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Originally posted: January 1, 2009
So I know I am a little late on this. I wanted to get a complete list up by Dec. 31st, but I spent a lot more time on the music lists than I expected; meaning I spent a lot less time compiling the rest of the list. So I apologize for that in advance. But anyway, here is my summary of the best and worst in movies, TV, and pop culture in 2008. I hope you enjoy, and feel free to leave your thoughts!Hottest Movie Stars of 200810. Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace / Max Payne)9. Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married / Get Smart / Bride Wars)8. Elizabeth Banks (W. / Role Models / Definitely Maybe / Zach & Miri Make A Porno)7. Charlize Theron (Hancock)6. Mila Kunis (Forgetting Sarah Marshall / Max Payne)5. Emmanuelle Chriqui (You Don't Mess With the Zohan)4. Jennifer Aniston (Marley & Me)3. Megan Fox (How to Lose Friends & Alienate People)2. Jessica Alba (The Eye / The Love Guru)1. Angelina Jolie (Wanted / Changeling) A lot of familiar faces with the exception of the newest bond girl, Olga Kurylenko, and Elizabeth Banks, who was in pretty much every movie that came out this year haha. Anyone who saw the movie Wanted probably agrees with my number one pick on this one…10. Jason Statham (Death Race / Transporter 3)9. Paul Rudd (Role Models)8. Hugh Jackman (Australia)6. James Franco (Pineapple Express / Milk)7. Will Smith (Hancock / Seven Pounds)5. Leonardo DiCaprio (Body of Lies / Revolutionary Road)4. Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man / Tropic Thunder)3. Daniel Craig (Quantum of Solace)2. Brad Pitt (Burn After Reading / The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)1. Christian Bale (The Dark Knight) It was the year of The Dark Knight. Who can be hotter than the Batman himself?Favorite Comedies of 20085. (tie) Pineapple Express / Tropic Thunder4. Zack and Miri Make a Porno3. Get Smart2. Role Models1. Forgetting Sarah Marshall Hilarious cast, hot actresses, romance, lots of profanity, and a puppet Dracula musical. Forgetting Sarah Marshall has everything I look for in a good comedy flick.Favorite Animated Film of 20081. Wall-E This probably isn't fair since I haven't really seen any other animated films this year. But I have to admit that this movie is indeed as good as it has been hyped up to be.Favorite Action Movies of 20085. Eagle Eye4. The Incredible Hulk3. The Bank Job2. Iron Man1. The Dark Knight Really no competition with this one. It was a year of superhero movies, but nothing came close to The Dark Knight. This movie has redefined superhero movies by drifting away from CGI action sequences and a typical hero vs. villain plot. Christopher Nolan effectively incorporates everyone in this fantastic cast, and turned the Batman series into more of a crime / drama film genre than a superhero comic movie. It broke a countless amount of box-office records and will surely go down as one of the greatest movies of our time.Movies I Still Really Need to WatchSlumdog MillionaireThe WrestlerGran TorinoMilkThe VisitorDoubtVicky Cristina BarcelonaBurn After ReadingThe Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonChangelingFrost / Nixon There are way too many Oscar-worthy movies that I still need to see.Most Anticipated Movies for 200910. Year One9. Star Trek8. Terminator Salvation7. Watchmen6. Funny People5. X-Men Origins: Wolverine4. I Love You, Man3. The Soloist2. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen1. Public Enemies I can’t wait to see Public Enemies, a crime drama set during the Great Depression starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. (Some of you may remember them filming this movie downtown over the summer).Favorite TV Shows of 20084. American Idol3. Entourage2. The Office1. 30 Rock *Gasp* I didn’t pick The Office as my favorite show of the year! Don’t get me wrong, I still love the show. But 2008 wasn’t exactly the show’s greatest year. Although the show’s ratings are at their highest right now, it was still outshined by the award-winning 30 Rock.TV Shows of 2008 I Need to Start WatchingMad MenDexterHow I Met Your MotherWeedsIt's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Whenever I get into a TV show, I tend to get really into it. If I start watching all these shows TV just might consume my life...Hottest TV Stars of 200810. Jamie Lynn Sigler (Entourage)9. Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy)8. Audrina Patridge (The Hills)7. Kristen Bell (Heroes)6. Hayden Panettiere (Heroes)5. Eva Longoria-Parker (Desperate Housewives)4. Blake Lively (Gossip Girl)3. Jenna Fischer (The Office)2. Tina Fey (30 Rock)1. Heidi Klum (Project Runway) Tina Fey & Jenna Fischer prove that being funny makes you so much hotter. However, Heidi Klum is still the hottest person on television.My Favorite People of 200810. The Gosselin Family (a.k.a. Jon & Kate Plus 8)9. Anderson Cooper8. Nastia Liukin7. Jim & Pam6. Christopher Nolan5. The Victoria's Secret Angels4. Tina Fey3. David Cook2. Carrie Underwood1. Barack Obama Yes We Can Did.My Least Favorite People of 200810. Tyra Banks9. Rod Blagojevich8. P. Diddy7. Lil Wayne6. John McCain5. Miley Cyrus4. Jonas Brothers3. Paula Abdul2. Sarah Palin1. Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt I can't believe MTV is starting to call them "Speidi". Kill me now.In MemoriamLeRoi Moore (Sax Player for Dave Matthews Band)Michael Crichton (Author)Don LaFontaine (Voice-over Artist)Tim Russert (TV Journalist)George Carlin (Actor / Comedian)Charlton Heston (Actor)Isaac Hayes (Actor / Singer)Bernie Mac (Actor / Comedian)Paul Newman (Actor)Heath Ledger (Actor)Most Memorable Moments of 20085. Heath Ledger's death January 22, 2008: Heath Ledger dies at the age of 28, from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. A few months before his death, Ledger had finished filming his second to last performance as the Joker in the The Dark Knight. Nearly six months after his death, The Dark Knight is released and shatters the record for the biggest opening weekend in box office history.4. The Writers Guild of America strike ends February 12, 2008: After about 3 months of negotiations, the WGA and the AMPTP finally reach an agreement and TV & movie writers / supporting actors finally go back to work.3. 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing August 8, 2008: The opening ceremony is held at Beijing National Stadium. The games saw 43 new world records and 132 new Olympic records set. Michael Phelps broke the record for most golds in one Olympics and for most career gold medals for an Olympian. Usain Bolt secured the traditional title "World's Fastest Man" by setting new world records in the 100m and 200m dashes. (Wikipedia.org)2. Tina Fey as Sarah Palin September 13, 2008: Tina Fey returns to Saturday Night Live in sketch in which she impersonates Republican vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.1. Barack Obama is elected president November 4, 2008: Barack Obama defeats John McCain in the general election with 365 electoral votes to McCain's 173 and becomes the first African-American to be elected President of the United States
Originally posted: December 30, 2008
Hello everyone. So after much thought, I finally gathered together a recap of the best (and worst) music in 2008. I hope you enjoy reading. Please feel free to agree / disagree or even share your thoughts on the music of 2008!My Favorite Singles of 200810. Love Me Dead - Ludohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCU1JYmGxcA A fun pop rock song from their major record label debut. This band knows how to make good music without taking themselves too seriously. Kudos to them.9. American Boy - Estelle feat. Kanye Westhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb6-pEIgc1Q Although Kanye may have missed the mark with his latest album, he was right on target with this track. This will.i.am produced track features Kanye back into his upbeat rap style and introducing us to an up and coming English hip-hop singer, Estelle. This song is already nominated for two Grammys, showing that Kanye has still got that magic touch.8. Viva La Vida - Coldplayhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyeDRe-eDng The guys of Coldplay take a step away from their usual mellow piano rock sound on this one. This epic track is filled with historical / religious references and features a full string section accompanied by crashing percussion. Despite the somewhat different sound, this song has become one of the band's most commercially successful songs.7. I Don't Care - Fall Out Boyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRbiksj2ehE I don't care if you think Pete Wentz is a tool. I don't care if you think Fall Out Boy "sold out". And I don't care if you think this song is annoying, because Fall Out Boy will always be one of my favorite bands and this song was a great choice for the first single off their new album. It's upbeat, has a catchy hook, shows off Patrick's vocals, and it demonstrates a maturity in their sound. This is Fall Out Boy doing what they do best.6. Light On - David Cookhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bUKjhRgsNs The first single from the Season 7 American Idol winner. Sure it's an alternative rock ballad, just like everyone was expecting. But it is very well written (co-written by Chris Cornell and Brian Howes), radio-friendly, and it allowed David to show off his incredible vocal range...proving to everyone that he did indeed deserve the title of American Idol.5. Superstar - Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santoshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBCs6--asFQ While Kanye was stuck in his depressing "auto-tune" phase, Lupe delivered with a track that has