Two big happenings today. And neither of them are safe from criticism. First, the much-anticipated Academy Awards nominations. Let's run them down, and point out the blunders and successes.
Best Picture:
Babel
Letters From Iwo Jima
The Departed
The Queen
Little Miss Sunshine
Since I've only seen one of the five (Little Miss Sunshine), it's hard for me to comment. I wanted badly to see Babel and The Departed, but had little interest in both Letters From Iwo Jima and The Queen. Here's my issue. I'm sick of the late-entries invading the list, opening just technically in time to become elligible. Letters fits this mold. Sure, it's probably a great film, but it opened nationwide January 19. It's showing on only 360 screens, and hasn't yet made $2.5 million. Although there's plenty of time to see the movie before the awards, let's reward movies that people have seen and can talk about. Now that I've cleared that up, let me contradict myself by suggesting another film (and no, it's not Dreamgirls). Children of Men was by far the most gripping and memorable theater experience I had last year. It deserved to be nominated. Letters is out. And the MPAA missed a huge opportunity to crack it's anchored mold by not nominating Borat, the year's most talked about film. I've never laughed more at a film, and nobody should feel bad about admitting that. A screenplay nod is not nearly enough. Out goes...it's difficult because I haven't seen them...The Departed. Just a hunch, but I have a feeling that film was a lot of hype (Scorsese, Nicholson, DiCaprio, Damon, Wahlberg). I'm thrilled that Little Miss Sunshine earned a nod, as it made me smile more than any other movie last year. Does it stand a chance? Well, Crash won.
Best Actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio, Blood Diamond (Seriously? This movie got panned)
Peter O'Toole, Venus (Honestly, never heard of it)
Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson (Ditto)
Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland (Ladies and gentlemen, the winner...)
Will Smith, Pursuit of Happyness (Now I give up)
Wait, was Jack Nicholson NOT in The Departed? How did he miss out? It's like Meryl Streep not getting nominated (she did). Clive Owen, in Children of Men, was great, not award-worthy, but he sure beats out the Fresh Prince. And no Sacha Baren Cohen??? You've got to be kidding me.
Best Actress:
Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada (Even Kristie didn't like this movie)
Helen Mirren, The Queen (Wrap it up)
Judi Dench, Notes On a Scandal (Is there any young talent out there?)
Penelope Cruz, Volver (Thanks)
Kate Winslet, Little Children (This generation's Meryl Streep?)
Nothing to say here really. There just haven't been that many memorable female performances lately. And I haven't seen enough movies. Still trying to decide whether or not I can handle Pan's Labyrinth.
My predictions:
Picture: The Departed
Actor: Whitaker
Actress: Mirren
Director: Martin Scorsese, The Departed
Supporting Actor: Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls
Supporting Actress: Rinko Kikuchi, Babel
Whatever.
Next up: The firing of Timberwolves head coach Dwane Casey. It's beyond evident, the man who should be shouldering the blame, Kevin McHale, never will. He and owner Glen Taylor (and KG?) are way too close to part on their own, and are always looking for scapegoats. And the timing? Yes, the Wolves have lost four straight, but the last two were road games at Phoenix (without Garnett and Ricky Davis) and Utah. Not exactly cupcakes. And the Wolves were clearly still in the playoff hunt. It just doesn't seem right to fire a coach in the middle of a road trip. And do McHale and Taylor really think Randy Wittman is a better option? Ask Cleveland about him.
Let's point out a few of the numerous reasons McHale should turn his firing finger around. Of course, it all starts with the under-the-table Joe Smith deal. That travesty cost the Wolves multiple draft picks and really hurt the team's chances to develop and stay young. And for Joe Smith? Honestly? That right there should have been a sign. And then there's the major turning point. Four years ago, the Wolves finally had a first-round pick, and a chance to add young talent to an aging team. And with that pick, McHale, on his own, defied the rest of the organization and chose high-schooler Ndudi Ebi. Word is that McHale was so enamored with Ebi, after seeing him practice once, that he vetoed the group's decision to draft Josh Howard, a proven college player. Howard is now deserving of an all-star selection and could be called the Mavericks most irreplaceable cog. Ebi is out of the league. Oops. Finally, McHale's calling was his creativity in the post and ability to score in multiple ways around the basket. Fans thought he could transfer his knowledge to Wolves big men. The list: Cherokee Parks, Dean Garrett, Rasho Nesterovic, Loren Woods, Marc Jackson, Michael Olowokandi, and finally, Mark Blount. The one that has played the best? Blount, recently, under Casey. Good luck to Randy Wittman, and any future coach who tests the freezing waters of the upper midwest. Just know that if success wanes, Kevin McHale will have one long, icy cold finger pointed directly at you.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
All You People Picked Ohio State (basketball, not football. I picked them in football too.)
