anytime, anyplace.
Prediction: After a disappointing exit at the group stage last season, United will be looking for a strong showing, and will be aiming for the semi-finals, anything less would be considered failure.
4. Real Madrid
Going into this season, I really thought this was Madrid's year. I had the reigning Spanish champions picked to win the champions league and claim their 10th European cup, but they have struggled to gather any sort of traction so far, culminating in stunning defeats against Real Betis and Celta Vigo. They currently sit 3rd in La Liga, 11 points behind the still unbeaten force-of-nature that is Barcelona.
Prediction: After finishing second in their group, Real Madrid face a challenge from the get-go, but with the sheer talent in the team, they will be very difficult to beat. The 2-2 draw against Barcelona earlier this season proved that they can still match up with the best of the best.
3. Borussia Dortmund
The reigning champions of Germany have set their sights firmly on the UCL, topping what was easily the hardest group, comprising themselves and the champions of England, Spain and Holland, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Ajax: and they finished unbeaten.
Prediction: Dortmund are dangerous and have a very real chance of winning. If they can avoid the next two teams, they stand an excellent chance of making the final.
2. Bayern Munich
The runaway league leaders in Germany have an 11 point margin over second place Borussia Dortmund and have scored 43 goals in 16 games, averaging almost four goals a game at home. Bayern have been utterly rampant so far this season, and after losing the final last year, on their own ground no less, they will be desperate to right that wrong and reclaim Europe's top prize.
Prediction: Bayern match up favourably against just about anyone, and have an excellent chance of winning the UCL. But a hero is only as good as his villain, and in this case, Bayern's antagonists may well be too much...
1. Barcelona
What more can be said about Barcelona that hasn't already been said? And the scary thing is... they appear to be getting better. 15 games in and Barcelona are still unbeaten, only failing to win on one occasion, a 2-2 draw with their greatest rivals Real Madrid. They've won the trophy 3 times in the last 6 seasons, and their lethal offense is led by the greatest player to have ever graced the game, a man who this season has recorded 33 goals and 7 assists in just 20 games, the incomparable Lionel Messi.
Prediction: A final contested by Bayern and Barcelona really could go either way, and of course anything can happen on the night... but Barca at their best are better than Bayern at their best.
I can't wait until the UCL starts again in February. The draw for the next round is on December 20th, keep an ear out, and no matter who wins, let's just hope that football is the ultimate winner, and that this years Champions league is remembered for all the right reasons.
But, cliche ridden wank aside, which of the remaining teams has the best chance of lifting the coveted trophy, come the end of March? Let's take a look at who we have left, as we (and by we, I of course mean me) rank these elite clubs, and Arsenal, starting from least likely to win and moving up...
16. Galatasary
The Turks barely escaped group H by the skin of their teeth, even having an inferior goal difference to 3rd placed Cluj. They would be underdogs against any of the other 15.
Prediction: This is the team everyone will have their fingers crossed to draw against in the second round, where Galatasary's European quest will almost certainly come to an end.
15. Arsenal
One of just two English teams in the draw, Arsenal only qualified by a point from what was one of the relatively weaker groups, and are now very likely to face a difficult draw in the next round.
Prediction: Considering their second placed finish, Arsenal are highly unlikely to progress any further, barring a very kind draw.
14. Shaktar Donetsk
Shaktar progressed through the group stages at the expense of reigning champions Chelsea, and could be a tricky challenge on their own turf, but are unlikely to cause much trouble over two legs.
Prediction: Barring some luck on and off the pitch, Shaktar probably won't get much further.
13. Porto
Porto currently sit joint top of their domestic league, tied on both points and goals with Benfica who are only top due to having scored one goal more. They have they talent to cause problems, particularly James Rodriguez who may well have sought pastures new by this time next year.
Prediction: A tricky draw for whoever the meet, but Porto would be fortunate to reach the quarter finals.
12. Schalke
Despite reaching the semi-finals of the UCL in 2011, Schalke are unlikely to cause much damage this year. They currently sit in fifth place in the Bundesliga, 16 points off the ridiculous pace set by the rampant Bayern Munich, but winning their group means the possibility of a kinder draw in the next round.
Prediction: Schalke are largely relying on a fortunate draw to progress further, and are very unlikely to repeat the success of 2011.
