Sunday Morning Tuneage & Weekly TV (1/27/13)

Still more January.  Maybe things will look more February next week.   The extra days and longer nights of work should slow down quite a bit for the next few weeks.  So, it'll be time to catch up on reading and Tivo and get back with the kids activities.  Caleb had basketball yesterday and it was another win, 17-2 - we're up to 3-2 on the season finally.  Christian made the JV baseball team for the season and it's only a couple weeks from starting.  Today should be relatively relaxing - watch some TV, grab my workout, eat some lunch and maybe catch a movie tonight.  Until then, I'm scouring the listings for the week to make sure Tivo has all the bases covered and listening to some tuneage . . . 

SUNDAY MORNING TUNEAGE

DURAN DURAN - HOLD BACK THE RAIN (12" Remix).    From "Rio" - this was always a song that I thought would get more attention.  It was the B-side to the excellent "Save A Prayer".  And this is one of the multitude of remixes of the song that were floating around - all of which I'm sure I had on vinyl and then again on CD-single.  They lyrics by Simon are about John taking drugs and staying out late at night.  Not sure they accomplished anything. But it's a great song that still gets me going.  

"Sometimes you're needed badly / So please come back again" . . . 

MARTIN BRILEY - THE SALT IN MY TEARS.  This song certainly qualifies as a one-hit wonder from the Fall of 1983.  I can't tell you much about Martin Briley before or after this song came out.  But it's also one of those songs that proved I wasn't crazy.  I heard this song in the Spring of 1983 when I was in England.  I thought it was great while I was there but when I got back to Michigan, no one had heard of it.  It took 6 months to catch up to the US and then it got a little airplay - mainly on MTV.  Still makes me think of that trip to England and my Nana.

THE BEATLES - TICKET TO RIDE.  From the "Help" album, this is often mentioned as one the The Beatles best songs.  I like it but I don't think I'd put it in their Top 50.  I love that the song has lyrics that can be interpreted many ways.  It's about a girl waiting to escape her small town life, it's about getting an actual bus or train ticket and it can be about sex too.  And even later, The Carpenters interpreted it as a melancholy breakup song.  Yet, who can't resist a sing-a-long with it on a Sunday morning.

SOMETHING RANDOM . . .  

DEADLIGHTS OF 2013 . . . Michael Winner wasn't a director that many people who don't read this blog know too much about.  I hope that the few of you that make their way through the Tuneage known his films - THE SENTINEL and THE BIG SLEEP are two excellent, underrated films from 1977 and 1978 . . . 

QUICK LIST (a random, uninformed list off the top of Shawn's head)

BEST DOUBLE ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME

10.  GEORGE HARRISON - ALL THINGS MUST PASS.  Actually a triple album - but it makes the list for being one of my favorite George Harrison solo albums.  There's a certain healing factor to these songs.  I love "My Sweet Lord" and the wise "All Things Must Pass" - "Sunrise doesn't last all morning  . . . Sunset doesn't last all day."

9.  STEVIE WONDER - SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE.  In the era of disco - we got the greatness of "I Wish" and "Sir Duke" and "Love's In Need of Love Today".

8.  THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE - ELECTRIC LADYLAND.  This is the most interesting of the Hendrix albums - it shows off his huge range of influences.  "1983" and "All Along The Watchtower".

7.  JOHNNY CASH - SINGS THE BALLADS OF THE TRUE WEST.  Excellent 1965 album with some really classic Western songs.  "Mr Garfield" about the assassination of the President, "Streets of Laredo" and "The Ballad of Boot Hill".

6.  ELTON JOHN - GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD.   In 1973 it's like Elton and Taupin couldn't come up with an outlet for enough tunes.  So many double albums feel like a single album with lots of filler.  Not this one at all.  "Funeral For a Friend", "Bennie And The Jets" and the title tune are just the start.

5.  JAMES BROWN - THE PAYBACK.  I didn't know this 1973 album was a double album until I tried to pick it up on vinyl.  On CD it's 72 pure minutes of funk.  This album and the following double album "Hell" are JB at the height of his powers.  These themes of revenge would go on to fuel Hip Hop albums for the 80s and 90s.  I love this album to death.  Most songs are one album side long.  Perfect party fare.

4.  PINK FLOYD - THE WALL.  Is this the King of Concept albums?  I thought I understood this album better before seeing the film.  This album got me through many a long car drive in the late 80s.  Still one of the best presentations of a double album too.  Great stuff like "Hey You", "Run Like Hell" and "In The Flesh".

3.  PRINCE - SIGN O' THE TIMES.  This excellent double album shows off all of Prince's influences - funk, soul, pop and old fashioned soul.  This is still an album that requires listening from beginning to end every few months.  Great stuff here includes "Strange Relationship", "I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man" and the best slow jam of the decade in "Adore".

2.  THE CLASH - LONDON CALLING.   I could have gone for "Sandinista!" in this spot but I think that "London Calling" is the type of package that represents this band and what I want out of a double album the most.  Great cover - awesome collection of songs. Multiple musical influences to keep the album fresh too.  "London Calling", "Lost in the Supermarket" and the secret track of "Train In Vain".  

1.  THE BEATLES - THE WHITE ALBUM.  Sometimes the best double album isn't about concept or clever album cover or even unifying groups of songs.  This is the most random collection of Beatles songs ever.  It feels like songs just thrown together every which way and yet it works.  It works because all the songs are clever and there's a feeling of experimenting that you don't get on the average album.  There really isn't a song that I don't like here - it's my go-to album for a car trip.    "Dear Prudence", "Piggies", "Honey Pie" and "Don't Pass Me By" and many, many more.

I'm judging the double album a little differently than I just my top albums of all-time list.  I'm taking the double album as a whole project - the gatefold album, the quality of the songs, the story it tells or chooses not to tell.  It doesn't include Greatest Hits packages that are double albums.  I'm leaving off some because they are essentially two separate albums that are released together - Outkast - Speakerboxx/The Love Below are two solo albums that came out together - excellent both but not a true double album.  I also left off soundtracks or definitely would have put Saturday Night Fever on here, as would Star Wars.  I kinda went away from Live albums too - leaving off Allman Brothers and the essential live albums by Kiss and Peter Frampton.  The worst?  It's not the worst but The Rolling Stones - Exile On Main Street is overrated when people call it their best album.  And Dylan's Blonde on Blonde is also not his best album as sometimes identified.  

NETFLIX PLAY NOW OF THE WEEK . . .  BUTTER is one of those films that looked hilarious in previews - much like a BEST IN SHOW meets WAITRESS - but then got terrible reviews when it hit screens.  Perfect for Netflix Instant viewing . . . CHARIOTS OF THE GODS was one of the first documentaries that I was aware of - it's a crazy doc that links the Pyramids in Egypt to extraterrestrials.  Glad to see it reappear on Netflix . . .  and for those that just need a laugh in their life - PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES will become a fixture in my queue.

Shawn's fave movies according to FLICKCHART

#97  - The Simpsons Movie
#348 - National Lampoon's European Vacation
#1433 - What Have You Done To Solange

RANDOM PROJECT UPDATE -  The HARRY POTTER project.  This Summer will be the 6 year anniversary of the publication of the last book in the series - "Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows" back in 2007.  I had read the first 3 books in 2000.  And then book four in about 2003.  But then just before the release of the last book I picked up book four again and started to read through the last book.  But after seeing the films - I was stuck about halfway through the last book.  But 2013 is the year for unfinished business - so I'm tying up some loose ends by finishing some books and series that I started.  So, I'm back on Harry and cruising along.  Even after seeing the films - there's nothing like the books - I'm back again with an old friend.

SHAWN'S TOP ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME (a tribute to the art of the album)

#51 - Steely Dan - Aja

In 1977, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen released an album that sounds like it comes from some nether zone.  It's hard to go back and listen to this album and figure out if it came out last year or in the early 1970s.  It's got equal parts of jazz and rock with some classic pop sounds.  I had heard the hits before getting the album but once I hit my Steely Dan phase and got this album I was very impressed.  With just seven songs, the album doesn't have any clunkers.  It's a timeless album that will have appeal to people in their 20s who are discovering good music for years to come.

