GenX13

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Best of 2020 (Pandemic Edition)

I'm posting this here for my own archives. If you want to help me out - make sure to go click and read it over at Cinema Sentries broken into three parts. If you need it all in one sitting - this is what I wrote.

BEST OF 2020 (Pandemic Edition)

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 for a Best of List 2017-2019. I debated how I would come up with a series of lists that were even comparable to previous years in a year that was totally driven into a ditch only a couple months in. But the show must go on and I still watched things, read things and learned even more. So without further ado, here's how the year played out.

BEST OF FILM 2020

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 2020 (when it was still an innocent December 2019)

PREDICTED BEST MOVIES OF 2020 (Dec.2019)

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 MOVIES OF 2020 (Seen in theaters / or streaming if released there)

My goal each year is to view at least 25 movies in the theaters. For obvious reasons, this year fell way, way, way short of that goal. This limited group of films is going to omit Documentaries because those will play a role in later lists.

1. 1917. It was a holdover from 2019 but it pressed all the right buttons for me. It was historically accurate, set during my favorite war to learn about and a pleasure to see on the big screen. If I was only going to see a handful of films at the theater this year, I'm glad I got this one under my belt.
2. STAR WARS: RISE OF SKYWALKER. Another late 2019 that was a 2020 film for me. My streak of seeing all of the theatrical "Star Wars" films in the theater stays alive. I don't get the detracters of this film. I thought it was consistent with the content and quality that I've come to expect from this series in the past decade. J.J. Abrams isn't at his usual storytelling but I went for straight up entertainment and that's what I got.

3. WONDER WOMAN 1984. It wasn't great after the first thirty minutes. That's how few new non-documentary films I watched this year.

4. HAMILTON. Does this count? It's not really a "movie" but it was as close as I got to anything else new this year. It was very entertaining but really made me want to see it on the stage.

BEST MOVIES I DIDN'T SEE IN 2020

If this list follows the pattern of previous years -- I'll watch 2-3 of these in the next couple weeks and then the rest of them will float to the top of my viewing list sometime in 2028. For comparison, I have watched 2 of last years "Best I Didn't See" and still haven't watched "The Joker" or "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood".

1. TENET. Not seeing it in theaters took lots of my interest out of watching it for now. I'm sure it's probably a really interesting film but the opportunity has been missed.
2. SOUL. No excuses but I haven't watched this Pixar effort yet.
3. NOMADLAND. Because Frances McDormand.
4. THE NEST. Appears to have the best soundtrack of the year.
5. SHAUN THE SHEEP: FARMAGEDDON. How did I miss this?
6. THE ASSISTANT
7. NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS
8. MANK. Mixed reviews for this David Fincher piece but looks good.
9. BLOW THE MAN DOWN.
10. WOLFWALKERS. Because animation is always on my list.

BEST DOCUMENTARIES OF 2020

This year I decided to start a project to delve into the Documentary genre. It has always been a favorite genre of mine but I realized that I had approached it very haphazardly. This project that will continue into 2021 is meant to keep up with the most current releases and explore some of the classics of the genre. I am only 180 films in and I have only barely scratched the surface. This list is the best of this current year that I watched.

1. THE PAINTER AND THE THIEF. There are four to five distinct types of documentaries these days including True Crime, Biography, Historical, Slice of Life and Nature/Environment. This story fills many of the categories. To say it's the story of an artist who befriends the man who stole her paintings only draws the frame. Like all the best stories I saw this year, it's enlightening and it's relatable on a very human level.

2. DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD. Confronting death as a concept is not a new subject. Confronting one's own death over and over with humor is refreshing.

3. CRIP CAMP. A story that covers the human spirit and then becomes this historically important event that I never saw coming.

4. MCMILLIONS. The HBO series on the McDonald's Monopoloy scandal is one of those that just kept getting more surreal as each episode played out. Worth your time.

5. JASPER MALL. The slice of life of a dying mall in Alabama is fascinating.

6. BLOODY NOSE, EMPTY POCKETS. The dive bar closing is a great companion piece to #5.

7. TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. Want to be more depressed about the early days of the Pandemic? Here you go.

