Chat with 'War on Drugs'
Welcome to SportsNation! On Tuesday, the guys from the band The War on Drugs - Adam Granduciel, David Hartley and Steven Urgo - stop by to chat about their latest album "Slave Ambient" that dropped in August.
All three are huge NBA fans, with Adam's family having owned Celtics season tickets. He was at the Garden when Michael Jordan scored 63. Hartley's got a great post game and loved Manute Bol. Urgo's Pacers passion stems from using them on the old Nintendo and is upset Reggie Miller's not a hall of famer.
Send your questions now and join the band Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET!
More Special Guests: Previous chats | SportsNation
injuryrisk (basketball heaven)
A question for Urgo, what is your favorite Reggie Miller moment? 25 4th qtr points against the Knicks in '94? 8 points, 9 seconds? Winning 3-pointer against Jordan in '98?
Steve (2:58 PM)
Definitely the 3 on Jordan. The whole package was great; the fact that it was the Bulls, that gave Jordan a nice shove right before draining it, and of course the spinning. Costas's call was pretty great too. Eight points nine seconds is a close second though.
Sean (Philadelphia)
Remember the Gheorghe Muresan Cologne commercial where he claimed girls like the smell of cabbage? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9uaDiRlLBQ
Dave (2:59 PM)
I remember everything about Gheorghe Muresan.
Sean (Philadelphia)
Was "Arms Like Boulders" written about Dwight Howard?
Adam (3:00 PM)
Yes. Totally. I'm amazed by how those arms turned me on. They were a big influence on me. Who's Dwight Howard?
Ezisrevo (Boston, MA)
Would an oversized shoe be good for playing basketball?
walt jr. (albuquerque)
why only nba? where's the love for college hoops?
Steve (3:02 PM)
Two different animals. The one-and-done rule has really weakened the college game for sure. I'm a fan of continuity. The difference in the level of athleticism is also apparent.
injuryrisk (basketball heaven)
Which of your songs could best work with arena introductions for NBA games? Have you ever considered starting your set with 'Eye in the Sky' by Alan Parsons as walk-on music for Adam G?
Adam (3:04 PM)
Needle in Your Eye #16, Come to the City, and Taking the Farm would be good for the crowd but which player would really want to get pumped with that...? chris paul maybe. probably hansboro or BIRDMAN
Shaq (Detroit)
Who is the Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon of indie rock?
Adam (3:07 PM)
HMMMM....lets see, undersized, extremely skilled, foreign...probably Mauro from Porcelain Raft. i bet 99% of you are asking "what the hell is a porcelain raft!" yep. well its a band from new york.the only difference is that Hakeem doesnt eat during the day but Mauro eats constantly.
BC Camplight (Philadelphia)
If Micheal Jordan was named Chunk Flapkins would he have had the same global impact?
Dave (3:09 PM)
A rose by any other name . . . I think the amplitude of Jordan's talent and charisma were such that nothing could have stopped him. That being said, his sponsorships would have probably veered a little bit more to the fast food industry. Flapkins' Aircakes: Chunky Flapjacks, etc.
Brock Peuchk (New Westbridge)
Reggie Miller isn't hall of fame material. Urgo, what planet are you from? explain.
Dave (3:11 PM)
Are you kidding me? THE DUDE HAD THE MOST THREE POINTERS EVER (until Ray Allen broke it). Also, who hit more huge shots in the playoffs? He didn't exactly have a lot of help in Indiana, and they were still contenders almost every year. Don't hate.
BC Camplight (Philadelphia)
Who were better, the 93 Suns or Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers?
