Top 10 Albums of 2011

Okay, as the year went on and on, I began to think, what is a the best albums list? Are they albums that the general public likes, or what you like. Well in the end, I went someewhere down the middle, agreeing with the majority sometimes, while going the other way on others(which isn't all that different from other critics I guess, not that I'd be so bold to call myself one mind you). So without much more typing, and even less stupid jokes(and many refinements) here are my top 10 albums of 2011.

10. Mylo Xyloto- Coldplay
People seem to think that if you are popular, you suck. Bands like U2 and Coldplay often get put in this position as being so good they're awful, and are bashed because of it(yet somehow Radiohead gets amazing reviews for sub-par music). So to everyone out there, I name Coldplays 5th album as one of my favs. The music is far better on this then on any of their other albums, and it is all consistent and feel good. I mean, yes there are times you want to listen to dreary depressing, whiny electronic crap(Radiohead), but sometimes, you need a bit of poppy upbeat-ness, and nobody does it better in this day and age then Coldplay.

9. Skying- The Horrors

I have to be honest(again) in saying i never heard of this band before, and only bought this album at the last minute. That being said, these guys remind me sorta of David Gilmour meets the Ramones(not the Strokes...ugghhh), and the songs they do go on for a while, but unlike some other bands who jam on and on and on, The Horrors never really feel like they're wasting your time. I

8. Let England Shake- PJ Harvey

Believe it or not, I had never listened to PJ Harvey until this album, and because of this, I thought she was just this quirky Patti Smith meets Bjork girl who sang about weird shit, and everyone loved her because she was this or whatever(though the Patti Smith/ Bjork thing might not be far off actually). Well, I was completely wrong about her. Not only is she intelligent, she is a amazing singer, one of the best that I've ever heard. The album a bit difficult to listen to, but the statements that the album gives out is as good as its music, and if there is someone that I owe an apology to this year...it isn't Radiohead!

7. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds- Noel Gallagher

It took me a while to even listen to this album, due to not wanting to be disappointed by the hype around this album. While I thoroughly enjoyed Beady Eye's debut this year, these songs were far more memorable, and had the care and grace of a Oasis album. The fact that he may not be as good a singer as his brother is irrelevant here, as the songs are better crafted, tighter, and touch you just like the old days of "Wonderwall". If you get a chance to see him in concert, I recommend it, especially if you are an Oasis fan, cause (fun fact) he actually plays Oasis stuff(Beady Eye, refuse to sadly)

6. 21- Adele

If you live under a rock, you still must've heard of Adele. Never before has someone had so many hits off an album that, generally speaking, is a heartbreak soul album(send your emails to me saying how fucking wrong I am about this). In fact, the reason it's so low on the list is simply because, while I do like her songs, I'm still not a huge soul person, or at least as not as much as Adele is....or her fans. Of course, like all of her fans, the music is relateable, but who would've thought it was so commercial. Oh well, unlike many, I bought this in the first week of release on vinyl, and loved it immediatly(as I'm sure many people are). Can't wait for the follow-up.

5. Collaspe into Now- R.E.M.

2011 was both a triumph and a tragedy for R.E.M. With this, their 15th album, they sought to regain their place as a great band, with a excellent album, while instead producing what was to be their final album. Nothing was more saddening to me to hear this year then the breakup of R.E.M., and perhaps even more tragic, the underlying conclusion that I will never see this band(like The Beatles, Nirvana, the Clash or Ramones) live. The album, while will forever be remembered as "their final one" starts and ends with the same song, reminds us how great a band they are...sigh, were and leaves you wanting, despite such a vast body of work, more. Oh, my heart.

4. Love Notes/Letterbombs- The Submarines

Now heres a group that I'll bet you've never heard of. In a world where even Kim Gordon and Thruston Moore called it quits, The Submarines remain one of the few better groups that are able to combine their love for one another with their work(The Joy Formidable is another excellent example of this). Some might say the songs are too cheesy, and lovey dubby, but you what, this is my list after all, and even I like cute love songs...once in a while anyway. While I think their best album is still yet to come, as far as a album that is carried on words of love al;one, the Submarines did a bang-up job this year with it.

3. Wasting Light- Foo Fighters

I'm surprised I've seen so many lists neglect this album, despite all the glowing reviews it got. While the Foo Fighters albums have been hit and miss, with only a few songs that I really liked, this was the first album by them that had only one song that I didn't like! And all the songs that are good, are really freaking good rock songs. "Walk, Bridge Burning, Rope, Back and Forth, White Limo", all fantastic songs. To top it off, it brings you the closest many of us can get to a Nirvana reunion, with a track that ranks as one of rocks saddest eulogys (though, to the hipsters so you can stop telling me otherwise, it isn't about Kurt Cobain). If ever there was one Dave Grohl album to listen to(besides anything Nirvana, mind you), here it is, I present you.

2. Born This Way- Lady Gaga

Yes, even with Foo Fighters, PJ Harvey, and R.E.M.s albums, this album still gets in over them(oh how the hipsters will rage for years over this, next thing you know, I'll say Nickelback are 'ok'). Why, because goddammit this is an awesome pop album!! Although she may have been overshadowed by Adele this year, going into 2011, there was no one bigger, and no album more hyped up then Born This Way. The singles were all Top 10 hits, the songs were all great(except You and I...and Americano... Government Hooker...Bad Kids ugghhh!), and it finally rid her of the enormous expectation that was put on her for this album. Despite this being as high as it is, I do believe, like a lo of people on this list, that she can not only make another great album, but her best album. Until then, the trilogy of great Gaga album will stand as her answer to haters who think shes everything but music.

1. Ceremonials- Florence + the Machine

My top 3 albums were switched back and forth alot in the final month, and it was not long ago that I had Lady Gaga at #1. So why the sudden change? Well, this album actually has a lot in common with last years #1 album, The Suburbs in terms of sound and production. Florence herself is very much influenced by Arcade Fire, so it's only natural that this would ring dear to me, as well as it being a pop album similar to Lady Gaga. But the main reason is simply because, as I was listening to this the first time, as soon as I heard the song "Breaking Down", something struck a chord inside me that hadn't been stuck since listening to The Suburbs. The song touched at how vulnerable I was, and the realization that music still could be powerful.

