Well, for my very first post since I switch on the fancy Atom feed toy we have one result, DocBenway beating TOMU in the Missile Belt to take his run of defences to three; we also have an advert for a situation vacant, Quick Ben is taking more of a back seat in Alliance and the admins are looking for new blood to strengthen the team. Applications on the Alliance fourm
Here goes with the posting.
30 September 2004
28 September 2004
Sleepy Hollow
Not so much going on in the competitions these last few days, some odd Alliance games but no matches and only a handful of belt news.
Old Whiskas fought off Kendo for his first defence of the King of the Mechs belt and Buliwyf Hrothgar for Ring of Fire. Killjoy is considering retiring from the Guerilla Medal Challenge after his victory over LaserDave gave him his sixth defence. Hero Boy continued his run in the Speed Belt, beating Oddball for his fifth defence. It wasn't a good few days for Buliwyf Hrothgar as DocBenway beat him in the Missile Belt. The sole capture of a belt was acheived by Barcardi Bat, beating holder Pickupsticks in the Highlander Belt.
Old Whiskas fought off Kendo for his first defence of the King of the Mechs belt and Buliwyf Hrothgar for Ring of Fire. Killjoy is considering retiring from the Guerilla Medal Challenge after his victory over LaserDave gave him his sixth defence. Hero Boy continued his run in the Speed Belt, beating Oddball for his fifth defence. It wasn't a good few days for Buliwyf Hrothgar as DocBenway beat him in the Missile Belt. The sole capture of a belt was acheived by Barcardi Bat, beating holder Pickupsticks in the Highlander Belt.
24 September 2004
Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll, Too Young To Die
Alliance
Lots of matchs finished today, mostly in division two though, surprise surprise. The sole result from division one say Dragons Rising stamp their authority over the middle of the table, thrashing the 8-bits 83-33.
In the business part of the competition, it hasn't been looking good for RNRS, losing by 66 to 69 and 44 to 83 to Doomed and Alone In The Dark respectively. Both results are good for the winning clans, helping boost their promotion claims. Other results include a massive 91 to 41 victory for the A.B.C. Warriors over the Bouncing Krauts and a solid 78 to 53 win for the struggling Clowns over Pheonix Rising. Maybe the news about Redeem's return gave their spirits a lift.
Belts
Four games finished in the belts with Old Whiskas defending the Featherweight Belt, Hero Boy the Cuisine Challenge and Bobbajob the Panzer Belt. Kaleb dethroned Old Whiskas from the Marine belt however.
Lots of matchs finished today, mostly in division two though, surprise surprise. The sole result from division one say Dragons Rising stamp their authority over the middle of the table, thrashing the 8-bits 83-33.
In the business part of the competition, it hasn't been looking good for RNRS, losing by 66 to 69 and 44 to 83 to Doomed and Alone In The Dark respectively. Both results are good for the winning clans, helping boost their promotion claims. Other results include a massive 91 to 41 victory for the A.B.C. Warriors over the Bouncing Krauts and a solid 78 to 53 win for the struggling Clowns over Pheonix Rising. Maybe the news about Redeem's return gave their spirits a lift.
Belts
Four games finished in the belts with Old Whiskas defending the Featherweight Belt, Hero Boy the Cuisine Challenge and Bobbajob the Panzer Belt. Kaleb dethroned Old Whiskas from the Marine belt however.
23 September 2004
Belt Up
Well, a busy few days in competition world.
Alliance first then. Four match results are in, three in division two but first an important result from division one with Rogue Element kicking The Dragons Rising by 83 points to 59. This boosts RE's claim to a top three place and knocks back DR in their hunt for beating tFC to the top.
The (original) Dragons had mixed fortunes, losing to Alone In The Dark by a bug 97 to 52 but beating pre-season ex-favourites Doomed in a knuckle chewing 68-64 finish with mcspenny winning the last game to come in beating Indricotherium 20 to 9. In another tight match, the Bouncing Krauts squeezed out Pheonix Rising by 59 points to 56.
