| My Oscar Predictions |
[Jan. 20th, 2008|05:01 pm] |
So, the nominations are announced on Tuesday morning.....and, I thought it'd be fun to guess who would get nominated in 6 categories: Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Picture. The following choices are what I THINK will win, not necessarily what I would like to win:
Best Supporting Actress:
Cate Blanchett for I'm Not There Tilda Swinton for Michael Clayton Saorise Ronan for Atonement Amy Ryan for Gone Baby Gone Catherine Keener for Into the Wild
My favorite, and who I really want to see nominated for sure is Saorise Ronan for Atonement....she is young and was possibly my favorite part of the movie.
Best Supporting Actor:
Tom Wilkinson for Michael Clayton Casey Affleck for The Assassination of Jesse James Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men Philip Seymour Hoffman for Charlie Wilson's War Hal Hallbrook for Into the Wild
My favorite, and who I really want to see nominated for sure is Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men....he was haunting, and unstoppable and perfect.
Best Director:
Paul Thomas Anderson for There Will Be Blood Cohen Brothers for No Country for Old Men Julian Schnabel for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Sean Penn for Into the Wild Joe Wright for Atonement
My favorite for sure Paul Thomas Anderson....such an incredible film (just saw it last night)....it was perfect and crazy....felt like a Kubrick movie, but different also....everything was done right, and Paul Thomas Anderson deserves all the credit in the world for how good it turned out.
Best Actress:
Julie Christie for Away From Her Marion Cotillard for La Vie en Rose Amy Adams for Enchanted Keira Knightley for Atonement Angelina Jolie for A Mighty Heart
My favorite.......Amy Adams for Enchanted....the movie was great for a family movie and she was the reason it turned out so good.....i feel like no other actress could do what she did in that movie.
Best Actor:
Daniel Day Lewis for There Will Be Blood George Clooney for Michael Clayton Viggo Mortenson for Eastern Promises Johnny Depp for Sweeny Todd Emile Hirsch for Into the Wild
My favorite.........well, this is hard.....I know for sure Daniel Day Lewis will be nominated, and he should win.....but, I really really hope Viggo Mortenson is nominated....he was really really good and deserves the recognition.
Best Picture:
No Country for Old Men There Will Be Blood Atonement The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Michael Clayton
My favorite is definitely There Will Be Blood.....best movie in a long long time......loved everything about it......perfect....it is really weird though. |
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| WARNING: Profanity Abundant - Article from The Onion....very funny |
[Jan. 15th, 2008|04:58 pm] |
I Got What America Needs Right Here
By Jimmy Carter January 9, 2008
Sometimes I'm a little stupid, maybe, a little slow in the head, so I'm wondering if you can help me get something straight. Maybe you can help me understand one fucking thing right now, America, and explain to me what in the Christ is going on here. 'Cause, unless I'm missing something, this country is in the middle of a motherfucking shitstorm, and I have no fucking idea what you're gonna do to get out of it. I mean, are you seriously considering voting for one of these shitbags you got here in '08? Fat fucking chance.
Way I see it, America needs a president who's gonna somehow un-royally screw up the Middle East, do some serious cleaning up after you dropped your pants and took a steaming dump all over the fucking environment, and—boom!—restore dignity, honor, and all that shit to these United States.
See, I got solutions to all your problems—I got 'em right here in my big, hairy ballsack.
You better get down on your hands and knees and kiss Jimmy Carter's rosy-red Georgia-peach-picking ass and beg me to run your fucking country again, because there's no way I'm ever gonna come to you fuck-knobs and politely ask you if I might please be a presidential candidate in your precious fuckin' election. So you can just bite my cock. I've had it with you jerkoffs and your jerkoff candidates.
You actually seem to think one a' these assholes is gonna prance in and wave a magic wand and make everything all nice again. Look at you, sitting there like a common fucking schnook and eating all their bull about bi-fucking-partisanship, and how they have all the goddamn answers. Let me tell you something: These fags are dogshit compared to Jimmy fucking Carter, all right? I was arbitrating Mideast crises when this bunch was still sucking on their mamas' titties.
But who comes to me, huh? Fucking nobody. Why ask old Jimmy anything? What the fuck could he know about peace in the Middle East? It's not like he fucking won the Nobel Peace Prize for that shit. You myopic pricks. Back in '79, I sat Sadat and Begin right down and made those two dicklicks shake hands. It was beautiful—I had all the pieces lined up and I smiled and waved in my best fucking suit and tie right there on TV. And what do you do, you pieces of shit? You screw the whole goddamn pooch.
Cocksuckers.