And...in all honesty, with everything that went on this year in my personal life, I too almost had a nervous breakdown, where I just didn't care anymore and had no idea what I was even doing anymore. I was unhappy with myself, and longed to living at another time. It was this song, "Breaking Down" that really woke me from this, and got me thinking and moving again. Sure songs can sound good, maybe make you dance and feel happy for a night. But if a song, and a collection of songs can wake you up, and want you to live life, that is a true testament of music, and the strange powerful effect it can have on all of us. And it wouldn't be fair in a list of my top 10 albums, to not award Ceremonials the best album of 2011.

Song Review: Someone Like You

What sheer irony. After a long summer of pop music, the two songs that come to mind are this weeks song, Party Rock Anthem and Last Friday Night[T.G.I.F] (and to think I got an 80% in math). Anyway, with the summer over, and school starting again, I realized I needed to do something for you guys, so I decided to do a song review about Moves Like Jagger, a song I actually liked, believe it or not. Then I looked on the Billboard, and it was updated, and guess what was Number 1? I have to say, despite the success to Rolling in the Deep, I thought it was just a fluke, and wouldn't happen again(and with crap like Where Them Girls At now playing right after it, it shouldn't need explaining). Despite this, I was still surprised it took this long for another Adele song to become a hit. I think it was at #34 for a while, not to sure, but for a song to go the next step after Rolling..., sung by someone who had lived through what she had, and once again, relating to that feeling when you see the one you loved, in the arms of someone new. It's as painful as a breakup, and we all go through it at some point in life. A bonus on this is, if you didn't think Adele had a voice before, you'll find out on this one, with just her and a piano, what could be more simple and sweet. Adele, unlike many two-bit shits out there, can successfully convey true emotions into a song, and not need over blasting guitar or bouncing beats to get her songs heard(btw, doesn't that seem strange when you hear a breakup song with a danceable beat?).

Overall, if music like this was played on the radio more, maybe all them hipsters who wish they lived in the 60's/70's/80's/90's/whenever would need to wish it, cause they'd be living it.

Rating: 5/5

Song Review: Party Rock Anthem

In the last little while, I feel that many may think that I'm getting soft on pop songs, that's I'm not being tough enough on songs. Well, to be honest, a lot of the songs that I gave 'good' reviews I somewhat enjoyed. Well, fear not, because in due tradition of summer-pop songs, this one sucks. Listen, I have heard this enough times that I can get what so good about this song. It's a party song, that's fine. But why did they make into this. There are 3 things wrong with this song right off the bat: 1) What good party song would reference Led Zeppelin? A terrible one. 2) The video is so clearly ripping off 28 Days Later that it makes the crap that was the video of Telephone look like a tribute. 3) This song is written by the guys who wrote the song that was on that show that is so god-awful that I'm ashamed to say I watched 2 episodes of it(the song is 'Get Crazy'). Do I need to go on? The riots in England could be the result of this song for all I know. I think what rubbed me the wrong way(besides that giant dinosaur under my futon) about this song is that it reminds me of a time almost a year and a half ago, when 'TiK ToK' was Number One. Same basic concept, same party jam, stupid artist, and biggest selling single of the year. What's even stranger is that just bellow it on the charts is a really good Lady Gaga song(then being Bad Romance/now being The Edge of Glory). The only thing I can now hope for is that, like Ke$ha, these guys will eventually disappear(and stop getting crazy, getting wild, and shuffling, shuffling), and Lady Gaga will continue to be around...along with Katy Perry(grr...).

Rating: 1/5

(In all seriousness, my sympathies to the victims of the England riots, as well as the 173 victims killed in Oslo and Utoya almost 3 weeks ago. May something good come as a result of this.)

U2: What ANOTHER TERRIBLE IDEA!!!

U2, give it up. Throw in the towel, admit defeat, go on tour or put out another damn album(you've got "3" in the "works"), but stop with this goddamn Spider-man musical.

I mean, come on, if all the accidents, delays, actors quitting hasn't deterred you, then maybe your director quitting will wake you up. You've been doing this since 2009, you've gone WAY overbudget, you have heard no praise from your reviewers who have seen the show, I mean...this must be either the greatest musical ever done, or it will be the most laughable thing to ever happen to a group since every group in the 90s combined rap with metal.

Look at what you had to work with: you are making a musical...about Spider-man? I mean, what meds where you taking that convinced you that this would be amazing. Spider-man and singing don't mix. It's like water and fire, dogs and cats sleeping together(mass hysteria!), bungee-jumping and sex. All are fine by themselves, but combine them and problems are bound to happen.

Yes, I know this isn't your first musical. You made a musical version of A Clockwork Orange sometime in the 90s, and as far as I know, not even the author of the book liked it. What market are you hoping to bring in with this play, nerds or musical lovers?

You've had bad ideas in the past U2, but this is by far your worst. If you want to convince people to like this show, release the soundtrack. After all, you're U2, and everything released under your name is good(sorta). Why would this be any different. What are you afraid of?

In conclusion, either get the damn thing ready, or call it quits. It's been 2 years and it's bored me to tears. I don't expect anything good of this, so just confirm the worst and pull the plug. You have enough to worry about with your tour and how much it costs. This play isn't worth dying over.

(apologizes to Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. who are in no way affiliated with pile of crap. Sorry for calling it U2, but to keep writing Bono/The Edge would've been more then I could handle. The music is done by Bono/The Edge, not U2.)

Movie Review: Nowhere Boy

As many of you know, I love John Lennon, in both his music and writing about him. When it comes to movie adaptations of musicians' life, I'm always a little wary of watching them, more about being disappointed about how realistic the movie is and whether it sticks to fact instead of fiction. This movie looks over John Lennon's teenage years up till the point where he leaves for Hamburg and where film Backbeat begins. This film was a very good film, and I'd say about 90% of what happened in the film really did happen, although, despite sounding like John Lennon, the actor who portrayed him didn't really look like him(at least that's what I though, but then again, Joaquin Phoenix doesn't look like Johnny Cash). The actresses who played Johns Aunt Mimi and mother Julia really did a good job, giving contrast to how each is and how each behaves. Neither one of these women was wrong in what they did with John Lennon, they just did what they could with who they were. John Lennon's life is tragic in the sense that you could say he had everything, and yet, nothing.

