Utah Jazz...er...Hip Hop?
October 16, 2013 9:44 AM Subscribe
Historically, the state of Utah has had little relation to jazz music, giving the Utah Jazz the title (the team's only title) of the most incongruously named franchise in the world of sports. Would the Utah Hip Hop be more fitting?
They were founded as the New Orleans Jazz, which makes more sense.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 9:53 AM on October 16, 2013
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 9:53 AM on October 16, 2013
Some kind of article about Hip Hop in Utah actually would have excited me. This list was just boring really. They should have made it top 15 and tightened it up.
posted by cashman at 9:54 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by cashman at 9:54 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
The Utah SHHH IT'S AFTER 8.
Also this must have been a really easy article to write. Search RapGenius for Utah+Jazz. Gold!
posted by Think_Long at 10:06 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Also this must have been a really easy article to write. Search RapGenius for Utah+Jazz. Gold!
posted by Think_Long at 10:06 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Whenever I see any particular manner of speaking "interpreted" to a more standard form of a language, I'm never sure about the nature of the intent of the writer. Does (s)he really think we don't understand the words, are we supposed to laugh, why, exactly is it necessary to do the interpretation?
posted by HuronBob at 10:06 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by HuronBob at 10:06 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
giving the Utah Jazz the title... of the most incongruously named franchise in the world of sports
I object. I submit the Los Angeles Lakers (based in an oceanside city with essentially no natural lakes) and the Dodgers (a/k/a Trolley Dodgers, who moved to LA near the apex of its car culture, as its street cars were being torn out) for reconsideration.
I saw a comment somewhere a couple years ago (might have been here) that if LA wants a football team, they should buy the Texans and just not rename them, as is apparently the custom.
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 10:08 AM on October 16, 2013 [6 favorites]
I object. I submit the Los Angeles Lakers (based in an oceanside city with essentially no natural lakes) and the Dodgers (a/k/a Trolley Dodgers, who moved to LA near the apex of its car culture, as its street cars were being torn out) for reconsideration.
I saw a comment somewhere a couple years ago (might have been here) that if LA wants a football team, they should buy the Texans and just not rename them, as is apparently the custom.
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 10:08 AM on October 16, 2013 [6 favorites]
I thought it was a reference to jazz being about as safe and conformistic as musical preferences can get these days, being a sort of decaffeinated calming music for adults, with neither the dionysiac rebellion of rock'n'roll and its derivatives nor the the passive-aggressive assertion of intellectual or cultural superiority inherent in a preference for classical music, and not at all incompatible with being a member of the LDS in good standing.
posted by acb at 10:08 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by acb at 10:08 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Does (s)he really think we don't understand the words, are we supposed to laugh, why, exactly is it necessary to do the interpretation?
Anyone who wasn't familiar with 80s-90s NBA players would probably miss all the Stockton/Malone references.
posted by Ham Snadwich at 10:10 AM on October 16, 2013
Anyone who wasn't familiar with 80s-90s NBA players would probably miss all the Stockton/Malone references.
posted by Ham Snadwich at 10:10 AM on October 16, 2013
The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, where there are no lakes. And the Jazz belong to Utah, where there is no music.
posted by jonp72 at 10:11 AM on October 16, 2013
posted by jonp72 at 10:11 AM on October 16, 2013
I saw a comment somewhere a couple years ago (might have been here) that if LA wants a football team, they should buy the Texans and just not rename them, as is apparently the custom.
The Texans of course were replacements for the Houston Oilers, who kept the name for a while in Tennessee.
But yeah, Utah simply didn't change the team name when they moved, like the Lakers, Dodgers, etc. Not really a huge mystery.
posted by kmz at 10:13 AM on October 16, 2013
The Texans of course were replacements for the Houston Oilers, who kept the name for a while in Tennessee.
But yeah, Utah simply didn't change the team name when they moved, like the Lakers, Dodgers, etc. Not really a huge mystery.
posted by kmz at 10:13 AM on October 16, 2013
And the Raptors belong to Toronto, where there are no Raptors.
posted by cashman at 10:13 AM on October 16, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by cashman at 10:13 AM on October 16, 2013 [3 favorites]
Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish: They were founded as the New Orleans Jazz, which makes more sense.
