Voyage Into The Unknown

It's been a long time since I paid a visit to Disciples of Clyde. Actually, last time was the day the second book came out. Ken and I had a long, serious conversation about writing, animosity, and true passion. This visit is all about ghosts, sometimes even the NBA. Eric Freeman is on board, too. You won't want to miss this one.



This is only the beginning.

Things We Used to Say

For the first time in years, last night around 8, I shut my laptop and said loudly to no one in particular, "I can't write about basketball anymore tonight." Which is a shame, since I have tons of things I want to put down in this space, including Dr. J's pre-career and nature of corrections; one final consideration of the Bron ad; and those Warriors, who filled my heart with love when I woke up this morning. If you're going to point out that the previous sentence sounded kind of homoerotic, well, religion does lots of time, too. Leave this site forever.

However, I would seriously advise you to listen to the latest FD Presents: The Disciples of Clyde NBA Podcast episode. Not only is it the first-ever one-on-one meeting between myself and Kenneth Paul Drews -- it's probably the most raw, uncensored, uncut, and potentially damning interview about the book I'll ever do. Fun fact: I first got in touch with Ken and Dan after I listened to their discussion of the Almanac, where Ken spent the whole time questioning whether or not FD wasn't just one big elaborate con. Now, we're having a cozy conversation about the new joint.

Because it must be said: if you listen to one really long podcast about the new FD book, it should probably be this one. LISTEN.

UPDATE: MORE MEDIA!

-Me + The Basketball Jones for only the second time in forever. What could go wrong?

-Q&A w/New York Magazine with lots of Knicks wisdom, and some very long sentences I apparently say out loud.

Like the Song Says

Listen to the latest Disciples of Clyde, featuring me. Enjoy this column connecting the mini-max to the Super Summit. I'm going back to bed.

Calm as Flies

There, that's Corey Maggette sparring with some dude. Really puts everything in perspective.

Speaking of a lack of perspective, check out the new FD Presents the Disciples of Clyde Podcast, where I have a nervous collapse over the idea that sports are nothing but a marketplace for enacted cliches and mankind's limitations.

Or what about this amazing piece I wrote over at FanHouse on coping with these crazy times we've entered?

A point I want to make: Garnett looks damn good. Better even than when they won in 2008. I like watching him again, even if he's still pissing me off. Along those same perplexing lines: his comment about loyalty wasting your youth was at once the most KG thing he's said in forever, and a slap in the face of what we construed him to be back in Minny. Which would make it somehow the most and least KG thing out of his mouth in years, or maybe suggest alternate KGs that must battle to the death to decide which one gets remembered. This certainly suggests they cannot co-exist.

Check out Joey on LBJ. He definitely has a sense of perspective about this, one far more useful than that provided by watching Maggette throw weak punches.

Say Good Bye to the Ground

As reported by Psychedelic Kimchi last week: "hipsters have infiltrated NBA fandom." And with that in mind, we bring you Dan Filowitz of The Disciples of Clyde with Today’s Man and the first ever NBA playoffs preview song inspired by Slint.

Download the mp3.

[Today’s Man is Anup Gurnani, Nithin Kalvakota, and Gregoire Yeche.]

Sam Cassell Gestures

Ken and Dan discuss the role of a crazy guy like Matt Barnes on a team like the Magic, also reflecting on past instances of living by page one of "the macho code" in order to succeed in the playoffs. Barnes’ intensity/recklessness also seems relevant now because of the “Winning Time” documentary from ESPN, the connection to which is nicely articulated by Dan Devine at Ball Don’t Lie.

Ken and Dan also discuss the media’s reaction to Iverson. Which is sad. Such is life.

To kick off the show, Ken does a little basketblogger outreach and tells the world about a few of our listeners who happen to have blogs or podcasts of their own. These projects are listed below. It would mean a great deal to the both Ken and Dan if you would give some of your fellow DOC listeners a chance to entertain you with their efforts . . . you just might discover your next favorite voice. Here’s the list:

• Andre Babyn - paorta.wordpress.com
• Bradley Hartsell - myexpiringcontract.com
• Ben Steele - orderofthecourt.blogspot.com
• Henry Sherrell - fourpointplay.weebly.com
• Luke Vodicka - thestubbornbird.wordpress.com
• Ethan Sherwood Strauss - WarriorsWorld.net and Salon.com
• Doug Mayfield - dank-game.blogspot.com
• Nick Gelso - NorthStationSports.com and celticslatenightshow.com (a Celtics podcast)
• Hank McCoy - Courtsidebasketball.blogspot.com
• Tyler Whitcomb - nbadraftscouts.com
• William Purdy - expiringcontracts.blogspot.com
• Bay Area Sports Report - thebayareasportsreport.tumblr.com
• Waiting For Groza - waitingforgroza.blogspot.com
  

Lend your ear:



The music from this episode:

* Auld Lang Syne - Glen Miller Orchestra
* Dirty Boulevard - Lou Reed
* Stranger Song - Leanord Cohen
* Smith and Jones Forever - Silver Jews

This Radio is On Fire

To start this episode, Ken and Dan provide some suggestions on how NBA fans can pass the month of March, and talk about Michael Jordan buying the Bobcats.