Previous Rankings

#52 - Prince - Dirty Mind (1980)
#53 - The Stooges - The Stooges (1969)
#54 - Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill (1972)
#55 - The Doors - The Doors (1967)

#56 - Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends (1968)

THIS WEEK IN TELEVISION

MONDAY
THE BIGGEST LOSER (NBC)  It's been a good season.  There aren't the total tragic stories from previous seasons.  But I like the dynamics and I like the way they are incorporating the kids.    I think I'll be quite invested with these characters by the end of the season.

THE FOLLOWING (FOX)  All the signs say that I should be really into this new show.  But there's something missing.  I don't find a soul to this show - and that's just judging from the ads.  Anyone enjoying this?

TUESDAY
NEW GIRL (FOX)  Impressed that Zooey lets another cutie guest star on the show - Brooklyn Decker is a woman that Nick and Schmidt both fall for.

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE:  HENRY FORD (PBS)  If you're from Michigan like me, you might feel like you could tell this story yourself.  But I'm curious to see the PBS take on him with all the interesting footage they come up with.

WEDNESDAY
SUPER BOWL'S GREATEST COMMERCIALS 2013 (CBS)  An annual tradition around here.  But after years of watching these and watching the commercials for weeks after the game - I'm not sure we get much from it other than a preview of some of the better upcoming commercials for Sunday.

THE AMERICANS (FX)    I've got a decent feeling about this new FX series.  The network has a pretty good track record lately.  And this Cold War FBI vs KGB drama set in 1981 looks like it is one I'm going to end up watching once it is a season in.  I like the cast - not huge names but actors who have had bit parts in other decent series is usually a good sign.

THURSDAY
ELEMENTARY (CBS)  The series got a lot more interesting with the introduction of "M" and knowing that we are still looking for Moriarty.  Overall a fun new series, I'm anxious to see how they finish out the season.  It initially seemed like a short lived series and now I can see where it is going for a few seasons.

30 ROCK (NBC)  It's the 60 minute series finale of the show that I've known I need to watch and have made it this far without seeing even half an episode.  Thanks, Netflix, for always reminding me that I'll like the show.

FRIDAY
HOUSE OF CARDS (NETFLIX)  If this was on regular TV I'd be recommending this Kevin Spacey series.  But you can watch it all at once starting today.  All 13 episodes of the 1st season debut today.  The first two episodes are directed by David Fincher.

PORTLANDIA (IFC)  I'm almost done with Season One and moving on to Season Two.  New episodes air on Friday nights and I'm anxious to get caught up.   It's funny in a way that isn't the funniest show around.  I like it but don't love it, if that makes sense.

SATURDAY
COLLEGE BASKETBALL (ESPN)  It's primetime for Michigan vs Indiana.  The two best teams in the Big Ten go at it in Bloomington.  I'm into this season more than I have since the Fab Five.

CASABLANCA and THE MALTESE FALCON (TCM)  A classic double feature tonight with Humphrey Bogart.  You could do worse than just hang on the sofa with a bottle of booze and these films.

SUNDAY
PUPPY BOWL IX (ANIMAL)  I just can't do it anymore.  But it is usually ten times better than the mess that's the actual Super Bowl halftime show.

SUPER BOWL XLVII (CBS)  The Harbaugh Bowl is probably going to end up being another 49ers victory.  Best thing about the game might be the Elementary episode that follows the game.

FIRST FIVE YEARS OF SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC)  Usually there aren't any good shows opposite of the Super Bowl.  But this one is right up my alley.  Hello, Tivo, take care of this for me, please.

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR . .  this Fiat commercial goes on a little long but the "mom rap" is pretty clever as far as lyrics go.  And the delivery seems even better because of her English accent, I think . . . 

And I can't give up on Skittles commercials.  First the treadmill.  Is that Abe Lincoln? . . . 

And then the Liar, Liar one is still worth sharing . . . 

"And when you smile for a camera
I know I'll love you better."  - Steely Dan

It will come back to you.  Stay hard.

sb

Sunday Morning Tuneage & Weekly TV (1/20/13)

January -  you'd think it would get better.  But it just keeps going.  Maybe we're just biding our time to get to February.  The longest week of work is over.  The start of classes meant that I worked every day - Sunday through Saturday this past week and until 10pm or later everyone of those nights.  Hoping to avoid work today.  Wanted to go see a movie but not sure yet if that's going to happen.  I was able to fit in Caleb's basketball game yesterday - another victory for the team (25-4) makes us back to a respectable record of 2-2.  Hoping to catch up on some rest later today too.  I need to get back in the workout routine for the year.  Until I leave here in a few moments, I'm relaxing with my pets and the Sunday comics.  And listening to some tuneage to get myself motivated . . . 

SUNDAY MORNING TUNEAGE

FU-SCHNICKENS - RING THE ALARM.  This 1991 single was the first time I heard these boys from NYC.  It's got the reggae sample of the Tenor Saw song by the same name but it mixes in the super funky Brick song - "In The Hole".   I was lukewarm with their rap at first - I'd fully catch up with them by the time I heard "La Schmoove" with Phife.  Before 1991 ended I was a true Fuschnick.  Even after Shaq-Fu temporarily joined the group.  I appreciate this song and it's samples even more today.

THE HOLLIES - STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE.   This cover version of the Supremes song was the last minor hit for The Hollies in late 1983.  It's a typical British cover of that era - it doesn't have that Motown soul.  But it still has that Hollies harmony that you recognize from the 1970s.  But by the early 1980s they were pretty middle of the road.  I've been listening to lots of Hollies lately and this is a safe little hit but not their best work.

BJORK - HYPERBALLAD.  This tune is from the excellent "Post" album and I'm thinking that at some point in Tuneage-land that it's come up before.  I have had lots of Bjork come up and I'm not sure how to make sure I don't do songs multiple times.  Nor do I really care because I usually have a different take on a song at different times in my life.  This is a song that I was really into for most of 1996 and 1997.  And then Bjork seemed to disappear from my CD playing for a number of years.  Luckily it was iTunes and loading all my old CDs that led me back to her.  It has a fun Gondry video but I'm into her lyrics lately.  I like that this seems to be about her in a long term relationship - that after a number of years she wake up before him, goes out and throws things off a cliff before realizing how much she loves him and going back to be in his arms.  It's a lovely image of relationships that have last a few years or more.

SOMETHING RANDOM . . .  I can't really bring myself to put this under the commercials - it uses Coca-Cola polar bears but it isn't really an advertisement.  And it is here because anything that Ridley Scott directs is something I need to share with the world.

DEADLIGHTS OF 2013 . . . Vivian Brown might be the most famous graduate of my High School in Mattawan, Michigan.  She and her twin sister, Marian, graduated in 1945 as Valedictorians and after attending Western Michigan became well known for their style on the Kalamazoo Mall.  After moving to San Francisco they became well known and recognized after a Reebok ad in 1988 and then a series of ads after that.  She passed away last week . . . You might not know the name Pauline Phillips (I didn't at first) but you might recognize her pen name of Abigail Van Buren as the columnist Dear Abby.  I was an Ann Landers (her identical twin - doesn't that short circuit your brain?) reader but always would peak in at Dear Abby . . . Conrad Bain is always gong to be remembered most as the dad on "Diff'rent Strokes" but his role on "Maude" is unforgettable for those that watched the show. . .     a couple baseball biggies passed at once this week - Stan Musial had the awesome nickname of "The Man" and played before my time.  The records speak for themselves - this guy was one of the greatest hitters of all-time and will always be associated with the St. Louis Cardinals for me.  Earl Weaver until 1986 I knew him only as the hotheaded manager of the Baltimore Orioles - always seeming to get kicked out of games and one of the best managers that they ever put a microphone on during a game in all those MLB All Star and World Series films that aired during rainouts.  His name was also part of one the earliest best baseball games - Earl Weaver Baseball.. . Robert Chew was a dude that most people probably don't know unless they watched "The Wire" - he was Proposition Joe.