See more: NBA - Behind the Name: History of the Jazz name.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:17 AM on October 16, 2013
See more: NBA - Behind the Name: History of the Jazz name.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:17 AM on October 16, 2013
Whereas in New York City, you can't walk ten feet without tripping over a Knickerbocker.
posted by 1970s Antihero at 10:18 AM on October 16, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by 1970s Antihero at 10:18 AM on October 16, 2013 [2 favorites]
My favorite is the (alas no longer) Seattle Supersonics, named after an airplane that was never built.
posted by Fnarf at 10:20 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Fnarf at 10:20 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
cashman: And the Raptors belong to Toronto, where there are no Raptors.
(Not?) Surprisingly, that's not the worst option proposed by the public. The [game to name the new Toronto team] became one of the most popular in league history, generating more than 2,000 different entries. The final top -10 list was dominated by animal names. The list included, Beavers, Bobcats, Dragons, Grizzlies, Hogs (Toronto's nickname is Hogtown), Raptors, Scorpions, T-Rex, Tarantulas, and Terriers.
1970s Antihero: Whereas in New York City, you can't walk ten feet without tripping over a Knickerbocker.
The name is a reference to the old Dutch style of pants that rolled up just below the knee (Wikipedia page, with a picture of boys in knickers)
posted by filthy light thief at 10:23 AM on October 16, 2013
(Not?) Surprisingly, that's not the worst option proposed by the public. The [game to name the new Toronto team] became one of the most popular in league history, generating more than 2,000 different entries. The final top -10 list was dominated by animal names. The list included, Beavers, Bobcats, Dragons, Grizzlies, Hogs (Toronto's nickname is Hogtown), Raptors, Scorpions, T-Rex, Tarantulas, and Terriers.
1970s Antihero: Whereas in New York City, you can't walk ten feet without tripping over a Knickerbocker.
The name is a reference to the old Dutch style of pants that rolled up just below the knee (Wikipedia page, with a picture of boys in knickers)
posted by filthy light thief at 10:23 AM on October 16, 2013
Toronto has kites, accipiters, osprey, hawks, eagles, and harriers. But no velociraptors.
posted by mkb at 10:24 AM on October 16, 2013
posted by mkb at 10:24 AM on October 16, 2013
giving the Utah Jazz the title... of the most incongruously named franchise in the world of sports
I object. I submit the Los Angeles Lakers (based in an oceanside city with essentially no natural lakes) and the Dodgers (a/k/a Trolley Dodgers, who moved to LA near the apex of its car culture, as its street cars were being torn out) for reconsideration.
Like I have previously noted, Major League Soccer has the incongruousness titles locked down with the non-royal Real Salt Lake, the non-united D.C. United and the not communist secret police - affiliated sports society Houston Dynamo.
posted by Authorized User at 10:26 AM on October 16, 2013
I object. I submit the Los Angeles Lakers (based in an oceanside city with essentially no natural lakes) and the Dodgers (a/k/a Trolley Dodgers, who moved to LA near the apex of its car culture, as its street cars were being torn out) for reconsideration.
Like I have previously noted, Major League Soccer has the incongruousness titles locked down with the non-royal Real Salt Lake, the non-united D.C. United and the not communist secret police - affiliated sports society Houston Dynamo.
posted by Authorized User at 10:26 AM on October 16, 2013
On the other hand, the Chicago Fire.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 10:33 AM on October 16, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 10:33 AM on October 16, 2013 [2 favorites]
It's ironic - the Lakers beat the Supersonics.
It's a blunder - the Pelicans beat the Thunder.
posted by mattbucher at 10:33 AM on October 16, 2013
It's a blunder - the Pelicans beat the Thunder.
posted by mattbucher at 10:33 AM on October 16, 2013
The Utah Tabernacle Choir.
posted by ZenMasterThis at 10:37 AM on October 16, 2013
posted by ZenMasterThis at 10:37 AM on October 16, 2013
...and the not communist secret police - affiliated sports society Houston Dynamo.
Eh? A dynamo is a simple type of electrical generator.
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 10:43 AM on October 16, 2013
Eh? A dynamo is a simple type of electrical generator.
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 10:43 AM on October 16, 2013
The Utah Musical Theater, Antidepressants, Disney Movies, Trampolines, Polygamy, Lime Jello, Plastic Surgery, Temple Recommends and All That Jazz was way too unwieldy.
posted by perhapsolutely at 10:49 AM on October 16, 2013
posted by perhapsolutely at 10:49 AM on October 16, 2013
Utah Beast Fleecers has a ring to it.
posted by perhapsolutely at 10:54 AM on October 16, 2013
posted by perhapsolutely at 10:54 AM on October 16, 2013
Bleeders, not Fleecers. Haven't had my hot beverage yet today, clearly.
posted by perhapsolutely at 11:05 AM on October 16, 2013
posted by perhapsolutely at 11:05 AM on October 16, 2013
Eh? A dynamo is a simple type of electrical generator.
