The End of Year Review II: Music 2010

Thank you, Amazon.

Once again, I am a victim to Amazon.com.  Deals of $3.99 MP3 albums, and $5.00 album selections monthly, made me grateful that I could buy music that I never got to buy, sample things I wanted to try, and get some fantastic albums on the "cheap".  Unfortunately, "on the cheap" translates to "too much money spent in the long run".

I could not possibly review every single album I bought this year.  Some I did not listen to in full or properly (or remember?) and some are very old and I will not put them on this list but as with previous years, I will stipulate that this 2010 Review List will comprise albums that were not released in 2010 but ones I did purchase this year having just missed the 2009 window.

9. Ok Go - Of the Blue Colour of the Sky

H1 made a very interesting observation the other day when she heard "White Knuckles" for the first time.  "Why does this sound like Prince?", she asked.  I had not heard that when I listened before she said it.  What the hell was going on here?

Nothing, really.  Ok Go has always had this sort of 1980s sound to them.  Fun, with a bit of a throw back to that decade.  I like it.

I re-listened to "Oh No" to figure out if maybe I was too involved in liking a crappy band back in 2005.  I'd say no.  I still really enjoy the tracks from "Oh No" but what about "Of the Blue Colour of the Sky"?

Ok Go maintain some of their fun nature but sometimes...sometimes, they have me wondering why so cacophonous and the album as a whole very uneven.  These particular songs are interesting in parts musically but Daniel Kulash sings a lot of the songs the same way.  Sadly, that makes for the album being mostly forgettable save a few stand out tracks.


Songs Worth Listening to: "Skyscrapers", "I Want You So Bad I Can't Breathe", "White Knuckles"

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 = 6.  It's a tie: "Skyscrapers" vs. "White Knuckles".

Album Cover Review: "D".  That was retro but not very appealing.

8. Spoon - Transference

It may have taken me years but I think I finally got H1 to like Spoon, or at least recognize their coolness.  And they are pretty damned cool.  They continue to make music for themselves and if you're fortunate enough to be on the Spoon train, you're probably pretty cool yourself.  That's not a shout out to myself but an honest feeling.   

That said, Transference may not be the best damned album this year and truthfully, I can say that I have not fully loved any Spoon album I've managed to get my hands on (and thanks to Amazon, I got many for my collection this year).  As far as Spoon albums go (and ones that I have), this is not the greatest.  But what the eff do Britt Daniel and Spoon care? And for that matter, why do I? I'm very happy that I now own some of the best songs ever, that graced this album.  I am happy to hear Britt with his raspy, quirky vocals.

"Cool".  It's the only word I can use to describe this man.

Songs Worth Listening to: "I Saw the Light", "Written in Reverse", "Before Destruction"

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6.  It's a pretty close race, actually but I'm going to go with "I Saw the Light".

Album Cover Review: "A-".  There's so much off about it but it's also so raw in a way.  I really like this one.

7. Vampire Weekend - Contra

I've said my bit on Vampire Weekend.  I cannot stand behind hipsters which is exactly what they are.  I tried very hard to listen with an open mind.  I found that getting past the grating voice of the lead singer, there were some songs on here that were not so painful to my ears and dare I say, good (okay, that cut me deep to say). 

Being a sucker for pain, and impartiality in my reviews, I gave their first effort a spin.  I'd be lying if I said I could not see some appeal but it's still not enough for me to give either album any sort of heavy rotation.

Contra is certainly not the worst thing I have heard.  I am still unconvinced that this is the best band since Wonder Bread.  I find them pretentious and having seen them live, I find they're more appealing on stage than recorded and cleaned up.

Still, there's an inkling of fun there on some of the tracks.  Just do not expect me to be singing their praises to the highest decree any time soon and attending their shows paid with by my own money or of my free will.


Songs Worth Listening to (Contra): "White Sky", "Taxi Cab", "Diplomat's Son" and "Giving Up the Gun".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 > 6.  A winner is H1 with "Taxi Cab" vs. my "Run".

Album Cover Review: "F" I hate it.

6. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Sometimes, I miss things.  Often times, I miss things, I'd say.  This is partially due to my stubbornness, my lack of interest or in this case, my lack of television viewing.

Last year, when everyone was bopping their head to some Phoenix song they had heard on some car commercial, my head was probably buried in some video game or watching some Anime.

If not for TD5, I'd not have a lot of things.  Sometimes he fails me, as I am sure I fail him.  We differ on musical taste sometimes, and other times, we're right there with each other.

It may take me some time to get on the same page with him if it's going to happen (because sometimes, I really wonder what he's thinking...haha.  The same can be said of me!) but once there, I appreciate what he does for me. 

His introducing me to Phoenix has been a mixed blessing.  On the one hand, I want to defend myself from liking this band by claiming that "Hipsters ruin everything by taking good music and claiming it as their own!" as such is the case with Phoenix.  Are they really hipsters? Remember that I cannot stand behind hipsters but one thing is for sure, there are probably a ton of hipsters out there who have probably already hailed Phoenix as their favourite 'discovery' and scoffed at all for not knowing them and already discarded the band for something else (whatever that is, I don't care to know).

On the other hand, who can deny that the songs on this album are just so easy to enjoy? There's something very catchy in the drawls of the lead singer's vocals coupled with the very catchy accompanying music.  The album would be higher if I could listen to it in its entirety, and if I could get past the fact that I recognize the formula: a lot of repetition of certain words in the lyrics of every song.  It gets boring after a while but for those songs that get into your head and won't leave - that's the Power of Phoenix.  Good luck getting away from those danceable, sing-along tracks.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Lisztomania" (I shudder to think how many times I listened to this blasted song), "Armistice" , "Lasso", "1901"

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6.  A Winner is Me with "Lasso" over "Love Like a Sunset Part II"

Album Cover Review: "C" Meh.

5.  Interpol - Interpol

Recently, I have been so engrossed in listening to "Success" that I can't tell you what the rest of the album sounds like.  My initial impression was that the first half was good, and I couldn't get past that.  I definitely remember disliking the last two songs.  A lot.  It's in no way a bad album but it's not "wow" amazing either.  Interpol tried something new and sampled a little bit with different style while remaining Interpol at the heart of it.  The album is really heavy on the bass, which saddens me as this is Carlos D.'s last venture with the band - the bass really shines on these tracks and it's just a sad reminder of the greatness that is gone.

I was upset when he left but as someone said to me, "he's just a bassist...easily replaceable."  I must disagree.  It'll be interesting (?) to hear the next album by Interpol without him - a potential disaster? We'll have to wait and see...

Songs Worth Listening to: "Success", "Summer Well", "Try it On"

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 > 6.  A winner is H1 with "Barricade" over "Always Malaise (The Man I am)"

Album Cover Review: "B".  A broken up word "Interpol" and a "broken up" band?  So sadly fitting and depressing.

4.  Menomena - Mines

Who knew Menomena had a new album this year?! No one told me! I found it by accident and was happy.  I loved their previous "Friend and Foe" and expected much.  At first though, I was wondering where my weird little band got to.  The music was tighter and definitely heavy on the rocking guitars, more coherent and catchier.  I was waiting for that one unconventional track to kick in when it happened - they do strange fantastically.  Then I listened to the rest of the album in full and realized they never really strayed too far.

The vocalist I like is absent as lead on some of the songs and its his songs sung that I gravitate to the most from this album, leaving about 2 or 3 songs of the 11 that I have a hard time liking.  .  All in all, I'm pleased with this album and will be listening to it a lot in the future.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Five Little Rooms", "Oh Pretty Boy, You're Such a Big Boy", "Taos", "Queen Black Acid" and "Tithe".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 > 6.  H1 wins this round with "Tithe" over "Bote"

Album Cover Review: "B" Is that a real thing hanging out in the forests of Oregon? I will have to research.  It certainly is freaky.  Weeping Angel like! Doctor Who nightmares I will be having.

