*NEW CD REVIEW*

ASHER ROTH - ASLEEP IN THE BREAD AISLE

He is NOT Eminem. And he is NOT trying to be Eminem. That is usually the first mistake people make when they listen to Asher Roth's music (I know I almost went down that road). Besides the wacky, witty lyrics and similar sounding voices, the only other comparisons that can be made are their skin color and love of hip-hop. Eminem is Eminem. Asher Roth is Asher Roth. Two different rappers. When I first began hearing about Asher Roth, I wasn't sure what to think of Asher Roth's debut album, Asleep in the Bread Aisle. I was never completely sold on him. The "I Love College" jam was cool, but I wasn't sure. Well that was until I decided to buy the album. I shared the same thought that people probably had... that Asher Roth was a wanna-be Eminem, but man was I wrong. Asher Roth's debut is for the laid-back, chill seeking listener. The album has the feel of a frat party gone wild, with its many party anthem tracks. Asher Roth may not alter the face of hip-hop world, but he is sure to add some of his boyish, party animal, college loving, charm into the music. For Roth it all works, and he has made some room for himself in a crowded hip-hop world. 

**4.5 (out of 5)**

My favorite songs - "La Di Da"   -   "Be By Myself"   -   "As I Em"   -   "Bad Day"   -   "Sour Patch Kids"

COOLER TALK - HOCKEY'S SAVIOR

ALEXANDER OVECHKIN. The NHL's face. The NHL's star. The NHL's everything. And I mean it. Ovechkin is (to me) the NHL's savior. He is the only player in NHL history to win all 4 of hockey's major individual awards in the same season. He is the figure in hockey that fans either love or hate. Sports need those polarizing athletes, like I need a job. Football has T.O. Major League Baseball has Alex Rodriguez. And the NBA has LeBron James. These are the players people love to hate (mostly because they aren't on your favorite team), but every time they are playing you tune in to see what they might do next. That is exactly what Ovechkin is for the NHL. He is that player that people love to hate, but will tune in to watch what he is capable of next. 

Ovechkin is to me the savior of the NHL. We all know that the NHL and NBA regular season's are long and drawn out. We also know that the playoffs for both sports turn the regular superstars into super heros. Everyone wants to watch Kobe, LeBron, and D-Wade play in the playoffs, because they are playing on a different level. The stakes are raised and so is the level of play. That is what Ovechkin does for hockey. He brings in the rare hockey watcher. He grabs the attention of the channel surfer with his unique hockey style. He hits. He scores. He passes. He plays both ends of the ice, like the NHL won't be around tomorrow. Here is his goal from a few days ago. Yes the one where he avoids a hit, then puts it through the next defenders legs, kicks it with his skate, and then he falls down just before scoring the goal. He is an AND 1 Streetballer on ice. 

COOLER TALK - CARL EDWARDS CRASH

CARL EDWARDS TAKES A RIDE. Most, if not all, have probably seen this over and over again, but it is just too crazy to not talk about (or look at for the 71st time). When Carl Edwards goes to block Brad Keselowski - on the final lap of the race - as Edwards drifts high, Keselowski looks to sneak by. But, in doing so catches Carl's back bumper sending it sailing through the air. Take a look. It is one of the craziest wrecks I have seen. So add that to the fact that the finish line was near, you get one heck of a finale. 

I think Carl Edwards makes a point when during his ranted he mentioned rule changes being needed. The crash was eerily similar to Bobby Allison's 1987 crash, which sent Allison's car flying into the catch fence too. Something might need to be done, but the question becomes what? You can't slow the cars down anymore, the sport would suffer too much. The cars have been changed. The safety apparatuses in the cars are been upgrade constantly. What else does he expect? Carl has always been a very good racer, and has also been very open with his comments. I don't disagree with him, but I would like to hear what he thinks needs to happen. On the other hand, Keselowski knew what he was doing. But, rubbing is racing. Without the danger and possibility of this sort of wreck happening, NASCAR would suffer. Period. End of story. The sport needs it edge. And it needs the possibility of horrifying, fire-breathing crashes. 

*SeVeN JaM$ oF the wEEK*

1. "Look Up in Da Stars" - Kid Cudi ft. Wale - Two of the games young guns together on a Cudi vibe. Can't really get any better than this. Way too cool. 

2. "Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart)" - Ben Harper and the Relentless7 - His new CD is due to come out May 5th, and this is an example of a new heavier hitting Ben Harper music style. 

3. "Crazy Town" - Jason Aldean - A little bit of a rock edge to his country and that is what makes Jason Aldean a constant hit. And he does it in this song and throughout his new CD.

