Observation(s) of the Week: 01/24/2010 - 01/30/2010

On the Wii:

There should be a warning in the manual for the Wii usage that states "Do not play around cats".

I know there's one to be mindful of people and objects around you and Jazzie was already a victim of the wiimote.

But where's the warning that says, "if you play the wii and your hand/cursor is spotted by your cat, be warned - cat may attack moving cursor"?

I really hope there are no scratches on the TV.  The sad part is is that I found it so amusing too until I realised the true menace Pumpkin was being to the flat panel.

On Final Fantasy Tactics:

Story wise, this game is amazing.  I am still having a few difficulties playing after all these years.  It's challenging and downright hard at times but I'm scraping by somehow.

However, I must remember to not go to bed with a battle weighing on my mind because all I can see in my dreams are ninja monks and the tiles on which they should be placed.  Ugh.

Nerd Quote of the Day:

"My Powerhouse of a Ninja Monk with his dual-wielding sword action is much more superb than your Ninja Monk! Unless of course you have better swords equipped..."

Blog-away II

Hello Frenemies!

I have a bit of an update on the Round I activities.

So far, I thank those of you who have commented - they're all really fabulous and have H1 and I rolling around with laughter.

There are '4' more people left to comment but Gen'Frien' informed me that she's not really funny and I informed her that that's due to the fact that she's not a hateful biatch like the rest of us.
Then I was told by X today that after Beetchie's comment, she was not sure she could compete this round.
 

Being the clever bunch that you are, I logged in this evening to find two more great ones and now H1 and I are having a difficult time choosing a winner of that lot and goodness knows what's going to happen when Frass and MC have a crack at it...IF they have a crack at it.

It's Day II of the Blog-away but I am having a hard time choosing the next photo for one particular reason.
 
As you all know, The HOchieS are not really fans of putting ourselves or our friends out there on the internet in pictures.  However, some of the photos are just nothing without the expression on your faces.  I can draw bao heads to capture the moment but my drawings are terrible and more than likely will not do most of those things justice.
 
So, I have a proposal.
 
I am going to post the original pictures behind a cut.  If you want your pic. removed immediately just let me know and I will do so and I'll e-mail the pic. to the group instead.

 

Please know too that I will never keep the picture in its original form forever on the blog and will alter it at some point soon after your entries are in.

 

That said, click the link to see Round II's Caption This Picture Contest (and I'm posting it a bit earlier before everyone has commented on the last because X will be on a business trip for the next week and wanted a shot in this Round).

My apologies to CLee in advance...

 

Blog-away I

Wouldn't you know it?

This right here is the 1000th 1 or 2 HOchieS blog post.

To celebrate this day of millions of characters typed, 999 + stories told and memories shared with all of you frenemies...H1 and I have decided to do a little Giveaway.

Think of it as pyos to you for pyos to us - for all your hilarious comments to the snarky ones or to the times you glossed over (mostly my) ramblings.

Of course, we racked our brain to come up with some sort of blog-centric quiz because why would we just give you guys things without making it interesting?

Now, I can't say my solution is interesting but it'll be as fun as you guys make it.

For 8 future blog posts with this one included, I borrowed a little daily exercise from one of our favourite bloggers.  Ours may not be as gross as his but we're going to present to you a picture in a "Caption This Picture Contest".

I'll post a picture and in the comments section leave your caption to match.

The funniest one as voted by H1 and I will get a prize!

Of course, since we love all 8 of our trusted frenemies who participate actively on here (I luz you others too, I do!), we have decided to do 8 blogs of giveaways. 

The person who wins day 1, is free to enter a comment on any other day if so compelled but even though you may have a killer caption again - we'll pick the 2nd best to win on day 2 and so on and so forth until each person gets a prize.  Makes sense?

Okay... let's begin!

DAY 1: Caption this Picture

Putting the "ass" in Picasso

Ripped Picasso 'will be repaired for exhibition' in New York



Associated Press in New York


guardian.co.uk, Monday 25 January 2010 19.32 GMT


New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art says a Picasso painting damaged by a visitor will be repaired in time for its exhibition of his work in April.


