2010 - A Year In Music and Top 10 List Part 1

2010 was a great year for music. Any way you slice and dice it, it was a great year for music. So many artists and so many albums were released this year that were just great and far too many that were above average.

I love music and every year I buy an excessive amount of music. I read reviews, take suggestion and I do my due dilligence to find new music, old music, undiscovered gems and every day classics. I love music. So naturally, I have an opinion on what trends I found most intriguing and what albums were the best.

One of my favorite trends of the year was the emergence or rebirth of 60's and 70's soul music. Maybe it's not really a new trend. Artists like Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings and the Budos Band have been laying down modern day funk inspired by James Brown for years. John Legend and Jill Scott have been making 60's and 70's soul inspired R&B safe for Barnes and Noble costumers for quite a long time as well. But this year was a very special year for soul music. It seems to be pushing itself forward as well as rediscovering itself all over again. John Legend recording an album with the Roots covering classic soul tracks from artists like Bill Withers, Marlena Shaw, and Baby Huey. Classic soul singers like Mavis Staples, Gil Scott-Heron and Bettye LaVette recorded new albums this year. New groups like Kings Go Forth found inspiration in the Motown and Philadelphia sounds of the 60's. While acts like Janelle Monae and How To Dress Well pushed soul music forward beyond the wildest imaginations. There are plenty of acts looking back towards Motown, Gamble and Huff, Stax, Parliment and Prince for their inspirations. Shoot, even Huey Lewis and the News recorded an album at Ardent Studios where many Stax greats like Otis Redding recorded their legacy. Let's not forget R. Kelly dipping his brush in the Motown sound as well with his latest album. Soul, funk, Rhythm and Blues are on the up and up, and I love it!

Another trend I am enjoying is that it seems more and more bands are recording cover songs. Such as the Flaming Lips took on the daunting task of recording their own version of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon. Not only did they record the album but put they also performed the album at several festivals across the country. Levi's was kind of enough to create something they called their Pioneer Sessions in which acts like the Shins, She & Him, Nas and Ryan Bingham recorded cover versions of some of their favorite songs. The Bird and Bee released a tribute album to Hall & Oates and even though Glee is the most detestable show on earth, it does a fabulous job of keeping great musical hits of the past in our collective conscience. Throw in a tribute album to Chris Knox and John Prine and the year gets a little better. You'll find covers on the latest She & Him and Local Natives records. I am sure there are a lot more to mention that hasn't been mentioned already. Why are covers becoming more and more popular? A friend of mine suggested that for the current generation, rock music has the same relevance that the great American Songbook had for the great jazz singers of the past.

This was also a fabulous year for electronic music. Dance music, club music, or whatever it is that you want to call it. Great albums from Caribou, Crystal Castles, Holy Fuck, Simian Mobile Disco, Delorean, Matthew Dear, Four Tet and Hot Chip. These are simply the albums I've heard and found in the clubs. Not a bad year to have rhythm and dancing shoes, not bad at all.

Unfortunately not even a great music year could withstand the blemish that is Justin Bieber. My goodness does that kid suck something awful.

Now for the awards!

Most overrated - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Wavves and Cee-Lo Green album's will go down as the most overrated works. Sorry Cee-Lo. We've had some great times together but your overproduced and more cheeky than tongue album is fun but I don't get the fanfare over "Fuck You" and the rest of your album.

Favorite uncovered gem - Ernie Smith. Ernie Smith is a reggae artist I had never heard of before until a collection of his hits were released over the summer. A fabulous reggae talent, Smith didn't quite sing like Johnny Nash or Bob Marley even though Smith was a contemporary of those music legends. No, Ernie Smith had a very clean delivery that is a blend of Bill Wither and Kris Kristofferson. On the collection you'll even find a cover of Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down." It's great to see Smith get some recognition and even Neil Diamond is getting into action as Diamond covered Smith's "Love Song" on his latest album of covers. I was very happy discovering this artist and I hope you discover the same joy I have with his music.

And every year, there is some music released that I have a hard time explaining why I enjoy so much. This year I award two albums as my Favorite Guilty Pleasure

Favorite Guilty Pleasure 1 - The Dream's Love King. With it's hip hop club, synthy pop, dance fusion sound and lyrics entirely about sex this album is fun, hip swiveling, sexy and playful. Maybe the best thing about The Dream is that his confidence is not off putting. He wants to rock your world and he will say it metaphorically or literally. For club music or baby making music, the sound is very rich and layered, the choruses are catchy and the swagger is on! "Yamaha" is just a great song, catchy with layers and layers of synth magic.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure 2 - Fitz and The Tantrums, Pickin' Up the Pieces is just a great soul record with big choruses that seem more like Vegas than Motown. Think a little bit of Maroon 5, Hall & Oates, George Michael and 80's soul hits. This five piece band minus a guitar player is just fun. Whether it is the romantic anthem "L.O.V." or the political inspiration of "Dear Mr. President" Fitz and The Tantrums find their groove with big funk inspired soul songs. Fitz doesn't have the range for ballads but heck a majority of these songs are meant to make you dance and dance you shall!

Producer of the Year - T-Bone Burnett

Sure, Madlib tried to release/produce 13 albums in one year but fell a little short. He released 10. Who else produced 10 albums this year with the same variety as Madlib? T-Bone Burnett. Much of what Madlib produced was his own work but Burnett worked with Elton John and Leon Russell, Elvis Costello, Robert Randolph, Jakob Dylan, Willie Nelson and several others. In some casess Burnett helped produced their best material in years. In that same time, Burnett even won an Oscar for producing and writing the hit track for the Crazy Heart Soundtrack. Burnett is a fabulous musician and has a great knack for song crafting. Already in the works is an album with Steve Earle and Gregg Allman in 2011.

In the end, this was a great year for music. I don't get to listen to everything. I am not a magazine. I am not employed at a record store or a radio station. I don't have a truck full of money I can throw at any record I want. Boy, I wish. I don't get to listen to every album but that doesn't stop me from making a Top 10 list.

Soon to come a Top 10 list.

Dear Gillette - Stop Giving Me So Many Options

One blade doesn't seem to exist anymore. Two blades can do the trick. Three blades blew me away. For some reason 4 blades just sucks, America thought so and I don't see the 4 blade option anymore at any store. Then came 5 blades and I was a happy clean shaven dude with less nicks and cuts on my face. Things were going so well.

Then a couple of years ago the 5 blade pro fusion blades went up in price and I was not frustrated, yet. Then a year after, the 5 blade price went up again and I was outraged. Now the sneaky, after your dollar Gillette is after more money by coming out with a new (new, like a year ago new) 5 blade shaver with thinner blades! They claim the blades are better because they allow for a smoother shave with less tug and pull. Do I agree? Somewhat, yes. Is it worth $2 extra dollars? Should I be paying over $16 for 4 razor blades? All I know is when it comes time to buy new blades at the store then I will buying less fruits and vegetables. The money has to come from somewhere. Steak, fruits or razors and you can only have 2. Damn it Gillette you are ruining my diet. Grrrr....

Dam you Gillette for the different blade option, the plethora of different shaving gels, creams, pre shave gels, skin moisturizers and what not, that absolutely do nothing for me except provide 5 seconds of cool relief after a shave. Grrrr.......

How come I feel like all of this is some attempt to make more money rather than benefit the customer? Do large companies like Gillette do that sort of thing? Crappy major corporations! What's next? They have already tried vibrating blades which did nothing for me. They also have blades with gells and precision blades, so what could be next? Are they considering shorter or longer blades, blades that move in a circular motion, or blades that stick to your face thus allowing you to shave yourself by simply moving your cheeks up and down. I don't know. When will the madness stop? When will the madness stop?

America please start growing beards, mustaches and other wicked facial hair again because Gillette is not only taking your money by offering so many different shaving options but in a way is killing the manliness of the American man. Equation - facial hair = (the perception) of manliness. It's not just beards that the shaving companies are after. Now men are trying to be convinced by Gillette and the media that being clean shaven isn't just for your face but for your entire body. No! The madness must stop!