QUICK LIST (a random, uninformed list off the top of Shawn's head)

BEST TEAS OF ALL-TIME

10.  CHAI TEA LATTE.  I'm new to this one but in a very short time - like a month - it's cracked the Top Ten.  Tasty.  Not just at Starbucks - you can get some at Kroger too.
9.  ARIZONA TEA ARNOLD PALMER.  Both the LIte and the Zero are tasty.  I feel like this is a Summer drink for me and just can't get in the mood for it in the Winter or Spring.  See you again in the hot drives home from work this Summer, my friend.
8.  HONEST TEA POMEGRANATE RED TEA w/GOJI BERRY.  I don't know what a goji berry is but this is one of the best teas out there - get it in the glass bottle and drink it very cold.
7.  PEACE TEA - PINK LEMONADE.  The nice touch on the Arnold Palmer actually might be the best version of it.  This is currently the workday ice tea of choice.  
6.  SNAPPLE PEACH TEA.  It's good in regular and diet flavors.  Great drink while driving around town or watching some TV at night. 
5.  MINT MEDLEY.  Best aftertaste of any tea ever.   I like to smell it for 30 minutes before drinking.
4.  CHAMOMILE.  It works.  Makes me feel more calm and settles my stomach better than most medicines.
3.  EARL GREY.  When I went to England in High School I had not had much tea that wasn't called Lipton.  And then every tea I had there seemed to be this flavor.  I fell in love then and I've loved it - especially for breakfast - ever since.
2.  GREEN TEA.  I feel like I was late to the Green Tea party but when I first started it was really hard to find and now it's practically everywhere.  It's good sweet and unsweet - warm and cold.  And I feel like I'm actually doing something healthy for myself while drinking it.  Green tea drinkers burn more calories per day than non-green drinkers.
1. CHICKEN EXPRESS SWEET TEA.  Not exactly getting any of the health benefits by drinking this tea.  I'm glad it's not in a can because I don't want to know the sugar content.  I've had it on my no-no list for a few months now while I try to get my weight down.  But once I reach a comfortable weight - I'll be back on the Sweet Tea bandwagon and this is the best I've ever had.  It took moving to Texas for me to learn the greatness of the sweet tea.

I've had to leave off nice teas like Oolong, Lemon, Mango and Herbal.  It's funny that I wasn't a fan of tea until my teens.  And even then it took the love of it by my Grandmother and my poor days in college to discover how much I enjoy it.  As a guy that likes iced tea with dinner - I've had some terrible ice teas while out for lunch or dinner - usually just bitter and old.  The worst brand of store bought tea is easily the SoBe brand - nothing to like there.  And the single worst tasting iced tea is the Lipton Brisk Lemon Ice Tea.

NETFLIX PLAY NOW OF THE WEEK . . .   I've been watching lots of Silent films recently and developed quite the crush on the woman in this documentary.  MARY PICKFORD: THE MUSE OF THE MOVIES looks to be a decent rundown of her life. . . a few other docs are here on a slow week - FOR LOVE OF LIBERTY is about African Americans and their service in all of our wars.  And DELTA BOYS is about Nigeria, their oil reserves and the militants trying to usurp the money and power from the government.  Told you it was a slow week.

Shawn's fave movies according to FLICKCHART

#7 - The Omen
#125 - Alien
#1061 - Dalek's Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.

RANDOM PROJECT UPDATE -  The ELMORE LEONARD project.  The first book I finished this year was the Leonard - Valdez Is Coming.  I really ended up liking this simple, straight forward Western.  It's basically a little revenge story.  Not too much in plot - it could easily be an hour episode of a TV show.  I'm hoping to catch the film adaptation soon and I'm lining up another one of his Westerns to read next.  How about "Hombre'?  Anyone?

SHAWN'S TOP ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME (a tribute to the art of the album)

#52  Prince - Dirty MInd (1980)

This was Prince's 3rd album and it would still be another three years before he'd really enter my world in a big way.  I'd hear him on "Controversy" and then learn a lifetime of love for him starting with "1999".  At that time I went back to quickly purchase his past albums.  This one gets lots of teenager play - maybe partly because of the sexual lyrics.  But for me it's an important transition album in history - Prince incorporates sounds that will fill the post-disco era, shows off a transition from 1970s funk to 1980s funk and melds the upcoming New Wave sound into it all.  Already at a young age, the man is controlling everything - writing, producing and playing practically every instrument on the album.  And with songs like "Uptown" and "Gotta Broken Heart Again" he shows that it isn't all going to be about sex in his future.  This probably won't be the last Prince on this list (if you know me) but it's a great place to start if you aren't familiar with his music.


You won't find the Prince videos on YouTube - so here's the Cyndi Lauper cover of "When You Were Mine" (a fine cover).  Not many other good covers from this album.  Need a copy?

Previous Rankings

#53 - The Stooges - The Stooges (1969
)#54 - Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill (1972)
#55 - The Doors - The Doors (1967)

#56 - Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends (1968)

#57 - REM - Automatic For The People (1992)

THIS WEEK IN TELEVISION

MONDAY

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN (DISNEY XD)  The newest season starts with the in vogue Avengers joining the adventures including Hawkeye making his first appearance in this universe.

CASTLE (ABC)  Haven't got any pleasure from the past couple episodes.  Not compared to the previous seasons.  This one featuring the killing of the owner of "College Girls Gone Crazy" not only seems like last week's episode but like same story from three episodes last season.

HOARDERS (A&E)  Merlene was a famous model all set to inherit the Lear Jet fortune when she was suddenly divorced and now picks through other people's garbage.

TUESDAY

OUR AMERICA w/LISA LING (OWN)  After everyone discovered they have this channel last week for the Lance Armstrong interview - maybe they'll watch Lisa explore the underground "real versions of 'Shades Of Grey' ".

PARENTHOOD (NBC)  It was they first show to start the new season - right after the Olympics (remember those).  And after a season of tears - we get the early finale.  Kristina preps for more treatments and Sarah has to decide between the cute younger guy and the crotchety old man - we know how that usually ends.

WILD THINGS w/DOMINIC MONAGHAN (BBC)  From the folks in Britain who make the great documentaries is this new series from my acting crush Dominic "Not Penny's Boat" Monaghan.  Another series of the weird and freaky animals of the world - flesh-ripping ants???

WEDNESDAY
LIFE ON FIRE (PBS)  Documentary on the Nicaragua Masaya volcano - erupting frequently and yet people living near it and the jungle fighting to claim land back.

STREET EATS (TRAVEL)  Not sure if it's about food trucks or more likely just the vendors selling stuff that only seems like it would be eaten on a show like this.  And yet, I keep watching them.  This is a new one starting tonight.

THURSDAY
PARKS AND RECREATION (NBC)  Leslie gets April to take over a garbage route.  I'm all for more April and Leslie interactions.

ARCHER (FX)  That guy from that show I should be watching is on here tonight  - "Justified"'s Timothy Olyphant.

PROECT RUNWAY (LIFE)  For those that still care - I know a few of you - have fun now because Season 11 is starting.  Let the complaining begin.

FRIDAY
KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (FOX)  Why would you even invite Gordon over if your restaurant is called "Olde Hitching Post".  This won't go well.

DUCK DYNASTY and STORAGE WARS (A&E)  Without "Fringe" around - there isn't much left on tonight except to get down a bottle of whiskey and watch you some mindless TV.  Or there is GRAVITY FALLS on Disney if you don't know it already.

SATURDAY
ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN (SYFY)  Not exactly Dinocroc but this snowbound guy (or is it a lady?) has always been one of my favorites.