earned the title of "My Favorite Rap Song of 2008". Sorry, Kanye.4. Nine in the Afternoon - Panic At the Discohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47NjkgfTQ18 Shortly after dropping the exclamation mark in their name, the guys of Panic (no !) At the Disco released this super catchy, late Beatles-esque song. This was back in January, and I still can't get the song out of my head!3. Feels Like Tonight - Daughtryhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fITz-y09Cbg Before David Cook, Chris Daughtry was the big rock singer who was discovered through American Idol. Although he did not win the competition, he has become more successful than a majority of the past winners. His band's debut album is the fastest selling debut rock album in Soundscan history (wikipedia.org). Although their album was released back in 2006, "Feels Like Tonight" (my favorite track) was released as a single this year and was all over the radio in 2008. 2. Free Fallin' - John Mayerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wJ-VPqFzy0 My favorite artist does a live, acoustic cover of one of my all-time favorite songs...The perfect combination =)1. I'm Yours - Jason Mrazhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho8AWeiXExw Finally, a breakthrough hit single from my main man, Jason Mraz. It's about time he got some attention! This guy never fails to amaze me with his ridiculous amounts of talent. Incredible vocals, brilliant songwriting, and catchy melodies. I guarantee you that this song was in your head at least once this year. Songs of 2008 That You Should Check Out10.Where Did You Go? - Valenciahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMpmX73rw6o This song is exactly what I look for in good pop-punk music. Good vocals / lyrics, catchy chorus, solid bridge, and crashing guitars. I'm still waiting for this band to hit it big, because they truly deserve it.9. The '59 Sound - The Gaslight Anthemhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOBb13yDnzo If you haven't heard of this band yet, you should definitely check them out. They have such a unique sound, blending punk rock with old bluesy classic rock.8. I'd Rather Be With You - Joshua Radinhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIADdtY9pQA This guy is such an amazing singer-songwriter. His music is genuine and he puts a lot of heart / emotion into all his songs. You may have heard his music on TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, and One Tree Hill.7. About a Girl - The Academy Is...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkXp1L5EA2E Another fun pop-punk song. Totally cliché lyrics, but it is hard to get this song out of my head.6. Salute Your Solution - The Raconteurshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNRmlLeRotk Jack White is a genius. Whether he is playing with The White Stripes or The Raconteurs, he knows how to deliver a familiar, yet unique rock n' roll sound.5. Chasing Pavements - Adelehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz7vGW2_5c0 A great song from an upcoming British female artist. Her beautiful voice is accompanied by mixed elements of blues, soul, and contemporary pop.4. Cath... - Death Cab for Cutiehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA1VtEokg6A Probably my favorite track from the band's latest record, Narrow Stairs. Death Cab for Cutie is slowly becoming one of my favorite bands.3. Human - The Killershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvVOoCKjonY The lead single off their third studio album, Day & Age. A big catchy melody accompanied by upbeat, new wave like music.2. A-Punk - Vampire Weekendhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XC2mqcMMGQ A fun upbeat song from a new up and coming indie pop rock band.1. Time to Pretend - MGMThttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVnRzEjpUmE I absolutely love the synth line of this song. This indie pop duo knows how to make good, fun music. Be sure to check out their other great songs on their CD, Oracular Spectacular.Guilty Pleasure Songs of 200810. Crush - David Archuletahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yff9nCctMkg The first single from the American Idol runner up. Little David delivered exactly what everyone was expecting: A cheesy, yet ridiculously catchy, radio friendly hit.9. Hot N Cold - Katy Perryhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiEaw4vQJ5k One of the big new artists to emerge this year. I have to admit that I kind of enjoy hearing this song, although I can't say the same about 'I Kissed a Girl' (see Most Annoying Songs of 2008)8. Love in This Club - Usher feat. Young Jeezyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdATGDEjAzs Leave it to Usher to make a song about "making love" in public places. As much as I want to trash this song's one line chorus or horrific "rap" verse by Young Jeezy, I can't help but