Grow beards America. Grow your beards. Umm let's see, people with facial hair... Jesus, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Chuck Norris, and Conan O'Brien. Teddy Roosevelt, Frederick Douglas, Jimi Hendrix, Orson Welles and Tom Selleck all have had facial hair so maybe you should to. Does facial hair equal greatness? That equation has yet to be scientifically proven but in the opinion of this blogger, it increase the probability of success.

Ladies... this madness does not apply to you. If you insist, the aftermath will be on your shoulders.

Sad day. Goodbye friend

Today after waking up, I went downstairs as I normally do, with a stretch, yawn and a certain wonder concerning today activities. My casual smile faded as my father told me the news that a close family friend passed away last night.

For much of my life I have been able to distance myself from death, through luck or geographical distance. My grandparents are no longer with us but I was either too young or not very close to them for it to have much an affect on me. Now I just deal with uncertainty that comes with not knowing where I come from. I have known many people to pass but none were very close for me to feel that sudden sledge hammer to the chest, the boulder on the shoulders and the drop of the head that would be similar to a spinning top that has stopped revolving. Plainly, finding out this news really sucked. I freely admit, I had to stop myself from crying.

Death never comes easy. I have always felt bad when death arrives at a friend's door. When a parent, grandparent, classmate or a casual chum loses someone important to them. You have to be a cold son of a bitch to not feel something sad for their loss. But for myself, death never really hit this close to home and this shot was still off target. Until now the great deaths in my life are people I never knew. I was sad when Paul Newman, Johnny Cash, and Joe Strummer died. I feel a bit of sadness knowing that I never got to take part in the lives of John Lennon, Martin Luther King or Bob Marley; people who died before I was born and before their time.

Death is an ugly thing that all of us are forced to accept as a daily part of life. Fortunately, acceptance does not mean allegiance.

I am simply sad. Lincoln was the only adult of my parent's age group that I felt comfortable calling by first name. He was my dentist for a time. I, being around the same age as some of his children used to spend Easter Sundays with his family, participating in egg hunts as his family fed me baskets of chocolate. I have known him and his family for 20 some years but many of my memories are of him the past couple of years. Memories of afternoons with him or going to family lunches. He had a curiosity for my life, the way an uncle cares for his nephew. Last year he bought me a milk shake at local shop after oral surgery. He was quick to tell stories, jokes and comments that at times may seemed silly, inappropriate or awkward but that simply added to his charm. It really did. He could recall tons of dirty jokes. I can't recall any even though that doesn't stop me from trying to tell some with the punchline falling flat. He was a very affectionate person who never shied away from a hug and I was never too embarrassed to give him one. We often spoke of family. He spoke of my parents love for me, his love for his family and what a great joy it would be for me that one day I would have a family of my own.

I know this hurts. I cannot imagine what my father must feel as the two have known each other for more than 30 years. I simply cannot imagine that what so ever. I'd hate to lose any of my friends 30 years from now and not feel incredibly selfish. Death is a selfish thing in some ways as we don't want to lose the joy our friends or family bring to us. I cannot imagine what his family must feel. It's gloomy to think that one day I will be in a similar situation that I cannot avoid or bargain my way around.

I don't know. All I can hope for is perspective and that Lincoln is in a better place where happiness is in abundance.





"we'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when.
but I'll know we'll meet again, some sunny day.

Keep smiling through , Just like you always do,
Till the blue skies chase those dark clouds, far away. "
- Vera Lynn

You Are What You Read (On the Toilet?)

There are many formulas for which you or I can casually observe someone and decode what kind of person they are. Your poker face, what you eat, what shoes you wear or who your friends are can say a lot about a person. Today I examine something I truly believe... You are what you read on the toilet.

Many already subscribe to the notion that you are what you read but I would like to break it down a bit further. What you read on the toilet says a lot about the type of person you are. Reading is very important and unfortunately in the USA there are sad statistics that show people don't read very much at all or don't know how to read. Statistics show that those who can read, choose not to read while those who can't read continue to struggle without help or the desire to change. Even with this information I choose to write a blog. Silly me.

I don't read as much as I should. My father reads a book every couple of days. I have friends that read books every day or two and I even have friends that will read books within a few hours. I am a summer reader which means I enjoy reading while sitting by the pool. During the winter, lazy snow filled sundays is when I find a book of interest and do nothing but read. A book per week would be a generous estimate but I am much better than the national statistics. Thank goodness.

A majority of my reading is done while I sit on the toilet. I admit it. Please don't be disgusted until you listen to my argument or be disgusted but still read the argument. Like Larry David in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, I have started sitting on the toilet to read while performing much of my business. I won't get into too much detail but by sitting on the toilet to urinate I've increased my sitting on the toilet by a large percentage. I have a team coming up with some figures. While on the toilet I have a little more time to read an article in the paper or in a magazine. I am not a fast reader by any means so books with short chapters or books like the Intellectual Devotional series are perfect for toilet reading. The Intellectual Devotional book series are books of general knowledge, each book with a certain theme with each page focussed on a particular topic. I don't know about you or how long it typically takes for your business to take place but while you pee you might be able to read a page or two about a variety of topics.

For me, I like my toilet to be surrounded with a wide variety of knowledge. I like a plethora of books to surround my bathroom. I never know what type of personal growth I'd like to explore while doing what natured intended either. History, sports, music, life, philosophy surround my toilet. I purchased a shelf for my toilet just so I would have a resting place for my books. Books and magazines can take quite a lot of counter space so a shelf was needed. I mean after all you can only put so much on the toilet tank.

My current toilet literature.

Truffuat by Antoine de Baecque and Serge Toubiana

The Mysterious Montague by Leigh Montville

Mockingbird With Me Luck by Chalres Bukowski

The Books of Basketball by Bill Simmons

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin

The Architecture of Happiness by Alain De Boton

The Diving Bell and Butterfly by Jean Dominique Bauby

On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt

Etiquette for Men By G.R.M Deveroux

magazine - WaxPoetics issues 32-37, 39-42

magazine - Poetry issue April 2010

Bla Bla 600 Incredibly Useless Facts by Fredrik Colting

I've been meaning to switch some things up. Bring in a new starting line up to my toilet literature series. I recently purchased the Clash by the Clash. It's a large coffee table book on one of my favorite bands but I found it a bit awkward to hold a large book with a heavier weight on my lap during business time. I am not saying a large and heavy book is impossible or not worth pursuing but what happens if you need to stretch, use the book as a fly swatter, or if your knees start to buckle or if your legs were to fall asleep. I tried it out but I think a smaller the book allows you greater mobility and mobility is key on a toilet. Plus the cheap shelf posing as a metal shelf might not be able to handle a heavy book.

Either way, what you read says a lot about you. What you read on the toilet can say even more. What do you think about literature that surrounds my toilet? I'd like to think it screams "man of intrigue and mystery" or "international jet-setter of cool and ease." It probably says neither of those things. I'd even settle for, "profound but silly." Is all of this a little superficial? It might be but I'd feel a little bit bad or even feel like a lousy host if you came to my house, sat on my toilet and the option of a magazine or book was not made available to you. I don't know about you but that's how I would feel. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time.

till next time.

ps. yes I know. My trash can is small and needs to be emptied.

Bad Things Happen in 3 - Cleveland's Early July Woes

On July 8th Lebron James made a humiliating and public statement called, "the Decision."This hour program focused on his future as a basketball star in which James decided to leave Cleveland and his near by home of Akron, Ohio. Akron is less than 40 miles from Cleveland so locals took his departure personally, as they should have. The locals have followed Lebron James since middle school and Cleveland Cavalier fans could only wait anxiously to see if they could ever have the chance of landing the young superstar. A few years later, with a little bit of luck, the Cavaliers landed their star, gave him everything he wanted and seven years after that, he publicly embarrasses Cleveland by suggesting the team, the organization and the city are not good enough.

I think it is easy for those on the outside to agree with James about leaving. I think it is impossible for those in Cleveland and in Ohio to see this as anything but insulting and heart shattering.

