tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365202482024-03-12T20:46:39.142-07:00Common TerryTerrence McClusky:
Forcing his opinions on you since the day he could speak.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-62793153084218534172012-12-31T13:40:00.000-08:002012-12-31T16:29:37.934-08:00Sound Waves Goodbye To 2012<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I wouldn’t call 2012 a stellar year in music. I felt a number of bands missed some opportunities. Others got hyped for reasons I can’t quite get my head around, but they’ll make someone else’s list. However, to be fair, I didn’t have the opportunity to dedicate as much time to single albums as I have in the past. Yeah, I listened to plenty, but my exploration was hindered by the purchase of my Vespa. Much as I love it, the one downside to owning a scooter is that I’m no longer stuck in LA traffic with a car full of mp3s. And it’s kind of dangerous — and very illegal — to wear headphones whilst riding one of those contraptions. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That said, there was certainly enough great music to make this list; some of it stellar, including a first in the years I’ve been doing this exercise.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Time to begin.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">10. <b>Perfume Genius</b> - <i>Put Your Back N 2 It</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A new artist to me. And, shockingly, it turns out he wasn’t named Perfume Genius when he was born. He was actually named Mike Hadreas (in an odd coincidence, by Chanel). Mike grew up to make a very delicate, patient album </span><span style="font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;">— </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">at times dark, at times lovely, at times both. And it’s more than just his music, it’s also his voice. It’s dark, lovely and both. (...What?) This year, he’s certainly gotten his share of attention from actual music critics and “experts” (whatever that means) most of whom far better qualified to make the call than me. There’s a slight Youth Lagoon quality to these songs, which could have something to do with why I like it. Regardless, <i>PYBN2I</i> is a good place to start the 2012 music conversation.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>Sister Song</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiqwNN8M8QhmYpThyphenhypheniiG1ATxcP84DeM_eitoEBAwhMsDsHkq1MbsIftOIsvbE9qUwMUEIQ83PQT9fPhDRi15yr4AqSg8_nFyXNkQihIGGObMgY48fDwjsqtfwj01jhfPU6UjC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.13.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiqwNN8M8QhmYpThyphenhypheniiG1ATxcP84DeM_eitoEBAwhMsDsHkq1MbsIftOIsvbE9qUwMUEIQ83PQT9fPhDRi15yr4AqSg8_nFyXNkQihIGGObMgY48fDwjsqtfwj01jhfPU6UjC/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.13.19+PM.png" width="399" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">9. <b>Weird Dreams</b> - <i>Choreography</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The way the guitars are produced on <i>Choreography</i> suggests that Weird Dreams are big fans of early REM (always a good thing) and this album features probably the most poppy songs on the whole list. In fact, the track <i>Holding Nails</i> always makes me think of <i>Heartbeat, It’s a Lovebeat</i> by the DeFranco Family (usually a terrible thing). The big difference between the two is that it’s not crap. On other tracks, there’s a slight 60s-pop feel. Despite this, WD’s songs aren’t obviously derivative and the best word to describe this album is “bright.” They walk the line between musical influences and originality. And it works pretty well. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>Vague Hotel</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">8. </span><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Guided by Voices</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> - </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Let’s Go Eat The Factory</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Guided by Voices (and specifically Bob Pollard) is known to bang out albums at the same rate that most people finish crossword puzzles. Or, at least they were until they broke up on New Year’s Eve, 2004, marking a sad end to a fruitful, inspired career.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Until they got back together again last year.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And they weren’t fucking around, either. In 2012, GbV released not one, not two, but three albums. All of them great, two of them outstanding. And one in <i>particular</i>— Well, I’m getting ahead of myself. <i>Let’s Go Eat The Factory</i> isn’t just a solid GbV album, it’s a great <i>any</i> album. The reason? It’s Guided by Voices being Guided by Voices. It’s not Guided by Voices 2.0. It’s Guided by Voices. But more than that, they’ve actually evolved from some of their later, less inspired work by composing songs as good as those in 1995. An inspired collection from both Pollard and guitarist Tobin Sprout. So worth the wait.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>The Unsinkable Fats Domino</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">7. <b>Lotus Plaza</b> - <i>Spooky Action At A Distance</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Okay. What’s the deal with solo artists giving themselves band names? I’m talking to you, Lotus Plaza, Perfume Genius, Youth Lagoon, and Paul Simon!! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The funny thing about this album is that, honestly, I don’t quite know how to describe it. That isn’t to say that it’s indescribable. I just don’t have right superlatives as I write this. Yeah, that might make it seem like it’s a stretch to make this list, but the truth is, it’s a great album. The songs are in the same vein as Wild Nothing and, maybe, a touch of The War On Drugs. So, okay, I’m not describing it well, but <i>Spooky Action At A Distance</i> is an album you should own. When you get it, you’ll get it.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>Strangers</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">6. <b>Jóhann Jóhannson</b> - <i>Copenhagen Dreams</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In a word: Wow. In 106 words: I’m not sure why, but I’ve been getting more and more into movie scores over the last few years. (Not soundtracks, but scores.) I’ve never seen <i>Copenhagen Dreams</i>, but I’m guessing Jóhann Jóhannson nailed the tone of the film. He’s certainly nailed that of the photos I’ve seen. And it’s a pretty great album to write to. But that’s no help to you. Jóhannson captures rain and overcast, dusk and dawn, people and machinery set in Copenhagen. It’s all there. So if you’re not sure whether or not you want to visit the capital of Denmark, give this a listen. I’m betting your curiosity will be piqued. Mine is.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>It Will Take Some Time</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">5. <b>Beach House</b> - <i>Bloom</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Bloom</i> is appropriately great. Appropriate because 2010’s <i>Teen Dream</i> knocked me out. I don’t think I actually stopped listening to that one for two weeks. Anyway, it’s been suggested that <i>Bloom</i> is better than <i>Teen Dream</i>. And that may be so, but to me it’s kind of the second disc of a double album — a really, really good one. One reason is that they’ve not changed their sound much. For many bands, that sort of description would be a left-handed compliment but for Beach House it’s a couple underlines and an exclamation point. Victoria Legrand has a way of lulling you into a frame of mind that enables you to view the scenes she illustrates with each song. (If that makes sense.) This album will definitely be in rotation for years to come.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>Myth</i> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4. <b>Grizzly Bear</b> - <i>Shields</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Three years ago, Grizzly Bear released <i>Veckatimest</i> and I put it at number one on the list that year, beating out what has become one of my favorite albums, The Antlers’ <i>Hospice</i>. So that’s saying a lot (to me, at least). I love <i>Shields</i> too. And I <i>really</i> love that I can actually pronounce the fucking title. <i>Shields</i> features one of the best singles of the year in <i>Yet Again</i>. (Guess what the standout track will be.) The thing about what Grizzly Bear do is that they do it so well. It’s obvious they’re unbelievably skilled musicians. But that’s not always a guarantee a band can write catchy songs. In Grizzly Bear’s case, they can, and this album is another example of what happens when skill meets tremendous creativity. Buy it. Buy it, I say!!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: [drumroll] <i>Yet Again</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3. <b>Royal Headache</b> - [self titled]</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Someone opened a garage door in Australia and Royal Headache got out. They’re a hooky roar that I’m thankful I came across. So good, nothing more needs to be said but: Volume+Hooks= Royal Headache. And... DAMN.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>Down The Lane</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVss4PEJuEtZXhlH2SorixqQi-3GuQGaM83R1OaacFVUTjG9bB85Q9fXiPQuyPAARrpJlvIGhVF3OogqzgdJewsXiKtEkraDLQ53iSMu5kMIMdNFSYx3xh0rjlyLKhV9uHzS5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.10.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVss4PEJuEtZXhlH2SorixqQi-3GuQGaM83R1OaacFVUTjG9bB85Q9fXiPQuyPAARrpJlvIGhVF3OogqzgdJewsXiKtEkraDLQ53iSMu5kMIMdNFSYx3xh0rjlyLKhV9uHzS5/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.10.31+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2. <b>Wild Nothing</b> - <i>Nocturne</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Like 2010’s <i>Gemini</i>, <i>Nocturne</i> is seamless. It’s shiny. It sneaks up on you. Wild Nothing have a talent for writing songs that start off basic and, well, <i>alright</i>. But then, out of nowhere, they get a sonic boost and the track goes from Super 8 to HD. <i>Nocturne</i> is loaded with ‘em. <i>“Okayyyy... Standard drum beat... In comes the strummy guitar... Now the bass and spiky guitar... Now the— Holy crap! What was that??”</i> It’s that kind of inner monologue that goes on throughout the 45 minute running time. It is simply brilliant. It is perfect. It is unquestionably the best album of the year.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>...That wasn’t made by Guided by Voices.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>Disappear Always</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtunL0x71YSensdwwuFQXALUAkHCmZwKeaRyHKVyVj_Sz0y2XCZdQvOUqqBfxOYm8hyphenhyphendy4aZqMd2PlAB4WWY1pwXUyqh7PgAd9Cx4ie-OxOm0iY4KgzZlKBrLVS7rFrf-VJbz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.10.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtunL0x71YSensdwwuFQXALUAkHCmZwKeaRyHKVyVj_Sz0y2XCZdQvOUqqBfxOYm8hyphenhyphendy4aZqMd2PlAB4WWY1pwXUyqh7PgAd9Cx4ie-OxOm0iY4KgzZlKBrLVS7rFrf-VJbz/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.10.06+PM.png" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1. </span><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Guided by Voices</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> - </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Bears For Lunch</i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I fucking <i>love</i> this album. It’s the first (and likely only) time one band has made the ten best list. And I have to admit, I’m shocked— Wait. Let me go back...</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’ve met Guided by Voices’ Bob Pollard on a number of occasions and he’s always been amazingly kind as well as generous with his time. Even when, on our first meeting, I wasn’t so much talking as I was firing, <i>“Wow!You’reBobPollard!Ilovethenewalbum!Ilovetheold albums!Iloveallyouralbums!!”</i> At some point, I asked the band’s road manager about a factoid from an article I read. It said that he’d written over 3,000 songs. The road manager said, “That’s ridiculous.” (I <i>knew</i> it!) “He’s written <i>way</i> more than that!” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All of that work made for some of the best albums I own. I thought we had heard the last of the lo-fi genius like that of GbV’s golden age of the 90s. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I was wrong. Happily so. And looking back, I realize I never should have counted them out.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>She Lives In An Airport</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Honorable Mention</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Sigur Rós</b> - <i>Valtari</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Usually, when Sigur Rós makes an album, it makes my list. This is a rare slip. Still, a slip by Sigur Rós is better than the majority of what you’ll hear. This one is geared less toward catchy, structured songs and more toward ethereal, moody portraits. So, y’know, if you like that sort of thing…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>Rembihnútur</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIGbNzRadtj36zAaaNYfCsJ_CjnL_4a1cNF3Ybm63LXqI0ZDQojGEY3fPUmOopo3hAsadP4VRETz8XfV235WFQStHqOBj5OW1krvsmYhipe7QPEqmML2A1nY8Jmz7lrt06yMC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.09.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIGbNzRadtj36zAaaNYfCsJ_CjnL_4a1cNF3Ybm63LXqI0ZDQojGEY3fPUmOopo3hAsadP4VRETz8XfV235WFQStHqOBj5OW1krvsmYhipe7QPEqmML2A1nY8Jmz7lrt06yMC/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.09.34+PM.png" width="399" /></a></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Japandroids</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> - </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Celebration Rock</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hypothetically speaking: If you’re in your 20s. And you’re in college. And you’re in a frat. And you’re having a blow-out. And you have barrels and cases of beer. And you have bottles and bottles of liquor. And you have weed. And you aren’t playing this? You failed.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>The House That Heaven Built</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmjX-CV0Qg_gMxJ8UWvEN2OCCoKbpODx41xn0WeHC8us_smWXsE_jRDeYEh_qgwyOOF2fEhcUJrbj-yw7UFKs0JP_DnIB99qMafRIGkz3g9fi9d2tEXh-f-atEQnldN5KEVoz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.09.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmjX-CV0Qg_gMxJ8UWvEN2OCCoKbpODx41xn0WeHC8us_smWXsE_jRDeYEh_qgwyOOF2fEhcUJrbj-yw7UFKs0JP_DnIB99qMafRIGkz3g9fi9d2tEXh-f-atEQnldN5KEVoz/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.09.05+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Divine Fits</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> - </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A Thing Called Divine Fits</i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s a thing of beauty from the driving force from behind Spoon. I’m not sure why Britt Daniel felt he couldn’t release this album with his day band, but okay. It’s a great Spoon album by Divine Fits. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>My Love Is Real</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUr-l9ZAappKnH4we9PJadPNKCQ2C9YDvunIniyUPthl4dhq6sk_HKANVzScodzVAq479ucdqtJACZ3r1KYhHfBJCxxFLjqxSxFMqVcG_-eTevBt1PbpDnPROePPYyjM409_K/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.08.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUr-l9ZAappKnH4we9PJadPNKCQ2C9YDvunIniyUPthl4dhq6sk_HKANVzScodzVAq479ucdqtJACZ3r1KYhHfBJCxxFLjqxSxFMqVcG_-eTevBt1PbpDnPROePPYyjM409_K/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-12-31+at+12.08.40+PM.png" width="399" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Bat For Lashes</b> - <i>The Haunted Man</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I find Bat For Lashes (aka Natasha Khan) is hard to pin down, and that’s why I like her. She does whatever the hell she wants and so far it’s worked very, very well. May as well keep spinning those plates till they fall.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Standout track: <i>Laura</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, there y’go. One of these days I’ll make a supplementary list of best albums I didn’t get around to the year they were released. I’m pretty sure the past twelve months will be well represented.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Still, I’m pretty happy with what we have on New Year’s Eve, 2012.</span></div>
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Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-14839266289659640302011-12-25T21:05:00.000-08:002012-01-25T04:10:11.784-08:00My Sound Decisions: The Ten Best Albums of 2011<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Last year, my friend Jen Baron posted an article on Facebook in which a famous musician — who it was, exactly, escapes me at the moment — makes the case that year end music lists are ridiculous. One of his points was that you can’t really make an educated decision because you can’t know all the albums in the running. And he’s right. For instance, I haven’t yet dug into Wild Flag enough to make educated assessment, but from what I’ve heard, it’s pretty great, and Guided by Voices just released an album a few days ago. Not nearly the time I need to make a call. (Yes, I am comfortable with being a slacker.) But when it comes to these lists, I don’t claim it to be the be all and end all, unlike Pitchfork, who actually does seem to be suggesting they are. So, as with past lists, keep a salt shaker at the ready, and watch your blood pressure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">That said, from what I heard, it was a good year. A very good year, early on. You know it has the potential to be a monster year when Radiohead, TV on the Radio, and REM all release albums in the first few months. All of them very good to excellent. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">And while I’m on the subject of REM, for the purposes of this list, I’ve disqualified them. <i>Collapse Into Now</i> was, as we all now know, their final album. I’ve been an unapologetic fan for over half my life and I could have easily placed it in the top ten. Regardless of what many people would say</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> — especially most of the 20-somethings I know — </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">neither music nor musicians have an expiration date. But I’m aware that sentimentality could play a significant role. (I am, after all, Mr. Sentimental of LA County three years running.) Hence, the disqualification. Regardless, buy the album. I love it and I think that, at the very least, you’ll enjoy it. A fitting end to a storied career. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Well, then. Let’s get on with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>10. </b><i>The King Of Limbs</i> - Radiohead</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I waffled back and forth on this one. <i>TKOL</i> is more divisive than a Denver Broncos quarterback’s post-game interview.</span><span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;"> [timely football reference] </span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">It’s yet another giant step away from <i>OK Computer</i> and that pisses people off. This also means that, if you look in your rearview mirror, there’s virtually no trace of <i>The Bends</i> whatsoever. The problem: What we’re all looking for, really, is the same album over and over and over again. I’ve never understood an inflexible fan base but, okay, it’s not for me to understand. Admittedly, my first response to <i>The King Of Limbs</i> was, “Huh?” But after a couple weeks’ investment, it really opened up. Detractors will say that it’s no <i>In Rainbows</i>. Good. They’ve already made <i>In Rainbows</i>. This is a different album; a great album that's as challenging as it is entertaining. If you don’t believe me, listen to <i>Ferrel</i> with headphones.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Codex</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>9.</b> <i>Only In Dreams</i> - Dum Dum Girls</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">2011’s best-of list is loaded with thoughtful, brooding albums. This one’s on it too. <i>Only In Dreams</i> is an album that makes me want to be unproductive. And I believe I’ve achieved that goal. (I'll cross “be unproductive” off my list, but later. Tomorrow, maybe. Or not.) I defy you to listen to <i>Bedroom Eyes</i> three times in a row and not be hooked. You can’t, can you? Unlike the argument I make with <i>TKOL</i> about musical evolution being good, I’m okay with this being the same album as <i>I Will Be</i>, which made last year’s list. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I’m in love with the drummer. Has my hypocrisy let you down? Really? Yeah, well, I try not to let that stuff get to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Bedroom Eyes</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>8.</b> <i>Smoke Ring For My Halo </i>- Kurt Vile</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Kurt Vile is a songwriter. I don’t get the classification. Artists like Paul Simon and Gordon Lightfoot have always been referred to as songwriters, but isn’t any musician or band who writes their own stuff a “songwriter”? I suppose if we’re talking about a solitary singer/musician, we’re talking songwriter. So, okay, Kurt Vile is a songwriter of very, very good songs. And the songs on <i>Smoke Ring For My Halo</i> are better than very, very good. (Must… resist... urge... to do... Frosted Flakes™ ad.) At times, it seems like this is an… I don’t know… an <i>“obvious”</i> album, meaning it’s was the natural progression for Kurt Vile. “And,” to quote Daniel Tosh, “for that, we thank you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Baby’s Arms</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>7.</b> <i>Past Life Martyred Saints</i> - EMA</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Who’s up for songs penned by a young, angry lesbian? I AM!!! I AM!!!</i> Well— Isn’t everyone?? This is a gem. I had never heard of EMA (aka Erika M. Anderson) before this album, but upon first listen, it drew me in like an artist drawing something in. <i>Real</i> in. (And reel in.) Maybe partly due to the fact that she sings at barely a whisper in some of the tracks and you have to lean in to listen. Or maybe it’s because her lyrics are raw and nervy, including, “I wish that every time he touched me left a mark” and the simple, sledgehammer opening to California, “Fuck California, you made me boring.” She ain’t from the cast of the Mickey Mouse Club, that’s for damn sure. Nor, it goes without saying, is she from the Playboy Club. Actually, she’s from South Dakota.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>California</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>6.</b> <i>The Year Of Hibernation</i> - Youth Lagoon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">What do you do when you’re 22 years old and living in Boise, Idaho? Evidently, if you’re Trevor Powers (no relation to Kenny as far as I know), you make an exceptional album. His voice can best be described as young Neil Young — Not to be confused with young Karl Jung. Musically, <i>The Year Of Hibernation</i> feels a little Galaxie 500-ish, but maybe a little more sparse. Perhaps he was influenced by his surroundings, I don’t know. I’ve never been to Boise, but I’m assuming “teeming metropolis” isn’t a description that leaps to mind for visitors. Sonically, it feels as though you’re in his parents’ garage at 2:00 in the morning, and that’s a good thing. 22 years and already he’s making intimate, vulnerable music. Little bastard; I hate him. But love the album.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>17</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>5.</b> <i>Badlands</i> - Dirty Beaches</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Dirty Beaches is one guy — A Canadian named Alex Hungtai. His album <i>Badlands</i> should be used for a David Lynch movie. Change nothing. Just release it as a soundtrack. It’s warped, creepy rockabilly music that would fit the bill if you were driving down a dark southwestern highway, with Sherilyn Fenn in your trunk and no cars in sight. Hungtai’s voice is vaguely reminiscent of Elvis Presley and his production sounds as though his engineer hasn’t graduated from the early cassettes on which Hungtai released his work exclusively. Normally, this would be a troublesome detail, but in this case, it’s oddly fortunate for anyone listening in. I can’t say enough good things about this album, but I will say it’s definitely for a very <i>specific</i> audience. I doubt most of you would blast it at your next barbecue. But you’d be missing out. Seriously. Life isn’t a Bud Light ad, is it? No, it is not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Lord Knows Best</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>4.