8. WELCOME TO CHECHNYA. This LGBTQ film is not just a great story but cutting edge use of masking technology.

9. SPACESHIP EARTH

10. ATHLETE A.

That list still omits great biographies of the Bee Gees, Belushi, the Tiger King, Joseph McCarthy, Natalie Woods and the Go-Go's. It leaves off "Be Water" and "The Last Dance". There's even no "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" or "Atlanta's Missing and Murdered".

BEST DOCUMENTARIES PRE-2020

Here's a quick list of the best older documentaries that came to me this year. I'm still missing some significant pieces.

1. THE 7-UP SERIES. I'm waiting for 63-UP to make it over here. This sociological masterpiece up to 56-UP is an amazing look into the lives of everyday people and the importance of our youngest years.

2. GREY GARDENS (1976). The original slice-of-life documentary is still incredible.

3. THIN BLUE LINE (1988) This has to be a hinge for all current True Crime docs.

4. HOOP DREAMS (1994). Before they ever thought up 30 FOR 30, this was and still is near the top of all Sports Docmentaries.

5. THE INVENTOR: OUT FOR BLOOD IN SILICON VALLEY (2019) the rise and fall of Theranos is fascinating and serves as a cautionary tale for how we view companies in the 2020's.

6. WHEN WE WERE KINGS (1996). The greatness of Ali from a sports and a political point of view.

7. ROBIN WILLIAMS: COME INSIDE MY MIND (2018) a genius pure and simple

8. AMY (2015) The musical biography that I judge all of the ones since then by.

9. KING OF KONG: A FISTFUL OF QUARTERS (2007) a story of getting a high score in Donkey Kong serves to tells us about how we view accomplishments in life.

10. PARIS IS BURNING (1990)

BEST MOVIES OF 1970

The past two years I took deep dives into 1988 and 1989. We turn back the calendar this year and look at 1970 from all angles. My knowledge of the early 70s is lacking until 1972-1974 at best. I tried to consume the year from mulitple sides including news stories, books, music (lots of music), tv shows and movies. This year I only managed to watch 36 films from 1970. The year is an interesting mix of fallout from the 1960s and Woodstock mixed with an independent spirit that shows the start of genres that will dominate later in the decade. Here's the best of the lot.

1. M*A*S*H. This Altman film will influence one of the most important TV shows of the decade and it will help change the way that movies tell stories. This character study doesn't try to tell a singular story as much as use the characters to capture a larger anti-war statement.
2. FIVE EASY PIECES. This movie also lays the groundwork for what we will call Independent Cinema in the 1990s.
3. BIRD WITH CRYSTAL PLUMAGE. Groundbreaking for the horror genre.
4. LITTLE BIG MAN. I was surpised after not seeing this for decades how anti-establishment this movie really is at its heart. This deserves more credit as an important work.
5. BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES. Solely because of how much I admired it as a child.
6. PATTON. As we struggled as a country with how to view the Vietnam War, the stories of WWII and the Korean War helped bring our attitudes into focus without being a direct statement to the current conflict.
7. LOVE STORY.
8. TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA. Clint Eastwood and the Western are still strong.
9. BREWSTER MCCLOUD. Altman with two entries this year says something about where cinema is headed.
10. OUT-OF-TOWNERS. Neil Simon captures the lives of average couples in the 1970s better than most writers. His ear for dialogue is superb. This movie feels more 1970 than anything else.

There were plenty of 1970 movies that I just didn't get to because I was so focused on Documentaries. The best of the bunch I didn't watch includes AIRPORT, CATCH-22, RIO LOBO and EL TOPO.

BEST TRAILERS OF 2020

Because I didn't go to the theaters this year, I didn't really see many trailers this year. And what would they trailer since they aren't planning on releasing movies.

1. DUNE. Kinda taken by surprise by this trailer. So much so that I might even finally get around to reading the book.

2. A QUIET PLACE 2. I was looking forward to this as a good in-theater experince in 2020. Here's holding out hope for 2021.

3. BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIE. This appears to be the case of the trailer being better than the actual film.

4. THE BATMAN. I didn't think I was ready for another Batman film, especially this one. But after this trailer I might be convinced that the past two bad Batman experiences can be overcome.