Cleveland didn't just lose James but within the next week the city would mourn the death of two other great men. Cleveland also lost writer Harvey Pekar and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. The departure of James along with the passing of Pekar and Steinbrenner do nothing but bring a great sadness to many within Cleveland's borders and beyond.

George Steinbrenner was a Cleveland area native. Before the Yankees, George made a name for himself with the Great Lakes Shipping Company. He also owned an ABL (American Basketball League) team, the Cleveland Pipers. Steinbrenner also made an attempt to purchase the Cleveland Indians but was rejected. What success the Indians could have had is unknown. Would the Indians have won 7 World Series in the past 37 years? Probably not, but winning one would have been better than the none they have won without Steinbrenner.

George is just one of many Ohioans to find success outside of Ohio but he never left his roots, often returning to the Columbus, Ohio for the annual OSU vs. Michigan game. Mr. Steinbrenner was a graduate student at OSU and it's good to know that after his success he would still return to celebrate one of sports great rivalries. A funny story I had heard was that one year all the hotels were booked for the rivalry game and George had no place to stay, so the next year George built his own hotel and kept the top floor suite to himself. The Yankees triple-A ball club was also based in Columbus. The Columbus Clippers is where notable Yankees got their start including Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Alfonso Soriano, Mariano Rivera and Don Mattingly.

The Yankees flourished under his control and Steinbrenner revolutionized free agency. It is ironic, a twisted piece of fate or something like that, that the system of paying athletes outrageous amounts, the system Steinbrenner revolutionized would be the framework for James' departure. George Steinbrenner changed sports, for good and bad... the debate continues. I think it goes without saying that he was a man you'd want to own your sports local team because he would have done whatever it takes to win.

Steinbrenner is recognizable to many Americans because of his success on and off the field, also because of a recurring character on the hit show Seinfeld. Harvey Pekar was not nearly as famous with the American public. Harvey Pekar was a mild mannered file clerk by day and an alternative comic book writer genius on the side. He also was a music critic. Mr. Pekar became more recognizable in 2003 because of the part autobiography, part documentary film based on his comics and his life. The comic, American Splendor and film of the same name helped elevate alternative comics to a larger audience. His comics focused more on the struggles of the average person with himself as the central figure. Pekar was able to express himself about his job at a local veterans hospital, the struggles of marriage or what other ramblings happened within his mind.

I was first introduced to Harvey Pekar as a teenager. I grew up reading comics but most about super dudes with super power and super chicks with super bodies and super powers. In high school my father introduced me to an American Splendor comic. My father was a doctor for the VA hospitals in the Cleveland area for around 20 years and the two had become casual friends that would on occasion discuss Latin jazz. They were never close friends but I do have a signed copy of an American Splendor graphic novel with an inscription to my father that reads, "To Luis, Thanks for the music recommendations." Years later I would meet Mr. Pekar at the OSU campus in Columbus, Ohio. After a discussion on comics he signed my copy of his latest graphic novel, the Quitter. I asked him if he remembered my father. He asked for my name, he asked for my father's name and after a brief pause he said, "Yes I remember, your father is a smart man." Maybe Pekar didn't remember him but it was enough to put a smile on my face then and even now.

While talking with my father about Pekar today, my father and I were most impressed by Pekar's humility. He always wrote about normal daily life and even after the success of his comic, several appearances on David Letterman and a critically acclaimed film, Pekar never stop writing about what he wanted to write about nor did he ever stop working at the hospital as a file clerk. As someone on the radio noted, after all the success Pekar had, maybe the greatest thing he did for Cleveland was never leaving her because he never wanted to.

Lebron James will be missed without question and possibly without parallel but maybe just maybe, the loss of Steinbrenner and Pekar are just as hollowing. I often have to defend Ohio and Ohioans when traveling elsewhere. People forget what great things have come from Ohio like the birth of flight or even Victoria's Secret. Great American athletes like Jack Nicklaus and Lebron James are from Ohio. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon and is from Ohio. In fact, Ohio has had more astronauts walk on the moon than any other state. Ohio has also produced the most Presidents behind the state of Virginia. If anything Virginia was cheating having 4 of the first 5 Presidents and by the time Ohio became a state our third President Thomas Jefferson was already in the White House. What am I saying? Virginia had a jump start.

I love Ohio very much. I have known many great men and women in this state. It is the state of my childhood. I have many fond memories of this place. Memories that I carry with me where ever I go. It is a shame that so many look down upon it but for someone like myself, it will always be home.






Side note. Even though Cleveland is about 120 miles away from Columbus, while writing this blog Columbus radio personality John Andrew "Andyman" Davis drowned while on vacation in Michigan. Another blow to Ohio, also adding proof that nothing good happens when you go to Michigan. (it's a rivalry thing... Mr. Steinbrenner would understand)

"Andyman" was a local dj for the indie radio channel CD101. Every year the "Andyman-a-thon" would be a 48 hour special in which "Andyman" would stay on the air for 48 hours straight, trying to raise money for local kid's charities. His passing is nothing but sad.

My Two Cents - BP, the Oil Disaster and What has Happened to Our Anger

BP caused an oil spill in the gulf. This is not new news unless you have been living under a rock for the past several months.

I am not really here to debate what could have been done, what should be done, who is to blame and why this is happening.

I really don't have concrete answers except for this...

BP is to blame. I spill a glass of water, it's my fault not the glass. I break a window, it's my fault not the brick for being so hard that when colliding with the window, the window shatters. BP is to blame for the oil disaster. Yes, it is a disaster. The constant recognition of this disaster as a "spill" is nothing but disrespect for the businesses losing money, the animals dying and mother earth getting her faced punched in.

I am not going to blame the current administration, the previous administration or the ocean for having waves and currents, the ocean for being deep or oil for being difficult to obtain. I am going to blame BP and some others.

What I want to know is and some others have often wondered... Where is all the anger? Where is all the sympathy? Where is all the aid? Where are all the relief concerts and fundraising specials? Where are all the commercials in between your favorite programs asking for donations or community service to help save animals, businesses and the people being ruined by this oil disaster?

The only thing close to this that I see is a savvy marketing campaign by BP displaying their outreach to local communities affected by their blunder. Some commercials with some BP accountants casually expressing their concern, sitting along the gulf coast explaining how important his or her job is because they are helping the businesses that have lost so much from this disaster. BP should be helping those business and paying those claims.

But, where is all our anger?

Some of it has been directed towards the current administration. Some of it directed towards the previous administration. Some of it has been directed towards BP and some of it has been directed towards local vendors. The anger aimed towards local vendors has been label as "misguided" because it only hurts local businesses and has little effect on BP. At the same time, I haven't filled my gas tank at any local BP stations as a symbol of my disgust but also because I don't know what else to do. Emailing my local government official seems pointless. Sending an angry letter to BP while they burn money seems foolish. How should I direct my anger?

Maybe some of our anger should be directed at ourselves. Maybe we aren't angry or as angry as we should be because we need this oil. We are well versed in the risks of our dependence on oil and sadly accept the ugly truth that if you want an omelet you have to break some eggs. We should be angry at ourselves. Maybe this disaster could have been diverted if we as a civilization weren't so dependent on oil and more invested in cleaner energy technologies. Unfortunately we aren't and with this disaster hopefully coming to a close we are still slow to arrive towards cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.

We aren't going to get rid of SUV's. We haven't come close to an automobile that can achieve 100 miles to the gallon. We are addicted to air conditioning and central heating. We love the leisure oil can offer our lives. We need more and more and as our need grows and grows our comfort level must match that need. Change is difficult but maybe instead of blaming BP we should blame ourselves and our childish resistance to change. Change must come and hopefully another disaster won't occur before we accept that.

