BEST OF 2019
From 2005 through 2012 I pretty consistently wrote my Sunday Morning Tuneage blog. It continued inconsistently through 2013 before being abandoned. Each year was punctuated with a series of Best Of . . . lists. While the blog still remains retired, I'm revived it last year for a Best Of 2017 and 2018. The feedback was enough for me to compile it again this year.
BEST OF FILM 2019
No other blogger is brave enough to pick their favorites before they see them. Here's what I boldly thought I'd be writing about in December 2019.
PREDICTED BEST MOVIES OF 2019 (Dec.2018)
1. AVENGERS: ENDGAME
2. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
3. X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX
4. MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL
5. ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL
6. CAPTAIN MARVEL
7. THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART
8. PET SEMETARY
9. TOY STORY 4
10. GODZILLA II: KING OF THE MONSTERS
BEST MOVIES OF 2019 (Seen in theaters / or streaming if released there)
I set a goal of 25 films in the theater each year. I haven't hit that goal in a very long time. This year saw me barely getting halfway there. So making a best of list is easy because I'm not working with much material.
1. KNIVES OUT. The industry needs the return of the classic mystery. It's so rare to find a good mystery that I wonder if my standards are low. But the more I think about this movie, the more impressed I am with the whole package - story, cast, direction.
2. AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Like the end to a decade long story. I needed the closure and wasn't disappointed.
3. PEANUT BUTTER FALCON. If you didn't think I'd like this film - you don't understand my connection to Mark Twain and Independent films.
4. BOOKSMART. Are there multiple problems with the plot? Yes. But as a reflection of today's culture it's a fun romp.
5. TOY STORY 4. They pulled off what I didn't think they could one more time. They made me care.
6. IT: CHAPTER TWO. Having just finished the book, I was probably a little more critical than I would have been. Taken as a whole, they did a solid job with the adaptation.
7. MARRIAGE STORY. Streaming only. It's great if you like talking and tension. I do appreciate that a film like this can still find a home because I don't see it succeeding in theaters.
8. CAPTAIN MARVEL
9. SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME. Silly but fun.
10. YESTERDAY. This is a film that I might like even better the next time around.
This is my list of shame. This is the list of woulda, coulda, shoulda. I am still catching up with my "Didn't See" list often 8-10 years later.
I watched the the first few decades of Spielberg films in 2018. I finished the remaining films that were directed, produced or executive produced by Steven earlier this year. Here's a brief best of the more recent years.
1. THE POST (2017) From a story perspective, there are shortcuts in the script that would have turned this into a two movie, six hour excursion in the past. I appreciate his mature storytelling as a director over forty years into his career.
2. BRIDGE OF SPIES (2015) This is probably Steven's best use of Tom Hanks as his Hitchcockian Everyman. He's fallen into the pit of the historical drama piece but this here plays very fresh. His use of the dreary setting plays well against the mystery to be solved.
3. LINCOLN (2012) I still think there was room to edit this into a more Lincoln-focused story.
4. MUNICH (2005) It might be his best film as just straight up film of the 2000's but it gets bogged down in some preachy moments that could have formed a tighter film.
5. READY PLAYER ONE (2018) Fun adaptation that doesn't try to be more than it really needs to be.
6. SUPER 8 (2011) His influence is all over this - love story to his early films.
7. ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (2011)
8. FIRST MAN (2018) Executive produced but feels like a work of his.
9. WAR HORSE (2011)
10. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (2008)
BEST MOVIES OF 1989
In 2018 I set about proving that 1988 was the worst year of the 80s and I think I proved that it was a pretty vacant year. I decided to clear the palette this year with the very respectable year of 1989 that I mentally have always thought as the first year of the 1990s. There was the death of many of the tropes and trends of the 80s and the start of what would be the best years of the 90s. There were some quality films and here are the best of the roughly 70 that I watched again.
1. BATMAN. It's pretty dated by superhero movie standards of today. But I can watch it with the eye of the day. There are the seeds of what would give us "Avengers" in thirty years. It's an enjoyable romp that serves as an important historical document.
2. GLORY. An important film in so many ways. I hope they watch this in History courses in high schools.
3. DRUGSTORE COWBOY
4. SAY ANYTHING. Cameron Crowe helps the teen movie genre move forward to what will be more college oriented films and what feels like the first Gen X film.
5. THE ABYSS. A perfect cross genre film that's equal parts Horror / Sci-Fi /Adventure.
6. CRIMES & MISDEMEANORS. Woody really pulled together a solid story here.
7. PARENTHOOD.
8. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. A relationship primer that really holds to truths even today.
9. MY LEFT FOOT
10. FIELD OF DREAMS. Such a sweet film that I could watch over and over.
I only watched around 70 films from 1989 this year. There are some great films that didn't make it to my eyeballs for one reason or another and so didn't make this list. The best I didn't watch include DO THE RIGHT THING, DEAD POETS SOCIETY, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, SEX, LIES & VIDEOTAPE and THE LITTLE MERMAID
The worst of the year is less clear . . . COLLISION COURSE, SHE DEVIL and AMERICAN NINJA 3 would all be in the running.