4.  Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Original Soundtrack and Original Score

It's not often I make it to the movies and these days, it's not often I feel inclined to go to a store and buy a c.d. much less a movie's soundtrack.  After seeing Scott Pilgrim though, I knew I had to get thee to a record store! Such things do not exist anymore though, do they? Okay okay, so they do but why go through the hassle when I could buy everything off Amazon? Ugh.  See the trend by now? See it?!?!


Anyway, there's so much to love about Scott Pilgrim if you're a nerd like me.  And hey, even if you're not a nerd like me, you could still appreciate the movie! And if you couldn't appreciate the movie, could you at least appreciate the motion picture soundtrack? Yes.  Yes you could.  There are classic rock tunes, punk songs, songs about garbage trucks, songs by Crash and the Boys featuring that "one girl who's a boy too", and the best fake band around named Sex Bob-Omb.  Could you ask for more?

If you're a nerd such as I, you could easily appreciate the Scott Pilgrim Original Score.  They're a great collection of songs that are artfully crafted to suit every scene and every character - a walk in the snow, a multitude of video game fight scenes, a bass battle, Ninja Ninja Revolution (oh how I long to play this frickin' ridiculous farce of a game), and a Bollywood influenced track of greatness.  Come now, need I carry on? Fine.  If you needed just that one more incentive to run out and see the movie if just for the music, then know that Nigel Godrich created the music for the score.

Songs Worth Listening to (from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): "Black Sheep" by Metric, "It's Getting Boring by the Sea" by Blood Red Shoes, "Threshold (8 Bit)" by Brian LeBarton, "We Hate You Please Die" by Crash and the Boys, "We Are Sex Bob-omb" and "Threshold" by Sex Bob-Omb

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6.  A winner is Or 2 with "I am Sad, So Very, Very Sad" over "O Katrina!"

Songs Worth Listening to (from the Original Score): "Slick (Patel's Song)" by Dan The Automator and Bryan Lee O'Malley, "Katayanagi Twins vs. Sex Bob-omb" by Beck and Cornelius, "Bass Battle", "Fight!", "Ninja Ninja Revolution" by Dan The Automator, "The Vegan" and "Boss Battle".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6.  A winner is me with "Talk to the Fist" over "Love Me Some Walking"

Album Cover Review: "A".  They're the same on both save the change in colour.  I love them.  They've got Michael Cera.  And just a coolness about them.  I quickly glossed over my love for Michael Cera because it was probably the right thing to do.

3. Broken Bells - Broken Bells

I wanted to like this album more.  I felt as though I should have liked it more than I did.  With the talents of Danger Mouse and James Mercer (of The Shins, a band I enjoy), I felt like there was something wrong with me for being so blah about it.  As you see, it still made number 3 on my spot, and that's due to the fact that in truth, it is a good album.  However, it's one that does not stick in my brain.  I could stare the track titles all day and not remember what each song sounds like until I actually listen.  The album is great while it plays - catchy and sometimes haunting, with a touch of weirdness in sounds that just don't quite fit together but sound good all the same - but when I'm away from it, I do not crave hearing the songs.

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A winner is H1 with "Sailing to Nowhere" over "Trap Doors"

Songs Worth Listening to: "October", "The High Road", "Mongrel Heart", "Sailing to Nowhere"

Album Cover Review: Exactly what is it? Don't know but it's kinda ugly.

2.  Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures

Again I must mention my love/hate relationship with Josh Homme... every single time he puts something out there and I am afforded a listen, I MUST complain.

This time around for this album which I got for $3.99 (Amazon...ugh), I can say the relationship is leaning heavy on the love side.  Quite heavily in fact and as much as I would like to be a scornful bitch, I cannot, due to the fact that it was on heavy rotation for me.  Songs I thought I hated were no longer on that list as I listened through again, and overall I just found myself loving near the whole blasted thing.  The album is alternative rock - non-whiny, hard rock vocals; good heavy guitars; fantastic bass and shining drumming.  Did I expect less though, really?

I may be inclined to give credit to Dave Grohl's and John Paul Jones' contributions on the album as the reason for greatness but that's just my being an arse.  I suppose Homme made it great too...

Songs Worth Listening to: "Bandoliers", "No One Loves Me & Neither Do I", "Reptiles", "Dead End Friends", "Warsaw or the First Breath You Take After You Give Up"

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Scumbag Blues" over "Elephant"

Album Cover Review: "D".  Them Crooked Vultures are just ugly, sorry.

1.  Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

Wary of the number of collaborations Damon Albarn boasted on the album before its release, I listened with excitement but mostly with bated breath.  I started 2010 on a huge Gorillaz kick having just finished my End of Decade Review and having re-discovered the awesomeness of Demon Days.  I was very much looking forward to Plastic Beach and found that it was a welcome effort.  It was no Demon Days for me, but quite good nonetheless.  The artists were indeed plentiful and initially I really missed my fake little band, i.e. I missed more vocals by Damon Albarn.  I missed hearing 2D!  "They" (cartoon band Gorillaz) felt absent on the majority of the songs.  I realize what I love most about Gorillaz' tracks are the heavy use of technology sounding sounds with little blips and beeps amongst the synthesizers, beats and funk.

Still, with a concert under my belt, and really just a fantastic eclectic mix of songs, Plastic Beach gains number 1 for me in 2010.

I was introduced to new artists, marveled at legendary artists and found Albarn's gift of mixing and blending styles of music together to be nothing short of brilliant.  Not just the guest vocalists were the talents but Albarn infused brass bands, an orchestra and middle eastern sounds into the fray and created something wonderful, varied, catchy and of serious musical depth in one very together, very ambitious album.

Albarn himself on his vocals were melancholy, meaningful and dreamy.

There was not much for me to hate here except perhaps Snoop's track which I felt to be the weakest of the lot.

Songs Worth Listening to: Did I not just say the entire thing? But if I MUST choose some, then go with these "Some Kind of Nature" featuring Lou Reed, "Sweepstakes" featuring Mos Def, "Rhinestone Eyes", "To Binge" featuring Little Dragon, "Intro" featuring Sinfonia VIVA and "White Flag" featuring Bashy and Kano

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6. A winner is me with "Superfast Jellyfish" featuring De La Soul and Gruff Rhys over "Stylo" featuring Bobby Womack and Mos Def. 

Albums I Chose to Not Place in a numbered spot:

"High Violet" by The National.  I had a hard time getting into this album.  I will have to really sit and listen some more before I pass any, if any, harsh judgments.

"Champ" by Tokyo Police Club - much of the same from their last entry.  I like some of them a lot but they did not stick in my brain for the most part.  Whether that makes them forgettable I am not sure.  I do not want to pass judgment like that.

"Fantasies" by Metric - I like this one.  TD5 thought it dark and I agree with that assessment.  There's nothing wrong with dark for me but I'm not sure how this album manages to be dark and tragically sound like it came from the 90s alternative pop scene even though it was released only 2 years ago.  There are some pretty decent songs on this one though.  "Twilight Galaxy", "Gold Gun Girls" and "Satellite Mind" come to mind.

"Night Train" EP by Keane.  It's basically not...really "reviewable".  What a mess that was.

"The Fall" by Gorillaz.  I only got this on Christmas day and haven't had time to listen.  It might make this year's review or maybe I'll just speak on it briefly right now from my initial impressions.  It's what I expected.  It was created on the road and mainly through a bunch of apps from the Ipad.  It's raw, mostly instrumental and not bad.  I really enjoy "Revolving Doors".

"Thirteenth Step" by A Perfect Circle.  I didn't listen yet.  Liked what I heard from track 1 though but of course I did.

"Gimme Fiction" by Spoon.  This is a stellar album.  I owned a few tracks before but when Amazon had it on sale for $5.00 one day, I jumped on this and their others.  It really is just quite likeable and a solid collection of intelligent songs.  Great band, and a great album that I am proud to own.  Songs of Note: "The Infinite Pet", "The Beast and Dragon, Adored", and "I Summon You".

