Sunday, December 25, 2011
11:37 AM
This list of my favorite flicks of 2011 will be a little more mainstream than in past years, and you know, I'm OK with that. As one of the lists to come will attest, I found the best storytelling to be long-form on television again this year. But still, a few movies moved me, or gave me escape enough, to honor in blogged form.
10. Paul
Riddled with lots of Sci-Fi references and potty humor, Paul made me chuckle through and through, and doesn't ever year end movie list need a goof-ball comedy?
9. Captain America
This flick was not just a comic book movie, but a WWII action film as well. The Marvel Studio movies don't insult comic book fans, and Cap was a fun ride as well.
8. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
The Planet of the Apes reboot was well done, moving, and had Lithgow in it. It was a fun roller-coaster with great effects and I liked it.
7. 50/50
Full disclosure: I went into this movie with my own back-story of being told a tumor was going to kill me, only to beat it, and watching this flick brought a lot of emotions I'd buried out from within me. I laughed, cried, and it was quite therapeutic for me. I'm not sure this film will do that for everyone, but it sure did for me.
6. Super
I sort of wish that Superbad hadn't had been made now, because it made people give Super less of a chance. Being a comic book nerd who deeply enjoys dark comedy, this movie enthralled me. I love any movie who makes sympathetic characters out of damaged and disturbed people. Super does that with a superhero backdrop. What's not to love?
5. Hanna
Easily the best action film of 2011, Hanna is a spy-thriller, sci-fi adventure, and coming-of-age story all in one. It was a great ride, and I've not spoken with anyone who saw it who didn't immediately comment on how good of a movie it was. That's rare.
4. Crazy, Stupid, Love
I'll be honest: I was prepared to dislike this movie. Another Steve Carell lost-in-love story? Why am I having to see Ryan Goslin in everything these days? It's got Emma Stone? OK, I'll watch it. But, it was endearing. And a good commentary on modern relationships and the stupid games we play. I liked it. And I'm man enough to admit that.
3. Red State
I like Kevin Smith flicks, but this is not your typical Kevin Smith movie. Yet, it's his best movie. Part dark comedy, part horror movie, part drama and part political commentary, Red State has great performances entwined in a dark, delicious story. I'm sad that this tale didn't get a lot more attention.
2. Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids cracked me up all the way through, and had a sweet story of a man coming into manhood late in life that touched me through my giggles. A great cast and a fun story, I've been suggesting this one all year.
1. The Muppets
Dude. The Muppets are back. Not over-Disney-afied Muppet Treasure Island era Muppets. The Muppets my generation grew up on. It took a superfan like Jason Segel to do it. This love letter to our favorite puppet people had me chuckling and tearing up. And asking if I'm Muppet or man. Don't answer that for me.
Friday, December 23, 2011
12:17 PM
Everybody has a favorite albums of the year list. This one is mine. I've been making an annual list like this for over a decade. So, I've got that going for me. But this year I didn't use any of that "I used to be a music critic" mumbo-jumbo, let alone any of the old "I write music" pretentious shizzy. This year's list is just 10 albums, 1 EP and 1 single that I really liked. And the albums are in no particular order. So there.
But, I did make a Spotify playlist, so you could listen to all of the albums, the EP and the single, and enjoy my favorites of 2011 for yourself. However, Spotify robbed us of the entire Tom Waits album. So, you'll just have to go buy that, because I'll totally respect you more if you own every Tom Waits record. Duh.
This was a tough list to make, because if you follow me on Spotify, you know, I liked a lot of new music this year. But, I chose 10, because that's what list-making nerds do. And you can listen for yourself, on Spotify at Favorite Albums of 2011. And if you don't have Spotify, well, then, you must not like music enough to be enjoying this blogging anyhow.
This album really spoke to me, the way a good storyteller enthralls any audience, and kept me listening as intently as I possibly could, hanging on every word. If that's not a good enough endorsement for you, well, then, I've got nothin'.
Musically diverse, toe-tappingly fun Grouplove's first full-length is the record I have most tried to get friends into this year. Yes, I've been trying to get my friends into Grouplove. And that's really fun to say. This is a band you can believe the hype about, and the album proves that point. Check it out.