The Actor, from Picasso's rose period, now has a 15cm (6in) tear in the canvas's lower right-hand corner after a woman lost her balance and fell on the painting on Friday during an art class.


The restored painting will be displayed as planned in the exhibition of 250 Picasso works drawn from the museum's collection, which will run from 27 April to 1 August. The museum has owned the painting since 1952.
 
- published by the Associated Press
 
 

 
H1 was trying to start a story that perhaps this unfortunate girl (who thankfully is not Sons and has also scared me off from going to any museums anytime soon...though you know if I were to take a tumble into Edward Scissorshands' scissorshands at the MOMA, it'd make for a bloody, fun yet not so much story)tumbled rear end first into "The Actor".
 
If that is the case, then all I would have to say is that that ass has some seriously incredible destructive properties.

S8: 24 HC - 8 PM to 9 PM

Meh.

I can't say I was really paying attention since I was playing Final Fantasy Tactics or rather, there was not much to pay attention to.

I don't understand why they would let me sit through almost an entire hour listening to thumbless rant before offin' him.

I also don't understand why they're trying to give people hearts or stupid side story to characters I don't care about.  I never get why these idiots just do not go to authorities when black mailed.

Head Count: 1

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Massacre

24 days after the fact, I have only today recovered from the horror to post this.

The Cheat and Diderick had the worst New Year's Eve ever. 

There was no alcohol - Diderick fell into a deep depression and I've not been able to console his grief, and once The Cheat got wind of that fact, he went on a rampage.

Full of spite, an innocent was attacked and The Cheat made sure to 'hit' me where it would hurt the most.

WARNING: the following images are graphic and disturbing

The Cheat, while not above getting his hands "dirty", decided to make it even more shocking by hiring muscle to take care of this job.

The hired assassin?

Always the one you'd never expect!

Who's naughty now?!

This Week(s) Obsessions: 01/03/2010 - 01/15/2010

Gorillaz

Re-listening to my albums of the Noughties made me re-aquainted with this band. The blend of genres and talent on Demon Days is mavellous and I look forward to their 2010 release. I wonder what they will look like in Phase 3...?

2D

I read bits of the Gorillaz history - what a mess. And hilarious. I also love 2D the most! Of course, it would figure I'd like the 'pretty boy' and he's really stupid to boot. Awwww.

S8: 24 HC - 6 PM to 8 PM

6 PM to 7 PM:

What's with the bad accents and menly women this season? It's not that there's anything wrong with that but it's just not cute.

Okay, way to make black people and hispanics look like jerks.  Good going Fox.  What neighbourhood is this? Crooklyn.  I think you Crooklynites should get to arms in protest.  This is BS.  I do however enjoy that the Asian is the good cop.

The story with the menly women is pointless and now it's getting nasty like MC.  Also this Kevin seems a bit scuzzy and reminds me of an Alaskan named Todd.  Ew.

OMG, I can't wait for Jack Bauer to beat the shit out of that cop.  But how come they make NYC cops look like shit? I don't think I like how they're portraying NY in 24.  I might be taking offense!

Head Count: 2

7 PM - 8 PM:

So when is it that Freddy Prince Jr.'s character will die? How come he's trying to be hardcore like Bauer?

Um, why all of a sudden the wife is all concerned about her husband? And like I said, you never trust an Indian with long hair and a helatious goatie thingie like Tony A. used to sport.  He offed that guy with a pen! That was pretty slick but now I feel sorry for the pen.

Chloe's sass isn't going over will with Hastings but does it go over well with anyone other than myself?

Ugh, Lork.  Do we really HAVE to bring back Renee Walker? Do we? She'll never be Bauer! And does she have to be such a bitch all the damned time? I'm not sure what she thinks Jack did to her other than laugh when that idiot boss of hers Larry died or maybe I was the one laughing but in any event, she should stop her rubbish behaviour.

On second thought, maybe I don't want to mess with her after that hand scene.  She just went all Wendy Testaburger.  If there's one thing you don't do, it's eff with Wendy Testaburger.

The way they were focusing on Eugene's body, I was half expecting him to Zombify or be that creepy liver/bile needing mutant like his role on the X-Files.  ::shudder:: Zombies in CTU! It'd all be over then.  Turns out it was just radiation material.  Meh.