Every big game features a turning point. Some happen to be more spectacular than others. And in Tuesday’s blockbuster between Ohio State and Wisconsin, it happened to be more spectacular, and memorable, than most.
Buckeyes leading scorer Daequan Cook had just made his only field goal of the game with just under fifteen minutes to play, cutting the Wisconsin lead to three. Ohio State followed with a solid defensive possession, forcing Marcus Landry to take a 3-pointers with five seconds left on the shot clock. OSU’s Mike Conley, Jr. was in perfect position to grab the airball and cut deeper into the Wisconsin lead, but the ball glanced first off his hands, then his knee, and out of bounds. With three seconds left on the shot clock, Wisconsin inbounded the ball to Alando Tucker, who went up in traffic and had the ball stripped from him. Somehow, Tucker recovered, grabbing the ball near his knees and throwing it in the air just before he hit the ground. After dangling on the rim for a few seconds, the ball dropped in, pushing Wisconsin’s lead to five.
The Badgers instantly upped the intensity, blocking shots, creating steals and dissecting the OSU press on their way to a 10-0 run. Ohio State fought valiantly to come back, but that five-minute stretch was too much to overcome. The missed opportunity by Conley and the subsequent miracle shot by Tucker propelled the home team to the huge win, 72-69.
Several items stood out on this night.
Ohio State does not have the role players Wisconsin does. The Badgers got huge games from Marcus Landry, Michael Flowers and Joe Krabbenhoft, and would not have won the contest without their performances. Landry especially stood out, making key baskets (including two 3s), blocking four shots and playing tough defense on stud center Greg Oden. Oden went without a field goal for three quarters of the game, and was a non-factor for most of the night. Flowers provided big shots as well, and had three steals that sparked fastbreak points. And Krabbenhoft, who may be the Badgers’ best rebounder, proved so by grabbing nine rebounds in 25 minutes.
While Ohio State has many players that can score on any night, none provide the intangibles and the glue-factor that Wisconsin’s do. Ivan Harris and Ron Lewis can shoot the 3 (8-16 of OSU’s 12-26 from deep), but struggle when asked to get a big rebound, block a shot, or make a hustle play. Ohio State has athletes, scorers, shooters -- but nobody to fall back on when things aren’t working.
Ohio State must also learn how to incorporate Greg Oden into the offensive flow. Many times they settled for quick jumpers and low-percentage shots before giving Oden a touch. Wisconsin was clearly the more patient team offensively, working the ball around against OSU’s trapping zone, finding quality shots and getting the ball into the right players’ hands. Too many Buckeyes pulled up for potentially glamorous deep balls – especially on fast breaks, where Oden was working hard, running the lane, and getting no reward. It’s unclear whether they know what an advantage they have with him in the paint. One post entry per possession would make those coveted threes much easier. In the game’s last minute, when OSU nearly tied the game, Oden finally got the ball, and got two dunks. It’s no accident. Go inside.
We can’t forget about Kammron Taylor, Wisconsin’s senior point guard, who played his best game of the year and paced the Badgers throughout. His season-high 25 points on only 8 shots made things easier on Tucker, who was struggling to find his game. It’s nice for Badger fans to find out that if Tucker can’t carry the team, Taylor can step up. And he does one thing much better than Tucker: shoot free throws. Taylor was 12-16 on the night, while Tucker was only 1-6.
With the win, Wisconsin moved to 40-2 in home Big Ten games under Bo Ryan, a record that is astounding. In fact, only Illinois has won at the Kohl Center in Ryan’s tenure. The Badgers also moved to 13-2 against ranked teams at home under Ryan. These statistics cannot be ignored, especially when sizing up the Big Ten race. Protecting your home court is a must for any team that wants to remain in the hunt for a Big Ten title. Wisconsin knows how to do it. Ohio State will get their chance to answer back on February 25, when the Badgers visit Columbus. The game will probably be entertaining, but there certainly will be one moment – a big three, a miraculous shot, a defensive stand – that we will look back on as the turning point.
Buckeyes leading scorer Daequan Cook had just made his only field goal of the game with just under fifteen minutes to play, cutting the Wisconsin lead to three. Ohio State followed with a solid defensive possession, forcing Marcus Landry to take a 3-pointers with five seconds left on the shot clock. OSU’s Mike Conley, Jr. was in perfect position to grab the airball and cut deeper into the Wisconsin lead, but the ball glanced first off his hands, then his knee, and out of bounds. With three seconds left on the shot clock, Wisconsin inbounded the ball to Alando Tucker, who went up in traffic and had the ball stripped from him. Somehow, Tucker recovered, grabbing the ball near his knees and throwing it in the air just before he hit the ground. After dangling on the rim for a few seconds, the ball dropped in, pushing Wisconsin’s lead to five.