</b> <i>David Comes To Life</i> - Fucked Up</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Lead singer Damian Abraham’s voice sounds like he’s perpetually yelling at the ref for a bad call on 3rd-and-long, with the playoffs on the line.</span><span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;"> [football reference #2]</span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"> It takes a lot of patience for me to get familiar enough with Fucked Up’s music to judge it because I have to negotiate around that voice. But once negotiations have ended, I’m glad I took the time. <i>David Comes To Life</i> is something of a rock opera, and oddly, never makes mention of arcade games of any kind. (Amateurs.) It’s a narrative, but when it comes down to it, it’s really a hooky, powder keg of an album that makes me feel like I should be drinking a lot of beer with very, very smart people. I guess that’s always an option, but I quit a couple decades ago. <i>Eh, screw it. Where’s the marshmallow vodka?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Queen of Hearts</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>3.</b> <i>Let England Shake</i> - PJ Harvey</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Let England Shake</i> is the perfect name for the album <i>Let England Shake</i>. To my ear, it sounds like what I would call “21st century apocalyptic.” (A genre that’s gonna sweep both sides of the Atlantic, just wait and see.) There’s an ominous tone to it from start to finish. Not the kind you experience when you look down at your watch only to realizing that you pulled into the McDonald’s drive-thru at 10:31 a.m. — <i>Way</i> worse. But even though its tone feels contemporary, <i>Let England Shake</i> is actually about London after the first World War. This may seem an antiquated topic to you and me, but to Britain, the ripple effects are still being felt today, even if barely noticeable. Though, I can’t speak to how late their McDonalds’ serve breakfast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>The Last Living Rose</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>2.</b> <i>Bon Iver </i>- Bon Iver </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Bon Iver used to be a man. Bon Iver became a band. <i>Bon Iver</i> is now an album too. And it’s beautiful. That’s the word. Beautiful. You can throw “delicate” into the fold too. Justin Vernon specializes in songs that go hand in hand (in hand) with these descriptors. This album is so good, I don’t really know what to say about it. It speaks for itself. I want you to buy this album because, if you’re still reading, you deserve it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Holocene</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>1.</b> <i>Burst Apart </i>- The Antlers</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">If you scan the music sites’ “Best of 2011” lists </span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">(I haven’t)</span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">, I’m betting all the money in my pockets </span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">(I carry a debit card)</span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"> this one isn’t in the #1 position. Nor is it likely in anyone’s top ten. This isn’t to say that I’m somehow in the know. It’s just a matter of taste. Mine might be atrocious and, here, you’ve spent all this time reading this blog. Despite this, I’ll press on: For my money, this is the best album of the year. <i>Burst Apart</i> is The Antlers’ third album and it’s an effin’ tremendous follow-up to 2009’s work of genius, <i>Hospice</i>. Like <i>Hospice</i>, the songs that make up the album cover some depressing, if not troubling topics, ranging from empty, loveless sex to putting down the family pet. Not exactly warm and cuddly, and very unlikely to be covered by teen idol X, Y, or Z, which is the mark of any great album. (I’m talkin’ to you, Roger Daltrey!) Yeah, this album is going to be ignored, and there’s a better than great chance that almost everyone will disagree with me. I mean, without question, enough people to fill all the stadiums of the National Football League.</span><span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;"> [third and final football reference]</span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"> But I’m okay with that. I would think most of them haven’t listened to a note.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>I Don’t Want Love</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>In The Conversation</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">More great music. I always find it difficult to boil these lists down to 10 albums. Here are the other ones that <i>could</i> have made the cut, a few that <i>should</i> have made the cut, and one or two that I’ll be <i>kicking</i> myself over in two years. <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">(In no particular order.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Helplessness Blues</i> - Fleet Foxes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">The follow-up to their self-titled debut, it could have easily been simply disc two of a double album. But so, so good. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aA-8IBFD9no/TvfyHftWQXI/AAAAAAAAAm8/q3f0WgTnMtI/s1600/Real-Estate-Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aA-8IBFD9no/TvfyHftWQXI/AAAAAAAAAm8/q3f0WgTnMtI/s400/Real-Estate-Days.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Days</i> - Real Estate</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">If Vampire Weekend didn’t suck, they still wouldn’t sound as good as this. I’m just sayin’. </span><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Vampire Weekend? <i>So</i> ridiculously overrated. Real Estate? Not. But there's a weird guitar-thingy that goes on that reminds me of VW's sound. Left-handed compliment, indeed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>It’s Real</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDxvm_p9Zqo/TvfxjE-mF5I/AAAAAAAAAmw/f2gCyNrLfr4/s1600/girls-record-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDxvm_p9Zqo/TvfxjE-mF5I/AAAAAAAAAmw/f2gCyNrLfr4/s400/girls-record-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Father, Son, Holy Ghost </i>- Girls</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Girls often make me uneasy, but I love them. The same can be said for this band. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Vomit</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>By The Hedge</i> - Minks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">It’s tough for me to put my finger on Minks. They have a bit of an Emo sound similar to Wild Nothing, but they definitely put their own spin on it. A good one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Out of Tune</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Slave Ambient </i>- The War On Drugs</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">‘Nother new band that I think is going to do great things. But then, I said that about U2, and they went nowhere fast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Baby Missiles </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Nine Types Of Light </i>- TV on the Radio</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Always a great listen. I love TVOTR’s utterly TVOTR sound, and their albums usually end up in my top ten. There just happened to be some great music this year. One has to make the hard decisions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Repetition</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Take Care, Take Care, Take Care</i> - Explosions in the Sky</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Explosions are criminally ignored. They deserve to be heard. And not just in a movie soundtrack like <i>Friday Night Lights.</i> <i>Take Care, Take Care, Take Care </i>is a great example why. With music this powerful, who needs a singer? Not Explosions In The Sky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>Trembling Hands</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Strange Mercy</i> - St. Vincent</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I’m fairly certain this will fall under the category of albums I’ll be kicking myself over in two years. It takes a long time for me to dig into St. Vincent’s albums. But, oh, how I love Annie Clark. I’d love her to be my latex salesman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>Metals</i> - Feist</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Metals is a very Feist album. And what do you say about a Feist album? It’s feisty, I guess. And it’s good because her voice is feisty too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Standout track: <i>How Come You Never Go There</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">So then, that’s this year’s list. Nothing left to say but hello, EMA, Youth Lagoon, War On Drugs, Minks, Real Estate, and Dirty Beaches. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Goodbye, REM.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-59285015683216598322010-12-19T11:33:00.000-08:002011-12-25T16:40:02.418-08:00Yeah, well, y'know, this is just, like, uh, my opinion, man: the top 10 albums of 2010...Or so says El Duderino. (I’m not in to the whole brevity thing.) <br /><br />I’m a sucker for great packaging. I suppose you can blame my history in advertising or my lifelong obsession with design, but I appreciate the details in which, I’ve been told, God lives.<br /><br />I mention this because, while 2010 has been a tremendous year for new music, it’s also been a big year for reissues. As I write this, within eyeshot are the reissues of The Stones’ <span style="font-style:italic;">Exile On Main Street</span>, and Springsteen’s <span style="font-style:italic;">Darkness On The Edge Of Town</span>. Both were so well executed, I ended up devoting a good chunk of time getting reacquainted with the original albums and outtakes, as well as digging into some impressive packaging. (I covet the hell out of Bowie’s <span style="font-style:italic;">Station To Station</span> box too.) These should not be ignored just because they were released decades ago, you agist bastards, so when you get the time, circle back and check them out. <br /><br />Right. Enough sentimentality and insults. On to the past 12 months. <br /><br />This year’s list was a difficult one to come to. This, despite the bad grammar, is an understatement. As per usual, it’s a top ten with five runners-up, but I could have easily added to it. The list of ten is rock-solid and any of the five that follow could have easily made the cut. <br /><br />Okay, then. Let’s go.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkPwAc-_GvY1eb0k2uMg_oPkSKkz9UavKWLDCaIaTS2VWA8eHm2sqzs0yn_FJPAKSIpH8LQFJfg8QoonBoWylunr-VHx02fvXg1ML1IPakmMWWFkzXkV1oBWBuAUN11W-S62f/s1600/Arcade-Fire-The-Suburbs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkPwAc-_GvY1eb0k2uMg_oPkSKkz9UavKWLDCaIaTS2VWA8eHm2sqzs0yn_FJPAKSIpH8LQFJfg8QoonBoWylunr-VHx02fvXg1ML1IPakmMWWFkzXkV1oBWBuAUN11W-S62f/s400/Arcade-Fire-The-Suburbs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552612258374669458" /></a>10. Arcade Fire - <span style="font-style:italic;">The Suburbs</span><br /><br />Let me begin by saying Win Butler needs to calm the fuck down. Seriously. Get a haircut and calm the fuck down, Win Butler. I’ll pay for it. (The cut, not the therapy.) Y’see, I really do like Arcade Fire when I don’t have to actually <span style="font-style:italic;">look</span> at Arcade Fire. Win and his wife always look as if 10,000 infants will somehow perish if they don’t perform their songs. Maybe they should stop giving away plastic bags at their shows. Those bags are not toys. Having said that, their grating intensity onstage serves them well in the studio. <span style="font-style:italic;">The Suburbs</span> is what you’d expect from them but in a good way. It’s a very good Arcade Fire album which makes it good enough to crack the ten. As a collection of songs, it feels like they’re building on <span style="font-style:italic;">Neon Bible</span> and taking it a few steps further. Effective baby steps, indeed.<br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">City With No Children</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o_t5BrLQYDCpCxQtDHM36Wf79siE3EM3w92y-_gTdt4kRLX1WAisoWxzSXYBB41Yl4hPesNC5hkWaTnvN8ziO2r2SzWIRdsiKODMpQlYKv-r5LH2x6u4EXdBkV96VuoZvWsw/s1600/iwillbe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o_t5BrLQYDCpCxQtDHM36Wf79siE3EM3w92y-_gTdt4kRLX1WAisoWxzSXYBB41Yl4hPesNC5hkWaTnvN8ziO2r2SzWIRdsiKODMpQlYKv-r5LH2x6u4EXdBkV96VuoZvWsw/s400/iwillbe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552611692004782770" /></a>9. Dum Dum Girls -<span style="font-style:italic;"> I Will Be</span><br /><br />A lo-fi dream come true. (I had my first lo-fi dream when I was 13. It was confusing. Nevertheless…) Tuth be told, it’s not entirely lo-fi. It just lingers along the edge. In fact, it’s a strange hybrid. It’s as if Phil Spector took off his wig, put down his gun and took Dum Dum Girls to a recording studio back in the 60’s. Weird, right? But lead singer Dee-Dee sites both The Ramones and The Ronettes as two major influences. These songs are tight and catchier than a catchy thing and, trust me, you’ll be happy to catch their debut virus. <br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Bhang Bhang, I’m A Burnout</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeNjHNjbeZv9vgZ_8TB44ghAJ7k1uT_I8DN_-MU3ibWksFmmhahM1zP1DkNsKioqv66IzQ29RgwP-OySVSovOvzp9Ky7NragbrHsyjqDuZ8vHzihScE2_ZmyHlhPR-3aaIFvj/s1600/lcd-soundsystem-this-is-happening-cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeNjHNjbeZv9vgZ_8TB44ghAJ7k1uT_I8DN_-MU3ibWksFmmhahM1zP1DkNsKioqv66IzQ29RgwP-OySVSovOvzp9Ky7NragbrHsyjqDuZ8vHzihScE2_ZmyHlhPR-3aaIFvj/s400/lcd-soundsystem-this-is-happening-cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552611267556363906" /></a>8. LCD Soundsystem - <span style="font-style:italic;">This Is Happening</span><br /><br />Admittedly, <span style="font-style:italic;">This Is Happening</span> didn’t really get a good listen until recently. I can’t count myself as being a huge LCD Soundstystem fan. Chalk it up to the seizure-inducing <span style="font-style:italic;">Tribulations</span>. (LCD Soundsystem, I want to love you, but you bring me down.) Whatever the reason, I couldn’t get my head around it. In fact, I hated it the first five or six times I played it all the way through. But the more I listen to it, the more I’m realizing it deserves to be on this list. It just keeps getting better. Why? Well, that’s the thing about LCD Soundsystem. Much like the conclusion of most of my dates, I can’t put my finger on it. So it’s best to not ask why.<br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">All I want</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmSeVq6tUQlfUxStX85dVTGwqQGo49ADE3opcRbdaIDZjXbto3lJIiAG4U4kvQ2OAwELaSDEaR2wEf0QuVALJz8SKexhgb9L6bxSUhSBFBaEhipMnOzDuWJxYdMNOh7tZUC0B/s1600/jonsi-go.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmSeVq6tUQlfUxStX85dVTGwqQGo49ADE3opcRbdaIDZjXbto3lJIiAG4U4kvQ2OAwELaSDEaR2wEf0QuVALJz8SKexhgb9L6bxSUhSBFBaEhipMnOzDuWJxYdMNOh7tZUC0B/s400/jonsi-go.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552610802768582178" /></a>7. Jonsi - <span style="font-style:italic;">Go</span><br /><br />Leafing through one of the gazillion racks of CDs at Amoeba, I casually asked mine friend Jim what he thought of this album. HIs response? “It’s exactly what I’d expect, which means it’s gorgeous.” I couldn’t have said it better. Jonsi is best known as the singer and driving force of Sigur Ros, whom I invariably place on these lists with each new release. <span style="font-style:italic;">Go</span> isn’t really a sea change from what fans have come to expect from his day job — delicate yet powerful arrangements and soaring crescendos, mainly. What it does offer is, however, exceedingly helpful to singing along: <span style="font-style:italic;">English</span>. Real, live English that people in Kentucky would understand were they inclined to listen to musicians outside of our freedom-loving nation. Clearly, foreign musicians hate freedom, being that they weren’t born here. Circling back, suffice it to say, Icelandic isn’t a language offered in the Mt. Lebanon School District’s curriculum. Criminal, I’d say. <br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Go Do</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCfFUv-B0vACkNjP2ouQwvNnLAVP8USZZLA9P7TwT5NsoxtDkqgDcF9Ebqpv8n3xb1MgzpgNL_yP8D5cydvdqFdPPRiHisKF7FXw4C7pw1AGEXF7eKWjMmtDxNw-JtSWI43oQ/s1600/four_tet_there_is_love_in_you-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCfFUv-B0vACkNjP2ouQwvNnLAVP8USZZLA9P7TwT5NsoxtDkqgDcF9Ebqpv8n3xb1MgzpgNL_yP8D5cydvdqFdPPRiHisKF7FXw4C7pw1AGEXF7eKWjMmtDxNw-JtSWI43oQ/s400/four_tet_there_is_love_in_you-web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552610096463196594" /></a>6. Four Tet - “There Is Love In You”<br /><br />There are a lot of people who like to argue that “electronic” music has no soul. Anyone with the aforementioned point of view should listen to track 8 on Radiohead’s <span style="font-style:italic;">Kid A</span> (and maybe consider attending the upcoming book burning in Yazoo, Mississippi). If that doesn’t do the trick, the opening track of <span style="font-style:italic;">There Is Love In You</span> should. It’s made up of mostly sampling and is entirely beautiful. This album is one of those surprise releases for me; you won’t see many albums of this genre on my ten best lists. Because electronic music has no soul. Wait— <span style="font-style:italic;">What??</span><br /><br />Standout Track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Angel Echoes</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0WkO3-XSh8yYVW2nj0qHwJpiY7hTeOqUoL0vVSPgeMZBrj51FoCB8jBA1Zq87nCXFp8fO82dFilwYEZ9Zuv2afeA4AYj2qW407EOAV0VAwJj3YYOVDT2oGyZ82-YTvDrxbob/s1600/superchunk-majesty-shredding.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0WkO3-XSh8yYVW2nj0qHwJpiY7hTeOqUoL0vVSPgeMZBrj51FoCB8jBA1Zq87nCXFp8fO82dFilwYEZ9Zuv2afeA4AYj2qW407EOAV0VAwJj3YYOVDT2oGyZ82-YTvDrxbob/s400/superchunk-majesty-shredding.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552609486636839090" /></a>5. Superchunk - <span style="font-style:italic;">Majesty Shredding</span><br /><br />A couple years ago, when Portishead released <span style="font-style:italic;">Third</span> after an eleven year hiatus, I was nervous. I sought no therapy, yet have made a full recovery. Though I still shake when I see poodles. I have no explanation for this. Anyway. Bands who take so much time off don’t often bounce back with an inspired effort. Like Michael Jordan and Brett Favre, once you’re retired, you should stay retired. Thankfully, Superchunk don’t enjoy sports, as far as I’m aware. <span style="font-style:italic;">Majesty Shredding</span> is so… Superchunk. These songs still have the <span style="font-style:italic;">grrrrr!</span> of <span style="font-style:italic;">Slack Motherfucker</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">Precision Auto</span> and prove that there are no rules when it comes to music. Though, I’m pretty sure that it’s considered unsportsmanlike conduct if one texts a picture of one’s junk to a sideline reporter. I’ll ask around to verify. <br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">My Gap Feels Weird</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa4H2ETqWt8RFzIY6hw5mo-MExtOq8Plv3O4uoN6asX0_d7-xpqM4rA8aEuk0OSJ7qGKUuga7-LTzLSyEDTx6gR4ggq63trw-OtDW7XDc1RnJXRpSGvGOgB8tEuKAGacnAlX3/s1600/BELLE-SEBASTIAN-WRITE-ABOUT-LOVE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa4H2ETqWt8RFzIY6hw5mo-MExtOq8Plv3O4uoN6asX0_d7-xpqM4rA8aEuk0OSJ7qGKUuga7-LTzLSyEDTx6gR4ggq63trw-OtDW7XDc1RnJXRpSGvGOgB8tEuKAGacnAlX3/s400/BELLE-SEBASTIAN-WRITE-ABOUT-LOVE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552604521348648034" /></a>4. Belle & Sebastian - <span style="font-style:italic;">Write About Love</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">“Yeah, we get it, you like Belle & Sebastian.”</span> This, I imagine, is what my close friends are saying upon seeing B&S in the number four position. My response? Yeah. I do. You want to argue it, make your own damn list. Stop judging me!!!! This is — as with past lists — like that one time in band camp!!! All this being very odd because I never attended band camp. And although I have no idea whether or not Stuart Murdoch attended band camp, if he did, then, money well spent. He and his friends have released a really great album featuring some of the best polyphony I’ve heard. And while that probably sounds like a tame, uninspired way to describe an album so high on such a list, I think it’s all that needs to be said. After all, Belle & Sebastian don’t rock hard, they don't pen provocative lyrics and they don’t bite the heads off of anything, except during Easter. They just make really great albums. With some of the best polyphony I’ve heard.<br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">I Didn’t See It Coming</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPEkb4H-fLS259AX73yCY43SmHBizErC-3ML8oN7fvqOUym_uw1wy6lwcB0Vx0WBwgREmnFXf-oGLVIQUUlXodP3iCel5DXnqpO8qrDhy8fRT3BRQKaF9wPZ9mCwz-8ILE8Uo/s1600/beach-house-teen-dream.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPEkb4H-fLS259AX73yCY43SmHBizErC-3ML8oN7fvqOUym_uw1wy6lwcB0Vx0WBwgREmnFXf-oGLVIQUUlXodP3iCel5DXnqpO8qrDhy8fRT3BRQKaF9wPZ9mCwz-8ILE8Uo/s400/beach-house-teen-dream.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552603903801707394" /></a>3. Beach House - <span style="font-style:italic;">Teen Dream</span><br /><br />Advice to any musicians out there: When performing for a large audience, don’t repeatedly apologize for playing new songs. It turns people off and makes them not want to buy the album. It also makes the audience fidgety because they came to see Grizzly Bear and not an apologetic singer. I know this because it’s exactly what I experienced at the Palladium last year. Having written them off, I was surprised when Mr. Craig Seder sang their praises. (It wasn’t so much singing; it was more like spoken word in that he spoke the words.) After speaking, he gave me the album and I was subsequently blown away. Sooooo good. Its retro feel actually serves the songs rather than detracts from them. Each track, whether true or not, seems elementary, but I don’t want to listen to a 17-minute keyboard solo. This is not a Yes concert. It’s music for which no one should apologize.<br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Zebra</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg7bE2ygxKirW9-htkLEpsjLz8WYeb1Cun3SYPqW3jRgi_ufjN1wDvbbTe-nSl8t2oAVFWeRnT51txpdGW8dzkDvLTl0MF2U8cIOouVGtqWAPyArlJKPQd5Bd1idf00zPJ0we/s1600/halcyondigest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg7bE2ygxKirW9-htkLEpsjLz8WYeb1Cun3SYPqW3jRgi_ufjN1wDvbbTe-nSl8t2oAVFWeRnT51txpdGW8dzkDvLTl0MF2U8cIOouVGtqWAPyArlJKPQd5Bd1idf00zPJ0we/s400/halcyondigest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552603175916285474" /></a>2. Deerhunter - <span style="font-style:italic;">Halcyon Digest</span><br /><br />Jim: Have you heard the new Deerhunter?<br />Me: Not yet. I’ve been meaning to. Is it good?<br />Jim: Holy shit. <br /><br />This, the only endorsement I needed to go to the “D” section, then lay down my cash (debit card). All I need to say is, “Holy shit.” But you’ve <span style="font-style:italic;">met</span> me. Have you ever known me to say more than two words on anything? I mean, other than an insult? No. No, you have not. This album is so good that it’s all a standout track. The songs range from kind of creepy to Bobby Sherman. (Well, not quite. But still.) This is unquestionably Deerhunter’s best work, which makes it worth more than the cash (debit card) I paid for it. The cover, however, creeps me out to no end. <br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Desire Lines</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-Xj6aGfgzwKQg5fVy_c0XSxmrL-C2Y_M7Nangd7jxCyyw9Z8IFIwMkBgYZilmdHmYvkF2cxP8pOPT8vnPr6zyoUD933AZgkg26jL-krTeeRMqQ5QMEUSb01TvVGx37_T-Dqd/s1600/wild-nothing-gemini-cover-art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-Xj6aGfgzwKQg5fVy_c0XSxmrL-C2Y_M7Nangd7jxCyyw9Z8IFIwMkBgYZilmdHmYvkF2cxP8pOPT8vnPr6zyoUD933AZgkg26jL-krTeeRMqQ5QMEUSb01TvVGx37_T-Dqd/s400/wild-nothing-gemini-cover-art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552602641458098338" /></a>1. Wild Nothing - <span style="font-style:italic;">Gemini</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Who the hell is Wild Nothing?</span> After months of listening, to me this is like saying, “Who the hell is Joe Greene?” (Pittsburghers will get it.) This album, to my ear, is 1989 - 1993. Yes, you can hear their influences, but with songs this great, I couldn’t care less. (See what I did there? "Couldn’t" v. "Could?") That’s what <span style="font-style:italic;">Gemini</span> does. It makes you turn a phrase correctly. Or maybe it doesn’t. What I’m sure it does do is make you glad you listened to the critics and blindly bought it. Every time I consider listening to this, I think, “Yeah, that’s a good one. I’ll listen to that.” Then I click the arrow and think, “<span style="font-style:italic;">Man</span>, this is an outstanding one!” I mean, every time. You may just do the same, blindly or otherwise. But not deafly. I mean… Y’know… <br /><br />Oh! They also released a great E.P — <span style="font-style:italic;">Golden Haze</span>. Also pretty brilliant.