Personnel news next, Redeem has threatened, I mean suggested that he may come out of retirement for Alliance Season Six in order to cripple, I mean boost his (second) clan, The Cursed Clowns. Redeem has been otherwise busy as well, planning two new competitions, LSNDefcon 1, a four way team kncok-out between the four races (http://p069.ezboard.com/fcodogamesfrm18.showMessage?topicID=163.topic) and A Ryder Cup style UK vs Rest Of The World face off (http://p069.ezboard.com/fcodogamesfrm18.showMessage?topicID=164.topic).
The second official Laser Bowl tournement has finished, with axemandavva being beaten in the final by Dragons hero mcspenny. The champion had beaten mordin, Overseer, McMendes, Special K, Dysp, Ecthelion De La Fuente, Infidel and finally axemandavva on the way to the title, some impressive scalps.
In other cup news, the LSN Cup is reaching a climax. GuiltyCol is in the first semi-final, his opponent will be either justlanded or Sterner Than Regnix. The second semi-final will be Vasco against Craigwave or DeadDog. Some matches worth watching there. The duck fancies Vasco for it.
The belts then. As this is the first update, a list of current holders and challengers:
Belt Holder Defences Challenger
Featherweight Old Whiskas 4 IuDa
Golden Egg Old Whiskas 4 SternerThanRegnix
Heavyweight Vasco 3 Zemalf
King of the Mechs Old Whiskas 0 Kendo
Marine Old Whiskas 0 Kaleb
Medic
Ring of Fire Old Whiskas 0 Buliwyf Hrothgar
Survivors Valar Morghulis 2 Buliwyf Hrothgar
Guerilla Medal Killjoy 6 laserdave
Speed Hero Boy 4 Oddball
Duck Buliwyf Hrothgar 0 Arakis
HQ worto03 Strontium Dog
Leader of the Greys zipdisk 2 Barcardi Bat 151
Flying Hairdryer Barcardi Bat 151 1 Dahnak
Cuisine Challenge Hero Boy 2 Valar Morghulis
Panzer Bobbajob 4 AidanPryde
Solar Power pickupsticks 4 tonyj444
Missile Doctor Benway 1 Buliwyf Hrothgar
Highlander pickupsticks Barcardi Bat 151
As you'll note, Old Whiskas holds five belts at the moment, looking to challenge Vasco possibly (who made eighteen defences of the Golden Egg, six of the Ring of Fire and six of the Speed Belt). Old Whiskas is contemplating his retirement soon though, so will he have time to make up the ground?<>Phileas Fogg Map Tour, Killjoy has recently beaten Hintikka, brining a great run of victories to an end.
Alliance first then. Four match results are in, three in division two but first an important result from division one with Rogue Element kicking The Dragons Rising by 83 points to 59. This boosts RE's claim to a top three place and knocks back DR in their hunt for beating tFC to the top.
The (original) Dragons had mixed fortunes, losing to Alone In The Dark by a bug 97 to 52 but beating pre-season ex-favourites Doomed in a knuckle chewing 68-64 finish with mcspenny winning the last game to come in beating Indricotherium 20 to 9. In another tight match, the Bouncing Krauts squeezed out Pheonix Rising by 59 points to 56.
Personnel news next, Redeem has threatened, I mean suggested that he may come out of retirement for Alliance Season Six in order to cripple, I mean boost his (second) clan, The Cursed Clowns. Redeem has been otherwise busy as well, planning two new competitions, LSNDefcon 1, a four way team kncok-out between the four races (http://p069.ezboard.com/fcodogamesfrm18.showMessage?topicID=163.topic) and A Ryder Cup style UK vs Rest Of The World face off (http://p069.ezboard.com/fcodogamesfrm18.showMessage?topicID=164.topic).
The second official Laser Bowl tournement has finished, with axemandavva being beaten in the final by Dragons hero mcspenny. The champion had beaten mordin, Overseer, McMendes, Special K, Dysp, Ecthelion De La Fuente, Infidel and finally axemandavva on the way to the title, some impressive scalps.