The Badgers instantly upped the intensity, blocking shots, creating steals and dissecting the OSU press on their way to a 10-0 run. Ohio State fought valiantly to come back, but that five-minute stretch was too much to overcome. The missed opportunity by Conley and the subsequent miracle shot by Tucker propelled the home team to the huge win, 72-69.
Several items stood out on this night.
Ohio State does not have the role players Wisconsin does. The Badgers got huge games from Marcus Landry, Michael Flowers and Joe Krabbenhoft, and would not have won the contest without their performances. Landry especially stood out, making key baskets (including two 3s), blocking four shots and playing tough defense on stud center Greg Oden. Oden went without a field goal for three quarters of the game, and was a non-factor for most of the night. Flowers provided big shots as well, and had three steals that sparked fastbreak points. And Krabbenhoft, who may be the Badgers’ best rebounder, proved so by grabbing nine rebounds in 25 minutes.
While Ohio State has many players that can score on any night, none provide the intangibles and the glue-factor that Wisconsin’s do. Ivan Harris and Ron Lewis can shoot the 3 (8-16 of OSU’s 12-26 from deep), but struggle when asked to get a big rebound, block a shot, or make a hustle play. Ohio State has athletes, scorers, shooters -- but nobody to fall back on when things aren’t working.
Ohio State must also learn how to incorporate Greg Oden into the offensive flow. Many times they settled for quick jumpers and low-percentage shots before giving Oden a touch. Wisconsin was clearly the more patient team offensively, working the ball around against OSU’s trapping zone, finding quality shots and getting the ball into the right players’ hands. Too many Buckeyes pulled up for potentially glamorous deep balls – especially on fast breaks, where Oden was working hard, running the lane, and getting no reward. It’s unclear whether they know what an advantage they have with him in the paint. One post entry per possession would make those coveted threes much easier. In the game’s last minute, when OSU nearly tied the game, Oden finally got the ball, and got two dunks. It’s no accident. Go inside.
We can’t forget about Kammron Taylor, Wisconsin’s senior point guard, who played his best game of the year and paced the Badgers throughout. His season-high 25 points on only 8 shots made things easier on Tucker, who was struggling to find his game. It’s nice for Badger fans to find out that if Tucker can’t carry the team, Taylor can step up. And he does one thing much better than Tucker: shoot free throws. Taylor was 12-16 on the night, while Tucker was only 1-6.
With the win, Wisconsin moved to 40-2 in home Big Ten games under Bo Ryan, a record that is astounding. In fact, only Illinois has won at the Kohl Center in Ryan’s tenure. The Badgers also moved to 13-2 against ranked teams at home under Ryan. These statistics cannot be ignored, especially when sizing up the Big Ten race. Protecting your home court is a must for any team that wants to remain in the hunt for a Big Ten title. Wisconsin knows how to do it. Ohio State will get their chance to answer back on February 25, when the Badgers visit Columbus. The game will probably be entertaining, but there certainly will be one moment – a big three, a miraculous shot, a defensive stand – that we will look back on as the turning point.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Start the New Year Off Right
Most people, at the beginning of the newest year, make resolutions. You know, lose a little weight, learn to play the lute, stop after that fourth jaeg bomb. I decided not to go that route this year, opting instead for something I'll be able to follow through on and pay attention to all year: a dead pool. Since I'm not in an official pool, I can make up whatever rules I want, and here they are. Ten celebrities are paired with odds of their chances of kicking the bucket this year. Those odds correlate directly to the amount of points a celeb's death is worth. Bonus points are awarded for huge celebrity status, younger age and overall loss to the world. For example, Bill Clinton would garner bonus points in all three categories, and with his long odds would amass huge points. Fidel Castro, on the other hand, is a gimmee. No bonuses.
For those of you who think this game is sick, immoral and damnable, I agree.
Here's the list, starting with the best odds:
1. Kirk Douglas, Sparticus (2-1 odds)
He just turned 90 and looks like the grim reaper.
2. Carl Pohlad, selfish billionaire (3-1)
He's even older than Douglas (91) and can hardly speak.
3. Anna Nicole Smith, depressed idiot (8-1)
Not yet 40, ANS would amass huge points to accompany her huge...debt?
4. Gary Busey, raging psycho (12-1)
One of those deaths that, even at age 62, wouldn't shock anybody.
5. Dick Cheney, expert hunter (18-1)
It feels like he's one heart attack (or hunting expedition) away.
6. Larry Pfohl, AKA Lex Luger (30-1)
Pro wrestlers are good bets in any year.
7. Meatloaf, meatloaf lover (46-1)
Have you seen this guy lately? You eat what you are, I guess.