<br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Summer Holiday</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">honorable mention</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz179r_tCmHM6-lcm-hEmVROvf5NRjIHs2E7xY4sT_J153gXnxI5pr1ulF6GtaG76ye9TYvarLY4Fo6cJD85DdFjy-fKhYZVxXmceGCW8KigogE1YMUzZihpRXdscTN-ESi0pN/s1600/best-coast-crazy-for-you-cover-art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz179r_tCmHM6-lcm-hEmVROvf5NRjIHs2E7xY4sT_J153gXnxI5pr1ulF6GtaG76ye9TYvarLY4Fo6cJD85DdFjy-fKhYZVxXmceGCW8KigogE1YMUzZihpRXdscTN-ESi0pN/s400/best-coast-crazy-for-you-cover-art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552601756140639410" /></a>Best Coast - <span style="font-style:italic;">Crazy For You</span><br /><br />Feels a bit like a sister album to Dum Dum Girls. Catchy as hell. And at this moment, I’m considering switching the two. Feels kind of like an injustice that it’s not up there, wedged in at #8. But, alas, I must stick to the rules I’ve set in place. I’m a tyrant. <br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Crazy For You</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RB0_6Rtv-Vt-bWLXNyOKUHbZJV9jq5EP9bk8CYvVIjuQB0IhiqYHZyJ-dEWazZApCYz41WqSMQVZvpxHrDunini4VbZyGrlmp6XXk2wvAaQDI-ncELN2AtD0AXa2nwYe7VM3/s1600/meursault-all-creatures.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RB0_6Rtv-Vt-bWLXNyOKUHbZJV9jq5EP9bk8CYvVIjuQB0IhiqYHZyJ-dEWazZApCYz41WqSMQVZvpxHrDunini4VbZyGrlmp6XXk2wvAaQDI-ncELN2AtD0AXa2nwYe7VM3/s400/meursault-all-creatures.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552601200376747890" /></a>Meursault - <span style="font-style:italic;">All Creatures Will Make Merry</span><br /><br />“Is the Arcade Fire album that good?" "Was Phosphorescent’s release better?” These are the kinds of questions that swim in my head when I begin compiling these lists. (No, I don’t really take it as seriously as it sounds, but I do think on it extensively.) The real question should be, “Why the hell doesn’t anyone know about these guys??” Meursault is a new band for me and their album blew me away. They’re from Scotland and, therefore, not crap. This is putting it mildly. You know that moment when an album opens up for you and your brain really latches onto the melodies? When that happened with <span style="font-style:italic;">All Creatures Will Make Merry</span>, I was sure very little could top it. Buy this album.<br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Crank Solutions</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHg17oYKRDHRxNHBxjB02ZVoOrNDSm3orykUsAHMdbH3F89cpE2fzF7NUegzBUB1fRu9_UzkPpesGJ7q6Erb4DpxyyVuKJzGKxLtKn8Soo_rVTMS_hUushsKuau7IiEp6DhFxa/s1600/phosphorescent-heres-to-taking-it-easy-cover-art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHg17oYKRDHRxNHBxjB02ZVoOrNDSm3orykUsAHMdbH3F89cpE2fzF7NUegzBUB1fRu9_UzkPpesGJ7q6Erb4DpxyyVuKJzGKxLtKn8Soo_rVTMS_hUushsKuau7IiEp6DhFxa/s400/phosphorescent-heres-to-taking-it-easy-cover-art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552600110933797666" /></a>Phosphorescent - <span style="font-style:italic;">Here’s To Taking It Easy</span><br /><br />I can’t remember what drew me to this one, but I was immediately glad I gave it a listen. Phosphorescent has somehow managed to make the best Wilco album since <span style="font-style:italic;">Yankee Hotel Foxtrot</span>. It’s a series of well-crafted songs wedged between two locations, opening with <span style="font-style:italic;">It’s Hard To Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)</span> and closing out with <span style="font-style:italic;">Los Angeles</span>. (They’re from neither; they’re from Athens, Georgia and are now Brooklynites.) The latter track offers the line that resonates most with me: “I ain’t came to Los Angeles just to die.” Amen, Brother Houck. Amen. <br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Los Angeles</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30ttYr_5DQ2lY4ZkBx0y4QmxJlBfB92OaHlZcN0dDqJ_Hdth5pLtEKbteaBb1bWlEoi-0gCQ6wXkNX3xoUfHN5tH83AZNYS29JFizcv2ahDBJ3QXyXizjzXlGOM84YhUXRH-g/s1600/localnatives-600x600.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30ttYr_5DQ2lY4ZkBx0y4QmxJlBfB92OaHlZcN0dDqJ_Hdth5pLtEKbteaBb1bWlEoi-0gCQ6wXkNX3xoUfHN5tH83AZNYS29JFizcv2ahDBJ3QXyXizjzXlGOM84YhUXRH-g/s400/localnatives-600x600.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552480692757501090" /></a>Local Natives - <span style="font-style:italic;">Gorilla Manner</span><br /><br />This album was on repeat for about three straight weeks. I’m happy to have found it. Though, I must admit, it loses points for a not-so-great cover of Talking Heads’ <span style="font-style:italic;">Warning Sign</span>. Y’just don’t fuck with the classics. And if you’re going to? Make damn sure you have it down. I’m just sayin’.<br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Shape Shifter</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtAXUUtP1sRuvdPnwFCZlHe954NspC0PZ24NMOQtJarkWFIQoCJjiivu8B_G7aOqSSt8z4aYmdoA7qWjGbdpFZneMrKI9eDji0w11HwgtouC223wHEvq9AE3vtO3YbAW8DxX_/s1600/the-national_high-violet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtAXUUtP1sRuvdPnwFCZlHe954NspC0PZ24NMOQtJarkWFIQoCJjiivu8B_G7aOqSSt8z4aYmdoA7qWjGbdpFZneMrKI9eDji0w11HwgtouC223wHEvq9AE3vtO3YbAW8DxX_/s400/the-national_high-violet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552480035273517522" /></a>The National - <span style="font-style:italic;">High Violet</span><br /><br />Not exactly Mr. Irrelevant. In comparison to “Boxer?” This one’s no slouch. <br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Anyone’s Ghost</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A final thought.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uxUxkGnbDLibNK5X0gQTssy_XQX6URQ3yJVKCqKDJe_GhknF4ttqIvSbYe5lBYJPvNNlprEMozZrDbGWr9ZemQo1exmgHFzw-8ZYgXsWTnUAz7mGokqrHluBxmLbkkcwWOvd/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-19+at+11.27.57+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uxUxkGnbDLibNK5X0gQTssy_XQX6URQ3yJVKCqKDJe_GhknF4ttqIvSbYe5lBYJPvNNlprEMozZrDbGWr9ZemQo1exmgHFzw-8ZYgXsWTnUAz7mGokqrHluBxmLbkkcwWOvd/s400/Screen+shot+2010-12-19+at+11.27.57+AM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552479128691578978" /></a>It isn’t often you get to become friends with one of your idols, much less four, but many years back, that’s what happened to me. To this day, I believe that one of the best albums ever made is <span style="font-style:italic;">Surprise, Surprise, Surprise</span>, from New Haven, Connecticut natives Miracle Legion. <br /><br />Few people bothered to put the needle to the vinyl to find out for themselves because few people knew about it, except for a pretty decent following in England. (Radiohead’s Thom Yorke sites singer Mark Mulcahy as one of his biggest influences.) Fitting that London is where I should become friends with them. I had just flown in for my second tour of duty at a Hampstead Heath Youth Hostel a week prior to an REM show, for which seemingly everyone was trying to get a ticket. In the lobby, before said show, I ran into Miracle Legion’s very jet lagged guitarist Mr. Ray Neal. I asked him where he was staying. Turns out he had no idea. And so began a summer of providing the band with a home base for their European tour. Every week or so, they’d stay at the hostel for a few days, then dash off to Amsterdam and Paris and Berlin and anywhere there was anyone who would listen. For a fan, it was a dream come true.<br /><br />On the December 14th, Mark released <span style="font-style:italic;">Surprise, Surprise, Surprise</span> on mp3. Being that the only CDs of <span style="font-style:italic;">Surprise</span> were made Japan, copies were hard to come by and so I’ve gone a long time without the album being a staple on my rotation. Listening to it today, I’m reminded of that summer in London and my time with the band, so it obviously has a special place in my heart. But you don’t have to have had a history with Mark, Ray, Dave and Scott to enjoy its brilliance. <br /><br />This is my highest recommendation this year. Hands down. You can’t get it on iTunes (yet), so the only way to downloaded it is from the site below. If you make the $10 investment, you will be rewarded. <br /><br />Standout track: <span style="font-style:italic;">Crooked Path</span> <br />(One of many.)<br /><br />http://miraclelegion.bandcamp.com/album/surprise-surprise-surprise?autoplay=true<br /><br />Enjoy the music, all. And let the debate begin.<br /><br />::Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-17463732090446337592010-01-01T04:31:00.000-08:002010-01-01T16:03:15.731-08:00the 30 best of the past decadeBefore Steve Jobs, there were these things called "CDs." And before CDs, there were "albums" and Memorex "tapes" of albums which, we were told, were killing the music industry. But I'll get back to that. <br /><br />I’ve been accused of appreciating the wrong albums. “Why,” I’m asked, “would you like ‘Neon Bible’ over “Funeral??’” “You’re not saying that you like ‘Elephant’ more than ‘De Stijl,’ are you??” Yes. Yes I am. That’s the thing about these lists. It's why I love ‘em. They trigger a dialogue about music. And I love to hear a rousing approval or heated retort. I always get something from them, either way.<br /><br />Some of these albums [or "LPs"] will make the music snobs that I love say to me, “You mean your list includes…???” Yes. Yes it does. Why? It all depends on where you were at the time. I guess you just had to be there too.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllYKGS4K4j8CeA2EKqxZ0WeSrXSqsguSF3kAGM9q0JtADMlkRD53ldXMSdpkN7V46bZKt4WWqSKiEEyyJbyqH0P7A3DhtgbAtk3IezNTFN0mQX2lKjVI1_CMRpHH_xQQYAu2f/s1600-h/B00007JRJR-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllYKGS4K4j8CeA2EKqxZ0WeSrXSqsguSF3kAGM9q0JtADMlkRD53ldXMSdpkN7V46bZKt4WWqSKiEEyyJbyqH0P7A3DhtgbAtk3IezNTFN0mQX2lKjVI1_CMRpHH_xQQYAu2f/s400/B00007JRJR-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421866663124428818" /></a>30. Jon Brion - "Meaningless"<br /><br />Okay. I'm kicking this list off with a kind of a "Huh...?" In fact, when I first heard this album, I didn't really like it much. But I'm not just being a contrarian, I think it's amazing. [Craig? It's also fantastic.] I've chronicled my love of Jon Brion before. Specifically the fact that I think he's the best live show I've ever seen. [Stop by Largo on La Cienega on most Friday nights and you'll see why.] And I'll admit that those shows are a big influence on "Meaningless" making my top 30. Jon Brion produces Aimee Mann's albums as well as a couple Fiona Apple's, so if you like those two, sonically speaking, you'll like the feel of this one.<br /><br />Standout track: "Ruin My Day"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuWjQwFEeerA-Tf-1T014ZD07lnQP5K9G7djwwpRoumkMnEbhsxVHAaSWdZbTlU1X_BV2FAk0hfNwJ-fRYuJeg-iLQRr0jeJ02oW_RLR9_zdFrvLmDhRsTrtMcaHt9Q9_5DCQ/s1600-h/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+11.46.04+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuWjQwFEeerA-Tf-1T014ZD07lnQP5K9G7djwwpRoumkMnEbhsxVHAaSWdZbTlU1X_BV2FAk0hfNwJ-fRYuJeg-iLQRr0jeJ02oW_RLR9_zdFrvLmDhRsTrtMcaHt9Q9_5DCQ/s400/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+11.46.04+AM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421860223942098242" /></a>29. Andrew Bird - "Armchair Apocrypha" <br /><br />Andrew Bird — or, as I like to call him, Andrew Bird — is probably the smartest composer on this list. And if he's not, he's missing a huge opportunity to be. He mixes infectious hooks with gorgeous arrangements. Plus, few have the ability to make the violin and whistling a big part of their stylings. So that's nice. Oh. And if you get a second, check out his performances on "La Blogoteque" [I'd say one of the best sites ever]. http://www.blogotheque.net/Andrew-Bird,2968<br /><br />Standout track: "Scythian Empires"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGc9CuMGr-8Gsn9RHmj5cy5N1T8HGabzgbRNNyovar84afJI9zVDMfyVRJbQmbX6nM1nWZQBk08HslXKPjDbl5SKx3NNLB6XVkMQt1sBXyJb1EhH0-_-K6gMV2df75tS4bQQz/s1600-h/the+hour+of+the+bewilderbeast.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 388px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGc9CuMGr-8Gsn9RHmj5cy5N1T8HGabzgbRNNyovar84afJI9zVDMfyVRJbQmbX6nM1nWZQBk08HslXKPjDbl5SKx3NNLB6XVkMQt1sBXyJb1EhH0-_-K6gMV2df75tS4bQQz/s400/the+hour+of+the+bewilderbeast.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421763171543089522" /></a>28. Badly Drawn Boy - “The Hour Of Bewilderbeast”<br /><br />I think "Bewilderbeast" is just plain underappreciated. When it came out back in 2000, it got tons of buzz. [I’m not sure how one measures buzz — tons? Yards? Weeks? Anyway...] To my ear, it’s very British. But not obviously so. Not tea and crumpets and bad teeth and thinly veiled embarrassment. It’s a great album and deserves to be on everyone’s list. <br /><br />Standout track: “Once Around The Block”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uDFFd8_bnoDCwPhPW2Dl8z_Tn_UErsq58_kU_kv8maMGvKYvGE7hqkxt2VqGMn6uTet0xkpTPB6fxCzES-GePR8Z5if0BZrJztExcIuJ8D9lvwGJ4hjPumGnkfmNrgmwj6dX/s1600-h/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.25.29+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uDFFd8_bnoDCwPhPW2Dl8z_Tn_UErsq58_kU_kv8maMGvKYvGE7hqkxt2VqGMn6uTet0xkpTPB6fxCzES-GePR8Z5if0BZrJztExcIuJ8D9lvwGJ4hjPumGnkfmNrgmwj6dX/s400/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.25.29+AM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421762772666238162" /></a>27. The National - “Boxer”<br /><br />A beautiful and unexpected album. Give it a listen, and a listen, and a listen. You start to pick up the details. Another brilliant opening track in “Fake Empire.”<br /><br />Standout track: “Start A War”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKNGIQRPJTTWEfRrUj4z4BuF-xWnpelCwN79Mu8sclkZutC7zfltyoxDFNrqMk3Jf4rsyIaudn05bJlRt9ut7-Cl6k7co27F_IpRYBinwhYM8iKAQoGGjhPBVN0TYSre0uSib/s1600-h/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.24.15+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKNGIQRPJTTWEfRrUj4z4BuF-xWnpelCwN79Mu8sclkZutC7zfltyoxDFNrqMk3Jf4rsyIaudn05bJlRt9ut7-Cl6k7co27F_IpRYBinwhYM8iKAQoGGjhPBVN0TYSre0uSib/s400/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.24.15+AM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421761772205935026" /></a>26. The Magnetic Fields - “69 Love Songs”<br /><br />How do I love yinz? Leave me count the ways. [Something for the Pittsburghers who happen to be reading.] 69 songs, 69 interpretations of love. If you know it, you know there's no album like it, and you’ll like it if you don’t know it. Yeah. Try following that.<br /><br />Standout track: “Yeah! Oh, Yeah!”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzXgi0dTWaaJ7yYPQSykmrvoQ3frKuznKpyvWoFQzRXrI-4R5hv7bayqUDnXXXND4Q3-SWXMNleRdtvXxsjnfbYBOW6YtV0AJUJjSse7eIHHR4lhTUs1NqBENOWdBXzz0EbMZ/s1600-h/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.22.12+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzXgi0dTWaaJ7yYPQSykmrvoQ3frKuznKpyvWoFQzRXrI-4R5hv7bayqUDnXXXND4Q3-SWXMNleRdtvXxsjnfbYBOW6YtV0AJUJjSse7eIHHR4lhTUs1NqBENOWdBXzz0EbMZ/s400/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.22.12+AM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421761438745348290" /></a>25. Okkervil River - “The Stage Names”<br /><br />Okkervil River had one hell of a great decade. This, along with “Black Sheep Boy,” “The Stand Ins,” and “Don’t Fall In Love With Everyone You See” make for an incredible string of home runs, you have to wonder when they’re going to slip-up. Or if they ever will.<br /><br />Standout track: “Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqo6yEKgXAtNiU3cvKCJflbU7c4f3yXMKootT8BD1SGOHa-HjYD_-iHcyq3WCb_lFJXGPVkGn1WUZQ-AQjVr_8gRUU5x_aK-9v0oGCsMO211UleV5CCSAUsYkCinrEsjabyhO/s1600-h/the+earth+is+not+a+cold+dead+place.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqo6yEKgXAtNiU3cvKCJflbU7c4f3yXMKootT8BD1SGOHa-HjYD_-iHcyq3WCb_lFJXGPVkGn1WUZQ-AQjVr_8gRUU5x_aK-9v0oGCsMO211UleV5CCSAUsYkCinrEsjabyhO/s400/the+earth+is+not+a+cold+dead+place.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421760886190848194" /></a>24. Explosions In The Sky - “The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place”<br /><br />This one probably isn’t on many lists. It’s on mine because, apart from being an outstanding album, it’s also one that I’ve loved writing to. In a way, it’s kind of my writing soundtrack. There’s something great about a band that can rivet you without singing a single note.<br /><br />Standout track: “First Breath After Coma”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rNPVdFi2eirNxGDbobfmJoxbniTVZDPoJXLEKyhfZcHBmmjUkPGHw5Y-lW5lONp5ow5GFILIkhSRtknucjKojwLiQ-gUip-BVWRDI_WURq4W7JcxpkawL09-AWfpZpo-C1zZ/s1600-h/hospice.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rNPVdFi2eirNxGDbobfmJoxbniTVZDPoJXLEKyhfZcHBmmjUkPGHw5Y-lW5lONp5ow5GFILIkhSRtknucjKojwLiQ-gUip-BVWRDI_WURq4W7JcxpkawL09-AWfpZpo-C1zZ/s400/hospice.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421760460523289650" /></a>23. The Antlers - “Hospice”<br /><br />I just think I’m going to look back on "Hospice" and it’ll still be on this list. It’s a gamble but, hey, I’m willing to take it. Fearless, I am.<br /><br />Standout Track: “Two” (see “Hear, Here”)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFpdTfHzV4DjyM5reNDJZDUMftcTpNsawTccgtTbGRCEaR_MKimZx_41QzMvkwzTVavzXaU56L5GxI5TGn0HDAdwLH1C1AF74VUcgLidZYon188bSG_OBesB3G7L2vRZGtQNE/s1600-h/the+life+pursuit.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFpdTfHzV4DjyM5reNDJZDUMftcTpNsawTccgtTbGRCEaR_MKimZx_41QzMvkwzTVavzXaU56L5GxI5TGn0HDAdwLH1C1AF74VUcgLidZYon188bSG_OBesB3G7L2vRZGtQNE/s400/the+life+pursuit.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421760126595869266" /></a>22. Belle & Sebastian - “The Life Pursuit”<br /><br />Anytime I listen to "The Life Pursuit," I’m in New York in November. I’m walking down Bleeker, on my way to the Blind Tiger; I’m finishing my day, walking through Times Square, heading back to the hotel; I’m watching Christmas lights go up in Columbus Circle. <br /><br />Standout track: “Another Sunny Day”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxsDTrVR7511ExKSwLv2HMC_bSf7dpKSb1OfZVfRKv3_MDb9cBb3zE6RTJtGFUSggtQcwgw31NVFasFbikbohtTAMa8rCqyRiE8XsTh3ju03uqkPl7O2pXwhw9RL1g5ffoO3U/s1600-h/stories+from+the+city.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxsDTrVR7511ExKSwLv2HMC_bSf7dpKSb1OfZVfRKv3_MDb9cBb3zE6RTJtGFUSggtQcwgw31NVFasFbikbohtTAMa8rCqyRiE8XsTh3ju03uqkPl7O2pXwhw9RL1g5ffoO3U/s400/stories+from+the+city.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421759757027197026" /></a>21. PJ Harvey - “Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea”<br /><br />What can I say, I adore Polly Jean. <br /><br />Love “Dry,” <br />love “Rid Of Me,” <br />love “Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea.” <br />[Like poetry.] <br /><br />Much poppier than her previous and hooky enough to be on repeat for quite some time.<br /><br />Standout track: “The Mess We’re In”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbJJmfPgExQCPLE8HN4jAv2RDLdUxXv_E9qpexFc-EjM0lTD0JCF622AKblwJNtsuNx8lA7vJDHTz-sCv2RMm5HB8YDdk9y1BNKVdksf5BKHWwjiPcDOQySJ0Ac4gBhB_swTr/s1600-h/silent+alarm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbJJmfPgExQCPLE8HN4jAv2RDLdUxXv_E9qpexFc-EjM0lTD0JCF622AKblwJNtsuNx8lA7vJDHTz-sCv2RMm5HB8YDdk9y1BNKVdksf5BKHWwjiPcDOQySJ0Ac4gBhB_swTr/s400/silent+alarm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421759443659990146" /></a>20. Bloc Party - “Silent Alarm”<br /><br />This album? Fan-bloody-tastic. The opening track? Fu-bloody-king tremendous. Makes me want to fly to London and see ‘em live, even today. Raw energy and emotion in every song.<br /><br />Standout track: “Like Eating Glass”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk7WFjDLDe6yI-JK5Hy6lMo1LHXyZmkeO6ZDlzzdcKbSqnvfTpefWsam1bTvmIHItB6BkuGeb2YjyNiRDAZjnnyqd6iW0qhQcZhOVmtuR7zpQrGzrgEgHJliLriKyhVBDxtpI/s1600-h/veckatimest.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk7WFjDLDe6yI-JK5Hy6lMo1LHXyZmkeO6ZDlzzdcKbSqnvfTpefWsam1bTvmIHItB6BkuGeb2YjyNiRDAZjnnyqd6iW0qhQcZhOVmtuR7zpQrGzrgEgHJliLriKyhVBDxtpI/s400/veckatimest.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421759259278811634" /></a>19. Grizzly Bear - “Veckatimest”<br /><br />This year’s best album. A lock for this list. It’s one of those albums that carves itself into your brain from listen one. I gushed about it in “Hear, Here.” <br /><br />Standout track: “Two Weeks”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRJYo_6Uhri6ekIIP7h-tqtX_XUH4nmhNbLAYSELzUsQDbCiTgaaO9tnRSTGjJssLk6SezZ2dl5oggBhFl3BwKa_9CPAB-UyDvtJGJ3Cwr_hviwv9teldK93nCiZMMN5p3xpo/s1600-h/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.12.42+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRJYo_6Uhri6ekIIP7h-tqtX_XUH4nmhNbLAYSELzUsQDbCiTgaaO9tnRSTGjJssLk6SezZ2dl5oggBhFl3BwKa_9CPAB-UyDvtJGJ3Cwr_hviwv9teldK93nCiZMMN5p3xpo/s400/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.12.42+AM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421758969327255554" /></a>18. TV On The Radio - “Dear Science,”<br /><br />“Cookie Mountain” is one of my favorites, but this one isn’t far behind. TVOTR are putting out such innovative yet catchy music, you just can’t ignore them. This one’s a bit more accessible than the aforementioned, yet doesn’t lose any of it’s we're-gonna-do-whatever-the-fuck-we-want attitude. <br /><br />Standout track: “Stork & Owl”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4U6WKtS7fDAh84qOgWweOSiNXco3z0qHzc4Lvpo4BKN1BIAwLpuftFNL5aObOuRINHJG0o51Ns5BuqRITKhM0K1uJri9bVnomcZCw54AyGsfKdqUNkiEAY-0tjBo80ngziPs/s1600-h/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.10.27+AM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4U6WKtS7fDAh84qOgWweOSiNXco3z0qHzc4Lvpo4BKN1BIAwLpuftFNL5aObOuRINHJG0o51Ns5BuqRITKhM0K1uJri9bVnomcZCw54AyGsfKdqUNkiEAY-0tjBo80ngziPs/s400/Screen+shot+2010-01-01+at+5.10.27+AM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421758383677947602" /></a>17. Spoon - “Kill The Moonlight”<br /><br />First time I heard Spoon, they were opening for Guided By Voices. And I gotta say, they didn’t grab me as a great live band. That said, for his ability to write a damn fine song? Britt Daniel should be in the Smithsonian. This album is just one reason why. “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” is another. So much so, it was a candidate for this list.<br /><br />Standout track: “Stay Don’t Go”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU3TpcBwtQN-4eYfMJiSEpl2x6rILHa-uX2_debHcTFXSG47Y68fmT8_qbVos2e3SvEEeRDRjBwGEaCSDXl7RchTeWWPVTDPGEgR_ozBZA1bdg9AakbWKs6eB3jpWfmPyaqu6/s1600-h/for+emma,+forever+ago.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU3TpcBwtQN-4eYfMJiSEpl2x6rILHa-uX2_debHcTFXSG47Y68fmT8_qbVos2e3SvEEeRDRjBwGEaCSDXl7RchTeWWPVTDPGEgR_ozBZA1bdg9AakbWKs6eB3jpWfmPyaqu6/s400/for+emma,+forever+ago.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757863783566242" /></a>16. Bon Iver - “For Emma, Forever Ago”<br /><br />Justin Vernon has a gift. He can break your heart in just a few sparse notes. And you have to love him for that. I think that when I look back, this one will have grown in importance.<br /><br />Standout track: “Skinny Love”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmLZC3LDJ3th77BpIa-AYgW83fw2DLzexPn7IxOWAbsDVw029QoAn_resj3f5EMBTe3osiExBpvUp5G7azNxGV0RXI1qB1gKXRebTuloSdROyAeeFmWg6AjBrWx4-KFekZ_uf/s1600-h/elephant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmLZC3LDJ3th77BpIa-AYgW83fw2DLzexPn7IxOWAbsDVw029QoAn_resj3f5EMBTe3osiExBpvUp5G7azNxGV0RXI1qB1gKXRebTuloSdROyAeeFmWg6AjBrWx4-KFekZ_uf/s400/elephant.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757553021409106" /></a>15. The White Stripes - “Elephant”<br /><br />What a decade for these two. “De Stijl” in 2000? “White Blood Cells” in 2001? You’re kidding me, right? I mean, I see one hiccup in the decade [not too big on “Get Behind Me Satan,” but it’s still pretty good]. For me, this is one loud high point. More importantly, "Elephant" has had a major impact on college football fans throughout the country. Where would marching bands be without the bass line for "Seven Nation Army?"<br /><br />Standout track: “There’s No Home For You Here”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf2ROJtpDjKTByvqZ-uLv5clWqPmQszkj7yXyq9pbw0XnB3J5Knz3WJHDlNN-TVCW1hgG8TyF51m_krBwqvaggl7dmEqt5GK0bW04TP1Mo1Zvw7BqDEyli3X2QaiKoOQ0mLGh/s1600-h/furnace+room+lullaby.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf2ROJtpDjKTByvqZ-uLv5clWqPmQszkj7yXyq9pbw0XnB3J5Knz3WJHDlNN-TVCW1hgG8TyF51m_krBwqvaggl7dmEqt5GK0bW04TP1Mo1Zvw7BqDEyli3X2QaiKoOQ0mLGh/s400/furnace+room+lullaby.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757288241187778" /></a>14. Neko Case - “Furnace Room Lullaby” <br /><br />Three notes into this one and you’ll know why. This woman is a freak of nature. What a voice. “FRL” is one damn fine alt-country album. ‘Least that’s how I hear it.<br /><br />Standout track: “Set Out Running”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztZxyhb0ryJnS8r5TghKVay1fHw2v-buOyWxq2yQ_TbFQeByajMPw5NGbigDByQgTCv8LgJm8WJtwYcBDtbiuPr_f0TJDABYuIRKF6HHStHQZN6XkE9Vzf64vQQN-BFsW3CpS/s1600-h/fleet+foxes.