January 23, 2010

Best of November

The best movie I saw in November was nonexistent. :( Waah! I had no time to go to the movies! Too much studying to do!

The best book I read in November was a tie between two books by the same author Fire and Graceling by Kristin Cashore. They were FANTASTIC!!

The best gig I went to in November was the only gig I went to: it was Joseph Arthur and he was amazeballoons. Just overflowing with talent and creativity.

My favorite tunes in November, besides Joseph Arthur who I listened to constantly all month, were songs featured on my favorite show Sons of Anarchy like "Mary" by Patty Griffin and a cover of "Ruby Tuesday" by Katey Sagal. I also listened to a lot of Matt Hires, with some Shwayze thrown in for good measure.

Random personal highlights: Finally meeting Mary and Doug in person! YAY! Going to observe at classmates' schools: Freaky but good. My cousin Leslie visits!

Lowlights? Studying, writing, studying, writing, studying, writing. School is exhausting.

Posted by Duff at 09:45 PM | E-Mail | Comments (0) | Permalink | filed under Best of..., Books, Tunes

Best of October

The best movie I saw in October was a tie between two Chicago Film Festival Flicks: SPY(IES) (ESPION(S) en francais) and Fish Tank. But I also really loved Whip It! and Zombieland.

The best book I read in October was The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, by Stieg Larsson, a fantastic end to his trilogy!! And I also loved Liar, by Justine Larbalestier and The White Darkness, by Geraldine McCaughrean.

Random personal highlights: Chicago Film Festival. Dinner with the McCains (no, not THOSE McCains, my Chicago McCains). Getting our rooms reserved for Dragon*Con! PIE SHAKES ROAD TRIP!!! FTW!!! Jazz at the Cultural Center. Dinner at Meera & Ross' new place. Francesca stops by!!

Lowlights? Lots of frustrating emails trying to get my life at school straightened out. Always being given the runaround.

Posted by Duff at 09:39 PM | E-Mail | Comments (0) | Permalink | filed under Best of..., Books, Flicks

Best of September

The best movie I saw in September was...whoops! I didn't make it to the theater even once in September. How sad!! :(

The best book I read in September was a tie between Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins and White Time, by Margo Lanagan.

The best gig I went to in September was also nonexistent. My concert-going in 2009 was extremely LOW and 2010 is looking to be even lower. I may need to just eliminate this category in monthly write-ups!!!

My favorite tunes in September were albums from The Avett Brothers and Kid Cudi as well as songs from two of my favorite TV shows Sons of Anarchy and Glee.

Random personal highlights: DRAGON*CON!!!! Lauren & Peter's wedding! Saw Kevin Smith live ("an evening with" type).

Lowlights? Had to cancel going to Monolith; had a paper due.

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January 12, 2010

Best of August

The best movie I saw in August was a tie between District 9 (fantastic!) and Inglourious Basterds (exhilarating!).

The best book I read in August was White Time by Margo Lanagan, followed closely by a pair of wolf books by Patricia Briggs. Wow, those are two authors I just love. You may note there are a few reads on that list from August that I'm just not even bothering to write up, mostly continuations of trade paperback mystery series. Bygones. A girl's gotta get caught up somehow.

The best gig I went to in August was The Knux' set at Lollapalooza. But, as with the rest of the year, there just hasn't been any real competition in this category. I read a LOT this year but I did not go to many shows.

My favorite tunes in August were... Damien Rice, apparently. I was mostly running around doing stuff like a crazy lady in August and not doing much listening.

Random personal highlights: My first month of unemployment in a million years. Ah, how refreshing. Also Rebecca came to visit! And school started. I joined Movie Dictators! I had a party! Greg taught us the BSG board game! Some cousins came for a weekend!

Lowlights? There was a wedding I couldn't attend. Otherwise I really don't remember. Ah, the wonder of time.

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October 18, 2009

Best of July

The best movie I saw in July was Hurt Locker. I've seen it three times so far. I would love to see it again.

The best book I read in July was "The Death of Sweet Mister" by Daniel Woodrell. It really took my breath away.

The best gig I went to in July was EMPTY ORCHESTRA. They are great and I highly recommend you buy tickets if they come through your town.

My favorite tunes in July were (you guessed it) all from Empty Orchestra. And Ryan Auffenberg singing "Sellout" live. I would like to see him live.

Random personal highlights: Cinnamon fed me lots of cast-iron-y goodness, soon coming to bookstores near you; Brenda came to town for a visit, played more Settlers, Pam's band came through town, and I had my last day of work EVER. Or EVER for the foreseeable future.

Lowlights? Mammograms HURT. For rlz. And saying goodbye to people you might not even ever want to know in real life but happen to have known for 10 years which is longer than you've known some of your good friends in real life? Is hard.

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Best of June

The best movie I saw in June was probably "Moon" but my favorite movie in June was "Away We Go".

The best book I read in June was "Motherless Brooklyn" by Jonathan Lethem. Fantastic! I also really liked the short story collection "Emerald City" by Jennifer Egan.

The best gig I went to in June had to be a tie between Metric and Telekinesis!!! Being that I haven't been going to shows much at all this year, I wish I could remember more about those evenings! But hello June was a long time ago. I know we were standing at the back of the Metro for Metric and it was hot and sweaty but the sounds were great. Oddly I can't even remember who I went to Telekinesis with. Maybe I was drunk.

My favorite tunes in June were from "Back & Fourth" Pete Yorn's awesome, outstanding, lovely latest album. Gee, I guess I liked it.

Random personal highlights: the Settlers obsession continued; saw an amazing Gordon Parks exhibit; finally met a flickr friend (Meera!); went to a couple gigs.

Lowlights? I was still working then so I was still getting up at 4 a.m. every weekday. I KNOW that sucked. And my parents were in Illinois, but the days they were in Chicago I was in the 'burbs and vice versa, and I never managed to hook up with them.

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September 17, 2009

Best of May

Oh good grief, I am so far behind on my own recordkeeping. Maybe I should toss it all!

The best movie I saw in May was Star Trek. I saw things that considered themselves more important than that movie, but they didn't live up to their own forecasts.

The best book I read in May was a three-way tie between The Dart League King by Keith Lee Morris and two really awesome sci-fi books: Wanderlust and Grimspace both by Ann Aguirre. But you know, unlike with going to shows, I've been reading a LOT this year (June was the first month of 2009 to see me read under fewer than 10 books), and for the most part I have really liked the stuff I've been reading. So you know, pinning it down is a bit...silly. Mayhaps. :)

The best gig I went to in May doesn't exist (as with April and March). (I have NOT been going to shows this year. Not sure what's happening there.)