8. Danny Bonaduce, crappy gameshow host (60-1)
Former child stars are almost as bad as pro wrestlers.
9. Nicole Ritchie, perpetual dieter (75-1)
One has to eat to live, agreed?
10. Geraldo Rivera, respected journalist (100-1)
With all the hard-hitting reporting he does, it would be understood.
There's the list. Since nobody else is in this pool, I'll award myself points when I so desire. If you've got some shoe-in picks I missed, post a comment.
For those of you who think this game is sick, immoral and damnable, I agree.
Here's the list, starting with the best odds:
1. Kirk Douglas, Sparticus (2-1 odds)
He just turned 90 and looks like the grim reaper.
2. Carl Pohlad, selfish billionaire (3-1)
He's even older than Douglas (91) and can hardly speak.
3. Anna Nicole Smith, depressed idiot (8-1)
Not yet 40, ANS would amass huge points to accompany her huge...debt?
4. Gary Busey, raging psycho (12-1)
One of those deaths that, even at age 62, wouldn't shock anybody.
5. Dick Cheney, expert hunter (18-1)
It feels like he's one heart attack (or hunting expedition) away.
6. Larry Pfohl, AKA Lex Luger (30-1)
Pro wrestlers are good bets in any year.
7. Meatloaf, meatloaf lover (46-1)
Have you seen this guy lately? You eat what you are, I guess.
8. Danny Bonaduce, crappy gameshow host (60-1)
Former child stars are almost as bad as pro wrestlers.
9. Nicole Ritchie, perpetual dieter (75-1)
One has to eat to live, agreed?
10. Geraldo Rivera, respected journalist (100-1)
With all the hard-hitting reporting he does, it would be understood.
There's the list. Since nobody else is in this pool, I'll award myself points when I so desire. If you've got some shoe-in picks I missed, post a comment.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
2007 Pre-Year Awards
With 2007 upon us, it's time to open up the crystal ball and deliver some rock-solid predictions for the new year. While I'm not prepared to predict the end of the world (scroll up), there will certainly be some head-turning events. Let's hand out the awards.
The Michael Richards Career-Killer Award: The list of washed-up former television stars is plentiful, and the possibilities for this selection are endless. Several names popped up, including former Married...With Children star Ed O'Neill, tool man sidekick and Family Feud host Richard Karn and Mad About You's Paul Reiser. All seemingly possess the capability to lose their jewels at any time and could use some publicity. But the award goes to...
Tony Danza
He's one more crappy citcom away from a meltdown.
The Mel Gibson Drunken Rage Award: Again, countless options, from Harrison Ford to these three guys to John Travolta. So who will deliver the goods?
Nicolas Cage
Just look at the guy, he's creepy.
The Nicole Ritchie Off the Deep End Award: A sad category, where seemingly every young Hollywood belle could land. How to choose between Hillary Duff, the Olsen twins or the Ritchie-thin Kate Bosworth. But the choice here is clear.
Ashlee Simpson
She's got it all: the more-famous, better-looking older sister, the crazy dad, the wrong crowd. It's only a matter of time.
The Neil Patrick Harris/Lance Bass Coming Out Party Award: A crucial award, as this can bring an obscure celeb back into the public eye. It's a tough category, however, because gayness in Hollywood is difficult to pinpoint. Is Elijah Wood gay? What about the other hobbits? How about Fred Savage? Warning signs point to this guy:
Jaleel White
What's he doing right now, you ask? He's a motivational speaker.
The Dick Cheney Hunting Accident Award: Politicians love their hunting. And many of them are clearly senile. The combination is dicey. You know there will be more birdshot accidents in 2007, with a who's who of old politicians as the suspects. There's Joe Lieberman, he's creepy looking. We know Howard Dean's got some rage. And it seems about right for a Newt Gingrich citing. But it's hard to argue against the utter cluelessness of one
Bob Dole
Senility has a mascot.
The Dustin Diamond No Way He Released a Sex Tape Award: For those of you out of the loop, Screech -- yes -- Saved By the Bell's Samuel Screech Powers, consciously promoted and released a sex tape to kickstart his career. This is the same guy that appeared on the very short-lived Star Dates, where regular people got the chance to date a "celebrity." So who is that desperate? This is a tough level to achieve. And while Lorenzo Lamas and Luke Perry are on the short list, the nod goes to someone who knows a bit about the award's creator.
Lark Voorhies
I think we can all agree on this one.
The Haley Joel Osment Child Star Meltdown Award: Refresher: HJO crashed his car, was drunk, and possessed marijuana. I would insert a cheesy "I see dead people" joke here, but let's not stoop to that. Dakota Fanning is a trendy choice, but she's only 12 and has braces. Seems unlikely. That leaves us with a simple selection.
