I am preparing lists. I have lists in preparation--oh nevermind.... Here goes:
6 Best Movies (Didn't see enough to do 10!)
1. Bad Education
I never got a chance to write about this movie here. I saw it on the same weekend I saw three works of art dealing with sexual relations between adults and children: this film, the Nicole Kidman vehicle Birth, and an amazing play by John Patrick Shanley called Doubt. I loved all three--Doubt for its unbelievably perfect writing, Birth for its extremely creepy feeling, and Bad Education for proving again that Pedro Almodovar has become one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. I used to not like his movies. Then I grew up, grew a brain, and admitted my mistake. Besides, Bad Education offers us a few glimpses of Gael Garcia Bernal in explicit gay sexual action. How could this not be #1 on my list?
2. I Heart Huckabees
Who makes movies about existential angst? Well, Woody Allen does (did?), but now David O. Russell does too. And he casts Lily Tomlin and Jude Law. Thanks, Mr. Russell.
3. Fahrenheit 9/11
'Nuff said.
4. Before Sunset
When I heard they were making a sequel to Before Sunrise I was furious. Why screw around with something that was perfect? I didn't want to know if they ever saw each other again! I wanted to remember that wonderful movie just as the characters would: as a long-ago rendezvous to be looked back at with wonder and delight. Now almost a decade later they want to update the storyline?!? Well, not only did they not ruin something that was already perfect, they made it even better.
5. Kill Bill Vol. II
I really need to rent Vols. I and II and watch them back to back.
6. Festival Express
It's a party, it's rock & roll, it's on a train. More here..
Note: This list may be incomplete. I haven't yet seen a few movies I suspect might sneak up into the top spots: The Spongebob Squarepants Movie, The Aviator, Finding Neverland, and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. You'll hear about it if I see 'em.
Worst Jude Law Movie of the Year
Alfie. Period.
2nd Best Jude Law Movie of the Year
Closer. Period.
10 Best CDs
1. Rilo Kiley More Adventurous
The Absence of God entered my life as a bootleg, became the backbone of my favorite album of the year, and finally worked its way into the only music category in my life that hasn't changed since 1987 when Prince released If I Was Your Girlfriend: My favorite song of all time. Go buy this record and worship at the altar of Jenny Lewis. (See downloads section) for the proof.
2. Courtney Love America's Sweetheart
Every song features the lyric "SHUT UP!" and she asks that deeply wounded, deeply wounding question: "Were you jerking off to her or were you jerking off to me?!" I drove my colleagues crazy playing this CD over and over this year. Need a serious release? Get some drugs, turn the lights up bright, and drive your volume to 11--COURTNEY'S HERE FOR YOU, BABY! SHUT UP!
3. French Kicks The Trial of the Century
I came late to the French Kicks party. My friend Rebecca mentioned them to me ages ago, and I promptly ignored her. Then I stumbled on them during an illegal download session, downloaded one song, and was hooked. This album is singable, danceable, and sleepable--everything you want in an indie rock record.
4. k.d. lang Hymns of The 49th Parallel
k.d. lang decided to sing songs written by Canadians. Not surprisingly for a woman of her impeccable taste, she zeroed in on a song that has as much sentimental value to me as any out there: Jane Siberry's The Valley. [Private to Keith Larsen: If you're reading this, drop me a line.]
5. Stephen Duffy & The Lilac Time Keep Going
The harmonies and the slide guitar on this album make me weep. I kid you not: Bank Holiday Monday is the #1 most-played song on my iPod--at exactly 130 plays to date since I first queued it up on April 25, 2004. Play this album on a drizzly day and walk around downtown.
6. The Elected Me First
Speaking of slide guitars, Blake from Rilo Kiley put out this side project which slips under your skin so quietly you can't remember which song is which or when you last listened. The lyrics are all disaffection and dread: "And if you see me down at the liquor store, don't tell my dad / And if you see my dad, down at the liquor store, don't tell me anything at all."
7. Morrissey You Are The Quarry
I bought this because of the hype of his big "comeback" and all the hoopla about his tour. Turns out the hype was right. It's really good. And it's depressing and uplifting all at once, just what we want from Mr. Black-On-The-Inside. I dare you not to sing along in "First of the Gang to Die" when he sings "He stole all hearts away, a-hay, a-hay, a-hay, -way, a-hay, a-hay, a-hay."
8. Ryan Adams Love is Hell
I know I know, everyone hates him for being too prolific, too cute, and too un-pinned down. Well not me, I think he's still terrific. You can't find better written songs than Hotel Chelsea Nights, World War 24, and English Girls Approximately. And speaking of Morrissey, Adams has written the best Smiths song since Johnny went electronic: Anybody Wanna Take Me Home is pure vintage 1986 Smiths (i.e. perfect).
9. Loretta Lynn Van Lear Rose
Kudos to Loretta for riding the big Jack White wave. The title song is so good, and her voice so strained in the upper register! It's the goosebumps, stupid.
10. The Killers Hot Fuss
Sorry, but I really did try to get off the indie rock/dance hybrid bandwagon. But I got stuck in the wheel that is the Killers. It makes me shake my rump-ah. And it makes me happy. So sue me.
4 Best Live Performances
1&2. Wendy Whelan in Agon
It's Wendy's world, we just live in it. I literally left the State Theater in tears after Wendy kicked me in the face in Agon two nights in a row. That's good enough to be #1 and #2.
3. Rilo Kiley at Bowery Ballroom
Favorite band, favorite venue, two nights in a row. I knew Jenny was Patsy Cline, but I didn't know she was Roberta Flack! That is, until I heard her sing I Never. Another bonus download for you.
4. Brendan Benson at Mercury Lounge
But will his new album EVER come out? Geesh.
3 New Year's Resolutions for 2005
1. Be an adult
Don't ask. It has something to do with domesticity. I have no intention of keeping this one.
2. Go to Paris, France
I am not turning 36 without having been there. See you there on or before June 2, 2005.
3. Drink more champagne in 2005 than I did in 2004
See #2.
