Usually, I find myself playing catch up at the end of the year trying to get all the discs that have come out during that year ("Wait, they had a new CD this year? When did THAT come out?"). This year however, I have been pretty on top of getting the discs I want right as or after they come out (or *ahem* before they come out). I am still missing a few that I really wanted, but you can't get everything. So, I decided to post my list of my top 10 favorite discs of the first half of the year. I know 2009 isn't technically half over, but since not many new discs come out in December, I figured June was a good cut off point. Here they are, with a short blurb about each one and a few songs I really like from the disc:
10.) Iron & Wine - Around the Well
This is a compilation disc from the alternative folk band. While there were other compilation discs that came out this year that I decided to not include on the list, I left this one in because it contains mostly unreleased songs. Like most folk music, the songs on this disc are pretty straightforward musically - just a guitar, some drums and a story. Sam Beam (Iron & Wine is pretty much him and whatever band he puts together to go on tour with) manages to craft some very pretty songs that musically lend themselves to just sitting out on the porch, tapping your foot along and generally just enjoying a nice summer's day, as long as you don't listen to the lyrics - he manages to make some upbeat sounding songs about pretty sad subject matter. So, the songs can serve two purposes - put you in a good mood or allow you to wallow in a good depression. Your choice.
Favorite songs from the disc - "Dearest Forsaken", "Belated Promise Ring", "Love Vigilantes", "No Moon", "Carried Home", "Arms of a Thief".
9.) Passion Pit - Manners
Passion Pit are an electronic pop band that I just discovered this year, although they had an EP that came out last year. The lead singer has a high pitched voice that may turn some people off, but I think it fits right in with their style of music, almost like an additional instrument. Their songs are catchy pop songs, but they are just short of dance-y. So, if you are looking for a song to bob your head along to, check this one out.
Favorite songs from the disc - "Make Light", "Little Secrets", "The Reeling", "Eyes As Candles", "Folds In Your Hands", "The Seaweed Song".
8.) Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
As part of the New Pornographers, Neko Case sings on some of the catchiest pop songs you will ever hear. Her solo songs, however, are in a whole different vein. She sings a very soulful alternative country that sounds like it belongs in a backwoods country bar, with a haze of cigarette smoke in the air.
Favorite songs from the disc -"This Tornado Loves You", "People Got a Lotta Nerve", "Middle Cyclone", "I'm an Animal", "Don't Forget Me", "Red Tide".
7.) Grizzly Bear - Vekatimest
Its not very easy to describe Grizzly Bear's music (they play a psychedelic folk music - try and describe what THAT sounds like). The band has said that they set out to make a more accessible record, and they succeeded - this disc has a very dense sound (due in large part to the fact that everyone in the band contributes to vocals and allows them an added dimension most bands aren't able to manage), but they have managed to make it a rewarding listening experience without sacrificing their signature experimental sound.
Favorite songs from the disc -"Southern Point", "All We Ask", "Cheerleader", "Ready, Able", "About Face", "While You Wait For the Others".
6.) The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
A great disc from the band following their disappointing sophomore record. This disc added a throwback 1980's synthpop sound to the band's signature garage rock, which really appealed to me since I am a big fan of that type of music. It was great to see that the band still has something left and wasn't just a flash in the pan.
Favorite songs from the disc - "Zero", "Heads Will Roll", "Soft Shock", "Dull Life", "Shame and Fortune", "Dragon Queen", "Hysteric".
5. ) Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion
Similar to Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective is another band that has a hard to define sound. They play a sort of psychedelic folk as well, but they don't quite sound the same as Grizzly Bear. True to the second part of their name, their music sounds like a bunch of people sitting around a campfire singing, although some sort of drugs would probably be involved on this camping trip - either with them for singing or with you for listening.
Favorite songs from the disc -"In the Flowers", "My Girls", "Summertime Clothes", "Bluish", "Taste".
4.) Super Furry Animals - Dark Days/Light Years
In what seems to be a continuing theme, Super Furry Animals is another band that has a hard to pin down sound (can you tell that I like bands that take chances and don't try to sound like everyone else?). However, unlike the other 2 bands in this "category", Super Furry Animals put forth the most rock-oriented and catchy songs, at least on this disc. This disc definitely has a more upbeat sound than the Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective discs - songs more suited for the middle part of the party than the end.
Favorite songs from the disc -"Mt", "Moped Eyes", "Inconvenience", "Helium Hearts", "White Socks/Flip Flops", "Where Do You Wanna Go?".
3.) Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
This disc was a very pleasant surprise. I had read some things on the internet hyping this band up way before their CD was released, which usually means that there will be a let down when you actually are able to hear them (it doesn't mean that the disc you are expecting isn't good - it's just that usually the internet hype machine inflates things to such a degree that there is no way the band can live up to the expectations). However, in this case, the CD was so much better than even I expected. Phoenix's upbeat dance rock will be a staple of my car rides all summer long...