Frankie Muniz
He just turned 21, you know he's ready to let go.
Other predictions: The Scarlett Johansson It Girl of the year will be Rachel McAdams. The next NFL star to appear on Dancing With the Stars will be Tony Siragusa. The Vikings will refuse to announce their first-round draft pick in the NFL Draft, citing a competitive advantage. Kim Jong Il will score 400 in one bowling game, a feat thought to be impossible. A new strand of e coli will be linked to Floyd Landis. Ten Miss America finalists will be disqualified after scandalous photos show them gorging themselves at an Old Country Buffet. It should be a fantastic year.
The Michael Richards Career-Killer Award: The list of washed-up former television stars is plentiful, and the possibilities for this selection are endless. Several names popped up, including former Married...With Children star Ed O'Neill, tool man sidekick and Family Feud host Richard Karn and Mad About You's Paul Reiser. All seemingly possess the capability to lose their jewels at any time and could use some publicity. But the award goes to...
Tony DanzaHe's one more crappy citcom away from a meltdown.
The Mel Gibson Drunken Rage Award: Again, countless options, from Harrison Ford to these three guys to John Travolta. So who will deliver the goods?
Nicolas CageJust look at the guy, he's creepy.
The Nicole Ritchie Off the Deep End Award: A sad category, where seemingly every young Hollywood belle could land. How to choose between Hillary Duff, the Olsen twins or the Ritchie-thin Kate Bosworth. But the choice here is clear.
Ashlee SimpsonShe's got it all: the more-famous, better-looking older sister, the crazy dad, the wrong crowd. It's only a matter of time.
The Neil Patrick Harris/Lance Bass Coming Out Party Award: A crucial award, as this can bring an obscure celeb back into the public eye. It's a tough category, however, because gayness in Hollywood is difficult to pinpoint. Is Elijah Wood gay? What about the other hobbits? How about Fred Savage? Warning signs point to this guy:
Jaleel WhiteWhat's he doing right now, you ask? He's a motivational speaker.
The Dick Cheney Hunting Accident Award: Politicians love their hunting. And many of them are clearly senile. The combination is dicey. You know there will be more birdshot accidents in 2007, with a who's who of old politicians as the suspects. There's Joe Lieberman, he's creepy looking. We know Howard Dean's got some rage. And it seems about right for a Newt Gingrich citing. But it's hard to argue against the utter cluelessness of one
Bob DoleSenility has a mascot.
The Dustin Diamond No Way He Released a Sex Tape Award: For those of you out of the loop, Screech -- yes -- Saved By the Bell's Samuel Screech Powers, consciously promoted and released a sex tape to kickstart his career. This is the same guy that appeared on the very short-lived Star Dates, where regular people got the chance to date a "celebrity." So who is that desperate? This is a tough level to achieve. And while Lorenzo Lamas and Luke Perry are on the short list, the nod goes to someone who knows a bit about the award's creator.
Lark VoorhiesI think we can all agree on this one.
The Haley Joel Osment Child Star Meltdown Award: Refresher: HJO crashed his car, was drunk, and possessed marijuana. I would insert a cheesy "I see dead people" joke here, but let's not stoop to that. Dakota Fanning is a trendy choice, but she's only 12 and has braces. Seems unlikely. That leaves us with a simple selection.
Frankie MunizHe just turned 21, you know he's ready to let go.
Other predictions: The Scarlett Johansson It Girl of the year will be Rachel McAdams. The next NFL star to appear on Dancing With the Stars will be Tony Siragusa. The Vikings will refuse to announce their first-round draft pick in the NFL Draft, citing a competitive advantage. Kim Jong Il will score 400 in one bowling game, a feat thought to be impossible. A new strand of e coli will be linked to Floyd Landis. Ten Miss America finalists will be disqualified after scandalous photos show them gorging themselves at an Old Country Buffet. It should be a fantastic year.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Best of 2006, or, How I Plagiarized Year-End Rankings and Made Quick, Under-Researched Decisions in the Last Few Days to Compile This List
'Tis true, as 'tis the season. I manage to listen to boatloads of snipets from dozens of albums throughout the year, but the easiest way to find the hard-to-find best music of the year is to peruse the myriad of best-ofs out there this time of year. I can assure you, most of the following songs were on my iPod prior to this pillaging, but some were not. Someday, there will be a comprehensive website dedicated to keeping me updated with tunes specifically tailored to my tastes and some designed to expand them. It will be called -- well, I can't think quickly enough to invent a witty, Nils-oriented title. I'll take suggestions. Anyway, the lists.
TOP 50 SONGS OF 2006:
50. "Paradise Here Abouts," Howe Gelb. It's not Edwin McCain. It can't be Edwin McCain. Please don't let this actually be Edwin McCain.