Head Count: 3, plus one hand.  Yeesh.

S8: 24 HC - 4 PM to 6 PM

I was debating whether or not to blog but since it may very well be Jack Bauer's last, here we go!

4 PM to 5 PM:

Not even 2 minutes in and 2 people are dead.  Not to mention the one guy who looks like a weird version of Keanu Reeves is kind of scaring me.

What the eff's with the disrepect?! Jack?! Who the hell do you think you are grandchild!! And stop being so blonde and needy like your mother! If I were you, I'd watch whatever Jack Bauer tells you to watch.

Woah, that evil eye little demon bauer grandchild gave makes her the next Bauer for sure!!!!

Lame, President Taylor is so lame.  Do you really think you can handle Anil Kapoor?! And you Farrad, shut up! You can't handle President Hassan either even if he is your brother!

Hmm, is it just me or did that car seat Grandchild Bauer got put in not look like the safest?

Um.  What? What kind of plot device is this...this blonde and Anil Kapoor?

Aaaaannndddd...the torture begins on the part of Jack.  Ha.  Wait, he didn't really do anything because he's retired.  Smart move, Bauer.  Smart move.

Yay! Chloe!!!!!!!! The evil eye to the ugly blonde! Yay! Times are good when Chloe's around.  Um...wait, who is this bitch to be talking to Chloe like that?! Can't wait for Chloe to taser her.

Not liking this Hastings at all...can't wait for Jack to torture him but not before Chloe tasers his ass.  I miss Bill! ::sniff:: Bill...

Okay, things just got seriously scary...I think that's Eugene from X-Files who just blew up that helicopter.

Head Count: 8, plus one pad lock.  That Jack Bauer's got the best shot but poor, poor pad lock.

5 PM to 6 PM:

Ah, the messenger bag returns.  I don't remember seeing it when he left but poof, here it is.  It's like magic, that thing.

Really hating this Brian Hastings, new director of CTU.  When is he going down?

Okay, am I really to believe that Jack is going to be sucked back into this mess by Chloe? Wait, no.  He's a cold bitch who left Chloe hanging even though she is awesome.  Stupid Bauer.  But no, he'll do it for Kim? Psh.  I find this very hard to believe.  And he listens to her! It's almost as if she wants him to die...but at least she knows if he doesn't, he'll be done in a day.

F-- to Grandchild Bauer's drawings.  Why does she see her family as onions?

I love it how Jack black mails someone then thanks them for their 'help'.

Head Count: 0

Observations of the (Past) Week II

Because I forgot to post this on the previous blog on this but really should have remembered, I'm giving it it's own.

Before I begin, I have said time and again that I am not an otaku.  Beetchie, you're not an otaku either.  We're anime lovers and certain things we love about Japan but we're not sad, little maubies.

And thus begins my observation:

On "Otaku":

This is very specific to the American weople who believe themselves to be "otaku".  How come...they're mostly maubies? Akward, self-righteous maubies who are misguided to label themselves as such?

I tried hard to curb my embarrassment when this week on American Idol (hey, it's that season again and Momma HOchie has control on the television, and therefore while I eat dinner I watch whatever she has on), my eyes received the following lashing:



::sigh::  Don't make anime loving people look like idiots, you idiot.

It's appalling and reminds me of many of the people I knew.  What.  a.  freaking.  nightmare.

Ugh, I have a headache.

On Celebrities:

I'm certain Armageddon is upon us.  2012 is just around the corner and it has me seriously worried - misguided  Conspiracy Theorist that I am.  Somewhere out there is someone blogging about what an idiot I am to be making a mockery out of Conspiracy Theorists.  Heh. 

What I am uncertain about however, is the number of celebrity deaths in the short span of time.  Scarier is the fact that many of them are under 30.  What the heck is going on? Last year was the bad year to be a celebrity and not much seems to be changing for 2010.

What a horribly, tragic week this has been for Haiti and many of us in the world too.

Currently listening to: Not sure.  Is that the fish tank filter or is it raining?