Superhuman Happiness is a band made up of folks who have played with some of my favorite bands, like TV on the Radio, Iron & Wine, the Roots, Passion Pit and more. So, it's no shock that this EP was my favorite this year. It's thoughtful party music. Get down tracks for smart people. Heady pop. You'll dig. I personally can't wait until they've got a full-length.
There was SO VERY MUCH great music this year. This is really just a sample of the stuff that stuck out for me. Follow me on Spotify for more, and to check out what I get into in 2012. Word.
But, I did make a Spotify playlist, so you could listen to all of the albums, the EP and the single, and enjoy my favorites of 2011 for yourself. However, Spotify robbed us of the entire Tom Waits album. So, you'll just have to go buy that, because I'll totally respect you more if you own every Tom Waits record. Duh.
This was a tough list to make, because if you follow me on Spotify, you know, I liked a lot of new music this year. But, I chose 10, because that's what list-making nerds do. And you can listen for yourself, on Spotify at Favorite Albums of 2011. And if you don't have Spotify, well, then, you must not like music enough to be enjoying this blogging anyhow.
Tom Waits - Bad As Me
Tom Waits. Nuff said. But truly, the man just keeps making better and better albums. This one was both disturbing and addicting. And I loved it.
TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light
Anybody who ever read my 300+ music reviews a year while I was at the Word knows that I'm head over heels for TV on the Radio. Well, while some passions burn hot and go quickly, some loves actually do burn eternally. Because this album is now part of my regular rotation. I love their evolution and can't wait to see where they're headed next.
The Roots - undun
You would think that being the house band for Jimmy Fallon would change the Roots, make them sell-out, or just wear them out. But, NO. They just keep pushing their own envelopes and writing and recording better records. The legendary Roots crew are at the top of their game, and this record is the proof in the pudding. Sweet, funky, ass in the pudding.
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - Rome
Stop me if you've heard this one. A pop music super-producer and a film score composer walk into a recording studio. Thankfully nobody yelled, "duck!" Because this record (featuring Jack White and Norah Jones on vocals) was amazing. It's got a sweet wall-of-sound vibe to it through and through, which makes the entire work come of as nothing shy of enchanting. A must listen, even if it's not your bag.
The Toxic Airborne Event - All At Once
There was a point where I was afraid that I was hearing the single from this album, Changing, in weird places and on radio so much, that we were going to go all Phoenix with this one. You know, when the rest of the world ruins a record you really liked by over playing the singles everywhere in society. But, I'm glad to report that as of 12/23/11 I am still not sick of this catchy, yet well-written album. And that makes me happy, because I want to keep listening to it over and over again.
Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
Holy wow. This album still blows me away. It's artful and rocking and thoughtful and all over the place and no run on sentence is possibly going to sum it up for you. I'd BEEN a Manchester Orchestra fan, but this album is their masterpiece. So far.
British Sea Power - Valhalla Dancehall
The thing I like most about British Sea Power is that there's always some portion of one of their records where they have me both rocking out and cracking up. Valhalla Dancehall doesn't disappoint on that front. Big songs. Good times.
Bombadil - All That the Rain Promises
Just when I thought that I couldn't stomach ANY more folk-rock or alt-folk or whatever, Bombadil came along with this album and showed me that there actually isn't a formula for that sound. These guys are unique, even in a genre where most everybody sounds the same. Raw vocals. Great lyrics. Interesting arrangements. Not your girlfriend's folk-rock.
Jared Mees & the Grown Children - Only Good Thoughts Can Stay
Grouplove - Never Trust a Happy Song
Musically diverse, toe-tappingly fun Grouplove's first full-length is the record I have most tried to get friends into this year. Yes, I've been trying to get my friends into Grouplove. And that's really fun to say. This is a band you can believe the hype about, and the album proves that point. Check it out.
FAVORITE EP of the YEAR:
Superhuman Happiness - The Physical EP
Superhuman Happiness is a band made up of folks who have played with some of my favorite bands, like TV on the Radio, Iron & Wine, the Roots, Passion Pit and more. So, it's no shock that this EP was my favorite this year. It's thoughtful party music. Get down tracks for smart people. Heady pop. You'll dig. I personally can't wait until they've got a full-length.