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztZxyhb0ryJnS8r5TghKVay1fHw2v-buOyWxq2yQ_TbFQeByajMPw5NGbigDByQgTCv8LgJm8WJtwYcBDtbiuPr_f0TJDABYuIRKF6HHStHQZN6XkE9Vzf64vQQN-BFsW3CpS/s400/fleet+foxes.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421757040475134866" /></a>13. Fleet Foxes (self-titled)<br /><br />These guys came out of nowhere. And Seattle. Which is actually in the Pacific Northwest, for those of you scoring at home [or even if you’re alone]. Anyhow, I’m glad they did because this album is full of great harmonies and the like. And I like.<br /><br />Standout track: “Ragged Wood”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_oayOeH29Hi80G3npfFb3o1BoiNapWux_GgnOzhmWG5Q1YgcKDOz-xn5wPLObPIYZI5UhDTmbilxXORHh5fpSzSnTlTd2ISQN7HWCpI_0CjN6woiaEfICnZ_pZXsu9oj-zug/s1600-h/is+this+it.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_oayOeH29Hi80G3npfFb3o1BoiNapWux_GgnOzhmWG5Q1YgcKDOz-xn5wPLObPIYZI5UhDTmbilxXORHh5fpSzSnTlTd2ISQN7HWCpI_0CjN6woiaEfICnZ_pZXsu9oj-zug/s400/is+this+it.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421756723325004530" /></a>12. The Strokes - “Is This It?”<br /><br />Good question, better album.<br /><br />Standout track: “Last Nite”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBXMog1SPGEzam37Jc1yGDavYLO-U7P5ZsJt-LP4KEYISCYjq4-QhyphenhyphenMMGkI_WxM-Xpn5Q3jgmUZiShMBQblgEBjKNnQVsL6_PbuRxuP6REqWTi2YFJikWf11rmFA8-PQ_HpZn/s1600-h/american+iv.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBXMog1SPGEzam37Jc1yGDavYLO-U7P5ZsJt-LP4KEYISCYjq4-QhyphenhyphenMMGkI_WxM-Xpn5Q3jgmUZiShMBQblgEBjKNnQVsL6_PbuRxuP6REqWTi2YFJikWf11rmFA8-PQ_HpZn/s400/american+iv.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421756145934358002" /></a>11. Johnny Cash - “American IV: The Man Comes Around”<br /><br />The first music I can ever recall is Johnny Cash. My father’s a big fan. Justifiably so. This was the last album he released in his lifetime and he finished with a bang. On it, he flat-out stole “Hurt” from Trent Reznor. But in my opinion, one of the overlooked highlights is his cover of The Beatles’ “In My Life.” Sounds like a farewell to me.<br /><br />Standout track: “The Man Comes Around”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2mC5OwHH9sJm2gLXP0TBCNCkmbwxczQaKcQmH8LrUW-xrkqfZF8Ggow9h4iAlB5YcV3DGP0MRsd6imPkrtQeBiQDV7S84kxFAnntA3NcoxJ3nzqwmiEKFkBg3pB1UAFOmiui/s1600-h/takk....png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2mC5OwHH9sJm2gLXP0TBCNCkmbwxczQaKcQmH8LrUW-xrkqfZF8Ggow9h4iAlB5YcV3DGP0MRsd6imPkrtQeBiQDV7S84kxFAnntA3NcoxJ3nzqwmiEKFkBg3pB1UAFOmiui/s400/takk....png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421755737493330834" /></a>10. Sigur Ros - “Takk…”<br /><br />This is another of those perfect albums. The right intersection of time and space. And these guys allowed us to use one of the more amazing tracks of the decade for my trailer — “Hoppípolla.” Makes you feel like you could fly. Plus, it made for a great evening with Seif. Thank you, Iceland!<br /><br />Standout track: “Glósóli”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOGXsqCOMxckhaxFLSZK2r-beyWoTCZcaNZf2AVmKloeuyrqACJE1Hfa7IvgX0IBw-2OU7mz5ba0EpIQWWHo_UVUJz7doSaYCrl5SZsHvVshqyIsefBGp3HGuJ7UNNyyFVLjx/s1600-h/turn+on+the+bright+lights.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOGXsqCOMxckhaxFLSZK2r-beyWoTCZcaNZf2AVmKloeuyrqACJE1Hfa7IvgX0IBw-2OU7mz5ba0EpIQWWHo_UVUJz7doSaYCrl5SZsHvVshqyIsefBGp3HGuJ7UNNyyFVLjx/s400/turn+on+the+bright+lights.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421755417976909346" /></a>9. Interpol - “Turn On The Bright Lights”<br /><br />This one drips New York City. [Not as gross as you’d think. Besides, they have penicillin for it.] This one was strangely difficult for me to get into at first. But when I did? Yowzah! It should be placed in a time capsule.<br /><br />Standout track: “NYC”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1ltgb7MAmCUA9IcCWZAqezW6LGFJV8gfXThDLnJDAC8Buk15WqFWQmWevXMlnHMowZ2KxnuR71rjMb54ZgeoUYhTzxAW5aWHT2sjZTKxcybtb0fCsZpRFaCok2aBmM5MxDgZ/s1600-h/figure+8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1ltgb7MAmCUA9IcCWZAqezW6LGFJV8gfXThDLnJDAC8Buk15WqFWQmWevXMlnHMowZ2KxnuR71rjMb54ZgeoUYhTzxAW5aWHT2sjZTKxcybtb0fCsZpRFaCok2aBmM5MxDgZ/s400/figure+8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421755091444983202" /></a>8. Elliott Smith - “Figure 8”<br /><br />This album has a place in my heart in part because of the Halloween show I saw at CMU. I didn’t want to go. The previous week, I had learned that my grandmother had two weeks to live. My parents felt that I needed a break from my day-long visits and encouraged me to go. Turns out they were right and Mr. Smith provided me with a gift. <br /><br />Standout track: “LA” <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8J-9JJOP97_Nsw_DODzvu1-rnwuNjhSU_eOLgcr64qFdkXIYUeoDdtnWfOktYq49nRLl6LRYG7g5xt-jDht-4ma7A40hU-RN26DmWtcLDR_l5hObwRpsoM8qRCR11bS63LlC/s1600-h/creek+drank.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8J-9JJOP97_Nsw_DODzvu1-rnwuNjhSU_eOLgcr64qFdkXIYUeoDdtnWfOktYq49nRLl6LRYG7g5xt-jDht-4ma7A40hU-RN26DmWtcLDR_l5hObwRpsoM8qRCR11bS63LlC/s400/creek+drank.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421754623810572418" /></a>7. Iron & Wine - “Creek Drank The Cradle” <br /><br />Sam Beam’s voice and melodies paint a beautiful picture. Beautiful and bleak. Dark and soulful. He seems to make you lean in and linger on every word. It's almost eerie. <br /><br />Standout track: “Upward Over The Mountain”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WAPZdfTkqXqqk6SbiMCXeW3F7yWPBOG1EyLuQN08C1XLfAkO0h171HMoxUZAUq1BfCi9_zVtzawTUuPOqr584t9Uw-qdD1gHIFexajLjMZCNCHM7-4fSf0GXhwU5PvMvHOK7/s1600-h/neon+bible.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 349px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WAPZdfTkqXqqk6SbiMCXeW3F7yWPBOG1EyLuQN08C1XLfAkO0h171HMoxUZAUq1BfCi9_zVtzawTUuPOqr584t9Uw-qdD1gHIFexajLjMZCNCHM7-4fSf0GXhwU5PvMvHOK7/s400/neon+bible.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421754323253455794" /></a>6. The Arcade Fire - “Neon Bible”<br /><br />This is kind of the soundtrack of my move to LA. And as I alluded to in the intro to this list, it's usually not the first choice of most Arcade Fire fans. But it’s a perfect album in my good book.<br /><br />Standout track: “My Body Is A Cage”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONJuG7cAgXgZpYsfet5iy3xLqUOje9utFfF6bOXhYaazmgnivvXqXBX1he2n5MLnBjIv2fzWeqLB0NLxMMf-79h-3eth5ZByim6Xk8E85CNOMbdNsFAYpdMDNE6pM7AnUjN09/s1600-h/cookie+mountain.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONJuG7cAgXgZpYsfet5iy3xLqUOje9utFfF6bOXhYaazmgnivvXqXBX1he2n5MLnBjIv2fzWeqLB0NLxMMf-79h-3eth5ZByim6Xk8E85CNOMbdNsFAYpdMDNE6pM7AnUjN09/s400/cookie+mountain.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421753972868438258" /></a>5. TV On The Radio - “Return To Cookie Mountain”<br /><br />When I heard this, it was as if I was kicked in the head. In a good way. Y’know— without all of the bruising. Sonically different than just about anything ‘round. It holds a special place in my heart because they let me use “A Method” for my film’s soundtrack. [Buy. That. Track.]<br /><br />Standout track: “Wolf Like Me”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mo3ImT1-fquhU80LesBtgpE23LEk3ex1mvVbX32e0vD4-bKLbkDhX9gDJuil5ARJhaglC1gujpo6zEc-ewNhYThFnKVKwF2-SnXRURr9THQcXGUW5Teo9drkwuLiF9sKkryT/s1600-h/third.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mo3ImT1-fquhU80LesBtgpE23LEk3ex1mvVbX32e0vD4-bKLbkDhX9gDJuil5ARJhaglC1gujpo6zEc-ewNhYThFnKVKwF2-SnXRURr9THQcXGUW5Teo9drkwuLiF9sKkryT/s400/third.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421749567028818818" /></a>4. Portishead - “Third”<br /><br />So. Portishead. What’ve you been up to the last eleven years? Golfing, or…? "Third" [the 4th album on this list] isn't what most Portishead fans expected. In fact, some complained that it sounded soooo different from their other albums but, guys? Eleven years. Things happen. People change. And in this case, I believe for the better. Amazing album, start to finish.<br /><br />Standout track: “The Rip”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mkHOgtTdJ8nu1iSjxGF7H-Nsoks-WWK4yd6CnXus-lsZxM94oWPVHHQ_YwMkmLy97hGEhhid6rfT3mPufo28_82Se7MNJnAYii6e2IijbhMf0rXINPJbfm3fUIPc4t3MIH82/s1600-h/illinoise.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mkHOgtTdJ8nu1iSjxGF7H-Nsoks-WWK4yd6CnXus-lsZxM94oWPVHHQ_YwMkmLy97hGEhhid6rfT3mPufo28_82Se7MNJnAYii6e2IijbhMf0rXINPJbfm3fUIPc4t3MIH82/s400/illinoise.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421749273777636626" /></a>3. Sufjan Stevens - “Come On Feel The Illinoise!”<br /><br />Sheesh, I love this album. With vignettes of American history [well, Illinois, specifically], it feels like a musical interpretation of a Mark Twain novel or some such thing. And Sufjan sings each song with a delicate tone that suggests he's reading that novel to a group of children. Plus, there are those song titles. Love the whole thing like a really lovable thing.<br /><br />Standout Track: “The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2J337kWml1KqMC_TKezPI-ydfVh90AGAUVle4fpHYb3T3poLAkP3qTBfoXQAC0IvcNbw6nIVXWGaVuEyCwa6-IAZT6qUwIzApmCrJlznpnh27CAFFaS8oiiaTYoO_QdqfT5Oy/s1600-h/yankee+hotel+foxtrot.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2J337kWml1KqMC_TKezPI-ydfVh90AGAUVle4fpHYb3T3poLAkP3qTBfoXQAC0IvcNbw6nIVXWGaVuEyCwa6-IAZT6qUwIzApmCrJlznpnh27CAFFaS8oiiaTYoO_QdqfT5Oy/s400/yankee+hotel+foxtrot.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421748913249930866" /></a>2. Wilco - “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”<br /><br />Somewhere, there’s a record label executive flipping burgers. How it’s possible that someone could shoot holes in an album of such genius is just... I don’t know. I’m getting emotional. <br /><br />Standout track: “Poor Places”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAaqET0_3qFZqwlzNO178A3_brA8dWa4EpGnzO1-UapVomfs3SQ-evOc4JEvfw7CcXnM-TyYMqR3X07ogO9am_JtTkonopbK5-yX4Szh63UUAHanaO9CPPIs8vBsXVZN1G6p1/s1600-h/kid+a.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAaqET0_3qFZqwlzNO178A3_brA8dWa4EpGnzO1-UapVomfs3SQ-evOc4JEvfw7CcXnM-TyYMqR3X07ogO9am_JtTkonopbK5-yX4Szh63UUAHanaO9CPPIs8vBsXVZN1G6p1/s400/kid+a.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421748617807846962" /></a>1. Radiohead - “Kid A”<br />This is “stranded-on-a-deserted-island” material. A radio station in Pittsburgh played it in its entirety the day before it came out. I sat in my car outside of The Real McCoy in the South Side and listened from beginning to end. Even before it was finished, I knew this would end up being one of my all-time favorites. A worthy follow-up to “OK Computer.” Better, some might argue. <br /><br />Standout track: “Idioteque”<br /><br /><br />So then. Am I on target? Am I deaf? <br /><br />Oh, I'm sure there's a chance I'll kick myself for not including Antony & the Johnsons or I'll rethink that Morrissey album, but until then, this will do.<br /><br />All of this said, what does your list look like?<br />::<br />::Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-28452108783618680512009-12-13T18:39:00.000-08:002009-12-16T12:24:33.427-08:00hear, here - top albums of 2009This is the introduction to the Common-Terry 2009 Year in Music. It’s designed to pique your interest in my point of view. Do you care? Well, possibly not but, hey, you’re still reading, so I’ll just keep writing and you’ll stop when you stop. That said, this is just the introduction; why would you quit so soon? [You quitter, you.]<br /><br />These lists are always tentative. Invariably, I look back and think, “Yyyyeah, no. Mr. Mister doesn’t really belong on that list,” or some such thing. And of course, there’s the music to which I haven’t yet been exposed or had the opportunity to really dig into [i.e. The Flaming Lips' "Embryonic"], so it ends up being a retroactive thing. Because there are always retroactive things. Ask anybody.<br /><br />This has been the introduction to the Common-Terry 2009 Year in Music. <br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LLWaPXBl7-MugFdPtvsBRFGfNsQ9Wb24Hc7AHwGJXzevN8iSrvNLo4KygDj4lxLZ5JbMlVqKln0Kn2pwAgAdvRJNsi7uI5PydUsmVDN1RZGIjSN2civ0PMyyACmrXG76xptN/s1600-h/St.+Vincent.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LLWaPXBl7-MugFdPtvsBRFGfNsQ9Wb24Hc7AHwGJXzevN8iSrvNLo4KygDj4lxLZ5JbMlVqKln0Kn2pwAgAdvRJNsi7uI5PydUsmVDN1RZGIjSN2civ0PMyyACmrXG76xptN/s400/St.+Vincent.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414925694525990258" /></a>10. St. Vincent - “Actor”<br /><br />It's always hard for me to decide on the ten spot [aka Mr. Irrelevant]. I waffle a lot. [What can I say? It’s my albatross.] You'd think I'd be more decisive being that the free world hangs in the balance. But no. I refer again to the waffling. That said, this year's waffles landed firmly on the head of St. Vincent. The reason this one edged out the others? Annie Clark writes symphonies. Not in the sense that they’re broad, sweeping compositions, but because, to my ear, they could successfully be performed by a philharmonic. Oddly, it also strikes me that she’s likely a student of Peter Gabriel’s early solo stuff. An interesting combination.<br /><br />Standout track: “Actor Out of Work”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMAWay-VpZWToGswKc4IcOyO0G0L7HwXaCwB3W3Vs7OVJW9B99KSHwvencbvpISp7m90ohV7_yGEWknNy90BksS8UjH0EIprTxuFvAooKOLGFNTh1WUv0StGNBO4ISGppZOqX/s1600-h/Sister+Suvi.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMAWay-VpZWToGswKc4IcOyO0G0L7HwXaCwB3W3Vs7OVJW9B99KSHwvencbvpISp7m90ohV7_yGEWknNy90BksS8UjH0EIprTxuFvAooKOLGFNTh1WUv0StGNBO4ISGppZOqX/s400/Sister+Suvi.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414925380331633778" /></a>9. Sister Suvi - “Now I Am Champion”<br /><br />If you lived in Pittsburgh in the early 90’s and followed the indie music scene… I’m sorry. <br /><br />Wait. That thought took a wrong turn. Let me backpedal... With the aforementioned criteria in mind, you may remember a band called Wimp Factor 14. Wimp Factor had a tremendous lo-fi sound and whenever I listen to "Now I Am Champion," I'm reminded of it. But while Wimp Factor's sound was quirky, almost childlike, Sister Suvi’s gets in your face and makes sure you’re paying attention. On "I Am Champion," the band walks the fence between light and dark. It’s a balance that works well for them and “Now I Am Champion” is a terrific collection of tracks — one that I suspect would make a long-collapsed Pittsburgh ensemble proud. And, hey, how 'bout that cover art? My favorite of the year. No question.<br /><br />Standout track: “Claymation”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheers7HrRx6LzDRI4Ttr-ulf3ue_QXUUS-fbf-qW3agfHdkpXVq3yIZAwLTbMNUnxgD5w07_HSFGM3HEN4FJOHdM1qeZST9sqFubyFrczaCQHPac-zQNgGP7VMt8VqJxHvOKQY/s1600-h/The+XX.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheers7HrRx6LzDRI4Ttr-ulf3ue_QXUUS-fbf-qW3agfHdkpXVq3yIZAwLTbMNUnxgD5w07_HSFGM3HEN4FJOHdM1qeZST9sqFubyFrczaCQHPac-zQNgGP7VMt8VqJxHvOKQY/s400/The+XX.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414924997930053970" /></a>8. The XX - “XX”<br /><br />“XX” is a late entry. These guys do more with negative space than what metaphor?<br />A) An 11th century Chinese ink painter<br />B) Don Rickles<br />C) A New Orleans prostitute during Mardi Gras<br /><br />Ha…! Gotcha! Trick question! A and C are the same thing.<br /><br />Anyhow. There’s a wonderful economy of notes on this album, and I think it takes real bojangles for a band to go that route on their freshman release. <br /><br />Standout track: “Heart Skipped a Beat”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb6wYB4qRAL5Rpzaw480O5FVn7KbA7QlT-6aH9PHMkatyUxjJOOjk4DvXLefVPJYuelvLC3kg1Wf-y_lsvp4i3lqG_7saCjbJp3jM-etGZJ9h9oD4kzttCDGEyaeMxdKzun_L/s1600-h/Neko+Case.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb6wYB4qRAL5Rpzaw480O5FVn7KbA7QlT-6aH9PHMkatyUxjJOOjk4DvXLefVPJYuelvLC3kg1Wf-y_lsvp4i3lqG_7saCjbJp3jM-etGZJ9h9oD4kzttCDGEyaeMxdKzun_L/s400/Neko+Case.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414924757908389586" /></a>7. Neko Case - “ Middle Cyclone”<br /><br />As soon as I put the virtual needle to these mp3’s [I clicked the “play” icon] I was pretty sure this one would end up on this list — or at least teeter on the edge of it. Neko Case could sing the personal ads in the back of your local free newsweekly and make them sound beautiful. [“Thank yeww… This next song is called ‘Bi-Curious…’”] Few can boast a voice as powerful as hers [a fact that became clear when I saw her a couple years ago at the Henry Fonda]. On “Middle Cyclone,” she’s never been stronger. Like all Neko Case albums, each song on this one tells a story, and that’s something only a few songwriters can do successfully. <br /><br />Standout track: “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z4W1zbuj6slQ0uOC1AOYt31a8VLNSLk1EEBUQINThni95gEavj6eZ9KJYN2OssGi4CpoCF3qo1dhtZCKHd_cQfJZGSASOULY17dalclqahyphenhyphen7_J3k_awGA4ZRJzULIwQ_QpAB/s1600-h/Phoenix.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z4W1zbuj6slQ0uOC1AOYt31a8VLNSLk1EEBUQINThni95gEavj6eZ9KJYN2OssGi4CpoCF3qo1dhtZCKHd_cQfJZGSASOULY17dalclqahyphenhyphen7_J3k_awGA4ZRJzULIwQ_QpAB/s400/Phoenix.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414924464064411666" /></a>6. Phoenix - “Wolfgang Mozart Phoenix”<br /><br />En un mot? Peppy. Non seulement les chansons amusantes, mais ils font aussi envie — acheter une Cadillac. Alors maintenant, les Français ont apporté au monde la démocratie, abandon, le ménage à trois, la langue française, et Phoenix. Alors, je crois que je vais le dire - la restitution “Wolfgang Mozart Phoenix.” Vous serez heureux vous.<br /><br />Standout track: “1901”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlB1YSlRhjpypCY53d_0yDucaRCw0QLfBMJQGW6Q6BoJfUJUqyxBSUZfb4vUBTjkckD072MjypZ1mb2AWCbUalk0g31BUJHrulQysRHkGoV8tYgeNgfaklA35beMeCUjootYq/s1600-h/Girls.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlB1YSlRhjpypCY53d_0yDucaRCw0QLfBMJQGW6Q6BoJfUJUqyxBSUZfb4vUBTjkckD072MjypZ1mb2AWCbUalk0g31BUJHrulQysRHkGoV8tYgeNgfaklA35beMeCUjootYq/s400/Girls.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414924077267283890" /></a>5. Girls - “Album”<br /><br />I like Girls. Yeah, I said it. In fact, I love ‘em. They’re awesome. They make me sing in my car. They make me think. And I hope to see them live and in person someday. They’re just a damn good band with a damn good album with a damn creative name. With songs like “Lust for Life” and “Big Bad Mean M**********r,” these guys show that they're adept at mixing a classic rock & roll structure with a high-volume, lo-fi sound. [Again, with the lo-fi. Somewhere Bob Pollard is smiling. And drinking. Heavily.] But Girls’ sound isn't lo-fi just for the sake of being lo-fi. I don’t think these songs would work nearly as well with a big production backing it. Unlike my first script. [Call me.]<br /><br />Standout track: "Lust For Life"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROgySrTy9JAlw8Fu-IXANrdnemC2mprq8dYiGaQkBB0Tunh_0c6EPGdQ9CT_b5pmf-pfP3_XarrgmH-8qOBDyfsEh89fKSDEwsarxR_KvVN9Wv2ovtNZi7xCdSoGPWIMNhBjx/s1600-h/The+Pains+of+Being....png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROgySrTy9JAlw8Fu-IXANrdnemC2mprq8dYiGaQkBB0Tunh_0c6EPGdQ9CT_b5pmf-pfP3_XarrgmH-8qOBDyfsEh89fKSDEwsarxR_KvVN9Wv2ovtNZi7xCdSoGPWIMNhBjx/s400/The+Pains+of+Being....png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414923821992654754" /></a>4. The Pains Of Being Pure at Heart - “The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart”<br /><br />The Jesus and Mary Chain called. They want their blah, blah, blah, blah. Being derivative is excusable if it works. This album is very, very excusable. A fantastic album and — to continue the trend — a lo-fi sound in line with Girls. I’ve had a crush on this one since the day I bought it [aptly, on Valentine’s Day]. Still a fan of that late-80’s sound? Buy this. And if you were, like, five years old at the time, buy it anyway. Then pick up “Psycho Candy.” Trust me on this.<br /><br />Standout Track: “This Love Is Fucking Right!”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtwEWs4h2iy6mE88dvwMKzjcTQu_YcQ_1K7dOF_LUTIGZ_NpALkhgOma2WP_EG8Cz1nfoLBt-nOy0yCMgBAzrsymS21AXRSiR06CNHl178jgg2zqbcXCX7npn46mjJtrD7feC/s1600-h/cryinglight_cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtwEWs4h2iy6mE88dvwMKzjcTQu_YcQ_1K7dOF_LUTIGZ_NpALkhgOma2WP_EG8Cz1nfoLBt-nOy0yCMgBAzrsymS21AXRSiR06CNHl178jgg2zqbcXCX7npn46mjJtrD7feC/s400/cryinglight_cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414923541148393522" /></a>3. Antony & the Johnsons - “The Crying Light”<br /><br />If you like your music with an “Oh-God-I’m-considering-cutting-myself” vibe, Antony & the Johnsons is the ensemble for you. If you like creepy, “I’m-now-afraid-of-old-people” album covers, “The Crying Light” is your album. Antony is known for delicate, thoughtful songs that have a way of getting under your skin, and this one is the rash you got that one time at summer camp, but in a good way. And if that doesn’t make sense, then you’ve not heard “The Crying Light.”<br /><br />Standout track: “Kiss My Name”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThGFCLxuX7cobuQyvb9x_GhR6MAZnAl3SvhojVE7kiqORtjqOX4clRoWz8tZqdN-nLn_blKf0szpEP1OSTb_Hcelyvs9_L-vnIXXq8FG9-VpcH84jZbl5SN87nO7-noPAQmOG/s1600-h/The+Antlers.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThGFCLxuX7cobuQyvb9x_GhR6MAZnAl3SvhojVE7kiqORtjqOX4clRoWz8tZqdN-nLn_blKf0szpEP1OSTb_Hcelyvs9_L-vnIXXq8FG9-VpcH84jZbl5SN87nO7-noPAQmOG/s400/The+Antlers.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414923291460910418" /></a>2. The Antlers - “Hospice”<br /><br />The story behind “Hospice” is heart-wrenching. The lyric, ”And you were brought into those rooms/With sliding curtains, shining children’s heads/And one of them, that boy/Was not as lucky as you then” makes this clear. “Hospice” is about a young girl suffering from terminal cancer. [Sadly, a true story.] One might expect the melodies throughout the album to be depressing and painful. And although there is an unavoidable pain woven into each track, some tracks have a delicate, achingly beautiful quality to them, others soaring and triumphant. Don’t deprive yourself of this one because of the subject matter. It’s too good to pass up.<br /><br />Standout track: "Two"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptUaPV6NFbCP30T-NIuNqbGbzWZdGVWpjNbp2LehbxjuM0a7LhlL6vXHnIDcrNaBLXK7-Mw_PfGuCzonWg6j1NJSuMxV1omFzzd_Rp7HtDQ03svcoDZ_fNSYsTHAwz3LVK1RO/s1600-h/Grizzly+Bear.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptUaPV6NFbCP30T-NIuNqbGbzWZdGVWpjNbp2LehbxjuM0a7LhlL6vXHnIDcrNaBLXK7-Mw_PfGuCzonWg6j1NJSuMxV1omFzzd_Rp7HtDQ03svcoDZ_fNSYsTHAwz3LVK1RO/s400/Grizzly+Bear.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414923071090521826" /></a>1. Grizzly Bear - “Veckatimest”<br /><br />Okay. How to follow that? <br /><br />Well, in this case, you follow it with the year’s best: “Veckatimest.” From the almost-Jazzy opening notes of “Southern Point," it immediately struck me that this was an entirely different animal. [Pun absolutely, positively, shamelessly intended.] These guys have made a piece of music that is as challenging as it is entertaining. Plus, this one boasts what is, I believe, the best single of the year — “Two Weeks.” [If you’re hedging on whether or not to buy it, just fork over the 99¢. If you don’t like it, I’ll send you a check.] But admittedly, this album isn’t for everyone. It won’t be the adrenaline rush you need to jog that extra mile; it won’t be heard on 92% of the nation’s radio stations [I'm being kind]; and it won’t exactly get singer Ed Droste on the cover of “Tiger Beat” [a crime]. What it will do is give you 52 minutes of tremendous music. And isn’t that enough?<br /><br />Standout track: “Foreground”<br /><br /><br />HONORABLE MENTION<br />Because there always is.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lEFsEJAMEFyZuPdKtRx6G0P_f_3RNOJXvERWPi2QEHFAKorkp9CPY7d-IEx6cExhQEBzUl0KYkDRn8SSZo09l6Lox0YqsxfSVv5Hd6lGze-nHm1XrS2WKNkfcLwl8rcK17UI/s1600-h/Yo+La+Tengo.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lEFsEJAMEFyZuPdKtRx6G0P_f_3RNOJXvERWPi2QEHFAKorkp9CPY7d-IEx6cExhQEBzUl0KYkDRn8SSZo09l6Lox0YqsxfSVv5Hd6lGze-nHm1XrS2WKNkfcLwl8rcK17UI/s400/Yo+La+Tengo.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414922551823943922" /></a>Yo La Tengo - “Popular Songs”<br /><br />This is as good as Yo La Tengo has been since 1997’s “I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One.” <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz28jpYdHlfqZcC3F-aaPSbZR7T4Wiz3naWAqex-VIn_4CxH-bOGGwmemmZGluMte_m3RgOS-_a2p76m1kweLuT0e248Bwa_5wXfADnzCCOd7KxK2HDdDqIbTtdVEKGsty-d1q/s1600-h/Morrissey.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz28jpYdHlfqZcC3F-aaPSbZR7T4Wiz3naWAqex-VIn_4CxH-bOGGwmemmZGluMte_m3RgOS-_a2p76m1kweLuT0e248Bwa_5wXfADnzCCOd7KxK2HDdDqIbTtdVEKGsty-d1q/s400/Morrissey.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414922081214484786" /></a>Morrissey - “Years Of Refusal”<br /><br />Yes. I'm old. Sue me. And, y'know? I just gave this another listen through and it could easily have made the 10.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPs14unun3DEF3gjLwiKZMogBczdQK0-n2la6Ne58r0oJkI-C_tUjLfj45Evofpr_UUQKui5Y-JCKyOHjQVymTU8ikrNhT6WeZcjli1JeZ1uiJQRw1eJhaMrrXIitcwEkw4vjD/s1600-h/Rural+Alberta.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPs14unun3DEF3gjLwiKZMogBczdQK0-n2la6Ne58r0oJkI-C_tUjLfj45Evofpr_UUQKui5Y-JCKyOHjQVymTU8ikrNhT6WeZcjli1JeZ1uiJQRw1eJhaMrrXIitcwEkw4vjD/s400/Rural+Alberta.