The End of Year Review: Music in 2013

Every year I say the same thing.  It's usually something about how I did not really listen to anything all year long and I could review maybe the 5 or so albums I did take the time to plug my headphones in for.  Then the end of the year happens in time for the review and I am astonished I actually bought and/or listened to as much as I did.

Every year I curse my first world problems.

This year was no different.

As with previous years, some of the albums on the following list are not ones that were released in 2013.  However, I did listen to them this year and thus they find a place on my list.  Additionally and traditionally, I utilized the "out of five" scoring system per song as part of the overall determination for rating the album.

9. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the Modern City

Over the years, I've reluctantly admitted to liking some of Vampire Weekend's work.  They are a band I have mixed feelings on - acknowledging that they more than likely shine in a live setting more so than in the studio.  With my usual hesitation and a bit more of an appreciation thanks to their previous effort, I listened to Modern Vampires of the Modern City and was met with something unexpected.

It was unexpected in not a good way.

Taking two steps back for me, Vampire Weekend sounded not much like Vampire Weekend.  It sounded safe for the most part.  The problem for Vampire Weekend for me was never musically but more so vocally.  Switching their sound to something safe in sound and a standard run-of-the-mill alternative album was uncharacteristic.  I love when bands take chances but this was one that was not needed.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Hudson" (a very good song, actually in its haunting ways), and "Finger Back"

H1 vs. Or 2: 5 > 6.  A Winner is H1 with "Don't Lie" over "Hannah Hunt"

Album Cover Review: I really like it actually.  Misty, mysterious, vampires lurking about that city of old... A

8.  Mindless Self Indulgence - How I Learned to Stop Giving a Shit and Love Mindless Self Indulgence

Heavy on the screaming, and heavy on the club style of music; MSI's focus on this album was one I did not care much for.  The lyrics usually border on the ridiculous and the offensive, which is not lacking here but what is lacking is the general fun.  Track after track of similar sounding songs ushered in by the same tones made this album mostly forgettable.

This was the wrong title for an MSI album as I've always been a fan.  I won't say I will stop giving a shit about MSI but I may just love them a little bit less, at least for this effort.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Hey Tomorrow Fuck You and Your Friend Yesterday", "Kill You All in a Hip Hop Rage"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A Winner is H1 with "Hey Tomorrow..." over "You're No Fun Anymore Mark Trezona".  Hey H1, Eff You and Your Friend The Better Song!

Album Cover Review: ...I kinda like it.  But do I love it? Kinda mesmerizing though the longer I look at it.  B

7.  The Strokes - Comedown Machine

Was it just me or did this album just sort of fly under the radar this year? I certainly almost forgot about it when I was doing this review.  It's not that I listened to it and did not love, it's that I did not listen at all.  In listening, what I found is that undeniably familiarity in The Strokes.  But there was something missing too.  It was in the uninspired tracks that just fell flat and seemed they were made to just fill an album.  There was not as much fun here, not as much bite... in some parts, anyway.  It was enough to be noticeable to me but I am certain, as with all The Strokes albums, there's something to adore in some of the songs and in some of the frankness of it all.  But that's what it is.  It's the blunt, dry honesty that's missing.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Slow Animals" and "All The Time"

H1 vs Or 2:  5 < 6.  A Winner is Me with "50/50" over "80's Comedown Machine".

Album Cover Review: Intentionally and a blatant dig at record companies? If so, then my perception changes of the lacking substance to this album; making this more of a statement and proving a point.  If not, then it just proves my point.  Based purely on the visual, it's an eyesore:  C

6.  Passion Pit - Gossamer

I have a dirty confession to make.  At some point, I just had to know what the fuss was about this overly hipster sounding band.  Much like last year's $1.99 purchase of Imagine Dragons, I purchased this for next to nothing.  During a particularly hard month earlier this year, the general upbeat music coupled with the abysmally ironic lyrics of depression and soured relationships sung in a way to match the happy notes, stuck with me.  There's a lot of trash on this album too, make no mistake, but this album is the kind of secret, guilty pleasure love that I had a hard time keeping much of a secret.

