Best Albums of 2009

Once again, it's that time of year where people spend their time compiling lists of things they dug this year. As one to follow the (internet) herd, I have compiled my own list of the best albums of 2009. Enjoy, agree and/or criticize away.

10 Best Albums of 2009:

In no particular order -

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Fever Ray - Fever Ray

Smith Westerns - Smith Westerns

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

The XX - XX

Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains

Girls - Album

Royksopp - Junior

Bat for Lashes - Two Suns

The Sandwitches - How to Make Ambient Sadcake

Beach House

I cannot wait till Beach House's new album Teen Dream is released in January. There is something about Victoria Legrand's voice that is just completely hypnotizing to me and have been into it more than ever after her recent collaborations with Grizzly Bear.

Everyone needs to check out their new single called Norway via Pitchfork:

http://pitchfork.com/news/37135-new-beach-house-norway/

New York, I Love You

So I've been back for only a week and it's been overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I mean it in a good way. It's just pretty amazing how fast paced everything is here...yes, yes, it's a cliche, but after living here for 9 years I hadn't noticed till I was gone for 6 months. My block has transformed completely and so many places have closed up and so many new ones have opened. It's like everything here is sped up 10 fold.

Anyway, it's nice to know that your friends are there for you no matter what. I think part of my anxiety of being away is that I would eventually lose touch with my NY friends and I'm glad to report this is not the case.

I'm almost all settled in, so I will try to post on a regular basis.

Thanks for all your comments!

I know I've been away for some time...was going through some crap in my life and was feeling very uninspired. Anyway, wanted to start blogging again, but I need some feedback. What should I focus on? Should I write more personal observations? Or focus on a particular subject (fashion, music, films, comedy...).

If you're still reading...HALP!

I also need to re-design the page. Not feeling the picture/font/color scheme anymore.

Thanks!

Skillz

This dude definitely has them:

Creative Cuteness

On a lighter note, this commercial for Samsung is not only incredibly clever, it is super cute.

Shut Yer Mouth!

I have to agree with Maria Conchita on this one:

http://www.celebitchy.com/39852/former_co-star_of_sean_penns_shut_up/

God I love The Japanese

How freaking awesome is this? Do I need to have babies now? Umm, ok maybe not, still a fun idea though!


Baby Mop from Chris Milk on Vimeo.

Let's Thank Jesus

I seriously need one of these t-shirts. Which one should I get?

Oh Gwynnie!

I couldn't have said this better myself.

I'm Throwing My Arms Around You

This is the video for Morrissey's new song I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris.




I love this song and cannot wait to get my hands on his new album.

Yes! Red-Band Trailer Time!

Here is the red-band trailer for I Love You Man. Enjoy!

Here We Go Magic

I just got around to listening to Luke Temple's new band, Here We Go Magic. I highly recommend checking them out. Great melodies, simple-yet-beautiful vocals, multi-instrumental layering that create an almost ethereal sound - what's not to love?

You can stream their music via myspace,here: http://www.myspace.com/herewegomagic

SA-SHAAAA!

This is the best inauguration re-cap I have ever seen:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Changefest '09 - Obama's Inauguration

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Somewhere Over the Craphole

I promised my friend Emily a while back that I would write about one of our craptastic Friday night outings. Oh, where to begin!? We started out the night at dinner with family and friends. Later on, we had the great idea to go check out a new music venue, (Le) Poisson Rouge, and go see a band Emily loves, School of Seven Bells. After them Juan McLean was supposed to go on and in between sets, DJ Justin Miller (DFA) would spin. Sounds like an awesome night, right? Wrong! Dear friends (and strangers?), if anyone ever suggests going to (Le) Poisson Rouge, just say NO.

First of, the venue itself was pretty terrible. There was barely anywhere to sit, the bar was at an awkward angle of the venue/stage and it took about an hour to get a drink at the overpriced bar. Second, the freaking smoke machine!! I mean, seriously? Do you need to pump out rancid smelling smoke into the crowd every 15 minutes?! Then, for the piece de ressitance...after School of Seven Bells played, quite possible the worst band I've ever heard came on. I was seriously offended for School of Seven Bells, I mean, what does that say about you when the venue booked the WORST BAND EVER to play after you. The band's name is Free Blood and I can't even begin to describe what they sounded like. There was nothing melodic, inspired, cool, avant garde or anything about them. Just terrible guitar playing and horrible singing. Let's just say they were band enough to have cleared a packed house in less than 10 minutes. Everyone basically ran away to the downstairs bar in horror.

What upsets me the most about this place though is that whoever books the shows has (generally) excellent taste in music. It's been a while since a NY venue has had such consistently good electronic/DJ acts in a row. Unfortunately even the good music can't save this place. I guess all and all it was ultimately my fault. I should have known better considering the venue is located in Frat, er, Bleecker st.

Awesome Kids

If I ever have children, I can only hope they will be as cool as these kids.








Kaaaa-ching!

The Smiths at Coachella?!

There are rumours that claim that the Smiths may be reuniting and playing at Coachella this year. However, Johnny Marr has apparently stated through his management that the rumours are "rubbish".

I will need to dig deeper and find out what's going on. If they are in fact playing, I am SO there.

Finally!!!

Just what every guy needs:

The Dodos

This is a terrible video of a great song. Sorry, but your sex face should not be on display.



Ps - check out their album "Visiter." It definitely deserves an honorable mention for the best of 2008.

You Got Haimed!

Hello there folks! I haven't been able to post in a while because I haven't had access to the internet in weeks (the horror!). I'm still travelling and hence I won't be able to post everyday. Just wanted to check in and wish all of you a happy new year. Oh, and I also wanted to leave all of you with my all-time favorite youtube video:






Enjoy, while I go dibble dabble on my keyboard.