Why Cleveland Can Learn Something from The Brooklyn Dodgers

In the 1940's and 50's the Brooklyn Dodgers (now, the Los Angeles Dodgers. If you didn't know) were one of the most dominant teams in all of baseball. They won the National League pennant in 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953 only to lose the World Series to their cross town rivals, the New York Yankees. "Wait 'till next year," became their mantra. It was encouragement to those that knew the Brooklyn Dodgers would eventually climb that mountain and the pillow to ease the bruising fall from high hopes. "Wait 'till next year," was on every one's mind. It was on the front page of the local papers and on everyone's mind. It was their rallying cry. "Wait 'till next year."

Brooklyn had seen better days. A city struggling through several economic battles. Local factories closing, newspapers folding, people leaving the borough for New York suburbs. Standing in the shadow of Manhattan, Brooklyn rested all of their hopes on the ball club they loved so dearly. Every year, the summer belonged to the Boys of Summer, as the Dodgers were affectionately called. When the Dodgers moved west, people were heartbroken. There are still some that shout, "the Dodgers belong in Brooklyn." Dodgers did a lot for Brooklyn, baseball, fun and politics.

Next year finally came in 1955 when the beloved Brooklyn Dodgers faced their dreaded foe the Yankees in the World Series. In 7 games, the Dodgers finally bested the baseball giant and next year was actually 1955. It was only a few years later that the Dodgers moved to LA but for a moment the Dodgers stood defiantly as the best team in baseball.

The City of Cleveland has seen brighter days. A city struggling in many ways with high hopes on a basketball team. Those hopes rest on the shoulder of Lebron James. Born and raised 30 minutes from Cleveland, Lebron James was named King of the basketball court. If he hasn't been asked to save the city then James was certainly asked to save Cleveland sports. A sports community that has not won a professional sports title (in basketball, baseball and football) since 1964. There are a dozen cities that carry the three major sports and Cleveland has had the longest stretch without a championship than any. Seattle comes in second when the Super Sonics won the NBA Championship in 1979.

The City of Cleveland has seen many moments of heartache when involving their sports franchises. The Cleveland Browns are one of a few NFL teams to have never reached a Super Bowl. The Cleveland Indians were two outs away from winning the 1997 world Series but failed to win. In 2007 the Cavaliers went to their first finals but were swept in humiliating fashion. The sports fans of Cleveland have been saying, "wait 'till next year" for over 40 years and after so many years many people have lost their patience.

The Cavaliers just lost, again. They are out of the playoffs and all the hopes dashed. The future of Lebron James in flux. Will the city be heartbroken again by his departure? Yes. If he leaves will the city pick itself up and talk of next year? At least not for some time.

What I can say without hesitation is that Cleveland sports fan love their teams, almost to a fault, painfully, and passionately. Cleveland fans have dealt with many years of futility when the teams were lousy and only disappointment when the team were on the brink of victory.

Personally, the speculation of how and why the Cavaliers lost in the second round of 2010 playoffs to the Celtics will be discussed in every classroom, barber shop, bar, office, and basketball court throughout Cleveland for some time. Did Lebron James quit? Did the team quit? Did the King want to lose so he would have a better excuse to leave Cleveland? I can say this, if any of those things are true than Cleveland deserves better than James or the team itself. I don't care how good of an athlete or a baller he is, I hated Lebron James for his play, his actions and his attitude. I am not even a fan of the Cavaliers or the NBA but enjoy the game that as a boy I loved so much.

"Wait 'till next year." For Cleveland, I hope so but I doubt it. "Wait 'till next year." is all this city has to hold on to and if it worked for the Dodgers maybe it can work for Cleveland.

Hey! I Can Hold the Door Open

I try to be polite. I feel that many of us have broken away from common courtesy. We forget to say thank you or talk during a movie at the theater. We stick the knife we use for the jelly in the peanut butter so that little bits of jelly are left behind in the peanut butter jar. We don't wash our hands, we don't shake hands, we don't give a hand to those in need. I am not innocent either. I make mistakes. I have forgotten to lower the toilet seat or have cut off another driver on the highway. I can wait to talk instead of listen. I can hurt the ones I love. We all make mistakes.

So, I try to be polite. I try to have good manners. I try to be a good guy. One thing I do in my efforts to be a good guy is hold open doors for other people. It is a simple task that shows respect and common decency. It is a nice thing to do for someone else that takes little to no effort. It is rewarding to be thanked. A thank you, a head nod or a smile will suffice. A simple act of kindness never goes unnoticed.

Here is my problem. I hold the door open and I am very confused by the people who put out there hand as if I am incapable of holding the door open effectively. You have seen it happen. It has probably happened to you. You are holding the door wide open, in some cases as far as it can go and as someone enters or exits, putting their hand on the door. Why? Do you not trust the person holding the door? Are you scared that the door will close cutting off some part of your body like a meat slicer? Are you trying to give yourself some credit for the good act of having the door held for you? I don't understand this. It clearly bothers me.

Does it say something about the lack of trust we give others? Is it about our failure to recognize kind acts? I don't know. I am not going to stop opening doors or saying "thank you" to those who open the door for me.

baseball 2010 preview

Oh baseball.... how I love you.

I love baseball. My favorite sport. It is still America's past time to me. I know some of you find it to be boring. Not as action packed as football or as high scoring as basketball. Well those arguments are understood, I strongly believe that points should be a difficult thing to obtain and though baseball may not be filled with action or violence, it is a tense game built upon little moments of anticipation, swift action, causing great heroics of defense or offense.

I have a lot of romantic notions about baseball. Someone once said, (paraphrase) that the 3 greatest things invented by America were the Constitution, Jazz and Baseball. I strongly agree with this statement. The fundamentals are essential in baseball and that cannot be said about basketball. The position of the ball and every play on the field matter during every moment of the game and though football is an amazing game, that cannot be said about the old pigskin.

oh baseball... how I love thee.

so, since I love the game so much, I thought I would make some bold predictions and see how the outcomes turn out. If I am right then I will simply pat myself on the back and cement the notion that I am a baseball mastermind. If I am wrong, I will hide in the corner. In any case, if the Red Sox win the World Series I will be celebrating or if the Yankees fail to make the playoff, I will at least have a nice grin on my face.

Predictions with some reasons.

the American League Division Winners

AL East Winner - New York Yankees. As much as I hate the Yankees it is hard to deny how powerful they are. Sure they got rid of two big pieces of their Championship run, Damon and Matsui. Damon can go to hell, traitor. Their outfield has some doubts and they added Nick Johnson but last years playoffs was about who could hit the long ball and no one can hit the long ball in the American league better than the Yankees.

Al Central - Chicago White Sox. It's the toughest division to pick a winner. No team is a real standout but you have to like the White Sox. You cannot trust the pitching staff of the Tigers especially since their offense took a real downturn last year. The Twins lost their closer for the season and for a team built to win close games, that is a huge blow. The White Sox might win by default but you have to appreciate the youth on that team surrounded by stable veterans. Let's not forget as annoying Ozzie Guillen is, he is a great manager.

AL West - Seattle Mariners. Another tough division to call. I would have picked the Rangers if they kept Kevin Millwood. I know he was only 13-10 last year but you cannot get rid of consistent pitching. Plus the Rangers might be relying too much on the inconsistent Rich Harden. The Angles lost too much and despite having the best manager in baseball, Mike Scioscia, they will fall short this year. I like the Mariners. it is a trendy pick but I think the irritating Milton Bradley will have a large year and the Mariners will become this year's cinderella team.

AL Wild Card - Boston Red Sox. Even though I kind of want to put the Angels or the Rays in this position, I do not know if the Rays pitching staff can be consistent enough to win. I am not sure if the Angels can score enough runs and without a true #1 pitcher who will be on the mound for the big game. I pick the Red Sox because if anything their pitching staff should be consistent. No, it should be fucking great. They have three #1 starters and if Dice-K can stay healthy, a big if, then the Red Sox will have the best #4 or #5 pitcher in baseball. They should have a great defense but they lack a scary offense. Can the Red Sox play small ball? Can you count on David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis to hit the big home run when needed? I have my doubts. I think they are good enough to make the playoffs but I have my doubts for anything and everything after.

the National League Division Winners

NL West - Los Angeles Dodgers. I like the Rockies but their pitching staff scares me. They lost Jason Marquis and as good as Ubaldo Jimenez and Aaron Cook might be, I like the Giants pitching staff better. You cannot deny the Giants have great pitching but can they score runs? Will the Diamondbacks youth finally play up to their potential? Forget Manny Ramirez, Joe Torre has Matt Kemp, James Looney and Andre Ethier. The Dodgers don't start the season without any concerns because the soap opera that surrounds the owner might derail any hopes of championship season.