Songs Worth Listening to: "I'll Be Alright", "Carried Away", "Mirrored Sea" and "Cry Like a Ghost"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 = 6.  They are both songs that I love and I believe it is a tie with your "Mirrored Sea" to my "Cry Like a Ghost".

Album Cover Review:  Oh hells no.  F - -

5.  Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady

Strong opening tracks eventually devolve into disappointment for me.  I realized something as I was listening to this album.  Whenever Janelle has a guest artist on the tracks on these, it almost seems as though she gets drowned out.  The songs are recognizable to the artist who duets with her.  The tracks can feel less of a collaboration and more of a compromise.  That's not to say the tracks are bad because that is not the issue.  Then there are the tracks on which Janelle does it solo.  It's a mixed bag with many average tracks and some acting as an extension to Arachnoid.  What remains is still a level of fun, soul with a throwback to 70s and 80s R n B style.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Suite IV Electric Overture", "Dance Apocalyptic", "Giving Em What They Love (feat. Prince)"

H1 vs Or 2: Yours is actually an interlude that's a talk through that I did not rate.

Album Cover Review: That girl sure knows how to win my heart.  All she has to do is place her cutie face all over the cover and I'm sold.  Electric Lady, indeed! So much personality and sums up the album's content and style.  A-

4.  The National - Trouble Will Find Me

While it's true of most types of music for any situation or mood, this is one of those bands that I sometimes just need to be in a very specific mood to listen to.  It's not easy to just pick up a song by them from this album and just have a listen on a whim.  The National put forth an album here that was much of the same - a solid, familiar effort.  There's a lot on here that sounds very much like their earlier album, Alligator. These are songs of lost love, and down to earth discussions on relationships.  It's typical The National with a little bit of cacophony while being a listening experience that will grow stronger with time, and is best when you have a moment to be focused.  You know, for when you are in that sort of mood.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Fireproof", "This is the Last Time", and "Pink Rabbit"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A Winner is H1 with a "Sea of Love" over "Heavenfaced".

Album Cover Review: I don't even.  No.  No thank you.  C

3.  Jack White - Blunderbuss

This was an album that I do not know what I would have done had I reviewed it last year.  It probably would have found itself on top of the list or very close to.  It's the album that gave me a new found respect for Jack White.  It's an album that makes me regret I did not go see him at Radio City Music Hall when I had the chance.  Most of the album is crafted with sharp sounds and in interesting, sometimes confusing ways to wrap your head around.  Powerful, sometimes frenzied vocals coat music that in itself is a tribute to music.  The Piano speaks and Jack's vocals command a type of respect and an urgency to listen.  Actually, Jack probably couldn't care less if you listened or not.  It exists and it is on a plane of its own.

Songs Worth Listening to: Most of the album but a few stand out tracks are "Trash Tongue Talker", "Weep Themselves to Sleep", and "Freedom at 21"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6.  A Winner is Me with "Hypocritical Kiss" over "Blunderbuss".  

Album Cover Review: Now there's a bad-assed album cover.  A+

2.  Arctic Monkeys - AM

I determined long ago, I just needed to grow with Arctic Monkeys and accept that the boys would never return to the life they had and thereby, never return to the types of songs Alex could wrap sharp and witty words around to tell an ordinary story to make it incredible.  The lyrics are still sharp and Alex continues to prove himself a master with words.  Continued surprise at unexpected expressions, he's now taken to singing in that sultry way that is backed by same in Cookie's strumming, Helders' ability to keep beats with ease and are masterpieces of their own, and Nick's bass lines give all even more depth.

The album is a fun, adult ride.  Thoughtful, full of yearning and less personal in some regard.