My favorite tunes in May were new albums from Telekinesis!, Eminem, Green Day and Phoenix. Perhaps I'll get caught up on album reviews soon and come back and give ya a link. ;)Write-up here.

Random personal highlights: Carrie came to visit!! YAY YAY YAY!. Oh and I went to MDS&W [again]. Went to a goodbye party for Naz & Jen [again]. And I went down south to spend some time with my cousins and celebrate Kasey graduating nursing school yipee!!

Lowlights? My aunt Anita died. (SO glad I got to see here at the aforementioned trip south, just two weeks earlier.)

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Best of April

Oh good grief, I am so far behind on my own recordkeeping. Maybe I should toss it all!

The best movie I saw in April was Sunshine Cleaning. Not mindblowing but certainly worth seeing.

The best book I read in April was Little Bee by Chris Cleave. Really intense and thoughtful. Wasn't totally thrilled with the ending, but that wasn't enough to make me stop thinking about it and recommending it to people.

The best gig I went to in April doesn't exist (as with March). (I have NOT been going to shows this year. Not sure what's happening there.)

My favorite tunes in April were new albums from Gomez and Great Lake Swimmers, two of my very favorite bands. And my favorite single was "Lights Off" The Dears.

Random personal highlights: I paid a visit to my friends in Milwaukee. Was that the month the Settlers of Catan craziness started? I think it may have been. One of several goodbye parties for Jen & Naz (fun party, sad occasion.

Lowlights? You know, at this point, really, I don't remember! Fortunately for my mental health, I tend to only jot down the good things.

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Best of March

Oh good grief, I am so far behind on my own recordkeeping. Maybe I should toss it all!

The best movie I saw in March was The Reader which I was oddly unprepared for the subject matter of but thought Winslet's performance was really tour de force.

The best book I read in March was... Wow that one is really hard to narrow down (especially after all this time!). I'm going to call it a tie between "City of Refuge" by Tom Piazza, which was really heartbreaking fictionally as the Katrina situation was in real life; "Bone Crossed" by Patricia Briggs, because honestly that woman cannot write a book that doesn't keep me up all night savoring every word; and "The Girl Who Played with Fire" by Stieg Larsson, a satisfying sequel that had me on the edge of my seat.

The best gig I went to in March doesn't exist. (I have NOT been going to shows this year. Not sure what's happening there.)

My favorite tunes in March were new albums from Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Boy Least Likely To, and U2 and I was really digging these singles (still am, frankly): "Afterglow" Kate York, "Airport Surroundings" Lonely, Dear, and "Sweet Dream" Greg Laswell.

Random personal highlights: I applied for a ginormo lifechange which you may know I am now about four weeks into; Lauren and I went on a photowalk in the wastelands of downtown Chicago; awesome dinner out w/ Monica, Jen and Cinnamon (all part of Jen's extended goodbye series); and I'm not even sure at this point what some of the notations in my calendar mean so we'll just leave it at that.

Lowlights? Who knows. It was just so long ago now! :)

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April 09, 2009

Best of February

The best movie I saw in February was The Class (Entre les Murs). I enjoyed the experience of watching The Wrestler...but did not ENJOY the movie. If you can parse that one out. In fact, it annoyed me greatly.

The best book I read in February was a tie between Delicate, Edible Birds, by Lauren Groff, her new short story collection, and For All We Know, by Ciaran Carson, a very novel-istic book of poetry. Both are very highly recommended.

The best gig I went to in February was a tie between the only two gigs I've been to ALL YEAR: Griffin House, who was totally kickin' it and it was a very enjoyable evening although it was a rough weekend having gotten some really shitty news at 4:45 that Friday. Grrr; and a week later Prairie Cartel, who were really great. (You may remember my friend Nan's brother Mike who used to be in Fig Dish and then Caviar (check your "Charlie's Angels" soundtrack) is part of Prairie Cartel.)

My favorite tunes in February were the latest albums from Mick Flannery and Joshua Radin.

Random personal highlights: Trip to Dublin!; Bowling Geeks Unite; Huffencooper Hot Sauce party.

Lowlights? Getting fucked over by someone on the aforementioned Friday afternoon. Getting stuff stolen from my checked luggage on the way home from Dublin. Getting violently ill upon arrival home from Dublin.

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March 26, 2009

Best of January

Apparently all I did in January was read. The choices in other categories were sparse, my friends, very sparse.

The best movie I saw in January was Coraline.

The best book I read in January was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, which was just outright excellent. No doubt about it.

The best gig I went to in January DOES NOT EXIST. I didn't see/hear any live music in January? WTF!

My favorite tunes in January were MGMT "Oracular Spectacular", new Bon Iver EP "Blood Bank" and Why? "Alopecia." I was also still listening to Frightened Rabbit "Midnight Organ Fight". A lot. And other favorites from 2008.

Random personal highlights: Brunch with cousins; tail-end of Cat's visit including brunch w/ Lauren-O and Petey Sweatshirt; Cinnamon-arranged Stitch 'n' Tweet; BStarG returned to TV: fancy dinner for T; Game Day! at my house; Party in Milwaukee; Spamalot. Huh. Pretty good month. In retrospect.

Lowlights? Stress at secondary browsing location. (Shocker, I KNOW.)

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March 24, 2009

Wrapping It Up: Favorite Tunes 2008

My favorite albums, songs, covers, and gigs. Over here. With random commentary and links to original Snip mentions. Sometimes.

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March 08, 2009

Wrapping It Up: Favorite Books 2008

My Favorite Ten Books of 2008 Were:
(in chronological order of my reading, with links to my Snip reviews)

And if you'd like to hear more ruminations on things I read last year, you can check out the full year-end wrap-up post over here.

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March 05, 2009

Wrapping It Up: Favorite Movies 2008

Yes, I'm aware it's March and I'm randomly posting Best of 2008s. Blame the economy, hahahaha.

My Favorite Movies in 2008 Were:
(linked to their original Snip reviews)

1. Iron Man. WIthout a fucking doubt. This SHOULD have won awards.
2. Milk. So well done.
3. Let the Right One In. Spooky!
4. Zach and Miri Make a Porno. Hilarious. Yet sweet.
5. Wanted. AWESOME. With a few plot holes. Bygones.
6. Hunger. So sad.
7. The Dark Knight. It wasn't as good as IronMan. But it was good.
8. Tropic Thunder. Fucking pure hilarity.
9. Atonement. Gorgeous. Just as good as the book.
10. Leatherheads. Beautifully filmed. And I really do not care for Renee Z., yet she was unable to ruin it for me.

And if you'd like to hear about other movies I liked or DIDN'T, you can go read the full post.

