I have made some googling in the last few hours and I came across several journal / blog entries for iTunes shuffling the like of which I was trying to make. So here are some of the surveys that I found. The rules are as follows. Open you mp3 player on your computer and put it on shuffle. As you answer a question, skip to the next one. And no cheating! So here are a few surveys that I found:
This one is on http://www.last.fm/user/its8fas/journal/2006/08/22/211661/
It starts off in an interesting way, but then takes a speedy decline towards adolescent doubts...still pretty interesting answers that came up for me.
How am I feeling today?
Let's Get It on by Marvin Gaye
Will I get far in life?
Thank You in Advance by Hazy Malaze
How do my friends see me?
You Look So Young by The Jayhawks
Where will I get married?
Orion by Metallica
What is my best friend's theme song?
Was I Right or Wrong? by Lynyrd Skynyrd
What is the story of my life?
Buying My Way into Heaven by Sammy Hagar
What was high school like?
Dostum ['my friend' in Turkish] by Haluk Levent
How can I get ahead in life?
Weakness by Opeth
What is the best thing about me?
Shadow Play by 3
What is today going to be like?
Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden
What is in store for this weekend?
Janie's Got a Gun by Aerosmith
To describe my grandparents?
Magic Man by Rattlesnake Remedy
What song will they play at my funeral?
Desire by Zwan
How does the world see me?
The End Complete IV: The Road and the Damned by Coheed & Cambria
Will I have a happy life?
Dr. Octavia by Black Label Society
Do people secretly lust after me?
I Bleed by Pixies
How can I make myself happy?
Love, Hate, Love by Alice In Chains
What should I do with my life?
Stream of Consciousness by Dream Theater
Will I ever have children?
The Rocker by Thin Lizzy
What is some good advice for me?
White, Discussion by Live
How will I be remembered?
Inside by Jethro Tull
What is my signature dancing song?
A Dios le pido ['I ask God for you' in Spanish] by Juanes
What is my current theme song?
I Choose by the Offspring
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Strangeways by Deep Purple
What type of women do I like?
Thunderhead by W.A.S.P.
This next one can be found on this website: http://clb04.livejournal.com/36909.html
It's actually pretty interesting: Your life as a movie soundtrack...
Opening Credits: Child in Time by Deep Purple
Waking up: Thankfully by Bayside
First Day at School: I Scream by Down
Falling in Love: Low Desert by R.E.M.
Shower Scene: Lack of Communication by Ratt
Fight Song: Red, White, & Blue by Judas Priest
Breaking up: Mutant Rock by The Meteors
Prom: Pass the Clock Part 1 by Mostly Autumn
Life's OK: Oasis by Kitaro
Mental Breakdown: Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
Driving: Back to Back by Deep Purple
Sex Scene: Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition by Serj Tankian
Flashback: Ready An' Willing by Whitesnake
Getting Back Together: Little Bombs by Aimee Mann
Wedding: Still Life by Iron Maiden
Birth of Child: Hardening of the Arteries by Slayer
Final Battle: Angel Witch by Angel Witch
End Credits: The Idol by W.A.S.P.
There are more of these, but I'm getting a little bored. So, this will do.
Peace
Monday, January 14, 2008
iTunes Shuffle
Well, since I am unemployed and bored, I thought I'd play my iTunes library in shuffle and see what comes up. Here are the 30 (why? I don't know) songs that come up:
Ghosts by Chris Cornell (Carry on): I'm not sure I like this song yet. Sometimes it feels like a filler and sometimes I get into it a lot.
Baby Hates Me by Danko Jones (sampler): It definitely has a groove, but not that remarkable.
Can't Live Without You by Scorpions (Blackout): You can't really go wrong with the Scorps. It feels a little too similar to Van Halen for comfort, though...
Nickelodeon by Marc Bolan & T-Rex (20th Century Super Star Disc 1): A mandolin-led song that is easy on the ears.
Not the One by the Offspring (Smash): Every song on this album is awesome. And this is no exception.
In Perfect Harmony by Within Temptation (Mother Earth): The problem with the female-led goth-metal bands is the ballad situation. This is a case in point.
I Am the One (live) by W.A.S.P. (The Crimson Idol Disc 2): It's W.A.S.P. for godsake! Of course it is amazing.
Beyond the Wheel by Soundgarden (Ultramaga OK): An early gem. They used to sound so menacing.
Sulk by Radiohead (The Bends): Back in the day Radiohead used to write songs...
Flight by Kitaro (The Best of Ten Years (1976-86): Kitaro makes every note his own. Brilliant.
