Sound of Memphis: The Bulletproof Vests (The Audio)

Every week on the show we do the Shangri-La Records "Sound of Memphis" segment. We highlight a Memphis band and talk about different shows coming up around town. Yesterday, we had a band in studio called The Bulletproof Vests. They were the first band to bring an amp in studio and play an electric guitar. It worked, and our faces were melted. They were great.

The Bulletproof Vests (live in studio) on The Chris Vernon Show (7-30-09)

for more on the band, or to download their album for free, check out http://www.thebulletproofvests.blogspot.com/.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace weekly segment (The Audio)

Chris Wallace joined us for his weekly segment on Wednesday. The conversation was about the possible signing of Marcus Williams, the pulling of the qualifying offer for Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay's extension, the roster going forward, etc.
There is a special place in heaven for Wallace (for having to defend inexplicable Heisley moves.)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (7-29-09)

The truth regarding Hakim Warrick

I know there is still a segment of Grizzlies fans that have been completely brainwashed. You don't have to read this.
No matter what the basketball people say publicly, they thought Warrick was coming back. They wanted to bring him back. Warrick was cheap and a good value for what he could bring to the table off the bench. This decision came down from the top. Warrick's agent even was quoted as saying that in the ESPN article. Money over basketball. Why on earth do you think that Heisley was the one quoted in the CA article on the situation? Where does that happen? Not in good franchises.
It is pretty clear that with the Iverson idea, and the Warrick move, that Heisley will do what he wants despite what his basketball people think.
It is two years running that I have been talking about the problematic way in which the franchise is being run. Even those that didn't want to believe me are starting to see what is going on here. Heisley has found a loophole in the system that he can expose for profit. If you can stay a decent bit under the cap, you can facilitate all the real franchises that want to improve their teams and get kicked back some money.
But here is the rub... you stay under the cap, you will not be good. So if you are a fan of money laundering, you will love the Grizzlies. If you love basketball, hope for the best. Depressing.
Pulling the qualifying offer for Warrick just makes no sense, unless you understand what the number one goal for the Grizzlies is.

The Show Intros (the songs)

Every week we get a bunch of questions about the songs we play coming back from breaks. I have been asked many times to figure out a way to publish what the songs are. Well, I finally figured out a good way to do it (an Itunes mix). I will try to get the lists of the music we have used in the past. Anyway, if you have ever wondered "what song is that?".. here they are. This is a playlist of the songs currently being used on the show. Dig it.

The Chris Vernon Show Intros playlist (IMix)

Luke Winn, Twitter, and the song that will not leave my head

Luke Winn (@lukewinn) is a college basketball writer for Sports Illustrated. I follow Luke on twitter because in addition to being a fantastic basketball writer, I know him. You would not have to know him to know how much he loves music, as he mentions songs and bands in his articles quite a bit. Anyway, about two weeks ago, Luke puts this tweet up about some song that he cannot stop putting on playlists on his Ipod. He puts a link up to the song, and so I go and listen to it.
I had never heard of the band (Yeasayer) or the song (Tightrope) and evidently it was on some benefit album. The friggin song has been in my head for 2 straight weeks. I found myself having to go to youtube to see what these guys looked like. I bet I have listened to it 250 times and I still have no idea why. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to music, and I suppose that it is entirely possible that you could think it is awful. Maybe you can listen to it one time and never again. As for me, it has been a really long time since I listened to a song as many times as this one. Luke Winn is to credit/blame.

Zach Randolph in studio (The Audio)

Zach Randolph joined us in studio on the show on Tuesday. Audio below.

Zach Randolph in studio on The Chris Vernon Show (7-21-09)

Zach Randolph scheduled to be in studio

The newest member of the Memphis Grizzlies, Z-Bo himself, is scheduled to join us in studio in the 4 oclock hour. Check it.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Thank you to all of you that voted for the M Awards. Here is the online version of the magazine. For the third year in the row we won favorite show and favorite personality. I honestly don't know what is wrong with you people though. I tell you to vote for Herrington's blog, and you vote for this one? Now I feel like I have to put some work into this blog. Anyway, thank you to all of you that voted. That was nice.