It's incredibly strong, showing an amazing growth that happens almost every time a new one is released and will continue to strengthen an already amazing library from Arctic Monkeys.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Do I Wanna Know", "Knee Socks", "One for the Road" and "Arabella"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A Winner is H1 with "I Want it All" over "No. 1 Party Anthem"

Album Cover Review: You know, I like it.  Reminds me of the very amazing video for "Do I Wanna Know" and that just makes me swoon all over again.  B

1.  Queens of the Stone Age - ..Like Clockwork

What's left for me to say about this album? My constant love/hate relationship with QotSA continues.  On this album, there's nothing wrong.  I had a difficult time choosing whether to make Arctic Monkey's AM top this list or to give it to QotSA.  In truth, they're both such stellar efforts that it's really just interchangeable depending on what I am feeling like listening to.  Here, Queens created an album that is going to be an amazing listen that's going to continue to be surprising in years to come.  There's so much depth here, so much raw emotion, and just a good rock album in its honest lyrics and thoughtful, creative layering of sounds.

Songs Worth Listening to: The entire album, I believe I said! If you had to go with a few, "I Appear Missing", "My God is the Sun", "...Like Clockwork", and 'The Vampyre of Time and Memory".

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A Winner is H1 with "My God is the Sun" over Kalopsia.  Damn you, H1.

Album Cover Review: Well, I'm not sure how to feel about it.  All these months and I still have no clue how I feel.  I'm edging towards a dislike, and so... I'll give it a B-

Last-Gen Heroes: ...All That Jazz (and Then Some)

It was a week after its launch in 2006 when I strolled into Nintendo World to pick up my Wii.  The place was in utter madness.  Kids were running crazily all over the place and parents were busily trying to keep them in check (or not).  I handed in my receipt at the counter and from the back my Wii was collected and presented to me.  “How come she gets one?!” an insolent child inquired.  “Pre-order,” I smugly replied to combat the attitude I was met with.  The Wii sold out quickly and being in short to no supply, made all unable to get their hands on one that day quite displeased with my pre-order "prowess".  I took it home and booted up The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.  Days later, Link and I would be felled at the bridge while my family teased me during my time of increased frustration.

"No Black and White in the Blue..."

Last year, scouring the main show floor room at NYC’s Comic Con felt like quite the task.  DC and Marvel had the biggest booths with Lego smack right in the middle of the two comic giants.   Doctor Who paraphernalia was in abundance.  Gaming company giants were there too showcasing new games and playable demos, and everything dazzled the senses.  Nintendo was there promoting Paper Mario: Sticker Star.  And Square Enix also had a sizable booth.  It was there along with the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary chocobos and moogles, I saw it.  Perched on his shoulder, the ominous black bird stared at me in a familiar fashion and I had to have him...  while his glare invoked images of shattered stained glass windows that glistened in my mind and a favourite song began running through my head.

Headphones In: ...Like Clockwork

It's hard for me to get excited these days when albums come out by musicians I'm interested in.  I still do some times but the past few years have led to more disappointments than not.  It may take a while for me to actually let an album sit with me and therefore, I may ultimately like something months after release as songs grow on me.

That said, I might still anticipate a release with some form of giddiness.  There are few bands I may actually run out and buy a physical copy of their album the moment of release.  Then there are the bands I am apprehensive about.  I'll wait to hear a song on the radio.  I'll do my 30 second sampling on Amazon.  And then there's the band I'm about to address: Queens of the Stone Age.

Everything Sounds Better in 8 Bit

Ask someone to name you just one Chiptune band and Anamanaguchi is more than likely going to be the reply.  I’ve only made my way through the first stage of the Scott Pilgrim vs The World video game and I liked what I heard by the band.  I have the soundtrack to the game sitting on my Ipod but I’ve not listened yet because I have a thing about not listening to a game’s soundtrack before actually playing through the game.  This is due to the fact that video game music spoilers are very much on the same level for me as having a plot spoiled.

The End of Year Review I: Music 2012

What a strange little year it has been for me in terms of listening to music.  There's not much that caught my attention this year and it was hard to motivate me to do anything more than purchase an album (usually on the Curse-Worthy $5 Amazon deals) and set it aside for my "listening pleasure" later.  It was the later that never really happened.