Run Away by Live (Birds of Pray): A radio-friendly ballad that is not too corny.
The Sign of the Southern Cross by Black Sabbath (Mob Rules): One of Sab's best songs. The riff is heavier and headier than anything out there.
(Your Love Is) Drivin' Me Crazy by Y&T (In Rock We Trust): I haven't had a chance to listen to this yet...
River Town by Live (Birds of Pray): One my favourite Live songs. I would love to hear this live (geddit?).
The General by Dispatch (Bang Bang): I love the intro to this. Gets a little boring towards the end, though. Actually it gets boring when he starts singing.
Are You Ready? by AC/DC (The Razor's Edge): I mean, do they need any comments?
Overcome by Live (V): Another Live song? The only good song on that otherwise terrible album.
Comatose by Pearl Jam (Pearl Jam): Absolutely fucking fantastic. But, aren't they always?
April Come She Will by Simon & Garfunkel (Tales From New York - The Very Best of): Sitting on a beach, playing guitar while my girl is lying next to me...
Stoned in the Temple by Glenn Hughes (The Way It Is): The Voice of Rock...'nuff said.
Ride a Black Swan by Zwan (Mary Star of the Sea): A shame they didn't follow this up.
The Frayed Ends of Sanity by Metallica (...And Justice for All): Is it me or have NKOTB sampled the intro for Step by Step?
Warm Tape by Red Hot Chili Peppers (By the Way): The only hiccup in an otherwise perfect album.
Enter Sandman by Metallica (Black album): I don't think it's that good. They have far superior songs on this album.
Broken Face by Pixies (Surfer Rosa): Well, it's the Pixies...
Nobody's Fault but Mine by Led Zeppelin (Presence): Dave Mustaine claims this as the best Zeppelin album. I'm beginning to agree with him.
Lazy Days, Crazy Nights by Tesla (The Great Radio Controversy): There is something different about Tesla that I can't put my finger on...
Endless Summer by Zwan (Mary Star of the Sea): Please, bring Zwan back!
So Far Away by Dire Straits (Sultans of Swing - The Very Best of): Not their best one, but a very very underrated band.
O Death by Ralph Stanley (O Brother, Where Art Thou?): One of the amazing tracks on the best soundtrack ever. Period.
Well, with the exception of The Sign of the Southern Cross and River Town I don't love any of these songs. But I can assure you, I have far better songs in my library...Yes, I do...
Peace
Ghosts by Chris Cornell (Carry on): I'm not sure I like this song yet. Sometimes it feels like a filler and sometimes I get into it a lot.
Baby Hates Me by Danko Jones (sampler): It definitely has a groove, but not that remarkable.
Can't Live Without You by Scorpions (Blackout): You can't really go wrong with the Scorps. It feels a little too similar to Van Halen for comfort, though...
Nickelodeon by Marc Bolan & T-Rex (20th Century Super Star Disc 1): A mandolin-led song that is easy on the ears.
Not the One by the Offspring (Smash): Every song on this album is awesome. And this is no exception.
In Perfect Harmony by Within Temptation (Mother Earth): The problem with the female-led goth-metal bands is the ballad situation. This is a case in point.
I Am the One (live) by W.A.S.P. (The Crimson Idol Disc 2): It's W.A.S.P. for godsake! Of course it is amazing.
Beyond the Wheel by Soundgarden (Ultramaga OK): An early gem. They used to sound so menacing.
Sulk by Radiohead (The Bends): Back in the day Radiohead used to write songs...
Flight by Kitaro (The Best of Ten Years (1976-86): Kitaro makes every note his own. Brilliant.
Run Away by Live (Birds of Pray): A radio-friendly ballad that is not too corny.
The Sign of the Southern Cross by Black Sabbath (Mob Rules): One of Sab's best songs. The riff is heavier and headier than anything out there.
(Your Love Is) Drivin' Me Crazy by Y&T (In Rock We Trust): I haven't had a chance to listen to this yet...
River Town by Live (Birds of Pray): One my favourite Live songs. I would love to hear this live (geddit?).
The General by Dispatch (Bang Bang): I love the intro to this. Gets a little boring towards the end, though. Actually it gets boring when he starts singing.
Are You Ready? by AC/DC (The Razor's Edge): I mean, do they need any comments?
Overcome by Live (V): Another Live song? The only good song on that otherwise terrible album.
Comatose by Pearl Jam (Pearl Jam): Absolutely fucking fantastic. But, aren't they always?