1. NO TIME TO DIE (Apr) I have been missing my Bond films.
2. BIRDS OF PREY (Feb.) I am still waiting for a portrait of Harley that I feel is authentic.
3. BLACK WIDOW (May) A well overdue Marvel character to get a solo film.
4. ONWARD (Mar.) Pixar needs to get back to non-sequel features like this.
5. WONDER WOMAN 1984 (Jun)
6. A QUIET PLACE II (Mar) I really enjoyed the Universe of the original.
7. DEATH ON THE NILE (Oct) The slow recovery of the murder movie genre continues.
8. THE LODGE (Feb) Good quality horror films seem to find a place early on in the year.
9. GODZILLA VS KONG (Nov) Dude!
10. NEW MUTANTS (Apr)
BEST OF TV/STREAMING 2019
1. STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX) I can fully admit there are some weaknesses in the plot but there just wasn't a more enjoyable show that combined my love of 80s settings, horror and Winona Ryder.
2. VEEP (HBO) This show has a bit of an honorary award here. The last season was definitely darker and after years of being ahead of the curve they were just trying to catch up with the crazy realities in Washington. It's already missed.
3. DOCUMENTARY NOW (IFC) The 3rd season still felt fresh and gave me a reason to review some more iconic Documentaries too.
4. WATCHMEN (HBO) A puzzle within a puzzle. I like the way they are letting the plot unfold and answer just enough questions to keep you going.
5. CHERNOBYL (HBO) Creepy. Well filmed. Great cast.
6. BOB'S BURGERS (FOX) There is no other Comfort Food series than this show. It's the most smiles I can guarantee myself in a week. I pick it over the other Fox Animation shows.
7. TRUE DETECTIVE (HBO) Season 3 redeemed the show after a lesser 2nd season. As a franchise, I think HBO should continue more like this. The time swaps were much easier to follow here than in other shows.
8. GAME OF THRONES (HBO) Not the ending I thought we'd get but overall there were lots of things destroyed by dragons. And the battle scenes paid off some lesser episodes from the previous season.
9. DEAD TO ME (NETFLIX) A perfect show for Netflix. I love that Christina Applegate had a forum to really let loose.
10. WHEN THEY SEE US (HBO) Just the type of powerful history short series that I love. Powerful in a way that "The Wire" is when it's rolling.
1. KNIVES OUT. The industry needs the return of the classic mystery. It's so rare to find a good mystery that I wonder if my standards are low. But the more I think about this movie, the more impressed I am with the whole package - story, cast, direction.
2. AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Like the end to a decade long story. I needed the closure and wasn't disappointed.
3. PEANUT BUTTER FALCON. If you didn't think I'd like this film - you don't understand my connection to Mark Twain and Independent films.
4. BOOKSMART. Are there multiple problems with the plot? Yes. But as a reflection of today's culture it's a fun romp.
5. TOY STORY 4. They pulled off what I didn't think they could one more time. They made me care.
6. IT: CHAPTER TWO. Having just finished the book, I was probably a little more critical than I would have been. Taken as a whole, they did a solid job with the adaptation.
7. MARRIAGE STORY. Streaming only. It's great if you like talking and tension. I do appreciate that a film like this can still find a home because I don't see it succeeding in theaters.
8. CAPTAIN MARVEL
9. SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME. Silly but fun.
10. YESTERDAY. This is a film that I might like even better the next time around.
BEST MOVIES I DIDN'T SEE IN 2019
This is my list of shame. This is the list of woulda, coulda, shoulda. I am still catching up with my "Didn't See" list often 8-10 years later.
1. PARASITE. This South Korean films looks just like the type of film I love sitting through on a rainy afternoon.
2. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD. I've heard mixed reviews but I feel like I really missed out not seeing it in theaters.
3. HIGH FLYING BIRD. Because Soderbergh.
4. US
5. 1917. Just haven't had time to get out to it.
6. THE DEAD DON'T DIE. Jarmusch directs Bill Murray!
7. AD ASTRA
8. THE JOKER
9. UNCUT GEMS
10. HER SMELL
BONUS: STAR WARS: RISE OF SKYWALKER. A few failed attempts and this will probably be the first film I see to start 2020.
BEST OF SPIELBERG PART TWO (2005-2019)
2. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD. I've heard mixed reviews but I feel like I really missed out not seeing it in theaters.
3. HIGH FLYING BIRD. Because Soderbergh.
4. US
5. 1917. Just haven't had time to get out to it.
6. THE DEAD DON'T DIE. Jarmusch directs Bill Murray!
7. AD ASTRA
8. THE JOKER
9. UNCUT GEMS
10. HER SMELL
BONUS: STAR WARS: RISE OF SKYWALKER. A few failed attempts and this will probably be the first film I see to start 2020.
BEST OF SPIELBERG PART TWO (2005-2019)
I watched the the first few decades of Spielberg films in 2018. I finished the remaining films that were directed, produced or executive produced by Steven earlier this year. Here's a brief best of the more recent years.
1. THE POST (2017) From a story perspective, there are shortcuts in the script that would have turned this into a two movie, six hour excursion in the past. I appreciate his mature storytelling as a director over forty years into his career.
2. BRIDGE OF SPIES (2015) This is probably Steven's best use of Tom Hanks as his Hitchcockian Everyman. He's fallen into the pit of the historical drama piece but this here plays very fresh. His use of the dreary setting plays well against the mystery to be solved.
3. LINCOLN (2012) I still think there was room to edit this into a more Lincoln-focused story.
4. MUNICH (2005) It might be his best film as just straight up film of the 2000's but it gets bogged down in some preachy moments that could have formed a tighter film.