The communist world had a tradition of naming teams not after mythological beings or fierce beasts but after aspects of the industrial process, the noble proletariat taming nature with hard work and science and such. Hence team names like Dynamo, Alkaloid and such in places like the USSR and Yugoslavia.
posted by acb at 11:12 AM on October 16, 2013
The communist world had a tradition of naming teams not after mythological beings or fierce beasts but after aspects of the industrial process, the noble proletariat taming nature with hard work and science and such. Hence team names like Dynamo, Alkaloid and such in places like the USSR and Yugoslavia.
posted by acb at 11:12 AM on October 16, 2013
...and the not communist secret police - affiliated sports society Houston Dynamo.
So many possiblities: Spartak Heuston, the trade union team, team of the people. CSKA Heuston, the army team.
posted by kersplunk at 11:22 AM on October 16, 2013
So many possiblities: Spartak Heuston, the trade union team, team of the people. CSKA Heuston, the army team.
posted by kersplunk at 11:22 AM on October 16, 2013
Utah Bigamists? ("the Bigs")
Utah Teatotalers? ("the Totes")
Utah Latter Day Saints? ("the Saints" er "the Lats")
Utah Big Love? ("the Bigs" again)
posted by Mental Wimp at 11:28 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Utah Teatotalers? ("the Totes")
Utah Latter Day Saints? ("the Saints" er "the Lats")
Utah Big Love? ("the Bigs" again)
posted by Mental Wimp at 11:28 AM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
The Utah 3.2%.
And the fact that Detroit doesn't have tigers roaming its streets is something that could be corrected in a far more awesome way than renaming the sports team.
posted by straw at 11:32 AM on October 16, 2013
And the fact that Detroit doesn't have tigers roaming its streets is something that could be corrected in a far more awesome way than renaming the sports team.
posted by straw at 11:32 AM on October 16, 2013
Too bad they can't call it "The Utah Lawrence Welks"
posted by pxe2000 at 11:53 AM on October 16, 2013
posted by pxe2000 at 11:53 AM on October 16, 2013
I object. I submit the Los Angeles Lakers (based in an oceanside city with essentially no natural lakes) and the Dodgers (a/k/a Trolley Dodgers, who moved to LA near the apex of its car culture, as its street cars were being torn out) for reconsideration.
You may be right, but I had to make that claim in order to try to elicit sympathy by reminding people that my team has never won a championship.
posted by jessssse at 12:00 PM on October 16, 2013
You may be right, but I had to make that claim in order to try to elicit sympathy by reminding people that my team has never won a championship.
posted by jessssse at 12:00 PM on October 16, 2013
I have heard, from sources who wish to remain anonymous, that jazz musicians have been known to smoke something called "reefer" and stay up past midnight participating in "jam sessions" which I am led to believe do not involve preserving fruit. In other words, totally inappropriate and unrepresentative.
posted by tommasz at 12:01 PM on October 16, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by tommasz at 12:01 PM on October 16, 2013 [2 favorites]
The Utah 3.2%
Make that the Utah $8 3.2%. Games can be organized by the socialist Utah DABC which is governed entirely by Soccer fans much to the chagrin of everyone. Transparent hypocrisy, corruption, and morality-by-law will run the team and some of us will sit by and weep, while driving to Wyoming to smuggle.
posted by msbutah at 12:02 PM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Make that the Utah $8 3.2%. Games can be organized by the socialist Utah DABC which is governed entirely by Soccer fans much to the chagrin of everyone. Transparent hypocrisy, corruption, and morality-by-law will run the team and some of us will sit by and weep, while driving to Wyoming to smuggle.
posted by msbutah at 12:02 PM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
I didn't RTFA but I live in Utah and the answer is no.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 12:55 PM on October 16, 2013
posted by mr_crash_davis at 12:55 PM on October 16, 2013
Utah Magic Underpants, duh.
posted by Mister_A at 1:45 PM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Mister_A at 1:45 PM on October 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
I used to think the Calgary Radz were the most incongruously named franchise in the world of sports, but then I remembered that Calgary is where they filmed Rad.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:55 PM on October 16, 2013
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:55 PM on October 16, 2013
Lloyd Miller, an amazing jazz musician and ethnomusicologist, is based in Utah. That's good enough for me.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 4:14 PM on October 16, 2013
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 4:14 PM on October 16, 2013
Eh? A dynamo is a simple type of electrical generator.