Favorite songs from the disc -"Lisztomania", "Love Like a Sunset", "Lasso", "Countdown (Sick For the Big Sun)", "Girlfriend".
2.) Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career
Camera Obscura has been around since 1996, but I didn't discover them until after a few years ago. I really enjoyed what I had heard from them before, but I think this newest disc is their best effort to date. "My Maudlin Career" often has the sound of a very literate 60's girl group music, as if the Supremes or Martha and the Vandellas went to college and decided to let what they had learned seep into their lyrics (pretty amazing when you realize that this is a white lady from England singing...).
Favorite songs from the disc -"French Navy", "You Told a Lie", "Away With Murder", "Swans", "James", "My Maudlin Career", "Honey in the Sun".
1.) Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
I was totally not expecting how good this CD turned out to be. I had only vaguely heard of this band previously (although its really just a woman named Natasha Khan and not really much of a band) and I got their 1st cd a few weeks prior to the release of Two Suns. I liked "Fur and Gold" a good deal, but there was nothing on it that blew me away. That was definitely not the case the first time I listened to "Two Suns" - it was one of those rare occurences where I immediately thought upon first listen, "Wow, this is a really fucking good CD." It is a great mix of rock and electronic pop, along with an ethereal quality, due mostly to Natasha's voice, that is at the same time upbeat and chill. A great disc.
Favorite songs from the disc -"Glass", "Sleep Alone", "Daniel", "Piece of Mind", "Pearl's Dream".
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Top 5 Favorite Dramas
This is a companion post to the "Top 5 Comedies" post I did previously...
5.) Battlestar Gallactica
This is of course the remake, not the original (although I used to love that one when it was originally on). While this is a show that is set in space, it was so well written and acted; the setting was only one very small aspect of the overall story. It should have appealed to fans of good drama, rather than just sci-fi fans. Unfortunately, very few people watched it. I told the story of the last survivors of a race that was pushed to the brink of extinction by their own creations and their search for a new home. Over the course of this search (and 5 seasons), the show dealt with family conflict, loss of identity, political struggles, morality, and an increasing sense of futility in a way that really made you care about the characters the way a good episodic show needs to. While I didn't care for the way they wrapped up the series in the last episode, that doesn't diminish how much I loved the show up to that point.
4.) Buffy the Vampire Slayer
You are probably thinking, "Come on. How can a show about a bunch of kids fighting vampires be THAT good." That is the same thing that I thought before I started watching this show (I didn't watch this show when it was originally on, but only caught it in syndication and on DVD). HOWEVER... the dialog in BTVS has to rank up there with some of the best on a TV series ever. Writer/Mastermind Joss Whedon has the fantastic ability to combine pop culture, sarcasm, humor and tension in a way that really gives his characters life. Plus, he knows how to really write a kick ass story - every season blends one-off monster of the week episodes with the overall story arc episodes that ratchet up the tension until everything explodes at the end in a satisfying conclusion, before starting all over again the next season. In addition, each season builds on the overall series story arc - taking Buffy from an unsure high school girl fighting vampires with her friends and transforming her into the mature leader of an entire army of slayers. It is a very fun, action packed and sometimes sad ride getting from the beginning of that journey to the end.
3.) Lost
This is the only series on this list that is still ongoing, so depending on how the last season plays out, it may move up the list (I don't see it moving down; the first 4 seasons were so good that they would really have to piss me off in season 5 to give me a lesser opinion of this show). The way this show slowly parcels out answers to its various mysteries while at the same time serving up plot points that raise 5 or 6 more questions each is masterful. Never have I shouted "what the fuck!?!?!" (in a good way) so many times at the end of an episode as I have with this series. It is the most riveting story (books, movies and other tv shows included) that I have ever experienced.
2.) The Sopranos
Very rarely have such despicable characters been so lovable. Tony, Sil, Paulie and the rest are killers, cheaters, thieves, yet you sympathize and root for them. That's because these characters were so well defined. Tony wasn't just a mobster. He was a man who spent his whole life trying to please his awful mother, which was an impossible task. He suffered from anxiety and guilt because of his decisions. He would turn on family to protect what he had, when necessary. You wanted him to stay on top, no matter what horrible things he did (and there were a LOT of horrible things - poor Christopher).
1.) The Wire
Hands down the best show ever on TV. The other 4 shows on this list are great, but this one is at the top of the list for one reason - how rewarding a show it was to watch. To enjoy this show, you needed to invest a little time and attention. Each season, characters are introduced and the plot is rolled out slowly in the first few episodes and it requires a little effort on your part to get to know these characters. That's part of the reason that this show didn't do well in the ratings. Not many people want to invest that kind of time. However, having put a little effort into watching this show makes the payoff that much better when each season's story concludes. Another fantastic thing about The Wire is that it doesn't try to present any happy endings or tie things up neatly. Just like in real life, there are consequences to your actions and just because you scored a victory over drugs or corruption, the struggle keeps right on going.