"Up From Below" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.  Unfortunately, other than it's very awesome name, this band is one I really cannot get into.  Let me just say it now loud and clear: I cannot get behind hippies! These are some serious hippies.  Seriously serious hippies.  Why do I have it? I heard one song by them I really liked and someone gave me a chance to listen to the whole thing.  No.  Other than "Home", I cannot back this album.  Really though, listen to "Home".  It sounds like it could come off a weird Tarantino soundtrack.

"Grace" by Jeff Buckley.  I haven't listened yet.  Don't judge me!

The Beatles Collection.  The only damned reason I am not numbering this on my list is that The Beatles do not deserve to numbered in some stupid little list of mine.  Growing up, I had various of their greatest hits but never had the full anthology.  I got the re-mastered collection for Christmas in 2009, and have taken the time to really go through these albums.  It has been a freaking joy doing so.  Everyone knows them or at least, everyone SHOULD.  Too many times I have seen people talk about how The Beatles are overrated but those people are just saying things to say things to get a negative reaction and attention.

The Beatles and these albums are so revolutionary it's just amazing.  No words of mine can describe aptly just how important this band is and will forever be.

That's not to say they are all golden because there are some really horrid songs present but as an overall experience, there's just nothing bad here.

Honourable Video Game Music Soundtrack Mention:

No More Heroes series.  The first by Masafumi Takada and the second game composer by Akira Yamaoka.

And that's that! The End of Reviews for Music for 2010.  Phew.  Thank goodness for me.  I cannot believe I started compiling this crap since October of last year, only just now finished and this is what I have to show for it.

Maybe I won't listen to music this year!

The End of Decade Review III: H1's Best TV Shows of the 00s

Top 10 TV Shows of the 00s

10. Curb Your Enthusiasm

9. The Office (BBC version)

8. Firefly

7. The Colbert Report

6. Peep Show

5. The Daily Show

4. Deadwood

3. Dexter

2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

1. Arrested Development

Honourable Mention (by Or 2): Veronica Mars and Flight of the Conchords

The End of Decade Review II: H1's Best Albums of the 00s

Top 10 Albums of the 00s

10. Speakerboxx/The Love Below - Outkast

9. 8701 - Usher

8. FutureSexyLoveSounds - Justin Timberlake

7. Soundtrack to the movie ONCE

6. A Rush of Blood to the Head - Coldplay

5. Turn on the Bright Lights - Interpol

4. The Blueprint - Jay-Z

3. Audioslave - Audioslave

2. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - U2

1. Favourite Worst Nightmare - Arctic Monkeys

Honorable Mention goes to Original Pirate Material - The Streets

The End of Decade in Review I : Or 2's Best Albums of the 00s

I would first like to say that I hate you guys.

By you guys I mean, Frass, MC and TD5 in no particular order with no varying degrees of boring.  (I apologise, it slipped that I am to use "boring" instead of the "H" word).

Why? Because I am hateful (it's okay to use it if there are other sensible letters attached as shown by example).  But not just because I am hateful, but really because you three made me undertake a somewhat difficult and painstakingly arduous task.

To make matters worse, just when I finished reviewing all the albums I needed to for the past 10 years, I boring myself for leaving my trusty notebook with all of my review notes on my desk, with no chance to retrieve until 4 1/2 days from now.

With that in mind, and my not-so solid memory as I rated every song out of 5 from the dozens of albums I chose and cannot possibly sit here and do that again, I present to you my top 15 albums of the 00's (are we calling this decade the 'Noughties'?) with the difficult decision of choosing 1 album out of many for a number of bands listed here.

Re-listening to albums I have not heard in about a decade (bwahaha, I crack me up) really tests the lasting quality of a song. Memories from those periods of my life definitely play a factor in how many of these albums make the list too. Some albums I was surprised to hear, did not make my final cut and others I 'almost' forgot how much I loved.

15.   System of a Down - Toxicity (2001)

System of a Down's Toxicity was forced upon me by a friend way back when I was in college.  This is unrelated but I find it scary that with the start of 2010 I can almost put a decade of schooling behind me. 

Politically charged lyrics, a bit of silliness, pounding guitar work with some notably heavy bass and the greatness that is Serj Tankian's very unique vocals ( let me not forget that I had a new found respect for a band that put The Legend of Zelda theme into lyrics hailing Link as the Master that he is) makes this album one of the greats of the last10 years.

Memory to Share: I used the track "Prison Song" from this album as part of a presentation I had for Professor Garcia's Prison Literature class.  Listening to that song today made me realise why I was getting such dirty looks from the idiotic girls who only took that class thinking Mr. Garcia was hot, only to boring me even more later when I informed them he was gay.

I proudly may have made some ears bleed that day what with the growling vocals on that song but Professor Garcia loved it, loved me and gave me an "A".  He also made me a bit of a Professor's Pet but I forgive him. I was the only other brown in the class and he was probably bonding over that.  Not to mention I was smart.  Ha.  (Keyword: was)

Noteworthy Tracks: all of it? Pretty much! "Toxicity", "Prison Song", "Needles".

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 6. A Winner is Me.
"X" vs "Chop Suey".

Person to Thank for the Introduction: Sicky

14.   The Strokes - Is This It? (2001)

The album can be a little bit sing-songy but musically and lyrically this album manages to capture a lot of NYC for me. I'm not sure why but is this it? Is it the coolness of the songs of how they're strung together? There are few bands as cool sounding as they are. With this first album, The Strokes show their immediate iconic status they should and have been elevated too. There's undenial sleazy charm in every song along with the deadpan delivery of Julian Casablancas even on those tracks that are more upbeat.  You would not even think it possible but they pull it off.

Memory to Share: The day I frantically asked TD5 if "Take it or Leave it" was on the album and why he did not give it to me because I heard the fantastic cover by Arctic Monkeys.  As it turns out, I missed converting it for some reason.  That made 6 years of embarrassingly not knowing a great song.

Noteworthy Tracks: "Trying Your Luck", "Hard to Explain", "Last Nite", and "Take It or Leave It"

Person to Thank for the Introduction: TD5

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 5. A Winner is H1.
"Someday" vs "Alone, Together"

13.   Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights (2002)

Another NYC band that's not really one... well, two members are from the U.K. Is this why I heart them so much? Maybe that's the hidden factor but I'm fairly certain it has everything to do with the dirty, amazing lyrics and dirty, amazing vocals of Paul Banks. Interpol's Turn on the Bright Lights is a fairly dark sounding album. Bright Lights? Where? Even when sung in the song "NYC", the bright lights just showcased everything crazy and underground about the city. They're masters of cruelty, this band. They've lived it and then try to shove it down our ears and make us feel cheap too! Thanks, guys for the great album but not so much the pain we feel for you.

Memory to Share: Oh, it's not a great one but I missed them in concert @ MSG making this one of H1's biggest regrets and mine. Though, I think she can feel okay now knowing they did not play 'Leif Erikson'. And really, what's the point if that didn't go down?

Noteworthy Tracks: "Obstacle 1", "Say Hello to Angels", "PDA", and "Obstacle 2"

Person to Thank for the Introduction: TD5

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 5. A Winner is H1.
"Say Hello to Angels" vs "Hands Away"

12.   Hot Hot Heat - Elevator (2005)

It's a bit of an odd selection like many of the albums I chose for this list, but this one I did not think I would put  here.  As I listened, there's no song that's below a 4 out of 5 stars.  They're not the most serious of bands but you don't have to be serious to put out a great album, right? Come now, I am not smug! There's some sadness to this album but the real sadness might be that they're Canadian and I like them so much.

Fun, depressing and Canadian.  Possible? Yes.  You get all on this album of non-offending and often thoughtful lyrics, catchy tunes and a slightly offensive voice from the land of the Maple Leaf.

Memory to Share: The 2005 Foozer concert was one of the top 5 the Hochies attended in our short concert going career.  Weezer nailed it, and Dave Grohl shows why he's a rock star and didn't need Nirvana, with a set of lungs that screamed clear for 2 hours.  And the unknown-to-us opening act Hot Hot Heat immediately garnered my attention.  I bought their albums soon after and have loved them since.