11. Celtic
The Scottish champions secured one of the most famous results in their history with victory over group winners Barcelona, and are notoriously difficult to beat on their own ground. But they face stern competition in the next round, with the possibility of drawing Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Prediction: On their own ground, Celtic really can beat just about anybody, and that prowess at home could see Celtic perhaps sneaking into the quarter finals. Against the elite clubs though, they simply won't be good enough over two legs.
10. Valencia
Impressive in the group stage as they pushed last years runners-up Bayern Munich all the way, only finishing second on head-to-head, Valencia have gone off the boil a little as of late, with just 2 wins in their last 5.
Prediction: Valencia have the talent to progress further, but they may be relying on the draw a little, and are certainly unlikely to go further than the quarter finals.
9. AC Milan
Milan currently sit in 7th place in Serie A, 14 points which might as well be 14 light years away from Juventus who currently top the table. They also failed to top their group and thus face the prospect of a difficult draw in the next round
Prediction: Milan could very well go through, but it's difficult to see progressing past the quarter finals.
8. Malaga
Malaga's domestic form has also sputtered a little as of late, but they topped a group that included AC Milan, and are better than most of the teams they can draw in the next round.
Prediction: Malaga are better than any of the teams they can draw in the next round and are likely to progress to the quarter finals. They won't trouble the elite clubs though.
7. Paris SG
In spite of the incredible financial power that PSG now posess, they are currently 3 points off the pace in Ligue 1, sitting second behind Lyon. In a straight match however, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrohimovic and Tiago Silva in their ranks, PSG will be a challenge for any team they come up against.
Prediction: PSG should reach the quarter finals, and may even have an outside chance of reaching the Semi's if the draw goes their way.
6. Juventus
Juventus currently sit top of Serie A with a four point lead over Inter Milan. It's been a long road to recovery for Juventus, but the Italian champions are most definitely back amongst the elite of European football.
Prediction: The quarter finals should be a bare minimum for Juventus, and realistically they should be looking to reach the semis.
5. Manchester United
It's been a strange season thus far for United, as they have coupled probably the best strike partnership in Europe with one of the leakiest defences in their history. However, they currently sit 6 points clear at the top of the premiership following a dramatic win over second placed local rivals and current champions, Manchester City, and if they can stay free if injuries, United have the firepower to outgun anyone, anytime, anyplace.
Prediction: After a disappointing exit at the group stage last season, United will be looking for a strong showing, and will be aiming for the semi-finals, anything less would be considered failure.
4. Real Madrid
Going into this season, I really thought this was Madrid's year. I had the reigning Spanish champions picked to win the champions league and claim their 10th European cup, but they have struggled to gather any sort of traction so far, culminating in stunning defeats against Real Betis and Celta Vigo. They currently sit 3rd in La Liga, 11 points behind the still unbeaten force-of-nature that is Barcelona.
Prediction: After finishing second in their group, Real Madrid face a challenge from the get-go, but with the sheer talent in the team, they will be very difficult to beat. The 2-2 draw against Barcelona earlier this season proved that they can still match up with the best of the best.
3. Borussia Dortmund
The reigning champions of Germany have set their sights firmly on the UCL, topping what was easily the hardest group, comprising themselves and the champions of England, Spain and Holland, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Ajax: and they finished unbeaten.
Prediction: Dortmund are dangerous and have a very real chance of winning. If they can avoid the next two teams, they stand an excellent chance of making the final.
2. Bayern Munich
The runaway league leaders in Germany have an 11 point margin over second place Borussia Dortmund and have scored 43 goals in 16 games, averaging almost four goals a game at home. Bayern have been utterly rampant so far this season, and after losing the final last year, on their own ground no less, they will be desperate to right that wrong and reclaim Europe's top prize.
Prediction: Bayern match up favourably against just about anyone, and have an excellent chance of winning the UCL. But a hero is only as good as his villain, and in this case, Bayern's antagonists may well be too much...
1. Barcelona
What more can be said about Barcelona that hasn't already been said? And the scary thing is... they appear to be getting better. 15 games in and Barcelona are still unbeaten, only failing to win on one occasion, a 2-2 draw with their greatest rivals Real Madrid. They've won the trophy 3 times in the last 6 seasons, and their lethal offense is led by the greatest player to have ever graced the game, a man who this season has recorded 33 goals and 7 assists in just 20 games, the incomparable Lionel Messi.