In other cup news, the LSN Cup is reaching a climax. GuiltyCol is in the first semi-final, his opponent will be either justlanded or Sterner Than Regnix. The second semi-final will be Vasco against Craigwave or DeadDog. Some matches worth watching there. The duck fancies Vasco for it.
The belts then. As this is the first update, a list of current holders and challengers:
Belt Holder Defences Challenger
Featherweight Old Whiskas 4 IuDa
Golden Egg Old Whiskas 4 SternerThanRegnix
Heavyweight Vasco 3 Zemalf
King of the Mechs Old Whiskas 0 Kendo
Marine Old Whiskas 0 Kaleb
Medic
Ring of Fire Old Whiskas 0 Buliwyf Hrothgar
Survivors Valar Morghulis 2 Buliwyf Hrothgar
Guerilla Medal Killjoy 6 laserdave
Speed Hero Boy 4 Oddball
Duck Buliwyf Hrothgar 0 Arakis
HQ worto03 Strontium Dog
Leader of the Greys zipdisk 2 Barcardi Bat 151
Flying Hairdryer Barcardi Bat 151 1 Dahnak
Cuisine Challenge Hero Boy 2 Valar Morghulis
Panzer Bobbajob 4 AidanPryde
Solar Power pickupsticks 4 tonyj444
Missile Doctor Benway 1 Buliwyf Hrothgar
Highlander pickupsticks Barcardi Bat 151
As you'll note, Old Whiskas holds five belts at the moment, looking to challenge Vasco possibly (who made eighteen defences of the Golden Egg, six of the Ring of Fire and six of the Speed Belt). Old Whiskas is contemplating his retirement soon though, so will he have time to make up the ground?<>Phileas Fogg Map Tour, Killjoy has recently beaten Hintikka, brining a great run of victories to an end.
13 September 2004
You Got A Smoke?
Black Moon - Emerson, Lake And Palmer
Black Moon was the last studio album released by ELP coming at the end of a long period during the eighties and nineties which saw three albums (one of which was from Emerson, Lake and (Cozy) Powell) released. Since Black Moon there has been the endless rumour treadmill of further reformations and releases, but isn't there always?
As a last album release, this is quite a one. Ten tracks with the standard ELP mix of song types and a slightly non-standard ELP sense of unity. This album has a definite sound and feel and it pervades all of the various output, the full group compositions, the Lake ballads, the classical arrangements and the Emerson output. This is something that wasn't always there in classic ELP albums in my opinion, with the possible exception of Trilogy (and Pictures of course, but that doesn't really count).
The sound itself is again different from classic ELP, it is quite hard edged, mostly very tight and almost lyrically depressing at times although that is more a comment on the differing times of writing I suspect.
One thing that is notably subdued is Keith Emerson's usual virtuosity. There aren't many points where he really lets himself go, some may claim age and he was having some medical issues with his hands around this point, but having seen him live toward the end of 2003 he got over it. But I digress, to be honest you don't really notice, in some ways it is even a good thing, the overall sound is much more unified at times which aids the format of shorter tracks. Emerson's slightly slower and more controlled style always adds to the harsher edge of the album, although in some tracks he still plays as openly and warmly as we are all used to.
Lake and Palmer shine in this album. Carl Palmer is as varied and adaptable as ever, moving around his kit as the atmosphere of tracks requires and going for his synth drums as much as ever. Greg Lake's guitar work is still nothing special, but who cares about that. His voice has dropped even further and he sounds utterly lovely. Definitely someone you would want to be singing your bedtime lullaby.
The individual tracks are well formed. Of the group tracks, Black Moon and Paper Blood shine through, but all are strong. The two Greg Lake ballads are fairly standard fare, but with the added bonus that the lyrics are good, Close To Home stills shows what a great pianist Emerson is, even when not at top speed. I always used to think that the arrangement of Romeo and Juliet was incredibly heavy handed and clunky, but more recently I heard the original again and realised that Prokofiev was possibly even more heavy handed and clunky himself. Still a corking arrangement.
