The List, part one of two

Inevitable. Everyone's got an opinion on what was hot this year, and we already know that the semi-indulgent and slightly egotistical blogger will tell everyone there's. So here it is, in no numerical order, and not just pertaining to music. What in pop culture did I love this year? If it's on the list, go out and ask for it for christmas, or just get it yourself. I gaurantee, it's badassssss. No order now, remember that. Albums will have a music sample too. Some of these may have come out before 2005, but I discovered them this year. Yeeep.

Layer Cake
Wow. Just an all around, cold as ice British gangster flick. The serious launching pad for the next Bond, Craig has proven he can look good shooting people. Made by Guy Ritchie's producer, this is the more sophisticated version of Snatch. For 2006, look towards Ritchie's own Revolver for more criminal hijinks.




I'm Wide Awake it's Morning by Bright Eyes
Probably my favorite album of the year. I know I wouldn't assign numbers, but this is number one. My introduction to Bright Eyes, and a damn fine listen even almost a year after it came out. All about self loathing, longing, failed or failing relationships, loss.... the good stuff. Melancholy overtones with sometimes upbeat, midwestern picking. Too many good tracks to pick, so why not, I'm putting up two.

First Day of My Life : Probably the most upbeat and poetic one off the album, this is a perfect example of why I love him.
Landlocked Blues (With Emmylou Harris) : Quiet and haunting, it gradually gets more and more personal, drawing you into the story it's presenting. At first, the bitter goodbye, then it evolves into remembering what once was. Amazing vocals.

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
I just love me some David Sedaris. Who'd think that the musings of a gay now-french, once North Carolinian would be so damn funny? Alternating between currnt situations and ponderings of a misspent youth, or his brother Rooster, it's just too damn funny. Can't wait for more. For extra laughs, actually listen to his voice. It's just as girly as he described it.


The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou by Wes Anderson
Another film to add to the magnificent work done by Mr. Anderson. First to discuss: the acting marvel that is Bill Murray's Steve Zissou. No one balances drama and comedy in a character lately as well as Murray. This isn't the first time Anderson has brought out such a real emotive side from him, Rushmore and Life Aquatic are perhaps some of the best in his career. He makes the movie. Speaking of it, the film only gets better the more times you watch it. At first, you don't know what to expect and are searching for a giant plot. Give that up, and enjoy the story that unfolds. The color scheme and cinematography: brilliant to say the least. And of course, had a quirky and enjoyable soundtrack to accompany it.

Ping Island/Lightning Strike Rescue Op by Mark Mothersbaugh : Each of the Anderson film scores by Mothersbaugh have a distinct feel, and this one's emphasis on old-school electronica and throwbacks to Bowie songs are personified in this.

Black Sheep Boy by Okkervil River
Seriously haunting and raw. This album is all about disappointment, violence, and it all sounds so real in the sometimes raspy, drawn back vocals. The tracks are laced with a deep cynicism and often self critical. Best example?

For Real by Black Sheep Boy : The perfect build-up, and a twisted story of someone's darker thoughts. But the song's gathering intensity is so great, and there's one line that just can't get unstuck from my mind. "And I really missed what really did exist."

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Okay. Seriously, this album has been praised up and down in the cyber world. And you want to know why? Because it's that fucking good. Tied with Bright Eyes in my book for best of the year, this album has so many peaks and continues to amaze me after repeated listening. His songwriting can only be described as poetic stories that seem to unfold quietly, and sometimes not so quietly. He has mastered the low melodies and big choral arrangements at the same time. There are so many highlights on this album, it's hard to choose really. Again, two tracks off a superb album.

Casimir Pulaski Day : A heartbreaking story that is so visual and depressing it's perfect. Seriously, his almost whispered song evokes summer nights that once were, and all the passions he felt.
Chicago : What's that? We need upbeat, giant arrangements! Well, here they are.

Get Behind me Satan by The White Stripes
Oh Meg and Jack, how I love you so. Ever since you sent me up that slice of British grime in 2002, I've been waiting patiently for your new album. And boy, did I enjoy it. They say you love the blues, and dammit if you didn't prove them right: you show some fine style on this one. Even if Meg only gets about thirty seconds of singing, which is okay with me, truly. But what's with all that Rita Hayworth name dropping? Great all around.

My Doorbell : Damn catchy song if there ever was one, I remember someone saying this is the Jackson Five meets White Stripes. You think so?
Forever for Her : A love ballad about just getting down.

We Love Katamari (PS2)
You know, it's a game only the Japanese could think of and make. You are the Prince of the Universe, working for the King of the Universe, who wants you to please the people by rolling objects up into a giant ball and then shoot them into the cosmos as stars. Oh my god it is the best thing ever made. Ever. Ever. Ever. It's like crack, except more cartoony and odd.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2)
Another year, another badasss GTA game. Except this time, it's super freaking sweet as opposed to just mindblowing. You can do every single thing in this game imaginable. You play in the LA hood, circa 1993 or so. Nothing says perfection like shooting cops and hookers with "Welcome to the Jungle" blazing on the radio. Gotta love it, gotta love it.







Sin City
Yeah, perhaps the biggest surprise of the year for me. Never read the graphic novel, but a big fan of Robert Rodriguez, when I heard the ensemble cast and promise of ultra-sylized ultraviolence, I just had to be there. Gotta say, of the three stories, Marv's was the most fun, while the last one about that Yellow Bastard was definitely the most well done. Cannot wait for the Extended Cut that's coming out this tuesday.

*Ten more tommorrow, or when I get around to making it