Dave (3:12 PM)
The Heartbreakers would have steamrolled the 93 Suns CMON... Petty would absolutely three-chord dunk all over Oliver Miller and then dish it to Campbell who would drain a minimum of 8 three pointers right in Thunder Dan's overly tanned face. HEARTBREAKERS IN 5.
injuryrisk (basketball heaven)
How would you resolved the NBA lockout, in 20 words or less?
adam (3:16 PM)
lets see you have a few key players here...larry bird, bobby knight, john cougar mellencamp, and gene hackman reprising his role from hoosiers. get those guys together and i think they could resolve it. walk into a room with cougar and larry?!!! bobby knight kickin stuff over throwing coffee everywhere?! Gene Hackman whacking that thing against his hand....never sure what that was. a bag? regardless David Stern wouldnt know if he should call the cops or ask for 'Jack and Diane." they'd GET IT SORTED F'SHO.
Severin Tucker (Philadelphia, PA)
Pinball...Basketball...pinpoint the intersection with a former NBA center.
Dave (3:19 PM)
Ahhh, Severin. Nice to meet you. You have really highlighted one of my favorite NBA wiki's ever: Todd McCullough (up there with Brian Williams/Bison Dele, Manute Bol, Roy Tarpley, Danny Ainge, etc). Dude played for the Sixers and the Nets, had one decent season and cashed in with a massive free-agent contract (like 40 mil). He promptly broke his feet, retired and got SUPER into pinball. Like, filled his house w/ pin and fully alienated his wife. He even got the international pinball federation to allow chairs!!! Too tall to play pinball, you see, especially with clubbed feet.
Clyde (Fishtown)
This question is for Steven:Who do you think is a better basketball player - Reggie Miller or LARRY BIRD?
Steve (3:21 PM)
Don't get me wrong, Reggie is my favorite of all time...but you can't argue with rings. Hopefully Larry Legend can actually bring some to the Pacers.
Patrick (Chicago)
Hartley, what's your best move in the post?
Dave (3:24 PM)
Probably what I call the "Shake Shake Boom Boom"... it's a hybrid between the Up-n-Under and Jamal Crawford's Shake-n-Bake. It's already been banned in Turkey and Italy... I learned it when our Sprinter broke down in Belgium and we were forced to crash at this YMCA; we played a lot of pickup there and Arvydas Sabonis' estranged brother broke me down, and then built me up with the unstoppable SSBB.
jd (pittsburgh)
who is the best athlete you have ever toured with? (band members eligible)
adam (3:26 PM)
derek berk from the high strung.
joel (philadelphia)
60's celtics or the Beatles? (camplight follow-up)
adam (3:28 PM)
was bob cousy on that team? he had 'the lennon glasses' before john did. Chris Ford kinda had a mop-top but i think he was 70s.
flash (philadelphia)
question for david: when you hear that a 6'9" guy like Waymon Tisdale is a bass player are you immediately jealous of his, um, hand size?
Joelcone (Everywhere)
If the three of you were forced to play a short game of basketball against the current miami heat, who would you choose as the other 2 members to round out your team (current players)? More importantly, do you think you could win, and who is covering LeBron?
Steve (3:30 PM)
My game is a Point Guard game, so I'd choose the best scorer (Kevin Durant) and the most crazy post dude in the game (Zach Randolph). We would most certainly win, by a lot. I'd guard Lebron, I'm a shutdown defender.
Severin (Philadelphia)
Robbie Bennett obviously has the most handle of any of the Drugs, his absence is conspicuous, please comment.
Steve (3:32 PM)
Robbie has actually decided to take his talents overseas in wake of the lockout, and has actually surplanted Ron Artest in taking the token American spot for the Cheshire Jets. I project him averaging 33 assists per game.
Dave (3:32 PM)
Waymon, rip.... The question is: who WOULD be the best NBA bass player? I'm going to say Mark Eaton. Dude would have worn a flannel jersey if they'd let him and definitely knew what shutting up and locking down was all about. Would love to have heard him locking in with Malone on drums and Stockton on lead guitar.
griswold (philly)
couldn't help but notice Steve's terrifying reach at johnny brenda's. probably leads WoD in rebounds?
Brodie (Lexington, VA)
David - as a native Marylander, what did you think of the Maryland football helmets last night?