Noteworthy Tracks: "Jingle Jangle", "Dirty Mouth" , "Elevator", "Shame on You", and "Island of The Honest Man".

Person(s) to Thank for the Introduction: HHH and well, myself.  Maybe mostly H1 for insisting to go to NJ to see Foo Fighters.

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 5. A Winner is H1.
"You owe me an I.O.U." vs "No Jokes - Fact"

11. Gorillaz - Demon Days (2005)

I hesitated one summer during the now defunct Virgin Megastore's in Times Square $10.00 clearance event. Some Saturday later, H1 and Luuuuiiiisssss went back and H1 asked if to pick up a copy because I was on the fence. Thank goodness I responded with a yes. I do not like to buy albums unless there are 3 songs or more that I like and on this, I heard 2 but so great were those 2 that I decided for $10.00 I could take that chance. I only recently read the sordid history of the characters behind Gorillaz created by Damon Albarn who I think a genius, and the Tank Girl comic creator Jamie Hewlett.

The animated band, with the strange words and born of a strange creation, experimental sounds including but not limited to a fusion of alternative hip-hop and alternative rock makes this one bad-assed album I am proud to own.  I look forward to their new release in 2010.

Memory to Share: "Dare" must have been played so much everywhere but it's the one song I remember being played as part of the pre-setlist ahead of U2's Vertigo Tour.  It was just H1 and I, and we were 'raving The Cheat style' happily when it came on.

Noteworthy Tracks: "El Manana", "Dare", "All Alone", "Feel Good, Inc.", "Last Living Souls" and "Fire Coming Out of the Monkey's Head"

Person to Thank for the Introduction: Myself

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 6. A Winner is Me.
"Dirty Harry" vs "Feel Good, Inc."

10.   Bloc Party - Silent Alarm (2005)

A party indeed! Give me any album with lots of heavy, fast-paced drumming and I will love you.  But that's not what makes great alone - other than the catchiness there are a few slower tracks that are also down-to-earth.  Silent Alarm can be best described by me as an album that defines this whole culture of troubled kids (who are not emo, I might add).  The album progresses from stories of messed up youth to their building relationships as time goes on and to global issues in need of addressing.

It's tough being alive in our times and that is exactly what this album is about.  It's about the Noughties: what we are doing, and what we are not doing.

Noteworthy Tracks: "Pioneers", "This Modern Love", "Like Eating Glass", and "Helicopter".

Memory to Share: Nothing in particular - I listen to all my albums primarily on the train.  But this one reminds of just being on the train, listening and observing people on the daily.  It's what the album calls for, really.

Person to Thank for the Introduction: TD5

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 6. A Winner is Me.
"Blue Light" vs "She's Hearing Voices"

09.   Keane - Under the Iron Sea (2007)

The second attempt from Keane has yet to be defeated by anything they put forth. Quite frankly, I am unsure if it is possible. Their first album Hopes and Fears was incredibly promising and probably made lots of best of lists. I for one, while I enjoyed it immensely thought I could gauge what was to follow - another safe album that would appeal to the same old kind - not crazy but light listening. How wrong was that assessment? I was completely blown away when Under the Iron Sea came out.

Tim Rice-Oxley's still having a blast on his keyboard, and Tom goes on drugs to craft one of the best albums this decade.  The lyrics are sweet, harsh and sung ever so perfectly and are in sync musically as well. This album also has one of the most strong openers that screams attention and leaves you anticipating greatness. The rest of the album does not disappoint.

Memory to Share: Tim Rice-Oxley on keyboard, dancing, kicking up his legs and flailing like a muppet to what song he was hearing? I will never know but H1 and I witnessed it when they opened for U2 @ MSG in 2005.  Wow, that was some good times. I'm sad I missed them in concert for this album but was really glad I did not get tickets after Keane cancelled their North American Tour thanks to Tom entering rehab.

Noteworthy Tracks: "Nothing in My Way", "Leaving So Soon?", "Atlantic", "Broken Toy" and "A Bad Dream"

Person to Thank for the Introduction: H1 and myself.  She loved "Somewhere Only We Know"and I took the chance and bought the first album.

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 5. A Winner is H1.
"A Bad Dream" vs "Hamburg Song"

08.   Cold War Kids - Robbers & Cowards (2007)

I don't remember what I said in 2007 when I reviewed this album but it must have along the lines of "it is brilliant".  It still is and whatever I said back then, I echo.  Incredibly intelligent lyrics and a full interesting sound keeps this album strong after 2 years and for years to come.

Memory to Share: What a fun time with drums, trumpets and masks these boys had at MSG.  H1 and I appreciated it and we were the only one singing enthusiastically to every song - both annoying and impressing those around us.

Noteworthy Tracks: "Robbers", "Passing the Hat", "We Used to Vacation" and "God Make Up Your Mind"

Person(s) to Thank for the Introduction: The radio, H1, Muse and myself.

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 5. A Winner is H1.
"Passing the Hat" vs "Saint John"

07.  Kenna - New Sacred Cow (2003)

As H1 knows, this used to be the best $9.99 I ever spent (as opposed to the best $11.99 spent on my black jacket with the now pin-adorned strap that goes across the front).  The claymation video impressed me during a time when MTV2 still showed music videos and I still felt compelled to watch them.  An electronica, alternative rock album with melodic vocals that invoked a certain happy calmness while instilling sadness everytime I hear "Hell Bent" - this album will always be one of my most memorable.

Memory to Share: I remember feeling a certain amount of guilt buying this album.  I had not yet started working but really wanted it.  I must have had a little bit of money to spare and decided to purchase.  So in that sense, I suppose this was my second album bought with my 'own' money.  The first was R.E.M.'s Automatic for the People which I bought in Trinidad for $125 TT.  H1 was mad when I did that but it was okay.  R.E.M. definitely veered me away from the route of Sir-Mix-A-Lot, my first album owned for which I make no apologies though.  Do not judge me, H1 and others!

Noteworthy Tracks: "Vexed and Glorious", "Man Fading", "Sunday After You", "Hell Bent" and "Love/Hate Sensation"

Person to Thank for the Introduction: Myself.  I refuse to thank MTV for anything.

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 5.  A Winner is H1.
"Vexed and Glorious" vs "A Better Control"

06.   Radiohead - Hail to the Thief (2003)

If I were to consider all the albums Radiohead made this decade, they'd all be on here cluttering the list.  As is I had a hard time choosing one and ultimately went with 2003's Hail to the Thief. Not a favourite choice of many review lists you may find for this decade but always a favourite of mine.  While Amnesiac and Kid A delved heavily on the experimental which I commend, and In Rainbows was a more traditional rock sound and an amazing album for me, Hail to the Thief successfully blended the experimental with the traditional.  Always with the haunting vocals as mumbled by Thom Yorke and always a dynamically engineered sound masterfully composed by the genius members of Radiohead (Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway) - this album is one of nearly all that make this band hailed as the greatest of all time.

Memory to Share: What the heck is Myxamatosis? Ohhhh.... You learn something new with Radiohead every time.  Also, I can never get tickets to see this band.  It's probably why I still go to concerts...to keep me feeling like going for that day I finally score tix to see them.  Really, my concert going will be complete at that point.

Noteworthy Tracks: "Sit Down, Stand Up", "2+2 = 5", "A Punch-Up at a Wedding", "Myxamatosis" and "Scatterbrain".

Person to Thank for the Introduction: Myself.

Song War: 5 or 6? I think it's a tie, honestly.  A Winner is Us.
"Go to Sleep" vs "Where I End and You Begin"

05.   The Streets - A Grand Don't Come For Free (2004)

Well this was tough having to decide to choose the first album or this.  As great as Original Pirate Material is -  the album that was quick on wit with garage beats and an Englishman who talked through his lyrics and singing, I chose the second.  I love that this album is a concept album.  I love the ridiculous story of a man's misadventures in a short span of time (maybe a week?) - going through losing money, not meeting Mum for tea, falling in love, getting kicked out of the gf's house, finding out his best friend is cheating with said girl and leaving the ending open for a choose your own adventure route.  What the heck! It is brilliant to me.  Who doesn't love a good, plain story about stuff that happens every day? Ha.