They are then joined by the new lead blogger at Yahoo!'s Ball Don't Lie, Trey Kerby. They talk a bit about his new job, and how he plans to keep the awesomeness rolling there at BDL.

They also talk about the Bulls, the greatness of Michael Jordan as a player, and come up with a new movie idea starring some unexpected NBA stars. In the process, they come up with a new phrase that they hope you'll all use from now on.

Really, it's your perfect post-trade-deadline, pre-playoffs, 20-games-left-in-the-season, early March NBA podcast. You can't not go wrong!

Be careful, it's hot:

Songs from the episode:

"I Got A Thing, You Got A Thing, Everybody Got A Thing" - Funkadelic
"The New" - J Dilla
"I'm New Here" - Gil-Scott Heron
"Greatest Man Alive (Man's Game Mix)" -Steinski
"One Two" - Cool Kids
"New Frontier" - Antipop Consortium
"Take A Rest" - Gang Starr

Suckers Get Put to Rest

It's been almost a week since the trade deadline, and we're still trying to figure it all out. Joey has thought A LOT about how this all affects the Knicks, so definitely give his analysis a read. Dan and Ken are also Knicks fans, so of course they talk about it, too, along with the Bulls, the Bobcats, the Kings, the Rockets, and all of the various moves. They claim that their opinions are even more valuable than an expiring contract, and who am I to argue??

In all seriousness, this episode contains the most Ken and Dan seriousness in weeks, if not ever. Serious basketball talk. Because this is beginning a serious part of the season.

Put this in your ear:

Songs from the episode:

"Money Motivated Movements" - Guilty Simpson
"Busload of Faith" - Lou Reed
"From One Primadonna to Another" - 90 Day Men
"Won't Trade" - Q-Tip

Get Word Gargle!

Behold, the latest Disciples of Clyde Podcast:



Further explanation here. There is military equipment involved, at least the imaginary type.

Now, allow me to briefly steal my own show. This place is my rock, my shelter, so I'll say it here: I don't care if no one else noticed about Jennings's bipolar twit, or subsequent denial. Here I am before and after. I'm not mad at Jennings, nor do I feel I'm some kind of world-class dupe. It was a reasonable statement to make and I reacted thus; it turned out to be an ill-advised, if only slightly tasteless, "joke." We move on.

But what's sickening me is the folks I'm seeing who think that this didn't even warrant consideration. Sorry, but 1) it happened and 2) it touched on something real, and real to the NBA, no less. Someone made a point that schizophrenia's become a joke of sorts, which means it's all good and I'm overreacting. That makes some sense to me, though I'd argue that schizophrenia humor is, like cancer puns, one of those things that presumes shock value or considers its object only in the abstract.

As I've said, I really don't care that much. Yes, Jennings's "joke" (not much of one when he's such a weirdo, and many found the charges plausible, leading to whispers of a cover-up by his agent) struck a nerve and made a fool of me. But it also made him look bad. I don't get why that's conveniently brushed aside. I mean, really, explain to me how there's nothing to this and I'm attacking a poor kid over nothing? There is a world outside the internet.

Let's at least have that conversation. Then we can forget all about it, like I did when I wrote that second piece. Just acknowledge that telling me to "lighten up" is bullshit. Oh, and someone please ask Delonte West how he feels about this.

THAT'S WRITE MESSAGE BOARDS AND TROLLS, I'M TALKING 2 U!!!!!!

Noisy Grabbers

Okay, we know the segment last episode with Josh Levin had some audio issues. We decided that the best thing to do was have him back on the show, in our first ever Make-Up Call. Ken joins in this time. New Orleans and the Hornets are discussed.



Ken and Dan also talk amongst themselves in regards to various excellent things other people wrote, such as this piece by Howard Beck in the NY Times, this post by Seth at Posting and Toasting, this one by Kelly Dwyer at Ball Don’t Lie, and this from Shoals at Fanhouse. Plus, a new twist on one of our segments, using the Pro Basketball Prospectus.

It all sounds normal. The audio part, if not the topics of conversation or the participants in said conversation.

Songs from the episode:

“Re-Ignition” - Bad Brains
“Once Again (Here To Kick One For You)” - Handsome Boy Modeling School
“Whatever” - Husker Du
“If You Don’t Get It The First Time, Back Up and Try It Again, Party” - Fred Wesley and the J.B.’s
“Another Batch (Play It Again)” - Madlib
“Never See Me Again” - Vivian Girls
“Try Again” - Big Star

Subscribe via iTunes, whydontya?

