Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Eyegasm - Movies in 2009

2009 was a pretty awesome year for movies... and since there isn't always a lot to do, I see a lot of them. According to my list on Rateyourmusic.com, I've seen 40 movies in 2009... here are my top 15.

Click on the movie posters to watch their trailers on YouTube.

15.

RT: 83%
tf:

One of the coolest looking movies I've seen in a really long time, I saw this just the other night in 3D. The first hour and a half of the story keep you guessing what might happen but the final hour was a little disappointing - but probably only because of its attempt at mass appeal. Cameron sat on this script for years until the technology was good enough to replicate his visions, and they invented an entire language for the Na'vi tribe. I'm not sure if it lived up to the general public's hype, but it was much better than I personally was expecting.

14.

RT: 50%
tf:

I think I liked this movie for a lot of reasons that you typically wouldn't like a movie for... if that makes sense. Seth Rogen took on a really different, and pretty difficult, role in this film as he essentially plays a pathetic loser trying to make something of himself... it's a hard thing to make funny. However, because the scenes fluctuate back and forth from awkwardly saddening to hysterically laughable, it just works for me.

13.

RT: 83%
tf:

You have to be crazy not to like a Jason Segel, Paul Rudd bromance movie. C'mon...

12.

RT: 86%
tf:

I don't know exactly what message to take away from this movie, which is probably why it hasn't climbed as high on the list as it might on others... I'm not a believer in true love or anything like that, and 500 days is a movie that wants you to understand people will take shits on your heart... and it's just something you have to deal with. But that's not uplifting in any way, it's just kind of tragic. I can't really say too much without spoiling the movie for those of you who haven't seen it... but it was definitely one of the best romance dramas of recent history.

11.

RT: 89%
tf:

Zombies... Woody Harrelson... and Bill Murray? This is the softer side of zombie apocalypse... a side you can laugh about and not have nightmares when you go to sleep at night. I'm still not really sure if I like the less funny version of Michael Cera or not, there wasn't anything that crazy in the plot and it was pretty straightforward, but I laughed throughout the entire movie, so I can't complain.

10.

RT: 98%
tf:

Pixar has gotten really good at making movies that parents can take their kids to without having to sacrifice the mature themes they really want. Up was one of the saddest movies of the year, in all honesty... but kids probably had no idea and were just sucked in by the adventure of it all. The movie's two main characters serve as a direct parallel to this and the story is both entertaining and emotionally engaging. I felt like an idiot buying a ticket for this at 11:30 on a Friday night, but it turned out to be a good decision.

09.

RT: 90%
tf:

A modern day mixture between Cloverfield and Independence Day, this movie operates perfectly with an unknown cast and does probably the most realistic job of estimating the conditions of a possible alien invasion. I really liked the blend of comedy, action and drama that it offered and if any movie has ever been ripe for a sequel, it's this one.

08.

RT: 88%
tf:

I can never tell whether I love or hate Tarantino - love Pulp Fiction, hate Kill Bill... so I had low expectations going into Inglourious Basterds, but holy shit this movie was awesome. People always mention his use of dialogue being a central focus to his films, and I loved every painstaking minute of anticipation it delivered... I'm also always down for using Brad Pitt to sell tickets and ignoring history too. GJ QT.

07.

RT: 63%
tf:

This begins the best of the best for me this year, and if you'll notice - none of these movies get particularly good reviews. I don't know if I like fighting for the underdog or if I can just somehow find what most of the critics are missing... but every year the movies I like the most are the ones that don't get the credit. With that said, Extract was one of the most cleverly funny movies I have seen in a long time. First of all this cast was loaded... Secondly, it was surprisingly fun having no idea which way the plot was going to go, and finally the storyline was more than engaging enough to peak my interest the whole time. Comedies get beat up pretty often for just being slapstick or whatever, but this was a smart movie, and it definitely doesn't get the credit it deserved.

06.

RT: 57%
tf:

Probably the most intense movie I've ever seen... definitely the most intense of the year, I'm surprised this didn't get better reviews from the critics. Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman all gave outstanding performances and you need to keep your eyes on this freak of a young actress Bailee Madison. She plays one of Tobey's daughters in the movie and she is just incredible. I don't know how in the world she can comprehend such adult notions of a character's portrayal, but she is going to be huge - that's for certain.

05.

RT: 73%
tf:

The most anticipated movie of the year did not disappoint. Spike Jonze did a perfect job encapsulating the darker, dramatic view of this children's masterpiece and I could never have imagined it turning out any better. I'm going to call this the most underrated movie of the year... because I just don't agree with any of the criticism it received. A lot of people wanted a happier version... but they should have known what to expect. A lot of people thought its plot development was too slow... and I can't stand how impatient the general public has become with popular cinema, it's just ridiculous. If you liked the children's book when you were a kid like I did... I remember constantly being on the waiting list to check this book out at my school library, than you should be able to appreciate this interpretation.