Posted by Duff at 11:12 AM | E-Mail | Comments (1) | Permalink | filed under Best of..., Flicks, Watchin'

February 07, 2009

Best of December

The best movie I saw in December...was Bolt, the ONLY movie I saw (Pathetic! Especially considering I was on vacation the first week of the month.

The best book I read in December was... hmmm, hard to pin it down when you read 11 books that month!!! I'll make it a three-way tie between Tender Morsels, by Margo Lanagan; Deaf Sentence, by David Lodge; and Black & White, by Dani Shapiro. But I don't think there were many of my December reads that I wouldn't recommend to you. It was a great month for reading.

The best gig I went to in December was My Morning Jacket, which was allright but I actually thought the time I saw them at Lollapalooza was a better set. The ony other show I went to I didn't review. It was The Sea and Cake on New Year's Eve, which was good, but I wasn't really aware of their stuff before so I wasn't necessarily super engaged. Plus you know, NYE, crowds, loud drunk girls, etc. Cathy and I had fun but then we had enough fun so we went home early! :)

My favorite tunes in December boils down to one album: Frightened Rabbit "The Midnight Organ Fight" which I pretty much listened to nonstop. And I listened to a lot of Kanye, Killers, and Pink (all from November) as well.

Random personal highlights: A week off! Yay!; hung out with Cinnachick!; Back to the Future marathon with Carlos; dinner with my cousins; brunch with MK; brunch with KC; dinner at the Coopers; and Cathy came to visit!!! YAY!!!!

Lowlights? Can't remember any in particular. Now that's rare!!

Oh look, I finally got through December. Now I can write up my year-end lists. I'm SO TIMELY this time around. Ha!

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January 20, 2009

Best of November

The best movie I saw in November was Milk and it was EXCELLENT. My No. 2 movie for the year. So good.

The best book I read in November was "The Way of Shadows" by Brent Weeks. It was a slow month reading-wise but I did really enjoy that book.

The best gig I went to in November was....some gig that I didn't go to! First month all year with no shows. Am I slowing down? I'm certainly feeling old and decrepit but it may just be I wasn't paying attention to what was coming up so I missed out on tickets I would have wanted. Who knows!

My favorite tunes in November were new albums from Jem, and The Killers, and Matt White, and Vancougar, and Ryan Adams, and Pink, and Kanye, and Winter's Fall and...some others. I bought a ton of music over the month (click on the link and you'll see!).

Random personal highlights: HuffenCooper Halloween party; "HOLY FUCK OBAMA WINS!" is what it says on my calendar for November 4. Certainly a day that will not be forgotten; did some serious shopping in the burbs with Sara; I hung out with my nephews for the first time in ages; beers at Guthrie's with Lauren; bought some cool shit at the DIY show; I visited my "second (or third, really) home" in Milwaukee for Thanksgiving; and Michelle was in town for a day. There was a lot going on (hence the aforementioned lack of reading!).

Lowlights? Fallout at secondary browsing location continued. Missed seeing Francine Prose & Anne Carson speak, both of which I had tickets to but I'm too dumb to look ahead in my calendar when the month rolls forward. Was very tired.

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January 06, 2009

Best of October

The best movie I saw in October was a three-way tie between Zach and Miri Make a Porno, Let the Right One In, and Hunger, all of which I saw at the Chicago Film Festival. In regular movie releases, I also really liked The Duchess.

The best book I read in October was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson. I also really liked Conversations at Curlow Creek, by David Malouf, my favorite Aussie author.

The best gig I went to in October would be Fujiya & Miyagi. I didn't write up any of the October shows so here's the quick and dirty: Liam Finn, was completely unlike his album, super into experimental, extemporaneous, and jam band-type style if you can be a jam band when there are only two people on stage; Catie Curtis sang some really nice sweet songs, but also some goofy stuff that isn't really my thing. And Fujiya & Miyagi was good, they sounded great, people were into it, the beats were hoppin'....but at some point all the songs start to sound the same. Felt like we heard an hour of one long song with a great beat.

My favorite tunes in October were the latest albums from Keane and Ray LaMontagne and my top two favorite songs were "Honey Let Me Sing You a Song" Matt Hires and the First Aid Kit cover of Fleet Foxes' "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song".

Random personal highlights: My dad came to visit and joined wholeheartedly in my 365 project and it was outstanding.

Lowlights? Fallout at secondary browsing location continued. My Morning Jacket concert cancelled and then I wound up blowing off a Joseph Arthur concert as I just didn't have any energy that day. Also had a weird shiatsu massage that bruised/hurt my back so badly I could barely sit in a chair for two days afterward

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December 28, 2008

Best of September

I seem to have fallen behind here, haven't I. Kept waiting for myself to have written up movies, books, etc., before doing these. Ah well.

The best movie I saw in September (of only two, so take that as you will) was Tropic Thunder, which will definitely make my Top 10 this year.

The best book I read in September was the short story collection "Dead Boys" by Richard Lange. (But I did really like both the other books (one, two) I read in September as well.)

The best gig I went to in September was (overall) Monolith and my favorite performance there was Band of Horses, a magical twilight moment.

My favorite tunes in September were (the only in some cases or the most recent) albums Schwayze (yeah, I know I'm the only one, but it's FUN), The Billionaires, The Wave Pictures and Everlast.

Random personal highlights: The aforementioned weekend at Monolith (including visiting Mariah, Stephan and Jack!).

Lowlights? Well. If you know about the secondary browsing location and events therein, then you know I had a very, very, very shitty September. Very Shitty. And honestly, the fallout is still going on.

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September 28, 2008

Best of August

The best movie I saw in August would have to be the ONLY movie I saw in August which is ridiculous and pathetic but that's something for a different post, eh? Yeah, so anyway, that'd be Wall-E, which was fine but animation isn't really my thing.

The best book I read in August was The Likeness by Tana French. It's somewhat of a sequel but you don't really need to have read the earlier book to enjoy it; different main character.

The best gig I went to in August was Great Lake Swimmers.

My favorite tunes in August were the songs that wound up on my current favorite playlists.

Random personal highlights: (Only) one day at Lollapalooza (this time around); Silvia came to Chicago two weekends in a row! Woot!; Hot Doug's with Cinnamon. I actually went to KIP twice, if you can even believe that. And then there was this little thing I went to called Dragon*Con (which also encompassed a week long trip to Georgia to crash the Happy Pants home).

Lowlights? I don't know, looking back it seems like it was a fairly decent month. Maybe bursting into uncontrollable tears about 15 minutes after meeting my crush? Fun times (poor Carrie and Cat).

