Crystal Days/Every Picture I Paint

As we end the month of January, here are the two songs that are hitting me the hardest.

"Crystal Days" by Echo & the Bunnymen, from Ocean Rain (1984)


"Every Picture I Paint" by Teenage Fanclub, from A Catholic Education (1990)

You're a Horrible Person, but I Like You/Rabbit, Run/Hocus Pocus

You're a Horrible Person, but I Like You - The Believer (2010)
The Believer presents a collection of fake advice columns from a wide variety of talented and popular comedians as well as comedic writers and producers (Tim & Eric, Michael Ian Black/Michael Showalter, Patton Oswalt, Judd Apatow, etc.). The idea is great, but an entire book full of these is way too much, and the humor gets old and incredibly awkward (mostly in an unfunny way). I don't know. Whatever.


Rabbit, Run - John Updike (1960)
A tragic story with a somewhat predictable albeit excellent ending, Rabbit, Run is another one of those novels where just about every character is unrelatable if not completely unlikeable, but is still thoroughly enjoyable to read. John Updike's masterful descriptive language may get tedious and in the way of the plot at times, but, he sure knows how to weave an awesomely dark tale of lust, indecision and self-deception. Rabbit, Run's depressing plot is relentless, but in the best way, and main character Rabbit Angstrom is one of the worst human beings, and I love Updike for creating him. Looking forward to reading the sequels at some point down the road.


Hocus Pocus - Kurt Vonnegut (1990)
In 2011, I read Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat's Cradle and was annoyed more than won over by Kurt Vonnegut's flowery language and inspiring cynicism. I figured I'd give him another try with Hocus Pocus, which is a sprawling narrative that I found more difficult to follow than the Thomas Pynchon and David Foster Wallace novels I've read. From the start of Hocus Pocus, Vonnegut's sci-fi hippy poetry was a huge strike against him and a major distraction from the admittedly interesting plot (which I had to get off of Wikipedia). I refuse to spend the time dedicating any more thought and effort into this blurb for a novel that I didn't really enjoy reading whatsoever.

Attack on Memory/Plumb

Attack on Memory - Cloud Nothings (Carpark, 2012)
Quickly following up their wonderfully surprising 2011 self-titled debut, Cloud Nothings try to make a heavy-hitting statement with Attack on Memory, and while it is totally a good record, it falls a little short. Perhaps a little too ambitious, these young dudes decided to write some darker, tighter, and more tough sounding tunes. and I guess I preferred their sloppier, wussier pop punk of last year. There are some nice subtle touches on each of things, and Steve Albini surely made the drums and guitars sound better, but part of the charm of Cloud Nothings was how bright all the songs were. Attack on Memory showcases some excellent musicianship, and the majority of the songs have some truly memorable parts, but I'm not into how hard the band is trying to sound tough. Plus, I was hoping for a little more emo.


Plumb - Field Music (Memphis Industries, 2012)
Even though 2010's Field Music (Measure) was not as good as Tones of Town (2007) or Field Music (2005), I'd still say it was a triumphant return, considering the band had been broken up for about two years. I'm glad to see the brothers Brewis are still going, as Tones of Town was my third favorite album of last decade. Anyway, unfortunately, Plumb does not come close to Field Music at their best. Its ADD and prog tendencies are very reminiscent of Measure, but, instead of 20 songs and 70+ minutes, it's 15 in just over 35. And still, somehow, their brand of Britpop obsessed with the Beatles' 1960s continues to expand. All the songs flow together like movements in your favorite Yes jam, but with those traditional Brewis strings, keys and overall impressive musicianship, Plumb feels more like an economical symphony. Sometimes it's hard to tell songs and sections of songs apart because things move so quickly, but if you're willing to do the work to sort through everything, Plumb is an extremely rewarding experience that has grown on me with every listen. The outright hooks are scattered, but whooh boy, are they there. David and Peter Brewis: challenging music brains since 2004.

Eastbound & Down: Season Two

Eastbound & Down: Season Two (2010)
While the second season pales in comparison to the greatness of season one, Danny McBride and co. are still on point in this installment of dark baseball/stoner comedy Eastbound & Down. More offensive and in your face, season two probably brings more cheap laughs than season one, and I guess this distracted me a little from the show's potential based on how that first season ended. But, by the end of this season, everything came together and season three was set up wonderfully. Primarily based in Mexico, all of the new minor characters are hilarious, and Steve Little is probably even better this time around as Kenny Powers' sidekick, Stevie Janowski. Through two seasons, Eastbound & Down has to be one of the greatest tv shows going, and continues to rank up there with such modern classics as Arrested Development and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Favorite Books Read in 2011

I'm going to brag in a really geeky way for a second. In the year 2011, I read 61 books, and that doesn't include any of the 38 graphic novels/comic collections that I also devoured. So, for the first time ever, I've decided to compile a list of my favorite books that I read in a year. I reread a few graphic novels (Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, Bone), and so those were not eligible for inclusion.

Unfortunately (or, perhaps for those of you who follow this blog, fortunately), I don't feel like writing about any of these again,. But, without further ado, the 15 best books I read in 2011. It was a really good reading year for me.