5. READY PLAYER ONE (2018) Fun adaptation that doesn't try to be more than it really needs to be.
6. SUPER 8 (2011) His influence is all over this - love story to his early films.
7. ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (2011)
8. FIRST MAN (2018) Executive produced but feels like a work of his.
9. WAR HORSE (2011)
10. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (2008)
BEST MOVIES OF 1989
In 2018 I set about proving that 1988 was the worst year of the 80s and I think I proved that it was a pretty vacant year. I decided to clear the palette this year with the very respectable year of 1989 that I mentally have always thought as the first year of the 1990s. There was the death of many of the tropes and trends of the 80s and the start of what would be the best years of the 90s. There were some quality films and here are the best of the roughly 70 that I watched again.
1. BATMAN. It's pretty dated by superhero movie standards of today. But I can watch it with the eye of the day. There are the seeds of what would give us "Avengers" in thirty years. It's an enjoyable romp that serves as an important historical document.
2. GLORY. An important film in so many ways. I hope they watch this in History courses in high schools.
3. DRUGSTORE COWBOY
4. SAY ANYTHING. Cameron Crowe helps the teen movie genre move forward to what will be more college oriented films and what feels like the first Gen X film.
5. THE ABYSS. A perfect cross genre film that's equal parts Horror / Sci-Fi /Adventure.
6. CRIMES & MISDEMEANORS. Woody really pulled together a solid story here.
7. PARENTHOOD.
8. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. A relationship primer that really holds to truths even today.
9. MY LEFT FOOT
10. FIELD OF DREAMS. Such a sweet film that I could watch over and over.
I only watched around 70 films from 1989 this year. There are some great films that didn't make it to my eyeballs for one reason or another and so didn't make this list. The best I didn't watch include DO THE RIGHT THING, DEAD POETS SOCIETY, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, SEX, LIES & VIDEOTAPE and THE LITTLE MERMAID
The worst of the year is less clear . . . COLLISION COURSE, SHE DEVIL and AMERICAN NINJA 3 would all be in the running.
BEST TRAILERS OF 2019
1. STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (TEASER). The franchise still carries some residual magic for even old guys. The voices, the ships, the music. Chills.
2. BLACK WIDOW (TEASER) At first I thought this was either James Bond or Bourne. The spy genre makes it to the Marvel Universe.
3. WONDER WOMAN: 1984 (TEASER) The Golden Lasso and that New Order sample.
4. KNIVES OUT. This trailer does what very few trailers manage to do anymore. It gives you a really good feel for the movie plot and tone. And it gives no spoilers. Well done.
5. HONEY BOY.
6. GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS. Monster movie trailers are a special art form all to themselves.
7. JOKER. I think this trailer is the blueprint for all trailers in general. The way it is cut, the music, the quotes. It's all cookie cutter but damn if it doesn't make you think this might be a fun film.
8. PEANUT BUTTER FALCON. This is the opposite of what I usually want in a trailer. It gives away a ton of details. This trailer gives away some key moments in the film and yet it generates interest in a film that most people hadn't heard about before this.
This is my most uninformed list of the year. I don't read many magazines or watch TV shows about upcoming films anymore. I tend to find out through osmosis and YouTube telling me I might like a trailer. I lean on the comfort of favorite directors, favorite actors, franchises and sequels. Here's what is on my radar for next year.
1. STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (TEASER). The franchise still carries some residual magic for even old guys. The voices, the ships, the music. Chills.
2. BLACK WIDOW (TEASER) At first I thought this was either James Bond or Bourne. The spy genre makes it to the Marvel Universe.
3. WONDER WOMAN: 1984 (TEASER) The Golden Lasso and that New Order sample.
4. KNIVES OUT. This trailer does what very few trailers manage to do anymore. It gives you a really good feel for the movie plot and tone. And it gives no spoilers. Well done.
5. HONEY BOY.
7. JOKER. I think this trailer is the blueprint for all trailers in general. The way it is cut, the music, the quotes. It's all cookie cutter but damn if it doesn't make you think this might be a fun film.
8. PEANUT BUTTER FALCON. This is the opposite of what I usually want in a trailer. It gives away a ton of details. This trailer gives away some key moments in the film and yet it generates interest in a film that most people hadn't heard about before this.
This is my most uninformed list of the year. I don't read many magazines or watch TV shows about upcoming films anymore. I tend to find out through osmosis and YouTube telling me I might like a trailer. I lean on the comfort of favorite directors, favorite actors, franchises and sequels. Here's what is on my radar for next year.
BEST MOVIES OF 2020
1. NO TIME TO DIE (Apr) I have been missing my Bond films.
2. BIRDS OF PREY (Feb.) I am still waiting for a portrait of Harley that I feel is authentic.
3. BLACK WIDOW (May) A well overdue Marvel character to get a solo film.
4. ONWARD (Mar.) Pixar needs to get back to non-sequel features like this.
5. WONDER WOMAN 1984 (Jun)
6. A QUIET PLACE II (Mar) I really enjoyed the Universe of the original.
7. DEATH ON THE NILE (Oct) The slow recovery of the murder movie genre continues.
8. THE LODGE (Feb) Good quality horror films seem to find a place early on in the year.
9. GODZILLA VS KONG (Nov) Dude!
10. NEW MUTANTS (Apr)
BEST OF TV/STREAMING 2019
We live in a very high quality TV show era now. Maybe the top end isn't as strong as a decade ago but the number of very good shows is amazing. It's hard to even keep up with shows that aren't on your sourcing radar - HBO, Showtime, Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, etc. This list is as fluid as any here - ask me tomorrow and it might be different - but here it is at this time and place.
BEST SHOWS OF 2019
1. STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX) I can fully admit there are some weaknesses in the plot but there just wasn't a more enjoyable show that combined my love of 80s settings, horror and Winona Ryder.
2. VEEP (HBO) This show has a bit of an honorary award here. The last season was definitely darker and after years of being ahead of the curve they were just trying to catch up with the crazy realities in Washington. It's already missed.
3. DOCUMENTARY NOW (IFC) The 3rd season still felt fresh and gave me a reason to review some more iconic Documentaries too.
4. WATCHMEN (HBO) A puzzle within a puzzle. I like the way they are letting the plot unfold and answer just enough questions to keep you going.
5. CHERNOBYL (HBO) Creepy. Well filmed. Great cast.
6. BOB'S BURGERS (FOX) There is no other Comfort Food series than this show. It's the most smiles I can guarantee myself in a week. I pick it over the other Fox Animation shows.
7. TRUE DETECTIVE (HBO) Season 3 redeemed the show after a lesser 2nd season. As a franchise, I think HBO should continue more like this. The time swaps were much easier to follow here than in other shows.
8. GAME OF THRONES (HBO) Not the ending I thought we'd get but overall there were lots of things destroyed by dragons. And the battle scenes paid off some lesser episodes from the previous season.
9. DEAD TO ME (NETFLIX) A perfect show for Netflix. I love that Christina Applegate had a forum to really let loose.
10. WHEN THEY SEE US (HBO) Just the type of powerful history short series that I love. Powerful in a way that "The Wire" is when it's rolling.
Because there are 502 TV shows across the networks, cable, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+ and your favorites. I'm not even sure the term TV Show is correct anymore. Maybe it's just Show. And you know those people who say "It's on my list" but they don't even have a list? Well, I actually have a list and it might be ten years from now but I seem to get to all of these eventually.
BEST SHOWS THAT I DON'T WATCH (yet) (or have just started)
1. RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES (HBO) Shamed that I didn't start this when it was on.
2. BETTER THINGS (FX) This is that show that I see commercials for on every other FX show that I watch and always think it looks hilarious.
3. MR. ROBOT (USA) I've been meaning to get to this for the past three years.
4. FLEABAG (AMAZON)
5. BIG LITTLE LIES (HBO)
6. CASTLE ROCK (HULU) I really need to get going on this show.
7. EUPHORIA (HBO) The short scenes I've watched look hilarious.
8. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (FX) I know, I know. Don't give me grief.
9. BARRY (HBO)
10. DARK (NETFLIX) This has escaped me for a couple seasons.
1. RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES (HBO) Shamed that I didn't start this when it was on.
2. BETTER THINGS (FX) This is that show that I see commercials for on every other FX show that I watch and always think it looks hilarious.
3. MR. ROBOT (USA) I've been meaning to get to this for the past three years.
4. FLEABAG (AMAZON)
5. BIG LITTLE LIES (HBO)
6. CASTLE ROCK (HULU) I really need to get going on this show.
7. EUPHORIA (HBO) The short scenes I've watched look hilarious.
8. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (FX) I know, I know. Don't give me grief.
9. BARRY (HBO)
10. DARK (NETFLIX) This has escaped me for a couple seasons.
You remember the way I like trailers almost as much as movies? Ads are even more intriguing. One, there are fewer actual old time commercials anymore and for fewer and fewer products. Two, where do you even sit still for them anymore? For me it's mostly during sporting events but even then I usually have to see them in another setting to know to watch them. It has turned into the Internet showing me these fine little movies.
BEST ADS OF 2019
1. AVIATION GIN - GIFT RESPONSIBLY. Sequel commercials are great and even better when the wink is to another product like the Peloton ad.
2. SIPSMITH GIN - WE MAKE GIN NOT COMPROMISES. Put a swan in your ad and I'm in.
3. JIF - SQUIRREL. The surprising and disturbing image at the end make this unforgettable.
4. RENAULT CLIO: 30 YEARS IN THE MAKING. Is it schmaltzy and manipulative? Yes and yes and it's a beautiful 2 minute and 30 second story that is rich with emotion.
5. SICKKIDS VS: THIS IS WHY. If you can make it through children in the hospital while a children's choir sings Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" without coming to tears - then I don't know what hope there is for you. Take all my money, Sickkids.
6. MEDMEN - THE NEW NORMAL. For those wondering what Spike Jonze is up to.
7. ARGOS - BOOK OF DREAMS. Best drumming advertisement since the Cadbury Gorilla. And Simple Minds!!
8. NIKE - DREAM CRAZIER. Serena hits it out of the park with this monologue about women in sports. "It's only crazy until you do it."
BEST TV DEBUTS OF 1989
We're in this Golden Era of TV and people will often ask "When did this really start?". Maybe it wasn't actually started in 1989 but the seeds were planted. Here's the best TV shows that got their starts in 1989.
1. THE SIMPSONS (Fox) Debuting in December of 1989 this show really played an important role in pushing some boundaries in culture. Today it exists as a connection to these older days but it doesn't feel like a 30 year old show.
2. SEINFELD (NBC) One of the defining shows of the 90s got its start here and the way we looked at sitcoms was never the same.
