So Chiaki and I were going to go see Pedro Almodovar's Volver the last two days. But both days it has fallen through. Next plan, see it the day after Christmas. Well see how that works out. Once we see it I will be one step closer to making my Top films of the year list. I know you kids all love those don't you? Before I can even work on it I need to see three films: Volver, Letters from Iwo Jima, and Pan's Labyrinth. I will regret it otherwise. Last year I didn't watch Hustle & Flow and Crash until after words and I wish I had waited. Oh well.
I can officially write a quick Top 5 albums of 2006 list. I say Top 5 cause, to be honest, I really didn't purchase much music this year. It's sad, really. I am usually as obsessed with music as much as I am with film. I guess it wasn't the case this year. Matter of fact almost my entire Christmas list consisted of films. Chiaki made a pack that she would stop buying me dvds for Christmas cause I have too many. Proves me right, I guess. That's what my parents are for. I figure its a good way to educate me more for what I want to do in life. Teach film. And yes, I have gotten off my lazy ass and started filming out school applications and even sent my undergraduate transcripts to the two schools I wan't to get into: Ohio University's Graduate Film Studies Program or Bowling Green's Pop Culture Graduate Program. If I can't get the former I will settle for the latter. I am crossing my fingers.
So back to my Top 5 albums. I may as well going in reverse so here it goes:
5) Blood Brothers Young Machetes
Come can you really have a Top 5 list without the Blood Brothers. Great Great album. It seemed to be more consistent and flow alot better than Crimes did in my opinion. Still the chaotic boys from Seattle that you all have grown to love. As always, they are an acquired taste, but damn, if you like the flavor you can't really go wrong. Love it.
4) Built to Spill You in Reverse
Man, is this a good album. I have always been a fan of the guys but have kinda been out of the game of listening to them before the album came out. But who am I kidding they hadn't made a record for over 5 years so I guess they hadn't been in the game either. Wow, what a great album to wait 5 years for though. For all you new album haters out there, I call this one their Classic Rock album. Long epic songs like those found on a Led Zepplin disc. Think about it. They had that get ass tune about 'You Were Right' off of Keep it Like a Secret (an obvious nod to classic rock) and then the 20 minute cover of the Neil Young tune 'Cortez the Killer' on the live cd. This album was destined to happen really. I believe that people have to be in the mind set of their love of classic rock'n'roll to truly understand the brilliance of this record.
3) Mogwai Mr. Beast
If there was one album this year that made me find a new found love for a band that I was never a huge fan of before hand, it would have to be Mr. Beast. I will be honest, I really thought their 2001 release Rock Action was a great record but I never got around to pick it up so I pretty much fell out of contact with the band. However, after circumstances which I will dive into more below, I decided to give the album a listen. Man, I was I glad I did. This album really blew me away. This is great stuff. There are some many tunes on here that you want to put in a movie, it isn't funny. Actually Michael Mann had the same idea and through in a few for his film Miami Vice (including the amazing lead track 'Auto Rock').
2) Planes Mistaken for Stars Mercy
Wow. I mean Wow. If it were for my number one pick being released this year, this record would have blown every album out of the water. In typical Planes Mistaken for Stars fashion the album is incredibly raw, gritty, and just really really teeth to the dirt. And man does it just rock your freakin' socks off. Insanely relentless record that never lets you pause to take a breath. No more needs to be said!
1) Envy Insomniac Doze
Truthfully I don't know where to start. I have loved these guys for about 5 years now. They are somewhat of an acquired taste but they are simply one of the most amazing bands you will ever hear. I had mentioned earlier that there was a reason why I decided to listen to the new Mogwai album. Well it was because Tetsuya Fukagawa, the lead singer of Envy, was a guest on the album. I can even explain how excited I was to here this new record. And words can't describe how incredible it is. Imagine the mellowness of Mogwai mixed with chaos so beautiful it will make you want to break down in tears. The new record is not as loud and hardcore as the previous records and I think it is damn near perfect because of it. Please, please do yourself a favor and listen to this epic album. I got a chance to see them live this year and it was one of the best music experiences of my life. I am not doing it justice just by rambling about it so just sit back and watch/listen to this.
There you have it. Great stuff that really made me love music this year. I do want to mention that both These Arms Are Snakes and Cursive put out some kick ass records this year and would have made a list if it were my Top 10 but suffice to say it is only 5. I will admit an omission to the list, the new Thom Yorke record. Yes, I am a huge Radiohead fan and Yes, I have yet to hear the record, so please don't hate me for it. If I were to listen to it I am sure it would make the cut. For this I apologize.
Well I am off for now. I will report back soon on a regular basis. I promise. Back next time to talk film.