49. "European Oils," Destroyer. I'm not fond of Dan Bejar's voice, but he can craft a song.
48. "Emily Kane," Art Brut. That first crush you obsessed over? Art can relate.
47. "You & I," Graham Coxon. Welcome to the British rock section of the countdown.
46. "Penny On the Train Track," Ben Kweller. It's something good, not something great, as Kweller seeks.
45. "Right In the Head," M. Ward. Sometimes you just like the sound and don't want to talk about it.
44. "Think I'm In Love," Beck. Maybe not the best song on the album, but one of the more easily-accessible.
43. "Lolita," Prince. Poster song for a PG Purple.
42. "On the Radio," Regina Spektor. First in a slew of fantastic female artists to grace this list.
41. "Time Bomb," The Format. Piano grooves that tickle, remind of the Zombies.
40. "Pull Shapes," The Pipettes. Just in time for Dreamgirls.
39. "Cowbell," Tapes 'n Tapes. Tight, well-paced song from Minni'e's breakout band.
38. "Girl In the War," Josh Ritter. One of the rare well-written, non-cliched ballads.
37. "Eanie Meanie," Jim Noir. Not gonna lie, it's here basically because of its presence in World Cup commercials.
36. "Chicago (Multiple Personality Version)," Sufjan Stevens. The most deviant and intriguing of his three alternate "Chicago" versions.
35. "Sister In Love," Envelopes. Hooked on male-female vocal harmonies from less-than-average vocalists.
34. "Ain't No Other Man," Christina Aguilera. I know. But if a song is catchy, it's catchy, and she is certainly not a less-than-average vocalist.
33. "Goodbye," Asobi Seksu. One of my favorite band names, one of the best album covers.
32. "I'm Ready," The Twilight Singers. Played often for motivation at the start of grueling weight-lifting sessions. That's something, right?
31. "Maneater," Nelly Furtado. Gets the nod over "Promiscuous" because of its hard edge.
30. "Long Distance Call," Phoenix. The slightly off-beat pulse is nauseating, but comfortable.
29. "Mothers, Sisters, Daughters and Wives," Voxtrot. Fathers, be good to your daughters. That's what I always say.
28. "Wolf Like Me," TV On the Radio. Everybody's buzz band was just good enough for me.
27. "We're From Barcelona," I'm From Barcelona. This is my style: catchy pop with a little glockenspiel.
26. "Orchids," Califone. Gentle voice and beautiful harmonies with simple orchestration.
25. "Phantom Limb," The Shins. At the moment, my favorite public radio staple.
24. "Chips Ahoy!" The Hold Steady. Power, power, power, and some nasty rock organ.
23. "Annie, Let's Not Wait," Guillemots. My favorite bassline of the year.
22. "Beanbag Chair," Yo La Tengo. Spent days trying to pinpoint female vs. male vocals.
21. "Crane Wife 3," The Decemberists. I wasn't sure a good song could be written using only the three guitar chords I can play. It can.
20. "Rise Up With Fists," Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. Beautiful, soulful...country? Doesn't matter, this is great music despite the genre linkage.
19. "Something Isn't Right," Herbert. Intriguing voice, as though he's singing as a muppet character or after choking down a multi-vitamin.
18. "Boy From School," Hot Chip. The only techno song on the list, I promise.
17. "Thursday," Asobi Seksu. Fabulous echoing vocals and great second-verse instrumental intro.
16. "Smile," Lilly Allen. Possibly a knee-jerk reaction, but like I said, catchy is catchy.
15. "Another Sunny Day," Belle & Sebastian. Just a feel-good, Scottish country song.
14. "My Love," Justin Timberlake. Producer Timbaland probably deserves much of the credit, but JT makes it move.
13. "When You Were Young," The Killers. Why couldn't the rest of the album follow this blueprint?
12. "Goin' On," Flaming Lips. The lone bright spot on a vastly disappointing effort.
11. "Crane Wife 1 & 2," The Decemberists. Colin Meloy can write a beautiful, ten-minute song about perhaps anything.
10. "Weed Party," Band of Horses. Tightest song on a great CD that could place more on this list.
9. "Hold On, Hold On," Neko Case. Right up there with Fiona Apple for best female voice.
8. "There's Been An Accident," The Twilight Singers. The most massive climax of any song on this list, and the pathway is hair-raising.
7. "Crazy," Gnarls Barkley. An undeniably great song. Well-planned, executed and sung.
6. "Sukie In the Graveyard," Belle & Sebastian. Of all the songs on this list, the one that makes my head bounce the liveliest.
5. "Trains To Brazil," Guillemots. Solid vocal, great pace, perfectly-placed horns.