Overall, this film while good, was not as good as Backbeat to me, but that's just my opinion, and I know many people really like this film, and let me assure you I am one of those people. This movie does well to John lennon(and just in time for his almost 70th birthday. Isn't that convenient?)

Rating: 3.5/5

My Top 20 Favorite Movies: Part 5

I've taken a movie off the list and included another. I couldn't ignore it any longer, this movie was just too good, and it had to be added. I've considered doing this in the past, but now the time has come. Make no mistake about it, the movie that gets taken off I don't like it any less. I've seen this new movie a few times now, and each time I feel the same at the end of the movie: overwelled, saddened, and amazed. The movie that I'm replacing is.....

Gran Torino(sorry Clint). To be fair(as if I am), the movie I'm replacing it with is equally powerful, even more so, and the main reason why I'm replacing it. So for my 17th favorite movie of all time:

17. Black Swan Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%

This is probably one of the most powerful performances I've ever seen anyone do. This is a amazing movie where Natalie Portman really does shine. She puts so much to make her character strong, weak, determined, deterred and tragic all at once. I saw this in theaters and lets just say I was extremely moved by this movie, more then any I've ever seen. I walked out with tears in my eyes. If any movie can make you do that, that's a incredible movie. So it goes without saying that I'll never see Natalie Portman as Padme anymore, no, I'll always see her in my eyes as Nina, the ballet dancer in this sometimes imperfect, but incredible film.

Albums That I Bought in the Last 2 Weeks

Well over the last 2 weeks, I said, 'fuck it' to money, and just went all out buying albums in record stores that I went to. I probably spent close to $250.00 on just albums, and I'm nowhere near close to finishing them all. I'll start with the CDs I bought. The picture to the left is missing probably 5 Oasis albums, but I'll list them off to you:

Top Row: Jeff Buckley; Live at Sin-E, Weezer; Pinkerton, Jonas Brothers; A Little Bit Longer, The Las; The Las, PJ Harvey; Let England Shake

Middle Row: Joy Division; The BBC Sessions, White Lies; Ritual, Muse; Absolution, Florence and the Machine; Lungs, Radiohead; Pablo Honey

Bottom Row: Ramones; Adios Amigos, Brain Wilson; Smile, Enya; A Day Without Rain, The Stone Roses; The Stone Roses, Jimi Hendrix; Blues

And if that wasn't enough, I went and bough some brand new vinyl as well, so for your pleasure:

Top Row: Phoenix; Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Pixies; Wave of Mutilation:Best of Pixies, Arcade Fire; Neon Bible

Middle Row:

Green Day; Kerplunk!, R.E.M.; Collapse into Now, Johnny Cash; American Recordings VI

Bottom Row: Adele; 21, The Strokes; Is This It, Pixies; Surfer Rosa

I have listened to about 25% of all these albums, and I really shouldn't be buying any more albums for a long time away(Awesome as Fuck, when it comes out in a week, however...)

But of course, with iTunes just being there(and me buying about 55$ worth of music...)

Top Row: Arcade Fire; Ready to Start-Single, David Bowie; Heroes, Kings of Leon; Come Around Sundown

Bottom Row: Metric; iTunes Sessions, The Pretty Reckless; Light Me Up, Sonic Youth; Goo

Not Pictured: Joan Jett; Bad Reputation, Led Zeppelin; Physical Graffiti*, Rush; 2112, Black Flag; Nervous Breakdown EP, Oasis; [Be Here Now, Don't Believe the Truth, Be Here Now, Familiar to Millions], Joni Mitchell; Court and Spark, Derek and the Domino's; Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

*bought on both digital and vinyl(though the vinyl isn't the best that it could be. Still....)

So there you have it, my last 2 weeks. It really shows, with a lot of money, and a open mind, as well as a means of transportation, music can be found anyway, be it vinyl, Cd's or iTunes, you will find happiness(hope that doesn't sound to lame).

The Slow Decline: How the Worst Get Worst

Remember 10 years ago, when 'NSync and The Backstreet Boys were around? We neither, as I have fried many brain cells that I've forgotten most of the late 90s, and considering what was on the radio at the time, I'm probably not missing much. But look at the way things are going with music nowadays. 5 years ago, Hannah Montana and High School Musical were the worst things that ever came out, but because they were Disney, it was acceptable, as nothing good musically has ever come out of Disney, Britney and Justin included. American Idol was also around, but the only person off the show that I can remember that was still "popular" was Kelly Clarkson. The Simpson twins were still around, and still making music at this point. Rock, just to show a contrast, wasn't any better. 2006 was the peak of Emo, with bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco and Bright Eyes all extremely popular. I even liked a couple songs by some of these bands(Dance, Dance since you had to ask), but for everyone else, rock was in shambles. Green Day hadn't done anything since The Saints Are Coming, The Killers second album was... unsatisfying and The Beatles were still broken up. 2007 came around, Britney Spears released a crappy album, but more importantly, a little known Disney band named the Jonas Brothers began their reign of Disney horror onto us. Emo finally fizzled out, and Arcade Fire released their second album, and things were alright. Then comes 2008. Oh boy what a year for crap. Britney Spears is a joke in the industry, Madonna is still releasing albums, not one, not two, but three Disney acts release "albums"(Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers and Selena Gomez/Demi Levoto, I'm never sure with these two). But Disney was the least of the problems this year. Katy Perry began her reign unto the media, with songs like "I Kissed a Girl" "Hot N'Cold" to name but a few. Sure, they were good, but like all bad pop music, we got sick of them. Taylor Swift becomes super popular with teens under the age of 15, with a knack for writing not seen by anyone since, well actually alongside with Lady Gaga, who also releases her first album this year. 'Keep an eye on these three' someone said, and because of this, they are still with us, sadly(well, not sadly for Lady Gaga anyway). 2009 comes around, and for the most part, mostly nothing bad happens. The Jonas Brothers sorta go away as their popularity wears off. But no, we can't get through the year without something good(release of 21st Century Breakdown) without something bad happening. In fact, two bad things happen. The infamous incident with Kanye and Taylor Swift not only makes Kanye West seem like a jackass, but it also makes Taylor Swift more likable to the public. Damn you Kanye. The year ends with two of the catchiest and most annoying songs of the year. One is "Bad Romance", the other is by an artist who won the title of 'Oh God It Can't Get Any Worst' Award, Ke$ha. Now things can't get any worst, with this annoying girl who rap/sing with AutoTune. We have hit an all time low. Oh how wrong was I. Ke$ha is incredible, almost poetic when standing next to(guess who) Justin Bieber. The worst thing to ever come from Canada since Nickleback(as the proud Canadian that I am), he is without a doubt the most annoying musical act of 2010. You know how I know this? People now say that Lady Gaga is cool. People now like the Jonas Brother, Taylor Swift and Ke$ha. I'll admit, I'm guilty in some part of this. I love "We R Who We R", "Teenage Dream" "Alejandro" and "Love Story". Is it wrong to like this? I don't know, but if someone worst comes around, and it will happen, make no mistake about it, Justin Bieber will soon be looked to as Elvis is looked to, respectable, cool and deep. Remember, back in 1955, Frank Sinatra was the man, much like how we compare "good music" to "bad music" was how Elvis was compared to Sinatra. Now who is considered to be the man? This is the way music goes, and now due to that movie he's in, Justin is starting to get credibility. If this happens, who knows what miracles will happen in the world. Maybe Jesus will return...return and punch Justin Bieber in the face(I can dream). Or maybe Justin will disappear like so many other artists in music(Ashley Tisdale, Shiloh, Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment). Only time will tell.