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August 05, 2008

Best of July

The best movie I saw in July was also the only movie I saw in July (or the only one I saw for the FIRST time anyway...). It was The Dark Knight and it was pretty fantastic. I had reservations, but they weren't "I don't love you" reservations. More like "I do love you, but I probably wouldn't marry you, because I know you'll only hurt me in the end."

The best book I read in July was Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart, which was just outrageously fucking funny.

The best gig I went to in July was either the Fleet Foxes set at Pitchfork or the Earlimart show at the Hideout. Probably have to tip the hat to Earlimart since the sound was better (purely by locational happenstance), but I remain equally entranced by both.

My favorite tunes in July were Fleet Foxes and (more) Joseph Arthur and The Kills and Nana Grizol "Love It Love It"(which you sooo need) and this totally awesome mixdisc/playlist I made for Juno. My question for you is*: What would you give me to get a copy of that?

Random personal highlights: Visit from the Nipper. Secret Family Craft Project.

Lowlights? Long slow stressful month. This summer has sucked some fucking rotten ass, let me tell you. I mean, except for that it's all shit I can't tell you.


*Do you remember when I used to use this phrase ALL THE TIME? Dang, I miss it.

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August 02, 2008

Best of June

Just in time to write up Best of July... I mean, once I get the individual reviews of that stuff up. So slackerass I am this summer.

The best movie I saw in June was Wanted, which I just loved. But I also thought The Fall was visually stunning.

The best book I read in June was a tie between Lush Life by Richard Price (gritty, real and modern day) and Life Class by Pat Barker (artistic and historical). I also really enjoyed Dark Roots by Cate Kennedy, dark short stories, and I just cannot get enough of Patricia Briggs sci fi/fantasy stuff this year.

The best gig I went to in June was definitely Sea Wolf. Soooooo wonderful live.

My favorite tunes in June....were mostly things I bought in April. When I look back through my posts, I was listening to a lot of: Joe Purdy, Joseph Arthur, Fleet Foxes, Meg Hutchinson, Mason Jennings, the aforementioned Sea Wolf and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

Random personal highlights: Amy's whirlyball birthday party (whirlyball! so much fun!); Weis [college roommate] here for a weekend; out to dinner with Cinnamon.

Lowlights? I'm sure there were some (primarily secondary browsing location and stress related presumably) but thankfully all I can tell you right now by looking at my calendar is that I was too lazy to go to the Printer's Row Bookfair this year (either day!) and that's pathetic.

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June 18, 2008

Best of May

The best movie I saw in May was Iron Man and it was fucking awesome and definitely the best movie I've seen this year (not that I've seen many) and it's so good that even the second time around when you go to a crap ass neighborhood theater and the projector breaks and you have to watch the middle 20 minutes in two-minute increments, it's STILL brilliant. Are you coming to Chicago? I'd be happy to go to it again!

The best books I read in May were the one-two punch of Dragon Bones and Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs. Magical and mysterious and yet so human and irresistibly attractive. If only I could have jumped into these books and become an auxiliary character (Another "cousin" for Ward? A romantic interest for Oreg?)... She ranks right up there with Elizabeth A. Lynn as my favorite current fantasy writers.

The best gig I went to in May was probably a tie between the Long Blondes (for actual "best") and Crowded House (for playing some of my all-time most beloved songs).

My favorite tunes in May....Honestly, I was soooo busy watching BSG over and over (see below), I really didn't do much listening in May. Which would be why I'm now working on listening to all the many many albums I bought but did not listen to in April, May and (thus far in) June all at once. Doh!

Random personal highlights: MDS&W, not the greatest, but I did get to see my peeps. I watched like* every episode of Battlestar Galactica. Twice. (Or more, depending on how much I loved the episode and how much screen time my Future Husband had ha ha ha ha ha.) I went to visit my nephews. Met my newest cousin! And I got many back/shoulder massages at physical therapy (but see lowlights as well).

Lowlights? Physical therapy: a) the need for it, b) the stretching and lifting and pulling, ow, ow, ow, c) the ice. Hate the ice!! Had to skip a concert (Avett Brothers). Continuing buttloads of stress at the secondary browsing location.

*like used purely for valley girl emphasis, and not to approximate any less than ALL.

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May 29, 2008

Best of April

Just in time for June!!

The best movie I saw in April was Leatherheads, which might seem like it's not saying much since how hard is it to be the best of only two, but on the other hand, I thought it was really really good. It's not its fault my lack of movie viewing didn't give it much competition.

The best book I read in April was Belong to Me, by Marisa de los Santos but Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Goff was also good and a bit more high-brow if that's what you're looking for.

The best gig I went to in April was Bon Iver. A beautiful album done even more beautifully live.

My favorite tunes in April.... You know, at this point I'm not sure what I was listening to then, probably stuff I bought in February and/or March. The memory, it ain't what it used to be.

Random personal highlights: The yearly trip to Portland, yay, including burgers, beers and brunch; trying out my new camera (Hasselblad, yo). Not much else good happened; it was a rough month.

Lowlights? Had the punes; which seemingly caused a mysterious shoulder injury (look for "physical therapy" in May's highlights); had a LOTLOTLOT of stress at the secondary browsing location. And, I'm sure, airport delays on the way to Portland because you KNOW planes are delayed in every direction if I am flying on them.

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April 18, 2008

Best of March

Ah, March, I barely remember you... Ha! Kidding!

The best movie I saw in March was also the only movie I saw (Be Kind, Rewind), so good thing I enjoyed it.

The best book I read in March was definitely The Complete Stories by David Malouf. Really wonderful stories.

The best gig I went to in March is harder to pin down. I was excited to finally see Matt Nathanson and (separately) Dan le Sac. I thought the Raveonettes sounded great. I probably enjoyed Griffin House the most as he was all sassy and laidback and it was a really fun night.

My favorite tunes in March were lots of stuff I was already listening to from February, like new albums from Missy Higgins, Nada Surf, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Bon Iver, Mike Doughty and the Raveonettes; but also stuff I bought in March like new albums from Jesse Malin "Glitter in the Gutter" (which I lovelovelove), Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks and Gnarls Barkley (DangerMouse can do no wrong)!!

Random personal highlights: Hmmm, let's see, nine-day trip to Japan, I guess that was kind-of a highlight (I guess! Ha!); my newest/youngest cousin was born!: Clark and I had a joint party; and I had a great long Saturday with Carlos and Shei getting back into shooting film (vs. digital).

Lowlights? Long, long, long airplane rides.

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March 06, 2008

Best of February

I know the rest of you complain about it, but February is my favorite month, even when it's one day longer than usual...