Christmas is Way Behind Us; Winter Well Here

While today may be sunny and warm enough for me to sprint next door with no coat, February has not yet arrived and we all know how evil that can be.

Bye little disco snowmen in the tree, we had a wonderful Christrmas together with family and friends and are already 16 days into the New Year.

So here's winter and we're expecting snow, maybe a snowman built and purple snowflakes covering decrepid trees?

It's also blindingly white here at the HOchieS blog but we're just preparing for the snow that's sure to fall.

Currently listening to: "Natural One" by Folk Implosion.

Well, Then.

Oh the excitement!

After a month of waiting, my lucky bag from JList of Anime Goodies arrived and it's so much cooler this time!

If there's one thing the Japanese know how to do, it's how to package lots in compact spaces - from housing, to buildings, to people on the JR lines, to restaurants, to tiny boxes filled with a copious amount of toys:

And if there's the second thing the Japanese know, it's sekshi.  After I specifically AGAIN chose that I had no interested in anything sekshi...you people are seeing how they sent me more hip parade things, right? A Summer Series now?!

Still to come: a breakdown of everything in the box and a review of a lucky bag from someone who doesn't hate me - Gen' Frien'!
Currently listening to: "Charmless Man" by Blur

Observations of the Week

On The Beatles:

I finally busted open my The Beatles stereo box set collection the other day and began listening.  I've managed to go through maybe 4 albums of the 13 thus far and ...how surprising.

Having never heard an entire album on its own I have to say that that LSD is something else (and whatever other manners of drugs were dabbled with) - aside from the stalking, murderous intent and songs about cannibalizing piggies (but who can blame a piggyh for cannibalizing, I say), they were pretty normal those boys.

On Vampire Weekend:

Some while now, I was first introduced to VW through their Stereogum contribution to the 10 year anniversary of Radiohead's OK Computer.  They covered "Exit Music (For a Film)", and while not the greatest it was certainly one of the better covers on that disc.

Then I used to make a point of it to get free music from Daytrotter Sessions.  Hm, I wonder why I stopped that? Regardless, I picked up some live/acoustic music by them from there as well.

It was sometime later that the craze hit.  Everyone LOVED them some VW and I refused to budge.  I found them okay and never bothered to get their first album or at least I forgot to request it from TD5 and I'm surprised he forgot to lend me a listen.

This week saw the release of their second album and at $3.99 on Amazon's MP3 store, I decided I'd take that chance while acknowledging that I should try to not judge having not heard their critically acclaimed first.

After APW, I knew they were great live and was not sure how they would translate to studio.  And my observation was that they sounded musically fun and interesting but there was something just OFF with the vocals.

Something annoying.

Something...hipsterish.

Wiki has confirmed for me what I already feared.

TD5 I will forgive for he knows not much about such things but Beetchie? Oh, sad days...I was stunned by her love of this band.

I spoke to her about it yesterday and she now blames me for ruining a band for her but in the long run, I was looking out for her best interest, I was.

Currently listening to: "Cousins" by Vampire Weekend.  Hmph.  I'll still get the first album in fairness but I am still feeling rather appalled at the moment.

The Battle of the Animated Bands

With my re-kindled addiction to the Gorillaz, I was reminded of a time in 2005 when I first walked into Toy Tokyo.  Maybe it was one of the first times but anyway, Beetchie and I happened upon the Gorillaz Kid Robot figures.

They were beautiful.

I wanted them but could not afford or even fathom spending the $300 plus dollars on the set.

Quickly consumed by at least 256 other obsessions, I forgot all about my Gorillaz love and my want of their figures until I stumbled upon the White Collection sometime a few weeks ago.

And they were affordable, but still...at $119, I decided I did not need to spend that either.  I am ridiculous but I know my limits...occasionally.

Some searching later, I found 2D for sale at a much more reasonable price and decided he should join the Army of Misfits.

His boots are Misfit ready!

I'm not sure what role he shall play but it's guaranteed to not be part of the wheel that makes clever decisions.

Perhaps he can be our Harmony Smurf?

With better vocals and no bugle?

 Leading the AofM to victory and smurfberry muffins? ...Wait.