Memory to Share: White Plains.  I was excited when this came out and rushed to buy it while I was at one of my many dentist's visits.  I got picked up after by H1, Luuuuiiisssss and me own Mum and like I said, I was incredibly excited to get my hands on this and taking a moment to wonder the strangeness of the album and an hour later, loving it.

Noteworthy Tracks: "It Was Supposed To Be So Easy", "What Is He Thinking?", "Blinded by the Lights", and "Get Out of My House"

Person to Thank for the Introduction: Myself.

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 6. A Winner is Me.
"Wouldn't Have it Any Other Way" vs "Get Out of my House"

04.  The Killers - Hot Fuss (2004)

I do not think I ever listened to an album so much on my own in addition to so much heavy rotation on the radio that I actually had a bit of an OD experience until I met Hot Fuss.  Everyone went The Killers crazy when this album came out.  Songs about girls who are boys and a string of videos making Eric Roberts into a star had all listening, talking and remembering the 80's.  I got hit with the fever too and joined in the madness.  What a fun couple of singles with stupid lyrics that all could enjoy and not question.  No one cared! It was catchy to have everyone singing along.  If you got past the singles and took a listen, the album is a collection of the same but dazzled x10 even down to the The Killers logo on the sleeve.

Six years later, I'm still believing in Natalie and trying to find my last chance to find a go-go dance to disco.

Yes, I had to say that.  And yes, it still makes no sense but yes, I still love it and will forever, probably.

Memory to Share: None, other than I could not listen to The Killers until this year (I actually tried to forget them!) after having them on...wait for it...overKill. 

Noteworthy Tracks: "Believe Me Natalie", "Andy, You're a Star", "Change Your Mind", "Smile Like You Mean It", and "On Top"

Person to Boring (Thank) for the Introduction: TD5

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 6. A Winner is Me.
"All These Things That I've Done" vs "Andy, You're a Star"

03.   Mindless Self Indulgence - You'll Rebel to Anything (2005)

I was in college when I first heard the insanity that is MSI.  Since 2000 this band has been one of my favourites.  They usually can do no wrong for me and probably the only frenemie of mine who can accept this band as amazing is Beetchie.  We're of a cult, MSI followers who like to take verbal abuse from the members but we all know our place as a bunch of misfits.

While Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy, will always hail for me the fond memory of when I entered this crazy adventure that is this band, I chose YRTA for its tighter lyrics.  It has insults to the mainstream to those who blindly follow whatever, while dealing with the insults thrown back at the sub-culture and all the while still maintaining the unique sound as ONLY Jimmy Urine and MSI can create.  I still don't know what "Jungle Rock" is but I subscribe to it hardcore.  Oh, and no worries - they didn't get so serious on this as to not still make you laugh really hard.  But they do continue to make anthems you can sing to the haters and stupids.

Memory to Share: The Avalon - it was the first pit I experienced and I lasted all of 20 seconds before being pushed to a comfortable zone to watch the show and not have to watch my back.  Beetchie tore it up as she likes to do and Jess was on guard duty making sure no one got to me and tried to rough me up.  I am forever grateful to her and B. for looking out for me.  I sang every lyric to "Bring The Pain" that had B. impressed and when they played "What Do They Know?", I was the happiest person there.  I met the members of MSI afterwards and had one of the best nights ever.

Noteworthy Tracks: "What Do They Know?", "You'll Rebel to Anything (As Long as it's Not Challenging), "Stupid MF", "Tom Sawyer", and "Shut Me Up".

Pokemon to Thank for the Introduction: Pikachu.

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 6. A Winner is Me.
"You'll Rebel to Anything (As Long As It's Not Challenging)" vs "What Do They Know?"
02.   Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)

When H1 presented her list of albums of the decade, this made her number one spot.  TD5 wanted to know if recency of attending a concert had any influence on her decision but I assured him that was not the case because as we should all just make clear - Arctic Monkeys is one of the best bands to form this decade and will be one of the best ever.

All the more impressive was that the lads when first on the scene were teenagers at 17 or so.  This was backed by the sharp insight, wit and ability to mosaic lyrics into a masterpiece with cheek and delivery that Alex Turner lay down so fierce it had you reeling.

If ever you needed to know what it was like to grow up in Sheffield in the recent Noughties, look to Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not.  While a stellar album in its own right, deserving of having a place on this list even in the stead of this album, I chose Favourite Worst Nightmare because I did not think I could like anything more than the first.  This album comes out and I am floored - the boys grew up, they experienced the world while on tour and all in the short span of a whirlwind year.

The stories were never jaded, still clever and a new powerhouse emerged in the form of Matthew Helders who commanded you stop, listen and then look to see how he could possibly have the skills to drum the way he does.

Breakups, a Brianstorm and a lot of crazy behind the scene celebrity follies were felt, seen and observed - and AM spilt the beans on it all.

Memory to Share: How unknowingly sad my life would be had I not boarded that plane to the U.K. in 2006.  My stubbornness to listen to bands that have been over-hyped can sometimes lead me to miss on great things as the case with AM.  The good thing is, AM are not at all over-hyped and deserve every accolade they have ever received.  There are lots of memories I have from my 2006 trip to the U.K. but this had to be the best.  I finally listened to their first album and came home anxious to spread the wealth of knowledge to TD5 and H1 (Frass and MC won't listen to me but that's okay, they suck).

Noteworthy Tracks: "If You Were There, Beware", "Do Me a Favour", "Teddy Picker", "Brianstorm" and "This House is a Circus".  Really the entire album but if anyone cares, start with those and pick up a copy of WPSIATWIAN while you're at it.

Person(s) to Thank for the Introduction: Virgin Atlantic and myself.

Song War: 5 or 6? 5 is better unfortunately.  A winner is H1.
"Fluorescent Adolescent" vs "Only Ones Who Know"

01.   MUSE - Origin of Symmetry (2001)

Before you eye-roll though I suspect the lot of you did that from the start, I really struggled with this.  I did not want to rank any of these albums at all for fear of persecution when Muse made my top.  But since this is my list and I can say whatever I want, I shall.

I am always the first to admit that Bells is not always the best lyricist and if there is a crappy song by them, it's crappy and let us not sugar coat it. 

If you all are still eye-rolling, or have even bothered to read this far, you can all thank H1 for doing you all an unkindness by not only making me listening to "Time is Running Out" but then going ahead and purchasing Absolution for me back in 2004.

That began my MUSE obsession and I set forth to gather every album I could get my hands on and all great to me from this decade including Absolution, Black Holes and Revelations and The Resistance (maybe this one not as much as the others).  The one I chose is one I had to acquire from overseas and is my favourite of the 5 studio releases.

It's got everything I love about them - falsetto, grandiose sounds, moving lyrics and biting riffs.

Memory to Share: I almost cried the two times I heard "Citizen Erased" in concert (because it's so frickin' sad!) and will always treasure when I heard my favourite song "Micro Cuts" at Wembley Stadium in 2007.

Noteworthy Tracks: "Micro Cuts", "Citizen Erased", "Space Dementia" and "New Born".

Person to Thank for the Introduction: H1. The person you all curse.

Song War: 5 or 6? 6 is better.  A Winner is Me.
"Plug in Baby" vs "Citizen Erased"

The albums from other bands that did not quite make it but made lasting impressions:

Honourable Mention :

The National - Boxer
Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better; Franz Ferdinand
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Tokyo Police Club - A Lesson in Crime EP
Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
Audioslave - Audioslave
The Horrors - Strange House
U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Is Is EP
Menomena - Friend and Foe
Illinois - What The Hell Do I Know? EP
The Shins - Wincing Away The Night
Green Day - American Idiot

The Best Anime Soundtrack of the Decade:  goes to X Tv Series Original Soundtrack by Naoki Sato.  Sometimes I think we should import Japanese composers to film American movie scores and I wonder when they'll get the recognition over here.