Prediction: A final contested by Bayern and Barcelona really could go either way, and of course anything can happen on the night... but Barca at their best are better than Bayern at their best.
I can't wait until the UCL starts again in February. The draw for the next round is on December 20th, keep an ear out, and no matter who wins, let's just hope that football is the ultimate winner, and that this years Champions league is remembered for all the right reasons.
29 September, 2012
FIFA 13 Review
Let me tell you a little of my history with football games. Up until just a few short years ago, I was a dyed in the wool, hardcore Pro Evolution Soccer fan. To me, nothing else would do. FIFA had always been glitzy and shiny, it had the licences, it had better presentation, but in the gameplay department? Pro Evo skewered it, time and time again. For me though, all that changed with FIFA 11. I was originally won by the possibility of playing as the goalkeeper, an option that FIFA 11 offered, alluded to by it's apt tagline, "We are 11". What I found was that, undeniably, FIFA and surpassed Pro Evolution Soccer as the king of the football games mountain. My allegiances changed that day. The following year, it wasn't Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 that I shelled out my money in, it was FIFA 12. It was FIFA 12 that truly blew me away, I marvelled at it's completeness, at long last it's presentation and graphics were matched, surpassed even, but it's incredible gameplay. The game felt so good to play, it was a realistic tonic to Pro Evo's increasingly arcadish gameplay. But one thought lingered in my mind: "How on earth can they top this? What can they possibly add?" FIFA 13 answers my question. What is the answer?
To be brutally honest, the answer is: not a whole lot. Don't get me wrong for a second, there are new features, both on and off the pitch. The most heavily touted addition being the added unpredictability, attempting to mirror one of the scant few real life aspects of football that FIFA 12 had been unable to produce. In FIFA 12, the ball would stick the players boot like glue. In FIFA 13, it's all in the maths. How skilful is your player? How fast is he moving? How fast is the ball moving towards him? Is he being pressured by defenders? Is it raining or is it dry? All these variables add up to produce that unpredictability that makes the actual game so compelling. And it is pulled off very well, to the point where even if and when it works against you, you are able to sit back and admire the craftsmanship. Goalkeepers flap at crosses, shots are sliced hilariously wide, it is very well implemented, and a very welcome addition.
In the gameplay department however, that's about is innovative as FIFA 13 gets. The game is littered with tweaks. Passing feels a little smoother, the player impact engine has been refined so that players aren't blown half way across the pitch by a falling leaf, free kicks aren't as unforgiving as their previous iterations, but on the whole, the gameplay department, while still reliably brilliant, may have hit a glass ceiling... on this generation of consoles at least.
A few new gameplay modes have been added, one of them being "Skill Games". In a nutshell, skill games are essentially mini-games that will ease newcomers in to the game at their easiest and provide a reasonable challenge to more seasoned veterans at their hardest (If anyone can figure out how to do the final crossing challenge, let me know) Everything from dribbling assault courses to crossbar challenges to smashing penalties to a wall of cardboard boxes, the games are delightfully addictive. There have also been some updates to that ever reliable stalwart, manager mode. The interface is now even more authentic, sky sports being printed all over the menu screens as a man who's name tragically escapes me reads out the other results of the day and how they affect the league table. The biggest addition though is the ability to manage international sides. While it's not really my cup of tea, there are undoubtedly those who have been pining for this addition for some time, and for whom it will increase the depth of manager mode greatly.
Given that my xbox live gold account has tragically expired, I can't comment with a great deal of authority on the online modes, although I did try my hand at "Ultimate Team" for the first time. I haven't spent too much time with it yet, but I can see myself doing so, I can see why many people find it so addictive. For those who don't know, in ultimate team, you basically build up... the ultimate team. You buy packs of trading cards that unlock new players for your squad and slowly build up an army of superstars who could handily thump Real Madrid on their own ground without breaking sweat. As I say, I can see why it would be addictive, and I look forward to getting to grips with it more in future.
On the whole FIFA 13 is very good. It's very good because FIFA 12 was very good, I would be lying if I said a great deal has changed, but there are changes there, most of them small tweaks as EA fine tune their sports masterpiece. On the whole though, my concerns as to where EA go after FIFA 12 do whole some water... and they are only compounded for the next iteration. Ultimately, there really is only so much in a game that can be improved. And that may be FIFA's eventual downfall.
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