April Come She Will by Simon & Garfunkel (Tales From New York - The Very Best of): Sitting on a beach, playing guitar while my girl is lying next to me...
Stoned in the Temple by Glenn Hughes (The Way It Is): The Voice of Rock...'nuff said.
Ride a Black Swan by Zwan (Mary Star of the Sea): A shame they didn't follow this up.
The Frayed Ends of Sanity by Metallica (...And Justice for All): Is it me or have NKOTB sampled the intro for Step by Step?
Warm Tape by Red Hot Chili Peppers (By the Way): The only hiccup in an otherwise perfect album.
Enter Sandman by Metallica (Black album): I don't think it's that good. They have far superior songs on this album.
Broken Face by Pixies (Surfer Rosa): Well, it's the Pixies...
Nobody's Fault but Mine by Led Zeppelin (Presence): Dave Mustaine claims this as the best Zeppelin album. I'm beginning to agree with him.
Lazy Days, Crazy Nights by Tesla (The Great Radio Controversy): There is something different about Tesla that I can't put my finger on...
Endless Summer by Zwan (Mary Star of the Sea): Please, bring Zwan back!
So Far Away by Dire Straits (Sultans of Swing - The Very Best of): Not their best one, but a very very underrated band.
O Death by Ralph Stanley (O Brother, Where Art Thou?): One of the amazing tracks on the best soundtrack ever. Period.
Well, with the exception of The Sign of the Southern Cross and River Town I don't love any of these songs. But I can assure you, I have far better songs in my library...Yes, I do...
Peace
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Back From Vacation Part 2: The Epic Journey
If I remember correctly (well, I could just open a new window and read it, but you know...) I left off last time with my first day in Switzerland, with grocery shopping in Germany (I just can't get over it...).
My parents arrived the following day and in the next couple of days were spent hanging out and eating lots of awesome food. When the day arrived for my parents to leave, I went to the airport with them as my flight was a few hours after theirs. After they checked in and I bade them goodbye, only to see them later that night in Istanbul, I started waiting for Regan (my beautiful girlfriend).
However, things were actually getting pretty interesting by this point. I was going to meet Regan (my beautiful girlfriend) at Zurich airport. To save some money, we found the cheapest ticket we could muster up on the so-called cheap airfare sites on the net. She was going to fly from Boston to Zurich with two stop-overs. One at Philly, the other at Munich. The catch was that she had about 35 minutes of lay-over at Munich. Yes, we were pushing a little bit. But, as always, I was being overly optimistic. I was checking her flight status with my BlackBerry at the airport and everything seemed fine. As I was making my way through Cormac McCarthy's can-you-be-any-more-pessimistic masterpiece The Road, my phone rang and it said "unknown number" - the dread of everyone in the cellphone universe. I knew it was her and about twenty-five different scenarios passed through my mind after I pressed the answer key and lifted the phone up to my ear. Yes, her flight in was late and she missed her connection. Well...
We had another problem. Our next flight was in four hours. And the next flight from Munich to Zurich was in an hour, but the line was way too long, she said. So, somehow she managed to pull some strings and found a place in the next flight. She also managed to have her bags checked in all the way to Istanbul. God, I wish I was blonde and beautiful...
Anyway, she came to Zurich. Kisses, hugs, etc. We made our way to our next flight to Istanbul...via Paris. For those of you who have no idea about European geography, it's like going from Boston to New York via Chicago. We made it to the flight and sat down waiting for take-off. Then we saw our bags wheeled in on a cart. After a couple of minutes, Regan's (my beautiful girlfriend) two bags were waiting on the tarmac. Surely, something must be wrong. I called the stewardess and told her the situation. She came back to me by saying that those weren't our bags. Like, how? I can see them outside. They are our bags. No, sir. How do you know they are your bags? Well, how do you know they aren't? Surely, I can recognize my bags when I see them.
While this...I don't know...ludicrous discussion was going on, the plane started to move...we were left with staring at our bags...
After landing in Paris we cracked another one for the Supervisor / Stewardess (I wanted to punch her, because she was constantly smiling). We tried to tell our predicament to ground staff, but French being the French(sorry, I don't believe in stereotypes, but this incident sort of persuaded me that stereotypes might actually be accurate when it comes to Air France staff) we received no help. After landing in Istanbul, the Turks being the Turks (when it comes to my own people, stereotypes are an understatement), they couldn't find our bags on the system. Which means that they were lost...
You have to wait for the next instalment to find out what happened next.
