It's the last day of one amazing year...at least musically speaking. Sure, record sales and the economy are down, but digital single downloads have never been higher. Reflecting on 2007, I think I appreciated the albums far more than I did the songs. This year, it's just the opposite. I had countless songs that I loved, but only a few albums (as a whole) that generated excitement. I really had to work at coming up with albums for my year end list, but I couldn't list enough songs. In fact, at one point, I had over one hundred and fifty songs on my list.
1. That's Not My Name, The Ting Tings
2. L.E.S. Artistes, Santogold
3. Back Of The Van, Ladyhawke
4. Human, The Killers
5. The Toast, Nervous Cabaret
6. Kiss With A Fist, Florence And The Machine
7. I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked, Ida Maria
8. Id Engager, Of Montreal
9. Little Garcon, Born Ruffians
10. Something Is Not Right With Me, Cold War Kids
11. Bullets, Tunng
12. Ghosts, Laura Marling
13. Be The One, The Ting Tings
14. Ready For The Floor, Hot Chip
15. Cologne, Dolly Parton
16. Spaceman, The Killers
17. Mansard Roof, Vampire Weekend
18. Little Bit, Lykke Li
19. Christopher And Anthony, Jape
20. Dog Days Are Over, Florence And The Machine
21. Gobbledigook, Sigur Ros
22. I Like It Casual, Little Jinder
23. I Wrote This Song, Jonna Lee
24. You, Me And The Bourgeoisie, The Submarines
25. Brooklyn Go Hard, Jay-Z feat. Santogold
26. Shake It! Shake It!, Thomas Tantrum
27. Spiralling, Keane
28. Mercy, Duffy
29. It's Not My Problem, Sneaky Sound System
30. Shut Up And Let Me Go, The Ting Tings
31. Better Than Sunday, Ladyhawke
32. Shake That Devil, Antony And The Johnsons
33. Where Do I Begin, Sneaky Sound System
34. Joy, Temposhark
35. Beat (Health, Life And Fire), Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down
36. My Baby Left Me, Rox
37. Crime, Najwajean
38. Gallery Piece, Of Montreal
39. Fruit Machine, The Ting Tings
40. Turn Tail, The Young Knives
41. Paris Is Burning, Ladyhawke
42. I Wish I Could Keep You, Little Pictures
43. Perfect Problem, The Ting Tings
44. You Cheated Me, Martha Wainwright
45. Time To Pretend, MGMT
46. My Drive Thru, Santogold/Pharrel/Julian Casablancas
47. Young Love, Moto Boy
48. They Don't Believe, Russian Red
49. Mademoiselle Opposum, Barbara Carlotti
50. Great DJ, The Ting Tings
51. Don't Leave, Ane Brun
52. Evident Utensil, Chairlift
53. A Dustland Fairytale, The Killers
54. Out Like Bats, Tu Fawning
55. Cold Shoulder, Adele
56. Break In Violence, Nervous Cabaret
57. S E V E N T E E N, Marine And The Diamonds
58. People C'mon, Delta Spirit
59. Good Time, Brazilian Girls
60. M79, Vampire Weekend
61. Heavy Heart, Ghostland Observatory
62. Feel The Love, Cut Copy
63. Dumpster Diving, Castledoor
64. Neon Tiger, The Killers
65. Disco Fiasco, Kristoffer Ragnstam
66. On My Own Again, Kleerup
67. Used To Be, Beach House
68. Springtime, Annuals
69. Watchmaker, The Tom Fun Orchestra
70. Bag Of Hammers, Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down
71. Girls Girls Girls, Marina And The Diamonds
72. Chupee, Cocoon
73. GFC, Albert Hammond, Jr.
74. El Presente, Julieta Venegas
75. No One But Yourself To Blame, Bo Pepper
76. It's The Love, The Breeders
77. Spotlight, Jennifer Hudson
78. Make Me Smile, Pearl And The Pirates
79. Knickerbocker, Fujiya & Miyagi
80. Lay It Down, Peter Bjorn And John
81. Vidas Paralelas, Ximena Sariñana
82. Through The Night These Days, Jason Collett
83. That's That, Cass McCombs
84. Creeper, Islands
85. The Ides, FrYars
86. How Am I To Be, The Watson Twins
87. Love Is A Stranger, Martha Wainwright
88. Two Weeks, Grizzly Bear
89. The Escapist, The Streets
90. you Have Been Loved, Sia
91. How I Could Just Kill A Man, Charlotte Sometimes
92. And You Give, Michael Barber
93. Hard Line, Jill Barber
94. You Stood Me Up, Benji Hughes
95. Two Doors Down, Mystery Jet
96. This House Can Fit Us All, Little Pictures
97. In Or Out, Britta Persson
98. Beat Control, Tilly And The Wall
99. Wash Away, The Chapin Sisters
100. Disco Lies, Moby
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A Waltz To Remember
In reflecting on this past year's films, it comes down to two films that had the most impact on me. One is my favourite, the other, in my opinion, the best film of the year.