NL Central - St. Louis Cardinals. Sorry Cubs. I love Lou Piniella but this is the year he loses his job. I think when your team continues to lose and lose and lose you have to make major changes to the team for any hope to win. The cubs have made little to no changes concerning the core of that team and the core of that team is filled with failure. Sorry, I don't mean to hate on the Cubs. I'd love to see the Pirates make a run and I won't be surprised if they turn some heads but no one is beating the Cardinals.

NL East - Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are without a doubt the most balanced team in baseball. With little to no weaknesses, they can play defense, steal bases, hit the long ball or win with pitching. I also think losing the World Series might be the best thing for a team that was too reliant on comeback wins. The Mets will be bad. The Reds will make a run but come short. I would pick the Marlins but have little faith that the management will keep that team together to contend.

NL Wildcard - Atlanta Braves. I am a sucker for a good story. I think the Braves have a chance to be the best story in baseball this year. Bobby Cox is retiring after this season. It might be Chipper Jones last hurrah in Atlanta. Jason Heyward is the next big thing and if Tim Hudson can be a reliable starter then the Braves should win. This will be Hudson second season after Tommy John Surgery and that is usually when pitchers make their big come back. If he does, with Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, and Tommy Hanson, the pitching staff could be tough to beat. Let's not forget that they acquired Billy Wagner to be the closer or that the Braves have one of the best catchers in all of baseball in Brian McCann. They might not have enough pop to best the Phillies but if they got hot, don't be surprised to see them in the World Series.

So who wins?

The Red Sox will win the American League. I think after a couple of years of losing they will play up to the Yankees and overcome the odds. I don't see the White Sox or the Mariners creating trouble for the Sox or the Yanks. Honestly, that isn't going to happen.

The Dodgers will win the National League. If anyone can handle the distractions, Joe Torre can. I think Dodgers will make a playoff run full of memorable moments, meaning walk-offs. I'd love to see the Braves and I honestly think they have a shot but I don't see them getting past the Phillies. I think it is too hard in this day and age of sport to reach the finals three years in a row and I am not sure if the Phillies can do it. If they kept Cliff Lee, it would've been hard not to pick them.

so who wins a Dodgers vs. Red Sox World Series?

the Red Sox. because of pitching. a low scoring world series with pitching duels and great defense.

MVP's.

AL - Victor Martinez, Boston Red Sox. He will improve defensively, catch for 3 18-game winners, bat over .320 with 30 plus home runs with over 100 RBI. How does that not scream MVP?

NL - Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals. Hanley Ramirez will be denied again. Andre Ethier might have a shot, especially if he hits 5 or more walk off like he did last season. Pujols will do the same thing he did last year and then some because he now he has Matt Holiday backing him up. All Pujols did last year was bat .327 with 47 home runs and 135 RBI's on a weak offensive team. I think it is a safe bet to up those number by at least 10 percent.

Cy Young

AL - Felix Hernandez. Some will think Cliff Lee should win it but King Felix will win 21 games and be top 3 in ERA and strikeouts. He will edge out top contenders like John Lester or CC Sabathia because King Felix will not receive the same offensive support.

NL - Roy Halladay. If Cliff Lee could dominate in the National League than Halladay should slaughter the competition. Halladay was 17-10 last season with 9 complete games, pitching for a bad Blue Jays team. Instead of being on a bad team and constantly having to pitch against the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays, he will be on one of the best teams in the National League pitching against the Mets, Braves and Marlins. Halladay won't have to go 9 innings because the Phillies should have a solid bullpen and because of this Halladay should win at least 20 games.

The Baseball season starts tonight. Go Red Sox. hope it is a memorable one for all to enjoy.

sorry for my absence

sorry.

I had made a goal of one blog per week and I have failed to live up to that but I got a job and that played fuck you with my normal schedule.

so back to normal writing. sorry world.

Lazy or Just Taking Advantage of Technology?

I don't know about you but every now and then I marvel at how lazy we have become. What do I mean? You know you are lazy when you take the elevator to go down, yes down one floor. Technology as well as convenience has covered up our laziness for the sake of leisure and comfort. Things like the drive-thru, the microwave, secretaries and tanning beds are all nice luxuries that allow us to do a lot by doing very little. Some of these range in how important they are but I think you catch my drift.

Unless you are a handicapped person, you should not push this button.

I am not attacking the invention just the able-bodied assholes that use the handicap door open button because they are too lazy to grab the handle, push or pull. I don't understand the person with fully functioning physical and mental abilities using the handicap access button. Is it too physically challenging? Have your arms and shoulders muscles gone limp? Now, I can understand someone who pushes the button when holding a couple bags of groceries, a basketball, a duck while playing paddle ball. Other than that I cannot explain how lazy you must truly be. How do you get out of your car ? Do you have an assistant to push the shower curtain aside when you want to bathe? A person with two free hands and arms, healthy, able bodied with sound mind has no reason to push the handicap access button to open a door. The only reason for doing so is that they are lazy.

I get it. I really do. The times are a changing. I am pampered. I cannot deny that but there has to be some self imposed limits on these things. Is it just me but once we stop doing the little things like opening our own doors then don't we become less able to do the really challenging things in life? I hope not.

Paco - the story behind the Car.

When I turned 16 I didn't get my license. I got my license when I was 18 and after I graduated high school. I was not getting a car at 16 or 18. In fairness, I never really asked or worked for one. I began my time at Ohio State University without a car but in truth I really didn't need one at school either. For much of my life I have disliked driving. I prefer sitting in the passenger seat while someone else drives and I get to tune out to good music and enjoy the sights outside the passenger window. I prefer driving when I don't trust the other driver's driving ability or music tastes. If it wasn't for the simple fact that asking a girl out minus car let alone minus license is rather difficult then the whole ordeal would have been ignored. I am not a big car guy either. I cannot fix them. I don't know much about them. I don't get all excited about cars with infinite horse power, big engines or kick ass stereo systems. I casually subscribe to the notion that a car is a device to take you from point A to point B and back, with occasional round trips to points C, D, L, Q and Y.

So why am I devoting a whole blog post to a car? Because it was my first and for some reason I do miss him.

I got Paco as a hand me down from my older brother. Paco was a late 90's VW Beetle. He was not fast but he had a little kick for a little guy. He was not roomy but sitting in the front seats was like sitting in a bubble. He was red. He was not very manly. He was round, oh so round. He had character. He represented his owner far better than his owner could keep him clean. Paco was named by my older brother. I cannot honestly remember why. I think my brother just felt like he was a Paco. It fit. it worked. We rolled with it.

I got Paco as a hand me down in 2004. I am not complaining. I didn't think I needed a car. I was currently living in Columbus, Ohio. My brother was getting a new car and despite my brother having a certain sentimental attachment to Paco, he was ready for a new car. If anything it allowed me to make trips home to see family. With over 122,000 miles on Paco, we drove. I didn't do much driving in the beginning. I didn't do much driving the first few years with Paco. No need at university. There would be the occasional trip to the mall or to a dinner. It allowed an occasional return trip home or an outing with a lady. After five years I had driven Paco 44,000 miles. Gosh, I miss that car.

Paco in many ways would come to identify me or my personality. I do not know why exactly. I think some saw it as an unconventional car for a unconventional guy. I think that is crap. Some thought it was a perfect fit; A rather sissy car for a not so manly guy. I think that is crap as well. Others simply suggested without explanation that Paco was the right car for me. I tend to agree. Some things are better left unsaid or without explanation.