The Best Movie Soundtrack of the Decade: Kill Bill Original Soundtrack (Vols. 1 & 2).  Quentin certainly knows how to choose his music to fit the zaniness of his movies and it's always an excitement when a movie of his is released not only for the movie's content but the music content as well.

Honourable Mention: The Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Original Soundtrack.  That movie was good times too.

The End of Year Review IV: Broadway, Concerts and the Best of the Blog 2009

This year I saw a couple of favourites again for the millionth time, some might say.  And you guys should shut it!
I also finally saw two of my favourite bands for the first time and what will be the last time for the foreseeable future.

It turned out to be a busy year afterall for shows, but also, we had a sad year overall but we're thankful for lots as usual and hope for an awesome 2010 for all!

7.  U2 at Giants Stadium turned out to be a damned nightmare.  I never wanted to go to this to begin with and only went for MUSE.  It turns out that not even MUSE could correct the awful night we had (but of course they were awesome).  U2 toured on a crap album and they're really showing their age - with forgotten lyrics and timing-off.  Yeesh.  This was definitely the worst show we saw this year and that's surprising.  Oh, it didn't help it that we missed Yeah Yeah Yeahs for this.  Psh.

6. All Points West on Friday.  This was the best free concert surprise! TD5 came up to see AM and just like that, tickets appeared and I got to see YYY and he got to see Vampire Weekend.  Though I suppose nothing is for free because we did have to trek to assland.

5. I never expected I would see Arctic Monkeys twice this year and I don't want to go back to a concert in December.  There's always that risk of the coldest night of the year which is exactly what happened to us.  Then there's always the trauma of having a crappy support band as AM likes to pick them.  And the threat of a not so awesome show.  That should never happen with AM but this isn't the best album either.  It did not help that the show was at the cornerstone either.

4. I may never be that close to Alex, Matthew, The Cookie and Nick again in my life.  It was not the best show I've seen from Arctic Monkeys due to material played but it was quite memorable being in such a tiny space such as The Highline Ballroom with my favourite boys.  And to think, I could have reached out and touched Nick! Too bad that effin' P. Diddy had to ruin things by showing up.  I really did not need to see that.

3. I like Green Day and was upset with myself when I missed the American Idiot/Bullet in a Bible tour. They had a really stupid album this time around but I was not expecting what transpired at MSG. They played for three hours straight and were incredible! I would recommend that everyone see them if given the chance.

2. I never thought the day would come when Jude Law would be on any list of mine.  That man is an ass, let us just get that out there but I suppose you can be an ass and still be a great actor.  Aren't most of them are? We saw him in Hamlet and I am still in awe.

1. Nine Inch Nails.  It took me 15 years to see one of my favourite bands and just as they were on their way out.  I discovered I hate Terminal 5 with a passion and I am really thankful I will never have to experience NINfluenza again.  But I am really sad that I will never get to see them again or that H1 will not get to see them.  That was one of the best shows I have been to.  Oh NIN, come baaaaackkkkkk!!!!

Like I said, this year wasn't the best but surely we had some good memories each month!!!

January saw this HOchie with a not so pg13 lucky lucky bag.  I'm still trying to pass off the sekshi toys on some unsuspecting fool but do you people remember the the hip parade?

Hmmm, what do you suppose we should give up for Lent  this February?

Hey, looks like March wasn't that bad.  We made good memories with Bunji and A'Face even though both were kinda scary moments - all I have to say is, zombies scare the eff out of me but still be pretty funny. And I feel really sorry for Spiderman.

April brought me new shady, pirate friends and made me remember one of the horrors of video game history and just how bad I can be at saving people..

What's that they say about Spring and May Flowers? And NKOTB? Say it ain't so...

Our little MC got married in June and while we got to share in the happiness and greatness that is Trinidad and Tobago, we sadly did not get to see our little Pandy get married.

H1 likes to torture me and also make fun of my 'lack' of skills.  She has no idea how that keeps me up at night... But I suppose it was only payback for what I did to her.  Though she seems to be have had lots of debacles of her own.

August is always an ass month but we were quite busy! With NIN, Arctic Monkeys and All Points West, we had quite the few weeks and then of course, August always proves what it is and hits me with sickness like never before.  Ack, damned NINfluenza.

September saw us having crap with U2 but at least we made it up by having fun memories with our friends in the kids room.

October was surprisingly quiet but it wouldn't be October without a Zombie panic attack.

We had fun times in November with Thanksgiving week including attending Hamlet.

And here we have December - there are still days left for memories but so far, it's been a crazy not-so-great month but we're looking forward to Christmas and some time off with each other.

Currently listening to: Whatever is playing in The Hangover.

The End of Year Review III : Video Games 2009

I divided up my time between gaming and watching anime this year, it seems.

Somehow, I managed to touch 14 games!

Even I was impressed but mostly disturbed by this revelation.

Well, 'touching' 14 games does not necessarily translate into my having played them in full.  That is an annoying 'tick' on my part since I am all about doing one thing at a time when it comes to gaming but here's my list of the best of for 2009 -

Oh, before I start I have a disclaimer - I downloaded FFVII and FFTactics for the PS3/PSP this year and they will not be counted towards the 2009 gaming list because those two games would own all else.  Yeah...I try to be fair sometimes, I guess.  I still have a game or two that made this list that were not released this year.  My life will always be that way as there's just not enough time in the year to do everything.  My pile will continue to grow but damn it, even if it takes me 12 years to get to something, I will! I'm looking at you FFTactics!!!!

12.  Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! (DSi)

Oh those Mini Marios.  I played the first part of this game a few years ago and was happy to see another installment for play on DSiWare.  I had free points to use and why not on this fun puzzle game? I ran through a first play but it was not as challenging as I had remembered.  The time attack mode is always challenging though and I haven't looked back since.  Ha.

11. Little Big Planet (PS3)

I probably could have benefitted more from this game if I were to use the level creator or played with someone.  This game was charming yet frustrating as most platforms can be.  The Sack Boy was the cutest and the best is playing dress up with him/her.  The music was great and well suited to its corresponding level, and generally the level designs were something quite formidable and impressive.

10.  Final Fantasy : Dissidia (PSP)

Final Fantasy heroes and villains in a battle brawl? I could use Sephiroth to destroy everyone?! Woohoo! Umm...except, I did not have as much fun as I thought I would.  While I enjoyed playing through story mode with an entire battle chessboard set up, complete with stats upgrade, new moves to learn, items, equipment and summons to collect - I could only do those things with the individual heroes.  There was no mode for villains to play through a story!

So, it was not much fun because then I could not have Sephiroth be all bad-assed in a hurry.  It took forever to level him and I didn't even really do that.  Did I do something wrong? I don't think so...?

In any event, the game was still filled with good rpg elements and a fun daily moogle mail system, great memories and music from FF installments past but the story was just 'meh'.   This being a game for fan service for FF fans, it was what was.

9.  Rock Band 2 (PS3)

Rock Band continues to be a great game with DLC released every week and my obsession to dress Zarnyx in any and almost everything is still strong.  He's so rich now that he can buy any ugly guitar he wants.  Beetchie may claim that I 'stole the money from the band' but she forgets that he is on a successful solo career while not touring with The Oxtails.  There were a few good track packs this year including one from Queen.  While I was mostly dissatisfied with the song selection this year, I often have to thank that there is not something I want every single week because then I'd be poorer than I am now.  It's hard keeping up as it is.

8.  Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (DS)

I was not expecting a strategy game when I bought this but I tackled it anyway even though I am mostly lame at these.  It was challenging and an excellent blend of both strategy and traditional rpg elements and had a mostly good story.  I had the choice to be evil but for some reason chose to be good.  I think it was easier to be good than evil and I did not want to be slayed anymore! The monster creation was a cool system but I did not feel much for the characters on a whole.