Vicky Christina Barcelona
The latest Woody Allen movie is the favourite for many reasons. For starters, it's hilarious. I don't think I was expecting it to be quite so funny when I first ventured out to see it, but was pleasantly surprised by just how enjoyable it was. So much so I returned the following weekend to see it again...alone. Surprisingly, the only other film that I had watched alone at a theatre was another Woody Allen film, 'Match Point'. Secondly, the acting was flawless. During the first viewing, I was in love with Rachel Hall's performance. The second go round, I sat up and took notice of Penelope Cruz's brilliant performance. If it weren't for Viola Davis in 'Doubt', Penelope would be the front-runner for the Supporting Actress Oscar. In my opinion, at least. Finally, I related well to one of the characters in many ways, especially their philosophy on love. Oh, and it's one of those rare movies I not only can watch over and over, but that I actually want to watch again and again.
Waltz With Bashir
The BEST film of the year. It's the story of a man on a journey to reclaim his memories of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon by having former comrades tell stories they'd most likely wish they didn't remember. The beautiful animation distracts you from the fact that you're actually watching a documentary all the way up until the brutal, haunting final images. It had such an impact on the entire audience that not one person stirred until it was well into the credits. The film is riveting, engaging and one of the most beautiful films that I've ever seen. On a side note, Max Richter's score is breathtaking. Hopefully it will be nominated for an Oscar since the film itself has been shut out of the Documentary category due to a lame technicality.
Vicky Christina Barcelona
The latest Woody Allen movie is the favourite for many reasons. For starters, it's hilarious. I don't think I was expecting it to be quite so funny when I first ventured out to see it, but was pleasantly surprised by just how enjoyable it was. So much so I returned the following weekend to see it again...alone. Surprisingly, the only other film that I had watched alone at a theatre was another Woody Allen film, 'Match Point'. Secondly, the acting was flawless. During the first viewing, I was in love with Rachel Hall's performance. The second go round, I sat up and took notice of Penelope Cruz's brilliant performance. If it weren't for Viola Davis in 'Doubt', Penelope would be the front-runner for the Supporting Actress Oscar. In my opinion, at least. Finally, I related well to one of the characters in many ways, especially their philosophy on love. Oh, and it's one of those rare movies I not only can watch over and over, but that I actually want to watch again and again.
Waltz With Bashir
The BEST film of the year. It's the story of a man on a journey to reclaim his memories of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon by having former comrades tell stories they'd most likely wish they didn't remember. The beautiful animation distracts you from the fact that you're actually watching a documentary all the way up until the brutal, haunting final images. It had such an impact on the entire audience that not one person stirred until it was well into the credits. The film is riveting, engaging and one of the most beautiful films that I've ever seen. On a side note, Max Richter's score is breathtaking. Hopefully it will be nominated for an Oscar since the film itself has been shut out of the Documentary category due to a lame technicality.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Favourites
So it's the end of the year. A wonderful year, indeed. Aside from moving to NYC and getting a new job, the year was full of amazing concerts and brilliant music. Tomorrow I will post my favourite songs from the past year, but today I am focusing on albums. Keep in mind that this is not a best of list, just a list of my favourites. In keeping with the last post, I'm listing 29 to coincide with my age. Also, I don't feel much like explaining what I like about them, as I just am not really in the mood.
1. The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing
2. The Killers, Day & Age
3. of Montreal, Skeletal Lamping
4. Santogold, Santogold
5. Ladyhawke, Ladyhawke
6. Jape, Ritual
7. Nervous Cabaret, Drop Drop (In A Little Bottle)
8. Robyn, Robyn
9. Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend
10. Adele, 19
11. MGMT, Oracular Spectacular
12. Cold War Kids, Loyalty To Loyalty
13. Sigur Ros, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
14. Dolly Parton, Backwoods Barbie
15. Hot Chip, Made In The Dark
16. Ane Brune, Changing Of The Seasons
17. OST, Waltz With Bashir
18. The Submarines, Honeysuckle Weeks
19. Sia, Some People Have REAL Problems
20. Keane, Perfect Symmetry
21. Cut Copy, In Ghost Colours
22. Duffy, Rockferry
23. Sneaky Sound System, 2
24. Russian Red, I Love Your Glasses
25. Lykke Li, Youth Novels
26. Laura Marling, Alas, I Cannot Swim
27. Barbara Carlotti, L’ideal
28. Little Pictures, Owl + Owl
29. The Tom Fun Orchestra, You Will Land With A Thud
1. The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing
2. The Killers, Day & Age
3. of Montreal, Skeletal Lamping
4. Santogold, Santogold
5. Ladyhawke, Ladyhawke
6. Jape, Ritual
7. Nervous Cabaret, Drop Drop (In A Little Bottle)
8. Robyn, Robyn
9. Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend
10. Adele, 19
11. MGMT, Oracular Spectacular
12. Cold War Kids, Loyalty To Loyalty
13. Sigur Ros, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
14. Dolly Parton, Backwoods Barbie
15. Hot Chip, Made In The Dark
16. Ane Brune, Changing Of The Seasons
17. OST, Waltz With Bashir
18. The Submarines, Honeysuckle Weeks
19. Sia, Some People Have REAL Problems
20. Keane, Perfect Symmetry
21. Cut Copy, In Ghost Colours
22. Duffy, Rockferry
23. Sneaky Sound System, 2
24. Russian Red, I Love Your Glasses
25. Lykke Li, Youth Novels
26. Laura Marling, Alas, I Cannot Swim
27. Barbara Carlotti, L’ideal
28. Little Pictures, Owl + Owl
29. The Tom Fun Orchestra, You Will Land With A Thud
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Great DJ
I know I haven't been around. Now that I will be traveling for work with greater frequency beginning next month, the chances of me being around here more are low. I considered giving the blog up, but I can't bring myself to do so. Instead, I think I may stick to either a weekly or bi-weekly format. What are your thoughts?