I liked Paco because he was a bit different. What do I mean? Well, I drive a Mazda now and when I get out of work or a movie, my new car is much more difficult to find in a crowded parking lot. I liked Paco because he was scrappy and a fighter. What do I mean? Well, if you know me then you know I am not the greatest driver. Any car I have will get into accidents, be pushed to the limit, given considerable wear and tear, as well as be witness to my rock out sessions during stops at red lights. I liked Paco because he listened? Yes, I'm a big girl and talked to my car like it was my therapist. If these wheels and seats could talk... my goodness. Paco was cool. I had a little 6 inch Scooby-Doo doll that sat on the dashboard and we road like really really really cool people. Nothing cooler than that.

Paco and I had our difficulties. It wasn't all sweet tea. I got Paco with a broken driver's seat frame which meant the seat could not be adjusted and in its fixed position would rock back and forth. A condition that according to a mechanic would be a big problem if i were to get into an accident. If an accident were to occur I could be catapulted out of my car. Fun? I think not. From the beginning, Paco had little to no air conditioning and insufficient heating abilities. The lack of air condition made summers difficult. It is a belief of mine that the two worst places to feel uncomfortable due to heat are your bed and your car. The lack of heat in winter made things challenging. For many of the winters, Paco and I were without an ice scraper. I don't really know why. I'm an idiot. With a car that took forever to warm up, the window defrost was a dull proposition. It became increasingly awkward when last winter my car had the nasty habit of getting frosted over on the inside which meant I had to scrape ice from my car with a nonexistent window scraper on the inside and outside of my car.

I had been in a couple of driving accidents as well. One was by the front passenger tire. It was in the early morning and I was late to a french film exam. I had just completed a five page essay that I had finished the morning due because I was up late the previous night arguing with my girlfriend, about what I do not recall. I was turning left and bam! I ran my car into another. I swear it came out of now where. I say that because I honestly did not see it. On the lighter side, I totally destroyed the guy's front drivers side tire. It was my fault. I was in a rush and bad things happen when you rush and drive. I was rear ended not too long after. It was a stormy night and my rear bumper got a little love tap from the car behind. A big enough tap to leave a faint imprint of the license plate. I had signaled the car behind me to pull over to exchange information but the bastards ran off. I got into another accident while driving to work because I was in a rush, again. Nothing major. No one was hurt in any of my motor vehicle incidents.

Paco didn't have locks that worked. The electronic key had failed me after about a year and each manual lock had been replaced at least once. Two years ago each lock had broken and no key could lock or unlock the car. This meant if the car was locked I had to sneak in through the trunk. The windows would work, sometimes. The windows would sometimes get jammed and not roll all the way up which created a fear in me when arriving at poll stops and drive thru's. Paco was a manual shift car and last year the emergency brake broke which made parking on hills a little difficult. Gosh, I miss that car.

Paco was with me in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It was there in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio. It was with me for the places in between. I remember the first time I drove a girl on a date with Paco. I don't remember the where but I remember Paco was the car that got us there. I was able to fit much of my life in Paco. Like I previously mentioned... Paco was like a therapist. I concocted crazed ideas, lamented over girls, pondered fears, broke down, sang, danced and rejoiced inside Paco like it was a cave or haven for an emotional side I let few see. I think that is why I miss him most. It might be an error in my judgment but Paco knew more about me than anyone. Is that sad? Maybe, but for a person uncomfortable with emotional outpouring beyond face value, I needed a safe place. Paco was that safe place when home was a different place from year to year and a best friend was not near but far, and a loved one absent.

thank you Paco. I guess I now understand why people tend to be so attached to their first car. It took me a long time to figure out what to say so all I can do is give thanks and say goodbye.

The T-Shirt... What Happened and Where Do We Go From Here?

I wear t- shits. I love T-shirts. So soft. So relaxing. So casual. So made out of cotton; 100% hopefully. The T-shirt is the great chameleon of the fashion world. Ok, that makes no sense. Too much hyperbole?

In this day of casual clothing, it seems that the T-shirt can be worn for any occasion. It makes me sad that formal dress is out the door but fashion is a bitch mistress that doesn't care what you want or at least what I want. No one wants to dress in collared shirts, ties and suits anymore. The days of dressing in your Sundays best to catch a ball game on Tuesday is no more. Thank goodness social convention still tells women that when going out to the bars or clubs, a t-shirt doesn't cut it. Thank goodness that there is still some amount sexism in this country. Please pick up on my sarcasm. It is a shame that men have become lazy, classless and unimaginative with their dress. Please note that the previous sentence about men's fashion was not sarcasm.

I love T-shirts as much as the next guy. T-shirts have been the essence of cool. They are indicative of their generation. It's no accident that when you see a white basic T-shirt, blue jeans, leather jacket and some Converse Chuck Taylor's one might think of the greasers in the 1950's. Tie-Dyed shirts remind us of hippies and the 60's. The huge slogans that would be placed on T-shirts during the 80's and 90's. The lasting images of Marlon Brando, James Dean, Bruce Springsteen in a white basic T. There was the Frankie Goes to Hollywood T-shirts of the 80's and the "Vote for Pedro" Napoleon Dynamite shirts of the modern era. T-shirts have a lasting impression on the social conscience. It's not mystery that T-shirts have become human billboards for self expression, corporate agendas and fashion design.

But as I walk the corridors of my local shopping mall or when I bust a move on in the club, exercise at the the local gym or enjoy a casual night at the bingo hall, it seems that T-Shirts have lost their cool. I'll say it less politely... modern T-Shirts fucking suck. Designed by douche bags and worn by guys who don't mind acting like douche bags. Yeah, I'm talking about Ed Hardy shirts or shirts that have slogans like, "Compassion is the Essence of love" or "Triumph is brought by Might." Let's face it, Ed Hardy T-shirts look like crappy tattoo designs over neon colored shirts. T-Shirts with crap slogans that don't really mean anything are like unimaginative Hallmark cards that promote nothing or suggest anything beyond a shallow attempt at self importance. I don't understand why some people need to spend $3o dollars on a some Under Armour or Nike exercise T-shirt when you can buy 5 cotton white shirts for $10. That just seems dumb. I don't get T-shirts these days. There are shirts with New York City designs all over them being sold in the Midwest, worn by those who have never been to the NYC. There are guys wearing shirts with flower patterns but refuse to wear a light pink dress shirt. There are T-Shirt designs with foreign languages written all over them and no one has a clue what is being said.

What is going on? when did T-Shirts stop being cool because their designs were trying too hard to be cool? Why have them become so expensive? Yeah, I'm looking at you Giorgio Armani with your black Cashmere t-shirt costing over $1,800. Maybe that is a bad example. It is cashmere. Fuck no, that isn't a bad example. It's too dam expensive. Is it because it was made with the human dignity of the sweat shop workers in Asia that stitched the fabric with human hair and despair? I don't understand fashion. Apparently I don't understand this world where a cashmere T-shirt could be the down payment on a car.

What is going on? When did the T-shirt stop being the symbol of cool and casual apparel and become the symbol of douche baggery? I don't know. Maybe I am just being close minded. Maybe I don't see how bedazzling or rhinestones can be good for t-shirts or even washing machines.

What kind of T-Shirts do I enjoy? I like the plain. I like designs but let's face it. It's a T-shirt. It's casual wear so why try hard to be cool. I don't want to say that T-Shirts should be this or that but maybe I am. I think I am. It's a T-Shirt, relax with it. Do you get the impression that when you try hard to be cool you just succeed at being an ass. I enjoy humorous shirts. I enjoy shirts that represent my personality, where I come from or what I like. Silly, humorous, casual and geeky is the shirt I prefer. I don't know many people who wear T-shirts tattered in skulls, cobwebs, slogans that rip off mythology or the bible or display half naked woman that truly represent their personality. Like i said, i just don't understand fashion and what has dictated this downward step in design.


oh well, now some gratuitous photos of me in t-shirts.

Best Music of 2009!