In general, yes. But in sports it refers to the Dinamo sports society established in the Soviet Union in 1923 and affiliated with the political police. This affiliation continued in other countries such as East Germany.
On the other hand, the Chicago Fire.
Also, Los Angeles Galaxy. MLS does ok when not trying to pick names from other teams like pee-wee league teams do.
posted by Authorized User at 4:25 PM on October 16, 2013
In general, yes. But in sports it refers to the Dinamo sports society established in the Soviet Union in 1923 and affiliated with the political police. This affiliation continued in other countries such as East Germany.
On the other hand, the Chicago Fire.
Also, Los Angeles Galaxy. MLS does ok when not trying to pick names from other teams like pee-wee league teams do.
posted by Authorized User at 4:25 PM on October 16, 2013
"New Orleans Jazz" made sense, but "Utah Jazz" is a stupid name. They should have changed it years ago, when the franchise first moved.
Changing it now would give them a chance to cash in by re-booting the team's merchandise line, as fans no doubt would want to buy shirts, hats and other stuff with a new name/logo/colors. So that's one economic incentive to go ahead and change it.
What they change it to, I really don't care. Just don't call them the Utah Jazz any more.
posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 5:52 PM on October 16, 2013
Changing it now would give them a chance to cash in by re-booting the team's merchandise line, as fans no doubt would want to buy shirts, hats and other stuff with a new name/logo/colors. So that's one economic incentive to go ahead and change it.
What they change it to, I really don't care. Just don't call them the Utah Jazz any more.
posted by Nat "King" Cole Porter Wagoner at 5:52 PM on October 16, 2013
Utah Utahraptors.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 12:21 AM on October 17, 2013
posted by Mister Moofoo at 12:21 AM on October 17, 2013
my religion's sacred clothing
Which is underwear. Sorry.
posted by Mental Wimp at 8:50 AM on October 17, 2013
Which is underwear. Sorry.
posted by Mental Wimp at 8:50 AM on October 17, 2013
Unfortunately, it's not magic.
I think the "magic" refers to the outsider perception that religious dieties are essentially perceived as possessing magic powers by believers and not aimed specifically at Mormonism. It's more the pairing of this concept with underwear that leads to the humor/snark.
Alas.
Alas? No, that's a good thing. ;>
posted by Mental Wimp at 10:48 AM on October 17, 2013
I think the "magic" refers to the outsider perception that religious dieties are essentially perceived as possessing magic powers by believers and not aimed specifically at Mormonism. It's more the pairing of this concept with underwear that leads to the humor/snark.
Alas.
Alas? No, that's a good thing. ;>
posted by Mental Wimp at 10:48 AM on October 17, 2013
Don't want to continue this increasingly awkward conversation about the offensiveness or non-offensiveness of the "magic underwear" meme, but I did want to address a statement of fact. From an interview with Parker and Stone on this link, it says
Finally, while the musical mentions many of the unusual aspects of the Mormon religion including "magic underwear," the planet Kolob and the fact that the church did not allow African Americans to be members until 1978, it never mentions polygamy, which is often associated with the religion thanks in part to HBO's Big Love.posted by Mental Wimp at 12:25 PM on October 17, 2013
I don't remember a joke about the underwear, there was just a scene with the two main characters getting ready for bed, wearing their long johns and looking kinda goofy.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 12:34 PM on October 17, 2013
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 12:34 PM on October 17, 2013
In keeping with the overarching principle upon which the state is founded and governed, I propose The Utah Expedients, or The 'Speeds for short. Even when they lose, they go down like a lamb to the slaughter (i.e. with pistols blazing).
posted by perhapsolutely at 12:39 PM on October 17, 2013
posted by perhapsolutely at 12:39 PM on October 17, 2013
I don't think any culture should be mocked, even if irrational beliefs in the supernatural form the basis of that culture, but I do hope any mormons who are offended by people commenting on their underwear were just as offended when their leaders funded a massive hate campaign against same sex marriage in my state a few years ago.
posted by Thoughtcrime at 1:29 PM on October 17, 2013
posted by Thoughtcrime at 1:29 PM on October 17, 2013
Yeah, I apologize. My response was hasty and unnecessary. All mormons shouldn't be judged by the actions of their leadership, and I realize there are progressive members of the culture.
posted by Thoughtcrime at 3:15 PM on October 17, 2013
posted by Thoughtcrime at 3:15 PM on October 17, 2013
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posted by straw at 9:51 AM on October 16, 2013 [5 favorites]