5.) Battlestar Gallactica
This is of course the remake, not the original (although I used to love that one when it was originally on). While this is a show that is set in space, it was so well written and acted; the setting was only one very small aspect of the overall story. It should have appealed to fans of good drama, rather than just sci-fi fans. Unfortunately, very few people watched it. I told the story of the last survivors of a race that was pushed to the brink of extinction by their own creations and their search for a new home. Over the course of this search (and 5 seasons), the show dealt with family conflict, loss of identity, political struggles, morality, and an increasing sense of futility in a way that really made you care about the characters the way a good episodic show needs to. While I didn't care for the way they wrapped up the series in the last episode, that doesn't diminish how much I loved the show up to that point.
4.) Buffy the Vampire Slayer
You are probably thinking, "Come on. How can a show about a bunch of kids fighting vampires be THAT good." That is the same thing that I thought before I started watching this show (I didn't watch this show when it was originally on, but only caught it in syndication and on DVD). HOWEVER... the dialog in BTVS has to rank up there with some of the best on a TV series ever. Writer/Mastermind Joss Whedon has the fantastic ability to combine pop culture, sarcasm, humor and tension in a way that really gives his characters life. Plus, he knows how to really write a kick ass story - every season blends one-off monster of the week episodes with the overall story arc episodes that ratchet up the tension until everything explodes at the end in a satisfying conclusion, before starting all over again the next season. In addition, each season builds on the overall series story arc - taking Buffy from an unsure high school girl fighting vampires with her friends and transforming her into the mature leader of an entire army of slayers. It is a very fun, action packed and sometimes sad ride getting from the beginning of that journey to the end.
3.) Lost
This is the only series on this list that is still ongoing, so depending on how the last season plays out, it may move up the list (I don't see it moving down; the first 4 seasons were so good that they would really have to piss me off in season 5 to give me a lesser opinion of this show). The way this show slowly parcels out answers to its various mysteries while at the same time serving up plot points that raise 5 or 6 more questions each is masterful. Never have I shouted "what the fuck!?!?!" (in a good way) so many times at the end of an episode as I have with this series. It is the most riveting story (books, movies and other tv shows included) that I have ever experienced.
2.) The Sopranos
Very rarely have such despicable characters been so lovable. Tony, Sil, Paulie and the rest are killers, cheaters, thieves, yet you sympathize and root for them. That's because these characters were so well defined. Tony wasn't just a mobster. He was a man who spent his whole life trying to please his awful mother, which was an impossible task. He suffered from anxiety and guilt because of his decisions. He would turn on family to protect what he had, when necessary. You wanted him to stay on top, no matter what horrible things he did (and there were a LOT of horrible things - poor Christopher).
1.) The Wire
Hands down the best show ever on TV. The other 4 shows on this list are great, but this one is at the top of the list for one reason - how rewarding a show it was to watch. To enjoy this show, you needed to invest a little time and attention. Each season, characters are introduced and the plot is rolled out slowly in the first few episodes and it requires a little effort on your part to get to know these characters. That's part of the reason that this show didn't do well in the ratings. Not many people want to invest that kind of time. However, having put a little effort into watching this show makes the payoff that much better when each season's story concludes. Another fantastic thing about The Wire is that it doesn't try to present any happy endings or tie things up neatly. Just like in real life, there are consequences to your actions and just because you scored a victory over drugs or corruption, the struggle keeps right on going.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
People Watching At Its Finest
I just spent 4 days at The Memorial Tournament, the annual PGA event here in Columbus. I am a golf fan, so I enjoy watching the tournament itself. However, even if I wasn’t, I would still go every year because the people watching is fantastic. I have never been to an event that has that diverse of a crowd to observe and secretly judge. Since a lot of companies buy passes and give them to their employees, its not just country club types that are there. While the assemblage of people is pretty divers, the following groups really stand out:
1.) The Women There To Land a Rich Husband
I am sure that they are aiming for one of the pro golfers (I found out this weekend that Jim Furyk met his wife in Columbus), but would probably settle for one of the well-off company executives that are everywhere. You can spot these women from a mile away – they are all wearing dresses and are totally dolled up to try and attract attention to themselves. They also have on shoes that look like they would be uncomfortable walking from the house to the mailbox, let alone walking up and down the hills on a golf course (and there are some pretty steep ones at Muirfield). I am surprised there are not more broken ankles (although I did see some lady bite it on the side of a hill on Saturday – that was pretty humorous…).