Every year I write a blog discussing my favorite music of the year. I am a pretty big music fan so I feel entitled. I still buy music. Most people I know, even those in the music industry steal music. I am constantly reading about music, either through books or magazines. I go to shows, research and surf on the interweb.

This list comes with a bit of a disclaimer. I take the time to listen to a couple hundred albums a year but that is only a small percentage of music produced. I am not a magazine. Labels don't send me records to review. I don't get free copies or information pamphlets about bands. All my information comes from somewhat biased research and careful purchasing. I read the pretentious Pitchfork, the idiotic Rolling Stone and the middle ground Spin. I read WaxPoetics, Notion, and occasionally Source as well as other media outlets. Research also includes word of mouth. I have friends that work at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, record shops, independent labels and friends that dj as well as play in various types of bands. I love music and will try to find good music any way possible.

This my top ten along with other accolades.

when 2009 opened it's door, the music scene seemed filled with possibilities. In the the first couple of months there were records released by Bruce Springsteen and U2. When you start the year with two of your all time favorite artists releasing records, it's easy to get excited but those two records ultimately ended in disappointment. Another band, which I have disliked for much of their career released a record that would land on this top ten list the moment it was released. Some bands surprised me with their growth and talents, while others began their fade into obscurity. Some older relics churned out albums that reminds me of the mighty force that once was their music, while young folks debuted their talent to world, presenting the hope of tomorrows music future.

Thanks to the old guard for still making music that rocks. Thank you Raekwon, Slayer, Yo La Tengo, Dinosaur Jr., Wilco and Sonic Youth. Way to show the young kids how it is done.

Groups to look forward to, not on this list but worth taking notice. K'Naan, The Big Pink, The Avett Brothers, Major Lazer and Discovery.

Most overrated album of the year. The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca.

Biggest guilty pleasure. Weezer - Raditude and that dam Taylor Swift Song, "You Belong with Me"

Most annoying musical occurrence. People who suddenly discovered The Kings of Leon and overplayed "Use Somebody." And the re-emergence of 90's low-fi indie rock... Yeah... I'm looking at you Japandroids and Wavves along with others.

Happy that hip hop bounced back this year. Brother Ali, Anti-Pop Consortium, Drake and Kid Kudi saving hip hop from an awful 2008.

Hooray for all the fantastic re-issues... from the Beatles to Kraftwerk, the Feelies to Devo, Beastie Boys to Big Star.

Honorary Album

Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications.

The role Pulp played in shaping the 90's Brit-pop explosion was pretty large. They never got the recognition that Oasis, Radiohead or Blur received but are no less important. Pulp hasn't released a record since 2001 but Cocker has not kept away. On his second solo release Cocker rediscovers what made his musical satire so appealing, frustration. Like Elvis Costello with his record, When I was Cruel, Cocker rediscovers angst and writes a record fueled by negative emotions in search for positive results. It would be Costello's best record in years and the same could be said about Cocker, with or without Pulp. Here, Cocker releases a certain rage about romance, sex, life, uncertainty, the upper class, the unknown future and the let down of being born.

The Top 10.

10. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Don't dismiss this album. It might be the closest thing to bumble gum pop for kids that wear skin tight black jeans, scarves in the middle of a hot summer, and feel they are too cool to be elitists. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart make the quietest up tempo rock that you can find. There is a tremendous amount of sophistication to this simple rock that seems fueled by teenage adolescence. The albums has touches of The Ramones, The Cure and Jesus and the Mary Chain. "A Teenager In Love" could havet come from Robert Smith during the Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me sessions. It doesn't stray too far from modern groups like the Anniversary or the Rentals either especially on tracks like "Young Adult Friction." They make it look easy. They also don't come off as egomaniacs or star crazed jerks like other NYC bands the Strokes, Interpol or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If you like catchy hooks, sing a long melodies, and music that doesn't make you dance but instead makes you hop, skip and jump then this record is for you.

9. Tegan and Sara - Sainthood

Chris Walla was smart to hop onto this indie pop mega train that is Tegan and Sara. In turn Tegan and Sara not only found their best bassist/keyboardist to date but also the best producer they've ever had. Walla produced their previous effort, The Con but the sound hadn't come together yet. For this record Walla filled in as bassist and drummer Jason McGerr came back for his second turn as the group's drummer. The stability of having much of the same group from the previous recording session resulted in the band sounding tighter than ever. It's their 6th album and their best. C'mon, how often does that happen? This album is filled with fascinating tales of falling in love and falling into the potholes of romantic inconsistency. It's not emo. It's hard to call it even indie pop. It's catchy and if they ever feel like selling out and given their music a slogan like "girl power" then Tegan and Sara would be huge mega stars.

8. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

It's hard when the worst criticism of this album might be that it isn't as good as her last album. Neko Case doesn't really fall into a genre at this point in her career. She is not really country. She is not really folk. She is somewhere in between sober Lucinda Williams (but better) and early Sheryl Crow (but way better). She is Emmylou Harris with a voice that could eclipse a sun beaten desert and knock you over like a shotgun. This record has all the typical traits of any Neko Case album. It is filled with animal imagery, mythology and odes to nature. Even the somewhat corny, "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" has an elegance that lifts it above hippie lecture music. Case also benefits from playing with the same band and the surrounding cast that has toured with her and recorded much of, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Her band is able to match wits with her, allowing her voice to fill those large landscapes with life. The band doesn't allow her voice to strangle and dominate the rich country folk sound. She has a powerful voice but the band isn't there for decoration and Case never over sings but allows her voice to unfold over the tapestry of music. Not to mention that this record has the best album opener with, "This Tornado Loves You" and probably the best album cover.

7. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

It is always nice to see a band grow. It is always nice to see a band debut with a fantastic record and then follow it up with a better record. That is exactly what Grizzly Bear has done. Yellow House (2006) was a great start and with Veckatimest, Grizzly Bear has expanded on their chamber pop and improved on their formula for well structured song writing. They break free from the Radiohead or My Morning Jacket comparisons and invite some Beach Boys, primarily Brian Wilson and Neil Young comparisons. It's can be hard to place their sound but it is just as hard to ignore the bouncy, "Two Weeks" or rather rocking "I Live with You." Well as rocking as Grizzly Bear might get. It is not a total departure for the band. There are moments when the band sings and plays without any intent to get attention and then boom, a whirlwind of sound and harmonies. It is busy music and that can be a negative but it isn't in this case. It can be difficult to grasp but also wonderful to discover all the richness of its sound. Grizzly Bear might be the best harmonizing band out right now.

6. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I'll be totally honest. I had never heard of Phoenix till this record. Pitchfork loves these guys. I can see why and after 4 albums, it is about time I took notice. I'm just amazed the Grammy committee didn't try to nominate these guys for best new artist. This french outift doesn't really rock but they do. They create pop songs based on slick guitar licks, shout out loud choruses, kicking drums and groovy bass lines. What more could you want? Not to mention, it's a pretty huge sound for a band that really doesn't rock or even jam out to ridiculous solos. It's irony free and fun. Romantic and bold. Maybe more bands should follow this formula. They aren't like other rock bands to push pop. These guys aren't trying to be Blur or the Dandy Warhols, Sloan or Fountains of Wayne. Thank goodness. No offense to two of the bands previously mentioned. Don't be fooled by the upbeat sound because these songs have a fair share of despair. It's a direct approach as many of the themes in the songs explore a balance between positive and negative forces. They also get my vote for best song of the year - "1901".

5. The xx - The xx

Comprised of four early 20's upstarts from south London, The xx released the sexiest record in a long time. The xx dabble in post punk fare with bass lines that ease into the song like a muttering heartbeats with sly and subtle guitar formations. Their sound is a culmination of things, 50's rock, cinematic modern soul, and post punk. It isn't entirely retro because The xx could be compared to other groups like Interpol or The Raveonettes. There is a simplicity to this record. There is an absence of sound on this record. It's a wide open sound that seems to only fill the corners of a dark room. The loudest track is the instrumental opening track. With singer/guitarist Madley Croft and singer/bassist Oliver Sim interchanging lyrics like contemplative lovers trying to find ways to construct and deconstruct their relationship but the singing never reaches a volume louder than a whisper. The songs are chapters, with each one like a snapshot into a love affair. It's a delicate and beautiful album.