The best movie I saw in February was probably There Will Be Blood, but I actually liked Cloverfield better. And honestly, why is no one going to see it? Monsters! Mayhem! New York mashed up! So much to enjoy there.

The best book I read in February was The Good Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hasek, a rollicking tale of a misfit, fumbling soldier's sojourns. But I did LOVE both the sci fi/fantasy books I read this month as well (here and here).

The best gig I went to in February was a tie between Jason Isbell and Griffin House, both of whom havewho has serious stage mojo and far more rockingness than you can hear on theirhis studio albums. Isbell was fiery and intense and rocking out; House was sassy and sarcastic and living it up. [I'm an idiot, Griffin House was in March! Doh!]

My favorite tunes in February were Bon Iver "For Emma, Forever Ago" (never found a copy of the 2007 release, could barely hold my breath waiting for this one and it was soooo worth it, absolutely gorgeous heartaching music); Missy Higgins "On a Clear Night" (husky and gorgeous); Nada Surf "Lucky" (awesome and rockin' and leading off w/ my favorite single from last year); and Clare Bowditch & the Feeding Set "The Moon Looked On". Also loving some previews of new tunes by the Counting Crows (featured on Fuel/Friends). Enjoying, but still getting to know, The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, new Mike Doughty "Golden Delicious" ("I wrote a song about your hips!" Yay! first heard in 06, finally on an album!). Bought a few others but haven't listened enough to have an opinion -- hopefully soon!

Random personal highlights: French movie night resurrected (and thanks for chili, Carla, and the Tarte Tatin, Jess!); long weekend in Vegas visiting Monica and Charlie (and Buddy and Ella!); annual milestone passed successfully; meeting Baby J for the first time (Curious George #1 recipient).

Lowlights? Not really a "lowlight" per se, but man I have been eating like crappyassola for at least a month. Gotta get back on track before my pants don't fit! Not that I regret having sour cherry pie for breakfast and molten chocolate cake for lunch on the same day. Not at all!!

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Best of January

The best movie I saw in January was Atonement, which was both really beautifully costumed and filmed AND the most faithful screen adaptation I think I've ever seen of a book. Lovely.

The best book I read in January was a tie between You Must Be This Happy to Enter, by Elizabeth Crane (short stories), who I've read and enjoyed before but this time I felt took the bar even higher, and Native Guard, by Natasha Trethewey (poetry), an xmas gift from my pops, really beautiful and entrancing poems about her personal history as well as civil war history.

The best gig I went to in January was Bon Iver. It was the only gig I went to in January but it was really, really good (and I'm going to see him again in April! And you know I only go see the same artist again that soon if I LOVED it).

My favorite tunes in January were Cat Power "Jukebox", Matt Costa "Unfamiliar Faces" (quirky and fun!), and an old album Chris Bell "I Am the Cosmos", which I picked up in San Fran. Bell (now deceased I believe) was in Big Star, who I started listening to last summer thanks to Rob Sheffield (yes I am a loser and didn't know about them back in the day). Also enjoying tunes from Zoey Deschanel and M.Ward (as "She & Him"), Crowded House offspring Liam Finn's debut I'll Be Lightning, and another San Fran purchase Tracy Johnson (which to me is good old-fashioned female-vocaled pop music!).

Random personal highlights: Brunch in Chicago with Carrieoke and Cathy!!!; dinner with Cinnamon; rainy weekend in San Fran visiting Ms Silvia.

Lowlights? A month and a half later, I don't remember any so they must not have been that bad!!Oh, I know! Four to six hour flight delays in both directions. Fuckin' airports = hell on earth.

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January 10, 2008

Wrapping It Up: Best Movies 2007

1. Grindhouse
2. Juno (and here and here as well)
3. A Mighty Heart (Knocked down a notch by Juno, but really great and I wish more people would have seen it.)
4. No Country for Old Men
5. American Gangster
6. Control
7. Blackout
8. In the Valley of Elah
9. The Bourne Ultimatum
10. Gone Baby Gone (In retrospect, and in comparison to others, this movie moved further up the list than I originally felt)

But there were lots of other movies I enjoyed as well, and you can read more about that here.

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January 08, 2008

Wrapping It Up: Best Books 2007.

My Favorite Six Books of 2007 were:

But there were lots of other books I enjoyed as well, and you can read more about that here.

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January 03, 2008

Best of December

The best movie I saw in December was a tie between Juno and Sweeney Todd. Both made me laugh, one made me cry (just a little!), they both had great music and great acting. If I was forced at gunpoint to pick one, I'd probably go with Juno. Sweeney Todd is as good as you would expect, but not necessarily moreso; Juno was better than you could know, given the previews and the ridiculous whining some critics are doing (IGNORE THEM!).

The best book I read in December was...even harder to pick than the movies as I really loved almost everything I read this month. The funniest was a tie between "An Uncommon Reader" and "Gentlemen of the Road". The most unusual was "Red Spikes" and the two I perhaps liked the most (and didn't know at all what to expect from either one) were "Simplify" and "Incendiary". But honestly, I would recommend ALL my December reads.

The best gig I went to in December...doesn't exist because I didn't go to any concerts in December! Can you believe it? I kinda can't...

My favorite tunes in December were Sea Wolf "Leaves in the River" and Bat for Lashes "Fur and Gold". Also loving Lupe Fiasco's new one "The Cool" and the soundtrack to Juno. Have a lot of new stuff that I haven't spent enough time with yet, but can't stop pressing repeat on the first few off The Avett Brothers "Emotionalism".

Random personal highlights: Two and half weeks off. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT.

Lowlights? The worst drive home I've had in YEARS. One of the worst drives EVER in my LIFE. Really scary.

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December 17, 2007

Wrapping It Up: Best Gigs / Best Tunes 2007.

Since I have already gone to all the concerts I'm going to in 2007, I'm sure you want to know which were my faves.

My Favorite Live Gigs This Year:
1. Gomez. Amazing show. But they're low on everyone's 07 radar since they didn't put out an album this year.
2. Travis. So much fucking fun in concert.
3. The National. Just as beautiful as the album.
4. Polyphonic Spree x2. highest energy show you'll ever see.
5. Ben Harper x2. He's amazing.
6. Griffin House. He's hot.
7. The Decemberists. So polished.
8. Midlake. Bewitching.

I have also finished my overall favorite music of 2007 list, which I'm sure is a) far more detailed than anyone could ever want, and b) pretty obvious if you've been reading this site all year. Enjoy.

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December 10, 2007

Best of November

I kept not finishing writing things up so I had to keep putting off writing this post. Ah, the life of a slacker...