It also meant I did not really collect that much during the year but then TD5 came around in mid October and dropped a whole lot of music on me, while laughing maniacally the entire time.  He knew fully well that I would have no choice but to do something about it! But joke's on him because I only really listened to about 3 albums he gave me.  Mmhmm.  I'll get to them, TD5, I will.  But for the purposes of the Review...yeah, no.

Thus, I was stuck scrambling trying to cram most of it in at the end of year for this review I insist on writing and torturing myself with.

How fair is this review actually going to be then? As by the standard I did a few years, I listened to my albums and did a song by song rating for a best out of 5.  Of course, there are albums here that were not released this year as per usual and they will be counted towards my review.  In looking at it as a whole, there is probably only one that stood out as great this whole year.  That said, here goes...

9.  Muse - The 2nd Law

I saw it coming over a year ago.  The whole thing with the Unmentionable KHud happened, and I was not expecting much from Muse's new album.  And while it's undeniable that my expectations of Muse are incredibly high; I did not anticipate this level of rot.  Some may say that the album before this one is even more horrid but I think those people are blind.  There is so much to forget on this album that even being the best band in the world to see live, is not enough to bring myself to go see them on this tour.  It's downright cringe-worthy, this mess of an excuse for music.

It's filled with rip offs from other bands (tributes? no...hardly), pop sensibilities that cannot even masquerade within the genre and a whole lot of laziness.

Songs Worth Listening to (you know, if you had to): "Animal", "Panic Station", and "Survival" (the last I'll admit to liking if only that is the only true Muse song in the vein of some ridiculous grandiose thing you might find on Blackholes and Revelations.

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A winner is H1 with "Survival" over "Follow Me"

Album Cover Review: Psh.  Cool...I guess.  C-

8.   The Killers - Battle Born

TD5 was swearing by the great narrative qualities as exhibited by Brandon Flowers and while that's true, I could not bring myself to like this album all that much.  It was okay in an average sort of way but it started strong and I had hope.  The first track screamed inventiveness but then the rest of the album quickly descended into a sort of country feel that I could not love.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Flesh and Bone", and "Heart of a Girl"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A winner is H1 with "A Matter of Time" over "Deadlines and Comittments"

Album Cover Review: When it comes to The Killers, they do not often disappoint in this regard.  It's the least they could do.  B

7.  Keane - Strangeland

Admittedly, Keane will forever have a difficult task with any album they put forth after having one of the best albums in existence in Under The Iron Sea.  Yes, I am telling you that I will always be a biased jerk about it but can you blame me?

Strangeland does not come close but in its defense, it does recall the second greatest effort by Keane that was Hopes and Fears.  It does not quite get to that level even but there are some moderately good tracks to enjoy and it's not all a complete waste.  It's actually quite the average album making it non-offending, which is what Keane has become... familiar and familiarly dull.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Black Rain", "The Starting Line" and "Sea Fog".  The last song is mostly good save some bit at the end but it makes me realize that they should stick to songs about the sea.  That seems to work out for them.

H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6.  A winner is me with "Still Life" over "Dive In"

Album Cover Review: It's a beautiful photograph but what's so Strangeland about it? It's reminiscent of another album cover great - Original Pirate Material.  I loved that one and I love this one too.  A-

6.  Imagine Dragons - Night Visions

At $1.99, I wanted to see what all the hipster fuss was about.  What I got is a very strange, uneven sort of listening experience.  Honestly, when I tallied up the songs total, they did not do so poorly on a song by song basis save that one song that achieved the unattainable - it managed to get a -1 on a sale of .5 to 5 stars.

They could be pretty fun in concert, I reckon but as an album...what exactly is their style? There are familiar sounds of Vampire Weekend (a band I don't care for really), Phoenix, Men at Work, electronic (?!) and one song in particular that is a call back to The Killers' Hot Fuss ("Hear Me") (and I have no problem with a Hot Fuss being that it held a solid place in my End of Decade review.)