Oh, what's that I hear? The weather's all screwy? You got a global warming problem? Boo-fucking-hoo! I was telling you morons to turn off your lights and unplug all your shit at night to conserve energy in 19-fuckin'-75, for chrissake. Gee, I wonder what woulda happened if we'd all switched to solar power like I fucking did back when we had a fucking chance to do something about it. Think we'd still be sucking Saudi Arabia's dick like a five-dollar whore? I sure as fuck didn't get no fancy Oscar for that little spiel, though, did I? No. But Al Gore, that cum-sucking pig, steals the shit from me and now he's the greatest thing since Jesus Christ made a fucking sandwich.
Well, he can lick my asshole right after George W. Bush, that fuck.
You want compassion? Somebody who's looking out for the little guy? Why don't you take a look at Jimmy Carter, 'cause unlike, oh, every motherfucking candidate out there, he spent the last fucking quarter-century building houses for the homeless. And what does he get for it? A fucking hernia. Some fucking gratitude, you selfish twats. You talk to me about compassion? I'll shove a crucifix so far up the Democrats' asses they'll be asking me to buy them dinner and kiss them good night.
Funny thing about me: I actually fucking know shit! Not like these goombas trying to weasel their way into the White House. I practically wrote the book on collapsing bridges, inflation, and the working poor, fuck-o. I even got a degree in nuclear engineering or some shit. You know how easy I could swoop down right now like a guardian angel and solve all your fucking problems? Snap. Bam. Do it in my fucking sleep. Just fucking try me.
So you want me to run for president again? Yeah, sure, absolutely, I'll do it. I'd be honored to do it—with my fucking dick in your mouth, you worthless scumbags.
You had your chance with Jimmy Carter, and you fucking blew it. So get fucked. Fucking country |
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| today is the day our voices are silenced |
[Jan. 15th, 2008|08:57 am] |
Mr. Obama, if you are reading this, and I'm sure you are, I wish I could vote for you today, I really want you to win, but, I can't, and have no voice in this presidential primary....
instead i have to put up with this:

“I will not rest, if I'm president of the United States, until Michigan is brought back." - Mitt Romney
Just look at him in that picture......he is an a-hole.....seriously. |
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| for your enjoyment: |
[Jan. 14th, 2008|09:18 am] |
In case you missed it, the winners of the Golden Globe awards were announced....here are the winners of the movie categories:
Best Motion Picture - Drama WINNER Atonement (2007)
Other Nominees:
American Gangster (2007)
Eastern Promises (2007)
The Great Debaters (2007)
Michael Clayton (2007)
No Country for Old Men (2007)
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Other Nominees:
Across the Universe (2007)
Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
Hairspray (2007)
Juno (2007)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER Daniel Day-Lewis for There Will Be Blood (2007)
Other Nominees:
George Clooney for Michael Clayton (2007)
James McAvoy for Atonement (2007)
Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises (2007)
Denzel Washington for American Gangster (2007)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER Julie Christie for Away from Her (2006)
Other Nominees:
Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
Jodie Foster for The Brave One (2007)
Angelina Jolie for A Mighty Heart (2007)
Keira Knightley for Atonement (2007)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER Johnny Depp for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Other Nominees:
Ryan Gosling for Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Tom Hanks for Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
Philip Seymour Hoffman for The Savages (2007)
John C. Reilly for Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
WINNER Marion Cotillard for Môme, La (2007)
Other Nominees:
Amy Adams for Enchanted (2007)
Nikki Blonsky for Hairspray (2007)
Helena Bonham Carter for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Ellen Page for Juno (2007)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men (2007)
Other Nominees: Casey Affleck for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Philip Seymour Hoffman for Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
John Travolta for Hairspray (2007)
Tom Wilkinson for Michael Clayton (2007)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER Cate Blanchett for I'm Not There. (2007)
Other Nominees:
Julia Roberts for Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
Saoirse Ronan for Atonement (2007)
Amy Ryan for Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Tilda Swinton for Michael Clayton (2007)
Best Director - Motion Picture
WINNER Julian Schnabel for Scaphandre et le papillon, Le (2007)
Other Nominees:
Tim Burton for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen for No Country for Old Men (2007)
Ridley Scott for American Gangster (2007)
Joe Wright for Atonement (2007)
Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
WINNER No Country for Old Men (2007): Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Other Nominees:
Atonement (2007): Christopher Hampton
Charlie Wilson's War (2007): Aaron Sorkin
Scaphandre et le papillon, Le (2007): Ronald Harwood
Juno (2007): Diablo Cody
Best Original Score - Motion Picture
WINNER Atonement (2007): Dario Marianelli
Other Nominees:
Eastern Promises (2007): Howard Shore
Grace Is Gone (2007): Clint Eastwood
Into the Wild (2007): Michael Brook, Kaki King, Eddie Vedder
The Kite Runner (2007): Alberto Iglesias
Best Animated Film
WINNER Ratatouille (2007)
Other Nominees:
Bee Movie (2007)
The Simpsons Movie (2007) |
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| Oscar Time is Soon Approaching |
[Jan. 10th, 2008|01:34 pm] |
So, the Academy Awards are coming up soon, and I always get excited....so, I was looking at past winners and all that, and realized....why do I get so excited? Besides American Beauty in 1999, there have been no best picture winners I totally agree with since Annie Hall in 1977. Prior to that I agree with pretty much all of the ones going back to 1959 or so. This makes me wonder, are movies getting worse? I don't think so. There have been some really good movies this year and last year especially. So, does that mean the Academy Awards are getting more commercial? I don't think so either. I mean, they picked The Sound of Music, Westside Story, Rocky and My Fair Lady (which are all great movies) and they were all pretty commercial. So, is the Academy just choosing worse movies as best picture? It seems to be so....at least in my opinion. But, I am still excited for some reason; even though it will most likely be a letdown.