7. The Sims 3 (PC)

This was our first The Sims game since the first one.  We were rather excited for it and while the game is amazing, it's so time consuming (it always is but I just don't have that much time anymore)! I also do not like that my Sims age.  I think I can make that not happen but it would be interesting to see what happens to them.  I did not re-create any of my old winner families but did make a household of two of my favourite Hitman Reborn characters.  The hilarities that ensued with Gokudera were instant classics.

6.  Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (PS2)

This game was all the rage recently so I finally decided to play.  I was not sure how to feel about a game that makes me go to school and build relationships and then be a vigilante at night but this simulation was actually really interesting and different in a good way.  I liked the action battle rpg style gaming too, the battles were not out of the ordinary but still a bit challenging and monster creation made things difficult for me.  It's like spending money and building an army of strong creatures (much like a job class system) - two things I hate! However, who wouldn't want and like to build an army of misfits?

The music was great, gameplay was awesome, the story was great and the characters were likeable.

All this and I hear part 4 is better! I'll have to break that out soon...

5.  Patapon 2 (PSP)

My one-eyed little army returned to me, or rather I the Great Znyx returned to them.  After reaching an ocean in the hopes of find "IT", the Patapons built a ship and set sail for the end of the world.  One giant sea creature later, a lone Patapon washed up on a distant shore and prayed to me for help.  Being a kind saviour, I decided to help those little fools out.  The beats were much tighter as well as game mechanics, and the introduction of a new system for building additional and unique units plus the Hero made the game much more enjoyable, challenging and a little bit frustrating.  New songs and new moves helped with the new challenges.

I can't wait for the third installment.  I'm a little bit scared to see what awaits on the other side of that bridge.

4.  Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (DS) 

I cursed this game so much this time around.  The puzzles seemed harder than the previous installment and once again I had everyone pitching in to help solve some of the questions.  The presentation was beautiful, the music much more enjoyable and not as repetitive and the story unravelled more brill. than the first witha slew of new mini-games to collect.  Professor Layton and Luke are as cute as ever and I look forward to the rest of the games in this series to be released in the U.S.  Yes, so I can curse some more.

3.  Resident Evil 5 (PS3)

While not the best Resident Evil of the series, I had so much fun playing this game with Bunji making it high up on my list.  For starters, I have never played an RE on my own.  This is a Bunji game and I am a spectator, who unwittingly occasionally gets drafted to run around zombies without 'wasting ammo'.  It's scary! This time around with co-op play, Bunji and I took on the zombies and lickers together!

Being a co-op play, this was the least scary Resident Evil made I feel.  It was less a survival horror game but very much an action game.  Let us say that I proved that I am the one with good aim as my head shot percentage was high.  There were lots of debacles and many hours spent awake near 2 a.m. busting up some lickers.

2.  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks  (DS)

As I write this, I am not quite finished with it.  Thus far, I remember having much more of a blast with Phantom Hourglass.  I will always love little Link and the Zelda series is one that is the best of all time.  This one is still great - my train skills are the best, and I can shuffle people to and from like nobody's buisness.  Having Zelda play a bigger role has been interesting.  She has a great personality and is so cute! Who knew she could be of use to me...ha.  I have not been as impressed with the boss battles as I usually am but they're still innovative.

Musically this game is one of the best in the series but the controls can be sketchy at best sometimes if it's not absolutely quiet.  The use of the mic for my pan flute creates difficulty while on the train and becomes frustrating at times.

1.  Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS)

I had to give number one to this game.  I never played a console version of the GTA but always enjoyed watching Luuuuuiiiiiisss play.  I always felt that it would be too overwhelming for me so when the DS version came out, I figured "hey, small system, small game, right?" Okay, that never should be said knowing full well the capabilities of the DS and game developers.

I cannot tell you just how much fun I had with this thing.  I played non-stop! The missions were crazy, fast-paced and exciting.  The controls were sharp and made good use of the stylus.  Selling drugs always gave me the pure joy of making tons of cash at once, running from the cops and crashing cop cars is always an adventure and putting down hippies at a riot - well, that's what I do.

There was laughter on the daily with this game and Uncle Kenny got what he deserved.

Honourable Mentions:

I did not finish it but Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door was rather cute and a little bit umm, shocking.  And The Beatles: Rock Band is amazing - the band is one of the greatest and the game is visually stunning.  Finally, I played Chrono Trigger for the DS this year...man, that was some awesome times.  Again.

The End of Year Review II : Music 2009

2009 was supposed to be the year of excitement.  Most of my favourite bands were releasing new albums and I couldn't wait!

Then everyone released their albums and they all mostly sucked.  Big time.  This is a very sad list to make but things need to be ranked and bitched about.

There are a couple of albums that were not released in 2009 but I listened to them this year and they will be counted.  I realize I usually do this and while unfair, meh...ask me if I care too much.

Also this year, I tried to do a 'mathematical equation' to get results suited to best and worst albums.  I ranked songs out of five and added the total - obviously this experiment failed for the most part as not every album has the same number of songs but it did force me to listen to each song individually and make a determination as to which songs really were great, horrible or just okay.  In that sense, my stupid method was successful because 1 great song does not make 1 great album.

11. U2 - No Line on the Horizon

U2, WTF? For the first time in our lives as U2 fans, we can honestly say that they have an album that's unlistenable.  For many people, those albums were Pop and Zooropa (why? I continue to question...those albums are fantastic!), but for the HOchieS it was definitely this latest.

There are many words to describe this album: recycled, lazy and boring.

Anyone who tries to tell me this is experimental, needs a slap.  This is not experimental - it's bad.  I can hear a lot of old and new U2 merged into one and somehow it managed to be crap.  Maybe that's due to the fact that they ripped off themselves? I expected more.

So great was the disappointment after the whole Giants Stadium debacle that I have self-imposed a ban on U2 songs for the rest of the year.  I refuse to listen to anything by them!

Also, I have re-named this album to something a bit more suitable: No Hope on the Horizon.

Best Songs: Any? Yeah, okay.  There was at least one.  Maybe two? Two too many! "No Line on the Horizon" was a decent one, for H1 it was probably "Moment of Surrender".

Album Cover Review: Grey and dull, much like the music.  Ha.  Truthfully, though, I like this cover.  "B".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 > 6.  H1 wins.

10.  Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown

After the awesome album that was American Idiot, Green Day decides to follow with a WTF.  If only that were the title of the album and it was good.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.  I was wise to GD's tricks...  The album had over 20 tracks but quantity does not translate to quality.  That was a failed cover up, GD.  It really was.

The songs were much more appreciated in concert but that does not save this album in any way.

Best Songs: "Peacemaker", "East Jesus Nowhere", and "Song of the Century".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 > 6. H1 wins.

Album Cover Review: As BH would say, "boring".  I really dislike this cover.

9. Illinois - The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe

Ever since they opened for The Fratellis at the Roseland Ballroom, I have been anxiously awaiting something from this band.  It may be that they translate better live but this was just a  decent album.  The vocals can be odd, the lyrics are more put together but not really all that fun as with "What The Hell Do I Know?" for many of the songs and the music was still uniquely arranged for a bit of it but a bit 'mainstream' on most.  Well, I still love the banjo!

Best Songs: "Old Saloon", "An Open Door", "I Hate Love" and "Kid Catastrophe".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6. A winner is me.

Album Cover Review: Designed by a fan (or fans), I think I like the entire series, kind of.  "B-"

8. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

I never would have picked this up on my own but two degrees of separation away from the band, and a free album - keyword being "free", the least I could do was listen.

Never a fan of Bruce Springsteen (GA has been compared to him) and certainly never a fan of NJ (yes, they hail from none other), I listened with reservations but was not offended by what I heard.

While I have not been converted as I will not seek out anything in a similar style or maybe any follow up albums by them, I can still admit that this album is not bad at all actually.

Best of Songs: "Here's Looking At You, Kid" (a song I quite love, really), "Casanova, Baby!" and "Great Expectations".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5< 6. A Winner is me.

Album Cover Review: Blargh.  Why do I need to look at you? "F."