4. "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken," Camera Obscura. Love the organ intro, love the strings, best female vocal of the year. Stunning.
3. "Mr. Tough," Yo La Tengo. I love the mindset of anyone who can sing a song taunting "Mr. Tough" entirely in falsetto.
2. "The Island, Come and See, The Landlord's Daughter, You'll Not Feel the Drowning," The Decemberists. A fittingly-long title for a twelve-minute romp. Contains easily the most exciting 45 seconds of music this year at around the 8:40 mark. I turn it way up every time.
1. "Stuck Between Stations," The Hold Steady. A song about partying, being young, spontaneous and lost, and done with pure power and guts. Craig Finn's voice complements perfectly, like a don't-give-a-you-know-what punk with brains. Most fun line of the year: "She was a really cool kisser and she wasn't all that strict of a Christian. She was a damn good dancer but she wasn't all that great of a girlfriend." The song's lyrical, storytelling genius goes far beyond what I can explain. For more information, read Stations' lyrics and learn about John Berryhill.
Now, for the other side of the coin...
TEN WORST SONGS OF THE YEAR:
10. "You and Me," Lifehouse. Guy's voice sounds like he's constantly giving birth to a horrible, ugly soft-rock ballad of a baby.
9. "Stars Are Blind," Paris Hilton. Probably could have been the best song in history and still ended up on this list.
8. "Chain Hang Low," Jibbs. The worst sample of all time, until I heard the #3 song on this list.
7. "Move Along," All American Rejects. They obviously took their own advice; all hope is gone for them, yet they keep making music.
6. "You're Beautiful," James Blunt. Say it with me: OVERKILL.
5. "Savin' Me," Nickelback. Surpassed Creed as my least favorite rock band of all time.
4. "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," KT Tunstall. I don't even care enough to double-check the spelling of her name.
3. "Wind It Up," Gwen Stefani. First I heard "Edelweiss" at a wedding with churchy lyrics. Now, a pop song with a "Lonely Goatherd" sample and yodeling? I give up. Is nothing sacred?
2. "Dance, Dance," Fall Out Boy. This high because of the massive number of times I heard it at bad parties. Bad music makes bad parties awful.
1. Anything touched by Fergie. "My Humps," "London Bridge," "Fergalicious," bring it all on. She is an absolute disgrace to music everywhere.
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TOP 50 SONGS OF 2006:
50. "Paradise Here Abouts," Howe Gelb. It's not Edwin McCain. It can't be Edwin McCain. Please don't let this actually be Edwin McCain.
49. "European Oils," Destroyer. I'm not fond of Dan Bejar's voice, but he can craft a song.
48. "Emily Kane," Art Brut. That first crush you obsessed over? Art can relate.
47. "You & I," Graham Coxon. Welcome to the British rock section of the countdown.
46. "Penny On the Train Track," Ben Kweller. It's something good, not something great, as Kweller seeks.
45. "Right In the Head," M. Ward. Sometimes you just like the sound and don't want to talk about it.
44. "Think I'm In Love," Beck. Maybe not the best song on the album, but one of the more easily-accessible.
43. "Lolita," Prince. Poster song for a PG Purple.
42. "On the Radio," Regina Spektor. First in a slew of fantastic female artists to grace this list.
41. "Time Bomb," The Format. Piano grooves that tickle, remind of the Zombies.
40. "Pull Shapes," The Pipettes. Just in time for Dreamgirls.
39. "Cowbell," Tapes 'n Tapes. Tight, well-paced song from Minni'e's breakout band.
38. "Girl In the War," Josh Ritter. One of the rare well-written, non-cliched ballads.
37. "Eanie Meanie," Jim Noir. Not gonna lie, it's here basically because of its presence in World Cup commercials.
36. "Chicago (Multiple Personality Version)," Sufjan Stevens. The most deviant and intriguing of his three alternate "Chicago" versions.
35. "Sister In Love," Envelopes. Hooked on male-female vocal harmonies from less-than-average vocalists.
34. "Ain't No Other Man," Christina Aguilera. I know. But if a song is catchy, it's catchy, and she is certainly not a less-than-average vocalist.
33. "Goodbye," Asobi Seksu. One of my favorite band names, one of the best album covers.
32. "I'm Ready," The Twilight Singers. Played often for motivation at the start of grueling weight-lifting sessions. That's something, right?
31. "Maneater," Nelly Furtado. Gets the nod over "Promiscuous" because of its hard edge.
30. "Long Distance Call," Phoenix. The slightly off-beat pulse is nauseating, but comfortable.
29. "Mothers, Sisters, Daughters and Wives," Voxtrot. Fathers, be good to your daughters. That's what I always say.
28. "Wolf Like Me," TV On the Radio. Everybody's buzz band was just good enough for me.
