While this list ended up being longer than I expected, it still isn't as substantial as I wanted it to be. To be fair, I'm extremely picky with newer films. Plus, all the stuff I usually go for are released around this time. And so, on this final day of the year, I conclude this series. Until this time next year... here are my choices for this year's best films:
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Best of 2010: Book Edition
I regret to say that this list was unfortunately small to put together. I have read more older books this time 'round, I suppose.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Best of 2010: Album Edition
It's baaaaaaack!
Here we are folks, near the end of 2010. What a year! So much has gone on and things are only getting more intense. Let's break from the news for a moment to discuss music. It's been a very interesting year for the ear candy. For once, I actually listened to quite a bit of the new releases (egads!) so my list will actually be a bit bigger. Let's make it a top twelve!
Here we are folks, near the end of 2010. What a year! So much has gone on and things are only getting more intense. Let's break from the news for a moment to discuss music. It's been a very interesting year for the ear candy. For once, I actually listened to quite a bit of the new releases (egads!) so my list will actually be a bit bigger. Let's make it a top twelve!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Book Review: 10 of 24 (Ballard Rides Again)
High Rise
By J.G. Ballard
Wikipedia link (click here to buy it from England!)
(Fun fact: this book was my solitary goal in my book-searching quest over in the British Isles earlier this year. It was this book or bust. Found it in the Foyles on Charing Cross. Excellent store, six floors of book heaven.)
A long time ago, I cracked open a copy of Stephen King's Danse Macabre (which I sorta recommend, but that's a whole other kettle of fish) and went to the far back to read the recommended books list. The tome of horror's long-ass history listed High Rise and Concrete Island alongside The Exorcist and The Haunting of Hill House. After finding High Rise, and just now finishing it, of this trilogy that Ballard had (Crash, Concrete Island, and High Rise; all which hilariously enough I read in order) this one is definitely the most likely to represent future real life.
By J.G. Ballard
Wikipedia link (click here to buy it from England!)
(Fun fact: this book was my solitary goal in my book-searching quest over in the British Isles earlier this year. It was this book or bust. Found it in the Foyles on Charing Cross. Excellent store, six floors of book heaven.)
A long time ago, I cracked open a copy of Stephen King's Danse Macabre (which I sorta recommend, but that's a whole other kettle of fish) and went to the far back to read the recommended books list. The tome of horror's long-ass history listed High Rise and Concrete Island alongside The Exorcist and The Haunting of Hill House. After finding High Rise, and just now finishing it, of this trilogy that Ballard had (Crash, Concrete Island, and High Rise; all which hilariously enough I read in order) this one is definitely the most likely to represent future real life.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Godmother of Punk's Big Debut Rocks the House
Horses
by Patti Smith
Barnes & Noble link
Patti Smith wasn't about to enter the world of punk rock, and later be crowned the Godmother, with a quiet beginning. No, the Chicago native was going on strong, taking Van Morrison's classic "Gloria" and turn it into a rocking blues jam with injections of her poetry, beginning famously with "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine". While the album is crowned with the iconic yet minimalistic photo of Smith in casual work attire, photographed by the late and great Robert Mapplethorpe, Horses reveals to have more than what the cover shows.
by Patti Smith
Barnes & Noble link
Patti Smith wasn't about to enter the world of punk rock, and later be crowned the Godmother, with a quiet beginning. No, the Chicago native was going on strong, taking Van Morrison's classic "Gloria" and turn it into a rocking blues jam with injections of her poetry, beginning famously with "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine". While the album is crowned with the iconic yet minimalistic photo of Smith in casual work attire, photographed by the late and great Robert Mapplethorpe, Horses reveals to have more than what the cover shows.
Book Review: 9 of 24 (musician getting writing awards and stuff)
Just Kids
by Patti Smith
Barnes & Noble link
(Fun fact: I read a chunk of this on an e-reader on display at my job, since I was supposed to stand there and demonstrate it for curious customers.)
A memoir can be more than just about the pen-holder. It can be about another, a person that had stood beside the author through the tumbles of life. Inspire them to do great things and become someone that ends up making history. That is what Patti Smith did in her memoir Just Kids, making it not only about her, but the famed photographer and best friend Robert Mapplethorpe.
by Patti Smith
Barnes & Noble link
(Fun fact: I read a chunk of this on an e-reader on display at my job, since I was supposed to stand there and demonstrate it for curious customers.)
A memoir can be more than just about the pen-holder. It can be about another, a person that had stood beside the author through the tumbles of life. Inspire them to do great things and become someone that ends up making history. That is what Patti Smith did in her memoir Just Kids, making it not only about her, but the famed photographer and best friend Robert Mapplethorpe.
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