dance and sing along whenever I hear it!7. Shake It - Metro Stationhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpU78IeTx_c I will never understand this whole "merging dance music with pop punk" trend, but this song is the trend's National Anthem. I still can't get this dang song out of my head, AHH!6. Love Lockdown - Kanye Westhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiRX6Gk5ym8 Normally I would not be ashamed to have a song by Mr. West on my list. In fact he is probably my favorite rap artist right now. However Kanye's latest album was not a rap album at all, and while I salute his ballsy direction...I do not salute his latest album. But I will give credit to his uber catchy first single, "Love Lockdown".5. Paper Planes - M.I.A.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sei-eEjy4g How many people do you think saw the trailer of Pineapple Express and instantly fell in love with this song? I know I did. Who would have thought a song with gun shots and cash register sound effects in the chorus would become such a big hit?4. Mercy - Duffyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE2orthS3TQ I think you either love or hate this song. It is fun, it's different, and it's catchy...and that is what I like about it.3. If I Never See Your Face Again - Maroon 5 feat. Rihannahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK-H76JeFpA What do you get when you pair up a chart topping R&B sensation with one of the most popular pop rock bands today?? How about a perfect musical match and huge hit song?2. Realize - Colbie Caillathttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdQA6mC3ZWI This song was the perfect follow up to her first hit song, "Bubbly". With this song, Colbie proves she is a talented singer-songwriter and is ready to be the next young pop superstar.1. All Summer Long - Kid Rockhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gGWYJugM9k At first I was totally against this song. I thought, "Wow, is Kid Rock so bad at song-writing that he had to take other people's songs?" But then this song really started to grow on me, and I began to realize how SMART it was to mix "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon and "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynard Skynard. Kid Rock is really just paying tribute to these great songs. With lyrics about love, drugs, and partying, this song was the perfect summer anthem for 2008.Most Annoying Songs of 200810. Love Story - Taylor Swifthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlbB7qt6v_0 A cheese-fest love song based off of "Romeo & Juliet". Haha what does Taylor Swift know about love (or even Shakespeare)...she dated one of the Jonas Brothers! Really Taylor?? Really??9. Touch My Body - Mariah Careyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzxR8OH-fDQ Okay, there is no denying that Mariah Carey can still sing. And she still has a smokin' hot body. But this song is just terrible. With lyrics like "If there's a camera up in here, Then I'd best not catch this flick on YouTube", how can you even take this song seriously?8. Burnin' Up - Jonas Brothershttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KKUJPG7AuY I can go on and on about why I despise the Jonas Brothers, but I'll just let you listen to the first minute of this song and you can decide for yourself.7. 7 Things - Miley Cyrushttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr0Wv5DJhuk Her count-in is off beat. The stupid "um-sha" thing she does. Her annoying voice. The super cheesy lyrics. Her lame back-up band. Her embarrassing attempt at "rocking out". And the ridiculous amount of money this crap brought in = the 7 Things I hate about this god-awful song.6. Womanizer - Britney Spearshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZSLIq6YiRY Britney is back...with another annoying song. Oh well, at least she looks hot (a.k.a. naked) in the music video.5. Swagga Like Us - T.I. and Jay-Z feat. Kanye West & Lil Waynehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8rkdoVZi7I An all-star hip hop cast rapping over a sample of a popular new song. I thought for sure I was going to love this song. Boy, was I wrong.4. When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dollshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gvcpb4_7ZQ If you are going to watch this music video, I suggest putting your computer on mute. Super hottie Nicole Scherzinger (and those other girls) are proof that good looks and a few catchy songs are all you need in today's music industry.3. Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfieldhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2XcqKaXDIY Hmm...I wonder if this song will be the theme song of the next crappy Laguna Beach / The Hills spin-off...2. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perryhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAp9BKosZXs Okay, I get it. Katy Perry kissed a girl...and she liked it. It was interesting to first time I heard it. After that it just got annoying.1. Lollipop - Lil Wayne featuring Static Majorhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2WufcM9M1A I just don't understand it. What is so damn special about Lil' Wayne? Why has this man sold so many records? To me, good rap music has substance (i.e. Lupe Fiasco, Common, Nas, etc). This song is just ridiculous and it is the epitome of why I can't take Lil' Wayne seriously.Most Overrated Artists of 20082. (tie) Beyoncé / Rihanna It seems like every hit song on the radio today is by either one of these artists. Both have become huge superstars in the past year. Perhaps I am missing something, because I can't seem to find anything special about either of them :-/1. Lil Wayne(See above.)Most Overexposed Artist of 20081. Britney Spears Wow, what a year for Britney. From her mental breakdown to her surprising come-back, the media was there to cover every minute of it.Best Musician of 20081. John Mayer One minute he is shredding a Van Halen guitar solo on Fall Out Boy’s cover of "Beat It". The next minute he is performing a jazzy Frank Sinatra song with trumpet player, Chris Botti. And then he is on stage singing / playing the blues with the legendary B.B. King. In addition of all this, he is all over the tabloids: wearing Borat-thongs, drunkenly rambling on about Ron Paul, or canoodling with mega hottie, Jennifer Aniston. Man, this guy can do it all.Hottest Artist of 20081. Carrie Underwood So anyone who knows me well enough, knows this choice was pretty much a no brainer. There is no competition. She's stylish, she's pretty, and she has an amazing voice. It doesn't get any hotter than that ;-)Most Disappointing Albums of 20082. 808s & Heartbreak - Kanye West While I gotta give him respect for trying something new and different / being able to express his emotions in his songs, this album just wasn't Kanye West. Almost every song on this album is just sad and depressing and filled with too much "auto-tune". Please bring back the old Kanye =(1. Chinese Democracy - Guns N' Roses 13 years, 14 different studios, and several different line-up changes later, Guns N' Roses finally put out their long-awaited album. The result is a mediocre rock album with record sales far below expectations. My Favorite Albums of 20085. Death Magnetic - Metallica Heavy guitar riffs, shredding guitar solos, lightning fast drumming. Metallica is back and better than ever.Favorite Tracks: Cyanide, All Nightmare Long4. Folie A Deux - Fall Out Boy Fall Out Boy's latest album features a diverse line-up of guest appearances (including Elvis Costello and Lil Wayne), a much more mature style (lyrically and musically), and amazing vocal performances by Patrick Stump.Favorite Tracks: Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes, America's Suitehearts, What a Catch, Donnie3. Narrow Stairs - Death Cab for Cutie The Seattle-based indie rock group delivers with the perfect follow-up to their 2005 album, Plans. This album has been receiving much praise from both critics and fans, and has even received a Grammy nomination for "Best Alternative Music Album".Favorite Tracks: Cath..., No Sunlight, Grapevine Fires2. Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends- Coldplay Coldplay's fourth studio album could very well be their best yet. This time around the guys decided to incorporate different musical influences / instruments. The result was huge. In addition to becoming one of the biggest bands in the U.S., they could very well be one of the biggest bands in the world today. In fact, this album debuted at number one in 36 different countries. Wow.Favorite Tracks: Viva La Vida, Violet Hill, Lost!1. We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things - Jason Mraz Okay, I admit it. I have a huge man crush on Jason Mraz, so I guess this choice is a little biased. Nevertheless, this is the one album this year that I could listen to all the way through (multiple times) without get tired of it. Every single song brings something new and different to the table, while still demonstrating his signature vocal style, witty lyrics, and catchy hooks.Favorite Tracks: I'm Yours, Lucky, If It Kills Me, ButterflyHonorable Mentions Oracular Spectacular - MGMT The Secret Wars - Ace Enders and a Million Different People Agony and Irony - Alkaline Trio Pretty. Odd. - Panic At the Disco Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend Black Ice - AC/DC Simple Times - Joshua Radin We All Need a Reason to Believe - Valencia The Sunrise - Love Me ElectricAlbums I Still Need to Listen to: Dear Science - TV on the Radio The '59 Sound - The Gaslight Anthem Day & Age - The Killers For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver Dig Out Your Soul - Oasis Intimacy - Bloc Party Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst
