Blogosphere Buddies

It has come to my attention that I know a great number of incredibly creative and clever people. A few of them also happen to share their creativity and cleverness on equally creative and clever blogs. Here are a few that you should check out:

Criticism as Inspiration--thoughtful and critical musings on culture, politics, spirituality and the arts.

A couple of the Criticism as Inspiration fellows have started a new blog focused on culture and theology that promises to be as intelligent and cool as CAI. Check out Lost in the Cloud!


A friend turned me on to Adam Sjoberg's blog of photography and travel. Check out his images from a recent trip to Haiti.

Hopefully, this will encourage Michaela to blog more (!) because her artistic talent and insight needs to be shared.

Kristin's homemade crafts and DIY decor makes me want to learn to sew. But it's much easier to buy stuff from her!



I know there are more of you bloggers out there, so send me a link!

Beatles Rock Band

Can we all agree that Beatles Rock Band is, in fact, the best game ever? After all, we can agree that The Beatles were the greatest rock band ever, so it's an obvious conclusion. Granted, my knowledge of video games is limited to stolen hours playing Tetris during study hall, a few rounds of Wii bowling, and a countless hours watching my brothers play original Nintendo.

Over Christmas I finally got the chance to play Beatles Rock Band and had such a blast that it inspired me to write this list of

FOUR FABULOUS REASONS TO LOVE BEATLES ROCK BAND

1) The Animation

The opening animation on this game is so entertaining and classically cool that it stands alone as a piece of art. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSLLxRmR3nY

2) Kids

What could be more entertaining than listening to a five-year old sing, "We all live in a yellow submarine"? Or, a twelve-year old stumble through the twisty weirdness of "I Am the Walrus"?

3) Deeper Cuts

The game doesn't have the complete Beatles catalog, but it doesn't just stick to the most popular songs. There's "A Hard Day's Night" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" but there's also "I Me Mine". Apparently you can download more tunes from the web, too. Maybe someday they'll make The Beatles Anthology Rock Band...

4) Harmonies

Now you're really a part of the band! You're singing harmony with Paul McCartney! You know you always try to sing the harmonies when alone in your car. At least now you can get the synchronization bonus for doing it!

The Best of 2009

I emerge from my winter hibernation to share my Best of 2009 list. Instead of sharing several top ten lists, I decided to choose my absolute favorites from the year in arts and media. This means, of course, that there are plenty of great things that I won't mention, so I am guessing that I will hear from those of you who think I have made any gross oversights. In fact, I hope I do...

Best MOVIES:

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wes Anderson's latest brings together a retro claymation style with his usual blend of quirky, neurotic characters with family issues. The result is a kid-friendly film that is both heart-warming, humorous, and odd. I always love the off-beat pace of Anderson's films and here the cartoonish elements of his style are pleasantly exaggerated.

Best Parts: Ash's insistence that he is an athlete, the use of cuss, and the mystical appearance of the Wolf.

Where the Wild Things Are
This is another great example of a kids' book being interpreted and elaborated on in an intelligent and thoughtful way. Spike Jonze's version of Maurice Sendak's picture book brings to life the easily overlooked depth of the simple tale. The Muppet characters and set design haunted me for days later, but in a good way. Older kids would enjoy this movie--it's magical and kind of scary--but the film's themes of loneliness and isolation will resonate even more strongly with adults.

Best Parts: the best fort ever and the wild rumpus.

Best ALBUMS

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes - Up From Below

I hear they put on a killer live show that dwarfs the energy of the album by comparison. Even so, the band's debut album is my favorite one of the year. Ridiculously full of hippie swagger and joy, Up From Below is full of both complexity, fun, and catchy tunes.

Best tracks: Janglin, Home and 40 Days

Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms

This album is a sonic journey that takes you from haunting melodies, to soaring vocals, to home-made percussions. In this sense, Patrick Watson is both a storyteller and craftsman. From the nervous energy of "Beijing" to the pensive restraint of "Man Like You", this album impresses throughout.

Best tracks: Beijing and Big Bird in a Small Cage

Best SONGS

"Chains, Chains, Chains" by Elvis Perkins

"I and Love and You" by The Avett Brothers

"My Body's a Zombie for You" by Dead Man's Bones

"Wicked Blood" by Sea Wolf

"I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas

Best of RADIO

All Songs Considered: Round Table Discussions

Bob Boilen is great on his own as he picks songs to showcase on All Songs Considered, but the show is at its best when he brings in Robin Hilton, Carrie Brownstien and Stephen Thompson for a chat. The result is much lively and intelligent debate about music and some friendly teasing and banter over musical tastes. Even if you can't stand the songs that they are showcasing, the round table shows are worth checking out for the non-musical entertainment.

Best example: The Holiday Mix Show

The Moth: "Gut Instinct" by James Braly

There are so many wonderful stories that I have heard on The Moth that to choose one is almost painful, but James Braly's tale of temptation and fidelity while on vacation has stuck with me months after hearing it. Braly's delivery of a simple story showcases his self-effacing sense of humor with painfully honest revelations. Listen to it here:
http://castroller.com/podcasts/TheMothPodcast/1182434

Best of TV

Glee

I had to check this show out for two reasons: first, it is a musical and I can't pass up a musical; second, I was sure it would be too horrible to stay on the air very long. On the latter point, I am delighted to be proven wrong. Glee is wickedly self-aware in its staging which makes the musical performances much less awkward than if it was a bit more conventional in its approach. It also helps that the songs are awesome. From Journey to Barbara Streisand to Beyonce to Creedence Clearwater Revival, there is a little something for everyone. The stand out performers here are Lea Michele as the budding Broadway diva and Jane Lynch as delightfully evil Sue Sylvester.

Best moment: Rachel performs "Rain on My Parade" at Sectionals

What did I miss? What are your favorites from 2009? Do you think I am wrong?

Can't wait to hear from you...