27. "We're From Barcelona," I'm From Barcelona. This is my style: catchy pop with a little glockenspiel.
26. "Orchids," Califone. Gentle voice and beautiful harmonies with simple orchestration.
25. "Phantom Limb," The Shins. At the moment, my favorite public radio staple.
24. "Chips Ahoy!" The Hold Steady. Power, power, power, and some nasty rock organ.
23. "Annie, Let's Not Wait," Guillemots. My favorite bassline of the year.
22. "Beanbag Chair," Yo La Tengo. Spent days trying to pinpoint female vs. male vocals.
21. "Crane Wife 3," The Decemberists. I wasn't sure a good song could be written using only the three guitar chords I can play. It can.
20. "Rise Up With Fists," Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. Beautiful, soulful...country? Doesn't matter, this is great music despite the genre linkage.
19. "Something Isn't Right," Herbert. Intriguing voice, as though he's singing as a muppet character or after choking down a multi-vitamin.
18. "Boy From School," Hot Chip. The only techno song on the list, I promise.
17. "Thursday," Asobi Seksu. Fabulous echoing vocals and great second-verse instrumental intro.
16. "Smile," Lilly Allen. Possibly a knee-jerk reaction, but like I said, catchy is catchy.
15. "Another Sunny Day," Belle & Sebastian. Just a feel-good, Scottish country song.
14. "My Love," Justin Timberlake. Producer Timbaland probably deserves much of the credit, but JT makes it move.
13. "When You Were Young," The Killers. Why couldn't the rest of the album follow this blueprint?
12. "Goin' On," Flaming Lips. The lone bright spot on a vastly disappointing effort.
11. "Crane Wife 1 & 2," The Decemberists. Colin Meloy can write a beautiful, ten-minute song about perhaps anything.
10. "Weed Party," Band of Horses. Tightest song on a great CD that could place more on this list.
9. "Hold On, Hold On," Neko Case. Right up there with Fiona Apple for best female voice.
8. "There's Been An Accident," The Twilight Singers. The most massive climax of any song on this list, and the pathway is hair-raising.
7. "Crazy," Gnarls Barkley. An undeniably great song. Well-planned, executed and sung.
6. "Sukie In the Graveyard," Belle & Sebastian. Of all the songs on this list, the one that makes my head bounce the liveliest.
5. "Trains To Brazil," Guillemots. Solid vocal, great pace, perfectly-placed horns.
4. "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken," Camera Obscura. Love the organ intro, love the strings, best female vocal of the year. Stunning.
3. "Mr. Tough," Yo La Tengo. I love the mindset of anyone who can sing a song taunting "Mr. Tough" entirely in falsetto.
2. "The Island, Come and See, The Landlord's Daughter, You'll Not Feel the Drowning," The Decemberists. A fittingly-long title for a twelve-minute romp. Contains easily the most exciting 45 seconds of music this year at around the 8:40 mark. I turn it way up every time.
1. "Stuck Between Stations," The Hold Steady. A song about partying, being young, spontaneous and lost, and done with pure power and guts. Craig Finn's voice complements perfectly, like a don't-give-a-you-know-what punk with brains. Most fun line of the year: "She was a really cool kisser and she wasn't all that strict of a Christian. She was a damn good dancer but she wasn't all that great of a girlfriend." The song's lyrical, storytelling genius goes far beyond what I can explain. For more information, read Stations' lyrics and learn about John Berryhill.
Now, for the other side of the coin...
TEN WORST SONGS OF THE YEAR:
10. "You and Me," Lifehouse. Guy's voice sounds like he's constantly giving birth to a horrible, ugly soft-rock ballad of a baby.
9. "Stars Are Blind," Paris Hilton. Probably could have been the best song in history and still ended up on this list.
8. "Chain Hang Low," Jibbs. The worst sample of all time, until I heard the #3 song on this list.
7. "Move Along," All American Rejects. They obviously took their own advice; all hope is gone for them, yet they keep making music.
6. "You're Beautiful," James Blunt. Say it with me: OVERKILL.
5. "Savin' Me," Nickelback. Surpassed Creed as my least favorite rock band of all time.
4. "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," KT Tunstall. I don't even care enough to double-check the spelling of her name.
3. "Wind It Up," Gwen Stefani. First I heard "Edelweiss" at a wedding with churchy lyrics. Now, a pop song with a "Lonely Goatherd" sample and yodeling? I give up. Is nothing sacred?
2. "Dance, Dance," Fall Out Boy. This high because of the massive number of times I heard it at bad parties. Bad music makes bad parties awful.
1. Anything touched by Fergie. "My Humps," "London Bridge," "Fergalicious," bring it all on. She is an absolute disgrace to music everywhere.
Tell your friends, Valblogski is back.
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