RIPPER STREET (BBC)  Still no one stepping up to read "From Hell" with me this year.  And BBC has a sense of decorum by airing FROM HELL just before tonight's episode.

U.S. FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS (NBC)  The afternoon is the Ice Dancing  - hoping to see Madison Hubble and Zach Donohue there.  Fingers crossed.

SUNDAY
GIRLS (HBO)  Haven't watched the 1st episode yet but I don't remember as many people jumping off a bandwagon since "Homeland" started this season.

DOCTOR WHO: THE DOCTORS REVISITED (BBC)  This little series starts tonight with the First Doctor.  I think people need more historical background to their Doctor watching - it didn't just start in the past few years.

But it's up against THE 39 STEPS and LADY VANISHES (TCM) as two of my most favorite Hitchcock films - they just show a talent for storytelling that is raw and exciting.

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR . .  the longer version is above.  This shorter version is an actual commercial.  Many of you won't take time to watch a longer video with animated polar bears. This one will only take you just over 30 seconds. . . 

Speaking of bears.  This one just wandered onto the set of this ad.  And see what happened after that . . . 

Progressive insurance ads are usually fun but not necessarily clever or funny.  This illustrates that I think - i like it but is it funny?

"It doesn't matter what I do

I can't stop, ah, thinkin' about U

The little things U said . . . "  - Prince

Get it outta your head.  Stay hard.

sb

Sunday Morning Tuneage & Weekly TV (1/13/13)

Long work days last week and longer work days ahead.  I'm not too fond of 2013 so far.  In fact, I'm ready to move on to 2014 and see if that one gets any better.  It's the start of classes tomorrow and so I've put in late nights the past 4 nights and I"ll be there tonight until we're ready to go.  It was at least a good weekend finally for Caleb's basketball team - we got our first victory of the season yesterday and there was much rejoicing.  The kids are back in school last week and there are grumblings as there is homework to be done today.  I'm looking up some online version of Sherlock Holmes to read and listening to some tuneage while I write this up . . .

SUNDAY MORNING TUNEAGE

THE BEAT - DROWNING.  This is from the middle of a three album run that defined the Ska movement for me.  It's also the least essential of the three - "Wha'ppen?" is from 1981 and has a few awesome Ska meets New Wave meets Rock songs - including this single that deserves more attention.  If you only know ska from the 1990s - then please ask me for a copy of "Special Beat Service" or the "What Is Beat" compilation - I'd be happy to talk some Ska with my friends.

DEF LEPPARD - ROCK OF AGES.  This album represents so much of 1983 for me.  You've got the sheer fun of the Spring of my Sophomore year with "Photograph" and then this song follows it up for the whole Summer.  It is trips to South Haven with the Polderman kids.  It's parties on Eagle Lake.  It's my last Summer ever with nothing to do.  Hard to believe my oldest is already older than I was when this song was out in that Summer.  And hard to believe that I still love this crappy rock song to death.

BLACK JAKE & THE CARNIES - WHERE THE HEATHER DON'T GROW.  I had a dose of Ska this morning.  And then some Rock.  And now iTunes serves up a bit of punk and bluegrass mixed together.  These folks from Ypsilanti might have more than this one album but I only know this one - I must have received it from one of the Michigan Strikeforce folks.  I like it and glad iTunes chose it for my Sunday morning . . . 

SOMETHING RANDOM . . .  last year it was a breakdown of 30 YEARS AGO TODAY and this year I just want a placeholder for something random that doesn't fit anywhere else - could be a picture, a video, a link to a story or just some words that inspire me.   This didn't inspire me but I had to read/watch it because of the headline - Al Roker: I pooped my pants at the White House  and then there was the "fallout" (I couldn't help that) - Al Roker can't believe people were shocked he pooped his pants

DEADLIGHTS OF 2013 . . . David R. Ellis was the little known director of HOMEWARD BOUND II, FINAL DESTINATION 2 and the more hype than substance film SNAKES ON A PLANE . . . Richard McWilliam helped create my 2nd favorite baseball card company of all-time.  I am a lifetime Topps fan #1 but Upper Deck took the industry to another level when they came out in the 1989 Baseball season . . . a famous name from a famous Michigan family passed away - Pete Elliot was Bump's brother and played on the great Fritz Crisler teams of the mid-1940s.  He was the star All-American quarterback on the 1948 National Championship team and ended with 12 Varsity letters - football, basketball, and golf.  Amazing. . . Sammy Johns is a relatively unknown one-hit wonder but if you are my age you know his catchy 1975 song "Chevy Van" . . . Jim Boyd was a member of the "Electric Company" in the 1970s . . . Patti Page had one of the most beautiful voices you would ever want to hear - she blended that classic country sound of the 1950s with the pop of the day - like Doris Day combined with Patsy Cline. Her best songs - "Tennessee Waltz", "(How Much Is That) Doggie In The Window" and "With My Eyes Wide Open, I'm Dreaming". . . 

QUICK LIST (a random, uninformed list off the top of Shawn's head)

BEST FICTIONAL CITIES

10.  METROPOLIS.  It has issues but ultimately a pretty cheery city with a good newspaper and a bright blue hero.  And if I can cheat - the Fritz Lang Metropolis would make this spot too.
9.  SHERMER, IL.  It was John Hughes' North suburb of Chicago from SIXTEEN CANDLES, WEIRD SCIENCE and THE BREAKFAST CLUB.  Want to go to that library and then walk across that football field.
8.  CASTLE ROCK, MAINE.  It dates back to the 1950s and STAND BY ME and continues into THE DEAD ZONE, CUJO and NEEDFUL THINGS in addition to being mentioned in countless others.  An interesting town with lots of interesting characters and stories.
7.  WONDERLAND.  Alice stumbled upon one of the craziest and wonderfully interesting places of all time.
6.  LOS ANGELES.  Fictional?  Well, when you consider I'm thinking of the BLADE RUNNER version.  Lots of dirt and grime but a really interesting place to hang out.
5.  EMERALD CITY.  It seems like the nicest place in Oz - the guy who runs it is a dolt but a nice dolt.  Good place to get your hair and nails done.
4.  GOTHAM CITY.  Darker than Metropolis.  There's a lot of bad things that keep on happening and lots of weird, scary criminals.  But they have the best hero you could ask for to cover them.  Stay away from Arkham - they can't hold a criminal to save their lives.
3.  SPRINGFIELD.  There's just too much to do on a single visit - too many people to visit.  There are 32 stories and more that I need to see.  I'm no Shelbyville guy - I want to move here.  Just not sure how to get there.
2.  CICELY, ALASKA.  When I started watching "Northern Exposure" I knew immediately that this town had a magic about it.  I really believe I could live here - great morning radio show, great traditions and I'll have dinner at The Brick every night.
1.  TWIN PEAKS, WA.  The most interesting cast of characters and also possibly the nexus between good and evil.  A nice casino across the border and I'll meet you for pie and coffee at the Double R Diner.

What makes a good fictional city?  Mainly how interesting the characters and stories are that inhabit them.  Sometimes it's one I would want to live in but for all of them I'd like to visit and hang out at the local diner.  What didn't make the list?  Bedrock, Arlen, TX, South Park, New New York and other animated series.  Just off the Top Ten - Dillon, TX, Hooterville and Mayberry. Other ones I just haven't visited enough fictionally speaking - like Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha County or wouldn't want to visit - like Mordor. I think that TV and books make the best towns because of the time we can spend looking down alleys and behind closed doors.

NETFLIX PLAY NOW OF THE WEEK . . .   For the James Bond fan who can't buy that expensive box set to watch extras - there's a documentary called EVERYTHING OR NOTHING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF 007 . . . one of my favorite movies of the 1970s isn't perfect but I'm always happy to see KING KONG (1976) again . . . and you know my love of BBC shows is deep - GAVIN AND STACEY, COUPLING and the must see of A BIT OF FRY AND LAURIE are all available now.