Peace
My parents arrived the following day and in the next couple of days were spent hanging out and eating lots of awesome food. When the day arrived for my parents to leave, I went to the airport with them as my flight was a few hours after theirs. After they checked in and I bade them goodbye, only to see them later that night in Istanbul, I started waiting for Regan (my beautiful girlfriend).
However, things were actually getting pretty interesting by this point. I was going to meet Regan (my beautiful girlfriend) at Zurich airport. To save some money, we found the cheapest ticket we could muster up on the so-called cheap airfare sites on the net. She was going to fly from Boston to Zurich with two stop-overs. One at Philly, the other at Munich. The catch was that she had about 35 minutes of lay-over at Munich. Yes, we were pushing a little bit. But, as always, I was being overly optimistic. I was checking her flight status with my BlackBerry at the airport and everything seemed fine. As I was making my way through Cormac McCarthy's can-you-be-any-more-pessimistic masterpiece The Road, my phone rang and it said "unknown number" - the dread of everyone in the cellphone universe. I knew it was her and about twenty-five different scenarios passed through my mind after I pressed the answer key and lifted the phone up to my ear. Yes, her flight in was late and she missed her connection. Well...
We had another problem. Our next flight was in four hours. And the next flight from Munich to Zurich was in an hour, but the line was way too long, she said. So, somehow she managed to pull some strings and found a place in the next flight. She also managed to have her bags checked in all the way to Istanbul. God, I wish I was blonde and beautiful...
Anyway, she came to Zurich. Kisses, hugs, etc. We made our way to our next flight to Istanbul...via Paris. For those of you who have no idea about European geography, it's like going from Boston to New York via Chicago. We made it to the flight and sat down waiting for take-off. Then we saw our bags wheeled in on a cart. After a couple of minutes, Regan's (my beautiful girlfriend) two bags were waiting on the tarmac. Surely, something must be wrong. I called the stewardess and told her the situation. She came back to me by saying that those weren't our bags. Like, how? I can see them outside. They are our bags. No, sir. How do you know they are your bags? Well, how do you know they aren't? Surely, I can recognize my bags when I see them.
While this...I don't know...ludicrous discussion was going on, the plane started to move...we were left with staring at our bags...
After landing in Paris we cracked another one for the Supervisor / Stewardess (I wanted to punch her, because she was constantly smiling). We tried to tell our predicament to ground staff, but French being the French(sorry, I don't believe in stereotypes, but this incident sort of persuaded me that stereotypes might actually be accurate when it comes to Air France staff) we received no help. After landing in Istanbul, the Turks being the Turks (when it comes to my own people, stereotypes are an understatement), they couldn't find our bags on the system. Which means that they were lost...
You have to wait for the next instalment to find out what happened next.
Peace
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Golden Globe Nomiations
I believe the cancellation of the upcoming 65th Golden Globe Awards ceremony will be the biggest effect of the WGA strike on the regular viewers. Love 'em, or hate' em, the awards season is the most exciting time of the movie calendar. The pundits who hate ceremonies as such LOVE writing about how much they despise them. They are not absolutely necessary, but they are damn good fun! It is especially annoying to know that the SAG asked its members not to cross the picket lines to attend the ceremony, yet they were all present at the Critics' Choice Awards last night (1/8/07). Talking about hypocrisy...
Anyway, there won't be a red carpet and Isaac Mizrahi (thank Zeus for that), nor will there be tears from the Best Actress winners. But, it's also sad that we won't be able to see the people we all wish to be (come on, admit it) all in one room, sipping campaign that cost more than the money I have in my bank account and patting each other in the back for making $20 million more last year.
I want to see what the press conference will be like this weekend (apparently the cancellation of the ceremony will cost NBC an estimated $15-20 million!). And, as always, I am curious as to who would win. So here are my picks for some of the categories. The only disclaimer is that I haven't seen any of the mini-series or made-for-TV movies, so they don't appear here. Also for some of the categories I haven't seen each film. So I made a rule that I will pick the categories where I have seen at least three films / shows. These are, by the way, my dream winners. Not who will win, but rather who should.
Without further ado, here are my picks for the Golden Globes:
Best Picture - Drama: No Country for Old Men
Best Actor - Drama: James McAvoy for Atonement
Best Supporting Actor: Casey Affleck for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Best Supporting Actress: Tilda Swinton for Michael Clayton
Best Director: Joel and Ethan Coen for No Country for Old Men
Best TV Series - Drama: House M.D.