4. "Eyez" - Collie Buddz - Buddz continues to make hits. 

5. "Chasing Sunshine" - Mims - Sounds like Mims took a page out of the Kanye West book with this one, but it works for me. Cool sound. Good vibe. 

6. "Maybach Music Pt. 2" - Rick Ross ft. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & T-Pain - Rick Ross is really trying to make Deeper than Rap seem like a classic in the making. So far, so good. 

7. "Ain't Rest for the Wicked" - Cage the Elephant - Real cool sounding group. Just heard about them this week, really enjoyed listening to their sound. 

**Others receiving votes - "Big Green Tractor" - Jason Aldean   "It's America" - Rodney Atkins   "So Good (remix)" - Electrik Red ft. Lil Wayne   "I Heard Something" - Justin Timberlake ft. Lil Wayne   "Ghost in the Machine" - B.o.B (aka Bobby Ray)

COOLER TALK - NHL Playoffs

Did you somebody say playoffs? Playoffs? Ok that is enough of that, moving on to the topic. As I sit here and watch the opening moments of the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals first round playoff game I got to thinking. I was thinking that my opinion on the NHL playoffs was necessary. Ok so maybe not, but everyone has their thoughts on what will be the outcome, and so do I. The youth movement in hockey has taken form, and will be on full display in this years NHL Playoffs. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE

The Eastern Conference first round playoff match-ups look like this: 

- #1 Boston vs. #8 Montreal - This series should be a bruising, smash-and-dash match-up, which features two of hockey's Original Six. What intrigues me the most about this match-up is the game within the game, as Tim Thomas and Carey Price look to show off their netminding skills. 

- #2 Washington vs. #7 New York - The Caps have been a contender for most of the season, mainly due to the play by Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Green. The young stars are bright in the nation's capital.

- #3 New Jersey vs. #6 Carolina - Do I really need to say much more than Martin Brodeur? I mean really? The man is history.

- #4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Philadelphia - The key to slowing down the Penguins is pretty simple = slow down and try your best to limit Sydney Crosby. If he gets going, so do the Penguins. 

First Round winners: Boston, Washington, Carolina, and Philadelphia

Eastern Conference Playoff MVP: Alexander Ovechkin. No on is close to his  level of play. 

Eastern Conference Champions: Boston Bruins. They are too deep, too fast, too strong. Tim Thomas has been consistently good all year long, and I see no changes as the Bruins make their way for a chance to play for Lord Stanley's Cup. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

- #1 San Jose vs. #8 Anaheim - The popular upset pick is the Ducks over the Sharks. I am still not sold, but this is the most intriguing first round match-up this year. 

- #2 Detroit  vs. #7 Columbus - Detroit is a machine. Columbus has a young goaltender trying to make a name for himself. Just not sure the Blue Jackets have enough to compete. 

- #3 Vancouver vs. #6 St. Louis - Sedin and Sedin are the Canucks leaders, while Luongo mans the space between the posts. The Blues will have to depend on Brad Boyes firepower to carry them through. 

- #4 Chicago vs. #5 Calgary - A young Chicago team has all the potential to make a long playoff run and be the surprise of the post-season. Can Toews, Kane, and Versteeg keep the Blackhawks flying high? 

First Round winners: San Jose, Detroit, Vancouver, and Chicago. 

Western Conference Playoff MVP: Not really sure to pick for this category, so I am going to go off the wall with my choice and choose Jonathan Toews. The young gun for the Blackhawks has shown some signs of greatness, and this being a youth movement in this year's playoffs, why not choose one of the young stars? Ok so I am probably alone on this pick. Go figure. 

Western Conference Champions: Detroit Red Wings. They are poised for a repeat. They have all the parts needed to win another championship. This is an easy choice in my mind.

STANLEY CUP FINALS - Boston vs. Detroit

Another match-up between two of the Original Six teams, and a classic match-up for the ages, which will take place in two of America's greatest hockey towns. Detroit seems like a lock pick for many as a Stanley Cup contender, but I am not sure the Red Wings are going to be back-to-back winners. The Boston Bruins are a deep, youthful squad with lots of potent scorers and capable defenders. If you haven't been able to read the signs, I am going with the Boston Bruins to win it all this year. With Tim Thomas winning the Conn Smythe trohpy. 

COOLER TALK - MLB Season '09

With the start of the Major League Baseball season, summer is just around the corner. The Philadelphia Phillies are the champs. But, it is a new season. With new storylines. And maybe even a new champion. There is still a long road to go before it is all figure out, so in the meantime here are my 2009 MLB predictions. 