Shawn's fave movies according to FLICKCHART

#383 - Moneyball
#525 - Disturbia
#762 - Swordfish

RANDOM PROJECT UPDATE -  The AMERICAN VAMPIRE project.  I picked this up at the library a year ago obviously because of Stephen King's name on the first collection.  I was curious about the mixture of a story set both in the Old West and in the 1920s.  We got to know Skinner Sweet and Pearl Jones.  I was hooked by the idea of a new strain of vampires - more powerful, harder to kill in America.  In the past year I've caught up with all 4 of the collections that have been released - through 27 issues and the mini-series.  I didn't care for the WWII series as much as others but I really liked the story they chose for the 1950s.  Can't wait for the next collection - worth the time.

SHAWN'S TOP ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME (a tribute to the art of the album)

#53 - The Stooges - The Stooges (1969)

Another case of me being late to the party.  This album came out when I was two years old and I was almost twenty by the time I could identify any of the songs on it.  I had been into all of that 1980s punk music and was catching up with late 1960s music by The Who, Rolling Stones, Hollies and The Kinks when I came across this thing at the record store in Ann Arbor.  I bought it because of Iggy Pop's mop head and disinterested look on the album cover.  And I was transformed.  I had discovered part of the foundations of Punk and saw where Rock would take off into so many branches in the next decade.  It still sounds fresh today - maybe more than it even sounded in its day.  Iggy along with Ron and Scott Asheton brought a ton of energy to each song.  But it's the production by John Cale that takes it from something that might only have been fun live to something that I can still listen to a few times a year.  Only 8 songs on the original release and each of them are a sonic gem.  Start with . . . "I Wanna Be Your Dog", "No Fun" and "1969".

Previous Rankings

#54 - Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill (1972)
#55 - The Doors - The Doors (1967)

#56 - Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends (1968)

#57 - REM - Automatic For The People (1992)

#58 - The Who - Who's Next (1971)

THIS WEEK IN TELEVISION

MONDAY

THE CARRIE DIARIES (THE CW)  There's still a slight (although probably fading) chance that you'll get me to watch the "Sex and the City" episodes - I've seen a handful.  But I can't see a world where I would park myself in front of this show.

CASTLE (ABC)  After such a race to catch up with the series last year - and a really enjoyable one - I might actually be done with it.  Just has lost lots of its luster - see last episode.

THE BIGGEST LOSER (NBC)  Nice to have Jillian back yelling at everyone again.  And an interesting cast.  But I was worried about the addition of overweight children this season.  It's turned out to be handled perfectly.  The kids can't be kicked off the show and their stories are presented with care.  I hope that one or two get the clue.

FOOD FACTORY (DESTINATION)  Always wanted to know how Tootsie Rolls and Razzles were made.  Or did I?

TUESDAY

PARENTHOOD (NBC)  The best drama on network TV has been the hardest to watch this season.  And bring a box of Kleenex to the party.  The story of the Bravermans and Kristina's battle with breast cancer has been painful to watch and heartbreaking and rare for any TV show I've ever seen.

PIONEERS OF TELEVISION (PBS)  The third season of this fascinating show - if you care about TV like I do and probably few of you are as committed.

WEDNESDAY

ARROW (THE CW)  Firefly drops in from the Batman Universe.

BAGGAGE BATTLES (TRAVEL)  I forgot that I wanted to check out an episode of this show that's like "Storage Wars" on wheels.  Bid on lost luggage and see what toiletries you win.  Surprised to see that it's still around.

THURSDAY
ARCHER (FX)  Welcome back, Archer.  You crack me up to no end and have the best lines that I can never seem to do justice to in any stories to coworkers the next day.

PROJECT RUNWAY ALL-STARS (LIFE)  Speaking of shows that I didn't think were still on.

FRIDAY
FRINGE (FOX)  I've prepared myself for this.  It's the two hour finale.  Christian and I have watched a number of shows together over the years.  But this is this is going to be the show I look back as "our show".  He and I have watched every episode together - it lasted us from Junior High as his first real "scary" show to High School.  And the show is wonderful.  I love Sci-Fi because of shows like this.  Farewell, my Friday friend.

LAUREL AND HARDY MARATHON (TCM)  This channel does some cool things.  Airing Silent Films and early Talkies is just one of my favorites.  Tonight isn't a selection of the usual later Laurel and Hardy fare - this is a collection of some classic shorts from the early 30s including "Chickens Come Home" and "Politiquerias".


SATURDAY
STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW (SCI)  I've heard their podcast before and I trust this channel to produce some interesting shows.  Plus, you know I'm a sucker for stupid trivial knowledge and for the stories behind the stories.

RIPPER STREET (BBC)  I like BBC dramas.  I like Jack The Ripper stories.  I have already put this on my Tivo list for a Season Pass.  Time to read "From Hell" again?  Who likes Alan Moore?  Who's with me?

SUNDAY
CALIFORNICATION (SHOW)  Am I two seasons behind?  I love Fox Mulder and I'd love to hang out with Hank Moody but I'm not sure I have the energy to catch up now.

GIRLS (HBO)  I hope it's much more the last few episodes and not like the first few episodes.  I actually started to care about a few of the characters.  And not every woman was detestable by the end.

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR . . Always like the DirecTV ads - including this "What's cable worse than" because turtles creep me out . . . 

I like this little girl with her "January sucks" line.  I guess it's for the newspaper "The Sun" and not an ad for the actual Sun . . . 

If you're looking for a date - I'm not sure you want this creepy talking red heart doing your work for you.  But I like the "damn right I'm going to book the date" line . . . 

"No fun my babe no fun
No fun to be around
Walking by myself
No fun to be alone
In love with nobody else"    -   The Stooges.

Maybe stay home.   Stay hard.

sb

Best of 2012 (Part 2)

Thanks for all the years you've read my blogs.  I may or may not have a blog up next week - my Muse is currently missing and my energy waning.  In the meantime, we rejoin . . .

BEST OF 2012  Part 2

Last week was the warm-up.  This week is the main event.  Movies are things I get to go see about 10 times a year.  TV is something that keeps me entertained every day.  I'm entertained by all kinds of TV - I'll roll on some TLC, HGTV and reality shows.  But it takes more than bidding on a Storage Unit to make the best of the year.  We're in the middle of a great era of TV and here's the proof. . .

BEST TV SHOWS OF 2012

1.  THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)  Showed that you can change show runners and survive.  And thrive.  I liked last season, wasn't one of the people complaining about it.  But the drama certainly went way up.  I love where they are going with The Governor and Michonne.  It starts with a great Kirkman story but the casting has really made this series sizzle.  I never would have guessed that a zombie show would be a Top Ten show and set all kinds of cable records.
2.  FRINGE (FOX)  After 3 years at the top spot, the film moves down a spot for the final season.  Mainly it's because they're so laser focused on the end of the show.  They lost some of the stand-alone episodes that made it so fun.  I'm going to be finished with this show in a month and it'll be worth the ride.  I have a feeling this will be a series that folks will watch from beginning to end and really enjoy in the future.  Hard to imagine something like it coming again for a long time.
3.  COMMUNITY (NBC)  The show went meta last year - really meta.  I fear that the momentum for this show is completely gone.  In fact, I think that would have been a brilliant sendoff for the show - not much room for improvement.  Not the funniest show - but easily the most clever.
4.  GAME OF THRONES (HBO)  I love this show.  I will say that I have a hard time keeping every single story and relationship straight in my head.  But it's so different from everything else on the TV that I'm totally willing to be confused part of the time.  This show plays out like the best comic books - you end each episode feeling like you just can't wait to find out what happens next.
5.  BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)  Last season ended with what seemed like the end to the story.  And then they came back this season and hit even harder and stronger.  This was the best season so far by a mile.  The addition of Gyp and emergence of Capone made this a show that required watching immediately each week.
6.  PARKS AND RECREATION (NBC)  This show moves up a couple more spots because it is consistently the funniest show I watch.  The election was great but I"m enjoying the post-election stories even more.  This show just never has a low moment.
7.  GIRLS (HBO)  I respect what Lena Dunham is trying to do.  But I was disappointed with the first couple episodes of this show.  Then the series kicked it up a notch - the stories started moving and I became a big fan.
8.  VEEP (HBO).  A new entry into the list - Julia Louis-Dreyfus found a perfect role.  But Tony Hale might be my favorite of the bunch.
9.  TREME (HBO).  I think lots of people left this show this season and they missed out.  It's quite different than the other HBO shows.  It doesn't have the violence or dragons - it plays out over a whole season.  The stories just happen organically and the tapestry of characters are amazing.  I see that it only has a half season remaining next year - I'm sad about that.
10.  LIFE'S TOO SHORT / AN IDIOT ABROAD 2 / RICKY GERVAIS SHOW.  It's hard to separate all the arms of the Ricky Gervais universe.  They are all full of the most uncomfortable humor since "Curb Your Enthusiasm".  I can't pick which one I love the most but Warwick Davis is a welcome addition to the family.
11.  DOCTOR WHO (BBC)  As tired as I am of Matt Smith, it's still right there at the pinnacle of Science Fiction television.  

