Category 14: Music/Artist

Derrick	Khurram	Richard	Eric
Pussycat Dolls	Sting and the Police	The Beatles	Elvis
Nirvana	Tupac	Explosions in the Sky	Jimmy Eat World

Round 1: With the initial pick in this category, Derrick selected burlesque group turned pop sensations the Pussycat Dolls. I would say that this is a good use of strategy, in getting two purposes for the price of one. However, one must wonder if anyone pays attention to, or is all that fond of, the Pussycat Dolls’ music. Still, take a look at that picture. I think I’d be willing to put up with them singing just about anything. Khurram followed up with what is an underrated pick, in Sting and the Police. Sting has the ability to cross genres. And judging from his appearances with the likes of both the Rascal Flatts and Sean “whatever he calls himself now” Combs, Sting has seemingly performed with a star from genre. Good music and an odd Jaguar car commercial make Sting a satisfactory choice. I followed up with The Beatles. I know, I know, it seems like a clichéd pick. But that’s alright, because I am a genuine fan of The Beatles. Can the same be said for Eric? I’m not sure, but its hard to argue with an American icon like Elvis.

Round 2: Eric follows up Elvis with Jimmy Eat World. This “emocore” group (that would be “emotional hardcore” for those of you not in the know), first found success with their self-titled album, released in 2001. Who can ever forget this video where everyone is at a house party in their underwear.

With the second pick in this round I took Explosions in the Sky. I know most of you have never even heard of this band, but they are amazing. A post-rock/instrumental rock group from Texas, they first entered the public eye by providing the soundtrack for Friday Night Lights. Because their music features no vocals and is primarily made up of three guitars and drums, it can be featured in almost any situation and make that event seem EPIC. You could play this song as you take your dog for a walk (I’ve done this) and it made it feel like Kuma was out on an expedition or hunting for his survival. You play this in your car as you drive anywhere and it gives you a sense of purpose. Play it while you run and you feel like its Chariots of Fire all over again. Set your lineup for your fantasy team and play this song. You’ll feel like you hold each player’s fate in your hands. It even works for more mundane situations: doing the dishes? Check. Cleaning the house? Check. Studying? Absolutely. Though this song is not a “pump you up” song like the Rocky theme or Eye of the Tiger, almost everything Explosions in the Sky rights gives you a sense of purpose.

Khurram got a bona fide first round pick in the second round. More than just a rapper, Tupac was a lyricist in the truest sense of the word. Though he was perhaps the figure head of the whole east coast-west coast battle, and a prime example of the (perceived?) repercussions of gangster rap, he is still beloved by many even so many years after his death. Speaking of his death, there have been so many reported Tupac sightings and rumors his namesake is on its way to becoming the next “Elvis” type persona. And let's not forget that one of his biggest hits "Changes" became popular after he had already been killed.

Derrick closed this round out with another can’t miss pick, Nirvana. Perhaps the Tupac of grunge, Nirvana may always be known more for the death of Kurt Cobain than their music itself. One has to wonder what would have happened if he didn’t die. Would they have stayed as great they were? Or are they remembered as being better simply because of their tragedy? Either way, there is no denying the ever lasting effects that Nirvana has had on the music industry. Hell, I even heard about some fairly big names in hip-hop, and some big time athletes saying that Smells Like Teen Spirit was one of the best songs they ever heard. Derrick gets true musical genius to go along with his musically inept first round pick.

Overall Impressions: No real complaints. True, Jimmy Eat World and Explosions in the Sky were not likely to get drafted, but as second round picks, I cannot knock them. One group I almost went with for a number of reasons was Hootie and the Blowfish. First, I would have liked to have seen the reaction in the van. Second, I was actually a fan of their Cracked Rear View album. Third, Darius Rucker (commonly, mistakenly, referred to as Hootie) comes on a sports talk radio show I listen to a lot and talks about how ridiculous it was that that many people liked them. And finally, for their most popular song ever, they made a music video featuring the anchors from Sportscenter. Dare I say, "En Fuego". Oh, and despite what people think, the line “The Dolphins make me cry” in that song does not refer to real dolphins. It refers to the NFL team. Any song that discusses an NFL team bringing a fan to tears, I can get behind.