04.

RT: 78%
tf:

Comedy of the year. One of the most quotable movies I've ever seen it's just littered with one-liners and gets better every time. Zach Galifianakis is amazing, and now one of my heroes... I don't have much to say about this movie other than if you haven't seen it, you're either over the hill or in a hole and you sure as hell aren't reading this.

03.

RT: 68%
tf:

Pardon my French but I fucking love Judd Apatow. And with that love comes a little bit of hate - for anyone who complained about this movie. If you left the theater early because you thought this movie was too long, or not LOL funny enough... you are an idiot. Judd Apatow is the master of dark, dramatic comedy and you would know this if you ventured farther into his work past Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin... but since I'm assuming you haven't, I'm not even going to waste my time. For those of you who have though, you loved this movie... and you understand that this was one of the best roles Adam Sandler has ever played and the cast that surrounded him was near perfect. Thank you, Judd.

02.

RT: 66%
tf:

This movie completely won me over. The awkwardness. The simplicity. The soundtrack. Everything about this movie was better than I ever would have believed. I've seen it something like 5 times since I first saw it in the theater and the ending still provokes that beautiful tingly feeling that my words can't really describe. Not too many other people really enjoyed this movie the way I did, and that's fine... I understand it doesn't have the mass appeal that many of the other movies on this list do, but that just makes it all the more mine.

01.

RT: 72%
tf:

A lot of you are probably saying, "Really?... The Road?" - and Yes. The Road. This was the perfect apocalyptic movie for me... it didn't have anything to do with zombies, asteroids or John Cusack and I don't think any other attempt will ever come close. The appeal of this movie wasn't the action or the visualization of losing everything, it was the emotional consciousness, the deep human instinct, the love and passion, the internal fight to live no matter what the consequences. It's just amazing to think about what would happen if man had no moral code... if we lost all faith, etc. - this movie creates the contemplation of many of these ideas that we in normal circumstances have no reason to consider, and it's that thought progression that earns this film title of tastyflapjack movie of the year.

Watch Out - 50 Cent

who: 50 Cent
why: was recently featured on VH1's Behind the Music, and even if you don't like hip-hop or 50 Cent in particular, these documentaries are done so well I can guarantee you'll still find it interesting. I'm going to try and post as many of these as possible in the future as well... so be on the look out.

Part 1

Continue to watch Part 2 and Part 3

Waffle Fries - La Dispute

who: La Dispute
why: is feeling the need to give this holiday season as they have made all three parts of their Here, Hear. EP series available for download via the "Pay What You Want" system. They've also thrown in a Holiday tour CD and an Untitled 7" all for your enjoyment, but please be aware that donations are highly advisable in this act of generosity because all proceeds will go to benefit the Well House charity. Happy Holidays, from La Dispute.

Pay What You Want for:
Untitled 7"

Winter Tour Holiday CD-R

Here, Hear. EPs (Volumes I, II and III)

WE'LL DO IT LIVE! - Hellogoodbye

who: Hellogoodbye
why: have been featured on a Daytrotter.com session, recording four live tracks for you to listen to; three of the four being new songs that will appear on the bands upcoming 2010 release.


1. Welcome to Daytrotter
2. "When We First Met" - Unreleased
3. "The Thought Gives Me the Creeps" - Unreleased
4. "Finding Something to Do" - Unreleased

Check out the session here!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Premature Infatuation - HORSE the band

who: HORSE the band
why: have released a full-length DVD titled 'We Flooded It and There's Yoghurt Everywhere AKA 48 Hours in Ukraine' capturing a small portion of their never ending antics on the 2008 EARTH TOUR. I never knew HORSE had their own blog, but you should definitely check that out, buy the DVD from MerchNOW, and check out the trailer for the DVD below!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Watch Out - Nightmare of You

who: Nightmare of You
why: have posted a video for "Experimental Bed" off of their 2009 release, 'Infomaniac'.

Q&A - Tera Melos

why: sits down with Ryan to talk about touring, the search for a new drummer and writing a complete album to be released this year. I can't wait!

I can't get the video to properly embed... so shoot on over to Ryan's Rock Show to check it out.

Because this post looks empty, check out their latest EP 'Drugs to the Dear Youth' below.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas from tastyflapjacks

why: helped Jimmy Fallon and The Roots with their holiday spirit by assisting in a performance of "I Wish It Was Christmas Today". Lucky for all of us... IT IS!


who
: Mindy White and Anthony Green
why: have released a collaborative cover of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" through peta's website... yes peta. But whatever, the song is perfect little 1:30 version and I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Download the mp3 HERE.