Then there's the lead vocalist.  I have no idea what to make of that man's voice.  In keeping with the multitude of styles, his voice often sounds a bit out of sorts.  It's not grating but does not always fit either.  It's odd.

In all, it's a weird, uneven album all mixed together as if it's their first and last which leaves for a jarring listening experience when consumed in its entirety.  Direction? Who needs it.  And why not I guess, in a time when singles make stars and only nerds like me care about an album.


Songs Worth Listening to: "It's Time", "Bleeding Out", "Radioactive" and "Nothing Left to Say"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6.  A winner is me with "Amsterdam" over "On Top of the World"

Album Cover Review: Reminds me of a dark video I watched this year by The Shins.  I like the dark colours and the expanse of wasteland.  A

5.  Menomena - Moms

I did not even know this was out this year! But TD5 and I happened to stumble upon a review of it someplace and it was immediately purchased.  The release of any new album from this bands leaves me excited at the promises of weirdness and uniqueness that Menomena creates.  But then it happened - we discovered that one of the three band members left the band.  I listened with apprehension, hoping that the one member whose vocals I enjoyed the most did not depart...Whilst understanding that they all equally contribute and there is no primary vocalist or writer.

Still... with a founding member gone (again, of which now two members had to create a plethora of sound and layering I've come to expect from them), I hoped for the best while expecting the worst.

From the very beginning, there was an upbeat quality to the usual melancholy.  It was completely unexpected while being completely refreshing.  Lyrically, it was biting and the weirdness and greatness of the music shone - talk about some heavy, in your face bass lines with underlying, accompanying drum beats! Sparse but noticeable piano keys all mixed in with Spaghetti Western sensibilities.  It was almost unrecognizable and daring while all the while retaining the Menomena quirk.

But it would not be Menomena without the brooding oddities with some of the content so sharp and disturbing that it can be quite the cringe worthy experience.  Somehow the album manages to present a more focused effort and that's not a bad thing necessarily.  I'm looking forward to the next and will enjoy this one greatly in the meanwhile.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Pique", "Tantalus", "Capsule", "Don't Mess with Latexas"and "Plumage"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A winner is H1 with "Heavy is as Heavy Does" over "Giftshoppe"

Album Cover Review: Another fantastic, creepy cover.  Just stare into the abyss.  That's right my Master and I will do as you command and give you an A+

4.  The Shins - Port of Morrow

Had I not known that most of The Shins was no more, would I have heard the departure and a completely different band on Port of Morrow? James Mercer's voice is so distinguishable but it may have been a bit difficult and with songs like "Bait and Switch", it would be easy to be deceived by the fun nature.  Yet, as a whole, this album lacked some of the charm of their last (and super stellar - go get yourself a copy now) Wincing the Night Away.  

Maybe I'm just talking out of my arse since I have that knowledge in my head.  It's by no means a terrible album.  One of the greatest songs I've heard this year starts this album strong.  The aforementioned "Bait and Switch" keeps it The Shins happy but I found the album as a whole sort of average good (and on the quiet side) but it certainly is not without its moments of greatness but that's what I found - just some moments mixed into the otherwise solid listen.  Ah, the problems of high expectations.  But as with my initial short-sighted assness on Wincing the Night Away, maybe it'll take me a year or two to realize this one's potential.

Songs Worth Listening to: "The Rifle's Spiral", "Port of Morrow", "Bait and Switch", and "Simple Song"

H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6.  A winner is me with "No Way Down" over "September"

Album Cover Review: Wait a minute...this seems a lot like Imagine Dragons'...but better!  A+

3.  Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon

I was of the mind to dislike this or at the very least to be very "meh" about it but at TD5's insistence, I gave it an honest go.  What a year or a forced, repeated listen can make! Or maybe, this Sophomore album by Two Door Cinema Club is just better than their first (and I think I gave that a pretty poor review).  So good is this new one though that I have decided that I'll go back and give the first another chance.