The best movie I saw in November was No Country for Old Men, with Gone Baby Gone a close second. Both violent, icky, and GOOOOD.

The best book I read in November was the collection of short stories Why the Devil Chose New England for His Work, by Jason Brown. Very subtle. Very good. Families, relationships, losers, loners, struggles.

The best gig I went to in November was a tie between Athlete, a band I have been longing to see and was so blown away by their show, and Griffin House, who I had no idea how good he was going to be.

My favorite tunes in November.... hmmmm... well, my favorite album purchased in November would have to be Great Northern "Trading Twilight for Daylight". I don't know if I had read about them somewhere (a blog? Paste? who knows?) but for some reason I was checking them out on iTunes and I'm really diggin it... Otherwise I spent a lot of time listening to stuff from earlier in the year (Band of Horses, Travis, Rogue Wave), thinking about year-end lists, and buying lots of random singles (old Jay-Z, new Anthony Hamilton (American Gangster), stuff from the I'm Not There soundtrack)...

Random personal highlights: Hangin' out with the nephews, who get both more lovable and more irksome every time; Michelle visits! for almost a week! yay!; Pam & Steph come down for the night!.

Lowlights? Fresh TV is drying up but for a few shows; FNL is wandering far from its strengths; meant to see a bunch of movies I never got to; and seem to have gotten almost nothing done all month. Man, what a whiner! Suck it up, eh?

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November 15, 2007

Best of October

The best movie I saw in October was Control, the Ian Curtis/Joy Division biopic that I actually went to twice. Beautifully filmed, powerfully acted, with great tunes.

The best book I read in October was ... a three-way tie? Hmmmm, OK the one I've thought about the most since reading it is "In the Woods" by Tana French. But I thought both the new Haven Kimmel and Jonathan Coe were really, really good as well.

The best gig I went to in October was Rogue Wave. Really compelling and the lead singer has such a distinctive voice.

My favorite tunes in October were the latest albums by Band of Horses, Mr. Hudson & The Library, Joe Purdy, and singles from Nada Surf "See These Bones" (via Fuel/Friends) and folksinger Tom Paxton "George W Told the Nation."

Random personal highlights: Brunch with MaryKay!; Chicago Film Festival.

Lowlights? White Stripes concert cancelled, thank you stupid internet sex tape; Steph's visit cancelled, thank you stupid airlines.

Seems like a slow month, doesn't it? But October is very busy at work for me, so there you go. Stupid work.

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October 02, 2007

Best of September.

It's a two-fer month, a study in contrast. One high energy, intense and dramatic; versus one calm, deliberate, determined and yet still as dramatic in its own way.

The best two movies I saw in September were "In the Valley of Elah" and "The Bourne Ultimatum" (I'm a little late on that one, I know). Both were excellent in very different ways.

The best two books I read in September were "Under the Banner of Heaven" and "A Three Dog Life". As with flicks, high contrast between the two, yet equally satisfying.

The best two gigs I went to in August were Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals and The National.

I'll [add to this] post later my favorite tunes in September...[I'll talk about September tunes. Later. In another post. Hopefully. We'll see.]

Random personal highlights: Buying lots of new Fall clothes, although hardly getting to wear them this month; Jen in town for drinks!!!; and FINALLY it's time for FALL TV!!! [Kinda a slow month, eh?]

Lowlights? Can the summer heat go away now please? I've had enough.

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September 11, 2007

Best of August.

The best movie I saw in August was also the only movie I saw in August (pathetic!): Stardust. Lucky for me, I quite enjoyed it.

The best book I read in August was a tie between "Run" by Ann Patchett and "Seven Types of Ambiguity" by Elliot Perlman. The former is relatively short, concise, but emotionally overwhelming, family drama. The latter is long, meandering, stream of conscious from various narrators, personal relationship drama. Both were highly enjoyable.

The best concert I went to in August was a three-way tie: the Lollapalooza performances by The Polyphonic Spree, Lupe Fiasco and Ben Harper.

My favorite tunes in August were: Matt Nathanson!!! both his new album "Some Mad Hope" and his live album "At the Point" are totally awesome. Awesome!!; Okkervil River "The Stage Names"; and Earlimart "Mentor Tormentor" (hypnotic! entrancing!). And I'm still listening to the stuff I bought in Belgium en français...right now I really like David Hallyday, MC Solaar's "Chapitre 7" and Kaolin's "Mélanger Les Couleurs".

Random personal highlights: Lollapalooza! Trip to Belgium! Plus some quiet days with the Fam up in MN.

Lowlights? Tired out. Two weeks off really throws you for a loop when you return to normal. Need a vacation to recover from my vacation.

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August 09, 2007

Best of July.

The best movie I saw in July was probably La Vie en Rose, although I don't think it was the movie I enjoyed the most (given my ridiculous Pisces empathy trait, watching movies about people whose childhoods were just SO crappy kinda stresses me out). And despite me not liking the last 15 minutes or so, I thought Sunshine was pretty good.

The best book I read in July was "Freddy and Fredericka" by Mark Helprin, which was just side-splittingly hilarious and super sweet and nostalgic all at the same time. Worth its weight.

The best concert I went to in July was Travis. It was just a wonderful show. Really made me smile.

My favorite tunes in July? Hmmm. Well, I still spent a LOT of time listening to The National "Boxer" which is really leading the running for my number one album this year. I also really like Jason Isbell's solo album, the new Magic Numbers (!!), girlie music from Sara Bareille and Maria Taylor. For easy mellow listening, you can never go wrong with the new Josh Rouse or Stars.

Random personal highlights: Dinner with Tracy's mom (so sweet!); the Nipper came to visit!!!; Pitchfork.

Lowlights? Won't discuss it here but it HAD to be the Tuesday after the Travis concert, and if you know what I'm talkin' about, then hey, you know what I'm talkin' about.

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July 10, 2007

Best of June.

The best movie I saw in June was A Mighty Heart. Hate Angelina, hate true stories, say whatever you want, but a) you're wrong and b) this is a masterfully done, beautifully filmed, heartbreaking film. It's my 2nd favorite flick so far this year and I hope Jolie wins an Oscar for it! And I hope her acceptance speech is "fuck y'all who think I can't act and only hate me because I'm not Jennifer!!"

The best book I read in June was a close tie between "An Invisible Sign of My Own" by Aimee Bender and "Ghosts of Albion: Accursed" by Amber Benson & Christopher Golden. The former is neurotic, obsessive, math-loving compelling fiction, and the latter is totally-sucks-you-in-and-makes-you-believe-in-magic fantasy. Where can you go wrong with those combinations?