Steve (3:33 PM)
Not so much, I've got good court vision and a quick first step so I stick to the point. I'm also a shutdown defender. Can't score to save my life, though.
Dave (3:33 PM)
I love the Tommy Lee Jones as two face jerseys.. Go Terps!
J Starks (everywhere at once)
you guys ever get the feeling that John Starks is watching your every move?
Dave (3:34 PM)
Only when I catch him in my bathroom.
Sevvy (Philadelphia)
If Manute Bol was an instrument, what instrument would he be?
Chrone (Philadelphia)
If you had to add one member of the current NBA to your band to play the cowbell, who do you think would be most adept?
adam (3:35 PM)
no doubt BIRDMAN
Dave (3:35 PM)
18 foot saxaphone
Sean (Philadelphia)
Has anyone in the band ever considered getting the Chris Mullin hair cut?
adam (3:36 PM)
heck yes. next tour maybe ill buzz it down a bit
David Bayban (Brooklyn, NY)
Who would you say is the NBA equivalent to Mr. Kurt Vile, be it in technical skill or appearance?
Dave (3:37 PM)
I have been there and will go back there.... If only to honor the fact that he was the best bounce passer ever.
adam (3:37 PM)
hahah well ive seen kurt dribble and while he's not the most flashy hoopster he'd definitely be scrappy. steve nash?
Severin (ESPN Headquarters Bathroom Sink (washing hands))
War on Drugs team colors?
Dave (3:38 PM)
Blue and Blue.
Severin (Philadelphia)
How is this happening?
Dave (3:38 PM)
Is it? I know a guy who knows a guy.
Timo (San Diego, Calif)
Do you know of any pro athletes who are into your guys' music?
Rick (Montana)
Goggles, or Rambis glasses?
Adam (3:40 PM)
Oh man that's tough. Our friend bead from the band megafaun would love thus. He met Kurt Rambos recently. He's the biggest lakers fan ever. Anyway...in the spirit if buddy holly and the next 50 years of rock...gotta say Rambos glasses.
Dave (3:40 PM)
Good question. I don't as of yet, but we are really interested in getting some "Fatheletes" or "Athelefans". My wish list includes: Kevin Love, Jimmy Rollins, Bill Walton (totally want us to crash at his pad when we go through Southern California on tour and have all night Bongo sessions), Bill Lambier, Rajon Rondo and Cherokee Parks.
Hobo Rowboat (Philadelphia)
Would you take on Tom Petty and his gang for a game of hoops? Winner gets Tom's oriental carpet and Gibson Dove and Mike Campell.
Dave (3:42 PM)
If WoD beats the Heartbreakers in roundball, I WANT CAMPBELL TO CUT HIS DREADS AND DITCH THE FLORIDA HOCKEY JERSEYS. Cmon! Anyways, I think we would destroy them.. you have no idea how scrappy we are. We move more equipment than just about anybody (we all have two amps and regularly acquire house organs on tour) and that shit hardens you.. the last time Benmont Tench moved his own keyboard rig, Elgin Baylor was still running up and down the court in booty shorts. THE DRUGS IN 6
Remo (philly)
Would you guys ever write a song about the Sixers mascot Hip Hop?
Donald Duck (Happytown)
If Mike Campell threw a basketball at you, what would you do?
Dave (3:43 PM)
I actually want Hip Hop to sit in on an AG-home-studio sesh and maybe write a verse or two over some sick Arp Drones and Urgo grooves.
tony (milwaukee)
how do you guys survive touring during the playoffs when you are on stage most nights during the games?
Dave (3:44 PM)
It's not easy, but we've been known to check scores mid-set and structure our days around catching key games. If the Pacers ever get deep in the playoffs, though (HA!), I'm worried that we'd have to get a TV by the drum monitor.
Adam (3:45 PM)
Haha probably catch it and cut it in half and then put half over his head to cover his dreads!