5. THE FRENCH DISPATCH. Every year there's a Wes Anderson trailer it's going to make this list.

BONUS: GET BACK. While technically not a trailer but a "sneak preview", this looks completely mind blowing and I'm so excited to see and hear the Beatles on the big screen next Fall.

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 2021

1. NO TIME TO DIE (Apr) Let's try this again.
2. BLACK WIDOW (May) Will we be in theaters for this???
3. LAST NIGHT IN SOHO (Apr). Dir. Edgar Wright.
4. THE FRENCH DISPATCH (Jan) Dir. Wes Anderson.
5. GET BACK (Aug) Peter Jackson reveals the Beatles.
6. A QUIET PLACE II (Apr) I really enjoyed the Universe of the original.
7. THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT (Jun) I like this franchise.
8. GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE (Apr) Jason Reitman directs a sequel but not to the all-female version.
9. THE ETERNALS (Feb) Jack Kirby characters!
10. THE LAST DUEL (Jan) Dir. Ridley Scott

BEST OF TV/STREAMING 2020

No list I create is ever as difficult as creating any TV/Streaming show list. The list is fluid and only reflects where I'm at right now. It's really difficult to be an informed viewer these days. Sources include Basic Cable, HBO, Showtime, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc. Even in a pandemic where I don't hardly leave the house, it's hard to feel like you have all the best stuff covered. Here's what filled my days and nights this year.

BEST SHOWS OF 2020

1. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (FX) I finally caught up this Summer and it lived up to all the hype. I can't wait for Season Three. Amazing cast.
2. BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC) The best written drama on TV. Period.
3. FARGO (FX) The new season was back to what I loved about it the first season. Some incredible writing and acting really drove the day.
4. STATH LETS FLATS (HBO MAX) This English show is the inheritor to "The Office" crown of uncomfortable reality comedy. The title is a perfect description of the concept. Natasia Demetriou as Sophie makes her second appearance in the Top Four and she's the highlight here as well as her role as Nadja in "What We Do In The Shadows".
5. DC'S STARGIRL (CW) As the other CW superhero shows stayed relatively static, this show felt new and fresh. I think the shorter season works much better in this genre.
6. BOB'S BURGERS (FOX) Every week it's my guaranteed laugh and currently the best thing Fox is putting out.
7. UPLOAD (AMAZON) I really enjoyed this sweet little show and I'm hoping there is a 2nd season.
8. DOCTOR WHO (BBC) I have really enjoyed the Jodie Whittaker run.
9. DEAD TO ME (NETFLIX) Season Two really lived up to what I loved about the first season. Can't wait for a third.
10. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO) The spite-store!

A quick list of older shows that also played well in 2020 for me include BROADCHURCH, CRIMINAL MINDS, THE AMAZING RACE, and BATES MOTEL.

This list is also very fluid and based upon lots of feedback and reviews from trusted friends and sources. Don't give me too much grief for what's on here. If nothing else, suggest more additions.

BEST SHOWS THAT I DON'T WATCH (yet) (or have just started)

1. RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES (HBO) I'm keeping this up here because I really should have started it by now. It's totally me.
2. THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT (NETFLIX) They hype is huge but it looks like it might live up to it.
3. THE MANDALORIAN (DISNEY+) I know. I know.
4. OZARK (NETFLIX)
5. THE BOYS (AMAZON) I should probably read the comic book first.
6. SCHITT'S CREEK (POP TV) This award winner has finally caught my attention.
7. BROCKMIRE (IFC)
8. HARLEY QUINN (HBO MAX) Because cartoons.
9. I MAY DESTROY YOU (HBO)
10. DARK (NETFLIX) Why do I keep passing on this?

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. This year has started what I'm going to call the decline of the quality advertisement. Not too mention all the unimaginitve political ads.

BEST ADS OF 2020

1. MATCH.COM. SATAN MEETS 2020. You know that advertising is going to face the Pandemic more than television or movies will this year. It's our best immediate professional media and this one just tickled me.