3. QUANTUM LEAP (NBC) Sci-Fi done smartly.
4. COACH (ABC) I caught up with this comedy later on in the 90s and it's hilarious.
5. THE JIM HENSON HOUR (NBC)
6. LIFE GOES ON (ABC)
7. TALES FROM THE CRYPT (HBO)
8. SAVED BY THE BELL (NBC) The death knell of Saturday morning cartoons starts here.
9. DOOGIE HOWSER, M.D. (ABC)
10. ALIEN NATION (FOX)
BEST OF THE REST 2019
2. SIPSMITH GIN - WE MAKE GIN NOT COMPROMISES. Put a swan in your ad and I'm in.
3. JIF - SQUIRREL. The surprising and disturbing image at the end make this unforgettable.
4. RENAULT CLIO: 30 YEARS IN THE MAKING. Is it schmaltzy and manipulative? Yes and yes and it's a beautiful 2 minute and 30 second story that is rich with emotion.
5. SICKKIDS VS: THIS IS WHY. If you can make it through children in the hospital while a children's choir sings Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" without coming to tears - then I don't know what hope there is for you. Take all my money, Sickkids.
6. MEDMEN - THE NEW NORMAL. For those wondering what Spike Jonze is up to.
7. ARGOS - BOOK OF DREAMS. Best drumming advertisement since the Cadbury Gorilla. And Simple Minds!!
8. NIKE - DREAM CRAZIER. Serena hits it out of the park with this monologue about women in sports. "It's only crazy until you do it."
BEST TV DEBUTS OF 1989
We're in this Golden Era of TV and people will often ask "When did this really start?". Maybe it wasn't actually started in 1989 but the seeds were planted. Here's the best TV shows that got their starts in 1989.
1. THE SIMPSONS (Fox) Debuting in December of 1989 this show really played an important role in pushing some boundaries in culture. Today it exists as a connection to these older days but it doesn't feel like a 30 year old show.
2. SEINFELD (NBC) One of the defining shows of the 90s got its start here and the way we looked at sitcoms was never the same.
3. QUANTUM LEAP (NBC) Sci-Fi done smartly.
4. COACH (ABC) I caught up with this comedy later on in the 90s and it's hilarious.
5. THE JIM HENSON HOUR (NBC)
6. LIFE GOES ON (ABC)
7. TALES FROM THE CRYPT (HBO)
8. SAVED BY THE BELL (NBC) The death knell of Saturday morning cartoons starts here.
9. DOOGIE HOWSER, M.D. (ABC)
10. ALIEN NATION (FOX)
BEST OF THE REST 2019
5,004,620 steps taken this year (2425 miles)
365 Days walking over 5 miles in 2019
3 Days NOT walking over 5 miles since 1/1/15.
28 days with over 7 hours of sleep
116 beers logged that were new to me this year.
0 times with the hiccups
35 books read (4th year in a row of meeting 25 book goal)
0 concerts attended
1 time swimming
63 films released in 1989 watched
18 BBQ Joints visited
20 Breweries visited
13 movies seen in theaters (short of 25 goal)
11 States visited
300 albums released in 1989 listened to in 2019
6 Bourbon steaks from Applebee's consumed.
2 Major League Ballparks visited
3 University of Michigan Sporting Events w/Christian (football, hockey, basketball)
BEST BOOKS I READ IN 2019
After almost a decade of not reaching my yearly goal of 25 books per year - I'm on a run of four straight years of beating the goal. This year's 34 was aided by the speed of reading books for a second time as I started a run of Stephen King books. Here's the best of what I read.
1. KING - THE STAND. It was quite daunting to start through this marathon of a book again but my fascination with the characters and story was still as strong as it was the first time around.
2. TWAIN - OLD TIMES ON THE MISSISSIPPI. The adventures of a young Samuel Clemens learning to guide steamboats up and down the Mississippi was oddly applicable to jobs today.
3. STEVENSON - LUMBERJANES VOL. 1. I'm late to the Lumberjanes but I really love this series and I quickly finished Vol. 2 this year.
4. KING - SALEM'S LOT. I don't know that I had actually finished this novel before. It's a beautiful ode to his love of EC Comics and Stoker's Dracula.
5. TYSON - ASTROPHYSICS FOR PEOPLE IN A HURRY. I like to learn things.
FAVORITE BREWERIES OF 2019
This year's alcohol project was to sample more breweries. Then I got a dog. It ended up only practical to go to breweries when some of y'all visited and when I was on vacation. I was limited but here are a few of my favorites.
1. 8th WONDER - excellent location in Downtown Houston. Lots of good brews, food trucks (careful your order doesn't blow away) and Beatles statues.
2. LAKEFRONT BREWERY - one of many fine Milwaukee breweries I was able to try this year. Hard to pick my favorite but this was memorable.
3. HAYMARKET PUB & BREWERY - a nice quick Chicago stop with Mallory.
4. PETICOLAS BREWERY - one of my favorite Dallas stops and I didn't get to many others.
5. BACKSTORY BREWERY.
BEST BBQ JOINTS OF 2019
The eating project of 2019 was to sample the different BBQ joints in the area and around the country on my trips. The first thing that I didn't count on was the addition of a dog that would severely limit my ability on weekends to get out and sit at a restaurant and enjoy some BBQ. That said - I did enjoy being able to do much of this project with friends and two of the locations with Sister/Cousin, Mallory. The other fun thing is that almost without fail each BBQ Joint has a neon beer sign and plays Country music on the P.A. As a form of comparison I almost always tried brisket, sausage or a combo of both. In the end, I only made 18 outlets, thinking initially that I'd do at least 25-30.
1. SALT & SMOKE (St. Louis, MO) This wins based on two categories - best ribs I have had in decades, maybe ever. And I need to revisit when I can enjoy the huge selection of whiskey and bourbons.