Overall, one of my favourite ELP albums. Some fans may find the tightness of the tracks, the more moody feel and the relatively subdued nature of Keith Emerson's playing detracts from it. This isn't classis ELP, but I like the slightly different side to the music. Did I mention how gorgeous Greg Lake sounds?
Recommended to:
ELP fans.
Greg Lake groupies.
People looking for a very talented keyboard playing without too much prog rock pomposity.
Those who love a wonderful baritone singing voice.
Not recommended to:
People who think post-Tarkus ELP is heresy.
Those who consider 'arrange' to be a dirty word.
Anyone who can't appreciate the male voice at its lovely best.
Black Moon was the last studio album released by ELP coming at the end of a long period during the eighties and nineties which saw three albums (one of which was from Emerson, Lake and (Cozy) Powell) released. Since Black Moon there has been the endless rumour treadmill of further reformations and releases, but isn't there always?
As a last album release, this is quite a one. Ten tracks with the standard ELP mix of song types and a slightly non-standard ELP sense of unity. This album has a definite sound and feel and it pervades all of the various output, the full group compositions, the Lake ballads, the classical arrangements and the Emerson output. This is something that wasn't always there in classic ELP albums in my opinion, with the possible exception of Trilogy (and Pictures of course, but that doesn't really count).
The sound itself is again different from classic ELP, it is quite hard edged, mostly very tight and almost lyrically depressing at times although that is more a comment on the differing times of writing I suspect.
One thing that is notably subdued is Keith Emerson's usual virtuosity. There aren't many points where he really lets himself go, some may claim age and he was having some medical issues with his hands around this point, but having seen him live toward the end of 2003 he got over it. But I digress, to be honest you don't really notice, in some ways it is even a good thing, the overall sound is much more unified at times which aids the format of shorter tracks. Emerson's slightly slower and more controlled style always adds to the harsher edge of the album, although in some tracks he still plays as openly and warmly as we are all used to.
Lake and Palmer shine in this album. Carl Palmer is as varied and adaptable as ever, moving around his kit as the atmosphere of tracks requires and going for his synth drums as much as ever. Greg Lake's guitar work is still nothing special, but who cares about that. His voice has dropped even further and he sounds utterly lovely. Definitely someone you would want to be singing your bedtime lullaby.
The individual tracks are well formed. Of the group tracks, Black Moon and Paper Blood shine through, but all are strong. The two Greg Lake ballads are fairly standard fare, but with the added bonus that the lyrics are good, Close To Home stills shows what a great pianist Emerson is, even when not at top speed. I always used to think that the arrangement of Romeo and Juliet was incredibly heavy handed and clunky, but more recently I heard the original again and realised that Prokofiev was possibly even more heavy handed and clunky himself. Still a corking arrangement.
Overall, one of my favourite ELP albums. Some fans may find the tightness of the tracks, the more moody feel and the relatively subdued nature of Keith Emerson's playing detracts from it. This isn't classis ELP, but I like the slightly different side to the music. Did I mention how gorgeous Greg Lake sounds?
Recommended to:
ELP fans.
Greg Lake groupies.
People looking for a very talented keyboard playing without too much prog rock pomposity.
Those who love a wonderful baritone singing voice.
Not recommended to:
People who think post-Tarkus ELP is heresy.
Those who consider 'arrange' to be a dirty word.
Anyone who can't appreciate the male voice at its lovely best.
09 September 2004
Tired
Tyr - Black Sabbath
A Sabbath album from the eighties, long past the time of Ozzy Osbourne. Two Toni's head things up, the ever present Iommi on guitar and Martin on lead vocals. With Neil Murray on bass and Cozy Powell behind the drums, this was a line-up with much experience in the heavy rock scene and it offers a bit more than some of the varying Sabbath line-ups that marked the albums following Ronnie James Dio's exit at the start of the eighties.