Album Review: End of the Century

The crossing of two generations, the 50's rock and roll sound perfected by Phil Spector and his now-legendary Wall of Sound, and the band that started a revolution, that put the rock back into rock, the Ramones, collaborated on this album. For hardcore Ramones fans, this is a terrible album. Most of these people prefer the Ramones to be remembered as the "1-2-3-4" group that they had grown to know and love, they didn't want this cheese ball record with, heaven forbid, PHIL SPECTOR!!! But as much as you may be surprised to hear me say, I think this is a good record. Sure, some of the songs are nothing special, but some of them are really good, case in point, "Do You Remember Rock and Roll Radio', 'Chinese Rock', This Ain't Havana', 'Rock N' Roll High School" and even "Baby I Love You". Yes, the highest charting Ramones song, considered the worst Ramones song, isn't as bad as everyone says it was. Sure it's not real Ramones, but when you get over that it isn't that bad. I especially like the version of 'Rock N Roll High School', much preferring this version to the Ed Stasium, giving it more punch and making it sound more exciting. Overall, this record is a mixed bag, and certainly unloved by many, but it's not the trash that people make it out to be. It was just an idea for the band, one that didn't quite turn out the way they wanted, but it's got its moments and if you really can't handle change, that's what the first 4 records are for(not to mention they mention John Lennon in the first 2:43 of the album).

Rating: 3.1/5

Top 5 Worst Songs Of 2010

Dear reader of this website

You must be wondering, why Alek, have you done a best Songs of 2010 and a Best/Worst films of 2010 and NOT A WORST SONGS of 2010?? Well stranger, due to my unbusy life, my list for worst songs of 2010 was pushed back. but fear not, as we are only38 days into the new year, and finally the wait is over, here it is, the top 5 worst songs of 2010.

5. What's My Name: Rihanna feat. Drake

Rihanna is like a line of drinks that steadily gets worse as you drink them. She had more hits this year then anyone else, and they all kept getting worse and worse as the year went on. Drake's opening verse is useless, the words don't matter at all in this song, and I don't think Rihanna is really trying anymore. She's run out of steam for me, and this pathetic excuse for a song, let alone a Number One song, is her bikini on top of her best year. I weep for the future.

4. OMG: Usher feat. Will.i.am

I've never listened to Usher that much, I think he's just an average star, not the big deal that everyone made him out to be this year with his new album. This was the first song they put off that album, and whoever the PR guy was that green lighted this should be forced to spend the rest of his days watching Live Free or Die(*shudder). It's a stupid dance song about a guy who says "ohmigosh" when he sees this stunning girl. Will.i.am doesn't do anything to the song, and I don't have a clue why he's on this. This song, and the next reinforce the stereotype that all pop songs are stupid and about girls, clubbing and getting drunk. Thanks a bunch Usher.

3. TikTok: Ke$ha

Biggest hit of 2010. What does that say about where the world is going. This introduced us to Ke$ha, and we've yet to be rid of her yet. She's like a kid trying to hang around in a group of people that none of them want. Nobody I know really likes her, and I've yet to hear of her going on the scale of Lady Gaga or Katy Perry in terms of sales(although she somehow made the top 10 best selling albums of 2010, thankfully at Number 10). What has been said about this song has been done to death, and I really don't need to add fuel to this fire, but a list of the worst without Ke$ha is like a list of dictators without Hitler.

2. Baby: Justin Bieber

As happy as I am to be Canadian with all the bands like Arcade Fire, Rush, The Band etc, Justin Bieber makes me ashamed to be Canadian. Don't feed me the schlock about him, you couldn't change my mind about him. I've hated this kid the moment I heard him, and not even with people like Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Ke$ha, there's at least one silver lining with them in terms of songs. With Justin Bieber, I cannot foresee this in the near future. Unless his deepened voice improves his songwriting, his legacy will be that this song beat Bad Romance as the most viewed video on YouTube of all time.

1. California Gurls: Katy Perry

No song I have ever listened to has been so fucking overplayed in my life that I can't stand. Thankfully, eight months later, it's no longer played, since replaced by Firework. But while I love Teenage Dream, to think it was proceeded by this is unbelievable. Annoying, colorful and stupid, just like the lady herself, this song has left me with an undeniable hate towards Katy Perry, not just because of the song. This song turned Katy Perry into Britney Spears. She will now sing horrible songs and perform past her prime, have a failed marriage before forcing us to care again with her comeback song that will keep her in our lives for years to come. Congrats Katy Perry for having the double honor of Best/Worst Songs of 2010(I took Snoop Doggs name off the title, and if had had any sense so would he.)