AMERICAN LEAGUE 

AL Division Winners

East - Tampa Bay Rays. They didn't change much from last seasons World Series team, but one thing they made sure to do was try and sure up the bullpen. Plus they can call up David Price when they want to. 

West - LA Angels. Their division will be improved this season, and they do have to face some important injury questions. I just am not ready to give the West to Oakland or Texas - no matter how much I believe in the Rangers this season. 

Central - Detroit Tigers. The Central division is the biggest toss up in baseball. My suggestion is to put each teams name in a hat, cover your eyes and pick one. That is how I came up with Detroit. Their pitching staff is solid (especially when Bonderman returns from his injury), and Miguel Cabrera will carry the line-up when needed.

 Wild Card - Boston Red Sox. As much money as the Yankees spent in the off-season, I still think they will miss the playoffs. And not only will all hell break loose, but the new stadium may get burned to the ground. 

Surprise squad- Texas Rangers. They have a long ball friendly park, with a line-up built for it. With the Rangers line-up, the pitching should go into the season with tons of run support. Giving the pitchers some added confidence. Oh and the Rangers have top rated pitching prospect reinforcements waiting in the minors. Won't be surprised to the Rangers giving the Angels a run for their money out West. I mean come on, crazier things have happened. 

Rookie to Watch - Matt Wieters or David Price. Without a doubt two of the biggest names in all of the minor leagues, but both are starting in the minors. So I am going with Elvis Andrus, the opening day starting shortstop for the Rangers. He can hit, field, and run, so adding him to an already potent line-up, he is sure to succeed. 

AL Cy Young - CC Sabathia. For once I am going to go with the obvious choice. The new BIG man in New York will have to shoulder a large load, but I see CC winning at least 20 games and the Cy Young. 

AL MVP - This was a tough choice for me. So many choices. Hamilton, Teixeira, Guerrero, etc. My pick is Miguel Cabrera. The Detroit slugger has hit 30+ homeruns in 4 of his 6 big league seasons, while driving in more than 112 RBI's in 5 of 6 seasons. With a healthy Granderson sparking the top of the line-up, Cabrera should have a lot more support this season, on his way to an AL MVP award. 

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

NL Division Winners

East - Philadelphia Phillies. Not much has changed since last season World Series victory. They added Raul Ibanez and dropped Geoff Jenkins. All they need is for COle Hamels to recover and they will be back to World Series form. 

West - LA Dodgers. Manny will be Manny. So that saying is a little over player and yet it is so true. Regardless the Dodgers are best team in the wild West. They should prevail with some ease. 

Central - Chicago Cubs. The curse is still looming over the players, management, and fans, but the Cubbies are still the team with the most talent in the Central division. Especially since the Brewers lost Sabathia and Sheets is hurt. 

Wild Card - New York Mets. Unlike the other New York team, their off-season moves will prove to sure up past failures. A bullpen with Putz and K-Rod is sure to close out games, and help prevent end of the season collapses. 

Surprise squad- The trendy pick seems to be the Cincinnati Reds. They got a very impressive pitching staff to go along with a lockdown defense, but the line-up is without Griffey and Dunn. I am sticking with the East (no bias), and going to say it is between the Marlins and the Braves. 

Rookie to Watch - I know pitchers rarely win Rookie of the Year awards, but I am willing to go out on a limb with this pick. James McDonald is the young 6-foot-5 power pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers. In a crowded field, I think he has the ability and potential to shine bright in the City of Stars. 

NL Cy Young - Ricky Nolasco. The ace for a young Florida Marlins team with lots of promise. Nolasco has all the pitches necessary to be a Cy Young winner. He proves it this season. 

NL MVP - David Wright. He does it all. He can hit for average. He can hit for power. He can field. He can steal bases. The list goes on and on. I know I don't have the Mets winning the East, but I think Wright's season will standout above the rest. 

WORLD SERIES PICKS

The repeat performance would be cool to see, but I am only going to pick one of last seasons World Series teams. I think the Tampa Bay Rays will face the another NL East team this season in the World Series, when they face off against the New York Mets. Another great year for the young guns of the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Mets did a lot to sure up their bullpen. The line-up for the Mets is strong, and with Daniel Murphy an everyday player this season, only makes them stronger. I am picking the Rays to win it all this season, because their pitching staff and line-up will have another year of experience under their belts. And don't forget David Price along with a few other elite pitching prospects add depth to an already good pitching staff. The Rays are here to stay for the long haul.