FAVORITE SINGLE THAT DIDN'T SEEM TO COME FROM ANY ALBUM of the year:
Kreayshawn - Gucci Gucci
Kreayshawn - Gucci Gucci
I don't know anything about this lady, or where this song comes from, but it was on a mix that a friend made me, and I've been rocking it since. It's fun. It's funny. It's bumpin. It's a club anthem that even a nerd like me can enjoy. I hope you will too.
There was SO VERY MUCH great music this year. This is really just a sample of the stuff that stuck out for me. Follow me on Spotify for more, and to check out what I get into in 2012. Word.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
12:25 PM
My annual year-end list-making begins here, highlighting my favorite media that I've consumed during the year prior. Let us begin with comic books, and the ten best titles I read in 2011.
10. Kevin Smith's Bionic Man
The obvious love for the original TV show pours out of this updated version, in which Steve Austin is almost sort of believable. Of course, this is Kevin Smith writing, so there's just enough foul humor to keep you laughing at the action.
9. PIGS
In a world where cold-war era spy and action thrillers come out every 5.8 seconds, it takes quite a bit for one to stand out. PIGS stands out. And it is just getting started. A great, modern take on the classic sleeper-agent storyline, I can't wait to see where this one is headed.
8. The Li'l Depressed Boy
A hipster rag-doll is navigating through the world of dating, record collecting and concert-going, and somehow it's one of the most endearing stories I've ever been sucked into. Great pop culture references round out a fun view at today's most mainstream counterculture. 
7. iZombie
This monster-mash-up in Portland has everything it would need to be the cheesiest title at the comic-shop, but is so well written and full of such fun art, that it's just a great adventure title, where monsters just happen to be all around us, yet nobody is noticing. When it comes to my favorite comic-titles, I've totally noticed iZombie.
6. Sweet Tooth
This comic has been around a couple of years now, and on my year-end list each year it has. I'm still sitting on the edge of my seat as I read each month, wondering how Gus fits into this post-apocalyptic conspiracy. I love this book.
5. Twenty-Seven: Second Set
The second-round of the 27 storyline was even better than the first. Now that the character has been established, and his demonic chest-piece isn't so hard to fathom, this rock and roll story about the deals with devils artists make, in a supernatural landscape, was a really fun read. I liked the first set, and the second set had be groovin' along even harder.
4. Infinite Vacation
My only complaint about Infinite Vacation is that it seems to come out sporadically, and I want it to be a monthly. Just in the second year of printing, but still very early in the story, I can't wait to see where this story about surfing alternative time-lines is headed. Fun art. Great concept. Big fan.
3. Xenoholics
My odd-ball favorite of the year has to be Xenoholics, an intriguing alien story about people who are addicted to being abducted by aliens. It's funny, filthy, goofy and still somehow enthralling. Great fun.
2. Jennifer Blood
I can't believe this book printed all year without becoming a major blockbuster movie, because reading it felt like you were on the set of one. Action packed, this story of a housewife with a secret and murderous vendetta has me waiting eagerly for every new issue.
1. Severed
I knew that I was going to be addicted to this horror comic from the first page, and I still am. When a young musician from Jamestown, NY (across the lake from my own hometown) runs away from home to seek a lost father and a musical career in Depression-era America gets entangled with a razor-toothed man-eater, there's bound to be a story to tell. And what a fun story Severed has been so far.
Friday, December 16, 2011
11:07 AM
Every once in a while, my site gets a spike in mp3 download traffic from China or Russia, and it's always one song they're grabbing in big numbers. I never understand how or why this happens.
Currently, the song from my February Album Writing Month effort this year, Ahs Smosh Mosh Smosh has been downloaded over 1,000 times in the last 30 days, all from Chinese IP Addresses.
So, to our future Chinese overloards, thank you for enjoying my songs.
If you'd like to stream, or download the mp3 for that track, or the close runner up, The Revolution Will Be Moisturized, visit http://michaelsalamone.com/mp3-downloads/februum-2-2011/
Thanks.
Currently, the song from my February Album Writing Month effort this year, Ahs Smosh Mosh Smosh has been downloaded over 1,000 times in the last 30 days, all from Chinese IP Addresses.
So, to our future Chinese overloards, thank you for enjoying my songs.
If you'd like to stream, or download the mp3 for that track, or the close runner up, The Revolution Will Be Moisturized, visit http://michaelsalamone.com/mp3-downloads/februum-2-2011/
Thanks.
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