The tracks are all solid affairs, all showing off Iommi's great skills as a player of hard riffs. There are some classic lines on this album that match his output from the height of the original Sabbath. The rhythm section is competent and Tony Martin comes through as one of the most able of the singers the group employed.
The music itself is good, with a hard edge that will be welcome to those who prefer Master of Reality and Mob Rules to Technical Ecstasy. Sometimes the tracks seem to lack a little energy and enthusiasm, but I think that this was a symptom of eighties rock in general. The latter half of the album does pick up in pace though.
Overall, a good mix of classic Iommi guitar work with eighties style heavy rock. In my mind the pick of Sabbath albums from that era, and a good one in the overall canon although the occasional lack of energy prevents it from being a true classic.
Recommended to:
Sabbath/Iommi fans
Eighties heavy rock lovers
Those looking for a little edge to their music, but retaining intelligibility
Not recommended to:
High octane bouncy slam pitters
Those who despise rock giants (or dinosaurs as they like to say)
Ozzy purists
A Sabbath album from the eighties, long past the time of Ozzy Osbourne. Two Toni's head things up, the ever present Iommi on guitar and Martin on lead vocals. With Neil Murray on bass and Cozy Powell behind the drums, this was a line-up with much experience in the heavy rock scene and it offers a bit more than some of the varying Sabbath line-ups that marked the albums following Ronnie James Dio's exit at the start of the eighties.
The tracks are all solid affairs, all showing off Iommi's great skills as a player of hard riffs. There are some classic lines on this album that match his output from the height of the original Sabbath. The rhythm section is competent and Tony Martin comes through as one of the most able of the singers the group employed.
The music itself is good, with a hard edge that will be welcome to those who prefer Master of Reality and Mob Rules to Technical Ecstasy. Sometimes the tracks seem to lack a little energy and enthusiasm, but I think that this was a symptom of eighties rock in general. The latter half of the album does pick up in pace though.
Overall, a good mix of classic Iommi guitar work with eighties style heavy rock. In my mind the pick of Sabbath albums from that era, and a good one in the overall canon although the occasional lack of energy prevents it from being a true classic.
Recommended to:
Sabbath/Iommi fans
Eighties heavy rock lovers
Those looking for a little edge to their music, but retaining intelligibility
Not recommended to:
High octane bouncy slam pitters
Those who despise rock giants (or dinosaurs as they like to say)
Ozzy purists
05 September 2004
A Result
Laser Squad Nemesis
A result for the duck, with his Marines crushing attacking Spawn 30 to 5 in a twenty five point game on Reclamation. The days of the Spawn rush destroying Marines are gone. A well orchestrated defense with forward grenadiers and concentrated support fire seems to do well.
Spawn players need to be aware of the lessons this gives. Firstly, randomly throwing drones and buzzers in, unless they are in overwhelming numbers, will no longer work. They need to be well co-orindated, especially with supporting goo and spikers.
Spikers are very useful against Marines. If they can get an avenue of fire toward an HQ, not only can they deny ammunition, but the explosion will cause damaged marines to scurry around for a few turns as they try te reset their defense and patch up. Try to keep your Spikers out of range of grenades though, my opponent let me get close enough with the bouncing bombs of death to work away at his beasties. That sort of range will nullify grunts effectiveness as well, their speed of fire makes them a danger to Spikers at close range. Snipers can be avoided, but Commanders are dangerous.
Don't be afraid to throw Queens in as an Imperial Guard of sorts, but they are very useful when recycling, especially if you have kept your spikers and goo spitters back from the action and their corpses in fairly safe positions.
Of course, this only really applies to fighting defensive marines, the counter-attacking variety are a different thing altogether.
A result for the duck, with his Marines crushing attacking Spawn 30 to 5 in a twenty five point game on Reclamation. The days of the Spawn rush destroying Marines are gone. A well orchestrated defense with forward grenadiers and concentrated support fire seems to do well.
Spawn players need to be aware of the lessons this gives. Firstly, randomly throwing drones and buzzers in, unless they are in overwhelming numbers, will no longer work. They need to be well co-orindated, especially with supporting goo and spikers.