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414921624473981186" /></a>The Rural Alberta Advantage - “Hometowns”<br /><br />Fantastic find. Honest and straightforward. But be careful. They’re… “Canadian.”<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P3uLHo-0ev0xZWiUoWQ5L3Mfg5nm5r6Q4kww2fC8neD2mj64B95qRRhChk4ALNQbi3H4gmdBaUfxe4vR1tl206zXLRNcTQZzWe-_ncVd_DDUIMjPJGtEAnVjb-14AJOvP_7l/s1600-h/Ida+Maria.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P3uLHo-0ev0xZWiUoWQ5L3Mfg5nm5r6Q4kww2fC8neD2mj64B95qRRhChk4ALNQbi3H4gmdBaUfxe4vR1tl206zXLRNcTQZzWe-_ncVd_DDUIMjPJGtEAnVjb-14AJOvP_7l/s400/Ida+Maria.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414921004837701634" /></a>Ida Maria - “Fortress ‘round My Heart” <br /><br />Were I in a frat, this would be on repeat. I love her Swedishosity and Swedaciousness. [She's Swedish.]<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFCnuFuiMwhwE6hyHIA_aWhssiTbCxeTu9gKuYw3ZVVlouj8FzSVQkf3TLFD8E1RFncKxvD2hzkcF9LTrO6zUsQcvHddr3GvaEn1BqEat5GapZiud3D7tSuE0YRA0Mt4ZGyp6/s1600-h/memoirs-at-the-end-of-the-world-extralarge_1240608394797.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFCnuFuiMwhwE6hyHIA_aWhssiTbCxeTu9gKuYw3ZVVlouj8FzSVQkf3TLFD8E1RFncKxvD2hzkcF9LTrO6zUsQcvHddr3GvaEn1BqEat5GapZiud3D7tSuE0YRA0Mt4ZGyp6/s400/memoirs-at-the-end-of-the-world-extralarge_1240608394797.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414920346302724690" /></a>The Postmarks - “Memoirs At The End Of The World”<br /><br />There's some serious harkening going on here. So, fans of harkening? Enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv6r3_HRb11_zq7dumNd_4AL0Icfqojhyphenhyphen29Oo8SpJYccDWYqWiCavA1mP7yD4AWmA5cdS1lbsiDKM1qSusz6apAIL_0Gs8KahWOQhmf53N41hZXMuIBeEHdoOX2m8SNyzqTQD/s1600-h/Camera+Obscura.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv6r3_HRb11_zq7dumNd_4AL0Icfqojhyphenhyphen29Oo8SpJYccDWYqWiCavA1mP7yD4AWmA5cdS1lbsiDKM1qSusz6apAIL_0Gs8KahWOQhmf53N41hZXMuIBeEHdoOX2m8SNyzqTQD/s400/Camera+Obscura.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414919853978778658" /></a>Camera Obscura - “My Maudlin Career”<br /><br />You’d think they were chummy with Phil Spector. Except he’s in prison for murder. [What a jackass that guy turned out to be.]<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtWYkkISfi_VDUA_71i7f-OpsOnCv4fHhw10CfbDnqLRiI23B4CZ9YH2KuESKS55DmQe6JeCGrdT_y9djj5m2gSOr6aZOMgWN86I94lvaxEoEQySAJAHiDDCe5iMoVqhBj3zA/s1600-h/Tiny+Vipers.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtWYkkISfi_VDUA_71i7f-OpsOnCv4fHhw10CfbDnqLRiI23B4CZ9YH2KuESKS55DmQe6JeCGrdT_y9djj5m2gSOr6aZOMgWN86I94lvaxEoEQySAJAHiDDCe5iMoVqhBj3zA/s400/Tiny+Vipers.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414918884137426370" /></a>Tiny Vipers - “Life On Earth”<br /><br />Mazzy Star fans should just pick it up. No questions asked.<br /><br /><br />So then. That’s that on Hear, Here. I hope you'll give these albums a shot and if you do, I hope you like them. If you don't like them? Well, I suppose you'll be disappointed just like Tammy was last year. [I just had to, Tammy, I just had to.] If nothing more, the standout tracks might make a good playlist. Or not. It's your call.<br />::<br />::Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-66367154028098375962008-12-12T01:39:00.001-08:002008-12-13T15:19:17.004-08:00my sound decisions - top 10 albums of 2008So these last few weeks, while watching football games on Fox - like, say, when the Steelers come back in the forth quarter to kick the Dallas Cryboys’ ass 20-13 - I see promos for “American Idol.” And I have to admit I just don’t get how so many people can pay so much attention to manufactured, corporate music when all they need to do is dig a little and they’ll get a seemingly endless pool of music that squashes anything you hear on “American Idol” like a grape.<br /><br />Whatever, I’ll get past it. <br /><br />2008 was a ridiculously great year for music. And just because an album didn’t make the list doesn’t necessarily mean I don't think it's worthy of a nod. [Unless we’re talking about 92% of you hear on the radio.] The ten that follow are a bottleneck of the best as I see it. <br /><br />This list is largely comprised of albums that I never would have expected and blah, blah, blah… intro over. Let’s break it down, shall we?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOKhWzsU2O3SBUf1DutVl8k-R1PA0SNIMIwbmo9DWUU1BeYcDZNp2t6hSMFWcBZgVOhsjqorabDa9lWGATHg9wknIi6KAYF14T2W3tsIsMW6rc-VX-SB91wajQsjiYbunP2Gi/s1600-h/the-last-shadow-puppets-the-age-of-the-understatement.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOKhWzsU2O3SBUf1DutVl8k-R1PA0SNIMIwbmo9DWUU1BeYcDZNp2t6hSMFWcBZgVOhsjqorabDa9lWGATHg9wknIi6KAYF14T2W3tsIsMW6rc-VX-SB91wajQsjiYbunP2Gi/s400/the-last-shadow-puppets-the-age-of-the-understatement.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278862552824695650" /></a><br />10. The Last Shadow Puppets – “The Age Of Understatement”<br /><br />If you prefer songs that are produced similar to those featured in the opening credits of a 1960’s James Bond film then, hell, this is your album. The Last Shadow Puppets have put together a collection of sweeping melodies that mix the aforementioned 007 sound with a touch of a late-80s-early-90’s sensibility. [I pick up a little bit of The Church’s “Reptile” in parts of the production.] Despite the influences, these tracks are oddly fresh – like those of a deer after a freshly fallen snow shortly before it becomes venison – hence the number ten position. The title track in particular seems to scream for silhouettes of women floating across lava lamp-inspired fields of color. And bubbles. A few tracks have Bacharachian chord progressions and most have lush string arrangements. Evidently when you combine each of these, you get a great album. <br /><br />Standout track: “Meeting Place”<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ3tyMHVUYL-MDbgfsieuFGZf2XXYAf4JizQjN0l15c9DPIOZbA5bN-Nz4lX16H5oJMccS17YarQcydMvpOoFpC3gIip0uAAF4P-QGjTyvZcJMcYXPg50wkTtkLhVrdVWib0h/s1600-h/microcastle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZ3tyMHVUYL-MDbgfsieuFGZf2XXYAf4JizQjN0l15c9DPIOZbA5bN-Nz4lX16H5oJMccS17YarQcydMvpOoFpC3gIip0uAAF4P-QGjTyvZcJMcYXPg50wkTtkLhVrdVWib0h/s400/microcastle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278862329818244162" /></a><br />9. Deerhunter – “Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.”<br /><br />When it came to Deerhunter, I was behind the curve. Before this album, I was entirely unfamiliar with them. I feel sick about it, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. <br /><br />This album isn’t for everyone. But for anyone who’s curious, there are moments that offer shades of My Bloody Valentine [e.g. “Vox Celeste”]. And it isn’t afraid to be a little ugly – something that most bands don’t embrace these days. Not everyone can be as brave as Fugazi and Sonic Youth. <br /><br />I’m not sure what their logic was, but rather than releasing a double-album, they decided to release two albums in one package. So for the purposes of this list, it’s a double-album. That’s how I listen to it, anyway. Regardless [or as the kids say “irregardless—” Whoa! Hang on a second. Did you know that, according to Microsoft Word™ – at least the version I have – “irregardless” isn’t misspelled?? Holy crap. That’s… that’s… ((((((((((sigh)))))))))) that’s depressing…] <br /><br />Okay. Gotta center myself... That just completely threw me off my game. <br /><br />Standout track: “Operation.” <br />[Which I think is about a Milton Bradley game. Maybe I’m wrong.]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BToWkoDKqqvicwQo-zn8TDCO1ovETL942U2rYi1m7UFvMm6UXIUXzc3BbksgP0_w7Nz-tRrgiDDqwullrxGWzSo7qQBTeJ2o3WKxin_3znr0kCqGgExiRWyaMr1RVHJ3fXVs/s1600-h/she-and-him-volume-one.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BToWkoDKqqvicwQo-zn8TDCO1ovETL942U2rYi1m7UFvMm6UXIUXzc3BbksgP0_w7Nz-tRrgiDDqwullrxGWzSo7qQBTeJ2o3WKxin_3znr0kCqGgExiRWyaMr1RVHJ3fXVs/s400/she-and-him-volume-one.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278862016088454178" /></a><br />8. She & Him – “Volume One”<br /><br />When I heard that Zoey Deschanel was singing on an album with M. Ward, I got scared. Eddie Murphy, John Travolta, David Soul – history is lousy with actors who sing lousy. [I know, Allison – “lousily.”] Said history now includes Scarlett Johansson’s ill-advised release of Tom Waits covers. I mean… I mean… who the hell thought that was a good idea? Does she not have a manager advising her? <br /><br />On a related note: the manager of my building, Chris, is Tom Waits’ cousin which, apart from being inherently cool, is also quite educational. For instance, I found out that Tom Waits was actually once a kid. Anyway, I asked Chris if he’d heard her train wreck of an album and he just shook his head and with an oddly similar rasp said, “God, I hope her people paid him well.” Chris says what we all feel.<br /><br />So. Back to She & Him. Surprisingly, Ms Deschanel has a beautiful voice and M. Ward’s simple melodies complement that voice. There’s no overreaching. She doesn’t try to be something she’s not. And the resulting songs are clean and smart. <br /><br />Standout track: “Change Is Hard”<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiv_ymmwJSFfGQYkZGrJgI5qTWztN0cUkebrFHolIaccD1C6OjnUepyNAYM9vSuzSFc6GgZU_FJy8vsQIOcvpzezlPTSumBcPYzMNbmp_6fuGbYwU8LFi86D7-cgzuzY1H7gX/s1600-h/sigur.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiv_ymmwJSFfGQYkZGrJgI5qTWztN0cUkebrFHolIaccD1C6OjnUepyNAYM9vSuzSFc6GgZU_FJy8vsQIOcvpzezlPTSumBcPYzMNbmp_6fuGbYwU8LFi86D7-cgzuzY1H7gX/s400/sigur.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278861822888771970" /></a><br />7. Sigur Rós – “Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust” *<br /><br />What do you say about a band you can’t understand? Language barrier aside, almost everything this band has ever done has been at the very least intriguing; usually it hovers somewhere near brilliance; and, I mean, talk about beautiful. <br /><br />Go ahead. <br /><br />Talk about it. I’ll wait…<br /><br />To my ear, 2005’s “Taak” was a work of staggering beauty. So while I was excited to learn this was coming out, I wondered how they’d follow up such a tremendous album. “Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust” answers the bell with songs that range from upbeat and playful to delicate and moving. Maybe such diversity is why the more I listen to it the more I get out of it. Unlike the number of times you view the cover. Which seems to get creepier and creepier. ["Hey Dagbjart. I was thinking - remember that time in high school...?"]<br /><br />Standout track: “Inní mér syngur vitleysingur”<br /><br /><br /><br />* My spell check hates Sigur Rós. Irregardless…<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT44_yrd1ER9014UWAFXJqkH8miRmmWy_RyBeC9hqbKsT7Dc_XKLUghX9B2Ib1kV2FPXr9Fj_1m223guSgcdMdONGUYcPJQTT4kd-pd4C0x90Tapx5ooEqnDOgal43b2z8j6V/s1600-h/fleet+foxes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT44_yrd1ER9014UWAFXJqkH8miRmmWy_RyBeC9hqbKsT7Dc_XKLUghX9B2Ib1kV2FPXr9Fj_1m223guSgcdMdONGUYcPJQTT4kd-pd4C0x90Tapx5ooEqnDOgal43b2z8j6V/s400/fleet+foxes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278860049579908018" /></a><br />6. Fleet Foxes – “Fleet Foxes”<br /><br />New band. Beard rock. Awesome. When I listen, I hear a little My Morning Jacket and I often feel the urge to live on a mountain. I don’t have an explanation for this. Perhaps I’ll run it past my therapist, but the flipside to such an urge is that these unconventional songs - some of which change up several times, a la The Who’s “A Quick One While He’s Away" - grab you and don't let go. <br /><br />Lyrically speaking, I’ll admit that there is a certain… I don’t’ know… “oddness,” I suppose. But the melodies are so well conceived that it doesn’t matter. Having said that, the line that always seems to hit me is, “Tell me anything you want, any old lie will do.” Which brings me back to my therapist…<br /><br />Standout track: “White Winter Hymnal”<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8X8CgLhTc1jx_r1jegbfkSXez4zcLoVNqmrWHJzUc05K3hEVUqOBf4f3UIhNmhzEvomoZ5laUnB3DQ9BNclDOrlAxHSv0fw3ej8rMJUkc11Gf-quPeVqzbCdmH3vzvSe_FLb/s1600-h/hold_steady_stay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8X8CgLhTc1jx_r1jegbfkSXez4zcLoVNqmrWHJzUc05K3hEVUqOBf4f3UIhNmhzEvomoZ5laUnB3DQ9BNclDOrlAxHSv0fw3ej8rMJUkc11Gf-quPeVqzbCdmH3vzvSe_FLb/s400/hold_steady_stay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278859039556039186" /></a><br />5. The Hold Steady – “Stay Positive”<br /><br />This is a rawk album. Kind of in the same vein as Wilco. It’s solid from the opening guitar licks of “Constructive Summer” to the final note of the three-part closer, “Ask Her For Adderall / Cheyenne Sunrise / Two Handed Handshake.” <br /><br />The Hold Steady is a perfect band to drink beer to, and “Stay Positive” is loaded with music that’s likely perfect for road trips and frat parties – the former being a plus, the latter not so much, but I think you know what I mean. This album’s sound is so mainstream that I’m surprised a cynical alt-music zine like “Pitchfork” would rate it so highly. Nevertheless, it's one that most everyone can dig.<br /><br />Standout track: “Sequestered In Memphis”<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUJ6W_TVYwjGO_s5SeKEvL9j6ClhWcONPw2NwhtT3-4DA7wl8CrgJpb4FfAbixiPuomdjwHdYPeyjk7TQkhB7MDYcuAHMfk8Wb_cS5S_iqKQnQPI-wNdrEdjfQRaBDtpuScHQ/s1600-h/20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUJ6W_TVYwjGO_s5SeKEvL9j6ClhWcONPw2NwhtT3-4DA7wl8CrgJpb4FfAbixiPuomdjwHdYPeyjk7TQkhB7MDYcuAHMfk8Wb_cS5S_iqKQnQPI-wNdrEdjfQRaBDtpuScHQ/s400/20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278858446668744354" /></a><br />4. Bon Iver – “For Emma, Forever Ago”<br /><br />Also new. Bon Iver [meaning good winter] used to be a guy named Justin Vernon, who has worked with the likes of Broken Social Scene and The Shins. Now it’s a band with a guy named Justin Vernon and a couple other guys. This album was produced when it was just Justin Vernon.<br /><br />Some songs are haunting, some are sweet, and some ache. In fact, as I write this, I’m watching the band perform “Skinny Love” on David Letterman. Lots of euphonious aching. The one common thread throughout “For Emma” is its vulnerability. At times it sounds as though Vernon is exposing his last nerve. Fortunately, in his case, that’s a good thing for us. Call me a freakshow but I think honesty has always been an important ingredient to music with integrity. <br /><br />Don’t ignore this one. You might miss something you’d regret.<br /><br />Standout track: “Skinny Love”<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g9U1Tt-LINvid0FsOgBpVNZIeATHAHbOR4RmiAjnNleVV5wCygqwEu66HqohnhBKw6fUIkSTta2rAVihBEbDUeQtbHegFWkSuRHiCK3kRG4fR-lorPgSIQxqwVnm3q49AcIK/s1600-h/rem-accelerate1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g9U1Tt-LINvid0FsOgBpVNZIeATHAHbOR4RmiAjnNleVV5wCygqwEu66HqohnhBKw6fUIkSTta2rAVihBEbDUeQtbHegFWkSuRHiCK3kRG4fR-lorPgSIQxqwVnm3q49AcIK/s400/rem-accelerate1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278858258751290562" /></a><br />3. R.E.M. – “Accelerate” <br /><br />In the summer of 1986, my friends and I were on the verge of going to college. [Ladies and gentlemen, I give you… “old.”] We were getting liquored-up at a party thrown by our good friend Laura Goldstein. [Thank you again, Laura. Sorry for not helping with the clean-up.] This was a frequent occurrence, and the party I’m remembering lasted three days. Sounds like an exaggeration. It is not. Just ask.<br /><br />On the evening of the second night, our friend Jim Ferguson joined us and pulled a tape out of his shirt pocket. He said, “Looky what I’ve got. It’s the new R.E.M. album, ‘Life’s Rich Pageant.’” I still remember how instantly addictive it was.<br /><br />Fast-forward to this past April. I found that I had a similar response to “Accelerate.” In fact, I was talking music with Jim, whose musical taste I have trusted since the eighth grade, and I asked him, “Is it just me, or is ‘Accelerate’ a great album?” His response was, “I know, right??” Given that Jim’s has introduced me to more important bands than a jewelry store owner does to engaged couples each spring [Bah-DUM-Bum!!! ...God, I apologize. I'm ashamed of myself.] my opinion was validated – an opinion that goes a little something like this:<br /><br />Holy shit. This album is shockingly good. I’ll say that again: “shockingly good.” Sometime during the past two years or so, R.E.M. remembered that they were a kick ass rock band. They plugged in and pressed record and it worked beautifully.<br /><br />I can say it over and over yet still underrate it – this album is shockingly good.<br /><br />Standout track: “Living Well’s the Best Revenge”<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYvVLcmu104bAXyo9VsWD0Mr2K2AfRWjRQub24Xprn_Alng6x6LJwbhYkaltaLjrD-wX70BiWZzYyJcNea7-EDcAIhfv4tBHbRraBk6mBI6SyLmj4l7KEnb7K_ADckVHUWMEa/s1600-h/cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYvVLcmu104bAXyo9VsWD0Mr2K2AfRWjRQub24Xprn_Alng6x6LJwbhYkaltaLjrD-wX70BiWZzYyJcNea7-EDcAIhfv4tBHbRraBk6mBI6SyLmj4l7KEnb7K_ADckVHUWMEa/s400/cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278857859530197746" /></a><br />2. TV On The Radio – “Dear Science,”<br /><br />Two years ago, Brooklyn’s TVOTR released “Return To Cookie Mountain.” Given the title, I thought it was the soundtrack to a 1970’s Disney movie starring Jodie Foster and Ed Asner. Turns out I was wrong. Instead, it was an album that made me repeat the words, “What the hell was that??” It had so many subtle layers that I couldn’t process it at first, which, for me, was part of its charm. [It was #1 on the 2006 list.] And like Sigur Rós’ “Taak,” I had difficulty believing anything that could top "Cookie Mountain." <br /><br />“Dear Science,” does not.<br /><br />However!<br /><br />That doesn’t mean that it’s not an amazing album, which it is. I mean, hell, it’s #2. And unlike “Cookie Mountain,” this album is far more accessible. It's a great point of entry for anyone who isn’t familiar with their work. Had this album a poppier production value I believe several of these tracks would get strong radio play. “Dancing Choose,” with its “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It [And I Feel Fine]” cadence, could easily make the play list at a few senior proms. I grant you that this isn’t much of an endorsement but my point being, if awkward teenage boys in rented tuxes and equally awkward teenage girls in overpriced, remarketed bridesmaids dresses [both parties looking to shed said apparel as soon as possible] can enjoy it, most anyone can. <br /><br />Standout track: “Stork & Owl”<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOhYj0RSa0mHKkZdk717hMz4cerxDlrkflAiyVN945RVvACRCjeGuE661LEoq4rFvm1N2w7wltyziEKbHhqpvl31pjGIh0Ou5sK62JuRYfWxljHOoSb7G6WYYZYrDZXtsujb5/s1600-h/45082.third.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOhYj0RSa0mHKkZdk717hMz4cerxDlrkflAiyVN945RVvACRCjeGuE661LEoq4rFvm1N2w7wltyziEKbHhqpvl31pjGIh0Ou5sK62JuRYfWxljHOoSb7G6WYYZYrDZXtsujb5/s400/45082.third.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278857299255458130" /></a><br />1. Portishead – “Third”<br /><br />In a word: unfuckingbelievable.<br /><br />Like most fans, I thought I had heard Portishead’s last. But eleven years after their last album, they’ve released a masterpiece. <br /><br />More than once I’ve heard fans say they were let down that “Third” doesn’t sound like classic Portishead but when a band releases two albums, is there a classic sound? Particularly when you consider that “Dummy” and “Portishead” each had unique characteristics. Besides, had The Beatles released two albums and waited until 1974 to release their third, would it have made sense for it to sound like “All My Lovin’?” I suspect “A Hard Day’s Night” wouldn’t have been embraced by recovering hippies. What, with the fact that “With The Beatles” was released before there even were hippies.<br /><br />So Portishead has evolved. And when the folksy “Deep Water” and the unforgiving “Machine Gun” appear on the same album – let alone back-to-back – it appears as though that evolution is one that benefits both longtime and freshly minted fans alike.<br /><br />The cornerstone of the Portishead dynamic is, of course, Beth Gibbons’ voice, which has never sounded better. And when you take in what Geoff Barrow and Adrien Utley have crafted, you know there was [gasp!] actual thought put into it, meaning this album will never get significant airplay, if any. This album is the antithesis of the pollution that is “American Idol.” This album is an instant classic. This album is a must.<br /><br />Standout track: “The Rip”<br />[This just kills me.]<br /><br /><br /><br />HONORABLE MENTION<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA94bAJdONKzbgqSNkWObGuFBwV7ZLes5Xr2TDu8dpLWYgzgJ6vAQHQp7ov6ZGE6QLlNslodi0WKMRyFI28JWhyphenhyphenSKtQRqGEVuBC3Uq8DVwrb_C_M2vJI1mBAVc8dqo3rC4Mu-b/s1600-h/momofuku.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA94bAJdONKzbgqSNkWObGuFBwV7ZLes5Xr2TDu8dpLWYgzgJ6vAQHQp7ov6ZGE6QLlNslodi0WKMRyFI28JWhyphenhyphenSKtQRqGEVuBC3Uq8DVwrb_C_M2vJI1mBAVc8dqo3rC4Mu-b/s400/momofuku.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278856709355156306" /></a><br />Elvis Costello – “Momofuku”<br /><br />Just ‘cause he’s now in his 50’s doesn’t make him irrelevant. He's still one of the best lyricists around. And with songs like "Turpentine" and "American Gangster Time," I don't see that changing any time soon.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteqsAWvhCJytytOUINQ20TjRC-IbLr5PFMSDZm4dwFSRmaCUmKMToCAmApFScfusnB8tZBDNF2vLlwzPEoExFsRuVWPlar1czr2lkadnONON-sUhvmkZ3wko6LHhNUcJjs_KE/s1600-h/51akwzclpilss500wf9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteqsAWvhCJytytOUINQ20TjRC-IbLr5PFMSDZm4dwFSRmaCUmKMToCAmApFScfusnB8tZBDNF2vLlwzPEoExFsRuVWPlar1czr2lkadnONON-sUhvmkZ3wko6LHhNUcJjs_KE/s400/51akwzclpilss500wf9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278848787366899330" /></a><br />Devotchka – “A Mad And Faithful Calling”<br /><br />Eastern European rock, I guess, is a good description. Whatever. It, too, is great.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-giXS2kSzVvPPfb8gjNbBkAUVeGDYu9TkWkzHlGGvqMxGDom_a9Jqe6rKyfQ0OXfB92DrBhmZ05VSzVExLHwanbvIOZjMnpxsH1uVDo73Dc52cIHzG27c_lqmgjGxajsZqlsw/s1600-h/808sreview2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-giXS2kSzVvPPfb8gjNbBkAUVeGDYu9TkWkzHlGGvqMxGDom_a9Jqe6rKyfQ0OXfB92DrBhmZ05VSzVExLHwanbvIOZjMnpxsH1uVDo73Dc52cIHzG27c_lqmgjGxajsZqlsw/s400/808sreview2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278848448889760866" /></a><br />Kanye West – “808s & Heartbreak”<br /><br />Surprised? Don’t be. I think this one is already underrated. Recommended by Mr. Ferguson, who was right again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH6JxgyUFPtvMeyfk0H6b6bjIWyNNUhvfYyrXFmOKLdMLBZKXbrFRkx1GbG9ECo4FYVfdQb5egjD-VRFcz-0s_2TCM70vs58NmxzNPZMde3OI2BMLbu6MkaCKeSZb-mObDhqs/s1600-h/2369850111_1e02a6faca.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH6JxgyUFPtvMeyfk0H6b6bjIWyNNUhvfYyrXFmOKLdMLBZKXbrFRkx1GbG9ECo4FYVfdQb5egjD-VRFcz-0s_2TCM70vs58NmxzNPZMde3OI2BMLbu6MkaCKeSZb-mObDhqs/s400/2369850111_1e02a6faca.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278848105625119778" /></a><br />Andrew Bird - “Soldier On” e.p.<br /><br />Yeah, it’s an e.p. but it’s Andrew Bird. And Andrew Bird is Andrew Bird. Unlike Bob Dylan, who, as I mentioned a couple years ago, is Bob Dylan.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholaJjYLH26h2O99RIcLAFGCXKPzp1ZoylYwJWKmu0tkEcoFYbRp9u94ZO9L2nFKO0jStyl6qOt651MM4ODTT6iHIDhsuNqBTeMMgOHllVb7NLXDaPMxtbhPalsaB7heAvf9xW/s1600-h/intimacy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholaJjYLH26h2O99RIcLAFGCXKPzp1ZoylYwJWKmu0tkEcoFYbRp9u94ZO9L2nFKO0jStyl6qOt651MM4ODTT6iHIDhsuNqBTeMMgOHllVb7NLXDaPMxtbhPalsaB7heAvf9xW/s400/intimacy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278847711130058018" /></a><br />Bloc Party – “Intimacy”<br /><br />Turns out their sophomore release was just a stumble. Not bad, but not great. This one puts them back on track. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSpf3Czh9lHsG8CwjrlwgDKle5N4wxPAy6ksVN8LLqNi2ATlybnht1NSvT5pH-WsD1R7j1hnX_BjCa6gTzuMnvM0dhNVggPbtZMpxErosLhRuLvWfysmxEg7q7ngVmSF4wsRg/s1600-h/synecdoche,+ny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSpf3Czh9lHsG8CwjrlwgDKle5N4wxPAy6ksVN8LLqNi2ATlybnht1NSvT5pH-WsD1R7j1hnX_BjCa6gTzuMnvM0dhNVggPbtZMpxErosLhRuLvWfysmxEg7q7ngVmSF4wsRg/s400/synecdoche,+ny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278847451089659858" /></a><br />Jon Brion – “Synecdoche, NY”<br /><br />I’ve attended hundreds of shows in several countries and Jon Brion is the single greatest performer I’ve ever seen. This is your run-of-the-mill brilliant Jon Brion soundtrack.<br /><br /><br /><br />REISSUES & LIVE ALBUMS<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpvPiJmBLe1auIWfixVGW1TtLxP940UpMYf-k5TaFze8s0gCC16ZkNy7Ykl6l9SlF7ZbvqkLCSE6W4LM3ujr5Tpup2oEUkvKn7ClZByeWkj0X1_GyWUQcPZRz8IUMxgtTJtYL/s1600-h/clash+shea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpvPiJmBLe1auIWfixVGW1TtLxP940UpMYf-k5TaFze8s0gCC16ZkNy7Ykl6l9SlF7ZbvqkLCSE6W4LM3ujr5Tpup2oEUkvKn7ClZByeWkj0X1_GyWUQcPZRz8IUMxgtTJtYL/s400/clash+shea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278846968823090258" /></a><br />The Clash - “Live at Shea Stadium”<br /><br />Don’t think. Just buy it. Now. Make it happen. Go. You know you have that one-click thing goin’ on with your iTunes. Do it. It's a watershed moment in the history of rock. Do it. You know you want to.