2. NIKE. YOU CAN'T STOP US. year after year, Nike has the best movie quality ads. This is amazingly edited.

3. COORS LIGHT. SAD SNOWMAN. Beer commercials used to be almost all the top five.

4. MCDONALD'S. THE TRAVIS SCOTT MEAL. They still find some creativity.

5. RAKUTEN. ROCKET MAN. I love me some parody lyrics.

6. COCA-COLA. CHRISTMAS 2020. Because at least one of these should give you the feels.

BONUS. APPLE. THE WHOLE WORKING FROM HOME THING. It's much more of a short film than commercial.

BEST TV DEBUTS OF 1970

Television in 1970 was limited to three networks and most of Primetime was filled with movies. There were some important debuts in 1970 that set the stage for some of the great programs to come.

1. THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW (CBS) the perfectly cast ensemble of unique characters with a strong female lead is a first. The power of this show lasts most of the decade.

2. THE ODD COUPLE (ABC)

3. NIGHT GALLERY (NBC) The transition from "The Twilight Zone" to more adult stories in anthology shows to come.

4. PARTRIDGE FAMILY (ABC)

5. MCCLOUD (NBC) love this Dennis Weaver police drama.

BEST OF THE REST 2020

2020 BY THE NUMBERS

4,872,686 steps taken this year (2361 miles) (64 miles less than 2019)

365 Days walking over 5 miles in 2020
3 Days NOT walking over 5 miles since 1/1/15.
56 days with over 7 hours of sleep (twice of the 2019 number)
100 beers logged that were new to me this year.
0 times with the hiccups
32 books read (5th year in a row of meeting 25 book goal)

12,833 pages read in completed books
0 concerts attended
1 time swimming
36 films released in 1970 watched
17 unique taco joints visited
4 movies seen in theaters (short of 25 goal)
9 States visited
296 albums released in 1970 listened to in 2020
2 Major League Spring Training Ballparks visited

31 unique whiskeys consumed

BEST BOOKS I READ IN 2020

After almost a decade of not reaching my yearly goal of 25 books per year - I'm on a run of five straight years of beating the goal. This year's 32 books read were led by my continued Stephen King project that leaves me around 2001 as I read the novels in order.

1. KING - THE GREEN MILE. Reading it again for the first time since it was released in serial format. I devoured it just as I had back in the 90s.
2. DICK - FLOW MY TEARS, THE POLICEMAN SAID. I started getting into PKD this year finally and this was my first and I loved it.
3. TWAIN - THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER. Reading it for likely the third or fourth time and I still discover subtle bits of comedy that I have missed before.
4. KING - DARK TOWER IV: WIZARD AND GLASS. The series took a much different tact and I loved it alomst the most of any other book so far in the story. The next books coming up early in 2021.
5. CLINE - ARMADA. It's like he grew up in my neighborhood.

BEST RECORD STORES OF 2020

Project cancelled / delayed for obvious reasons. Stay tuned.

BEST TACO JOINTS OF 2020

This should have been the ultimate project in 2020. I have rarely been so excited to pursue a project as this one. Fast forward 2.5 months and 17 taco joints and COVID closes everything. Instead of taking all of them to-go, I suspended the project to be continued when we can sit on a patio again and enjoy them as a taco is meant to be consumed in the wild.

1. CRUSH TACO (Frisco, TX). This Frisco taco place is a bit hidden but those who know, they know. Consistently the best this year. Glad I took a chance to discover it this year.
2. TACO OCHO (Frisco, TX) Unfortunately I haven't been back here since February. I had read good things about the place and this is why I do these projects - to go out and discover places that I pass by most days to go to places I have been before. Plenty of other tacos on the menu here I'd like to try.
3. TACO CHELO (Phoenix, AZ) Before this all fell apart in 2020, I had a great set of tacos in a great setting. A beer and a patio and a plate of tacos is what this project was really meant to be.
4. FUZZY'S TACO SHOP (Little Elm, TX) We get Fuzzy's takeout most every Friday night and I still miss eating inside. A nice bar and a good dog friendly patio. I hope we can return in 2021. Try the shrimp fajita tacos.
5. 3 FLIGHTS UP (Frisco, TX). This place has the best beer selection of any of the places I had tacos at this year. The tacos were solid and unique too.