Okay, maybe this album is not the best thing since sliced bread and as I'm looking at my notes, there were a few lowly scored tracks but of the 11, the majority were better than average songs much to my surprise.  One song in particular became an instant classic and on heavy rotation on first listen.  What I did like about this album was the musical arrangement on some of the tracks - the fast pace breakdown at the end of many of them or the initial set up (see "Pyramid") but I'm unsure on the ones that sound a bit smug - a bit...green (see "Pyramid").  There's some of the hipster sense going on here that angers the blood!

Still, decent work, Two Door Cinema Club.  Not bad at all.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Handshake", "Someday", "Wake Up", "Sleep Alone", "Settle", and "Pyramid" (okay, I'm still not sure on this last one).

H1 vs Or 2: 5 > 6.  A winner is H1 with "Someday" over "Sleep Alone"

Album Cover Review: I can't even begin to express how much I dislike this album cover.  Or wait, here we go:  F - -

2.  Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid

On the one hand, I do not like the pull from different genres making this feel like an unfocused album but on the other hand, the album represents a complete celebration of music.

It's political, social, and off-kilter.  Give me an album that just flows one song to the next and I will be all over it.  With so many influences, it's actually a pretty terrific blend once you get used to the madness of it all.

Vocal maturity and accompanying fantastic musical genius make this album one of the most impressive displays of talent.  It starts like a powerhouse track after track and suffers only for being a bit too ambitious in length with closing tracks winding down the album and for me, some of the weakest.  And I say that yet, it's probably just the style I don't particular enjoy because they are still some solid numbers.

At it's core, The ArchAndroid is a brilliant journey in funk, emotional weight, dance, groove and all done with impeccable style in its artistic blend of classical, soul (and for good measure, a total Jpop styled song) and rock with heartfelt execution.

Songs Worth Listening to: "Dance or Die (feat. Saul Williams)", "Faster", "Tightrope", "Wondaland", "Oh, Maker", and "Mushrooms & Roses".

H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6.  A winner is me with "Cold War" over "Sir Greendown"

Album Cover Review: I think it's safe to say that you put that cutie Janelle on the cover of anything and I will more than likely swoon.  Make her up to be a doe in headlights Android and I'm okay with that too.  Experimental, weirdly scientific and pure B rated sci-fi mess of a Goddess! ("goddess" term as coined by TD5) A-

1.  Kimbra - Vows

Yes.  In a strange twist that not even I saw coming, I've placed an album by a female artist that sings as my number 1 album for the year.  The fact that I have willingly listened to an album by a female artist that sings on my own is a feat in of itself!

I do it sometimes but... yeah.  I am not known to be partial.

Then that grating, overkill of a song by Goyte came out and everyone and their mothers seemed to be all up ons.  I can't say I cared but H1 did the kindness of showing me the weirdo featured as the guest vocalist on that track in her own video for "Settle Down".  I expressed my shared concern at the sheer weirdness of her hands flailing about but it was when Kimbra had a breakdown dance after some equally odd vocal quirks that I secretly fell in love.  I became TD5 in that moment but kept my interest to myself.

A superb Amazon digital deal later, I "bought" this album under the pretense that maybe H1 herself was interested in listening to it.

She advised me she was not and so I listened with my good pair of headphones (yes...recall that I used H1 as an excuse to buy this album for myself after all but shhh, no one knew!).

I was so drawn in by the vocal prowess of "Settle Down" that it took me a few days to move along.  What I found was so much damned talent, in a brilliantly, superbly high-valued production presentation with layers upon layers of intriguing sounds coupled with layers upon layers of Kimbra's own vocal ambition acting as a the stand out instrument holding it all together.

And then I discovered she could perform live like no other.

This album is nothing short of amazing in its powerful delivery, soul, and sometimes pop like fun.  It's everything I'd expect myself to hate and yet, what's crafted here is just so much diversity and beautiful artistry that it deserves every sort of praise I can throw at it.  Now to get those fools (MC and Frass, yep...you two fools!) on board to listen and love as TD5, H1 and I have done...