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDGzUKfB4LDFiRjGu6ilxsYtjECApu6kc2X8nIQjmETiiF4hVnOXsxT8rNNDDC6dvjUDprwSgMxK-D9vSyQRc_uw9fsN1lCHQJI8aq1u2oeBB6ApJHvLeUEsqkxjwIfqL76t0/s1600-h/592px-REM_Murmur_cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDGzUKfB4LDFiRjGu6ilxsYtjECApu6kc2X8nIQjmETiiF4hVnOXsxT8rNNDDC6dvjUDprwSgMxK-D9vSyQRc_uw9fsN1lCHQJI8aq1u2oeBB6ApJHvLeUEsqkxjwIfqL76t0/s400/592px-REM_Murmur_cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278846594968591746" /></a><br />R.E.M. - “Murmur” Deluxe Edition<br /><br />Still one of my favorite albums of all time. And the concert on disc two is well worth the additional greenbacks. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3afDjf1G16mLyTbpe7NIUaaMyGQz8UfAPuFI8-u-yoMVhZ5tomd6OGEFtmeQAx2RUi0aoojSb2uy0b3xK8YVcrOaKA1F_Ddf_RF8zuz_pI-z-4n8KerW0exMVjIhB59vLI41/s1600-h/Belle+%26+Sebastian+bbc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3afDjf1G16mLyTbpe7NIUaaMyGQz8UfAPuFI8-u-yoMVhZ5tomd6OGEFtmeQAx2RUi0aoojSb2uy0b3xK8YVcrOaKA1F_Ddf_RF8zuz_pI-z-4n8KerW0exMVjIhB59vLI41/s400/Belle+%26+Sebastian+bbc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278846141134959170" /></a><br />Belle & Sebastian - “Live at The BBC”<br /><br />A nice complement to their studio stuffs. It’s not Shea Stadium, but Belle & Sebastian at Shea Stadium would be stupid. As it is, this is excellent.<br /><br /><br />Oh— And I’m listening to the new Abe Vigoda (“Skeleton”) and it’s pretty great. As is Pattern Is Movement's "All Together."<br /><br />So that’s that. If you have the albums on this list, I hope you agree. If you don’t, maybe you’ll give ‘em a shot. Sure beats watching Paula Abdul slur, “Yer goin’ tuh’Hollywood.” A slur that, given my location, is not a comfort.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-89924928199043522192008-11-06T18:07:00.000-08:002008-11-06T18:11:31.125-08:00"elated" doesn't cover it.Barack Obama was elected two nights ago. I've tried in vain to find the words to describe my feelings. <br /><br />Perhaps I'll find them later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6hXil1IZY9GBP3xity4HpaB76UHD60cF2GvpgSzFMf_iJtaQi2s7CisRuLFfmyr_qQgcoPMm_IiHGkxIMXmjk9vEesdxGTjwI-160Ec7bxzUiVbZmMG2PZH7x8ZqyeJMni9s/s1600-h/obama.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6hXil1IZY9GBP3xity4HpaB76UHD60cF2GvpgSzFMf_iJtaQi2s7CisRuLFfmyr_qQgcoPMm_IiHGkxIMXmjk9vEesdxGTjwI-160Ec7bxzUiVbZmMG2PZH7x8ZqyeJMni9s/s400/obama.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265731686922391922" /></a>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-52760099752730194652008-03-09T21:54:00.000-07:002008-10-27T21:32:33.195-07:00stephen root and bosnia.So I turned in my screenplay to my manager, Dave. Which is not dissimilar to an afternoon bike ride through the streets of Bosnia. It's just a very dangerous situation. Having said that, I'm extremely happy with it. I think the structure is solid, the dialogue and jokes aren't forced and just dark enough, and the characters are believable. And, if I do say so myself, it's a good story. If Dave is critical, which is his job, I'd like to think it's going to be about little things. <br /><br />If he doesn't like it? I don't know. I think I'll try to scrape together money from wherever I can and make it myself. (Though, I want to direct it no matter what, so maybe that would be a blessing in disguise.) I see what's being produced and sent out into the world and most of it sucks. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_Z8uDEwiNbhSOw2ko-7_jyk27mHhR6qiF6SeVrsj_nwkx7vbbFV-ZpcNbUVglTcwLiHi0cZ_EzEJXkxhoxDC_iFQBaOk9k7IVrQrph0zjXdTOwW7i6kEkd-uDuqMasJUT9h7/s1600-h/34457999.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_Z8uDEwiNbhSOw2ko-7_jyk27mHhR6qiF6SeVrsj_nwkx7vbbFV-ZpcNbUVglTcwLiHi0cZ_EzEJXkxhoxDC_iFQBaOk9k7IVrQrph0zjXdTOwW7i6kEkd-uDuqMasJUT9h7/s400/34457999.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175986554639568322" /></a>This is not a revelation. There are only so many "There Will Be Bloods" — a movie that, as I've stated a number of times, is already one of my favorites. And I think with even limited funds, I might be able to crush those uninspired productions like a grape. I know how this must sound. But I believe it's my best work and if I can't feel great about my best work, I may as well just pack it in and leave town.<br /><br />I've started to think about actors. Real ones. Ones that, if I end up doing it myself, would be impossible to get. Funny enough, I ran into one of my favorite actors yesterday, Stephen Root. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE08LmKfsXm1c0dVt2OMhyj40Eez3Cqa08wckEA5Irkj402VeCW8kdtQE0pyHBGYi4n62RX8dXSNI6_Fd_UhaHM0_YyBgGlGdFXZ6rVbNtDVdrf2vw3213Pt6ZyKY71unxWi1/s1600-h/GYI0050937120_stephen-root-actor-miramax-films.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE08LmKfsXm1c0dVt2OMhyj40Eez3Cqa08wckEA5Irkj402VeCW8kdtQE0pyHBGYi4n62RX8dXSNI6_Fd_UhaHM0_YyBgGlGdFXZ6rVbNtDVdrf2vw3213Pt6ZyKY71unxWi1/s400/GYI0050937120_stephen-root-actor-miramax-films.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175987263309172178" /></a><br />I've thought he was brilliant for years and there we were filing through used Elvis Costello CDs together. I told him, "I'm a big fan of your work and, evidently, your taste in music." Nice guy. We started talking Elvis, but ended up talking for quite some time about many other things. Though, eventually, I felt pretty uncomfortable because... well... I didn't want to say something stupid to Stephen Root. Anyhow, I hastily said, "good talking to you and take care," and as I walked away I realized that he IS the character of Sammy. Sammy's much older, but Stephen Root can become pretty much anything he wants. In fact, he's perfect. And even though Sammy's not a big part, (yeah, i know — there are no small parts... blah, blah, blah....) I found myself hoping to get it to him. So who knows? Maybe I'll send it to his people. Worst case scenario he says no.<br /><br />But maybe, just maybe, he says yes.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-75260904476283166612008-02-05T20:42:00.000-08:002012-01-25T04:11:41.901-08:0018-1Heh... heh, heh... hee-hee-hee-hee... ha, ha, ha... heeh, hee, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha-ha, ah-hahahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38U2E7Y-TDMLetzYD-iQ8VQWCzfVP5wBiQwEK9GssxqjFWiZhykhyphenhyphenZaSKQatfrZAgTt1CCDC90lfA5nPhwa-1k18vYP-zC30P5zD8z2q8B_xq1b88qmSTu7bPcL4VMvDOzmoO/s1600-h/20080204wp_burress2_500.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163723882712427794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38U2E7Y-TDMLetzYD-iQ8VQWCzfVP5wBiQwEK9GssxqjFWiZhykhyphenhyphenZaSKQatfrZAgTt1CCDC90lfA5nPhwa-1k18vYP-zC30P5zD8z2q8B_xq1b88qmSTu7bPcL4VMvDOzmoO/s400/20080204wp_burress2_500.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
HA, HAH, HA... hee, hee...tee-hee-hee... <br />
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Whew!<br />
<br />
That was a good one...Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-77013722732413393792008-01-01T17:56:00.000-08:002008-01-02T14:38:29.350-08:002007? it sounded like a good idea.It’s been a looooooong time, and I’ve not written because I’ve been preoccupied with writing. And when you write all day, the last thing you want to do is write all night. That said, I’ve decided that my annual list of the year’s best music is a good time to start up again. <br /><br />As with last year, these are in fairly loose order until we get towards the end. And I could have added a few other albums [like, say, Menomena's "Friend and Foe"] but I figured that would be against the whole spirit of the "Top 10 List." <br /><br />I've also included rollovers to a few videos, a number of which are links to the brilliant "La Blogothéque."<br /><br />Enough, already. Let’s jump into it, shall we? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yzX3mNm0KRJYoOkiwgEIOg2Va9E5k-DlICIUio7IJmvLm0u9bsE4UAf9SkVp0GHoq1uDufj-I7ikXq6rYnw2OTDHey-SFdGk70H7SEJrhO9xtZ7x-tjqpwFHoEfU1jIG4-nA/s1600-h/Caribou_Andorra_Cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yzX3mNm0KRJYoOkiwgEIOg2Va9E5k-DlICIUio7IJmvLm0u9bsE4UAf9SkVp0GHoq1uDufj-I7ikXq6rYnw2OTDHey-SFdGk70H7SEJrhO9xtZ7x-tjqpwFHoEfU1jIG4-nA/s400/Caribou_Andorra_Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150694420828012466" /></a><br />Caribou — “Andorra” <br /><br />This one was a pleasant surprise. It’s lush and much like a walk through 1967 without sounding overly derivative [and without the bad acid]. To my ear, it’s got a little early-90’s flavor to it as well [without the bad X]. But it’s a great marriage and I doubt there will be any arguing over who gets the dog any time soon. So let that be a lesson for all of you kids out there: Good acid + Good X = Damn fine music.<br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.blogotheque.net/article.php3?id_article=3727">“She’s the One”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNBUk-19B1j2y_5R1rGIdNkLJLMCf1pBJZF6HUpo-UbB0WfARCwbbiWYWbqHY5Ew3iiQjfdscPtZK55et2OTgtCcyX5_Ulzh5Bun1pfPYci5_M08rp6rBk6WqTZYW22nLgPWC/s1600-h/61IPAfsjlIL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNBUk-19B1j2y_5R1rGIdNkLJLMCf1pBJZF6HUpo-UbB0WfARCwbbiWYWbqHY5Ew3iiQjfdscPtZK55et2OTgtCcyX5_Ulzh5Bun1pfPYci5_M08rp6rBk6WqTZYW22nLgPWC/s400/61IPAfsjlIL._SS500_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150694425122979778" /></a><br />Spoon — “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga”<br /><br />Aussie: “You call that a knife? THAT’S a knife!”<br />Bart: “That’s not a knife. That’s a spoon.”<br />Aussie: “GASP! I see you’ve played ‘knifey-spoony’ before!” <br /><br />As we all know, “Spoon” is both a noun and a verb. And for almost 15 years, Spoon have been putting out songs that, at first listen, sound pretty much like what you’d expect from the average indie rock band today. But scratch the surface and you can hear the difference that Britt Daniels makes. “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” is a collection of catchy compositions and each one sounds exactly like Spoon. And that’s a very, very good thing. <br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48My_nyThGw&feature=related">“You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywAuGwRE8noi_nnNq9mVHantOYIbprT1VrSNB2UJftrUIonVw8J22TbTRfETKgr_uD31yM_OeWcM1adTPcYKYUq6Nx2OfMIK-V8uOQmr_ONJSPK5ROdbgsOYjcBDs_Z2M3IAx/s1600-h/27084.TheNational-Boxer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywAuGwRE8noi_nnNq9mVHantOYIbprT1VrSNB2UJftrUIonVw8J22TbTRfETKgr_uD31yM_OeWcM1adTPcYKYUq6Nx2OfMIK-V8uOQmr_ONJSPK5ROdbgsOYjcBDs_Z2M3IAx/s400/27084.TheNational-Boxer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150695284116438994" /></a><br /> The National — “Boxer”<br /><br />I had never heard of The National until 2007. [Thereby making me incredibly uncool. Again.] But “Boxer” is a good album with which to start. Taking a few cues from Lambchop, it’s a beautiful, smart album; beautiful, because of the string arrangements and smart because of the fucked-up time signatures in tracks like “Fake Empire.” And these two elements make it better than 99% of anything you’ll hear on the radio. [Have I ever mentioned that said radio sucks ass? If not, I need to remedy that — the radio sucks ass. Let's move on, then...] <br /><br />[Standout track: “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBujZr20O6M">Fake Empire”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLMhyphenhyphenfcuIavmjTSrVjYlwvxEcymYfsJ1PP0Vh3OHqKmlGqGY3qhUNILrlzloiEtLFrH92VLO6LOmLINK089G1r0on-QHjjewqxe-dK2iqVLmXvb7sa5-SZDyApgdzK500HRmS/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLMhyphenhyphenfcuIavmjTSrVjYlwvxEcymYfsJ1PP0Vh3OHqKmlGqGY3qhUNILrlzloiEtLFrH92VLO6LOmLINK089G1r0on-QHjjewqxe-dK2iqVLmXvb7sa5-SZDyApgdzK500HRmS/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150695292706373602" /></a><br />The Bird and the Bee — “The Bird and the Bee”<br /><br />Some advice: If you find yourself walking down Sunset Blvd, and Amoeba Music’s marquee reads, "TONIGHT: [Band You’ve Never Heard Of]," go inside and take a chance. I saw The Bird and the Bee at Amoeba and they were cool and refreshing — much like a tall glass of 7-up. First I fell in love with the singer; then I fell in love with her voice. If you like your Burt Bacharach mixed with a little electronica, this is the band for you. I do find that one either loves or hates them, though. So if you’re inclined to explore, keep that in mind. <br /><br />[Stand out track: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDlEXQaMBpk">"Again and Again"</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-PUJqofftagOtuCGGgNpD-WyKXvo7IsrTmkAH0kuVIYQttDWJIDNoW9r9kbGbuRibfto_ih_fTo6Nxi1-jla9hZ5Xp9h4D7cmae348b1NJ7_CONaclDf0RA0NWv0cG6YSi5o/s1600-h/new+moon.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-PUJqofftagOtuCGGgNpD-WyKXvo7IsrTmkAH0kuVIYQttDWJIDNoW9r9kbGbuRibfto_ih_fTo6Nxi1-jla9hZ5Xp9h4D7cmae348b1NJ7_CONaclDf0RA0NWv0cG6YSi5o/s400/new+moon.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150695297001340914" /></a><br />Elliott Smith — “New Moon”<br /><br />I’ve always believed that we form relationships with the musicians we listen to. Each elicits a unique emotional and intellectual response. For me, Elliott Smith always felt like the friend that needed a few words of encouragement. And when he committed suicide [was killed by his girlfriend], I can’t say that I was entirely shocked. “New Moon” is a delicate mix of new, incomplete tracks, and few covers and alternate takes. It captures his vulnerability and dignity. And it makes me miss my friend. <br /><br />[Standout track: “New Monkey”]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC7KuMmLIy1uxpD80QARpVzbGQ4RWKyfYYbpKdaPEioszm_zwLIQS8DcHd-4RDbeA_M1_BCBmyNzY5Md3A0Q3n2lDnmtTTSC4z46dIKLpQsVsqWFo6efOu_EwOq9BmErhVfYG/s1600-h/Beirut+Flying+Cup-thumb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC7KuMmLIy1uxpD80QARpVzbGQ4RWKyfYYbpKdaPEioszm_zwLIQS8DcHd-4RDbeA_M1_BCBmyNzY5Md3A0Q3n2lDnmtTTSC4z46dIKLpQsVsqWFo6efOu_EwOq9BmErhVfYG/s400/Beirut+Flying+Cup-thumb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150700137429483522" /></a><br />Beirut — “The Flying Cup Club”<br /><br />Everything Beirut does makes me feel like I’ve just walked into a smoky bistro in Paris — I hear catchy accordion-based tunes, smell like a cigarette, and wish there was a cheap streetwalker in close proximity. Somebody should tell Zach Condon he’s from Santa Fe. Better yet, don’t. Although this is one of the top albums of the year, I actually think their best song — and release — of the year was “Elephant Gun.” Regardless, who wants some Armagnac? <br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2y0ry_641-beirut-nantes_creation">“Nantes”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn5ZZsLfDlkJxEnvVyQsy_4dwtLKFinD-AfjCRrkmApzVkN_gJdQGOIyhF7hPrN8938BIu-70zvrSunbAUeRdgjAbeO2trxyOoOGBdDne95el26WQFO64lOV24IH_a_u_-_Ac/s1600-h/feistreminder.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn5ZZsLfDlkJxEnvVyQsy_4dwtLKFinD-AfjCRrkmApzVkN_gJdQGOIyhF7hPrN8938BIu-70zvrSunbAUeRdgjAbeO2trxyOoOGBdDne95el26WQFO64lOV24IH_a_u_-_Ac/s400/feistreminder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150700137429483538" /></a><br />Feist — “The Reminder”<br /><br />“1-2-3-4, <br />make me Steve Jobs’ corporate whore…” <br /><br />Okay. Although I always find it annoying when a band gains public attention via a television commercial [Nick Drake's "Pink Moon"], it’s a good song and a great video. Mind you, I don’t have a problem with the ad as much as I do the laziness of the American music fan. [Dig, people. Earn your damn music.] But “The Reminder” is a terrific album, front to back, no matter where its audience first heard it. <br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPCm4NxjEsA">“I Feel It All”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9bSL_hH4TLii8mIMRs5mSb7eGUJaD_vGtgIR8CQMB3DnYB8WThBMqqEhhcONL3gtN1137OdsmZzlrwmbRfKmNV-DUMafNNNA-C3vBAZDcdz1dQH4ap3mvW5uz8o2OlbAvAYu/s1600-h/Sheperd's-dog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9bSL_hH4TLii8mIMRs5mSb7eGUJaD_vGtgIR8CQMB3DnYB8WThBMqqEhhcONL3gtN1137OdsmZzlrwmbRfKmNV-DUMafNNNA-C3vBAZDcdz1dQH4ap3mvW5uz8o2OlbAvAYu/s400/Sheperd's-dog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150706682959642706" /></a><br />Iron & Wine ¬— “The Shepherd’s Dog”<br /><br />Sam Beam is consistently top-notch, and “The Shepherd’s Dog” is the next phase in the evolution of Iron & Wine. This one has a bit more electricity, and often when a band makes the jump from acoustic to electric, it’s a little awkward — not everyone can be Bob Dylan. Who, as I covered in last year’s list, is Bob Dylan. But Sam Beam is Sam Beam, and Sam Beam is pretty damn great. Plus, his beard makes Bob Dylan’s its bitch.<br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-qxfeuOgQk&feature=related">“Boy With A Coin”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNs3vkVS498qUXX9uzX6JstR-tcaJcSG4_6EKJmuMstPZXrRD3F-R6mTNwgN0M7EyndW8CIpqWNNOaAfNTxA9JQRKCKYANl_UZWD4jWXq5Yeeud3Cj5-P10fzuuuxScTmyrbg/s1600-h/jag110full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNs3vkVS498qUXX9uzX6JstR-tcaJcSG4_6EKJmuMstPZXrRD3F-R6mTNwgN0M7EyndW8CIpqWNNOaAfNTxA9JQRKCKYANl_UZWD4jWXq5Yeeud3Cj5-P10fzuuuxScTmyrbg/s400/jag110full.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150706691549577314" /></a><br />Okkervil River — “The Stage Names”<br /><br />“The Stage Names” is a lot like Iron & Wine’s “The Shepherd’s Dog” release in that it’s a hugely successful step in the evolution of the band. This, thanks to Will Sheff. He’s a brilliant songwriter, who doesn’t pigeonhole himself and, in doing so, helps to shape the musical landscape. This one features my favorite single of the year...<br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROlCPlnCIfo">“Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRxY1IF_FuU3dtvcIwtXp-9GmJAljypyF71wY5e9pKCooi3cwTGFHQgrAdDz5ZE3T9RjObBJ2zAGoQnOBG04O1JBkJZwgmLaBwGyEkqcFZPhVijDOMKy3PhG8KXOAuLJBesEZ/s1600-h/B000MV9A1C.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRxY1IF_FuU3dtvcIwtXp-9GmJAljypyF71wY5e9pKCooi3cwTGFHQgrAdDz5ZE3T9RjObBJ2zAGoQnOBG04O1JBkJZwgmLaBwGyEkqcFZPhVijDOMKy3PhG8KXOAuLJBesEZ/s400/B000MV9A1C.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150714843397505154" /></a><br />Andrew Bird — “Armchair Apocrypha” <br /><br />This guy makes the violin cool. I missed my chance to see Mr. Bird at Amoeba. I forget what I was doing, but I should have cancelled it twice. I have no excuses and as I write this, I feel a little sick to my stomach, much like an Olsen twin after eating a single ziti. This is a beautiful album. Andrew Bird never really follows musical trends. He makes great music, but no apologies. This one was close to being number one of the year. But then the next two albums on this list came out.<br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt7fuzgYrc4">“Spare-Ohs”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qlMNdMAr8wIEKl2bnqMGURaSuX7y_htQ8oaxf-F3llQNT6t6H1xTNAu1xJjBcLI2_QKulJyWdYlBNpOSkX00DcWRreG3nReMoeUyT5PPEWbdPaQG1jSGTIxwNGpu4vPAYcuJ/s1600-h/neon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qlMNdMAr8wIEKl2bnqMGURaSuX7y_htQ8oaxf-F3llQNT6t6H1xTNAu1xJjBcLI2_QKulJyWdYlBNpOSkX00DcWRreG3nReMoeUyT5PPEWbdPaQG1jSGTIxwNGpu4vPAYcuJ/s400/neon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150702151769145410" /></a><br />“Neon Bible” — The Arcade Fire<br /><br />In 2004, “Funeral” was the album everyone was talking about — something that’s usually the kiss of death for any sophomore release. The Arcade Fire didn’t follow that blueprint. On this one, they kind of scattered every which way and ended up making what could have been the best of the year. There are so many standout tracks on this, I’ll just throw a dart at the track list and give you the one I hit.<br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfhnFIiFHS4&feature=related">“Windowstill”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oUOm9xS7lQjePdrKchImWGD7-QuLVjkgN-gF0_tZLLSy2kSajW8IBzqNep75uPq_xKu3HkzP62CinskHy5XIqB6xO8TlKAlKd_hvyEQTNYWG4X41VHJHtzkn_Q59pRO4fczz/s1600-h/radiohead-in_rainbows_front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oUOm9xS7lQjePdrKchImWGD7-QuLVjkgN-gF0_tZLLSy2kSajW8IBzqNep75uPq_xKu3HkzP62CinskHy5XIqB6xO8TlKAlKd_hvyEQTNYWG4X41VHJHtzkn_Q59pRO4fczz/s400/radiohead-in_rainbows_front.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150701129566928930" /></a><br />Radiohead — “In Rainbows”<br /><br />It’s just not fair. Other bands should be whining. They should go to their mommies and tell. Radiohead continues to be the best band on earth. In fact, they’re so good, they could end up on this list during years in which they don’t release a note of music. They’re better than Christmas morning, the last day of school, Fonzie's motorcycle, and Monica Bellucci, combined. —On second thought, scratch that last example. But they're pretty damn fantastic, and “In Rainbows” just isn’t fair. It’s the best of the year and if you don’t agree, you’re wrong. But that's just my opinion.<br /><br />Like the rest of this list.<br /><br />[Standout track: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kCKob1YKOU">“Videotape”</a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-24021003401791302262007-08-02T22:12:00.000-07:002007-08-03T17:57:13.223-07:00recipe for a good time.It starts with bacon. Bacon grease, actually. <br /><br />Next, you’ll need an NFL quarterback, like, say, Michael Vick. Yeah. Vick would be perfect.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4FYSR0i_WFnaunXpICeaUkj6fyZp-egSSSXJiUcFxSfO3uIjWsBUDLqnBOx0z7paixdtrk2dxETZMcdySClRB8o48JSDsnDHlhmpZSKsSKdBbeKwdW-0YBXtxc8FzPsn1oYs/s1600-h/bacon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4FYSR0i_WFnaunXpICeaUkj6fyZp-egSSSXJiUcFxSfO3uIjWsBUDLqnBOx0z7paixdtrk2dxETZMcdySClRB8o48JSDsnDHlhmpZSKsSKdBbeKwdW-0YBXtxc8FzPsn1oYs/s400/bacon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094338638893082274" /></a><br />Okay. So then we fry up the bacon and give it to a homeless guy. [Or woman. I’m no sexist, so stop looking at me that way. I think homeless women can fight just as hard as homeless men in those DVD's.] My thinking is that the bacon shouldn’t go to waste. <br /><br />Next, we take the bacon grease and run it through Michael Vick’s hair. That’s right. We take that bacon grease and run it right through those fashionable-ass corn rolls. [And let me tell you, corn rolls are always fashionable-ass.] Anyway, we run that bacon grease through his hair and take him somewhere nice. Like, say… oh, I don’t know… inside a dog-fighting pit. Yeah. That’d be nice. <br /><br />Okay, after that, we get some dogs. Real mean, hungry pit bulls. Pit bulls that don’t watch football. I’m thinkiiiiiing… let’s go with six. Y'take those six pit bulls and put 'em in there with our buddy, Michael. 'Cause I think Michael Vick should enjoy some down time with vicious pit bulls. I mean, why not? He enjoys them — or so I've been lead to believe.<br /><br />The only thing left to do is crack open an ice cold Pabst Blue Ribbon, make up some of your sister’s recipe for seven-layer dip, and let the laughs begin. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi464rnY06twUTKoP54HQBlTH4IvRIL6v7o5opj0cetzhuNN4Yl4autcY96Qq8VTHLA920xD-uJ5MRyaVoPce3ekI81s9xAdAmHgIexWIRSS_Yf-th41ZwQzRIY3Jw6RAdR22kD/s1600-h/20060131092617_pabst_blue_ribbon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi464rnY06twUTKoP54HQBlTH4IvRIL6v7o5opj0cetzhuNN4Yl4autcY96Qq8VTHLA920xD-uJ5MRyaVoPce3ekI81s9xAdAmHgIexWIRSS_Yf-th41ZwQzRIY3Jw6RAdR22kD/s400/20060131092617_pabst_blue_ribbon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094566194850358994" /></a><br />Michael Vick deserves this and so much more. He deserves jail time. He deserves massive fines. He deserves to be someone’s bitch. He deserves bad karma. In his next life, he should end up a dog in a fight, organized by a dumbass NFL quarterback. <br /><br />Now, I was tempted to show you what a dog on the losing end of a fight looks like, so you could be witness to evil. Why sugarcoat it, right? But I figured you were already subjecting yourselves my bullshit, so why add to your pain? Besides, you can find a number of the aforementioned images online, so just Google “pit bull” if you have the stomach for it. Be prepared to see a dog’s face being held together by medical implements. Be prepared to see skin and fur torn away along the scalp. Be prepared to be completely disgusted. Be prepared to hate Michael Vick. [Mind you, I'm a Steelers and Notre Dame fan. I've always hated Michael Vick.]