Mindy White of Lydia

Sunday, December 20, 2009

LMAO! - Bobby Bottleservice

who: Bobby Bottleservice
why: "in addition to like Ruxin in as well as Nick Kroll", these videos are so full of one-liners I can hardly stand it... do you date me?


Bobby Bottleservice talks to all the sexy internet ladies


Jersey Shore audition tape

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Premature Infatuation - The Felix Culpa

who: The Felix Culpa
why: are set to release their sophomore album titled 'Sever Your Roots' on January 23rd, 2010. I might be over-hyping this a little bit, but I'm ridiculously pumped for it because it's been nearly 6 years since the release of their debut album 'Commitment' in 2004... I thought they were done; and January is already stacked full of releases so 2010 is going to start off with a bang.

The Felix Culpa - 'Commitment' [2004]


Release Schedule for January, 2010

January 12
*Vampire Weekend - 'Contra'
*OK Go - 'Of the Blue Colour of the Sky'

January 19
*Motion City Soundtrack - 'My Dinosaur Life'

January 23
*The Felix Culpa - 'Sever Your Roots'

January 26
*Native - 'Wrestling Moves'

Eargasm - Top 25 Albums of the DECADE

When I say albums of the decade, I essentially mean the best albums of all-time... this decade is the music I will always remember growing up on. It's been awesome to watch countless new genres evolve from the early punk days I never saw, and it's really interesting to think about where these genres will eventually lead - but for now, I'm reminiscing on the albums that have shaped my musical tastes.

Here are the best 25 albums of the decade (2000-2009).

25. A Day to Remember - 'And Their Name Was Treason' [2005]
24. Death Cab for Cutie - 'Narrow Stairs' [2008]
23. The Starting Line - 'Say It Like You Mean It' [2002]
22. Four Year Strong - 'Rise or Die Trying' [2007]
21. The Sound of Animals Fighting - 'Tiger and the Duke' [2005]
20. Minus the Bear - 'Highly Refined Pirates' [2002]
19. Gatsby's American Dream - 'Volcano' [2005]
18. New Found Glory - 'New Found Glory' [2000]
17. Lydia - 'Illuminate' [2008]
16. Manchester Orchestra - 'Mean Everything to Nothing' [2009]


15.
This Will Destroy You
'Young Mountain' EP [2006]

Easily the best instrumental album I've ever heard. Explosions in the Sky and Russian Circles come close, but the 'Young Mountain' EP is straight perfection. Heavy ambient tones and intricately light percussion create a tonal atmosphere for the entire album that promote a reaaaaaaally relaxing listen. You can't go wrong with this EP.


14.
Bear Vs. Shark
'Right Now, You're In the Best of Hands. And If Something Isn't Quite Right, Your Doctor Will Know In a Hurry' [2003]

The award for longest album title and #14 on the list of top 25 of the decade goes to Bear Vs. Shark. I wish I would have known about them when they were actually still making music, and they will always be the best band I will never see live. One of the first bands to add an awesomely distinguished twist to the post-hardcore genre, Bear Vs. Shark put out the release of a lifetime with this album. If you haven't heard it, prepare to be blown away.


13.
Emarosa
'This Is Your Way Out' EP [2007]

Emarosa of old was the first band who really perfected the addition of a synth into hardcore/metalcore songs, and I couldn't get enough of it. There have since been other bands to try recreating a similar sound, but I don't think anyone will ever one-up this disc.


12.
Bayside
'Bayside' [2005]

This was the first "emo" album I took seriously, and ever since I have considered Bayside to be one of my favorite bands. I've seen them live on a few different occassions, and they bring it every time. Despite the devastating death of drummer John "Beatz" Holohan, Bayside continued to make music and tour and I will always consider this album one of my all time favorites.


11.
The Fall of Troy
'Phantom on the Horizon' EP [2008]

This is probably the most revolutionary record I have ever heard, in all sincerity. It's absolutely amazing to think about how it's complexity can be so perfectly written and delivered from only three dudes. Granted this album is obviously produced to an extreme level compared to their other efforts, The Fall of Troy turned the popular Ghostship Demos into a masterpiece with this release. Virtually everything they put out is gold in my eyes, but I will never be as impressed upon an album's first listen as I was with 'Phantom on the Horizon'.


10.
mewithoutYou
'Brother, Sister' [2006]

It's all about Aaron Weiss. This band is good... like really good... but Aaron Weiss is the man. I'm usually the first person to be annoyed with using Christianity to sell records, but mwY are different. They're not preachers, they don't list Christianity as a viable genre, but they play the music they love strictly for the glory of God, and that in itself is something to be admired. If I felt as strong about ANYTHING as Aaron feels toward music and his Maker, I would consider myself a lucky man... and it is under that mindset that mewithoutYou was able to make a record that is constantly on my mind.