For your enjoyment, here are the winners of the Best Picture award of the last 50 years that I have seen. (* indicates that I like the choice):
The Apartment * West Side Story * Sound of Music * Midnight Cowboy * French Connection * Godfather * The Sting * Godfather 2 * One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest * Rocky * Annie Hall *
Wow....there is a huge gap here between 1977 and 1991....i need to see more movies from the 80's
Dances with Wolves Silence of the Lambs Forest Gump - While this movie is good, I think Pulp Fiction should have won Braveheart - Again, good movie, but, I liked Dead Man Walking more. Titanic Shakespeare in Love American Beauty * Gladiator A Beautiful Mind Chicago Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Million Dollar Baby Crash The Departed |
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| Hi Again |
[Jan. 7th, 2008|10:06 am] |
So, I am attempting to expand my musical horrizons, and am wondering this:
what are a few of your favorite albums that I NEED to hear
it can be any genre, any artist, any year.....anything....
just comment and let me know....
thanks!
edit:
here is a list of some of my absolute favorites off the top of my head:
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Outkast – Stankonia Paul Simon – Graceland Bjork – Homogenic Bob Dylan – Bringing it All Back Home Built to Spill – Keep it Like a Secret Cat Stevens – Mona Bone Jakon The Clash – London Calling Beach Boys – Pet Sounds The Decemberists – Picaresque Fucked Up – Hidden World Fugazi – Red Medicine M. Ward – Post War My Morning Jacket - Z Nas – Illmatic The National – Alligator and Boxer Neil Young – Harvest Radiohead – Kid A and In Rainbows The Roots – Things Fall Apart The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans |
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| Well, well, well..... |
[Jan. 7th, 2008|08:47 am] |
I got my first traffic ticket yesterday.....poo you know those times when you're driving and a yellow light comes, and, if you want to slam on your brakes pretty hard you could stop and have everything in the car roll around and stuff....or, you can do what I did, and just go through the yellow light, knowing it will turn red when your tail end is passing by on the other side....well, apparently that is running a red light.....damn.....this sucks...
so, boo.....
does anyone know if 3 points will affect my car insurance payment....or, how to get the points taken off my record?
thanks! |
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| My Favorite Albums of 2007 |
[Dec. 20th, 2007|01:49 pm] |
So, this is probably the first year that I have really truly followed music. Over the course of the year, I've had the pleasure of listening to close to 100 albums, which is a lot for me. In my opinion, this has been a great music year. There have been some really interesting albums released, as well as the big Radiohead suprise of the year. However, there were also some major disappointments. I was incredibly excited to hear "Volta" by Bjork, but once I listened to it a couple of times, I have forgotten its existence, and instead have shifted my focus to all of her other albums. Likewise, I was incredibly excited to hear the new M.I.A., and while it has some really great songs, including "Paper Planes" (one of my favorite songs of the year), overall, I just couldn't get into it. That being said, the following list of 20 albums are my favorite 20 of the year. I feel strongly connected to all of them, and it was really hard to rank them. But, I was finally able to, and here is the final list. Hope you enjoy!
20. Fourth of July - Fourth of July on the Plains
This album really suprised me and grew on me. At first, I thought it was really nice, catchy, and simple. There was something really nice about its simplicity. However, the more I listened, the more I realized it isn't all that simple. The melodies song a bit like Bright Eyes, but much more joyful. The music is really catchy and the lyrics, while nothing special, are appropriate, and fun to sing along to. Overal, very fun album I would recommend to probably anyone who reads this journal.