Fly Through All Ears

Yes, we’re back. It was only Dan that left the country for a week, but still, now the show is back.



Dan checks back in with Ken, and they talk a little trade action. Then Dan does something that’s never been done on this show.

In the next segment, Dan talks with Josh Levin, of Slate.com, writer and host of the Hang Up and Listen podcast. Josh is originally from New Orleans, which gave them a chance to talk about the sports scene there (Super Bowl relevant!) as well as the Hornets (NBA Podcast relevant!)

We’ll be honest, there’s some static-y noise in the talk with Josh. We did the best we could about it. It’s probably Ken’s fault.

Songs from the episode:

“Come On Feet” - Quasimoto
“All Tomorrow’s Linoleum” - Autechre
“Perception” - Kylesa
“Ease Back” - The Meters
“The Saints Are Coming” - The Skids

Subscribe via iTunes, whydontya?

Meet the Beatles

Dan and Ken get back together and try to shake the cynicism and negativity that's out there. And what better way to feel joy than talk a little about Sundiata Gaines?



Another way to spread joy? Helping NBA players find other activities to do on the plane, instead of gambling. Dan and Ken try to do their part.

There's some other stuff Ken and Dan talk about that isn't so positive. It couldn't be helped.

You can help the people in Haiti by donating to charity.

Songs from the episode:

"A Joy" - Four Tet
"Smile A Little Bit More" - Al Green
"2+2=5" - Radiohead
"The Cure for Stagnation" - Sia and Yeshua
"The Other Jesus" - Swervedriver

Subscribe via iTunes, whydontya?

Permanent Louts

Recording on Monday night, Shoals joins Dan, which is nice, considering all the other podcasts he’s been on lately.

Since Shoals already talked about Gil plenty, we try to find other things to talk about. And we succeed!



First, we talk about whether or not the Celtics are bullies. This leads to a long discussion of Kevin Garnett and his antics/tactics. Again, we recorded this on Monday night. It was before this poll was released voting KG the NBA’s worst trash talker.

Now, we’re not saying we had anything to do with the way the poll came out, just so that our conversation would seem that much more relevant. We would never say that. That’s not the kind of thing we say out loud.

There is also some discussion of long losing streaks, the joys of following mediocre teams when they win, complaints about work, and a history lesson for Dan.

Since this was recorded on Monday there was no talk of the earthquake in Haiti. NBA Cares is supporting the relief effort, and if you can help, even a little, it is needed.

Songs from the episode:

“Walk and Talk (Demo)” - Velvet Underground
“Bad Touch Example” - Company Flow
“Career Finders” - Perceptionists
“A Tender History in Rust” - Do Make Say Think

Hey! You! Subscribe via iTunes!

Stop, Listen, and Ears

Dan is joined by Ken, who was first on an old computer and then on an old phone. Ken says he used to have good equipment, but that his dog ate it.



Anyway, they still managed to get in a good discussion of the Bucks playing defense, Brandon Jennings playing point guard, the Thunder playing defense, the Knicks playing decently, Nate Robinson playing, John Wall playing incredibly, the poor play in the Kentucky-Louisville game, and Gilbert playing with guns.

No playing!

Songs from the episode:

"Brand New Day" - Dizzee Rascal
"Great Expectations" - The New Year
"Tron Man Speaks" - Antipop Consortium
"It Ain't Nuthin' (The Chapter Remix)" - MF Doom
"Freaks in Charge" - Superchunk

Hey! You! Subscribe via iTunes!

Listen to the Drips

Dan is joined by Bethlehem Shoals to talk about the NBA on Christmas. And about making lists. And answering letters. And New Year's wishes for the NBA.



And Carl Landry's teeth.

This all sounds kind of nice, doesn't it?

Trust us, though. People will be offended anyway.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Songs from the episode:

"HandJobs for the Holidays" - Broken Social Scene
"Lisztomania" - Phoenix
"Eyes And Teeth" - High on Fire
"December" - Unwound
"Christmas in Hollis" -Run DMC

And, if you like the show, please do us two favors:

Hey! You! Subscribe via iTunes!

Ring Out Loud

Ken and Dan check with each other, and with the league as it is at this particular and exact time.



In summary: the Lakers and Celtics are good. The Timberwolves aren't. We're not sure who the second-best team in the West is. Everyone should probably make a trade, especially with Golden State.

Along the way we contemplate time and object permanence. Plus, Ken makes a special announcement.

It's as FreeDarko Presents: The Disciples of Clyde NBA Podcast as FreeDarko Presents: The Disciples of Clyde NBA Podcast gets. Dig it.