Sevvy (Philadelphia)
If Manute Bol was an instrument, what instrument would he be?
Ice (Cream)
Whens the last time any of you went to a sixers game?
Steve (3:45 PM)
Upright Bass.
Rick (Montana)
Have you ever played music with Bernie Williams?
Adam (3:46 PM)
Dave goes quite often I think
?!? (...)
People are into your music?
Steve (3:46 PM)
I think Bernie's more into smooth jazz than rock, but I'd be open to a possible collaboration.
Adam (3:46 PM)
Yeah
Dan (nyc)
"Slave Ambient" has been compared to music from Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, etc. Frankly, I can't stand Dylan or Petty. However, I can't stop listening to "Slave Ambient." Do you think the comparisons are inaccurate?
Severin (ESPN Headquarters Bathroom Stall)
Adam, what is the best/most special moment that you have experienced playing basketball?
Adam (3:48 PM)
One game when I was 13 I did the same move 15 times and scored like 30 points. I did the same thing next game and got called for travelling constantly
Steve (3:48 PM)
Interesting question, Dan. See, The Drugs are really more about good ball movement and spacing, and neither of those artists really bring that to the table. Sure, Dylan had that killer explosiveness that could collapse a defense and Petty had a great two-way game, and they were great, but it's really not the way we play basketball. We drive, cut, and kick until we find our man, and we always make sure no one's slacking on their defensive assignments. Two totally different approaches.
Remo (philly)
Better super-group: Traveling Wilburys or Miami Heat?
Steve M (Orlando)
On a scale of 1-10 how mad would you be if there is no NBA season?
Steve (3:50 PM)
27. Although it might be a good thing because I will probably be much more productive.
Adam (3:50 PM)
Wilburys! Any team with or Orbison would be the winner. Lebron would stop mid dunk just to hear Roy sing.
Bonnie (Oxford)
How much salt baked squid do you think Reggie Miller could consume, and how quickly? Would it be a more impressive feat than his 3point shot?
Dave (3:52 PM)
Allow to steal this Steve-intended behind the back dish. Reggie would probably consume just enough salt baked squid to get him into the Squid-eating-Hall-of-Fame DISCUSSION, but not enough to be considered a first ballot squid eater.
Charlie Parker (heaven)
Who do you guys think is a better all around musician - Kenny G or Yanni??
Donald Duck (Happytown)
Adam, if you could get anybody's guitar ever, who's would it be??
Dave (3:54 PM)
Well, I think KG has more of a defensive upside, while Yanni has the ability to SCORE THE BASKETBALL. So you are really talking about comparing apples and oranges here, Charlie. Who gets the most press and fills seats (an ever present concern in this economy), or who WINS BASKETBALL GAMES. I'm going with the Silver Tongued Sax Blower.
Joel (Upland, PA)
better basketball movie: Hoosiers or Space Jam?
Dave (3:54 PM)
WRONG. The answer is White Men Can't Jump OBVIOUSLY.
jdg (independence hall)
Kenny G follow-up: [Outrageously uncool unindie musician] calls and wants to cameo on your album or vice versa...Who is the most surprising person you say "yes" to?
Dave (3:55 PM)
I'd have to say Joe Satriani. Just put him in a glass box with his amps, and then take every lick he plays and crank it through an Eventide H3000, get it the ball and GET OUT OF THE WAY.
Adam (3:55 PM)
Nice one. Obviously garcia's "Wolf" would be sweet but also maybe dylan's tele from 66
Gattuso (Baltimore)
Would the Violators stand a chance against the Drugs in a pick-up game? Turbo sometimes sports an athletic headband, so I'm thinking he could be a player.
Daniel (Florida)
Do you think you guys could be like the Rolling Stones and still be together in 40 years? Could you stand each other for that long?
Steve (3:58 PM)
While I'd like to say yes, my back has had some problems already in my young age and I probably won't be able to drive the lane and get laid out by power forwards forever. Dave's also got suspect knees, and Robbie has been know to have conditioning problems (too much chicken). AG will probably hold up for another century though.