The Most "Wonderful" Time of the Year: Oscar 2011: Part 3

Finally, the part that anyone ever cares about, the Best Picture and Director nominations.

7. Best Director: HOW CAN YOU NOT NOMINATE CHRISTOPHER NOLAN!!!!!!! He's made one of the greatest movies of all time, and you refuse to acknowledge his directorial skills. On Rotten Tomatoes, he has a 100% rating! I think only Paul Thomas Anderson has as good a rating. Shame on you Academy. Actually I take that back. Fuck you Academy.

Now that that's out of the way, now me can proceed with who should win. Being nominated many times for shitty films and not winning is one thing, but not to be nominated for great films is a tragedy. This director has been around for the last 20 years, making one of the most con traversal films of the last 10 years(which really, isn't all that bad, it's just about people hitting themselves for pleasure....with a few more undertones, of course). David Fincher, as much as I despise your film you were nominated, you should at least satisfy your ego(however big it may be).

Winner: David Fincher(The Social Network)

8. Best Picture: This is hard for me, as there are twice as many choices in this category as all the others (10 as opposed to 5). For this I will announce who the likely winner will be, and who I wish would win. From what I've read (all from Wikipedia no less) the most likely winner will be either The Social Network or The Kings Speech. I hate The Social Network. It is one of the most overpraised, over hyped films I've ever seen, and I can't believe so many people like this(same goes to Avatar too I suppose). To contrast, I really enjoyed The Kings Speech and I really would like it to win the Best Picture Award. But yet, at the same time, no more then a few weeks ago, I saw a movie that changed my perspective. Black Swan is one of the most moving, great films I saw this year. Maybe more then Inception(which itself was nominated by the way), this is the movie that I would like to see win Best Picture. It would really shake up the Academy. I mean, look at the Grammys. The most unlikely winner, the most uncompromisable album won Album of the Year, over people like Eminem, or Lady Gaga. Could it happen with the movies. I doubt this very much. Movies are more widely seen then music nowadays, and therefore most will just pick the movie they saw, not the best one overall, or worse, go with what the critics agree is the Best picture. As stated above most agree on either the Kings Speech or The Social Network. One critic, mind you, is the only one I've found who thinks a different movie will win. Roger Ebert, the greatest film reviewer ever thinks that True Grit will win. If he can spot a difference and think a different movie will win, then maybe, just maybe, there's hope for something different, something...else. Maybe it will be a different year this year, as there are many good films this year, and a variety of different films. It's been a good year for films, better the last year, and hopefully a promise for less 3-D in the future(which I'm so sick of, there have been maybe 2 films that looked good that I saw it in, the rest I never saw, or were crap. Thank god Inception wasn't 3-D), but please Academy, tone down the Best picture winners down to 5. Most people want to win, not to be nominated. It's like a girl sitting on your.....never mind.

Winner(s): The Kings Speech/Black Swan

So end's my review. Some may be surprised Inception wasn't put on for Best Picture. Don't worry. I know it's the Best Picture in my mind. I gave it the sites Movie of the Year Award. In any case, the Awards happen in 2 weeks time, let's see how many of my predictions come true. Until then, this is I wishing you get whatever makes you happy.

100th Post: What Goes Around Comes Around(Sundown)

If you remember/read his blog at all, in August of last year, I picked up Katy Perrys' debut album, the self titled Katy Hudson. It featured some gospel songs, but since her rise to fame, the album is much sought after. As I said myself, I found one in a store for $2.00.

Well, last week, after having it on Amazon.ca for 4 months, someone in Quebec(a province in Canada know for having French as the official language, the Montreal Canadians, and constantly trying to leave Canada every 15 or so years) bought my album for $80!!! I couldn't believe that someone in Quebec liked Katy Perry, but a Christian Katy Perry. With deductions from Amazon.ca(they take 15%) and postage, it left me with a little more then $57, still a huge profit from $2.

But at the same time, I wonder, should I've held longer, and not sold it? Well, unlike Beatles or Elvis memorabilia which goes up each year, I believe that Katy Perry doesn't have that kind of staying power. I don't like her at all, and nothing she could say or sing to me could make me change my mind(now do to me on the other hand...:)

All jokes aside, I'm very happy to post this on the day of the 100Th post I've done for this blog. Two years is a long time, and alot has changed with me in two years, with what I listen to, who I like, and what goes on in the world. Thank you to all who have stood by and read my posts, I'm grateful for everyone who takes the time to read them. To close, and to assert my nerdieness, I'll end with a quote from my favourite TV show Deep Space 9, from the bartender Quark.

"The more things change, the more they stay the same"

(Apologies to Quebecois and feminists all around, but I mean for feminist and all you've done, what Katy Perry does must be a slap in the face to you, you know, 1 step forward, 4 steps back kinda thing, I don't know. Sorry if I offended anyone)

(Best Wishes to Everyone, Still Hoping You Get What Makes You Happy :)

Song Review: Born This Way

Guess I have no choice but to do this one, eh? Well, might as well get this over with. Born This Way has been the most hyped song of the new year so far, and it is her first single since Alejandro some 9 months ago(approx.) So here's what I have to say about it.

(Yes, it sounds like Express Yourself, lets get that out of the way).

The song was really good. For the first time since maybe Summerboy(last track on The Fame) she talks about something personal, something not to do with fame, money, boys, parties, girls, fans, monsters, etc. She talks about being the way you are. She sells the song like it's a gay anthem, and it works surprisingly well, considering the first line you hear in the song is: "It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M" Rhyme him...with him. Mhm.

Still, the song is a good dance track, and it doesn't swing too far left like some of her stuff(Teeth, Speechless, Again Again), and its not too poppy like her more well known stuff(Just Dance, Bad Romance). Overall, this is a warm sight among the far left (Firework) and the far right (Grenade) that dominate the radio these days. Congrats Lady Gaga.

