The Guardian’s “1,000 Albums to hear before you die” list

by Susan M

Can be found here.

I went through the list to see how many of the albums I already have: about 115 of them. I was surprised by how many “Best of” releases they included in their list—a real cop out, in my opinion. Queen’s Best Of? Really? Come on.

The list is an interesting mix. And I appreciated that they tacked on a few suggestions from readers that they shouldn’t have left out (especially since it got Jackson Browne on the list). But I think they included a lot of current bands that shouldn’t have been on the list. Like the Arctic Monkeys.

There’s a lot of stuff on the list that I do want to hear before I die. I’m hoping to be able to have some time to start on that sooner rather than later, too.

What albums would you put on your list of 1,000 albums people should hear before they die?
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Movies You (may not) Have Known Were Based on Books

by Clark

OK, we’re not really supposed to borrow posts from other blogs. But those of you who remember the really crappy MAD magazine rip off from the 70′s called Cracked may not know that they have gone Web 2.0 and have a pretty good web page. What makes it pretty good is some writer who writes amazing “top X lists” on various pop culture topics. Things like the the top 5 drug meltdowns on TV. What makes them great is the links to YouTube videos and pretty sarcastic and well written prose. Well I found today a great list I just had to share. It’s a list of movies based on books. It’s to my eternal share that I not only knew far more of these than I should have but have actually read many of the books. (David Morrell’s Rambo books were actually pretty good – far superior to the films, which got progressively stupider) But here’s the one I have to tell you about.
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NBC Shows, Streamed Via Netflix

by Supergenius

According to this press release, NBC and Netflix have arrived at a deal to stream key NBC show Heroes the day after the episode originally airs. Netflix users will be able to watch Heroes for free on their PCs. Netflix also struck a deal to stream old episodes of Friday Night Lights, 30 Rock and The Office.

Take THAT, iTunes!

DVD Review: Futurama: Bender’s Big Score

by Supergenius

futurama-benders-big-score.jpgGood news, everyone! (more…)

Top 5 Sports Playoff Systems

by Rusty

1) NCAA Basketball tournament and the Final Four
2) The World Cup
3) Major League Baseball playoffs and the World Series
4) NFL Football playoffs and the Super Bowl
5) NBA Basketball playoffs and championship series

Should never even be considered a “playoff” nor a “system”: The BCS for College Football

Heroes recap: “Truth & Consequences”

by Supergenius

sorry folks! I was working. But here’s the TWoP recaplet: (more…)

Review: BSG Razor

by Brian Gibson

BSG Razor was a big reminder of when Battlestar Galactica used to be better–you know, before it tried to become L.A. Law in space. (more…)

Review: No Country For Old Men

by Greg

Better than Fargo.

The Best Albums of 2007

by Supergenius

We’re almost to the end of the year, it’s time for us to discuss what was best — so that we know what to get as presents if we don’t already own it.

I’ll throw out my top three, starting with the best:

1. Radiohead, In Rainbows
2. Arcade Fire, Neon Bible
3. LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver

* Note: I have not heard The National yet.

Thoughts?

When Bella becomes a vampire, what will her special power be?

by Susan M

I’ve been reading these really popular teen novels by Stephanie Meyer: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse. They’re not just any teen novels, though—they’re vampire romances. Uh huh.
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Most Disturbing Current Kids’ Show

by Clark

OK. What’s your vote for the most disturbing kids’ show that is currently playing? Here’s mine. Back at the Barnyard from Nickelodeon. What is so disturbing? The main character, Otis, is a male cow with large udders.

Otis the transgendered cow

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Amazon’s Kindle

by BTD Greg

This week, Amazon introduced a gadget that has the potential to change our world—or at least the way we read about it.Amazon Kindle

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Heroes recap: “Cautionary Tales”

by Supergenius

Sorry I didn’t get this up last night. I haven’t watched yet, but here’s the recap from Television Without Pity: (more…)

Top 5 Thanksgiving Foodstuffs

by Rusty

1) Leftover turkey
2) Stuffing
3) Pecan Pie
4) Mashed potatoes
5) Freshly baked turkey

Runners-up: gravy, rolls w/ butter, chocolate pie
Never-should-have-been-invited-to-the-feast: cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie

Concert Review: The Swell Season, Washington DC, 11/18/2007

by Matt B

The Swell Season is Marketa Irglova, the 19 year old Czech piano prodigy and singer, and Glen Hansard, frontman of the Irish alternative band the Frames (strictly speaking, “The Swell Season” is the title of the album the two released). They’re backed up by a bass, a cello, and a violin, which makes for the same distinctive, slightly folky sound that the Frames have. However, the Season is on the whole quieter and more contemplative than the Frames are. They recorded the album before beginning work on the film Once, which starred Irglova and Hansard as two musicians beaten down by the dreariness of Dublin life who inspire each other to seek happiness and make music. Much of the work on the album was used in the film. They played Washington DC the night of November 18. (more…)

Movie review: Eastern Promises

by The Brit

Holy shiz. (more…)

Ratatouille Revisited: The DVD

by Clark

Ratatouille DVD
OK, I know we all discussed Ratatouille in the summer. But I just got around to seeing it. (Yeah, yeah yea. I know.) So here are my thoughts about the DVD. Since I’m in the gourmet food industry I figured I’d throw in my two cents.
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Review: Band of Horses, Cease to Begin

by Greg

Band of Horses, Cease to Begin (Subpop, 2007)
Personnel: Ben Bridwell, Rob Hampton, Creighton Barrett
Running time: 34:50

Intro: “The Funeral,” blah blah, blog band, blah blah, Mat Brooke’s departure, blah blah, moved to Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. This has all been covered in other reviews, so I’ll just move on to a discussion of each track.
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Total throwback: Pride Tiger

by Susan M

Most of today’s indie bands are 80′s throwbacks. Pride Tiger isn’t. They’re a 70s throwback.

Very Thin Lizzy-ish. I can sort of hear Boston, as well. So much so that they could be considered a total rip off.

I don’t care. I love it.
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In the Market for a New Pair of Sneakers

by Supergenius

Gang, it’s time I got myself some sweet new sneakers. Something comfortable and supportive for urban kicking-around wear. Let’s run through the big contenders, and you tell me your ideas? (more…)

Running Up the Score in Sports

by Rusty

The best Pop Jazz Crooner

View Results

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Heroes recap: “Four Months Ago”

by Supergenius

Recapping this one live, as we go. It threatens to be a good episode! (more…)

You and the Writers Strike

by Clark

So what’s your opinions on the writers strike? In these days of turmoil in the middle east, a probable recession and so forth it can seem a bit silly to worry about it. And selfish. However let me put on my selfish hat and gripe.

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Your favorite quirky character actor

by Susan M

Mine has to be Crispin Glover. Also, Steve Buscemi. And Christopher Walken. But Crispin Glover is just so…crazy.

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Top 5 Rap Groups of the 80′s

by Rusty

1) Run DMC
2) Beastie Boys
3) Public Enemy
4) LL Cool J
5) DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

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