Best TV Series - Comedy: 30 Rock
Best Actor for TV Series - Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock
Not a huge list of picks, but I had to be objective...
Anyway, this list will expand as I watch the remaining candidates...but, by that time it will be too late...
Anyway, there won't be a red carpet and Isaac Mizrahi (thank Zeus for that), nor will there be tears from the Best Actress winners. But, it's also sad that we won't be able to see the people we all wish to be (come on, admit it) all in one room, sipping campaign that cost more than the money I have in my bank account and patting each other in the back for making $20 million more last year.
I want to see what the press conference will be like this weekend (apparently the cancellation of the ceremony will cost NBC an estimated $15-20 million!). And, as always, I am curious as to who would win. So here are my picks for some of the categories. The only disclaimer is that I haven't seen any of the mini-series or made-for-TV movies, so they don't appear here. Also for some of the categories I haven't seen each film. So I made a rule that I will pick the categories where I have seen at least three films / shows. These are, by the way, my dream winners. Not who will win, but rather who should.
Without further ado, here are my picks for the Golden Globes:
Best Picture - Drama: No Country for Old Men
Best Actor - Drama: James McAvoy for Atonement
Best Supporting Actor: Casey Affleck for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Best Supporting Actress: Tilda Swinton for Michael Clayton
Best Director: Joel and Ethan Coen for No Country for Old Men
Best TV Series - Drama: House M.D.
Best TV Series - Comedy: 30 Rock
Best Actor for TV Series - Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock
Not a huge list of picks, but I had to be objective...
Anyway, this list will expand as I watch the remaining candidates...but, by that time it will be too late...
Monday, January 7, 2008
Top 10s of the Year
Yes, it's that time of the year, when people with absolutely no authority declare their favourites for the year. And Yours Truly is no exception. But, let's face it - it's fun to make them and it's also fun to read them and damn their author.
So, without further ado, I give you my Top 10 albums and films of 2007. Note, however, that this list might change any day, since I will be watching films and buying albums from 2007 in the future too. And with all likelihood, some of them will creep up into the following lists.
Enjoy:
ALBUMS
1- Raising Sand by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
And absolute gem of an album from two very distinctive and talented singers. There isn't a filler here as one song transcends to another seamlessly. Perfect.
Recommended download: Nothin'
2- The End Is Begun by Three
Each and every one of these unpretentious prog songs are incredibly memorable for their hooks and intricate arrangements.
Recommended download: All That Remains
3- Black Stone Cherry by Black Stone Cherry
The newcomers of the year, the Kentucky band showed the world that you don't need to lead a hedonist's lifestyle to come up with grooves and hooks.
Recommended download: Rain Wizard
4- Hello Master by Priestess
What is fantastic about this album is how each song sounds unique, yet make up a whole cohesive unit.
Recommended download: Blood
5- From Beale Street to Oblivion by Clutch
Great songwriting and musicianship all around. Like all other Clutch albums, it is full of gems and oddities.
Recommended download: Electric Worry
6- Dark Passion Play by Nightwish
Defying all the expectations, Nightwish came up with a fantastic album that reminds everyone what an amazing band they are once again.
Recommended download: 7 Days to the Wolves
7- III: Over the Under by Down
The sludge-masters are back...with a vengeance. It is mature and full of interesting ideas. Their best work to date.
Recommended download: Nothing in Return
8- United Abominations by Megadeth
Yes, they're back. May not be a classic 'Deth album, but whets my appetite for what is next to come.
Recommended download: Never Walk Alone...A Call to Arms
9- Send Away the Tigers by Manic Street Preachers
Manics? Cheerful? No way...yes way, sir. It's chock-full of hook-laden gems and masterful songwriting.
Recommended download: Your Love Is Not Enough
10- Fear of a Blank Planet by Porcupine Tree
An album that requires MULTIPLE listens. However, the rewards you get from it are worth the time it requires of you.
Recommended download: Way out of Here
Also worth mentioning (in alphabetical order):
Blackbird by Alter Bridge
Carry on by Chris Cornell
Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World for Tomorrow by Coheed & Cambria
Devin Townsend Presents Ziltoid the Omniscient by Devin Townsend
The Butcher's Ballroom by Diablo Swing Orchestra
Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace by Foo Fighters
Latest Version of the Truth by Mustasch
In Requiem by Paradise Lost
Elect the Dead by Serj Tankian
The Varangian Way by Turisas
And now the films...
1- No Country for Old Men (Dir: Joel & Ethan Coen)
The Coens are back. Bleak is the word that comes to mind. Another word that comes to mind is perfection. It may be the best film of the last five years.
2- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Dir: Andrew Dominik)
It's a beautiful canvas on which a great story is painted. Casey Affleck comes up with the performance of the year. Worth the admission for the dinner scene.
3- Gone Baby Gone (Dir: Ben Affleck)
A gripping thriller with genuine performances and a good script. The Affleck brothers did their homework and delivered a fantastic film.
4- Knocked up (Dir: Seth Rogen)
I am still laughing at the jokes months after...that's what makes it an unforgettable comedy experience.
5- Feast of Love (Dir: Robert Benton)
My guilty pleasure of the year. A warm and genuine film.
6- Sunshine (Dir: Danny Boyle)
It makes you hate Danny Boyle for being this talented. Is there a genre he can't tackle? I heard that he is now making a musical.
7- Atonement (Dir: Joe Wright)
Despite slowing down and going to a completely different direction in the second half, it is a very elegant movie with great performances. Special mention for James McAvoy.
8- Eastern Promises (Dir: David Cronenberg)
Aside from an annoying and unnecessary voiceover and a weak ending, Cronenberg again comes up with the smartest movie of the year.
9- Hot Fuzz (Dir: Edgar Wright)
Better structured than Shaun, this is a movie where belly-aching laughter never ends.
10- The Mist (Dir: Frank Darabont)
How about ending the list with another bleak one? Most people hated it, I was hooked the moment Thomas Jane entered the frame.
And those that just couldn't make it:
The Bourne Ultimatum (Dir: Paul Greengrass)
Grindhouse (Dir: Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino)
Lust, Caution (Dir: Ang Lee)
The Simpsons Movie (Dir: David Silverman)
Superbad (Greg Mottola)
Zodiac (Dir: David Fincher)
So, here it is folks. My favourites for 2007. Like I said, these lists will eventually change, but for now they will do.
Peace.
So, without further ado, I give you my Top 10 albums and films of 2007. Note, however, that this list might change any day, since I will be watching films and buying albums from 2007 in the future too. And with all likelihood, some of them will creep up into the following lists.
Enjoy:
ALBUMS
1- Raising Sand by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
And absolute gem of an album from two very distinctive and talented singers. There isn't a filler here as one song transcends to another seamlessly. Perfect.
Recommended download: Nothin'
2- The End Is Begun by Three
Each and every one of these unpretentious prog songs are incredibly memorable for their hooks and intricate arrangements.
Recommended download: All That Remains
3- Black Stone Cherry by Black Stone Cherry
The newcomers of the year, the Kentucky band showed the world that you don't need to lead a hedonist's lifestyle to come up with grooves and hooks.
Recommended download: Rain Wizard
4- Hello Master by Priestess
What is fantastic about this album is how each song sounds unique, yet make up a whole cohesive unit.
Recommended download: Blood
5- From Beale Street to Oblivion by Clutch
Great songwriting and musicianship all around. Like all other Clutch albums, it is full of gems and oddities.
Recommended download: Electric Worry
6- Dark Passion Play by Nightwish
Defying all the expectations, Nightwish came up with a fantastic album that reminds everyone what an amazing band they are once again.
Recommended download: 7 Days to the Wolves
7- III: Over the Under by Down
The sludge-masters are back...with a vengeance. It is mature and full of interesting ideas. Their best work to date.
Recommended download: Nothing in Return
8- United Abominations by Megadeth
Yes, they're back. May not be a classic 'Deth album, but whets my appetite for what is next to come.
Recommended download: Never Walk Alone...A Call to Arms
9- Send Away the Tigers by Manic Street Preachers
Manics? Cheerful? No way...yes way, sir. It's chock-full of hook-laden gems and masterful songwriting.
Recommended download: Your Love Is Not Enough
10- Fear of a Blank Planet by Porcupine Tree
An album that requires MULTIPLE listens. However, the rewards you get from it are worth the time it requires of you.
Recommended download: Way out of Here
Also worth mentioning (in alphabetical order):
Blackbird by Alter Bridge
Carry on by Chris Cornell
Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World for Tomorrow by Coheed & Cambria
Devin Townsend Presents Ziltoid the Omniscient by Devin Townsend
The Butcher's Ballroom by Diablo Swing Orchestra
Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace by Foo Fighters
Latest Version of the Truth by Mustasch
In Requiem by Paradise Lost
Elect the Dead by Serj Tankian
The Varangian Way by Turisas
And now the films...