Songs Worth Listening to: A favour to yourself would be to listen to the whole thing but indulge your ears on "Settle Down", "Cameo Lover", "Good Intent", "Come Into My Head", "Sally I Can See You" and "Warrior" (H1's favourite and her best) and then go grab "Limbo" (bonus track on the Deluxe Version).

H1 vs Or 2: 5 < 6.  A winner is me with "Good Intent" over "Old Flame"

Album Cover Review: It's our cutie girl..in black, white and strange.  B+

Currently listening to: "Scarlet Fields" by The Horrors.

What Final Fantasy VII Taught Me

Recently, I finished Persona 3.  

 It took me some years - almost completing one play through and then booting up an entirely new game with some 80 plus hours later (not counting the 60 plus I previously sank into my first run) - but now it's over.

This time around I enjoyed the game that much more including building up my S-Links (relationships), fusing Persona and of course, that soundtrack by Shoji Meguro.

While I may have almost finished my first playthrough, I never allowed myself to listen to any later tracks on the soundtrack since I had not yet encountered them in the game which of course meant not listening to the Final Boss music.  It's a bit of a code that Bughie J. and I enforced many years ago and a sensible one at that.

And if Final Fantasy VII taught me anything...it's that you need to experience everything as an entire package while playing to build up that great memory you will forever hold dear; and you should always (if a game is good and enjoyable enough) play your games to the end.

Memories, Man.

I've written before about the supreme wonderfulness that is Animal Crossing.

One such reason contributing to its greatness was the fact that at every hour during the day (in real time, mind you), the background music would change and you could run in the fields looking for accursed dragon flies to catch or digging up bells under peach trees you planted near your house.

Ever relaxing and charming, the music of Animal Crossing had its hand in forcing me to stay awake and keep playing for a 24 hour period just to I could experience different hours of the day and hear what awesome music awaited me from hour to hour.

Well, I may not have actually done a 24 hour marathon of play time but I did play over the course of my AC gameplay lifetime at least once every hour to have a complete experience.

The ridiculousness of that statement solidifying the addictive properties of that game can only be understood by someone who played that golden treasure of a game.

But anyway, I just discovered (thanks to Kotaku and an awesome insane person who too understands my ramblings) possibly the GREATEST.  THING.  EVER.

If you click right here, it will take you to a wonderful site that figures out where in the world you are and what time zone you are in.

It will then begin playing music from Animal Crossing that matches the music that would be playing if you were in the game at that very hour.

Do you know what this means?

This means that tomorrow when I'm having a hellified time at work, I can have my very own soundtrack playing in the background!

I might not be fishing or digging up fossils but no matter!

My life is about to be soundtracked and I cannot wait for 1 p.m.

Update: The Decade in Review I: Best Albums of the 00s

At the end of the last decade and at the insistence of TD5, Frass and MC, I did a painstaking review of some of the best albums I heard spanning those 10 years.

During that time, I had placed one album in particular as an "honourable mention".  For the past several months I have turned my attention to it once more and discovered just how brilliant the album actually is and have decided it deserves more than just an honourable mention.

Maybe it's in part to due to the fun Zarnyx has singing "Australia" in Rock Band and maybe it was in part by actually listening to James Mercer's voice and lyrics, or maybe in my quest to rid the world of Hipsters (and in so doing, to know your enemy, you must immerse yourself in things that they love) I got a little too attached to The Shins.  But for an updated list in my Decade in Review and the Best Albums of the Noughties, I have now deemed The Shins' Wincing the Night Away to be a solid number 9.  Depending on my mood I might even be inclined to make it a bit higher but let's just go with that.

By the way, if you wanted to take a gander at the original list, please feel free to do so by clicking here.

9.  The Shins - Wincing The Night Away (2007)

But getting back to The Shins and Wincing the Night Away, it's a stellar album (see what I did there?).  It's musically complex, weird and Indie.  It's not hipster! I was only joking before.  Indie, damn it!

Soothing, fun, quirky and beautifully sung for a magical, fantastical and odd journey - those are some of the best descriptions I can use to describe this album and the feeling I get while listening.