2. LOCKHART SMOKEHOUSE (Dallas, TX) Superb meats in a great neighborhood.
3. HARD EIGHT BBQ (The Colony, TX) Great setup. Good service. Easy to get through the lines quickly. I love the pickles and sauces being available at their "bar". The selection of meats is second to none.
4. HUTCHIN'S BBQ (Frisco, TX) Always a line out the door for a good reason. Come hungry.
5. 18th & VINE (Dallas, TX) A little off the beaten path but I really loved this setting and excellent plate of meats.
HONORABLE MENTION: BAKER'S RIBS (Grapevine, TX) Excellent food and then the restaurant burned to the ground the next day.
DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THIS YEAR: LONGORIA'S and PECAN LODGE are the obvious ones I'm missing out on.
BEST SALSAS OF 2019
I thought I was missing out on salsas and so I started this project in January. What I quickly discovered is that there isn't much variety out there. You can look for interesting options at farmer's markets and small outlets but really other than one-offs your daily salsas are best found at your local grocery store. This project fizzled with only 37 entries out of what I thought would be 50 at the very least.
1. JARDINES CAMPFIRE ROASTED SALSA. This should be in every fridge. Roasted tomatoes with a great smokey flavor and just the perfect amount of heat.
2. MRS. RENFRO'S TEXAS RED CRAFT BEER SALSA
3. COCINA FRESCA SALSA SERRANO. A bit spicier than most people would like but perfect with a cold beer.
4. ARRIBA! FIRE ROASTED MEXICAN RED SALSA
5. JARDINES TEXASALSA.
MOST MISSED OF 2019
1. TONI MORRISON. One of the most important authors of our generation.
2. DORIS DAY
3. PETER MAYHEW. He brought my childhood so much pleasure.
4. LUKE PERRY
5. LEE MENDELSON. Talk about an impact on my life through the Charlie Brown specials
6. CARROLL SPINNEY. Big Bird.
7. GINGER BAKER. One of my favorite drummers.
8. TIM CONWAY.
9. CHRISTOPHER KRAFT. If you are a fan of the early space shots in the 1960s and 1970s then you know this guy as the fixture of Mission Control.
10. DICK DALE. Amazing guitarist.
2. DORIS DAY
3. PETER MAYHEW. He brought my childhood so much pleasure.
4. LUKE PERRY
5. LEE MENDELSON. Talk about an impact on my life through the Charlie Brown specials
6. CARROLL SPINNEY. Big Bird.
7. GINGER BAKER. One of my favorite drummers.
8. TIM CONWAY.
9. CHRISTOPHER KRAFT. If you are a fan of the early space shots in the 1960s and 1970s then you know this guy as the fixture of Mission Control.
10. DICK DALE. Amazing guitarist.
THINGS FROM 2019 THAT DIDN'T MAKE ANY OTHER LISTS
1. RIGBY. Nothing has more fundamentally changed my schedule/life than the little black lab puppy that entered my life in February. I get up at 5am and walk now, I spend 3-4 days a week at the dog park and I now am on constant vigil for what is being chewed up under the bed. I love her and hopefully she keeps making the good lists for years to come.
2. MICHIGAN BASKETBALL. Another surprising and fun run for this group of guys.
3. DISNEY +. The latest to the streaming wars pulls together some of my most favorites and will be a big player for a few years until I can watch all i want to see on there.
4. DALLAS MAVERICKS. With all the other pro teams around here racing to the bottom seemingly - it's nice to have a fun, energetic team that (fingers crossed) might be good for a decade.
5. KEN BURNS COUNTRY MUSIC. Full of missing stories and overlooked characters but ultimately the program reminded me of the classic Country that I enjoy and has put me down some fun rabbit holes these past few months.
6. PODCASTS. I don't listen to many of them on the regular but i appreciate that they are out there and available when i need to do some research.
7. VERIZON. I'm not going to tell you they are the best phone company out there. I'm going to tell you that after 19 years with Sprint that they are breath of fresh air.
8. YANKEE CANDLE. My obsession continues to grow.
9. RIGBY-ROO. Did I mention I got a dog?
10. BEER. I might be able to enjoy as much as I used to but there are still so many quality craft beers coming out that I'm rarely disappointed.
BEST BEATLES HEARD IN 2019
I started a Beatles Project in 2019 that with 98 entries so far will continue into 2020. I've listened to / watched most group and solo efforts through 1994. My goal is to finish this through the next year. Trying not to be absolutely "just the hits" I've put together my best Beatles tunes for this year. P.S. Best Beatles Album - "The White Album".
1. IN MY LIFE (Rubber Soul) "There are places I'll remember . . . " starts a song about love and aging and memories that's written by men in their mid-20s. It hits home more and more each year to the point that I want it featured at my wake. Goosebumps every listen.
2. ABBEY ROAD MEDLEY (Abbey Road) This 8 song medley starts with "You Never Give Me Your Money" and ends with "The End" featuring Ringo's greatest drum moments. The medley represents a culmination of the group and it also portends the four solo careers that they are about to embark upon. I appreciate the strength of these "pieces" that aren't great songs by themselves but stronger when connected.
3. SOMETHING (Abbey Road) George hits a home run with the best love song of a group that wrote lots of great love songs.
4. IF I FELL (A Hard Day's Night) Lennon writes love songs too.
5. ELEANOR RIGBY (Revolver) A kitty named "Ellie" and a dog named "Rigby". Say no more.
6. DEAR PRUDENCE (The White Album) "The sun is up, the sky is blue / It's beautiful and so are you / Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play?"