<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiFLw3kYeolkTO6-r8dge96ZXdo7vEkq-FkVa8PATl04mWoUTOjH1PDhaTqASQsMmSovsUnS_aORZl2RkwkfY4ByYAUU0wCSZ9hUUN9OLzRyQeqwO6QT-JgooeHq8nqqjJA4q/s1600-h/amd_vick_protest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiFLw3kYeolkTO6-r8dge96ZXdo7vEkq-FkVa8PATl04mWoUTOjH1PDhaTqASQsMmSovsUnS_aORZl2RkwkfY4ByYAUU0wCSZ9hUUN9OLzRyQeqwO6QT-JgooeHq8nqqjJA4q/s400/amd_vick_protest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094643027520317170" /></a><br />If you ask me, I’d say it’s an open and shut case. If the NFL brings him back this season [make no mistake — the players union won’t allow him to be banned permanently] they should keep this in mind: before he decided to kill little Filipino boys, Jeffrey Dahmer killed animals. Michael Vick decided it was okay to hang or electrocute the losing dogs in his little enterprise. Maybe if Jeff had been drafted in the first round he — and those boys — would be alive and well today. Maybe his life wouldn’t have been filled with so much despair and loneliness that his little psychopathic hobby would have run its unnatural course and diminished. Or maybe the closest he’d come to hurting an animal would have been kicking the pigskin. <br /><br />And yes, I know i'm a hypocrite because I love my Thanksgiving dinner as much as the next omnivore, but in my mind there's a difference between food and sheer cruelty. Though, many would argue that I'm way off base. <br /><br />One thing I do know is that Vick needs help. Eh. On second thought, maybe we should just get started on that recipe.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-73650280431306434162007-07-26T10:12:00.000-07:002007-08-05T15:41:19.179-07:00alec guinness is in front of the bed, bath and beyond.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihse_ksGF_gkDZfilRZXKpHYdSALKDzfZMFrXkDJpEIPcq1XFS_AnN32jOljOb58rQDONTjgbKuYANzteM3dK2gKlXoiwLGtzP7K4-Im5KQTvEYaHAEzZ0MkSvpxgr-6IF7NM8/s1600-h/039_61377.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihse_ksGF_gkDZfilRZXKpHYdSALKDzfZMFrXkDJpEIPcq1XFS_AnN32jOljOb58rQDONTjgbKuYANzteM3dK2gKlXoiwLGtzP7K4-Im5KQTvEYaHAEzZ0MkSvpxgr-6IF7NM8/s400/039_61377.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091619748501055090" /></a><br />Fame is a thing. David Bowie wrote a whole song about it and everything. <br /><br />Fame is pretty big here. Lot’s of famous-types. Which means paparazzi. They're all over the place and whatnot. I’ve concluded that “paparazzi” is another word for “cockroaches.” They seem to be the lowest of the low. Even lower than anyone who’d wear a Ray Lewis jersey. But then, maybe not. Either way, it takes a certain deficiency — a certain nothing — to surround someone’s car in the In-N-Out Burger drive-thru just because the guy ordering the Double-Double Animal Style played “Astonished Juror #3” in a movie back in 1997.<br /><br />But it seems to me that fame is something that I would absolutely abhor. Why would anyone aspire to have total strangers interrupt as they try to polish off the last of the their cobb salad? Although, it wasn’t a very good one. Mostly iceberg lettuce. And the bacon left something to be desired. I think it was fake bacon. Yeah. It was facon. More like Grape Nuts®. Bacon doesn’t get that hard and gravel-like. And that iced tea was pretty tasteless too. I should have gotten an Arnold Palmer. Oooh… and Arnold Palmer. That would really hit the spot right about now…<br /><br />But I digress yet again. <br /><br />So then, it seems to go like this: move to Hollywood, audition, get discovered, get hyped, get famous, get a star on the Hollywood walk of fame, situated in front of a retail chain. <br /><br />In rare instances, the location of one’s star is fitting. Johnny Cash, for example, is across the street from an X-rated movie theater. Jamie Farr is… well… in front of the Bed, Bath & Beyond with Alec Guinness.<br /><br />Of course, this wasn’t Alec’s goal. He never asked to end up a doormat for people looking to buy a 3-pack of Dust Buster filters, now did he?<br /><br />Not Obi-Wan Kenobi. No, he seems more like a Borders Bookstore kind of guy. <br /><br />“These are not the Ayn Rand books you’re looking for…”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN-1HZ9-DilgmM3BNwg5T7tOowOdQB5tkBWUHdEkhWDgqEc40Vuv_qykc4wwUQVkeRquGTiVoS-Xtyxa3jhgHJbJiUmL21D8d6q2EOtrka3qXQvPD6uzIkossXf1DytUynl0H/s1600-h/Hollywood-walk-of-fame.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN-1HZ9-DilgmM3BNwg5T7tOowOdQB5tkBWUHdEkhWDgqEc40Vuv_qykc4wwUQVkeRquGTiVoS-Xtyxa3jhgHJbJiUmL21D8d6q2EOtrka3qXQvPD6uzIkossXf1DytUynl0H/s400/Hollywood-walk-of-fame.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091796387621037714" /></a>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-51065475804781525322007-07-05T10:33:00.001-07:002007-07-05T22:29:23.450-07:00comedy brittle.Okay. <br /><br />There’s been quite a large amount of water under the bridge since I last wrote on this blog. That’s at LEAST a gallon. Which, in L.A. runs about $16.<br /><br />The reason I’ve been away for so long is that I’ve begun freelancing for an agency in town. And I think it’s the beginning of the magical and breathtaking world advertising — a land where candy canes and lollipops grow wild along the hallways and art directors quiver in their offices in the fetal position, muttering “I'm really a painter… I'm really a painter... “<br /><br />The agency I’m doing work for isn’t Chiat Day, who, for those of you don’t know, has the Apple account. But they’re paying me. [Oh yes. I’m in it for the art. I’m like Warhol but without the hip, beautiful, destructive crowd of hangers on… Actually? Never mind. I’m exactly like Warhol.] But, as usual, I digress. The agency — a few of the people are quite nice and it’s good to know some of those kinds of people in Los Angeles [where gold-plated three-picture deals line the streets and the waiters move from table to table, muttering, “I’m really an actor… I’m really an actor…”]<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzKGFdIRSqt9bc_SVf8zokdrOP2APZzX9yB4-neTO4caiDphHQA7IzNQZwOxMMOC3ugXKuh1Kufvq3pfde6mwtPSxsfk9IqBxTmOxw_ZQjlxD65yhpzdB-KcabN_QKSx4ev_h/s1600-h/Warhol.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzKGFdIRSqt9bc_SVf8zokdrOP2APZzX9yB4-neTO4caiDphHQA7IzNQZwOxMMOC3ugXKuh1Kufvq3pfde6mwtPSxsfk9IqBxTmOxw_ZQjlxD65yhpzdB-KcabN_QKSx4ev_h/s400/Warhol.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083767926388870290" /></a><br />But my time at this agency has brought into sharp focus, once again, an observation I’ve brought up time and time again. And that observation is that comedy is brittle. And when somebody fucks up your idea, I feel, it goes from brittle to brutal. This isn’t by any stretch a new notion. In fact, the brilliant John Cleese applied the word “brittle” to comedy about 10 years ago. <br /><br />The reason I bring this up is because I’ve been experiencing this brittle/brutal thing firsthand lately. See, I labor under the revolutionary notion that the writer understands his humor better than anyone else. Except, maybe, your average Hollywood suit. Those guys are known for bringin’ the funny. They’re right up there with Hermann Goering and Carrot Top. I believe that the writer should be the director. And if he or she can’t be the director, they should be in the director’s ear, making suggestions. Things like, “could you get that guy to say my words less crappily?” [And I think Cleese would find this a fair question.]<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnYbspHxWtpR1sEQ1JIQ_RB8bmknsB21TcHaiEOWoSW6VyG3dy2C1T9WvPp2NVhWADNsl2ams-16ANbXmUVdhf_LB4ZRyEwQeWj7k3shAME1H-iiKXWYokmxmEfNh9mNxLUWa/s1600-h/Copy+(2)+of+JohnCleeseBLKonteal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnYbspHxWtpR1sEQ1JIQ_RB8bmknsB21TcHaiEOWoSW6VyG3dy2C1T9WvPp2NVhWADNsl2ams-16ANbXmUVdhf_LB4ZRyEwQeWj7k3shAME1H-iiKXWYokmxmEfNh9mNxLUWa/s400/Copy+(2)+of+JohnCleeseBLKonteal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083768772497427634" /></a><br />The other day I came up with what I thought was a pretty funny ad for McDonald’s. This, in and of itself was a victory. But the end result is one that I’d turn off within 15 seconds. <br /><br />I’m hoping that my pilot [which I wrote with the alarmingly talented mike exner] or my screenplay [which I wrote with the alarmingly talented mike exner] fares better. <br /><br />Time will tell.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-55886740018991997142007-05-26T23:57:00.000-07:002007-05-27T00:25:13.842-07:00neighborhood shots.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai_MEt1Qb8Q0qK_5dy732hD9ro7-mRjl7AkByy1j5EyLM6lcx4LFQYYYo77EgdA3MeRTWD0vF81HHtwL1siBv0AMSJlpWF0YoB3BW8iAFjSxtoo-QK9JS6HIk-rNj48YrH_wr/s1600-h/DSC_0116_2_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai_MEt1Qb8Q0qK_5dy732hD9ro7-mRjl7AkByy1j5EyLM6lcx4LFQYYYo77EgdA3MeRTWD0vF81HHtwL1siBv0AMSJlpWF0YoB3BW8iAFjSxtoo-QK9JS6HIk-rNj48YrH_wr/s400/DSC_0116_2_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069132611348906354" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufBESknZQLI1JRcwkXrbqxZrcN8M0lrjJ7mx1646ho3xJ2p16VZpP7PFvmoQ2KHqTTkwsGHeyJbQ2lVpslJkEUzSDRld8UAJWCAgdeVSGNhIqYhadObgxkSsxcBm_OSn7G8iT/s1600-h/DSC_0114_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufBESknZQLI1JRcwkXrbqxZrcN8M0lrjJ7mx1646ho3xJ2p16VZpP7PFvmoQ2KHqTTkwsGHeyJbQ2lVpslJkEUzSDRld8UAJWCAgdeVSGNhIqYhadObgxkSsxcBm_OSn7G8iT/s400/DSC_0114_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069136201941565906" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-YeTJtY8Bz4mc1X3ERFlybbJGEMjzfcVKdiw2IMPEnEJVzJmJGtfgS2rgGM6E9fgPVlFA4lQzkkytYw-FSthyRRLIFyVhHnUoAlIe0awWZM07LRANwAglNBxspT7G4KK3Gld/s1600-h/DSC_0117_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-YeTJtY8Bz4mc1X3ERFlybbJGEMjzfcVKdiw2IMPEnEJVzJmJGtfgS2rgGM6E9fgPVlFA4lQzkkytYw-FSthyRRLIFyVhHnUoAlIe0awWZM07LRANwAglNBxspT7G4KK3Gld/s400/DSC_0117_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069132611348906338" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-2PXHTSFTGcSpkMuZmiL5YHsLcIk0C64u_JrkjGkoJSyCduvggrUcanFoiCxiblgrxLnpDKK5SNVUktj3m3zaWX5jxkp3534p_LgGzDRhQIsZhl3M1yisgn4yjCn3WOQ8CFU/s1600-h/DSC_0109_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-2PXHTSFTGcSpkMuZmiL5YHsLcIk0C64u_JrkjGkoJSyCduvggrUcanFoiCxiblgrxLnpDKK5SNVUktj3m3zaWX5jxkp3534p_LgGzDRhQIsZhl3M1yisgn4yjCn3WOQ8CFU/s400/DSC_0109_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069134861911769538" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zAA4nKsjU0DqISTdSeFqT_CjQGJqoLd1nD4tLPxiqU9CVihPjmzccfw_IR44Mnxdo1NOSGzn6vU4V0Xzu-fjqqKL2xvlmv9OJazVPE6KYbNRjv6KevzKKCvtGhvNtgC0KNAQ/s1600-h/DSC_0072_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zAA4nKsjU0DqISTdSeFqT_CjQGJqoLd1nD4tLPxiqU9CVihPjmzccfw_IR44Mnxdo1NOSGzn6vU4V0Xzu-fjqqKL2xvlmv9OJazVPE6KYbNRjv6KevzKKCvtGhvNtgC0KNAQ/s400/DSC_0072_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069134857616802226" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEezgqL9N-hdpjfcVjJhPyZQbE8AI07iRE-zTsXhkNF7mLmnbtRXrxXXaOT-guN9SBWBzXSYOAUGtZJAhMvOQJZMtSCTHY5kvKrFfJ15aAjb7mSCLt7XGZdWRHJI5A7Ohd9CZn/s1600-h/DSC_0074_2_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEezgqL9N-hdpjfcVjJhPyZQbE8AI07iRE-zTsXhkNF7mLmnbtRXrxXXaOT-guN9SBWBzXSYOAUGtZJAhMvOQJZMtSCTHY5kvKrFfJ15aAjb7mSCLt7XGZdWRHJI5A7Ohd9CZn/s400/DSC_0074_2_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069132985011061154" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvheMEtLlqc_zKysDSfDf-RPwetOO5N08VlqbHGa50-itY62BWfX0ie0wFfOchZowI3ftmeF0TQVwFKlRC5jChZDNmRPxidfXqcHqcYJG960ul5U1ogjE8MLSMRPI50nWGTvR/s1600-h/DSC_0084_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvheMEtLlqc_zKysDSfDf-RPwetOO5N08VlqbHGa50-itY62BWfX0ie0wFfOchZowI3ftmeF0TQVwFKlRC5jChZDNmRPxidfXqcHqcYJG960ul5U1ogjE8MLSMRPI50nWGTvR/s400/DSC_0084_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069132615643873666" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkD_UNiBSCLsNZjLkHJWMlrLe4BLyNd53KPTZBe3p5IEqDLfelPHeW-6LgnbirpHj9mf68GQxZHMuMX75s8SApyxq4T_XNHnu20103v1aPmZRrAckV0anE97XbISZ3QH93pJh/s1600-h/DSC_0094_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkD_UNiBSCLsNZjLkHJWMlrLe4BLyNd53KPTZBe3p5IEqDLfelPHeW-6LgnbirpHj9mf68GQxZHMuMX75s8SApyxq4T_XNHnu20103v1aPmZRrAckV0anE97XbISZ3QH93pJh/s400/DSC_0094_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069132615643873682" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3VQoD_5ua05hKoIPhALgdDA3MLmgJ6iQfTHJ9AWTw9YmsRhmpsDa6Dw6TSDcGXy0U_uMYTUnq7wWmn2_-nTrzEfhqx5aoVD2NoJ6138EppkpCRgiLiSOHCS_eJYv4Hjd-bcv/s1600-h/DSC_0079_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3VQoD_5ua05hKoIPhALgdDA3MLmgJ6iQfTHJ9AWTw9YmsRhmpsDa6Dw6TSDcGXy0U_uMYTUnq7wWmn2_-nTrzEfhqx5aoVD2NoJ6138EppkpCRgiLiSOHCS_eJYv4Hjd-bcv/s400/DSC_0079_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069136201941565922" /></a>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-45464826618944178552007-05-26T23:24:00.000-07:002007-07-27T16:59:49.991-07:00oslo.There’s a dog on my street with whom I love to interact. <br /><br />Oslo [pronounced “Oh-slow”] likes to hang out in his front yard and poke his head through the fence — and hedges — to see what’s going on in the neighborhood. He introduced himself to me a few months ago, as I was walking down the street. Suddenly, the manicured hedgerow became Oslo and we've been friends ever since. He’s never made a peep and he doesn’t jump around maniacally like every other Weimaraner in the known free world. <br /><br />He just sits there, making this face. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzkXMfQ5M0phxGcMkjz3uVat10nJFfNWhAuv1gDwgOHVM1V6-q8Kogy9nrstvzqnjSm4fTc_WMV3nEUlFbGR1K9Zd_hJKJMdsvhu7ROwSeJ31syil7Hvxx2ewcSnJxjIHJlVE/s1600-h/DSC_0137_2_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzkXMfQ5M0phxGcMkjz3uVat10nJFfNWhAuv1gDwgOHVM1V6-q8Kogy9nrstvzqnjSm4fTc_WMV3nEUlFbGR1K9Zd_hJKJMdsvhu7ROwSeJ31syil7Hvxx2ewcSnJxjIHJlVE/s400/DSC_0137_2_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069127234049851730" /></a><br />Oslo's cool.<br />...............Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-44008174220010142712007-05-25T02:20:00.001-07:002008-07-14T22:43:36.291-07:00north.So, I've decided to shoot Beachwood Canyon. I find it's loaded with a bizarre mix of typical Los Angeles architecture, typical British architecture — the kind one might find in the countryside - and, surprisingly, Asian minimalist architecture. [This led me to say, "Oy vay! It's Feng Shui!!"] The lighting wasn't optimal for shooting the homes, so I'll shoot them at a later date. There's also a stable at the end of my street. I asked permission to photograph it, knowing full well they'd deny the request. [I said, "I shoot horses, don't I?" They said, "go away."] <br /><br /><br />...And, as per usual, you can click on 'em to enlarge.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqS1RrS42nsF2ISG8Ond6pqm1mQfErv55LzBIE6oZeSVGkMcKwD0JlgKoCXvAojBfPc_3Cw4jxM99stz6n6k9K16md0P4yqdUz_SXug0EllXVqCoKGSnzTBzMRBKyQ3mq4MXV/s1600-h/DSC_0036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqS1RrS42nsF2ISG8Ond6pqm1mQfErv55LzBIE6oZeSVGkMcKwD0JlgKoCXvAojBfPc_3Cw4jxM99stz6n6k9K16md0P4yqdUz_SXug0EllXVqCoKGSnzTBzMRBKyQ3mq4MXV/s400/DSC_0036.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068426119293485282" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvWXrS_Tj51LbDsp5u_aC-aIiouQCWVuSz0tLgj7fcXlBHGVjck65TUU47aANTTAaAIwVh3NcvvA7_1G-2OYI3OydfTgiqzmQkXmNQzP36BxVndHxuMbK7kDLPUVX5wCiR9Ah/s1600-h/DSC_0016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvWXrS_Tj51LbDsp5u_aC-aIiouQCWVuSz0tLgj7fcXlBHGVjck65TUU47aANTTAaAIwVh3NcvvA7_1G-2OYI3OydfTgiqzmQkXmNQzP36BxVndHxuMbK7kDLPUVX5wCiR9Ah/s400/DSC_0016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068427759970992402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PM2yJP8rVglvDF93oUbrgzRztFJ9e_pWaReJkflDtwMLCNIN6S7UVy6WpObeSJdeEiZ21tmL-nibxNA2xlin5vrqH_haEG-BZZ1bEIBK4o7BLIDPpO4z9fz72jnDbr4i2zgs/s1600-h/DSC_0035_2_2_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PM2yJP8rVglvDF93oUbrgzRztFJ9e_pWaReJkflDtwMLCNIN6S7UVy6WpObeSJdeEiZ21tmL-nibxNA2xlin5vrqH_haEG-BZZ1bEIBK4o7BLIDPpO4z9fz72jnDbr4i2zgs/s400/DSC_0035_2_2_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068426123588452594" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86et0KUqOC1BDllpXu4hmZ8yVQJzbrL7Jqglo97xVtRQ3YQuFqgW0fkEO5NxEB55ZJlfdihMuXg1oKLPQh06nEgL1fT0E28tTdWiIAX1VgH2s6_99p5PJpHpqheA89crUiJx7/s1600-h/DSC_0034_2_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86et0KUqOC1BDllpXu4hmZ8yVQJzbrL7Jqglo97xVtRQ3YQuFqgW0fkEO5NxEB55ZJlfdihMuXg1oKLPQh06nEgL1fT0E28tTdWiIAX1VgH2s6_99p5PJpHpqheA89crUiJx7/s400/DSC_0034_2_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068426127883419906" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK8ac1gYiqPn2GTlsyNwfntIp_dKgenUvDdxBGeg3cxgo8nSOYNJI-VsTfUWStrtGfDwo_EQr8l0x0vAdjXYsR6z01LjkqqkD_V19nnFYNSy-OueKtzt6Vue223p5Z8bIXtZH/s1600-h/DSC_0042_2_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK8ac1gYiqPn2GTlsyNwfntIp_dKgenUvDdxBGeg3cxgo8nSOYNJI-VsTfUWStrtGfDwo_EQr8l0x0vAdjXYsR6z01LjkqqkD_V19nnFYNSy-OueKtzt6Vue223p5Z8bIXtZH/s400/DSC_0042_2_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068427759970992418" /></a>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-81047502963286992482007-05-25T01:58:00.000-07:002008-07-14T22:46:04.862-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiEoKBfwSZXfrjlErfrdXvNlpmKIDVMV61H-v_TIb7xMbJgKnvPD5M4c7wJ5WzjRV03QbeNXtPLj5AHWfcQzpWeLfEJqQqBytXgOZHPGVEi84kND7ajm7D-jkLOABJJ-5PBXC/s1600-h/DSC_0083.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiEoKBfwSZXfrjlErfrdXvNlpmKIDVMV61H-v_TIb7xMbJgKnvPD5M4c7wJ5WzjRV03QbeNXtPLj5AHWfcQzpWeLfEJqQqBytXgOZHPGVEi84kND7ajm7D-jkLOABJJ-5PBXC/s400/DSC_0083.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068423920270229682" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg288hTJ9vvrn0asYOzRlZSV9PXXCSem78wENYsualL3xMJChj7Al8jcaQdtE7h_Qc1fZj1zq3wA9hSgkvs3fdv71TN2ZXzQqKUveSeTlQJQH35w8QnxUj_dssRRPCUgIbl0o39/s1600-h/DSC_0067_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg288hTJ9vvrn0asYOzRlZSV9PXXCSem78wENYsualL3xMJChj7Al8jcaQdtE7h_Qc1fZj1zq3wA9hSgkvs3fdv71TN2ZXzQqKUveSeTlQJQH35w8QnxUj_dssRRPCUgIbl0o39/s400/DSC_0067_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068423911680295058" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7ZN58949_CDqIjOh8sezYApBuyRLRfSnOo3D-sCeINfdlTGmHUzHTyd0Jy_-nx2hSDkoueqn9L1rSkfhj4sTx-56g5fCR16APKBOv9jwiDGuCGw3KDOe1wztpNMmRg1GGdO4/s1600-h/DSC_0077_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7ZN58949_CDqIjOh8sezYApBuyRLRfSnOo3D-sCeINfdlTGmHUzHTyd0Jy_-nx2hSDkoueqn9L1rSkfhj4sTx-56g5fCR16APKBOv9jwiDGuCGw3KDOe1wztpNMmRg1GGdO4/s400/DSC_0077_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068425071321465042" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ts0jg5ZWbkEQpGOwEYG4NYVVBbIOzbaoXWIYJdbIVEOKsVPjd8TWmMLkwUJUIN6Sq4GsTJEPO55Iq4jZZzHfMyNy41kF_SsItc8Ewf1PVIAJcP-qGMX6wERWrvosN87ehP1M/s1600-h/DSC_0060_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ts0jg5ZWbkEQpGOwEYG4NYVVBbIOzbaoXWIYJdbIVEOKsVPjd8TWmMLkwUJUIN6Sq4GsTJEPO55Iq4jZZzHfMyNy41kF_SsItc8Ewf1PVIAJcP-qGMX6wERWrvosN87ehP1M/s400/DSC_0060_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068423911680295042" /></a>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-4162109427886433212007-05-25T01:42:00.000-07:002007-05-25T10:28:24.847-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH244of12K4rpvN-CE-ZU1Z3uB-jQHNzE_3cgim4sAD3b92ErsMP-E_mzkZGYKO3aBMrgglI-PpAloH_LXClcWfm87Fh7CjnbGShkUX1NrRhgWajcEdRsETJxifzMf2HdBLqUz/s1600-h/DSC_0017_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH244of12K4rpvN-CE-ZU1Z3uB-jQHNzE_3cgim4sAD3b92ErsMP-E_mzkZGYKO3aBMrgglI-PpAloH_LXClcWfm87Fh7CjnbGShkUX1NrRhgWajcEdRsETJxifzMf2HdBLqUz/s400/DSC_0017_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068419444914307170" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD-DSfqAl3GHCNPkI8nPuxti59T-9Q-JdCBedWqeLEhychrP76HWXowLOHE8dpjZQwBmAC6IfyZmB-hdYYsoCenRCHu3Ru1tkeHjzyUHXaRfxEXKwfFES-MGbWwYIywRcoFVC/s1600-h/DSC_0057_2_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD-DSfqAl3GHCNPkI8nPuxti59T-9Q-JdCBedWqeLEhychrP76HWXowLOHE8dpjZQwBmAC6IfyZmB-hdYYsoCenRCHu3Ru1tkeHjzyUHXaRfxEXKwfFES-MGbWwYIywRcoFVC/s400/DSC_0057_2_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068419011122610242" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg2YmisTktLPDQidPfCwd6fGMInry3j_sYO-sWGUZ7QetnMdgZUwkTqU5xPOd8pxdqEnI8zTr7D9YHqtcbVGVY-NK0SskZjbm8Xwn34FqxDPjDtG8gKo8KdFRFMe-M07lTRCI/s1600-h/DSC_0022_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg2YmisTktLPDQidPfCwd6fGMInry3j_sYO-sWGUZ7QetnMdgZUwkTqU5xPOd8pxdqEnI8zTr7D9YHqtcbVGVY-NK0SskZjbm8Xwn34FqxDPjDtG8gKo8KdFRFMe-M07lTRCI/s400/DSC_0022_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068551386309640498" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1Ei3Xv883KM1Fkmc7VTSeIEQJgJuMaVFXuldGc6kQBfcK9oQaim_Bg5fh66ZRAMKVb9HBH7QwMvPx5s_6k5gCWAUEOjK886nopb_6y_HQE48XVj2WNIWsp7Ng5rqJ22CMGqg/s1600-h/DSC_0051_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1Ei3Xv883KM1Fkmc7VTSeIEQJgJuMaVFXuldGc6kQBfcK9oQaim_Bg5fh66ZRAMKVb9HBH7QwMvPx5s_6k5gCWAUEOjK886nopb_6y_HQE48XVj2WNIWsp7Ng5rqJ22CMGqg/s400/DSC_0051_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068419015417577554" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCaZqhMKsxB5ekukQzcMWK3SL-Nfeg7gkboKGMUxOXK8xUuZkoYMoNk3zbVwhhr5TOJnKed6D165rXLSiEkygwqrbBIdXGmdAhdpLDuuCVtsqt5N8ytW2VV-dMq_p0UQIvkui/s1600-h/DSC_0041_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCaZqhMKsxB5ekukQzcMWK3SL-Nfeg7gkboKGMUxOXK8xUuZkoYMoNk3zbVwhhr5TOJnKed6D165rXLSiEkygwqrbBIdXGmdAhdpLDuuCVtsqt5N8ytW2VV-dMq_p0UQIvkui/s400/DSC_0041_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068419925950644338" /></a>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-82966001113187721702007-05-15T22:50:00.000-07:002007-07-27T17:01:17.994-07:00somewhere, tinky winky is laughing. hard.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcfvVPjnSZyrk5E5oFX_Bvdlrc2RyUEKYGZEBRtJSLCDb0rGFHbeUjh0nOEAKRtI0int2MCOKdaU8JzOkf2U2XJYQc_o9kWgLCdew4sHxbhLY_wt0qAhBx4Da5SYUl6iOhJUB/s1600-h/tinky.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcfvVPjnSZyrk5E5oFX_Bvdlrc2RyUEKYGZEBRtJSLCDb0rGFHbeUjh0nOEAKRtI0int2MCOKdaU8JzOkf2U2XJYQc_o9kWgLCdew4sHxbhLY_wt0qAhBx4Da5SYUl6iOhJUB/s400/tinky.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065032734352392178" /></a>And then he’s gonna have a threesome with Dipsy, and Po [a ho, I'm told] and laugh even harder. <br /><br />Jerry Falwell died today. So, okay, let’s just come out and say it, shall we? Jerry Falwell was a nasty, hateful tool. <br /><br />Oh my god! Did he just say that? About a man of the cloth?? <br /><br />Yes. Yes, I did. And I would argue that Jerry Falwell was more about green paper than cloth. He had exactly zero scruples, and if there is a Creator, he’s instructing St. Peter to bitch-slap Falwell and have him dragged to Hades by God’s Bouncers. [They look like they’ve been lifting, so don’t mess with them.]<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTQvpCG1nuPF_1ale0lOP1uqelJsdNzWk6HA0PtNeb0O-OvaA4nrwIufE7bUtT0lJEvk9FNRSEcumVrCb5cpGqYdGF1c7JhKWxJDMcyomluzuVA2WEuZc0hZcKnIKR4ZgtRmY/s1600-h/bouncers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTQvpCG1nuPF_1ale0lOP1uqelJsdNzWk6HA0PtNeb0O-OvaA4nrwIufE7bUtT0lJEvk9FNRSEcumVrCb5cpGqYdGF1c7JhKWxJDMcyomluzuVA2WEuZc0hZcKnIKR4ZgtRmY/s400/bouncers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065038811731116066" /></a><br />Don’t believe me that Falwell was a no-good shithead? This is what he said after September 11th: <br /><br />"I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"<br /><br />…uh... Jerry? As the kids say these days, WTF?<br /><br />Wait, it gets better. He thought you were stupid [much like the ad guys mentioned in my May 6th post]. I know this because of what he said two days later: <br /><br />"I hold no one other than the terrorists and the people and nations who have enabled and harbored them responsible for Tuesday's attacks on this nation." <br /><br />And he expected you to believe him.<br /><br />He then blamed the media for incompetent reporting. Personally? I blame the media for not calling him on it. No, I blame the media for not treating him the way Tony Soprano last treated Christopher Moltisanti. <br /><br />But, much like a Ginsu Knife offer, there’s still more: Falwell contested that, “when The Antichrist comes, he must be, of necessity, a Jewish male."<br /><br />Yeah, Jerry, Sandy Koufax is the beast. And it’s not “666.” It’s “000.” Which is, of course, a perfect game. I can see how Jerry might get the two confused. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA_Jz9QjGMiA8gSwPTgRY_IXB0BfJvLQU9LLq1H0dFuFPlJIu7X1NzTtSIZIb9vcxTuo88SjT76hWesCDjbfTpTIiQzpt8k2djuZMjhvRkqlV0INIlEbhBk-8NSa_ETAvoUH7/s1600-h/KOUFAXLR1.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA_Jz9QjGMiA8gSwPTgRY_IXB0BfJvLQU9LLq1H0dFuFPlJIu7X1NzTtSIZIb9vcxTuo88SjT76hWesCDjbfTpTIiQzpt8k2djuZMjhvRkqlV0INIlEbhBk-8NSa_ETAvoUH7/s400/KOUFAXLR1.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065033576165982226" /></a><br />Anyhow, I couldn’t possibly go through all of Falwell’s bullshit with one post. It would have to be the length of a novel, and who the hell wants to read a novel about him? If you want a book about an asshole, you may as well read, “The Cat in the Hat.” Sure, he’s one of the most celebrated characters in children's literature, but let’s be honest with ourselves — he’s an asshole. He comes in and trashes his hosts’ house and puts their pet’s life in jeopardy. But at least he’s not that pervert, Tinky Winky, ‘cause that guy loooooooves that Judy Garland. <br /><br />But back to Falwell — who was only marginally smarter than the average children’s literature character [and av-er-age bear]. Let’s not revise history. Let’s not insult everyone’s intelligence. Let’s not react as Senator John McCain [R-AZ] reacted.<br /><br />In a statement today, he said, “Dr. Falwell was a man of distinguished accomplishment who devoted his life to serving his faith and country. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Falwell’s family at this difficult time.”