Just so you know which shows were left off the above list .  I wish this list had changed more since last year . . . 

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

1.  BREAKING BAD (AMC)  I'm still slowly making my way through Season One - I realize from that this is one of the greatest shows on the television.
2.  MAD MEN (AMC)  Just ready to start Season Two.  The people who don't think I should be watching "Breaking Bad" tell me that I should be watching this one for sure.  Probably both.
3.  ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC)  I could be convinced to get over my "Falbes" it's not bitterness.  People I love like this show enough to get me more interested.
4.  LOUIE (FX)  I'm still a couple seasons behind.  But I know it's one of the funniest shows on TV and exactly the type of show that tickles me.
5.  PORTLANDIA (IFC)  Started it on Netflix - just need to get back on board.  Not the funniest I've seen but easy to watch.
6.  JUSTIFIED (FX)  I don't have to be convinced that I will like it - just the time to watch.
7.  AMERICAN HORROR STORY:  ASYLUM (FX)  I wanted to watch last season and I've heard less about this season but I'm still down with the horror genre for weekly TV.
8.  SONS OF ANARCHY (FX)  This show just hangs around this list every year.
9.  DEXTER (SHOW)  As the show keeps plodding along it seems like a good time to finally get the show started and enjoy the good seasons of it.
10.  MODERN FAMILY (ABC)  Still getting around to it.

Falling out of favor from previous years - Enlightened, Homeland.

I chose fictional TV for the above.  But lots of time I just need to throw on some background TV while I read or start to fall asleep.  I probably watch too much - considering the great shows on the above list.  But I need my "junk food" television too.

BEST REALITY SHOWS OF 2012

1.  SURVIVOR (CBS)  After sitting just out of the top spot last year - this show made a nice run with two superb seasons. With "The Philippines" season just finishing - they've come upon a great formula - a few returning favorites, no more exile island and more time spent on letting the crazy people be crazy.
2.  THE AMAZING RACE (CBS)  The family tradition continues.  It is the only 60 minutes of the week that I can count on seeing all the kids at once.  This last season and the goat farmers continued to prove that they couldn't script this show any better than it plays out in reality.
3.  SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (FOX)  Suffered not from poor dancing - but from a weird schedule that had it off for two weeks during the Olympics where it lost lots of momentum.  Great dancing again and I appreciate them not having the traditional "vote off" show but they need something in-between instead of nothing.
4.  MYTHBUSTERS (A&E)  The more reality shows that hit the air - the more I appreciate this show.  Science can be sexy.  It teaches me something and keeps me lessons every time.
5. DUCK DYNASTY (A&E)  The new breakaway reality hit of the year is immensely quotable and very addicting.  Give me more Uncle Si!!!
6. HOARDERS (A&E)  I don't always love the episodes where the people are really mentally unstable.  I like the ones that just have collecting and cleaning issues.  I don't want them to be killing animals or pooping in bags.
7.  BIG BROTHER (CBS)  I watch this one all by myself - no one seems to have the stomach to make it through a whole season with me.  But once again, last Summer showed it had a few tricks up its sleeves with returning players as "coaches" - borrowing from the "Survivor" playbook has worked well for the show.
8.  CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (NBC)  I think the success of the celebrity version has made it impossible for people to be interested in the "real people" version of the show.  We like to see our celebrities lose it.  I just like the challenges and seeing how they do compared to what I would do.
9.  STORAGE WARS (A&E)  Not too keen on the Texas version but the original still has one of the most interesting scenarios of any of the shows.  It's one that I always seem to catch up with on vacation.
10.  AMERICAN IDOL (FOX) This show continues with decent ratings but it isn't what it used to be.  A rather decent crop of singers last season but I just didn't have that same draw to it as before.  Not sure of my long term commitment to it this next season.

Dropping off the list this year - "The Biggest Loser".  I like the new trainer but without Jillian, it just wasn't "must see" television.  This next season that brings back Jillian and adds families with children has the potential to be their best in a long time.  There are plenty of disturbing shows too - some that Dee watches like "Dance Moms" and ones she doesn't thankfully like "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo".  I also have never succumbed to watching anything that starts with "Real Housewives of . . ."

You remember the way I like trailers almost as much as movies?  Well, I love TV but I like a good TV ad even better sometimes.  It's shorter than a trailer and they can make you laugh and cry in 30 seconds.  It's harder and harder to catch the eye of the viewer.  This is my favorite part of my weekly blog usually.  These are the ones that stuck with me all year.  Many of these I've hoarded from my weekly blogs because they are the kind you play next to a Skittles ad.

BEST TV ADS OF 2012

1.   NSPCC.  The $#*! That Kids Say was made by people who obviously understand all of the college taught techniques of making a commercial.  But what you can't learn in college is how to present a difficult message with subtleness and heart in less than two minutes.  This little film haunts me.

2.  JOHNNIE WALKER.  I love the Game Of Thrones take in this Where Flavour Is King ad.  The folks at Johnnie Walker have a high bar to reach with me after their "Keep Walking" ad from a couple years ago - still one of my favorites of all time.

3.  THE GUARDIAN.  This is easily the most clever ad of the year.  Bringing the story of The Three Pigs to current day as it plays out as a Home Owner's Rights story and then morphs into an Occupy and Mortgage Default issue.  Excellent two minutes that are worth a 2nd and 3rd look.

4.  ALDI.  The tasty Australian ham is brought to us by the coolness of Surfin' Santas.

5.  NIKE.  In a year where they do a ton of great ads - this one is the most memorable and the simplest.  And one that should inspire us all.

6.  AXE.  This "Susan Glenn" ad is a brilliant piece of filmmaking - she's not a girl, she's THE girl.  This is a hugely relatable ad about those lost loves.

7.  PROCTOR & GAMBLE.  This "Best Job" ad released on Mother's Day is well done and if it doesn't make you tear up than I can't warm up your heart.

8.  CARLTON DRAUGHT.  I could make this list all of beer ads.  But this is one that can't be left off the list - it's a funny little film.

9.  SAMSUNG GALAXY 3.  It was funny when Apple made fun of stodgy PC users and now it's funny when the tables are turned on them.  And the people waiting in line are the easiest targets.

10.  COW & GATE.  Sometimes, advertisers forget the best rule of filmmaking - just let the action play out.  This cute group of babies doesn't need lots of brand identity or cutesy overdubs.  Just let the music play . . . 

11.  OLD MILWAUKEE.  This Will Ferrell ad aired during the Super Bowl.  But only in North Platte, Nebraska.  It cost $1500 to place the ad on that channel and it was one of the most tweeted and You Tubed commercials of the game.  Brilliant idea.  Funny concept.

