Bietz Blog

Octas Results

Goo Goo Dolls “Slide” v Candlebox “Far Behind”
Candlebox. Unlike the Stone Temple Pilots who pretended to be from Seattle, these guys actually were. Nonetheless, they epitomized grunge copy-cat. This was an important time for plaid and doc martens.

Third Eye Blind “How’s It Gonna Be” v Fuel “Shimmer”
I saw Fuel live (along with Better than Ezra) at the Miller Light Blind Date. Other cities got Metallica. We got those two jokers. Third Eye Blind is winner for because of their lifetime achievement in creating Alternahits.

Fastball “The Way” v Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealosy”
I don’t know who was jealous but I know I had the song in my head for at least 4 years.

Semisonic “Closing Time” v Barenaked Ladies “Pinch Me”
The battle of the north goes to Semisonic (Minneapolis over Canada). DUH.

Harvey Danger “Flagpole Sitta” v Better Than Ezra “The King of New Orleans”
The hardest first round matchup goes to Harvey Danger. I think that Better Than Ezra loses because it is too soon to sing about New Orleans.

Duncan Shiek “Barely Breathing” v Paula Cole “I Don’t Want To Wait”
Duncan Shiek. I think it was on the charts for 8 years.

Marcy Playground “Sex and Candy” v Blues Traveler “Run Around”
I once threw up in Marcy Playground (near the University of Minnesota). Subconsciously I think it was a statement about that song. Blues Traveler advances.

James “Laid” v Cranberries “Zombie”
I felt bad about putting James on this list because they are a pretty legit band. For that alone they pull the possible upset against the Cranberries.

Quarters

Candlebox v Third Eye Blind
Two songs about break-up and heart break. Candlebox didn’t mean to treat you bad. Third Eye Blind wins because they have no apologies.

Gin Blossoms v Semisonic
Toughest round 2 matchup. And pulling the upset, but barely, is the Gin Blossoms. I’m mad at Semisonic for going on stage on time at First Avenue and thereby causing me only to see the encore.

Duncan Sheik v. Harvey Danger
Harvey Danger. I was lying when I wrote that I thought Duncan Sheik should have even made this list.

James v. Blues Traveler
“Laid” is about doin it. Blues Traveler song is about getting fooled. No brainer.

Sets up the following Semifinals

I will have to meditate over these.

Third Eye Blind v. Gin Blossoms

Harvey Danger v. James