Rating: 4/5

One final thing to put. A joke between me and a friend is that her next album(also title Born This Way) is going to sound like the last song on her last album, Teeth. While this song proves that, at least one song won't be, I certainly hope that this isn't the best thing on the album. I don't expect to see anything as personal as Summerboy on it, but it doesn't hurt to put a low-key ballad on it. Bigger isn't always better, and there is no better example then Speechless on The Fame Monster. Don't put so many of these songs on Born This Way. There is tremendous hype towards this album.Not since Be Here Now by Oasis, or Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen has there been this much placed on the follow-up to a great album, and make no mistake of it, for all the flaws I mentioned above, you have made 2 great albums that I will, at least, cherish close to my heart for a long time to come.

Lady Gaga, for your sake, I hope you don't let your ego and power go to your head. Follow the example set by the latter(or is the former, I'm not sure) and take your time with this album. For God sake, he just put out a album of all the outtakes he did on that album. Don't fall flat in a drug fueled haze like Oasis, a band that I still really like, mind you. That album became a joke compared to the two made before it. And the same can be said about you Lady Gaga. This album will decide if you should stay or should go, whether you are the original artist you claim to be, one who will be around for many years like your idol Madonna, or you'll just be a a female pop star like your friend Beyonce, nothing great and over the top, just a plain simple star. You are more then that, everyone knows that. Live up to our expectations, don't make your fans, and more importantly yourself, look like fools. You depend on us. We depend on you. Don't let us down.

53rd Grammy Awards: My Thoughts

Well, like most people last night I was...upstairs in my room not caring about the Grammy Awards, the Oscars for music if you will. But not that I've had a chance to look over the results, let me just go over what I though of who won, and such.

First off, a song that I never really liked(too much) won both Song and Record of the Year. Need You Now is just a decent song, but there really wasn't anything it was up against except maybe Fuck You(or F**k You to my younger audience), so congrats to the country trio.

Secondly, Lady Gaga won 3 Awards, Best Female Pop Vocals, Pop Vocal Album and Best Short form Music Video. Be patient as soon, her time will come.

Third, the one with the most to win only won Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo performance for Not Afraid. Well done Eminem.

Next on the list, The Black Keys, whom I only recently got into, won two Awards, which I'm too lazy to write down, for their album Brothers and the single Tighten Up.

But who am I kidding. The only thing I was interested in was Album of the Year. I had listened to all the albums, and this was my thought on the subject:

1. Katy Perry had an album that really didn't warrant a nomination, it was just a pop album, nothing more.

2. Lady Antebellum had a country album that might sneak by, as the Grammys' do like country albums(see Taylor Swifts' Fearless, which won last year), but it didn't seem likely.

3. Lady Gaga was still too new to the business to win, even though it is a really good collection of songs. She seemed to be the black horse in the race this year.

4. Eminem made a good album. Good, that's all. He's made far better albums in his early days and I thought this was just going to be a pity award.

5. Arcade Fire made a fantastic album, but only people who listen to indie music/still buy vinyl albums would understand the true meaning of this album.

So in order, this is who I though and wanted to win.

5. Katy Perry; Teenage Dream

4. Lady Antebellum; Need You Now

3. Eminem; Recovery

2. Lady Gaga; The Fame Monster

1. Arcade Fire; The Suburbs

For those of you who read this blog, you know how highly I praised The Suburbs. I called it the Best Album of 2010(striking when you consider I named Teenage Dream Best Song of 2010). I hoped and hoped that they would pull through, and win the credit they deserved to the great album they put out.

You can imagine my happiness when I found out the actually had won Album of the Year!!! I couldn't believe it, and I'm amazed that so many people think that this really is Album of the Year. I'm so tired of writing that praise out, but for a true rock band like Arcade Fire, Album of the Year is what they deserve. In a way, they are like another of my favorite bands, The Clash. Excellent debut, great follow-up and crowning achievement. Now all they have to do is go crazy and make a triple album(!!!).

So that's what I thought of the Grammys, at least that's all that mattered to me anyway. It's good to see good music be acknowledged and rewarded, and even though they do fuck up sometimes, they usually do get it right. Congrats to most of the winners, and to the losers, either give up or try harder next time.

The Most "Wonderful" Time of the Year: Oscar 2011: Part 2

Welcome to Part 2. Lets finish up with the writing and get back to the acting.

4. Best Screenplay-Original. This is tough as good writing should be about something new, something revolutionary. It should be a story that nobody has ever seen before, something that deserves the reward for the effort it took to write it. While The King's Speech is a good script, we all know its going to win for something else(more on that later). Inception, as good a film as it is, probably won't win Best Picture. A Best Screenplay will have to do(that and/or Best Score).

Winner: Inception

5. Best Actor: I think we all know whose gonna win this, so I'll just spell it out for you. Javier Bardam won for No Country for Old Men(strike one), Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart(strike two), Jesse Eisenberg is too young(and in Adventureland, strike three), and James Franco was in Spiderman 3(strike five!). In all seriousness though, if anyone won besides Colin Firth for playing King George VI, (and because the Academy refused to even nominate Leonardo DiCaprio, I mean come on, has the Academy even seen any of his movies since Titanic...besides Blood Diamond I mean. Give the guy a break), I'd want James Franco to win. Why? Because at least he wasn't in Adventureland(and because James Franco is a wonderful actor who has the balls and chops to act)!

Winner: Colin Firth(obviously)

6. Best Actress: According to Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, there have been two ties in Oscar history. Well, this is the hardest category for me to choose because as much as I love and want Annette Benning to win(lease of all because she was in American Beauty and has never been honored), to see Natalie Portman fail to win due to her role in Black Swan would be nothing less then a tragedy. She proved me wrong with her acting, providing more depth and despair to a character then I've seen...since Annette Benning in The Kids Are All Right. Annette Benning has been around for a very long time, and has acted in good quality productions(minus The Women) and has never won an Oscar. This one is too close to call, they both should win.

Winner:....Tie between Annette Benning/Natalie Portman(but given the two, Annette Benning. There ain't no Hilary Swank this year.)

Concludes in Part 3

The Most "Wonderful" Time of the Year: Oscar 2011 Part 1

Well, its the month of February, meaning that it's in this month people start giving out their pointless and meaningless speculation on who will win, who won't and strangely, everyone seems to have the same opinion. Well friend, neighbours, landlord banging on my door, its time to stop the clocks, as some might say, and review the nominations, while giving my opinion in between. I'll try not to sound stupid or smart, just as a person who loves movies. This series will cover all of the "major" categories, such as directing, writing, acting and of course, producing. So let's get your heart racing in your skin tight jeans with this wonderful time of Oscars.