The best concert I went to in June was a tie (again) between The Pinks and Bishop Allen. Both are bands I have been DYING to see. Both are one-sex only bands (Pinks = girls, Bishop Allen = boys). Both have very specific city associations for me (Pinks = Chicago, Bishop Allen = Boston) although it might not even be really where they're from. Both were lots of fun live!!

My favorite tunes in June are technically still under consideration, but here are some thoughts: new album from Shane Nicholson; albums from new (to me) groups such as Candy Butchers, Maccabees, The Alternate Routes; highly publicized albums from The White Stripes and The National (love love love); and albums from girls I either hadn't heard of before (Jenny Owen Youngs) or had heard of but had never really put in time with (Brandi Carlile).

Random personal highlights: Visit with the nephews; lunch date with my 92-year-old great-aunt Fritz and driving by old childhood favorite spots (grandparents' house, etc.); two nights at Ravinia; back to French with Kim! yay! (uh oh, j'oublie tous mes mots!); Mom here for a few days.

Lowlights? I'm tired. Work sucks. It's hot.

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Best of May.

Better late(r) than never, oui?

The best movie I saw in May BY FAR was Grindhouse!!! It was a completely satisfying, entertaining and exhilarating trip to the theater and shame shame shame on those of you who didn't go it!!! The studios will just keep on putting out mediocre bullshit movies if people don't go see the ones that are actually good!

The best book I read in May was Love Is a Mix Tape which I loved, loved, loved. I mean, LOVED.

The best concert I went to in May was a close one but I'm going to have to give the nod to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Arcade Fire was also good, but not quite as good as the first time I saw them, so I'm giving them a close second.

My favorite tunes in May were: the Buffy: "Once More, With Feeling" soundtrack (who can resist???); the new Travis album, which I am listening to incessantly and hello I get to see them Live in about a week!!!; and Elvis Perkins. I also really enjoy the singles "Mama Who Bore Me" and "Totally Fucked" from the Spring Awakening soundtrack; "Find Love (Let Go)" a new single by Kyle Andrews, "Ordinary Days" new single by Dolores O'Riordan (who's a Cranberries member I think); and "Broken Radio" by Jesse Malin which features Springsteen.

Random personal highlights: Maryland!; three nights at Second Story; The Strizzy wedding!!! and wandering DC with Ame.

Lowlights? Thankfully after a month between, I don't remember what any of them were! Woot! Here's to forgetting the bad!

Posted by Duff at 08:39 AM | E-Mail | Comments (0) | Permalink | filed under Best of..., Books, Flicks, Tunes

May 22, 2007

Best of April.

I'm not sure why I did so little in April as according to my calendar, I should have had three weekends free with only one weekend out of town, and one weekend with a house guest. Hmmmph. Procrastination reaches new heights!

I only saw one movie in April. And it wasn't very good.

I read a few books in April and I'd have to say that Haven Kimmel's latest memoir and the conclusion to Justine Larbalestier's Magic or Madness trilogy were probably the best two, although I enjoyed all my reads that month.

Wow, I went to five concerts in April, I guess that's what I was doing with my time. The Decemberists and Youth Group were probably the performances I just outright enjoyed the most, but seeing Josh Rouse a second time was definitely worth my while: he's a lot of fun live.

I really didn't buy as much music during April as I did in prior months of 2007. I listened a lot to "She's About to Cross My Mind" from The Red Button which I bought after reading about them here. I bought Vandaveer "Grace & Speed" after reading that he played at Number 4's wedding (!!). And after Golden Smog made my top 10 last year, it wasn't like I could pass up "Blood on the Slacks" with its Dylan teasing title. Singles-wise, I cannot stop listening to "Walk Over Me" Dirtie Blondie and the Like Rebel Diamond remix of The Killer's "Read My Mind" (both featured on Friday Night Lights, of course). I made a mix last month that's pretty damn fantastic if I don't say so myself. I might send you one. Give me a good reason...

Random personal highlights: a) How came to visit!; b) Cezanne/Picasso "Vollard" show at the Art Institute was v. cool; c) FINALLY!! eating at Mas again and having my favorite drink in all the world: Pisco Sour. YUM!; d) trip to NY for Amy's yarn inventory. Nuts.; e) brunch with the McCains and spending time with Clark's dad again, planning our some-day hike through Colorado!; f) Lollapalooza tickets go on sale = Done!

Lowlights? I remember being really, really, really tired. Just cannot catch up.

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April 10, 2007

Best of March.

Oh dear, halfway through April but so busy watching Buffy that I'm barely blogging. Dearie me.

The best gig I went to in March was on the very first day of the month when I saw Gomez. If they swing through your town on this tour, I highly recommend getting a ticket! They were just brilliant and wonderful and I've spent weeks now listening to their back catalog. Really talented musicians. Of course, the night I saw Lupe Fiasco and the Roots was also really fun and I'd have to say they were close runners-up.

The best flick I saw in March was The Lives of Others, the german film that won the foreign language Oscar. But Zodiac was a close second... I meant to see a couple other movies, but wound up cancelling on people due to my extreme slacker tiredness and ridiculous early morning work schedule. So far April is not seeing me in the theater much either so this seems to be a contining problem, doesn't it.

While I wasn't at the movie theater much, I did get back on the reading horse in March and the best book I read was "Winter's Bone" by Daniel Woodrell. It was short and sharp, biting and intense, and I was blown away. I also read some great short stories by Margo Lanagan, some poetry by Claudia Emerson, and "Black Cat", by Martyn Bedford (the author of one of my all-time faves "The Houdini Girl").

And as for tunes I listened to in March? Hmmm, that's a tough one. I was enjoying the new Arcade Fire, especially "Intervention", a beautiful new album from Great Lake Swimmers, and lots of singles from folks such as Brett Dennen, Bob Evans, Soltero, and Chris Brokaw ... and still listening to stuff I bought earlier in the year: Guggenheim Grotto, the Shins, the Fratellis, Explosions in the Sky, and Youth Group.

Random personal highlights: a) I finally uploaded my London pictures to Flickr, although I have yet to get them printed for my mom, despite her asking me every time I talk to her; b) I got my taxes done a month ahead of time; c) went down south for (another) family wedding and got some quality time with lots of my cousins and one of my aunts; d) met Jen & JR!!; e) went to an awesome Cuban restaurant I hadn't been to before; f) had a random doctor visit to find out I have officially lost 16 pounds on the infamous diet! Wooooooot!!!!; g) got a letter from Rumi, an old, old friend I haven't heard from in ages (now if only I can find some time in my slackass life to write back!!!); and h) met KC's new baby Avery (a.k.a. "Mini Coop") who I had made a quilt for before her birth.