2.) Guys Dressed In Their Golf Outfits
I am not talking about the guys that just wear their golf shirts or their golf spikes (the spike-wearers are idiots). I am referring to the guys that are in full gear – golf shoes, pants shirts, hats and sometimes vests. I don’t know if they are trying to fool people into thinking they are pro golfers that already finished their round and are just hanging out on the course (possibly in an attempt to fool the women in #1 above) or they are hoping that Davis Love III is going to go down with a knee injury on the 6th tee and his caddy is going to turn to the crowd and shout, “Isn’t there anyone out there who is properly dressed that can save this round????” Whatever the reason, they look like tools.
3.) Really Old White People
These are the people that have probably been coming to the tournament since it began in the early 70s, and they were still Old White People then (the “Really” part didn’t come until later). They bring their chairs with them and pick out a hole they like and camp out right up front, even if no golfers are scheduled to come through for a few hours. They sit there and chat and continue to creep closer to death. These people are not to be confused with the people that find a whole they like and then put their chair down to save their spot right up front and then LEAVE for a few hours. Those people make me want to throw their chairs into the sandtrap.
4.) The Douchebags Who Follow Tiger.
I know a lot of people follow Tiger Woods. That’s fine – he’s the most popular golfer there is and the sole reason why a lot of people have even the slightest interest in golf. I know this going in and I am fine with it – I either avoid the part of the course he is on, or, if I do want to see him, I find a spot where I can see a few groups ahead of him and wait for the crowds to come to me. My major problem is with the idiots that feel the need shout obnoxiously every time he touches the ball. If you have ever watched Tiger on TV, you know these people. They are the ones that shout “Get in the hole!” when he tees off on a 565 yard par 5 (my favorite example – once on TV I heard someone yell “Get you some!” after one of his drives – classic…). Well, its 50 times worse when you are seeing him in person. There is a lot more yelling and inane Tiger related chatter that the microphones don’t pick up (like the time on Saturday when, after hearing some cheering off in the distance, some yokel behind me remarked. “that must be for Tiger” as if the crowd would not appreciate any other mere mortal’s shot).
Also, make sure you always hit up the pro shop...
1.) The Women There To Land a Rich Husband
I am sure that they are aiming for one of the pro golfers (I found out this weekend that Jim Furyk met his wife in Columbus), but would probably settle for one of the well-off company executives that are everywhere. You can spot these women from a mile away – they are all wearing dresses and are totally dolled up to try and attract attention to themselves. They also have on shoes that look like they would be uncomfortable walking from the house to the mailbox, let alone walking up and down the hills on a golf course (and there are some pretty steep ones at Muirfield). I am surprised there are not more broken ankles (although I did see some lady bite it on the side of a hill on Saturday – that was pretty humorous…).
2.) Guys Dressed In Their Golf Outfits
I am not talking about the guys that just wear their golf shirts or their golf spikes (the spike-wearers are idiots). I am referring to the guys that are in full gear – golf shoes, pants shirts, hats and sometimes vests. I don’t know if they are trying to fool people into thinking they are pro golfers that already finished their round and are just hanging out on the course (possibly in an attempt to fool the women in #1 above) or they are hoping that Davis Love III is going to go down with a knee injury on the 6th tee and his caddy is going to turn to the crowd and shout, “Isn’t there anyone out there who is properly dressed that can save this round????” Whatever the reason, they look like tools.
3.) Really Old White People
These are the people that have probably been coming to the tournament since it began in the early 70s, and they were still Old White People then (the “Really” part didn’t come until later). They bring their chairs with them and pick out a hole they like and camp out right up front, even if no golfers are scheduled to come through for a few hours. They sit there and chat and continue to creep closer to death. These people are not to be confused with the people that find a whole they like and then put their chair down to save their spot right up front and then LEAVE for a few hours. Those people make me want to throw their chairs into the sandtrap.
4.) The Douchebags Who Follow Tiger.
I know a lot of people follow Tiger Woods. That’s fine – he’s the most popular golfer there is and the sole reason why a lot of people have even the slightest interest in golf. I know this going in and I am fine with it – I either avoid the part of the course he is on, or, if I do want to see him, I find a spot where I can see a few groups ahead of him and wait for the crowds to come to me. My major problem is with the idiots that feel the need shout obnoxiously every time he touches the ball. If you have ever watched Tiger on TV, you know these people. They are the ones that shout “Get in the hole!” when he tees off on a 565 yard par 5 (my favorite example – once on TV I heard someone yell “Get you some!” after one of his drives – classic…). Well, its 50 times worse when you are seeing him in person. There is a lot more yelling and inane Tiger related chatter that the microphones don’t pick up (like the time on Saturday when, after hearing some cheering off in the distance, some yokel behind me remarked. “that must be for Tiger” as if the crowd would not appreciate any other mere mortal’s shot).
Also, make sure you always hit up the pro shop...
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