1- No Country for Old Men (Dir: Joel & Ethan Coen)
The Coens are back. Bleak is the word that comes to mind. Another word that comes to mind is perfection. It may be the best film of the last five years.
2- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Dir: Andrew Dominik)
It's a beautiful canvas on which a great story is painted. Casey Affleck comes up with the performance of the year. Worth the admission for the dinner scene.
3- Gone Baby Gone (Dir: Ben Affleck)
A gripping thriller with genuine performances and a good script. The Affleck brothers did their homework and delivered a fantastic film.
4- Knocked up (Dir: Seth Rogen)
I am still laughing at the jokes months after...that's what makes it an unforgettable comedy experience.
5- Feast of Love (Dir: Robert Benton)
My guilty pleasure of the year. A warm and genuine film.
6- Sunshine (Dir: Danny Boyle)
It makes you hate Danny Boyle for being this talented. Is there a genre he can't tackle? I heard that he is now making a musical.
7- Atonement (Dir: Joe Wright)
Despite slowing down and going to a completely different direction in the second half, it is a very elegant movie with great performances. Special mention for James McAvoy.
8- Eastern Promises (Dir: David Cronenberg)
Aside from an annoying and unnecessary voiceover and a weak ending, Cronenberg again comes up with the smartest movie of the year.
9- Hot Fuzz (Dir: Edgar Wright)
Better structured than Shaun, this is a movie where belly-aching laughter never ends.
10- The Mist (Dir: Frank Darabont)
How about ending the list with another bleak one? Most people hated it, I was hooked the moment Thomas Jane entered the frame.
And those that just couldn't make it:
The Bourne Ultimatum (Dir: Paul Greengrass)
Grindhouse (Dir: Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino)
Lust, Caution (Dir: Ang Lee)
The Simpsons Movie (Dir: David Silverman)
Superbad (Greg Mottola)
Zodiac (Dir: David Fincher)
So, here it is folks. My favourites for 2007. Like I said, these lists will eventually change, but for now they will do.
Peace.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Back from Vacation
Hello Earthlings,
I haven't been able to communicate with my brethren for about three weeks now and It gives me great pleasure to finally spread the word about Yours Truly's vacation across continents and cultures.
Having spent three days in Boston after my second road trip (this time a return trip) across the US of A, I ventured out over the pond named the Atlantic and arrived at the magnificent city of London. Coming out of the plane and seeing the familiar black-on-yellow signs of Heathrow airport was a welcome I was looking forward to for over two and a half years. Nothing seemed to have changed until I saw the new 20 pound notes. Frankly, they look like monopoly money and it looks like the British Sterling is no longer the coolest-looking currency anymore. The staggering price of the train ticket to Central London was another reminder for me. London IS expensive. This thought stayed with me for the duration of my stay there.
My hotel (so to speak) was near Paddington station and the room was slightly bigger than my car, with the added bonus of a TV with no signal. Great. I walked around London, visited the old sites and met my friend Hattie and her boyfriend Andrew that night. I enjoyed drinking outside of a pub (something definitely missing in the US). I went to Richmond - the old neighborhood - the following day. Sitting on the Tide Tables by the Thames alone and reminiscing about good-old-days was one of the highlights of my trip. That night I watched "The Golden Compass" in Odeon Leicester Square. A little bit of more walking around and I went back to the hotel.
My flight to Zurich was from the City Airport. For those of you not in the know, it is situated in a place where no airport should ever be situated - far away from any discernible tourist or residential areas. I took the night bus at 3 in the morning, along with the drunken brethren of London who were taking the same bus back home. Anyhoo, I arrived at the airport without much hassle. The only significant thing about the airport was the sight of a teenage girl 1) throwing a bag at her father, and 2) slapping her mother. Quite a sight to behold.
Onward to Zurich. My uncle Can and my two cousins picked me up from the airport. Apparently nobody told him what time I was coming, so he had been waiting for quite some time. We drove to his apartment, dropped my bags, and went to Germany for food shopping. Now, that sounds strange, but the goods are considerably cheaper in Germany, so a lot of the Swiss population near the border prefer shopping over there. It takes about 25 minutes from Zurich to the German border. Having finished shopping (which included showing the receipt at the border control instead of a passport), we met my other uncle Cuneyt in Reutofabrik - an old factory now serving as a cafe and meeting place for the young, the hip, and the weird. After coffee we drove to my aunt Canan's apartment. Then we went back to Can's.