Lowlights? I can't believe I'm saying this, but looking over my calendar, I'm not seeing any real lowlights. Must've been a damn good month! :) Maybe the lowlight is I was only out of town for one weekend, but I still didn't really get any quilting done. My powers of procrastination = they are mighty!

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March 02, 2007

Best of February.

February's over? I personally happen to love February but I have to admit, I was pretty much of a schlub all month.

Let's see, the best gig I went to in February had to be...the Essex Green opening for Camera Obscura because, horror of horrors, I only went to one concert all month! (WTF was I doing with my time?).

The best book I read in February...well I guess that would be Proust Book 3 (or "The Guermantes Way" as it's called in this translation) but I'm not done reading it! I started it Feb 1, I believe, or Jan 31, and I've still got (exactly) 104 pages to go... Doh! That said, I did have some pretty unexpectedly busy weekends in the month, so what's a girl to do?

Only one concert? and one book? OK, this is pretty pathetic so far...

The best movie I saw in February was by far Blood Diamond, although I may have personally enjoyed Music & Lyrics a little more. You know, it had music, and it wasn't as heartbreaking. I am all about not getting my heart broken in February since I certainly get it broken every other stupid month of the year.

As for tunes in February, I've been all over the place. Obsessively listening to the soundtrack for Music & Lyrics, enjoying the new Fall Out Boy, listening to lots and lots of Rogue Wave (hi, Jackie!) especially after a (new?) single played on FNL, digging The Bees (US) and Midlake (who I told you about twice (1, 2) and then finally got...very '70s peaceful, easy feelin...), and listening to some stuff I bought at the very end of January that didn't get much play that month (new Youth Group!!!! "Casino Twilight Dogs" (*LOVE*) and The Guggenheim Grotto). Still lovin' the Shins although my ear can't recognize what's the new album and what's old...

Random personal highlights of the month were: a) Ame came to visit!; b) I went "home" (to NYC) and quilted with Jackie (and ate with Em, Stephanie and Jenn!) and saw Shawn and the kids!!!; c) new specs; d) brunch with the Strizz and her man!; e) Steph and Mark slept over in a storm; f) another night at the darkroom (hey Chicago Amy! Tracy and I missed ya!); g) finally finding yummy Chinese in Chicago!; h) flowers from MaryKay (so sweet!); and i) we got some snow!!!!

Lowlights: a) Bears lost the Bowl; b) new computer didn't work for a week and had to be dragged back and forth to the store; c) still a sad single spinsterly loser, but even OLDER! Ah, well. On to March...

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February 13, 2007

Best of January.

Although I liked most of the ones I saw this month, my favorite movie in January was definitely Pan's Labyrinth.

My favorite book was "Blameless in Abaddon" by James Morrow, but there's only so many times I can mention the same trilogy on one blog, isn't there (here, here, here, here, here). I'm sure you're happy I've finished those!!

My favorite gig in January was Prairie Cartel. What can I say, Mike & Blake (in one incarnation or another) have been a part of my musical life for sooooo long now.

Musically I've been all over the place this month, listening to 2006 releases I didn't buy until after Christmas, obsessing over UK stuff I picked up on the trip, etc. But when it comes down to it, I probably listened to the new Shins "Wincing the Night Away" more than anything else this month...as I pretty much expected to. But Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly was a very strong second, and I'm still really enjoying Paolo Nutini (poor boy got a bad grade in EW! They called him "more boring than James Blunt"! Ouch! And so not true!!) and the Long Blondes...

Random personal highlights of the month were: a) flying my parents to London for their first trip abroad ever!, b) getting a zillion and one compliments on the quilt I made KC at her baby shower, c) "The Warriors" on DVD, d) Tracy getting older one month ahead of me! you'll always be older than me, ha ha ha ha!! ;) just teasing!, e) checking out the dog place with Libby. Libby, you're a goofy very strange dog, but you're sooo cute! and f) new years' brunch at the Cooper/Huff apartment with lots of funky chi-town folk. Lowlight: Paul and I decide to start fucking around with my hairstyle again. No good ever comes of this!

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January 02, 2007

Best of...2006

Best CDs: I already posted an extensive list of my favorite tunes from 2006. My top 3 albums were Gnarls Barkley "St. Elsewhere", Gomez "How We Operate" and Golden Smog "Another Fine Day."

Best Gigs: I saw a lot of great shows in 2006, including Lollapalooza. Trying (desperately) to narrow it down, I'd say the two tied for "funnest" were Gnarls Barkley and Beck (hello, puppets!). The best was Joan Baez. And runner-up was The Raconteurs on December 30. Sadly I did not keep a list just by 2006, but you can see a (supposedly) comprehensive list of what I've seen live here.

Best Books: [Limiting myself MOSTLY to books published and read this year, as opposed to all the books I read this year.] The best NON fiction books I read this year were "Guests of the Ayatollah" by Mark Bowden and "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion. The best novels I read were "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell, "Sharp Objects" by Gillian Flynn and "Towing Jehovah" by James Morrow [that one was not pub this year]. The best short stories I read were "In Persuasian Nation" by George Saunders and "When the Messenger Is Hot" by Elizabeth Crane (not from this year either). The best poetry was "Strong Is Your Hold" by Galway Kinnell. You can view the entire list of what I read here and you can read my last mini-reviews here (reviews will be posted to Snip from now on).

Best Films: By far, the best film I saw this year was "The Departed". For drama, I also highly recommend "Inside Man" "The Queen" and I personally loved "Marie Antoinette". For a smaller film "Come Early Morning" was very well done. For comedy "Scoop" and "Clerks 2" were both quite funny, in their own ways. "Casino Royale" was the Best Bond, perhaps ever. And "The Prestige" was a good movie about just how horrifically awful human beings can be. So you'd have to keep that in mind, should you choose to see it. There were other movies I liked also.

I'm pretty good at not going to movies I can tell I'm not going to like, in my old age. I'd have to say "Last Kiss" (yuck) and "Match Point" ("Scoop" is so much better!) were my least favorite movies in the theater this year and "The DaVinci Code" was about how I expected: not good, but not as bad as I had heard. Average. Middling.

For Keanu lovers like myself, there wasn't a damn thing wrong with "The Lakehouse." You can see the whole list of what I saw here or you can view Snip by category "Flicks"; although I oddly forgot to write up a LOT of the concerts I saw, I pretty consistently reported back on movies.

And I've already seen my first movie of 2007 although I haven't written it up yet. Soon! :)

Posted by Duff at 09:25 PM | E-Mail | Comments (0) | Permalink | filed under Best of..., Books, Flicks, Recommending, Tunes