On with the show...
As is the now annual tradition, below are my most played songs from the past year according to Last.fm. As per usual, the number coincides with my birthday since I usually post it on my birthday. That didn't happen this year, but I'm still sticking with the trend.
In regards to the tracks, I don't completely agree with the rankings. There were periods of time that I didn't have internet connection and other times where tracks had more plays scrobbled than should have been. One notable track missing is I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked by Ida Maria. I know that I played it more often than Kiss With A Fist, but there was always an issue that prevented it from being scrobbled. But I digress. Here's the list as is.
Track/Artist
1. That's Not My Name, The Ting Tings
2. Nantes, Beirut
3. L.E.S. Artistes, Santogold
4. Back Of The Van, Ladyhawke
5. Shut Up And Let Me Go, The Ting Tings
6. Fruit Machine, The Ting Tings
7. Great DJ, The Ting Tings
8. Id Engager, Of Montreal
9. Jimmy, Of Montreal
10. Be The One, The Ting Tings
11. Underneath, Alanis Morissette
12. Human, The Killers
13. Mercy, Duffy
14. Ghosts, Laura Marling
15. The Zombies Are Inside Out, Feisty Stevens (a/k/a - Feist vs. Sufjan Stevens)
16. Tired, Adele
17. Something Is Not Right With Me, Cold War Kids
18. Past In Present, Feist
19. Kiss With A Fist, Florence And The Machine
20. We Get On, Kate Nash
21. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb, Spoon
22. How I Could Just Kill A Man, Charlotte Sometimes
23. Perfect Problem, Don't Be A Stranger
24. You'll Find A Way, Santogold
25. Back In Your Head, Tegan And Sara
26. Cologne, Dolly Parton
27. Paris Is Burning, Ladyhawke
28. Crash And Burn Girl, Robyn
29. Joy, Temposhark
As for my favourite tracks and albums of the year, those lists will hit the blog next week. I'm on holiday from today through Monday. I leave in a few hours for Indiana (blah) and will most likely not have internet access where I'll be.
On with the show...
As is the now annual tradition, below are my most played songs from the past year according to Last.fm. As per usual, the number coincides with my birthday since I usually post it on my birthday. That didn't happen this year, but I'm still sticking with the trend.
In regards to the tracks, I don't completely agree with the rankings. There were periods of time that I didn't have internet connection and other times where tracks had more plays scrobbled than should have been. One notable track missing is I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked by Ida Maria. I know that I played it more often than Kiss With A Fist, but there was always an issue that prevented it from being scrobbled. But I digress. Here's the list as is.
Track/Artist
1. That's Not My Name, The Ting Tings
2. Nantes, Beirut
3. L.E.S. Artistes, Santogold
4. Back Of The Van, Ladyhawke
5. Shut Up And Let Me Go, The Ting Tings
6. Fruit Machine, The Ting Tings
7. Great DJ, The Ting Tings
8. Id Engager, Of Montreal
9. Jimmy, Of Montreal
10. Be The One, The Ting Tings
11. Underneath, Alanis Morissette
12. Human, The Killers
13. Mercy, Duffy
14. Ghosts, Laura Marling
15. The Zombies Are Inside Out, Feisty Stevens (a/k/a - Feist vs. Sufjan Stevens)
16. Tired, Adele
17. Something Is Not Right With Me, Cold War Kids
18. Past In Present, Feist
19. Kiss With A Fist, Florence And The Machine
20. We Get On, Kate Nash
21. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb, Spoon
22. How I Could Just Kill A Man, Charlotte Sometimes
23. Perfect Problem, Don't Be A Stranger
24. You'll Find A Way, Santogold
25. Back In Your Head, Tegan And Sara
26. Cologne, Dolly Parton
27. Paris Is Burning, Ladyhawke
28. Crash And Burn Girl, Robyn
29. Joy, Temposhark
As for my favourite tracks and albums of the year, those lists will hit the blog next week. I'm on holiday from today through Monday. I leave in a few hours for Indiana (blah) and will most likely not have internet access where I'll be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)