7.  TV On The Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain

Having only discovered TVotR last year thanks to their incredible Dear Science, I had to get this album.  I did not love this as much as the aforementioned third album but respect that this was very solid.  I felt it was a bit too similar between songs in a way but not dull by any means.  Far from it, really and a great introduction to a really good band.

Best Songs: "Playhouses", "Wolf Like Me", and "Dirtywhirl".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 > 6. H1 wins.

Album Cover Review: Hmm...it looks like a giant nest and I don't really see any cookies... "B".

6. The Horrors - Primary Colours

Things that throw me off - bands that turn 180 degrees.  I enjoyed the Brit. goth trashiness of the first The Horrors album a lot.  It was scarily 'bad' and incredibly entertaining.  I liked the fast pace nonsense, and the electronica.  I was happy to discover they would be releasing another and lo and behold, I questioned whether or not I was listening to the same band.

What's this? Songs that aren't creepily dark? Songs that aren't fast? Songs that....sound well-thought out?! Oh the horror! Umm...sorry.

But you know? It's not so bad.  In fact, it's a pretty good listen.  But I still feel betrayed and cannot accept the fact that it's all so sullen with cleaner arrangements.

Best Songs: "Scarlet Fields" (ooo, one of my favourites all year!), "Sea Within a Sea", "Three Decades" and "I Only Think of You".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6. A Winner is me.

Album Cover Review: "B-" They're there yet not.  I like it.

5. Franz Ferdinand - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

This was a pretty huge disappointment for me for the most part.  I must have listened to it briefly once when I first got it and had to force myself to listen for this review.  It turned out not as horrendous as I initially thought and still not bad enough to be at the bottom of the list but it really is a bottom of the list as far as FF albums go.  It should not even be on a list from them as it is that embarrassing.

The songs are not as clever as their other work and that is the charm to FF.  That charm is mostly gone as they created a dumbed down 'club' collection of songs with annoying sounding bits.  What happened to my smart Scots?

Best Songs:  "Dream Again", "Ulysses", "Lucid Dreams (original)", and "Bite Hard".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6. A winner is me.

Album Cover Review: "C-" While I do not mind having to see them, I do appreciate their trying to avert my eyes from a horrible album but if only they would have done more to block my ears when I really needed them to.

4.  Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

There are so many hateful things I can say about this album.  This year was so bad for music that even Arctics with their crap third album they still managed to make it as high as number 4.  Truly, this is a mostly crap album.

Why is it so crap? Let me point some fingers -

Alex Turner and his happiness from that stupid girl.  Where's your wit, AT? I'm glad the boys are comfortable with who they are and what they do.  H1 and I have 'watched' them grow up but it doesn't really make me too happy that is the end result.  This album was supposed to have been the one I listened to a million times by now but that is not the case at all.  It saddens me how boring it is.  Not enough biting wit, lyrically not as challenging and sharp if at all, and 'boring' musically.  Matthew always needs to shine and he doesn't.

I am pointing the finger at Josh Homme.  You, J.H. need to stay the eff away from Arctic Monkeys.  They did not need a desert experience.  As a producer, J.H.'s signature is all over that shit.  It SOUNDS like Queens of the Stone Age a bit.  And I don't even LIKE them (save Era Vulgaris, which was just stellar), in fact, it is safe to say that I am close to 'really hating' QOTSA.  His insistence on producing AM pushes me of the edge to taking out the "really" in that 'really hating' phrase.

::sigh::

Best Songs:  "Pretty Visitors", "Potion Approaching", "Secret Door", and "Cornerstone".

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 > 6. H1 wins.

Album Cover Review: "D".  There's not enough Nick! Where is he?! I do see Matthew though and Alex looking like a hipster.  Ugh.  The Cookie I can do without.  'cary.

3. The Killers - Day and Age

It's been a long time since I listened to an album by this band that I liked.  Okay, so maybe there was only one in between their first and this but considering I had an O.D. of The Killers, it was amazing I even decided to give this one a spin.  It came out in December of last year and I had every intention of avoiding but Rock Band has on more than one occasion forced me to buy a song or listen to a band for their often excellent song selection.

I loved the song "Spaceman".  It's a pretty stupid song and most songs on this album don't make too much sense.  Artfully stringing together some form of pop I can sing along to is one thing The Killers know how to do.  I was also intrigued that the vocals did not sound much like Brandon Flowers to me.  Then I actually listened to the album and found it to be much better than the crappy Sam's Town.  In fact, they were back to form almost (nothing can be better than Hot Fuss)! And I actually wanted to go back on the Almost Pop Drug called The Killers!

That's so wrong of me...

Best Songs:  "I Can't Stay", "Spaceman", "Losing Touch" and "Goodnight, Travel Well"

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6. A Winner is me.

Album Cover Review: "A".  You know, I really like this one a lot.  It's so purple and mosaic like.

2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

I never felt that any of the previous YYY albums I could like as a whole.  Collectively, they're good but as stand alone albums they've never been very solid for me.  They have lots of great songs and they're certainly a great band but they never had that one album I salute and hail as all greatness.  The only thing that came close was the Is Is EP. 

And now It's Blitz!

I struggled with my number 1 album of 2009.  This almost made it (and didn't not because I am biased) but as I rated songs, I realised that for the most part, the album had really great songs but mostly mixed with average tracks.

It's an amazing album nonetheless, with the TVotR producer working his magic.  This is a point I wanted to make - when I first got the album, I was amazed at how much influence a producer has because there were elements similar to Dear Science.

The songs are fun, David Chase as a drummer sounded like he had lots of fun, Karen O. has one of the best vocals of all bands these days and I heart Nick Zinner's guitar'ing and experimenting.

Best Songs: "Hysteric" (another fav. of the year), "Dull Life", and "Heads Will Roll"

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 > 6. H1 wins.

Album Cover Review: "B".  I kinda like it; I'm kinda grossed out by it and I can just see the rage against that poor egg.  Be kind to eggs.


1. MUSE - The Resistance

Really, I am not biased.  I can admit when MUSE got crap going on with them! Of the 5 albums, this is probably my 4th liked (Showbiz is still not the greatest to me).  It's pretty good though.  There's a symphony but honestly, while the symphony itself is really good, I am not as impressed with the fact that Matt wrote a 3 part symphony only due to the fact that I listen to a lot of Final Fantasy video game music and Anime music where music often classical in nature and otherwise is so vital to the feel of those forms of art that the music is often guaranteed to be amazing.  It's been done and continues to be done.

The Resistance is grandiose, much more so than Black Holes and Revelations - with more stadium anthems than ever before.  What I do like about this album a lot is how much fun my boys are having.  They're comfortable, doing more than quite well, produced this themselves (and the sound is quite great, actually) and now they're just doing what they want to do and I can respect that.

Song wise, this album is plenty radio friendly with not enough (or any?) killer riffs Matt is known for but despite all of this, it's still MUSE at its core.

Best Songs:  "Unnatural Selection" (THE song of the year for me! followed by Arctic Monkey's "Catapult" from the b-side to "Cornerstone"), "Exogenesis Symphony", and "Uprising".  And yes, I even love "Undisclosed Desires" as pop as it is.  Ugh.  But MUSE also had the WORST song this year that got a big fat zero from me in the form of "Guiding Light".  What a nightmare that was.

H1 vs Or 2 = 5 < 6.  A Winner is Me.  Big time.  H1, you got "Guiding Light" and I do feel sorry for you.

Album Cover Review:  "A+".  For the first time in the history of MUSE album covers, I like this one a lot.  It should have been the first indicator that the album would not be that good, I guess.  Aha.  Next time I'll know...

ANIME and VIDEO GAME Best OST List - 2009

1.  Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
2.  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
3.  Soul Eater 2
4.  Kuroshitsuji
5.  Sayonara Zetsubuo Sensei (series)
6.  Persona 3
7.  Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou
8.  Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
9.  Rock Band 2 (2009 was a sad year for DLC but did have Queen!)
10. Patapon 2


Currently listening to: "I Think I'm Paranoid" by Garbage.