Songs from the episode:

"It's So Obvious" - Wire
"Things I Did When I Was Dead" - No Age
"Love Will Tear Us Apart (Live)" - Joy Division
"Boys, You Won't" - The Wrens
"20 Minutes/40 Years" - Isis

Learning to Speak

We're back with a nice long show to take you through the weekend.



First, Dan and Bethlehem Shoals get together to try to talk like sports talk radio people. They intermittently succeed.

As usual, the topics vary. The Grizzlies and Kings - better than we thought? Point guards and confidence. Lineups with two or more small guards. The mystery of Ramon Sessions. Trying not to talk about Tim Donaghy, but doing so anyway.

At the end, Ken shows up so we can check in with the Knicks. Also, would Cleveland consider a trade with a team that might be a destination for LeBron next year? We talk as long as the baby allows.

Thanks for listening, no matter how long you've been doing so (or how long the show is.)

Songs from the episode:

"Baby We'll Be Fine" - The National
"Pigs in Zen" - Jane's Addiction
"A Horse Called Golgotha" - Baroness
"Never Gonna Kill Myself Again" - Rocket From The Tombs
"Before You Accuse Me" - Bo Diddley
"There Is No End" - Abyssinians
"Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!" - Do Make Say Think
"Speakers Push The Air" - Pretty Girls Make Graves

Rolling Waves

Ken and Dan got together late Wednesday night to try and talk about normal basketball things, like Allen Iverson going back to the Sixers, or the futility of the Nets, or how we like the NBA Today podcast from ESPN.



We tried. But as is usual when Ken and Dan get together, things got a bit weird. A lot weird. So you'll also find talk of John Tesh, Jean Shepherd, and the impact of Carlos Boozer on Ken's life. Amongst other oddities.

Also, at the end, there's the first ever FreeDarko Presents: The Disciples of Clyde NBA Podcast "hidden track." Let's not mention the fact that me telling you about it makes it not that hidden.

Songs from the episode:

"Beyond Comprehension" - Gang Starr
"Weird Fishes/Appregi" - Radiohead
"Stop" - Jimi Hendrix
"Highway of Endless Dreams" - M83
"Somebody Put Something In My Drink" - The Ramones

My Icing for a Cake

First, the podcast:



Dan sat down (enter the virtual sitting space?) with Kelly Dwyer, who needs no introduction. He also once penned (meta-finger carved?) this beyond-the-moon classic of an FD guest post. They discuss Kelly's hustle, his m.o., and naturally, the Bucks, the new official team of the podcast. Here is the most fair, honest, and useful assessment of Skiles as a coach you will ever get. Good stuff on what's missing from the Thunder this season.

Songs from the episode:

“I Like Everything About You” - Jimmy Hughes
“I Want to Take You Higher” - Sly and the Family Stone
“Eye Know” - De La Soul
“Heavy Makes You Happy” - The Staple Singers

-In other news, I have another Iverson column—longer than the last, making a case for him and the Knicks that a lot of people will hate.

-For discussion at a later date: Everyone reading knows of my single-minded devotion to the Hughes/Arenas back court of yore, or my belief that Mo/Delonte is a poor man's version of that. But what about this year's mounting trend of playing two "pure" PGs at once? Dallas, Milwaukee, Denver, Portland, Atlanta ... maybe David Kahn wasn't so crazy after all. I have no idea, are Sessions and Flynn sharing the court at all? Just wait till Rubio shows up!

Moving Pictures

Consider it a podcast round-up. First, Joey Litman joins Dan to talk about the NBA, which for them means wailing about the Knicks and clinging to each other like it's 2012, not 2010. Good stuff.



Then, a recap of the only partly-staged feud between DoC and Dan Levy, step-by-step:

1. Dan and Dan discuss the way Bill Simmons is framing the NBA (vs. baseball) in his book promotion, among other things.

2. Ken, who was not on the recording, writes a post in defense of Simmons. I don't think anyone involved has read the book, for what it's worth.

3. On his own 'cast, Dan comments on Ken's commenting on his appearance after the fact, and extends his Simmons remarks.

4. I realize that I have opinions and corporate interests wrapped up in all this, so appear on Dan's next show for a brief segment. Along with Drew Magary unpacking a far more corrosive scandal. Separately.

Stay tuned as this all ends up on Deadspin.

Also, still no BBOBB for me, but Charlie Pierce's slaughter of Simmons was really good writing. Alas, it had nothing to do with Chris Bell, but anyone thinking I'm narcissistic, his "I Am the Cosmos" is the correct reference point.

Music from the latest show:

"Losing Out" - Black Milk
"White Elephant" - Volcano Suns
"You in Color" - The Black Angels
"The Color of Tempo" - Prefuse 73
"House of Flying Daggers" - Raekwon

Shut up and enjoy your weekend.

P.S. Contest closed, winner decided, he will speak once we work out some security clearance issues.