Rick (Montana)
Charles Barkley, Round Mound Of Rebound, gets no respect. He chugged up and down the court wiping the boards on both ends. Can you please give him some love?
Adam (3:59 PM)
That'd be intense! Which team would I play on? I guess I'd gave to referee? Well yes Jesse would be a force for sure but Robbie guarding Kurt would be priceless. I bet mike, the violators drummer, would be MVP though. Dudes a good athlete. Super scrappy and a force!
Dave (4:00 PM)
THANK YOU. Sir Charles has become a criminally underrated player, probably because of his high-profile public persona. Dude could DOMINATE and was, honestly, like 6'4" .. probably inch for inch the greatest rebounder, and just an insane heart-athlete. He also was truly a victim of too-little-help-too-late. By the time he got to Phoenix, he was in his 30's and on the decline. Should have a couple rings.
Severin (Bristol Police Department Cruiser (back seat))
Luc Longley?
Dave (4:01 PM)
Yes, please.
Remo (philly)
If they tested indie rockers for steroids how many member of the WoD's would get suspended?
Eton (Seattle)
Hey Guys,Have you ever heard of Roger Fisher? He was the lead guitar for Heart in the day. He is my cousin.
Adam (4:03 PM)
Not us but our crew for sure! We tour with 16 amplifiers!
Dave (4:03 PM)
I played him one time at Rucker Park. Decent midrange game, no left hand, weak post moves but solid defensive hustle. Next Question.
Lebron (Miami)
What do you guys (Adam and Dave) think is better:The quality of Steven's drumming or his SHUTDOWN DEFENSE?
Dave (4:04 PM)
Definitely his drumming, which is absolutely impenetrable. His defense, while formidable, is porous. I can ALWAYS get him with a double SSBB, or with the classic jab-n-run.
jdg (independence hall)
what THE HELL happened with that Lowrey Genie in Pittsburgh? I haven't seen anyone fall out of love so fast since...you get the idea.
Dave (4:05 PM)
I had the opportunity to sell something to a car salesman at a 600% markup. How do you walk away from that?
Angelo Twitter (York, PA)
1. Which NBA player would make the best roadie and WHY?2. As of May 6, 2010 which 3 players have the highest Player Efficiency Ratings? (Think quick: You must answer this question within 7 seconds to really matter)3. If Manute Bol (RIP) was a roadie, what do you think he would have preferred as road food?4. REAL TALK: Which brand of beef jerky do you think Reggie Miller would prefer? Slim Jim or Wild Bills.5. Which Celtics player from the 1980s would be the best at selling merch?
Severin (Philadelphia)
Steve, in what year will the Pacers' championship drought be ended?
Steve (4:06 PM)
2017
Rick (Montana)
Is Jimmer Fredette hip? Or does it take an adjustment, coming out of college? (BYU)
Dave (4:07 PM)
1) Dejuan Blair -- Dude has NO ACL'S2) Chris Paul, Lebron James, Dwight Howard, duh.3) Manute Bol would probably get 7 footlong BMTs from Subway4) Ha! Slim Reggie has got to go with Slim Jim's.. I heard he can eat like 8 in 9 seconds.5) Cornbread, for sure. Great distributor.
People (Earth)
Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday would have been yesterday; what would each of you say is your favorite Queen song?
Steve (4:08 PM)
I think people are always fascinated with these type of players, goofy white dudes who can shoot for days, but history doesn't bode well for him (see: Adam Morrison, JJ Redick).
adam (4:09 PM)
we are the champions no doubt. those verses make me cry. nice snare sound too!dave: DRAGON ATTACK
jdg (independence hall)
what THE HELL happened with your new Firebird at Johnny Brendas? I haven't seen anyone fall out of love so fast since...you get the idea.
WoD (4:10 PM)
None of your beeswax...Alright, we're done. Thanks guys, that was fun!
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