This is getting too long, so I better give a break here and save you from utter boredom - if you're not bored already. The second instalment will follow very soon. And until then,
Peace
I haven't been able to communicate with my brethren for about three weeks now and It gives me great pleasure to finally spread the word about Yours Truly's vacation across continents and cultures.
Having spent three days in Boston after my second road trip (this time a return trip) across the US of A, I ventured out over the pond named the Atlantic and arrived at the magnificent city of London. Coming out of the plane and seeing the familiar black-on-yellow signs of Heathrow airport was a welcome I was looking forward to for over two and a half years. Nothing seemed to have changed until I saw the new 20 pound notes. Frankly, they look like monopoly money and it looks like the British Sterling is no longer the coolest-looking currency anymore. The staggering price of the train ticket to Central London was another reminder for me. London IS expensive. This thought stayed with me for the duration of my stay there.
My hotel (so to speak) was near Paddington station and the room was slightly bigger than my car, with the added bonus of a TV with no signal. Great. I walked around London, visited the old sites and met my friend Hattie and her boyfriend Andrew that night. I enjoyed drinking outside of a pub (something definitely missing in the US). I went to Richmond - the old neighborhood - the following day. Sitting on the Tide Tables by the Thames alone and reminiscing about good-old-days was one of the highlights of my trip. That night I watched "The Golden Compass" in Odeon Leicester Square. A little bit of more walking around and I went back to the hotel.
My flight to Zurich was from the City Airport. For those of you not in the know, it is situated in a place where no airport should ever be situated - far away from any discernible tourist or residential areas. I took the night bus at 3 in the morning, along with the drunken brethren of London who were taking the same bus back home. Anyhoo, I arrived at the airport without much hassle. The only significant thing about the airport was the sight of a teenage girl 1) throwing a bag at her father, and 2) slapping her mother. Quite a sight to behold.
Onward to Zurich. My uncle Can and my two cousins picked me up from the airport. Apparently nobody told him what time I was coming, so he had been waiting for quite some time. We drove to his apartment, dropped my bags, and went to Germany for food shopping. Now, that sounds strange, but the goods are considerably cheaper in Germany, so a lot of the Swiss population near the border prefer shopping over there. It takes about 25 minutes from Zurich to the German border. Having finished shopping (which included showing the receipt at the border control instead of a passport), we met my other uncle Cuneyt in Reutofabrik - an old factory now serving as a cafe and meeting place for the young, the hip, and the weird. After coffee we drove to my aunt Canan's apartment. Then we went back to Can's.
This is getting too long, so I better give a break here and save you from utter boredom - if you're not bored already. The second instalment will follow very soon. And until then,
Peace
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Back in New England
It is time to turn a new page in life as my time in Los Angeles, CA is over. I am back in Boston. This sounds like a step down in my career, but I see it as a little detour to something greater.
It's good to be back in Boston, albeit a VERY cold Boston. Living in Los Angeles for four months, I forgot what Winter waq - I left Boston in August, which meant that I had a perpetual Summer for this year. That was repeated when I went to Argentina in 2002. Driving back through Pennsylvania, I saw my first snow. In fact, I witnessed the first sings of snow in Maryland, where I spent the last night on the road with my Dad. I haven't felt cold or worn anything remotely warm for such a long time.
Seeing signs for Dunkin Donuts was a welcome return - but the coffee from the said place wasn't. The fact that I am now in a city where they care about sports - and are pretty damn good at it - also helps. Los Angeles clearly lacked that sense of community.
But, most important of all, I came back to be with my girlfriend and my family once again. And that is the prize above all else...This next few months will be very important and I intend to use them wisely.
I am flying out tonight to various locations and will try to dedicate some time to writing...hopefully...
Peace
It's good to be back in Boston, albeit a VERY cold Boston. Living in Los Angeles for four months, I forgot what Winter waq - I left Boston in August, which meant that I had a perpetual Summer for this year. That was repeated when I went to Argentina in 2002. Driving back through Pennsylvania, I saw my first snow. In fact, I witnessed the first sings of snow in Maryland, where I spent the last night on the road with my Dad. I haven't felt cold or worn anything remotely warm for such a long time.
Seeing signs for Dunkin Donuts was a welcome return - but the coffee from the said place wasn't. The fact that I am now in a city where they care about sports - and are pretty damn good at it - also helps. Los Angeles clearly lacked that sense of community.
But, most important of all, I came back to be with my girlfriend and my family once again. And that is the prize above all else...This next few months will be very important and I intend to use them wisely.
I am flying out tonight to various locations and will try to dedicate some time to writing...hopefully...
Peace
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