1. Best Supporting Actor: Before I start, please bear in mine that if my opinion seems biased, it may have to do with the fact that I've not seen all these films. You've been warned. Any whom, for this, Geoffrey Rush has already won an Oscar many years ago, so we can forget about acknowledging him. This year, the most likely winner is a man who has never been nominated beforehand. He's been in many big budget films, but at the same time can really prove himself as an actor, being able to either loose weight or gain muscle like it is nothing. While he may be a little too extreme in his acting, not to award him for his hard work seems unfair. So Christan Bale, in The Fighter, your time is gonna come this year.

Winner:Christian Bale

2. Best Supporting Actress: Many of these actresses have already been nominated before, though they all share the common ground of never winning(Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Helena Bonham Carter). But despite all this I believe that this years winner will be one that appears in a film for more screen time then all of the headlining actors combined...and yet doesn't appear on the poster for the film. I'm not saying that that is all that matters, I'm just saying that for the amount of effort that she puts into this film, that an Academy Award is the least that she deserves. This is the first movie that I've ever seen her in, and I really look forward to seeing more with her. Hallie Stienfield is the best actor overall in True Grit(no disrespect towards Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon or Josh Brolin...well maybe Matt Damon because your character was stupid, pointless and annoying, and I was hoping you would die at the end!!!) and the best breakout star since Ellen Page.

Winner: Hallie Stienfield

3. Best Writing-Adapted Screenplay

A well written movie ripped off a good book/film can make into a pretty bad movie. While I'm surprised to see True Grit nominated(???), the film I want to win is the little movie that probably won't win anything else. Until it was nominated this film wasn't even playing around in my area. It looks to become the Frost/Nixon of this year, a well reviewed film that receives nothing, as that film was in 2008. And while this man already has a Oscar on his mantle, if 127 Hours didn't win anything, it should've at least won for writing.

Winner: 127 Hours

Continues in Part 2

Movie Review: Bridge to Terbethia

This is my real review for this week. Let us forget about the horror of yesterday, and move on.
...
...
Please.
In my opinion, this is the best movie that Disney has released in the last 5 years without the help of Pixar. The characters are real, the actors are likeable, and the acting is good. The story, from the novel of the same name, is very well written, with no singing animals, unrealistic plots, and dumb characters. With actors like Robert Patrick (Terminator 2), he gives the movie credibility. The bullies are more real then in movies such as Drillbit Taylor and the children deal with it accrodingly. I'm sure that most of can imagine having a friend like the two characters have in this, and are able to share a fantasy together and be able to have a clean (Disney) platonic relationship. This is a movie that shows true friendship, right up there with Stand by Me and Doctar Bashir and Chief O'Brian (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine for people who have no fucking clue who those characters are). I've not even mentioned Zooey Deschannel yet and she's only really in this for good measure for a film that doesn't really need it...not like that other film that must never be mentioned again...ever.
In conclusion, this film is Disney, so some stuff is predicable, but if your tired of all the 3D shit that's put out nowadays, then this might do it for you, it's powerful, funny and beautiful.
Rating: 4.5/5

Movie Review: Live Free or Die

For starters there was only one reason that I wanted to watch this movie, and one reason alone: Zooey Deschannel. This was released in 2006, along with(in my humble opinion) the underrated Bridge to Teribethia, which I think is a pretty damn good movie, and i would be reviewing that if not for this atrocity. If Zooey Deschannel hadn't been in it, then this movie would have no redeeming qualities, none whatsoever. I haven't seen a movie this bad in a very very long, one where I felt like I should be doing something better with my time, one where I couldn't wait for the credits. This makes The Tourist look like Star Wars in terms of excitement, and humour. There was nothing I found funny about this comedy, and the acting is some of the worst I've ever seen. I mean, I know the person who plays Ms. Deschannels brother is suppose to be stupid, but where does the character end and the real person begin. I think he really was that stupid, and there were able to get him in the movie and not have to pay him anything due to how stupid he was. I bet they just threw out all the lines, and let the actors improve around him, and see how well they do with this fucking idiot. In conclusion, I should've guessed by the terrible movie trailers that preceded this film how bad it was. This is a film most certainly worth skipping, only to be bought to use as a torture device, to be burned after watching, and never mentioned again. I cannot belive that on Rotten Tomatoes how 40% of people actually enjoyed this film, I mean ARE YOU PEOPLE FOR REAL!!?!?!

Rating: 0.5/5(for Zooey taking a sad movie, and making it...depressing.Acually you know what, forget my messely 0.5 rating, this movie deserves the credit it has earned.)

REAL Rating: 0/5

Album Reviews

As you may notice to the side on the right, I started a list of all the new albums that I've bought, and have been posting what I've bought. This has started in mid-July, and has slowly but surely growing. Well, for the time being, that will have to be suspended for a few reasons:

1. I am extremely backlogged with the amount of music that I have. For every new album that I have, I have at least 2 used albums that I have yet to get around to. It also doesn't help that I don't have the time to listen to 3 'new' albums a week, so it just keeps piling and piling up.

2. I am also saving money for college. Music, as we all know, is quite expensive, and as mentioned above, buying 3 albums a week has its costs. Even cutting back, it still costs me a lot to afford 1 new album, due to my financial restraints. If I find a better paying job however, this factor may disappear.

3. I don't always have a lot of time to listen to music properly. With all the time that I have to put into school and work, to properly listen to music has become impossible. Hopefully, once the exams are finished, I should be able to get back and review more music.

So there you have it. I am really sorry that this had to happen, and hopefully, once I get rid of my passionate love for the following women* and get more money/time, then it will all be alright. Just don't tell Ringo.