I am not even sure I can come up with 10 songs or albums that I listened to in 2012.  I'm such an old man - I seem to spend most of my listening time on songs I already own instead of seeking out new music.  I can see the near future for me is a Spotify world where I hear all my new music through this app - the other oddly being MySpace where I discover some new music.  I rely on you all to keep me updated on new music.  Here's all that I could come up with . . . 

BEST MUSIC OF 2012

1.  JACK WHITE - BLUNDERBUSS.  The best album I heard last year is also the one that sounds like it was recorded in 1973.  The man has a talent - I'd call him unappreciated but he gets lots of appreciation - just not  ever going to get mainstream acceptance.
2.  BOBBY WOMACK - BRAVEST MAN IN THE UNIVERSE.  The best soul album of the year comes from a man who was singing in the 1950s.  So much to love and the Gorillaz producing shines through in the right places.
3.  HOT CHIP - IN OUR HEADS.  Love this throwback.
4.  ALABAMA SHAKES - HOLD ON.  I need to explore more of this group.  It's like Janis Joplin singing for Lynrd Skynrd.  I read lots of good stuff about the group but the single is one of the best things I heard this year.
5.  TAYLOR SWIFT - RED.  I really shouldn't like this album.  So, then, why do I love an album that has lyrics aimed at 18 year olds?  I love her voice and she seems to have a great sense of humor.  All my kids love this album so I'm bound to hear it the next six months too.  Trying not singing along to "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together".
6.  EL-P - CANCER 4 CURE.  El-Producto is known for beats not his flow.  He might be involved with better songs on his work with Killer Mike but this is an album that I got to know thanks to either Stitcher or Spotify - not sure which now.  But this album continues to grow on me as we hit year end.
7.  GOTYE - SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW.  I really tried to like the album.  It just doesn't have anything to match this single - so I"m putting the song itself in the #7 spot because it seems to define my Spring 2012.
8.  FIONA APPLE - IDLER WHEEL.  I haven't even heard all of songs on this album - it's quite dense.  But I love her vocals and lyrics.  It's a challenge of an album but also one of the best I heard this year.
9.  FUN - SOME NIGHTS.  Hard to avoid this group through the Spring and Summer.  Maybe I like this because of their use of marching bands on their songs.  A very 80s feel to the band helps me too.
10.  CAT POWER - SUN.  Beautiful vocals.  I know there's a big backstory to this album that I don't know about.  Actually, I read an article about her life but I don't remember anything more than it's a great vocal album.

What can't I get behind this year?  Easily it's One Direction.  They have a catchy sound that seems like a no-brainer for teen fandom.  But unlike Taylor Swift, it does nothing for me.  The other song to define the year will be "Call Me Maybe" - as catchy as it is, not one that can make a Top Ten.

We now have 5 iPods, a home computer, an iPad2 and two laptops that play music from the same iiTues.  So, the list of artists that are most played by this household is also determined mainly by a 9, 15 and 16 year old.  The play counts have been building for years and here's the current . . .

TOP PLAYED ARTISTS IN THIS HOUSEHOLD IN 2012

1.  FERGIE.  She's living off the popularity of a few years ago.  She racked up so many plays that I thought her unreachable but others are on her tail.
2.  QUEEN.  What was once a big lead is shrinking.  I still keep them high on the list but they could be caught as the kids listen to more music.
3.  JAMES BLUNT.  Dee still listens to "You're Beautiful" it appears.
4.  JOHN MAYER.  And apparently she listens to John Mayer too.  It's almost a dead heat between #3 and #4.
5.  LADY GAGA.  She fell off the most this year from last year - but a new release might be able to get her back up the list.  She's a guilty pleasure for all of us.
6.  MICHAEL JACKSON.  Can't blame anyone for keeping Michael on the list.  What amazes me most is to see the songs from random albums like "Diverse" that get so many plays.
7.  COLBIE CAILLAT.  A surprising entry to the Top Ten unless you remember all the dance practice that DeeDee does to her songs.  Looking at the list - it seems to be dominated by Dee's dance tunes.
8.  A-HA.  I am probably to blame for this.  I certainly enjoy them lots more than I did back when they were popular.  And they are at the top of most of my 80s mixes - alphabetically, of course.
9.  BAY CITY ROLLERS.  I had to double check this.  I don't even know who is giving this group that many plays.  Are the cats listening during the day?  Desmond?  I like the group - they are well represented on my iTunes but I wouldn't have put them in the Top Ten.  This is why I do this list for myself.
10.  BLACK EYED PEAS.  This is a off-shoot of the #1 artist.  But they are making a move up the list despite not having many new songs in the last year.

Retired:  Bill Cosby (he's dominated the list for so long that it will take years to unseat him for plays, so he's in the iTunes Hall Of Fame now and off the list)

My seemingly lifelong EIGHTIES PROJECT didn't get out of 1983 this year again.  I'm still compiling songs and putting together CD collections.  Even if I didn't have this project, I'm sure I'd be spinning lots of 80s music anyways.  So, for those keeping track, here's what plays daily on my iTunes and iPod.

TOP PLAYED SONGS FROM 1980 - 1983 IN 2012

1.  EURYTHMICS - SWEET DREAMS (1983).  One of the best of the decade is my #1 played!
2.  HALL & OATES - SAY IT ISN'T SO (1983)
3.  HALL & OATES - I CAN'T GO FOR THAT (No Can Do) (1981)
4.  QUEEN - ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST (1980)
5.  HALL & OATES - PRIVATE EYES (1981).  Seeing a pattern here. 
6.  ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (1981)
7.  BILLY JOEL - YOU'RE MY HOME (1981)
8.  EURYTHMICS - SOMEBODY TOLD ME (1983).  Underrated song from the "Sweet Dreams" album.
9.  LITTLE RIVER BAND - COOL CHANGE (1980)
10.  QUEEN - PLAY THE GAME (1980)

With the continued use of the iPad and the MacBooks, seems like there is always a screen going.  I realize I have the least imaginative Internet usage ever - here's where I spend time on the rare occasion I'm not working . . . 

MOST VISITED WEB DESTINATIONS & APPS OF 2012 (aka MOST TIME WASTED IN 2012)

This list does not include ones I write for - nor ones that my friends run or write for - I already spend lots of time looking around those.

1. TWITTER and FACEBOOK I've certainly grown more partial to Twitter than Facebook.  As the sites mature I become less interested in daily visits and more curious to check in every week or so.  They've each become the places I turn for local insights into stories that interest me.  And Twitter has proven itself to be the go-to place during breaking news - weather, sports and world events.  And even when I don't use them - I'd miss them if they were gone.

2.  NETFLIX  As this site keeps growing and growing -  I can see why people are cutting the cable and satellite cord.  Not that I'm actively considering that just yet.  But Netflix is my first stop after Tivo - it's been a brilliant home for documentaries, foreign films and TV shows.

3.  YOUTUBE  A few years ago I would have told you that this site had maxed out - it was just going to repeat itself for the rest of its existence.  But it has opened itself up to longer films and TV shows and it's become a destination again.  Almost daily I find myself using it as a resource for research.    

4.  MASHABLE  I get the weird stories from another site (see #8)  but I have tweeked this website with my likes and dislikes so that I count on this place for lots of my "news". It isn't as politically heavy as Politico or Huffington but it feels less preachy.

5. INSTAGRAM and TUMBLR   Hard to differentiate these sites.  I love looking at pictures of friends and family.  But I'm always blown away by the creativity of some amateur photographers.

6. HBOGO  Other than Netflix, it's the best app on my iPad and phone.  I love being able to knock out an episode while on the treadmill or on my lunch.  It's been fun to make my way through "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and line up episodes of "Six Feet Under" and "The Wire" to watch next.

7.  PINTEREST    Maybe, in the end, I'm not crafty enough to enjoy this website as much as it deserves.  But I still end up stuck here in a vortex of pictures and crafts and recipes.