7. HERE COMES THE SUN (Abbey Road)
8. DON'T LET ME DOWN (Hey Jude) Billy Preston adds life to the band.
9. LONG AND WINDING ROAD (Let It Be). I love the "naked" version best. "Many times I've been alone / And many times I've cried / Any way you'll never know / The many ways I've tried."
10. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (Let It Be). "Words are flowing out / Like endless rain into a paper cup."
BONUS: STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER (Single)
BEST SOLO BEATLES HEARD IN 2019
The solo releases are a Universe all onto themselves. There's a rich story behind the evolution of each Beatle after the breakup. This list is just about as difficult and ever changing as the previous list. These are my favorites this year. P.S. Best solo Beatles album is George Harrison - All Things Must Pass.
1. GEORGE HARRISON - ALL THINGS MUST PASS. "Sunrise doesn't last all morning / A cloudburst doesn't last all day / Seems my love is up / And has left you with no warning" The song that should have been on "Abbey Road" sums up so much about the late 60s and early 70s. It's about love and life and grief and moving on.
2. PAUL MCCARTNEY - UNCLE ALBERT / ADMIRAL HALSEY.
3. GEORGE HARRISON - ISN'T IT A PITY. "Some things take so long / But how do I explain" The song should have been on "Revolver" and maybe the group would have used more of George's songs on subsequent albums. It's a beauty.
4. PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS - JET. Paul found a unique pop sound that was what we loved about the Beatles but was still uniquely his. This song is just about perfect.
5. JOHN LENNON - IMAGINE. It seems trite to still like this but seeing the making of it makes me appreciate it even more.
6. GEORGE HARRISON - MY SWEET LORD.
7. JOHN LENNON - LOVE.
8. JOHN LENNON - INSTANT KARMA. John has these moments when everything just comes together.
9. GEORGE HARRISON - WAH WAH
10. PAUL MCCARTNEY - TEMPORARY SECRETARY. This is the type of fun that Paul brought to his music in the 70s and 80s
BONUS - the best RINGO - PHOTOGRAPH would probably be next on the list.
I used to have lists on here about DVD's I purchased and music I bought. Those days are well behind us. Other than books I don't really purchase popular culture. I listen to music in the car (CDs and satellite radio) and the rest of my life is spent with Spotify on in the background most of the time. The addition of puppy dog, Rigby, has led to even more walks and more music.
MOST PLAYED SONGS FROM SPOTIFY IN 2019
1. BEATLES - TAXMAN. You will see from this list that most of my Beatles listening this year came thanks to Spotify. Lots and lots of time.
2. JOHN LENNON - WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT
3. BEATLES - I'M ONLY SLEEPING
4. PAUL MCCARTNEY - UNCLE ALBERT / ADMIRAL HALSEY
5. BEATLES - SHE SAID SHE SAID. When this song makes it you know I spent lots of time with "Revolver"
6. BEATLES - YELLOW SUBMARINE
7. PAUL MCCARTNEY - LET ME ROLL IT.
8. RINGO STARR - IT DON'T COME EASY
9. BYRDS - EIGHT MILES HIGH
10. CREAM - BADGE
BEST ALBUMS OF 1989
As mediocre as the year in music was in 1988, it was that much better in 1989. Everything about the best albums of this year feel like the start of the music of the 1990s.
1. BEASTIE BOYS - PAUL'S BOUTIQUE. Groundbreaking.
2. THE CURE - DISINTEGRATION. Still one of their most entertaining albums from start to finish.
3. TOM PETTY - FULL MOON FEVER. I appreciate this more each time I listen.
4. MADONNA - LIKE A PRAYER.
5. NEW ORDER - TECHNIQUE
6. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - MOTHER'S MILK. A bridge from old to what will become the new.
7. KATE BUSH - THE SENSUAL WORLD
8. THE STONE ROSES - THE STONE ROSES. I was so happy to rediscover this album.
9. B-52's - COSMIC THING
10. NINE INCH NAILS - PRETTY HATE MACHINE. So fresh sounding today.
1. RIGBY. Nothing has more fundamentally changed my schedule/life than the little black lab puppy that entered my life in February. I get up at 5am and walk now, I spend 3-4 days a week at the dog park and I now am on constant vigil for what is being chewed up under the bed. I love her and hopefully she keeps making the good lists for years to come.
2. MICHIGAN BASKETBALL. Another surprising and fun run for this group of guys.
3. DISNEY +. The latest to the streaming wars pulls together some of my most favorites and will be a big player for a few years until I can watch all i want to see on there.
4. DALLAS MAVERICKS. With all the other pro teams around here racing to the bottom seemingly - it's nice to have a fun, energetic team that (fingers crossed) might be good for a decade.
5. KEN BURNS COUNTRY MUSIC. Full of missing stories and overlooked characters but ultimately the program reminded me of the classic Country that I enjoy and has put me down some fun rabbit holes these past few months.
6. PODCASTS. I don't listen to many of them on the regular but i appreciate that they are out there and available when i need to do some research.
7. VERIZON. I'm not going to tell you they are the best phone company out there. I'm going to tell you that after 19 years with Sprint that they are breath of fresh air.
8. YANKEE CANDLE. My obsession continues to grow.
9. RIGBY-ROO. Did I mention I got a dog?
10. BEER. I might be able to enjoy as much as I used to but there are still so many quality craft beers coming out that I'm rarely disappointed.