4. Passion Pit - Manners

I might get flack for putting Passion Pit so high on the list but I've had so much fun listening to this album. It's sugar. It's pop alternative dance music. It's the playful puppy that Daft Punk could never be. It's the white New England geek chic that Chromeo could never be. It's funky. It's loaded with keyboards and synthesizers, without apology. It doesn't neglect the bass but doesn't rely on it to create dance grooves. It has an upbeat sound marinated in sincerity. A sound that is lacking in today's scene. The helium high pitched vocals of Michael Angelakos might be a little much to handle or harmonize alongside but resisting it's charm is a much greater task. It's sample friendly and hook saturated. I think Passion Pit would make the Avalanches proud, especially with the track, "Sleepyhead." Dance music might be the new direction indie takes. There are groups like Hot Chip, Justice, and Cut Copy making the dance floor safe for hipsters. There are also rock groups like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bloc Party turning down the rock and turning up the techno. I think Passion Pit out does them all.

3. Mos Def - The Ecstatic

One of my favorite musical jokes on the sitcom 30 rock is after character Tracy Jordan ruins the national anthem at a sporting event, he proclaims, "who knew the national anthem had so many words. It's like a Mos Def CD." Mos Def... welcome back to musical relevance. He didn't have to sell his soul to Kanye West or Lil' Wayne. Thank goodness. He does it by taking the indie hip hop route. He gets Madlib, Oh No, and Mr. Flash to produce some of the tracks. Even Chad Hugo of the Neptunes fame produces a track. Mos Def isn't really like most other MC's. First, he is a better actor than any other hip hop star in history. Second, his diversity in sound, lyric approach and flow never came off as a gimmick. Mos Def does eclectic better than anyone else because it seems to come so natural to him. Here Mos Def explores afrobeat, jazz, samba, funk, and even raps an entire song in Spanish without sounding like a pretentious idiot. It has all the trappings of any other Mos Def album... topical lyrics about the war, the struggles of blacks in America, poverty, drug abuse, whack MC's, finding peace as well as happiness, a Dilla cut as well as a Talib Kweli appearance. Easily his finest record since Black on Both Sides and unlike so many other hip hop artists Mos Def was able to resist the temptation to consider this album a sequel to any of his previous work without merit. Way to go Mos Def for not tying to capitalize on your previous work and create something fresh but familiar as well.

2. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

I know! It's shocking that this album is not #1. I knew this album would make the top 10 back in Feb. when it was released... I just didn't know where. It bounced anywhere from 1 to 7 until the very next album on the list came out in September, stealing the top spot. Since it has been the best album for much of the year I felt that it needed to take the second spot. I admit that until this album I was not a fan of Animal Collective. I still don't like a majority of their other releases. I don't like Panda Bear's Person Pitch, in which many draw comparisons. So how is this album so good? Is it dumb to say because it is mesmerizing? Yes, it kind of is. Is it a dance record? Not really? is it an alternative to chamber pop? not really? Does it combine psychedelic pop, tribal rhythms, squishy dub ambience with a space age lemony twist? Yes. Would it be interesting to hear a marching band or Men's Choir perform these songs? Probably, at least under the right direction. This is great music to march to or to lie still and drift off into the abyss. There wasn't a better summertime anthem this year than "Summertime Clothes." There is something animal, desperate but sweet about, "Bluish." The urban confusion buried in, "Lion In a Comma" along with the parental bliss of "My Girl" help build the uniqueness of this record.

1. Girls - Album

I love it. I love this record. I love the music. I love the 70's small budget light porn look of the book art and music videos. I love the back story of lead singer and songwriter Christopher Owens. It almost seems like an elaborate lie. My retelling of it might be incorrect thus building upon the myth of a kid born to a prostitute mother. The father runs away while he is an infant. Grows up in a cult and as a teen becomes a drug user only to be rescued by a millionaire from Texas. There are some vocal comparisons to Elvis Costello but Costello would bark, bite and on occasion over sing his songs. They do share a bitterness and sarcastic tone found in many of these songs about romantic bliss gone sour. Musically, Girls goes anywhere from Beach Boys California surf to early 90's Jesus and Mary Chain. Yeah, another band ripping off Jesus and Mary Chain... surprise surprise. Maybe somebody will finally start giving them credit for something. But that just scratching the surface. "Hellhole Ratrace" is the sick and tired of being sick and tired anthem of the decade and it sounds like a Spiritualized song minus the huge orchestra. On, "Headache" Owens sings with this croon that could out do Richard Hawley. "Morning Light" might remind you of Sonic Youth or wanna be Sonic Youth, Broken Social Scene. From the post punk opener, "Lust for Life" to the bluesy closer, "Darling" Owens primarily uses is rock to influence his music. He adapts so well to every genre, borrowing what he likes for his own particular brand of rock and roll. It's not new but it is executed at such a high level that it's lack of originality is lost on me. Like the title suggest, Girls is pretty much about girls. There isn't really much happiness in this record but there is a fair amount of hope. Owens sings with so much conviction that it is nearly impossible to reject his ambition. Owens doesn't supply any answers and asks a lot of questions. It is almost like he is urging you to believe in him or at least believe in his music without knowing what is to come next. A position i think, only someone with his background could relay with sincerity. Best record of the year.

goodbye 2009. goodbye decade. goodbye yesterday. Onward to 2010. Onward to today and tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

I am sort of confused on how to sum up 2009. The final year of a wacky decade and a rather frustrating year at that. I started the decade in Florida to move to Ohio to eventually move to Arkansas then back to Ohio with plans to possibly move to Austin, Chicago or southern California. In this decade I have had a four year relationship that was similar to the decade, up and down with it ultimately ending. I graduated high school and college but have little to show for it. I have had jobs, promoted and fired. I have traveled and I have stayed home. I have crazy stories and stories not worth writing about. I feel sad and relieved by the simple fact that my greatest achievement in the past ten years is that I am alive, I have my family and friends, and that I have not given up yet. I don't know whether or not to look down upon this idea with frustration or to hold my head high and acknowledge that things could be much worse.

I started this blog almost 2 years ago and I am not famous for it or anything of the sort. I ponder, I type and I express feelings that rattle in my noggin. I could go on and fuss about the decade or this past year but I won't. This past year was hard. I have a hard time remembering when the last easy year came. Many make resolutions for the next year. Many hope that the next year will be better. Many wish to explore the possibilities of what will come around the next corner, or on the next train in to the station or simply what happens the next day. I try to resist resolutions, or hopes or even the moments of contemplation for what lies ahead because it seems rather pointless. I do not know what to do but I simply try to do the best I can with what I've got. I can only plan so much. I can only want so much. I can only hope for so much. My life is vastly different than I had hoped 10, 5 and even 1 year ago. I have made plans and many of them dashed. I have had hopes with many of them crushed. I have wanted much and have been neglected. It is easy to look down at this life and call it a failure but I won't do that. I have a loving family. I have friends. I have a bit of happiness and hope that shines through thick feelings of despair. Not all is lost and at times when things do not go your way it is easy to lose sight of all the good that surrounds you. Sure, I have a lot to be angry about but there is just as much that pleases me, if not more.

with that in mind... I plan to continue writing in this blog. I enjoy it. No one reads it but it allows me to express myself in some way. I plan to double the output of the previous year or at least try for one upload per week. I plan to start a second blog that focuses on my true love, the cinema. I hope to dish out my opinions on fame, stupid t-shirts, award ceremonies, travel, fashion, douche bags (the persona not the cleaning product), mix cd's, baseball, doughnuts, and much more. There isn't much that I don't want to tackle. I hope you will come along with me.

In the following week be sure to check this blog out because I will be posting my highly anticipated best music of 2009 blog as well as an exploration on how t-shirts have gone wrong.


thanks you for reading and good day or night.