8.  BUZZFEED   Seems like there are way too many of these type of news aggregate sites these days - soon some will fall by the wayside.  But for now, if I want to read someone else's lists or see pictures of the world's biggest dog then this is the place I head to read about the weird news of the day.

9.   I HEART RADIO       With all the music websites and apps - this is weirdly one that I'll find myself playing in the car - you know, the place with the radio is the place where I'll stream stations from other parts of the country playing songs I could hear on my local channels.  But then again - I can always hear The Ticket.

10.  FLICKCHART  Still one of the sites that I love to go with a whiskey on a weekend night.  What a partier.  I like ranking films over and over and over again.  It's nothing and fun.

I don't "collect" things like I used to.  Partially I got it out of my system with Gen X and mostly I got kids and ran out of time and money to collect them.  So, I've kinda replaced these collections with Projects - things that occupy my free time and feed the completist in my personality.  Like a true collector - I've collected more and more Projects along the way.  I end a few in a year but I start at least as many.  Here's a roundup of my favorite ones.

BEST PROJECT UPDATES OF 2012

1.  CASTLE.  This is the rare project that I started and finished in 2012.  I was able to catch up on 4 seasons and get current just before Christmas.  It's been a great series and I'm going to have such fond memories of watching episodes on my lunches in 2012.
2.  THE 500 BEVERAGE PROJECT.
3.  FABLES.  I finished "Jack of Fables" and caught up on the "Fables" books as of the Spring.  I even got greedy and branched out to the "Cinderella" books.  Now I've got myself behind a book and a novel - actually excited to get back into the project in 2013.
4.  THE 1982 LIVE BLOG.  This was a 365 day idea I had last year to live blog the events of 1982 - mainly what was on TV each night.  As it turns out - I only had the time and patience to make it through June.  Project abandoned.
5.  DOCTOR WHO.  Going back and starting with the 1st Doctor, I've worked my way up through the second half of the 2nd Doctor.  I'm really enjoying the Troughton stories- I'm nearing the end of Season 4 - reviewing "Tomb Of The Cybermen" again (one of my favorites).  I am still wondering if this project will ever get up to date.
6.  HUNGER GAMES.  It was the year that I finally got around to reading the series.  I knocked out the first two books before seeing the film.  And I'm stuck in the middle of the third.  As part of the project I'm also going to watch all the extras on the Blu-ray - that will happen here soon.
7.  MST3K.  I started this one at the very end of the Joel run to learn to appreciate the Mike Nelson run.  It isn't the usual project in that I've watched most of these over and over.  But I find it comforting to revisit them.  And I have an appreciation for the humor that I didn't have back when they aired.  A third of the way through Season 6 and they are strong to very strong episodes.
8.  AMERICAN VAMPIRE.  I started the series at the beginning of the year and just finished on the 31st with the end of Book 4.  I love Snyder's writing and you know I love me some Vampire stories.
9.  SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.  I seem to go on a run or two with this project.  I"m most of the way through Season Two and I know that it differs from my memories.  I am enjoying the time machine part of the trip.  Anxious for the good episodes that I know are coming.
10.  ELMORE LEONARD.  I just got started on this project of rereading the missing parts of his writings from my past readings.  I want to be more completist with my reading of a few authors and Elmore is one of them.  Loved my first Western of his "The Bounty Hunters".

I learned from some of my new projects last year.  I'm determined to start a few more this year.  Last year I had goals to see 25 movies in theaters and read 25 books.  Neither of those made it.  I'm still holding out for 20 books this year and hopefully 20 films in theaters.  Among other projects - I'm considering drinking 30 different whiskeys this year and eating 50 different cheeseburgers.  All seem rather easy to complete.  I overshot last year with the drinks.

THINGS FROM 2012 THAT HAVE TRIED MY PATIENCE

1.  FISCAL CLIFFS.

2.  MASS MURDERERS.  Not that they wouldn't always be the worst of any year but this need to ratchet it up and be worse and more despicable is a terrible trend.

3.  ANYTHING KARDASHIAN.  Add to that mix a little Kanye and it gets worse.

4.  MEMES.  Funny ever?  The first time.  Now just tiring.

5.  TWILIGHT.  Another year on the list.  Thank goodness we can put this to bed.

6.  YOLO and FIRST WORLD PROBLEM JOKES.  Funny at first.  Funny at second.  Losing their cleverness now.

7.  GIFS THAT SHOULD BE VIDEO CLIPS.  The Gif is rarely rewarding.

8.  KONY2012 and OCCUPY.  I understood neither of these and grew tired of them immediately.

9.  CHICK FIL-A / HOBBY LOBBY. They are just two of the offenders this year.  I don't even blame them necessarily - I just don't want to have to research the politics of every store or website that I shop at.  

10.  SOPA.  Thank goodness it didn't get any further than it did.  

THINGS FROM 2012 THAT DIDN'T MAKE ANY OTHER LISTS

1. IPAD.  The longer I've had it, the more I've learned to incorporate it into my daily life.  With a handful of useful apps, it is a music player, an organizational tool, my lunchtime entertainment and the book I read before bed..

2. OLYMPICS.  For a couple weeks this Summer - it was fun to watch sports that I don't normally seek out and to care about how USA was doing against the rest of the world.  It was a fun time and I can't wait for the 2014 Winter Olympics!!!

3.  SAMSUNG GALAXY II.  I didn't upgrade to an iPhone.  Instead I went with the Galaxy and not even the new one.  I am disappointed with the phone on my phone but I've learned to integrate the rest of it.  I actually think I look at it less than my old Blackberry in a day.  But this is perfect companion at the gym and when I have a few free moments in a line somewhere.  Wakes me up from a nap and tells me the weather accurately too.

4.  WHISKEY.  That brown, sweet brown liquor became about 75% of what I drank this year as far as alcohol goes.  I've cut way, way back on beer and wine in the last year.  It's nice not to get drunk but just have a glass before bed after a stressful day.

5.  BRITISH TV.   Staying in the same spot as last year with shows like "The IT Crowd", "Peep Show", "Red Riding Trilogy", "Sherlock", "The Hours" and a project that needs more attention in "Blake's 7".  They make some really great TV that I'm never overhyped on.

6.  TEXAS RANGERS / ARSENAL.  Both of my teams had seasons that had promise but ended with disappointment.  The Rangers season was wonderful up until the collapse the last two weeks.  The Arsenal season started poorly and was a long climb back to a good but not spectacular finish.  I expect mediocre results for both in 2013 but the future for both is getting brighter with lots of young blood.

7. TACOS.  I never stopped liking tacos.  But there are more and more places to eat them and more varieties to try than ever before.  Don't worry - I don't ever tire of going out for them.

8. 50 SHADES OF GRAY.  I didn't read it and the hype over it almost made me put it on the "worst" list.  But for a big supporter of the 1st Amendment - I like all the discussions and acceptance of "erotica".  It expands the acceptance of other genres.

9.  LIBRARIES.  And librarians.  The more I am interested in items from the past - the more these resources become valuable.  So valuable that I'm willing now to pay $50 a year to access a local library that carries the books I want to read.

10.  RIFFTRAX.  It's either seeing them at Comic Con, downloading riffs off their website or seeing them in theaters redo their classic MANOS: HANDS OF FATE.  So nice to see the MST3K tradition kept alive.

Thanks again for the time you've given me to ramble over the past few years.  These little letters to you aren't work at all - they are therapy.  When life is so busy - I look forward to sitting down and writing about things I don't always get a chance to talk to you about.  And hopefully, in the best of instances, these start more conversations.   This was a couple weeks to give you a snapshot of where we've been and you never seem to know for sure where you're heading.  I hope to see more of y'all in 2013 - more travel, more writing, more food, more fun.  

"You'll see
We take fun seriously
Remember to breathe
My girl you're getting stronger
Eye are bright and full of wonder
Tonight
If you want to step, I'll step with you
Walk ahead, walk through
You''ll be grown too soon."  - Hot Chip

 Don't deny your heart in 2013.  Stay hard.

sb