The lead singer of The Oxtails began clamouring from his bubble-wrapped slumber and demanded an immediate audience and battle of the animated vocalists to determine who would lead the call to Smurfberry pies!

With Zarnyx citing shenanigans, they both took to their mics without their Asian guitarists as back up (wow, the similarities between bands is amazing! Except our bassist is a true bassist and is black, and theirs is not.  And they also have a full time drummer while ours was off getting 'runk like a skunk and eventually booted from the band) and began a competition so fierce, I was lucky to withstand the sheer awesomeness of it all and capture these candid shots of all the action.

Though, of course...

Indeed, it looked rather grim for Zarnyx - no matter how many oxymorons,

 world-wide promoters, stars, clear microphones, or H1 for a band manager...

 if you can't even look your competition in the eye, you're nothing.

...one fail later, Zarnyx opted for black and white press shots instead, having decided that he was too much of a cool kid to let something like height be an issue.

Because as we all know, we ALL look better in black and white...

...yep, no sign of a bruised ego here or a tiny, carney hand.

This Week(s) Obsessions: 12/07/2009 - 01/02/2010

The Legend of Zelda: The Spirit Tracks

There's probably one other character in my gaming nerdity that I love more than Link. Link is so adorable, with his little green hat of which I am a little green over and wished I always had. From a horse, to a boat to rail, Link continues to entertain and the LofZ series continues to be one of the most amusing, well-thought out gaming mechanics adventure ever to be created.

Addict

Yesterday as I was trying to use my download coupon good for the purchase of an album worth $5.00 on Amazon's sale, I discovered an area in my account where I could view my Media Library.

256 items.

There's no way I've bought 256 items off Amazon since 2005.

No.  Way.

Well...maybe?

This list might come in handy to help me take inventory of my CDs and games because I lost that list when I lost my old computer last year.

I feel slightly ill from this task and as I am doing it from memory right now, my list is looking kind of short.

Bringing Insanity to (Video Game) Life

I finally purchased Scribblenauts and started playing at H1's request.

While the game controls are not sharp and quite frankly make me really pissy, the concept of the game is pure brilliance.

H1 and I seem to lack that brilliance sometimes but who's really checking?

Regardless, we have had some fine moments in our 4 days of gameplay.

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

Happy New Year!

Or rather, Happy Rabbit New Hare Year Rabbit...Hare.

It's a tradition CLee and I are trying to start.

Well, here's to a new decade, a new year and hopefully a much more pleasant one for all.

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.

Not a Bad Miss

H1 has informed me that Hulu has the entire series thus far (series 1 through 5) of Peep Show!

Peep Show is only one of the greatest shows in recent history and I demand everyone watch!

Ah, we can't wait to see Series 6.  Oh what craziness have Jez, Mark and Su'Hands been creating, I wonder.

I wonder when Series 6 is going to be on...

This Week(s) Obsession(s): 11/26/2009 - 12/06/2009

Final Fantasy Tactics

Back in 1998, while I was still a young, inexperienced gamer , with Final Fantasy VII under my belt and a new found love of FF and RPGs, I decided to play FFT. One bomb and one chocobo later in a marsh, and it was game over. Daunted by my pitiful defeat having 'never played' a Tactical RPG before (Yeah, I failed at D&D: Pool of Radiance, too), I shamefully returned my rental and regretted that day since. With the PSN in full swing, FFT was looming for $9.99 and I, figuring 12 years and 3 recently played Tactical Rpgs conquered, I could take on the monster once more. Oh how wrong was I. One bomb and one chocobo later in a marsh, I'm still finding myself D-E-D. Ded!!!

Hitman Reborn

Again I stopped watching and collected. Still loving it! Even the filler was decent and that's rare. Now to stop watching again and wait another 3 months before picking it up again only to be sucked in.

Amazon

I've never been a fan of Black Friday. I have however, always been a fan of Online Shopping. Amazon combined the two to make me poor, I'm sure. I have put a ban on myself because I'm out of control. I missed some good deals and got great ones too but I will feel so sorry for myself when that credit card bill comes. Oh woe is me. Curse you, Amazon! You know I have obsessions!