<br /><br />Not that you ever had it, Senator, but you’ve officially lost my vote. I can’t abide another idiot in the Oval Office. <br /><br />But, as cold as it sounds, I think the world is a better place now that another idiot is in the dirt.<br /><br />Oh my god! Did he just say that? About a man of the cloth??<br /><br />Yes. Yes, I did.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-77805375286101877452007-05-11T00:33:00.001-07:002009-12-11T12:59:22.876-08:00hello, my name's dante.So for the second time in two months, my neighborhood experienced a brush with fire [a brush fire, specifically]. This one was much closer than the first. So close, in fact, that I started to consider what I’d take with me if I were told to leave my home, just as the residents in the neighborhood down the road from mine were. So close that I could smell the smoke. So close that, as I drove up my street, I could see 100-foot flames, climbing up the ridge, maybe a quarter mile away. And, according to KTLA [inexplicably, the only station covering it], the wind was blowing west – i.e. my direction. Not a great feeling.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu5Ey_f71edGureaPd0aT3qEvOYrKKXAjYojhQW9YRK34yVrKyhNUc0rzjcxfzn8p3s0pCDC4aFS5c36zJNpwTy05-m3Tm5zDWdz_guPGHYRVmpwxdOE8IN_lbaTEdNYSuc5Q/s1600-h/capt.7a8bea4c33f24b0da20c2ec80dccba50.socal_fire_la140.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu5Ey_f71edGureaPd0aT3qEvOYrKKXAjYojhQW9YRK34yVrKyhNUc0rzjcxfzn8p3s0pCDC4aFS5c36zJNpwTy05-m3Tm5zDWdz_guPGHYRVmpwxdOE8IN_lbaTEdNYSuc5Q/s400/capt.7a8bea4c33f24b0da20c2ec80dccba50.socal_fire_la140.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063225733777636402" /></a>[Sadly, I don't live in this building.]<br /><br />So, although the only mandatory evacuation I want to be a part of involves a venti coffee and a brand muffin, I started to make a mental list of what I’d have to load into my car. What was most sensible? What was irreplaceable? What was the most valuable? <br /><br />Here, then, was my checklist:<br /><br />• personal documents [taxes, passport etc]<br />• laptop/external hard drive<br />• notebooks <br />• artwork and photography<br />• pinochle trophies and ribbons<br />• a rare copy of Miracle Legion's 1987 masterpiece, "Surprise, Surprise, Surprise."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzswMOJJMbQTK_BQH5yJ99quaxm0s_k2fkuXfnkcYuSRh2lhBKXhvFjnKSJS9wh0_3bJQg1V0bvlz0ECX6cl5x5-m0_pzvSZ6bdG8GD0lYQjLafeNfLNCnKa_ZhaQqwkNCQoz/s1600-h/14457.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzswMOJJMbQTK_BQH5yJ99quaxm0s_k2fkuXfnkcYuSRh2lhBKXhvFjnKSJS9wh0_3bJQg1V0bvlz0ECX6cl5x5-m0_pzvSZ6bdG8GD0lYQjLafeNfLNCnKa_ZhaQqwkNCQoz/s400/14457.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063226283533450306" /></a><br />• iPod<br />• iPod Dock<br />• manuscript to my upcoming novel, "I Will Remember You Until The Day I Get Alzheimer's"<br />• photos of iPod and Dock<br />• hairshirt <br />• knife set<br />• DVD’s of “The San Pedro Beach Bums,” Season I; “When Things Were Rotten,” Season 1; “Rhoda,” The Complete Series; and “Quincy,” Season 5 [If you ask me, Klugman peaked in ‘79]<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN_xIX8q-P9KvrCVMOAzobUPaRent4_MPrVghRBEM6OAz_aDPdH9DtZyAMZUK8eJPa7vXfY7Kp5U63fyTO6jW63tZNcVYLdbUPpEyYx-HH8A4C-i49ah4TiSe9_uhUG5EIJyM/s1600-h/quincy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN_xIX8q-P9KvrCVMOAzobUPaRent4_MPrVghRBEM6OAz_aDPdH9DtZyAMZUK8eJPa7vXfY7Kp5U63fyTO6jW63tZNcVYLdbUPpEyYx-HH8A4C-i49ah4TiSe9_uhUG5EIJyM/s400/quincy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063230380932250738" /></a><br />• set of rare, erotic Jell-o™ molds<br />• photos of my set of rare, erotic Jell-o™ molds<br />• Terrible Towels <br />• autographed picture of Myron Cope<br />• "Map of the Polynesian Prostitutes' Homes"<br />• my collection of “Boy’s Life”<br />• Jimmy Hoffa's copy of "How To Make Friends And Influence People" by Dale Carnegie<br />• Bigfoot footprint plaster mold<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxKTX5Lfh50ZUF_SBfgMFjPB9KqpgDQwbcnSjMO-4b1f3PA0skCOXvrVdoS07wtOs4GRIm-ptVEjxtnIUxxzV06q2qdKlypo9pCuRi4eh3-P_HjHMFo2NvDbEOOANGgH1iln6/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxKTX5Lfh50ZUF_SBfgMFjPB9KqpgDQwbcnSjMO-4b1f3PA0skCOXvrVdoS07wtOs4GRIm-ptVEjxtnIUxxzV06q2qdKlypo9pCuRi4eh3-P_HjHMFo2NvDbEOOANGgH1iln6/s400/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063228353707686994" /></a><br />• the master tapes of “The Beatles For Sale” [Up yours, George Martin! You want ‘em?? You’d better get yourself a damn good lawyer!] <br />• official Super Bowl IV inflatable hemorrhoid ring<br />• hooka<br />• lucky cheese gratin' scarf<br />• book on tape — “An Illustrated History of Yogurt-Based Cuisine in the 60’s” by Spiro Agnew<br />• ...and “Guernica” <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M7lpgEWJZAU2KCt5HXwjGLbfIuBwuJOCSzMNduYpHYiT5KvpI5JwP-Km-xma1aqINOKjMaPKykpROMw5E6EMYjxJui1jGTx1BP-p-3IXei4iYrQn2LvzLjjxZ3MHq6aQXnUI/s1600-h/Picasso.Guernica2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M7lpgEWJZAU2KCt5HXwjGLbfIuBwuJOCSzMNduYpHYiT5KvpI5JwP-Km-xma1aqINOKjMaPKykpROMw5E6EMYjxJui1jGTx1BP-p-3IXei4iYrQn2LvzLjjxZ3MHq6aQXnUI/s400/Picasso.Guernica2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063224672920714258" /></a><br /><br />…These are the things that matter in life. <br /><br />But that’s just my opinion.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-64640051354455303182007-05-06T11:23:00.000-07:002007-05-18T12:51:47.612-07:00people don't read blogs.…they read what interests them, and sometimes it’s a blog.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOKtDOt9OwqWkdkhfkp_W9xgR2etSOK1AAP6bVWUA-TRir0VMEUlMPTWp-vzmzB85Q7AF2Qt0uGvO9en09asGWZyU7YdwrReDmieihJFMcvvu5TaEJmYM7XY23glUx2q-0YS4/s1600-h/howard+luck+gossage.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOKtDOt9OwqWkdkhfkp_W9xgR2etSOK1AAP6bVWUA-TRir0VMEUlMPTWp-vzmzB85Q7AF2Qt0uGvO9en09asGWZyU7YdwrReDmieihJFMcvvu5TaEJmYM7XY23glUx2q-0YS4/s400/howard+luck+gossage.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061516963859053442" /></a><br />Howard Luck Gossage almost said that. Actually, what he said was, “People don’t read ads, per se. They read what interests them and sometimes it’s an ad.”<br /><br />Gossage was a genius. He created ads like this one:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV-ox-Q354bFTodzhsZjH_t9TTnwIdM4sTNWEsYxio9Fh2u2g1AhcwoQpiw0dVFWFqHlNxzjQnk8wR0jtuPimlfOIt-mxu5ZxbFiMoHTm3RWFS3dnHt9T5TSrovagUVQCtj-M/s1600-h/pink4motto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV-ox-Q354bFTodzhsZjH_t9TTnwIdM4sTNWEsYxio9Fh2u2g1AhcwoQpiw0dVFWFqHlNxzjQnk8wR0jtuPimlfOIt-mxu5ZxbFiMoHTm3RWFS3dnHt9T5TSrovagUVQCtj-M/s400/pink4motto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061516963859053410" /></a><br />Pretty good ad, right? You’re damn right it is. And if there were more ads like it today, people would be less likely to turn the page, change the channel, and drive past without so much as a glance. <br /><br />Why is intelligent advertising so hard to come by? Well, I think I know the answer. [What were the odds?] It’s because advertisers think that you’re stupid. Really stupid. Like, Rain Man-Forrest Gump stupid. Peter Boyle-doing-Frankenstein-singing-“Puttin’-on-the-Ritz” stupid. And the reason they think you’re stupid is because no one has told them that they’re wrong. It’s also Rupert Murdoch’s fault, but then so are “American Idol,” “In Living Color,” and “90210.” For which, he should be playing Scrabble™ in the rec room at Attica Correctional Facility, with a shiv tucked away in his sock just in case his cellmate decides he looks like Mamie Van Doren — which, by the way, he does.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AbDBQLKquoWVkQvdjCyeIcCEcKj4jboXs2UtYuG1cfqGer-s41rmQWfQdFoJk59znfLCa45asZnJJXgTilOvBhyphenhyphen9zBBsAEdF8eFiWZqT5BQ4OUHmyPDUyK9W7BVkGr40ch3Y/s1600-h/mamie17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AbDBQLKquoWVkQvdjCyeIcCEcKj4jboXs2UtYuG1cfqGer-s41rmQWfQdFoJk59znfLCa45asZnJJXgTilOvBhyphenhyphen9zBBsAEdF8eFiWZqT5BQ4OUHmyPDUyK9W7BVkGr40ch3Y/s400/mamie17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061516963859053426" /></a>[Rupert Murdoch, above]<br /><br />But you’re not stupid are you? You’re actually pretty damn smart. And without making it sound like I’m trying to get you into bed, you’re pretty damn attractive, too. [But, uh, you’re gonna get that thing fixed, right?] <br /><br />My point in all of this is… is… well… this: <br /><br />We accept too much in the way of mediocrity. Our airwaves and highways and newspapers are chock-full of it. Networks are convinced you can only handle bite-sized portions of information. And it’s troublesome when the majority of our population gets its most accurate political information from comedians. <br /><br />I suggest an intellectual revolution.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-60374376125630041792007-04-21T22:17:00.000-07:002007-04-22T00:16:09.784-07:00do you see this man??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU8OMBDyp4nqQY6Llh8ykHi83VfUSt1-zljpTHWMKUXek3OZCpY8rXfvXmzvfp_WnwaTaeI_qipaMz3x48vn7uJQGZ0Xeqec78M3tON6kvaoh46A1Fj3F3wBAwHs3ktTl7NU8/s1600-h/061003_jimLeyland_hmed_10p.hmedium.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU8OMBDyp4nqQY6Llh8ykHi83VfUSt1-zljpTHWMKUXek3OZCpY8rXfvXmzvfp_WnwaTaeI_qipaMz3x48vn7uJQGZ0Xeqec78M3tON6kvaoh46A1Fj3F3wBAwHs3ktTl7NU8/s400/061003_jimLeyland_hmed_10p.hmedium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056117511534865890" /></a><br />You see him, don't you? Admit it! You do! That's right, you see him!!!<br /><br />His name is Jim Leyland. And if the Pirates' front office wasn't comprised entirely of the dippiest dipshits who ever dipped shit, I wouldn't be in Los Angeles watching the Pirates blow a lead [and chunks] in the bottom of the 9th at Chavez Ravine, while the Tigers' manager [see above] is working on leading his team back to the playoffs. For the second year in a row. After being in last friggin' place. I wouldn't be doing that, now would I?<br /><br />No, no. I wouldn't. <br /><br />I wouldn't be watching the Dodgers kick the Pirates' asses in the bottom of the 10th, with a walk off GRAND SLAM!!!<br /><br />Way to go, braniacs. Quit your jobs. Please. For the sake of one of the oldest sports franchises in history. Pretty please. With crappy decision-making on top. [Or make that, "on the bottom." Of the division. Morons.]<br /><br />....whew!... that felt good...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWlqxct3ZulE4oeGH2DUToKI0vkI0Ng3pRapS8PydbVllNRZbw4t1QILChRAX3VCGQVMlb8pkiO9Di2wVEFUssDQa-u9TB2_azqSsY53wmIBUsG5r2Y1yiKRLOdzQ7gqSuZ2K/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWlqxct3ZulE4oeGH2DUToKI0vkI0Ng3pRapS8PydbVllNRZbw4t1QILChRAX3VCGQVMlb8pkiO9Di2wVEFUssDQa-u9TB2_azqSsY53wmIBUsG5r2Y1yiKRLOdzQ7gqSuZ2K/s400/Picture+9.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056117515829833202" /></a>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-55465822462402563992007-04-05T01:41:00.000-07:002007-04-05T17:11:11.014-07:00coyotes ugly.So, anyhow. The coyotes. <br /><br />In the cartoons, Wile E. Coyote is carnivorous, but loveable. He also works alone, is usually silent, and relies heavily on the Acme Company for implements of death.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzloyDN6LIMJwKjses-HvUCCA5Adwu1WmGyD9flf1Iip5WLQrASS3jp1Aoql8Hr0Z8bJwRWlUbh9kiGsJfgsaBUYmH0v5VqWelU1hnx5hUsGM7ySzpQfURtdsvgXTQcQSzN8rh/s1600-h/05_wilecoyote3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzloyDN6LIMJwKjses-HvUCCA5Adwu1WmGyD9flf1Iip5WLQrASS3jp1Aoql8Hr0Z8bJwRWlUbh9kiGsJfgsaBUYmH0v5VqWelU1hnx5hUsGM7ySzpQfURtdsvgXTQcQSzN8rh/s400/05_wilecoyote3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049862348288054674" /></a><br />Truth be told, none of those things is based in reality. Coyotes are not even close to loveable. Like beer, they come in packs. And they have no hard currency to buy implements of death. [Not to mention the fact that the average coyote’s credit rating is terrible.]<br /><br />I know these things because at least once every two weeks — around the time when I should be dreaming about drinking Ovaltine™ shooters with Harry Houdini, President James K. Polk, and George Gobel on a dingy, floating down the Nung River to see Dennis Hopper and Julia Child play tennis — I am startled out of my deep slumber by the sound of a pack of coyotes attacking an animal of some sort outside of my window. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAWjtukiFYoew5vl6FMDVyACde5j0_5EsvzXBB_5pEiI1DZG19t797I5pwaUOiBE3wQnuI5lzzCfPjbMwB1sDGYlb7O_IrEtRr2k8fubq6C9BEhxhMP0QeAZODmgOkgU-p6Nv/s1600-h/gobel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAWjtukiFYoew5vl6FMDVyACde5j0_5EsvzXBB_5pEiI1DZG19t797I5pwaUOiBE3wQnuI5lzzCfPjbMwB1sDGYlb7O_IrEtRr2k8fubq6C9BEhxhMP0QeAZODmgOkgU-p6Nv/s400/gobel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049862348288054690" /></a><br />Sometimes it’s down the street, sometimes it’s in the distance, but sometimes it’s right next to my building. No matter where it originates, it’s not a sound you ever want to hear. It’s a cacophony made up of high-pitched [piercing, actually] cackles and howls, times 10. Because to my ear, that’s about how many coyotes there are. <br /><br />Unfortunately, in a way, it’s the din of pet owner Darwinism. I’ve been told that the residents hate the coyotes, which makes sense. Sometimes the casualties include their dogs and cats. <br /><br />That said, I have a question for them: What the hell are you doing leaving their pet out at 3 a.m.? You live on the edge of a canyon. Wild animals live in the canyon. You can hear the coyotes in the distance. What the hell did you think was going to happen?<br /><br />I don’t think any of these are pet owners who fall under the “Einstein” category. I doubt they’re capable of formulating the “leash theory.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIc5yKxsTfn54p2yEfANzIlaiwSac1lXuABpHkjomUk9V9uJUnQ-ATxoVyeCJxU6J-EThmCGcORwqaZTViBrK0bo0BMSc5cj-LnPLXRMfHjdyphf1YJSltAHu8tOheoJKjfXFR/s1600-h/143296774_97691615cb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIc5yKxsTfn54p2yEfANzIlaiwSac1lXuABpHkjomUk9V9uJUnQ-ATxoVyeCJxU6J-EThmCGcORwqaZTViBrK0bo0BMSc5cj-LnPLXRMfHjdyphf1YJSltAHu8tOheoJKjfXFR/s400/143296774_97691615cb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049863443504715186" /></a><br />You would think that the “Caution Rattle Snakes” signs posted around the aforementioned canyon would be an obvious indicator that we’re communing with nature. I mean, you can’t really get too angry at the coyotes, right? It’s instinct. Ginger is a canine. Ginger is pissing on ground where they tread. Ginger is easy bait because ginger is tethered to a metal stake in the ground. Ginger, unfortunately, is always going to lose in that scenario.<br /><br />So maybe the dogs shouldn’t require the license. Maybe the owners should. I'm just sayin'.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-80296341876510131042007-03-31T01:30:00.000-07:002007-04-01T15:45:09.558-07:00hollywood is burning.It’s been a while since my last post, and my original plan was to write about the packs of coyotes that have been attacking pets and wild animals outside my window at night. But that will have to wait. <br /><br />Why?<br /><br />BANG!BANG!BANG!BANG!!!<br /><br />Eryn [Chloe, for those of you keeping track] is at my door. <br /><br />“Have you seen the fire…?”<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziecmtRmNMxHRXzTxECu1zONmjgQcZQc-mUC3pIoe3iAvYnGyi7VnjmlzLzZ9JMMmLxfQekVvkC_bWce7CxS5hy-4KRunkyAYsUcL-jziU6XfrIFUcaJg6b2OszPyhjLkggSd/s1600-h/DSC_0735_2_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziecmtRmNMxHRXzTxECu1zONmjgQcZQc-mUC3pIoe3iAvYnGyi7VnjmlzLzZ9JMMmLxfQekVvkC_bWce7CxS5hy-4KRunkyAYsUcL-jziU6XfrIFUcaJg6b2OszPyhjLkggSd/s400/DSC_0735_2_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048011823957954786" /></a><br />[cut to] <br />Eryn and me hurrying out to the curb to gaze up the street. The sunlight is orange. Not just in the general area of the fire — everywhere. It’s actually orange. The closest thing to it is the pale yellow in the atmosphere before a tornado. Only this is different. 'Cause this light is orange. Which isn't yellow. [I think you follow.]<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K5_OvqJ6mlTqEtWwwZJu-jTKMbZPZqKmTaHGvjiU2dR-aRTeTKNBdEfRYEimH-6oUAvu4xQKfQef2uSElf_IjRwnSfyNKovfEgmnGNi0h6yeP9j3Vc0G62RPVPstM0KrvOU1/s1600-h/DSC_0678_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K5_OvqJ6mlTqEtWwwZJu-jTKMbZPZqKmTaHGvjiU2dR-aRTeTKNBdEfRYEimH-6oUAvu4xQKfQef2uSElf_IjRwnSfyNKovfEgmnGNi0h6yeP9j3Vc0G62RPVPstM0KrvOU1/s400/DSC_0678_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048005166758645922" /></a><br />And there it is: The Hollywood sign is standing in front of billows of smoke. To its left, fire can be seen licking up the far side of the mountain, menacingly edging its way towards enormous, white vowels and consonants. Overhead are a number of helicopters —both of the firefighting and the six o’clock news varieties. [The news was hovering, and the firefighters were dropping what I assume was several tons of asbestos onto the conflagration. Something to look forward to.] Since Universal City is on the other side of the mountain, it's safe to say that about 17 screenwriters snapped into action at once — they got on their Macs and iExploited the situation. I'm sure sometime next year, there will be a movie called, "HOLLYWOOD! Letters Ablaze!" Shit. Now that I think about it... <br /><br />As I’ve mentioned before, my street is big with tourists. Lots of people stop to see the sign. And I’ll admit that it’s still a little odd to drive to my apartment and see it staring down at me. But it’s downright surreal to see people taking vacation snapshots, completely oblivious to the fact that the residents are starting to consider whether or not they should move their HD televisions to their cars for quick getaways. [Admittedly, this would have been a smart move, had the fire reached the crest. At that point, it would have been an easy path down to my neighborhood.] Of course, many of the residents were thanking god that their biggest investments are attached to their chests. But it's absurd to think that a tourist can block out a potentially dangerous situation so they can get that coveted snapshot. Freaks.<br /><br />In any case, these, here, are a few of the shots I took of the biggest drama in Hollywood today. Consider it a preview of next year's biggest summer blockbuster.<br /><br />Oh. And the cause?<br /><br />Two teenage boys playing with firecrackers. Their parents are, I'm sure, very, very proud.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY4MmQwemRmzJHkAPRx_pCae0he8_D0aSZHfdih3cG5UsfP0tAwtHQHMY9hM_eMSfRA5lAfbLiONXnW64IiwH6cPUhi4VYlTDPA8HRvdVb-YwQY6vWHDzEEza8GcKdu5y9Eeg/s1600-h/DSC_0669_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY4MmQwemRmzJHkAPRx_pCae0he8_D0aSZHfdih3cG5UsfP0tAwtHQHMY9hM_eMSfRA5lAfbLiONXnW64IiwH6cPUhi4VYlTDPA8HRvdVb-YwQY6vWHDzEEza8GcKdu5y9Eeg/s400/DSC_0669_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048224394774335746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cXEcpi7AzMnMTJUj8zsIG1aTJcwpBX2GkPD8yNfkuvF0mPfnbjx8LfFVzrHMSqCt17ARErtjVAJ4A-Lv2pPnPW7UJBW1s6T-kmehRLxQfKTGspkicsIFIsLtvMLjumm9DKYG/s1600-h/DSC_0673_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cXEcpi7AzMnMTJUj8zsIG1aTJcwpBX2GkPD8yNfkuvF0mPfnbjx8LfFVzrHMSqCt17ARErtjVAJ4A-Lv2pPnPW7UJBW1s6T-kmehRLxQfKTGspkicsIFIsLtvMLjumm9DKYG/s400/DSC_0673_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048010879065149650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvcuZCqVNdPlyfEnXfN36avVJOG2yWQOIVWKcbv1MbaE48vzSNo05_fs-olFIV-33ormW1bvQ7rcmnlj31kzYbk9WZyK9KLZ4JsDnfovHhhJHsVCAFz1WPIhlSUc5usl4i6h0/s1600-h/DSC_0695_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvcuZCqVNdPlyfEnXfN36avVJOG2yWQOIVWKcbv1MbaE48vzSNo05_fs-olFIV-33ormW1bvQ7rcmnlj31kzYbk9WZyK9KLZ4JsDnfovHhhJHsVCAFz1WPIhlSUc5usl4i6h0/s400/DSC_0695_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048005158168711314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqxC8f6ruLDekxfGYDTaZ1PTLtUlsHqre_kk-uA9kuz9qDNcOxfaVz4_2d1n_CkZqK-YxVMBbxcbeCEMri_dH6Eoql9GRqaZLYD7K4BvsOg5U155oe3GZP1teGRd0W6WfI0u_/s1600-h/DSC_0664_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqxC8f6ruLDekxfGYDTaZ1PTLtUlsHqre_kk-uA9kuz9qDNcOxfaVz4_2d1n_CkZqK-YxVMBbxcbeCEMri_dH6Eoql9GRqaZLYD7K4BvsOg5U155oe3GZP1teGRd0W6WfI0u_/s400/DSC_0664_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048008916265095346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfrN08B6w1FkZI7TP4a7F2zM4HVQ8yRyc8JqUWf1rioLtAkWcpYNdc7KqVlmZEJSOSNYDDqesj03okpEA527_gxldKwIX2qInYIvLfDP1WUT8hXM-seKgx8bZotR48lU1R5tK/s1600-h/DSC_0673_3_3_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfrN08B6w1FkZI7TP4a7F2zM4HVQ8yRyc8JqUWf1rioLtAkWcpYNdc7KqVlmZEJSOSNYDDqesj03okpEA527_gxldKwIX2qInYIvLfDP1WUT8hXM-seKgx8bZotR48lU1R5tK/s400/DSC_0673_3_3_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048008916265095362" /></a>Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36520248.post-50505014009759520932007-03-01T14:03:00.000-08:002007-03-02T17:37:40.281-08:00we love trash.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q4DpMGRgmMnUCkilYxSk_b88Zxfb9C4vIeCQlNFtUfI5LPapvttXWrB07R2SFj9qEDglTzbWb8YKulLAxBCL-lC7_PtfA_wLVKszQQ8thIb14G9fFlUEk9OW-IgqUpBErrsX/s1600-h/250px-Tv_sesame_street_oscar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q4DpMGRgmMnUCkilYxSk_b88Zxfb9C4vIeCQlNFtUfI5LPapvttXWrB07R2SFj9qEDglTzbWb8YKulLAxBCL-lC7_PtfA_wLVKszQQ8thIb14G9fFlUEk9OW-IgqUpBErrsX/s400/250px-Tv_sesame_street_oscar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037082768803856402" /></a><br />The Oscars. They’re, like, the Super Bowl of award shows. Only with slightly better officiating. [As far as big events go, the Super Bowl has the edge because the speeches are far more articulate: “How’d we win the game? Well, basically, we scored more points than the other team. Then we poured my favorite sports drink on Coach. This was very funny to me and my friends. We laughed and we laughed. Then we got a trophy that I can’t even take home. Bulllllshit, man…”]<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG6McOpDj2lSsq2A8eiEJLD6K30GZ3Bru6Spif_2Tdyrl5sqMwSsvJpNE9KQkRvYpsm-MJa3PgBszBsK2i2wZgItE_Lau35kbC_EFRulalcWy1cLbhQwgk6_8p71Nc_d9wSN-/s1600-h/Orange.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnG6McOpDj2lSsq2A8eiEJLD6K30GZ3Bru6Spif_2Tdyrl5sqMwSsvJpNE9KQkRvYpsm-MJa3PgBszBsK2i2wZgItE_Lau35kbC_EFRulalcWy1cLbhQwgk6_8p71Nc_d9wSN-/s400/Orange.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037506101018597058" /></a><br />Oscar night is — as far as I can tell — the one night we can watch people who are paid to say things for a living, go, “umm… oh… God, umm… first I want to thank… wow, this was… this is… a mistake… I, uh…” Only to be followed by a thoughtful speech and the words, “Now, [insert son/daughter name here], go to bed.” Which is a joke that should, itself, be put to bed. These people make it sound as if they can’t afford nannies or parents to do the task of watching over their off spring, as the little bastards train for a life in rehab.<br /><br />Winning an Academy Award is a big deal too. Or, at least it was, until Marisa Tomei won one. The Russell Crowe nod didn’t do much to restore its luster, either. [Oh. And by the way, Alan Arkin DID deserve his award. It was really a lifetime achievement honor, anyway. Frankly, anyone involved in the launching of Second City…]<br /><br />But when you’re living here in the City of Brotherly Facelifts, the Oscars have a special added meaning: gridlock. <br /><br />Oh, my holy god. <br /><br />The problem is that I live pretty close to the Kodak Theater. And that makes for a fairly inconvenient truth which, coincidentally, won an Oscar. [Unless George Bush wants to take THAT away from him, too.]<br /><br />I blame the traffic jams on People™ magazine, which is only slightly harder-hitting and accurate than Fox News. Is it really that important for its subscribers to have a place to sit to watch Gwyneth Paltrow enter the Kodak Theater to receive her posthumous lifetime achievement award? I mean, it’s important to keep up her exceedingly low self-esteem but Is it really worth the meticulously well-planned detours and the headaches? No. No, it’s not. <br /><br />That said, it’s actually kind of an interesting spectacle to watch 100’s of limos navigate their way through Beverly Hills, West Hollywood [,etc…] an hour before the show. The Goodyear™ Blimp, hanging in the sky; helicopters, circling the perimeter — hell, even the trannies were dressed to the nines. [Or is it sixes?]<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc9JVs3Rw6EfSK6rB9_dUMymxhgFxtjqDo0EcfNmwuIwjJ7KIIJReWYyc73RSNnjqd4VKk1vtOo8FsRrSqgQLLlB3j6cn5k8rJELppRn-osDfrVnrtmoKvmYGLZJC6PYch5b9/s1600-h/goodyear_blimp2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc9JVs3Rw6EfSK6rB9_dUMymxhgFxtjqDo0EcfNmwuIwjJ7KIIJReWYyc73RSNnjqd4VKk1vtOo8FsRrSqgQLLlB3j6cn5k8rJELppRn-osDfrVnrtmoKvmYGLZJC6PYch5b9/s400/goodyear_blimp2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037082768803856418" /></a><br />But my thoughts as all of this buzzed around me were simply, “acting is a beautiful career. Celebrity is rubbish.”<br /><br />I’m not likely to change my mind on that point.Terrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686854997074330277noreply@blogger.com0