BEST WHISKEYS OF 2020

I consumed less beer in lockdown and sipped more whiskey. I'm discovering new worlds to me in a liquor that I've always enjoyed. Here's the best of the sweet brown nectar I had this year.

1. BUFFALO TRACE STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY. I can't always find it around here but when I can, it's a must purchase. The best sipper of the year.

2. WILD TURKEY 101 STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY. I was told to get this as a "beginner" whiskey and it's a great daily drinker.

3. OLD TUB KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

4. BASIL HAYDEN'S STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY. If this was more affordable, I'd have it in the pantry all the time.

5. SPEYBURN HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH. For the first year, I've actually learned to appreciate a decent Scotch. Although I find that I like the cheaper stuff first.

6. TULLAMORE DEW IRISH WHISKEY. I prefer this to the Jameson's.

7. JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL SCOTCH WHISKEY

8. JOHNNIE WALKER RED LABEL SCOTCH WHISKEY

9. BULLEIT BOURBON STRAIGHT WHISKEY. Another one that's a good daily drinker and almost always in the collection.

10. KNOB CREEK KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY. A trusted brand for sure.

MOST MISSED OF 2020

1. ENNIO MORRICONE. If movies had a Beethoven, this would be our maestro.
2. JOE RUBY / KEN SPEARS. Amazing that we lost both of the Scooby-Doo creators in the same year. The hours of entertainment that they have brought to me from youth until literally today can't be underestimated.
3. BILL WITHERS.
4. CHUCK YEAGER. The definition of a "bad ass"
5. CHADWICK BOSEMAN. The biggest shock of the year was also one that I can truly call a loss for all of us of probably his best works still in front of him at the time of his passing.
6. KOBE BRYANT. Even if not a Lakers fan in his days, I respect the game.
7. ALEX TREBEK.
8. JOE MORGAN. Also one of my earliest baseball heroes.
9. KENNY ROGERS. Now I guess it's "Islands in the Sky". Love his beard and his voice.
10. AL KALINE. My first Detroit Tiger that I really knew by name. And later knew by voice.

THINGS FROM 2020 THAT DIDN'T MAKE ANY OTHER LISTS

1. RIGBY. She is #1 again for a second year. But she has continued to be the biggest influence on my life. We routinely get up at 5am and walk and we go outside in sunshine and rain. We spend hours at the dog park and she's my TV and reading buddy.
2. HBO MAX. Bringing me Scooby-Doo, Warner Bros cartoons, DC Comics shows and some of the best classic and art films on any streaming service.
3. PODCASTS. Spotify has upped their Podcast game and it's been invaluable additions to my projects to listen to these at work and in the car.
4. LITTLE ELM CRAFTHOUSE. The most impactful local casualty of COVID for me was the loss of Little Elm Crafthouse. Todd and crew opened towards the end of my year of craft beer discovery. Before Rigby, they were my stop each Friday afternoon - I was their first customer and we'd just chat about beer, sports and life. They were a place to take a to-go order and enjoy a good beer with my meal. I had an almost flawless Trivia record there - only once or twice not finishing in the Top Three. These sort of small town places are going to be missed the most.
5. MICHIGAN BASKETBALL. Juwan Howard has brought me excitement that I don't have in Michigan Football anymore.
6. PUZZLES. The Pandemic turned me from a "only goes out for a quick drink and dinner" guy to a "welp, going to stay in again tonight" guy. In addition to more time to read, it gave more time for puzzles.
7. SPACEX Few things get me more excited than a new SpaceX launch and sending astronauts to the ISS and soon the moon gets us that much closer to a trip to Mars. I'll be a pain to be around when that happens. Just be forewarned.
8. DALLAS MAVERICKS. Pretty excited about this year's team, if COVID doesn't shut the whole thing down again. Since baseball and football are a mess around here - this is what we cling to.
9. YANKEE CANDLE. My obsession is now encouraged by the family so expect seasonal appropriate scents when you enter the house. Part of this obsession is an evolving love for the WoodWick brand too. Favorite scents of 2020: Whiskey/Oak, Balsam & Cedar, and Black Cherry.
10. PIZZA'S READY. This late entry into the year only opened a couple weeks ago but initial orders are promising for this to be our favorite pizza in town. New York style and the best sauce I've had in forever.