Spikers are very useful against Marines. If they can get an avenue of fire toward an HQ, not only can they deny ammunition, but the explosion will cause damaged marines to scurry around for a few turns as they try te reset their defense and patch up. Try to keep your Spikers out of range of grenades though, my opponent let me get close enough with the bouncing bombs of death to work away at his beasties. That sort of range will nullify grunts effectiveness as well, their speed of fire makes them a danger to Spikers at close range. Snipers can be avoided, but Commanders are dangerous.
Don't be afraid to throw Queens in as an Imperial Guard of sorts, but they are very useful when recycling, especially if you have kept your spikers and goo spitters back from the action and their corpses in fairly safe positions.
Of course, this only really applies to fighting defensive marines, the counter-attacking variety are a different thing altogether.
I'll Be Back Before It Is Time For Sunny Down
Laser Squad Nemesis
Time is pressing on in the Alliance league, most clans have now completed four or five matches and the fighting is now becoming grim. Time for a round up of events so far.
Division One
The main news has to be the folding of Alice's Mighty Dischord. With three players dropping out, the clan unfortunately had to be dropped from the league. A shame to see another old team go.
Rogue Element have again confounded the critics (including this one). They have been thrashing some well established clans are one of the four clans clear at the top of the division. The matches against their rivals are just coming up however, so they will need to carry forward their confidence.
The 8-bits have been doing well also, taking tFC right to the line in their match and only just missing out after some superb play from Headcase and good communication. tFC seem not to be suffering from the malaise in spirits that seemed in the air at the start of the season.
Which brings us to the title chase. tFC, Anaraknaphobia, The Dragons Rising and Rogue Element. tFC are still looking utterly dominant, even when pushed they manage a special escape. The duck still thinks they will retain the title. Despite Rogue Element's strong position, the other two contenders do still look that much stronger and have slightly easier runs to the end of the season which probably gives RE a strong and creditable fourth. Second and third will be close, but DR seem to have been winning by slightly bigger margins, so maybe they will edge second spot.
Demotions, assuming there will still be three, again look to be the domain of four clans. The Grunts and 8-bits look to be doin enough to survive, which leaves the Worms, 99ers, Crimson Scales and Invincible Crazy Fists. The duck feels confident that both the Worms and Scales will lose out, which brings it down to the 99ers experience against ICF's team spirit. With some player loss for ICF, I think the 99ers will survive, but like second spot, it is tough to call.
Time is pressing on in the Alliance league, most clans have now completed four or five matches and the fighting is now becoming grim. Time for a round up of events so far.
Division One
The main news has to be the folding of Alice's Mighty Dischord. With three players dropping out, the clan unfortunately had to be dropped from the league. A shame to see another old team go.
Rogue Element have again confounded the critics (including this one). They have been thrashing some well established clans are one of the four clans clear at the top of the division. The matches against their rivals are just coming up however, so they will need to carry forward their confidence.
The 8-bits have been doing well also, taking tFC right to the line in their match and only just missing out after some superb play from Headcase and good communication. tFC seem not to be suffering from the malaise in spirits that seemed in the air at the start of the season.
Which brings us to the title chase. tFC, Anaraknaphobia, The Dragons Rising and Rogue Element. tFC are still looking utterly dominant, even when pushed they manage a special escape. The duck still thinks they will retain the title. Despite Rogue Element's strong position, the other two contenders do still look that much stronger and have slightly easier runs to the end of the season which probably gives RE a strong and creditable fourth. Second and third will be close, but DR seem to have been winning by slightly bigger margins, so maybe they will edge second spot.
Demotions, assuming there will still be three, again look to be the domain of four clans. The Grunts and 8-bits look to be doin enough to survive, which leaves the Worms, 99ers, Crimson Scales and Invincible Crazy Fists. The duck feels confident that both the Worms and Scales will lose out, which brings it down to the 99ers experience against ICF's team spirit. With some player loss for ICF, I think the 99ers will survive, but like second spot, it is tough to call.
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