Five years after it's release, there's something new I discover every listen and appreciate it just that much more for its experimental sounds and clever arrangements.  It's definitely one of those timeless albums I'm sure I'll continue to understand a bit more as the years go by.

Noteworthy Tracks:  "Sea Legs", "Sleeping Lessons", "Australia" and "Phantom Limb".

Memory to Share: Zarnyx tearing it up for "Australia" in Rock Band.  It was in singing this song which I sinfully admit that I never really paid much attention to in the past that I realized just how amazing and difficult a song it was.  Vocally, it's quite challenging which was something I always knew of "Sea Legs" (my favourite track) but this song was so fun yet so complicated that I had to go back and re-listen to what else I was missing.  Clearly, four to five years ago I could not fully grasp this gem of an album.  Shame.  on.  me.

Person to Thank for the Introduction: Myself.

Song War: 5 or 6?: No. 5. A Winner is H1 and big time though "Red Rabbits" is pretty awesome itself.
"Sea Legs" vs "Red Rabbits"

Currently listening to:  "Windows" by Broken Bells.

The End of Year Review II: Music 2011

Once again Amazon and their nonsense business of making me that much poorer, threw $5 sales at me every month on music.

I do not think I bought as many albums from them other than the ones I truly wanted and had to invest in this year but looking at my Amazon Cloud may disprove my terrible memory.

As in previous years, here is the usual disclaimer - I listened to albums past and those will be included on this list mixed in with 2011 efforts.

I also will not be including video game soundtracks on the list this year because a) I will be writing well into next year and b) I will give them their own props when I do the end of year review.

That said, here we go!!!!

Adventure Time's Soundtrack makes number one.  It seriously would if it had a proper soundtrack release! Casey James Basichis is brilliant and Pendleton Ward is a geinus.  Since there has been no official release, I will "begrudgingly" go with these instead.

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!

A Few of My Favourite Things, Series 3

Who doesn't like music?

Anime soundtracks, video game soundtracks, what I call "regular stuff" in music - there's too much to list.  Too many composers, too many artists.  Too many!

Sooo...I've decided I'm not even going to try.

Besides, isn't half this blog music-related and you'll be bombarded for the End of Year Reviews anyway?

Har Har.

P.S. I call shenanigans on this post.  Laziest post this side of lazy.

Observations of Last Week: Musical Nerds

1.  When Amazon gives you 1000 Albums in August for $5.00 a piece, you make with the money and grab up some deals.

Except you then realize there's a lot of crap out there and you really don't need to fork over much of your internet monies to your best friend A. as previously suspected.

You do at least, get to listen to lots of bands everyone's all over to further realize that there are a lot of hipsters out there trying to bring you down with their Williamsburg sounds.

And then you get angry and buy that "A Perfect Circle" album you've always wanted but never invested in.

If hipsters ever tried to claim Maynard, they'd get another thing coming - like a punch to the face.

2. When life gives you the thirsties for some grape juice, grab your closest, nerdiest of friends and melt them down into some water.

Go on.

Do it!

Or go to the store and buy some grape juice... whichever you fancy.

I (less than three) nerds.

A Confession

I enjoy the music of Hall & Oates and have since the 80's.

That is all.

Still Working

I'm still working on organizing the music files.  It's a lot of slow-going work sorting through over 100 gbs of the stuff.

I have to say though, searching for composers to some of Bughie J.'s and my treasured VG soundtracks is proving to be quite the interesting jaunt.

Today I stumbled upon a little who's who complete with pictures of many of the composers we have been listening to since 1997, and a little piece of me died.

Sometimes you just don't want to know what they look like.

But Yasunori Mitsuda? Bughie J. had it right when he said that that man's a heart-breaker.  Not only is he gOO'd-lOO'king but will break your heart with his sorrowful pieces.

Curse that man and his "People Seized with Life"!

Yes.

I am a video game and video game music nerd.

And I am only slightly ashamed.

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.