BEST PRINCE ALBUMS HEARD IN 2020

I started a new project to cover my other largest musical love equal to The Beatles this year. The Prince Project will go on at least another year. I really took the time to enjoy the albums and try to hear them for the first time again. It's hard not to be influenced by the articles I've read about the construction of these albums. But here's where you should start if you want a Prince journey.

1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987) I would have told you that this was my favorite Prince album before I started and nothing happened to dissuade me this year. It combines so many facets of music/lyrics/fun/dance/rock that I love about his music. It's a must. Start with "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker".

2. 1999 (1982) It's easy to only know the hit singles. Which alone might make this the #2 best. But the remaining tunes are well worth the listen. Start with "Something In The Water (Does Not Compute)"

3. PURPLE RAIN (1984) Much like "1999", it's the songs that weren't hits that really fill out this awesome album. Start with "Take Me With U".

4. GOLD EXPERIENCE (1995) Start with "Shy".

5. LOVE SYMBOL (1992) Prince gets down and dirty and funky here. This is his party album more than almost any other. Start with "Love 2 the 9's".

6. CONTROVERSY (1981) Really starting to discover what will become his incredible ten year run after this. Start with "Let's Work".

7. DIAMONDS AND PEARLS (1991) A few missteps but the band here is tight. Start with "Daddy Pop".

8. EMANCIPATION (1996) Lots and lots of music here that could have been edited down a bit. Start with "Sex in the Summer".

9. DIRTY MIND (1980) Raw musical talent and sexual energy. Start with "Uptown".

10. AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY (1985) Too often overlooked, this has some great jams. Start with "America".

BONUS: QUESTLOVE PRESENTS PRINCE (6/8/20) Questlove rolls out 5 hours of Prince songs with mixes you've never heard and a ton of background stories. And oddly, a life hack that frozen Cool Whip and fruit tastes like ice cream with fewer calories. YouTube background music here for days.

BEST BEATLES HEARD IN 2020

I picked up the Beatles Project from 1995-2005 this year. It's a secondary focus but I'm still going to finish the project. It's still very enjoyable to me.

1. BEATLES - LET IT BE . . . NAKED (2003) The stripped down mix of this album show off some of the raw talents of the group and feature the excellent lyrics. Start with "The Long and Winding Road".

2. PAUL MCCARTNEY - WINGSPAN: HITS AND HISTORY (2001) You couldn't ask for a better introdcution to the man's work. Start with "Waterfalls".

3. GEORGE HARRISON - BRAINWASHED (2002) I forgot how wonderful George was still into the 2000's. Start with "Stuck Inside a Cloud".

4. PAUL MCCARNEY - CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACKYARD (2005) Paul doesn't really ever just reinvent himself as much as he finds different passions and you can tell he's having fun here. Start with "Friends to Go".

5. JOHN LENNON - LENNON LEGEND: THE VERY BEST OF JOHN LENNON (1997) Not as good as the McCartney collection, leaving off some of my favorites, but you should start here if you don't own the solo albums. Start with "#9 Dream".

BEST PODCASTS I HEARD IN 2020

As I mentioned above, I'm very new to the podcast universe. I have sampled many of them but only listen to a few on the regular. Here's the very unsurprising (if you know me) list of ones that I spun the most this year.

1. PRINCE, OFFICIAL PODCAST. This has been a valuable background research tool. Memorable episode: "Up All Nite with Prince, Episode 2" on the 2002 tour.

2. SRORTSRADIO 1310 THE TICKET. Technically not a true podcast but a collection of segments. Since I don't drive as much anymore and I don't get to catch everything on the stream, this is a valuable catch-up tool.

3. SMARTLESS. Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. Each week one of them bring a special guest and then they all just chat. Memorable episode: "Ron Howard".

4. ROLLING STONE MUSIC NOW. Memorable episode: "The Making of Van Morrison's Astral Weeks and 1968's Secret History"

5. A HISTORY OF ROCK MUSIC IN FIVE HUNDRED SONGS. Tracing the history of Rock Music through the chronological release of the top songs of all-time. The early history is the most interesting to me as I discover more of the next generation in the 1970s. Memorable episode: "Hound Dog" by Big Mama Thornton.