(15) Little Children - Tom Perrotta (2004)

(14) No Country for Old Men - Cormac McCarthy (2005)

(13) The Road to Wellville - T.C. Boyle (1993)

(12) The Stranger - Albert Camus (1942)

(11) Torso - Brian Michael Bendis & Marc Andreyko (1998-99)

(10) Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami (2002)

(9) East of Eden - John Steinbeck (1952)

(8) The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay - Michael Chabon (2000)

(7) Boys Will be Boys - Jeff Pearlman (2008)

(6) The Rules of Attraction - Bret Easton Ellis (1987)

(5) Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal - Christopher Moore (2002)

(4) The Broom of the System - David Foster Wallace (1987)

(3) A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole (1980)

TIE

(1) The Corrections//Freedom - Jonathan Franzen (2001//2010)

Towelhead/Tortilla Flat

Towelhead - Alicia Erian (2005)
In spite of the mind-numbingly simple narration, Towelhead is one of the most disturbing novels I have read in sometime. Taking place near Houston, Texas in the very early 1990s, it touches on such depressing topics as racism, war, pedophilia and statutory rape. Fun! The 13 year-old main protagonist is emotionally and/or physically abused and exploited by at least three other characters, and it is heartbreaking. The protagonist/narrator's naive perspective and a handful of the events that take place are a little bit head-scratching and unbelievable, but that didn't ruin the the weight of the story too much. Towelhead is still pretty good for the most part, but it's not the kind of novel I imagine myself reading ever again.


Tortilla Flat - John Steinbeck (1935)
Granted, it seemed that whenever I was reading this book, which was when I was at work, most often during a double that I had picked up, I was incredibly tired and distracted. But, this early Steinbeck novel was pretty much just words to me. My eyes were following the words on the page, but my tired brain was not processing what was going on. I will admit that what did register from Tortilla Flat was a bland tale of friends stealing, drinking wine and generally goofing around. This is the first time Steinbeck has disappointed me.

Tardy 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview

I meant to make a post featuring my predictions for this year's NFL playoffs, but last week was crazy, and so I am late to the game. Unsurprisingly, Wild Card weekend was insane. Let's just say I was only one for four with my picks for this round (I had Cincinnati over Houston, Pittsburgh over Denver, New Orleans over Detroit, and Atlanta over New York).

As things stand now, here are my predictions from here on out.

AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND

New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow may get in a few horrendous albeit miraculous plays in on this terrible New England defense, but he's up against the best QB in the AFC by far in Tom Brady, who will reign supreme.

New England 34, Denver 20

Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans

In spite of Houston's unfortunate quarterback situation, Andre Johnson's triumphant return and Arian Foster's ridiculous numbers against Cincinnati bode well for these playoff virgins. Baltimore is relatively unpredictable and have lost to some terrible teams (like the Jacksonville Jaguars), but their defense and Ray Rice should dominate this particular matchup.

Baltimore 27, Houston 14

NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants

I have a very slight, inexplicable bad feeling about the Packers' chances of making it all the way to the Super Bowl, and perhaps some weaknesses will be revealed in this particular game. BUT, Green Bay was still the best team in the NFL this year, and the nail in the coffin will be something along the lines of Charles Woodson intercepting a misinformed Eli Manning pass and returning it for a touchdown. Also, Aaron Rodgers will be Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay 30, New York 21

San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints

This year's San Francisco 49ers have played a lot like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, who went all the way to win a Super Bowl with a mediocre quarterback who made minimal mistakes and a historically good defense. However, the Saints are obviously the hottest team in the game, and though there's a chance they may have peaked a little too early, Drew Brees should be way too much for this 49er defense.

New Orleans 27, San Francisco 17

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice will run like crazy, but Tom Brady will do just enough to reach the Super Bowl for the fifth time in his career.

New England 24, Baltimore 21

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints

This season has sort of put the kabosh on the theory that it's very difficult to beat a time twice in any given season. However, this rematch of the 2011 opening day shootout will unsurprisingly be a doozy. I hate to say it, but Darren Sproles will be the difference-maker in a game that I will be sort of shocked if the two teams don't combine for 1,000 yards of total offense. This will be the greatest conference championship game every played.

New Orleans 37, Green Bay 35

SUPER BOWL

New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints

Overall, I think the Green Bay Packers deserve to be this year's Super Bowl champs a little more than the New Orleans Saints (they did go 15-1, after all). But, you can't argue with destiny, and though Aaron Rodgers should barely edge out Drew Brees for MVP, Brees is THE GUY right now. He is making zero mistakes, and he also has a few more weapons than Rodgers (albeit Rodgers' are a little more dangerous). None of matters, because in this game, Brees will face a New England defense that will easily surrender to every whim. Sure, Tom Brady should throw up some incredible numbers too, and this should be the highest scoring Super Bowl we've seen in some time. The Patriot D needs to get a lot better, though, if Brady is going to win them one more championship before he retires.

New Orleans 41, New England 34