09.
The Postal Service
'Give Up' [2003]

Okay I lied, it's not all about Aaron Weiss. It's also partially about Ben Gibbard. This guy's a musical, lyrical genius and this album especially is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. An interesting fact about this album - Ben would write pieces of it from Pennsylvania while Jimmy would write pieces from L.A... they would sometimes send samples back and forth to slowly piece together songs on the record... thus obtaining the name The Postal Service. That fact alone should be enough to make you listen to this album.


08.
Glassjaw
'Worship and Tribute' [2002]

This is Glassjaw at their finest - and it's something extremely hard to find. They hardly ever tour... they hate the music industry and won't settle for anyone... so they tend not to release albums... and all this drama just adds to the value you get when hearing them on this album. Another band I sometimes wish I would have been introduced to earlier, Glassjaw is easily one of the most influential bands of the decade - and this, 'Worship and Tribute', is the best album they've released.


07.
HORSE the band
'The Mechanical Hand' [2005]

HORSE... the motherfucking band. This band changed my life... it sounds funny because a lot of people think they're just a joke, but to my friends and I - they're legends. HORSE encompasses everything I love about music... they like what they play, they don't care if you do, but they don't wanna be alone and above all else, they're out to have a good time. If you don't like HORSE the band... you wouldn't like HORSE the band. And it's okay... you just don't get it.


06.
Brand New
'The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me' [2006]

I kind of dismissed this album when it first came out... I liked it, but it was pretty dark and I didn't really have the urge to constantly play it... But as I gave it more and more listens, I became connected with frontman Jesse Lacey's emotions concerning love and heartbreak and the parallels made toward life, death and Heaven and Hell and I've since thought this to be one of the most complete albums I have ever listened to. The beginning, the middle, the end... every piece is so significantly satisfying and I have no complaints. If you ever feel alone and worthless, play this record and remember that everything is going to be alright.


05.
underOATH

'They're Only Chasing Safety' [2004]

Hello screaming. I like to think of 'They're Only Chasing Safety' as a Butterfly Effect album as it was the first album I really felt true aggression through music. This band changed how I listened to everything, and I stopped listening for catchy hooks and more for emotional display and appeal. Thank you underOATH.


04.
The Mars Volta

'De-Loused in the Comatorium' [2003]

One of the craziest albums I had ever heard... I listened to it every day for months. I don't even have that much to say about it other than it still blows my mind. It was the first record I heard in the experimental / progressive genres, and it opened me up to tons of new musical avenues. I have no idea HOW Omar writes this stuff, I don't know how their albums get produced so well but if you somehow haven't heard of them until now - you need to know The Mars Volta.


03.
Maps & Atlases
'Tree, Swallows, Houses' EP [2007]

The best EP I've ever heard. Maps & Atlases have yet to release a full-length album... and I don't really see the point as long as they keep this up. Four of the most talented musicians I've ever seen, these guys are too humble to take any compliment you could give them. They'd be speechless if they knew they made my list of best albums of the decade, and let's face it... I'm the only one who actually reads this. I'd understand if you gave this album a listen and didn't really get it... but if you saw them live I'll guarantee you'd gain a new appreciation for how insanely sick they are. Both guitarists tap melodies throughout almost every song... the bassist even throws in some tapping sections... and the drummer can double-bass with one foot faster than you can with two... These guys... are legendary.


02.
Dance Gavin Dance
'Downtown Battle Mountain' [2007]

Jonny Craig is in my opinion the best vocalist in the rock scene today, and when combined with heavy beats, background screams and guitar work insane enough to make your eardrums explode you're given 'Downtown Battle Mountain'. I listened to this album on repeat for days wondering how it was humanly possible to make anything so perfect. I thought for a second that I might have had a new favorite band... and then Jonny's ego got to his head and he got kicked out of the band... Heartbreaker, but everything happens for a reason... and if anything it makes this album all the more rare and does it even make sense to say "more" perfect? Whatever. It's true...


01.
The Fall of Troy

'Doppelganger' [2005]

It was the best concert I'll ever see. Chicago, IL... The Metro. The Fall of Troy was one of the openers for HORSE the band... and I had never heard of them. I wasn't very excited to see them either... I was with my best friends and we all just wanted to skip the opening acts and go straight to HORSE... but I'm glad we had to wait, because after that show I could finally answer the question everyone likes to ask: "What's your favorite band?". Because of that show and the countless hours I listened to The Fall of Troy's 'Doppelganger', I really do feel like my life has changed. I'm not sure how to precisely describe it... but I have a passion for music that I have for nothing else in this world besides my family and friends and I feel like I owe a piece of it to these dudes. None of their albums have ever let me down, but this is the one that started it all and I will probably always remember as my favorite album of all time.

What were your favorite albums of the early 2000s? And what happened to 2001? I have no albums from 2001 on this list...