6. THE KINGCAST. Good Stephen King related conversations. Memorable episode: "The Running Man and The Stand wtih Ben Cavell".

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 2020

1. A TRIBE CALLED QUEST - SCENARIO (REMIX). The top of this list reflects more time spent in the gym, especially at the beginning of the year. And research for a as yet unnamed project. Shhhh.
2. GUY CLARK - DUBLIN BLUES. There's the lasting influence of that Ken Burns documentary on Country Music that bled over to me enjoying lots of Guy Clark this year. "There's no need to forgive me for thinking what I thought."
3. PAUL MCCARNEY & WINGS - BAND ON THE RUN. I feel like this has been a Top Ten song since I got the 45 in 1980.
4. JAY-Z - HEART OF THE CITY.
5. VAN MORRISON - INTO THE MYSTIC. Also a song that often hangs out in my Top Ten.
6. CROSBY, STILLS & NASH - HELPLESSLY HOPING. My Woodstock listening year and a great documentary on Crosby helped this song bubble up. "Only to trip at the sound of good-bye."
7. VELVET UNDERGROUND - SWEET JANE.
8. LITTLE FEAT - WILLIN'. My long road trip was responsible for a majority of these listens.
9. BAND - THE WEIGHT. See #8.
10. FREE - FIRE AND WATER. Maybe the surprising entry but I discovered this song from 1970 and I couldn't get enough of it.

BEST ALBUMS OF 1970

What an interesting year of music. There's a 1960s hangover that is heavily influenced by the bands that played Woodstock. Groups that enjoyed popularity in the 1960s are trying to figure out where they stand with the changing times (see every Motown group). There's plenty of socially relevant lyrics, the evolution of Hard Rock, the explosion of Prog Rock and the infancy of alternative music (especially electronic music and proto-punk). Here's what stuck with me fifty years after their initial releases.

1. GEORGE HARRISON - ALL THINGS MUST PASS. I've celebrated this album many times before but here it goes winning another "award". Start with "All Things Must Pass".
2. VAN MORRISON - MOONDANCE. Also not a surprise. I'm amazed with each listen how he combines the best of great writing and great vocal. Start with "Crazy Love".
3. NEIL YOUNG - AFTER THE GOLD RUSH. Hearing this again, espeically compared to the music his peers are doing, gives me new appreciation. Start with "Only Love Can Break Your Heart".
4. CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL - COSMO'S FACTORY. I hadn't heard this all the way through until this year. It's a complete work from start to end. I forget how influential this band was to the next 20-30 years. Start with "Run Through the Jungle".
5. BLACK SABBATH - PARANOID. What can you even say. Just listen. Start with "Planet Caravan".
6. FUNKADELIC - FREE YOUR MIND . . . AND YOUR ASS WILL FOLLOW. Start with "Funky Dollar Bill".
7. GRATEFUL DEAD - WORKINGMAN'S DEAD. Call this the album that turned me into a Deadhead this year. Start with "Uncle John's Band".
8. THE STOOGES - FUNHOUSE. More on this in 2021. Shhh. Start with "Down on the Street".
9. VELVET UNDERGROUND - LOADED. This is what I love about listening to a whole year of music. You get the feel for how different and how far ahead some releases are for their day. This is an amazing album when you consider what else is being released. Start with "Sweet Jane".
10. CAT STEVENS - TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN. Start with "Hard Headed Woman".

It was such a great year for music because I'm leaving off great releases by The Who, Derek and the Dominoes, Beatles, CSN, The Doors and Led Zeppelin just to mention a few.

Thank you for your indulgence if you made it this far. My obsessions all stem from a desire to keep discovering and keep learning. The time I spend on these things is only rewarded by sharing opinions and observations with friends like you. So feel free to always chime up when I post things and make recommendations because my mind is always open.

Stay hard.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Best of 2019 (unabridged)

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.

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)

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.

BEST MOVIES OF 2020

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.

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

BY THE NUMBERS

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.

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.

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.