Song to check out: Purple Hearts - http://www.hearya.com/mp3/07%20Purple%20Heart.mp3
19. Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
This guy was a Neuroscience major, but changed it to a self-made major called "American History through Narrative Folk Music. I love folk music a lot, and feel he has really captured a lot of interesting styles of folk music throughout the album, while still remaining true to himself.
Song to check out: Empty Hearts - http://dukeofstraw.com/2007best/JRHearts.mp3
18. Jens Lekman - Nights of Kortedala
This album was really hard to rank. Some days it would be in my top 10, other days it would not even make the list. I do like it a lot, but, it can be a little over the top at times. But, sometimes, the over the top element of the album makes me like it even more. Objectively, it is very very good. Subjectively, well, that depends on the day.
Song to check out: A Postcard to Nina - http://blogsr4dogs.com/music/jens_lekman_a_postcard_to_nina.mp3
17. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
I wish this album was higher on the list. This album really is incredible and extremely listenable. I cannot say enough good things about it. Buy it. Download it. GET IT.
Song to check out - You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb - http://www.canyouseethesunset.com/music/15_spoon_you_got_yr_cherry_bomb.mp3
16. Electrelane - No Shouts, No Calls
This album, man, it is real good. Girl rock with Organ and equal parts: Monotone singing and wonderful harmony. So good and different.
Song to check out - The Greater Times - http://www.zshare.net/audio/5330537e5e0ca4/
15. Nina Nastasia and Jim White - You Follow Me
Ok, so, this album is cool, listen to this, ok? Imagine, a wonderful female folk singer and lyricist writing some incredible beautiful songs with just acoustic guitar. Now, imagine mixing this with weird, interesting, complex drumming, and you get the album "You Follow Me".
Song to check out: I've Been Out Walking - http://www.box.net/shared/static/etexgfh6xp.mp3
14. Peter, Bjorn, and John - Writer's Block
Pretty sure I am cheating with this one, as it was technically released in 2006. But, it was released in the US in 2007 I think. So, oh well. Ok. Really good songwriting, interesting lyrics and music, and wonderful singing. Good.
Song to check out: Young Folks - http://neileslifestorage.com/Please_Purchase/03%20Young%20Folks.mp3
13. Feist - The Reminder
Some say it is overrated and there is nothing special about it. I disagree.
Song to check out: I Feel It All - http://www.gramotunes.com/2007/05_Feist_I_Feel_It_All.mp3
12. St. Vincent - Marry Me
Beautiful voice, quirky music, and interesting lyrics, all with this sense of fun and humor behind it (the album title references Arrested Development). Some of the most interested songs of the year can be found here.
Song to check out: Marry Me - http://music.allansworld.info/files/St.%20Vincent%20-%20Marry%20Me.mp3
11. Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha
At first, I thought this album was just alright. I liked other Andrew Bird albums more, and I discarded it. Then this kid Quillen kept talking about it, so, I doubled back and listened to it, and loved it. His voice is amazing! His violin playing is creative! and, don't even get me started on his whistling.
Song to check out: Plasticities - http://www.box.net/shared/static/7bhxunt2ie.mp3
Ok, so, writing this list out, I am realizing how much I really liked this year in music. And we haven't even got to the really good stuff yet. So, here we go.
My Favorite 10 of 2007.
10. Panda Bear - Person Pitch
Sounds like a crazy version of the Beach Boys. Noah Lennox is amazing. I may have to say this has the strongest vocals of the year. One second, let me look really quick......ok, maybe not the best, but, definitely top 3, maybe number 1, not sure.
Song to check out: Bros - http://www.soundofmarchingfeet.com/bestsongs07/Panda%20Bear%20-%20bros.mp3
9. James Blackshaw - The Cloud of Unknowing
Man oh man. I think this guy is like 26 years old. He has had no guitar lessons of any kind (I think). And, he puts out this incredible 12 string acoustic guitar instrumental album, and it feels like a symphony done with one guy and one instrument. Just great.
Song to check out: Running to the Ghost - http://www.moteldemoka.com/moka/runningtotheghost.mp3
8. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Pretty dark throughout. But! The album is like a train, just chugging along, getting stronger and stronger, building on itself. Really good and enjoyable.
Song to check out: Keep the Car Running - http://www.seanryanonline.com/kipsellout/Arcade_Fire_-_Keep_The_Car_Running.mp3
7. Wu-Tang Clan - The 8 Diagrams
Man, I was NOT ready for this. I almost didn't even LISTEN to it! Of course, the rapping on here is awesome and diverse and smart and witty and just perfect. The production though! Oh my....weirdest beats I've heard. Wu-Tang is known for obscure movie samples, but, the samples on this are just plain weird. But, it all fits together perfectly. I know lots of people are upset about the way the album turned out (including members of Wu-Tang), but, I have to say, to me, it's my favorite rap album since "Illmatic" by Nas (which came out in 1994).
Song to check out: Wolves feat. George Clinton - http://h1.ripway.com/zachroxx2/07wolvesfeatgeorgeclinton.mp3
6. The Twilight Sad - Fourteen Autums and Fifteen Winters
Ok, so, the name of the band isn't that great. But, this is great music. First of all, the guy has a beautiful voice and a Scottish accent. Second of all, the music is like organized chaos. The guitars just set this atmosphere, and sometimes everything seems to be going out of control, and they pull it back in control. It's great. Amy loves them.
Song to check out: Cold Days from the Birdhouse - http://redirect.iodalliance.com/download_track.php?id=0FBEC390B732E86F6901DD2EA10C720F7CF6BEF29D2E1CD448665C1B3D1F564EF5066678DDECBB9DB35635C13D7BC647
5. Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog
I wasn't sure how I would feel about the change from lo-fi. But, I must say, it is an incredible progression. The songs still feel like Iron and Wine, which I love, but, the music has turned from really appropriate acoustic guitar to a really appropriate, interesting, and beautifully full sound.
Song to check out: Innocent Bones - http://www.subpop.com/assets/audio/3638.mp3
4. Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
I haven't really liked Animal Collective much. But, I really like this album. It is the weirdest stuff I think I've heard. But, it comes together really well. And Panda Bear is also in this band, so, even better.
Song to check out: For Reverend Green - http://www.box.net/shared/static/45ra42t84x.mp3
3. Bowerbirds - Hymn for a Dark Horse
Two guys and a girl went to a cabin in the Appalachian Mountains and recorded an entire album pretty much about nature. Very nice acoustic guitars, occasional violin, accordion, and a big bass drum together with peaceful vocals and outstanding harmonizing choruses. Best folk album I've heard in a really long time. John Darnielle from the Mountain Goats calls them his "new favorite band in forever". Very good stuff.
Song to check out: My Oldest Memory - http://www.internestcollective.com/myspace_bowerbirds/mp3/my_oldest_memory.mp3
2. The National - Boxer
This album blows me away. I love how the singer has this Leonard Cohen quality about him, and how the music is so understated. I love how he writes lyrics and evokes imagery. I just love everything about this album.
My favorite song of the year: Slow Show - http://www.vaguespace.net/blog/files/the_nationalslow_show.mp3
1. Radiohead - In Rainbows
Quite possibly my favorite Radiohead album ever. So so so so enjoyable. I have never listened to Radiohead album that truly made me feel like the world is a beautiful place and happy to be alive. This album does that for me more than any other album. Perfect.
Song to check out: Reckoner - http://filexoom.com/files/90932/06%20Radiohead%20-%20Reckoner.MP3
Sorry it is so long. Hopefully you enjoyed reading my long ranting. It is kind of sad that the year is over. But, I was thinking about how much fun it will be to start fresh again for 2008.
Brian |
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| Critics' Top 20 Albums of the Year |
[Dec. 18th, 2007|04:33 pm] |
So, today I looked at top 10 album lists from 16 different music websites/publications (including Amazon.com, NME, The Onion, Pitchfork, Paste Magazine, Rolling Stone, and Slant Magazine) and compiled them to figure out a conclusive Top 20 Albums of the Year, according to music critics. And, here it is:
20. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky 19. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga 18. Battles – Mirrored 17. Band of Horses – Cease to Begin 16. Kanye West – Graduation 15. Klaxons – Myths of the Near Future 14. Feist – The Reminder 13. PJ Harvey – White Chalk 12. Bruce Springstein – Magic 11. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black 10. Kings of Leon – Because of the Times 9. White Stripes – Icky Thump 8. The Good, The Bad, and The Queen – The Good, The Bad, and The Queen 7. The National – Boxer 6. Panda Bear – Person Pitch 5. Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare 4. M.I.A. – Kala 3. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible 2. Radiohead – In Rainbows 1. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
I will post my own Favorite 20 Albums of the Year, once I figure them all out….pretty soon probably…….if you care.
(all of the music websites/publications used: Amazon.com, Drowned in Sound, Filter, Mojo, NME, Observer Music Monthly, The Onion, Paste Magazine, Pitchfork, Q, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Slant Magazine, Spin, Stylus, and Uncut) |
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