*Cynthia Nixon, Scarlett Johannson, Kate Winslet, Lady Gaga, Ellen Page, Taylor Swift, Anne Hathaway, Helen Mirren, June Harrington and Madonna(but not necessarily in that order)

Song Review: Grenade

There are many artists that have one, maybe two songs that I really like by them, if it's Ke$ha(We R Who We R) or Katy Perry(Teenage Dream). This songs falls in that sort of catagory. Bruno Mars is certainly a minority right now, with the majority of pop music being sung by females or really REALLY male rappers, he fits in the catagory of male singer, next to Justin Beiber. Mr Mars, you don't want to be seen next to this...boy. You certainly can write better songs then him, but that's not saying much. You look older and sound better then him, again not saying much. You need to work on your songwriting craft, but luckily, you have more years on you then Justin Beiber and you you look more natural in the role then he does. This song is the one that won me over, Mr. Mars. It's catchy, sounds good, and deserves the radio play that it's getting. Still, you have a long way to go. "Billionaire, Nothin on You, Just the Way You Are", you need to leave those songs behind if you want to be remembered more then a footnote on the Billboard Hot 100. Like Katy Perry, you both have the talent and the material that you could go beyond your singer image and really breakout, and not fade away. I know this is less about Grenade then Mars, but I thought this was a good song for him. He just needs to go beyond the standard he set. Write a real love song that will rank among the greatest of all time. You have the age, experience and ability to do it.

Rating: 3.5/5

Top 5 Best Songs of 2010

Dear Reader of this website,
I'm sure you are wondering, why Alek, are you doing a Top 5 songs of 2010 instead of 10, as most conventional lists will do? Well, since you asked(obviously), you might be inclined to know that, I tried to make a Top 10 best songs of 2010 this year. I limited myself to songs that were in the top 10, not just any songs that were released in general. Well, after looking at all the songs, I realized that very few of the songs I picked I really liked, just songs I didn't hate less. So I scrapped the list, and picked all the songs that I legitimately liked, which rounded off to 5. So, that, dear reader, is why this is only top 5. I hope you enjoy the list.

5. We R Who We R: Ke$ha
The video for this is total, absolute crap that just re-enforces the stereotype/image that Ke-Dollar Sign-ha that I cannot stand, the stupid party girl image that I see in tons of slutty girls at school. It's stupid and only useful for a one night stand(can you see anyone in a long term relationship with her?). That being said, this song I found was far better the the annoying "Tik Tok". The beat was better, the "lyrics" were half decent, and if I was the party goer/clubber, I might just dance to this. Bravo Ke$ha, now disappear forever.

4. Bad Romance: Lady Gaga
Like the song by the most irritating "band" of today, this song suffers from overplay. Despite how good this and "I Gotta Feeling" really are as songs, the radio made it so as soon as we hear the music, we cringe, but we let it slide, as there could be worse stuff on the next channel. Which is too bad, because this song really matches up with "Just Dance" with her best work. There isn't much wrong with it, and it's a pity that it didn't reach Number One(thanks to the never-to-be-mentioned-above-artist-urgghhh), and the only reason that t wasn't higher on the list is due to the overplay/over dominance of Lady Gaga in the media. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

3. Not Afraid: Eminem
What a great first single, that has now been all but ignored due to the monstrosity that became "Love the Way You Lie". I mean, what a terrible title and a terrible song, and yet, this was Number One for 8 weeks!! Come on people, it's about staying in abusive relationships, while this song was about returning hard and strong back into the game. He admits his mistakes, asks for redemption, and has never sounded more serious. Out of all the songs on the list, this was the one I liked immediately after hearing it, and haven't been annoyed by it to this day...or the next day, or the next day, or the next day, or the next day, or the next

2. Alejandro: Lady Gaga
Yes, TWO Lady Gaga songs, one underplayed, one overplayed. Ironically, a bad song with a good video gains more attention then a fantastic song with a terrible video. This was the final single released this year, and it was more hyped then I'd heard about anything. After a couple of months, I was finally able, however, to see how good the song really was, unnecessary of a video, perfect on it's own. I mentioned it in my Top 10 Lady Gaga Songs list as her best song, and I still believe that to be true. This would be the song I would love to see her do live if I were able to go to her concerts. Alas...

1. Teenage Dream: Katy Perry
Considering how much I cannot stand this women, having written about her more then anyone else, for her to have such a good song as this seems...poetic. This is the only song of hers that I'll listen to, which says something if I'll even listen to her. But enough bashing this women more then Russell Brand does, lets examine the song. Talk of teenage love, sex, romance and the thrill of anything that could happen, the talks you have with the one you love, the things you want to hear from that person, the things you want to do with that person, how you love that person, what you think of that person, this songs covers it all. Maybe its closer to my heart then I'd like to admit, or maybe I heard it at just the right moment in my life(after a breakup no less), but this song was able to get me back on this blog and really focus in on it. And what better way to focus, then to berate the person who wrote the song who helped you. In that sense, I will not apologise for my hurtful words towards her(after all, what does the apology of an nothing blogger mean to you anyhow), but I will thank you, Katy Perry for creating the song that got me up and out from the dark days. Teenage Dream, my Number One Song of 2010.

Movie Review: The Kings Speech

Since July, I've been a advocate for Inception, saying it deserves every award that the Academy can give it, most notably Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. Well, before seeing this, I heard everyone saying how this was the big contender for Best Actor/Picture etc. I though "bollocks" to that, Inception is still the best, nothing can top it and nothing comes close(due to a car accident, I never got a chance to see The Social Network). My mind was made up, despite how much I wanted to see this, and all the praise that the movie had received.

Well, since seeing it, though I still prefer Inception, if this film won, I would be more then pleased with that. The acting in this film really is as good as everyone says. The way Colin Firth can pull off the stutter, the mannerism, the pain and the power that came with playing King George VI is just, for lack of a better word, infuckingcridible. The humor is for older people, but now I've come to that age that I can finally get this subtle humour. Helena Bonham Carter, who has never pleased me with her acting(the best being in Sweeney Todd) is solid, reviving my faith in her as an actress and not just as Tim Burtons wife. Likewise, while I've never been a fan of Mr. Firths acting, not simply because I don't like him, I've just never really been exposed to it. Maybe now, I'll finally get around to watching all those movies that he's in....ah, who am I kidding, even though with all that time on my hands, I know deep down I won't. Overall, this is a great film, which feels longer then it really is, but let me say you won't regret it, You have my word.

Rating: 5/5