Jamie Foxx on the show (The Audio)

What a thrill. Around 5 oclock today on the show Jamie Foxx called in. Probably the most famous person we have ever had on the air. His Barack Obama impression is by far the best I have ever heard. He was great.

Here is the audio if you missed it...

Jamie Foxx on The Chris Vernon Show (7-17-09)

A show moment that will live forever

If you missed the last segment of the show on Thursday, you missed history. We had our "Sound of Memphis" segment which features local bands, and this week was Jeffrey James and The Haul (cd release party @ Hi-Tone tonight). Anyway, one of the members of the band (Luke) knew how to play Purple Rain on the guitar (and we even had a trumpet chiming in). Harry has always claimed that he does the greatest karaoke performance of this classic song. So this all led to an impromptu performance the likes of which human ears have never been witness. Brace yourself.

Harry sings Purple Rain live on the show. (The Audio)

Josh Pastner and Chris Wallace (The Audio)

Memphis coach Josh Pastner joined us on the show today. If you missed it, you can find out who once snubbed Pastner when he requested their autograph.

Memphis Coach Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (7-15-09)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace joined us live from Vegas where the Grizzlies are playing summer league games. We talked about the rookies, the league, etc.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (7-15-09)

The Ronald McDonald House Auction

Today, it is going on all day. On-air and online. Please help us with this. It only takes a second to register and you can win some great sports memorabilia while donating to a great cause.
All kinds of great autographed items available. 100% of the proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House.
Also up for bid is a chance to play TPC Southwind with me and Penny Hardaway.
Please help us raise some money for a great cause.

http://auctions.readysetauction.com/ronaldmcdonaldhouse/home

Early college football lines

Vinnie Verno thinks this is going to be the easiest season ever
Already have 15 games of the year
From the Golden Nugget

Early College Football Lines

A-I (The Song)

A-I by Jon Roser on The Chris Vernon Show 7-9-09

Iverson???

Chris Broussard was on ESPN this morning saying that the Grizzlies were still in talks with Allen Iverson about coming to Memphis. I called around and was told that there was a 60% chance of it happening. Make of that what you will. Maybe the will sign him after all. I would not be surprised if Heisley likes the idea because I would imagine that there would be a huge return on investment. Tickets sales, merch, etc. The guy would make you money. As for basketball? Who knows?

Zach Randolph: Where Amazing Happens

Zach Randolph to Memphis

The LA Times has reported that the Grizzlies are going to trade Q. Richardson in a deal for Zach Randolph. I hate to say I told you so...

I have been saying over and over that I thought this is what the Grizzlies were going to do after they were not able to get a deal done on draft night. Of everything brought up, Randolph was always the least expensive option. The guy can play but, of course, there are major red flags.

The Heisley apologists will point to the fact that the team is taking on salary (never mind that they have). The larger point is that this yet another example of the team doing something where the accounting comes before the basketball.
This may work out basketball wise. I personally cannot wait to hear Heisley's defenders talk about how Zach Randolph fits into the "three year plan." Of course it makes no sense whatsoever. Or how about their stated "up-tempo, defensive team" that they want? Come on.
You know what also may work out basketball wise? Lionel Hollins. But that is not the major reason he was hired.

Intent matters. Why are the Grizzlies signing Randolph? Because he only has two years left on his deal. That is why. Why did they sign up Lionel Hollins to coach the team on an 18-month low dollar deal? Because he would take the job.

It is so transparent. I hope Randolph is amazing and is a model citizen, and that Lionel Hollins is one of the greatest ever. Maybe it will all work out wonderfully.

What cannot be denied is that basketball is not the priority in the moves they make.

It is a fundamental question. What matters most to the Grizzlies organization?

You know the answer.