BEST BEATLES HEARD IN 2019
I started a Beatles Project in 2019 that with 98 entries so far will continue into 2020. I've listened to / watched most group and solo efforts through 1994. My goal is to finish this through the next year. Trying not to be absolutely "just the hits" I've put together my best Beatles tunes for this year. P.S. Best Beatles Album - "The White Album".
1. IN MY LIFE (Rubber Soul) "There are places I'll remember . . . " starts a song about love and aging and memories that's written by men in their mid-20s. It hits home more and more each year to the point that I want it featured at my wake. Goosebumps every listen.
2. ABBEY ROAD MEDLEY (Abbey Road) This 8 song medley starts with "You Never Give Me Your Money" and ends with "The End" featuring Ringo's greatest drum moments. The medley represents a culmination of the group and it also portends the four solo careers that they are about to embark upon. I appreciate the strength of these "pieces" that aren't great songs by themselves but stronger when connected.
3. SOMETHING (Abbey Road) George hits a home run with the best love song of a group that wrote lots of great love songs.
4. IF I FELL (A Hard Day's Night) Lennon writes love songs too.
5. ELEANOR RIGBY (Revolver) A kitty named "Ellie" and a dog named "Rigby". Say no more.
6. DEAR PRUDENCE (The White Album) "The sun is up, the sky is blue / It's beautiful and so are you / Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play?"
7. HERE COMES THE SUN (Abbey Road)
8. DON'T LET ME DOWN (Hey Jude) Billy Preston adds life to the band.
9. LONG AND WINDING ROAD (Let It Be). I love the "naked" version best. "Many times I've been alone / And many times I've cried / Any way you'll never know / The many ways I've tried."
10. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (Let It Be). "Words are flowing out / Like endless rain into a paper cup."
BONUS: STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER (Single)
BEST SOLO BEATLES HEARD IN 2019
The solo releases are a Universe all onto themselves. There's a rich story behind the evolution of each Beatle after the breakup. This list is just about as difficult and ever changing as the previous list. These are my favorites this year. P.S. Best solo Beatles album is George Harrison - All Things Must Pass.
1. GEORGE HARRISON - ALL THINGS MUST PASS. "Sunrise doesn't last all morning / A cloudburst doesn't last all day / Seems my love is up / And has left you with no warning" The song that should have been on "Abbey Road" sums up so much about the late 60s and early 70s. It's about love and life and grief and moving on.
2. PAUL MCCARTNEY - UNCLE ALBERT / ADMIRAL HALSEY.
3. GEORGE HARRISON - ISN'T IT A PITY. "Some things take so long / But how do I explain" The song should have been on "Revolver" and maybe the group would have used more of George's songs on subsequent albums. It's a beauty.
4. PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS - JET. Paul found a unique pop sound that was what we loved about the Beatles but was still uniquely his. This song is just about perfect.
5. JOHN LENNON - IMAGINE. It seems trite to still like this but seeing the making of it makes me appreciate it even more.
6. GEORGE HARRISON - MY SWEET LORD.
7. JOHN LENNON - LOVE.
8. JOHN LENNON - INSTANT KARMA. John has these moments when everything just comes together.
9. GEORGE HARRISON - WAH WAH
10. PAUL MCCARTNEY - TEMPORARY SECRETARY. This is the type of fun that Paul brought to his music in the 70s and 80s
BONUS - the best RINGO - PHOTOGRAPH would probably be next on the list.
I used to have lists on here about DVD's I purchased and music I bought. Those days are well behind us. Other than books I don't really purchase popular culture. I listen to music in the car (CDs and satellite radio) and the rest of my life is spent with Spotify on in the background most of the time. The addition of puppy dog, Rigby, has led to even more walks and more music.
MOST PLAYED SONGS FROM SPOTIFY IN 2019
1. BEATLES - TAXMAN. You will see from this list that most of my Beatles listening this year came thanks to Spotify. Lots and lots of time.
2. JOHN LENNON - WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT
3. BEATLES - I'M ONLY SLEEPING
4. PAUL MCCARTNEY - UNCLE ALBERT / ADMIRAL HALSEY
5. BEATLES - SHE SAID SHE SAID. When this song makes it you know I spent lots of time with "Revolver"
6. BEATLES - YELLOW SUBMARINE
7. PAUL MCCARTNEY - LET ME ROLL IT.
8. RINGO STARR - IT DON'T COME EASY
9. BYRDS - EIGHT MILES HIGH
10. CREAM - BADGE
BEST ALBUMS OF 1989
As mediocre as the year in music was in 1988, it was that much better in 1989. Everything about the best albums of this year feel like the start of the music of the 1990s.
1. BEASTIE BOYS - PAUL'S BOUTIQUE. Groundbreaking.
2. THE CURE - DISINTEGRATION. Still one of their most entertaining albums from start to finish.
3. TOM PETTY - FULL MOON FEVER. I appreciate this more each time I listen.
4. MADONNA - LIKE A PRAYER.
5. NEW ORDER - TECHNIQUE
6. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - MOTHER'S MILK. A bridge from old to what will become the new.
7. KATE BUSH - THE SENSUAL WORLD
8. THE STONE ROSES - THE STONE ROSES. I was so happy to rediscover this album.
9. B-52's - COSMIC THING
10. NINE INCH NAILS - PRETTY HATE MACHINE. So fresh sounding today.
Thanks for all the time you've given me. I appreciate your patience with me through the year with my silly little projects. I hope to meet up with even more of you this year to accompany me with these shenanigans.
Stay hard.
sb
