A Few Thoughts, Here & There

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Best Albums of 2023

What to say of the year in music? Obviously Beyoncé and Taylor dominated the live music scene with their respective tours changing economies this summer and putting a dent in the cultural zeitgeist. SZA finally released her much-anticipated sophomore album at the end of 2022, then overtaking much of the 2023 conversation. Personally, I moved to a new city and had a stellar record store a few minute drive down the street, wrecking my bank account and upping my love of collecting albums new and old. Ultimately, my top two albums were a battle between the sad folks and three & four were returns from top pop stars early in their careers.

Click here for a link to my 2023 playlist of best songs of the year

Ok, here we go with top 10 albums.

10. James Blake - Playing Robots into Heaven

Blake is back with the house beats. While I don't have this album memorized front to back, I've enjoyed the vibes and a few of the tracks have served as perfect night-time city driving, making me feel like I'm in a video game.

9. Youth Lagoon - Heaven is a Junkyard

Hello Youth Lagoon. YL is back after a brief retirement but I love the sound, bringing me back to the early years of the band. To me, YL shines best blending melancholy with hooky beats and that shines through on Heaven is a Junkyard.

8. Zach Bryan - s/t

Zach Bryan might be trending amongst the gen-z kids these days but he hooked me with his folksy americana country that didn't feel cringey. My first real foray into Bryan's music (turned on by his collab with Maggie Rogers), his vocals are on point and lyrics are full heart-on-sleeve. Oh, and his Justin Vernon collab on the song Boys of Faith (separate EP) served as a repeat list 20x over on a road trip of mine this fall.

7. Barbie the Album

Totally bought into the Barbie cultural revolution of 2023 and the vinyl was no exception. Original pop bops throughout with some of my fave artists. Ice Spice, Lizzo, Haim, Billie. Hot take: not a super-fan of I'm Just Ken.

6. Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine

Parks is great. And perfect easy-listening music. Thus, my most-listened to artist of the year. I'm glad she returned with such a solid sophomore effort. Don't sleep on her breezy vibes!

5. SZA - SOS

The long awaited SZA album slaps. While I wouldn't consider myself a super fan as of a year ago, the SOS album is one of those no-skips, lengthy classics. I'm into it. She dropped this December 2022 but we all know the new year starts 12/1 for annual lists.

4. Olivia Rodrigo - Guts

Yesssss. More perfect bangers. Graduated from high school bops to college hits. I'm here for it. Making bad decisions and living through it with gusto. Ballads and pop. Rodrigo, keep doing your thing!

3. Troye Sivan - Something to Give Each Other

After the perfect-for-summer Rush single, the rest of this vibey album was just perfect for queer joy and hook-ups and celebrating life. I'm might be too old for Troye but this is a great pop album.

2. boygenius - The Record (& The Rest)

AOTY front runner for me for much of the year. The sad girlies came storming back after their EP and, wow, just rocking out and sharing the mic and the writing and just embodying how a super-band can/should be. Moving as hell and then just having fun. So good. Live show was a dream; no notes.

1. Sufjan Stevens - Javelin

When asked who my favorite artist is, I often say Sufjan. And then clarify that I'm mostly into his folksy stuff and then selective electronic stuff and the orchestra stuff is good but mostly my thing when in the pop format. Well, Sufjan blends so many of his sounds just perfectly on this album, letting the quiet stuff lead the way then following it with booming crescendos here and there. Oh yeah, this album is devastating, talking about loss and loves. Could put half the album's tracks on any sort of "best of 2023" list. I respect Sufjan for his artistry and authenticity and not being icky. He also embodies the most perfect sad boy life when he announces news of a sudden paralyzing health condition shortly before the album release and then dropped news of the recent death of his long-time partner the day his album dropped. I'm so heart-broken for him and hope he finds healing and joy and, selfishly, hope he continues to make music.

Honorable Mention

Abraham Alexander - SEA/SONS
Omar Apollo - Live For Me EP
Feist - Multitudes
Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loveliest Time
Jungle - Volcano
Killer Mike - MICHAEL
Mitski - The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We
The National - Laugh Track
Noname - Sundial
Rhye - Passing EP
Romy - Mid Air
Sampha - Lahai
Taylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor's Version)
Toro y Moi - Sandhills EP
Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!

Best Television of 2023

This year I somehow watched significantly less television compared to the year before. How? I don't know. Maybe all of the movies? But still over 100 seasons... Anyhow, we're still in that area where there's tons of content out there. Much of it mid but a lot of it still great. We had the endings of some current classics like Succession, Barry, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and How To with John Wilson along with some teen gems such as Never Have I Ever and Sex Education. Some stuck the landing better than others. All in all some good stuff for our viewing pleasure.

Alas, my top 20 shows followed by my honorable mentions and highly anticipated. I generally tried to choose shows/seasons that primarily aired in 2023 though may have made a few missteps.

20. The Other Two (season 3, HBO Max)

I really love this show, the ensemble cast, and the whip-smart script. Some funny and bizarre story lines in this latest and last season of the series, which mostly worked. Regardless, I'll miss these folks and could have been on board with another season or two.

19. Single Drunk Female (season 2, Freeform/Hulu)

Oh wow, this show is great. And it's over (read: sad). But super thankful I caught this one. A story of a young woman dealing with alcoholism that doesn't shy away from the messy corners. Funny and engrossing.

18. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (season 3, Netflix)

This show is hilarious. Sketch comedy at its peak.

17. Fargo (season 5, FX on Hulu)

Okay couldn't get into season 4 of this anthology series but season 5 has hooked me in real quick. I'm about 2/3 of the way through the season and its had some real stellar tense scenes, perfect character creation, and spot on northern midwest vibe.

16. Only Murder in the Building (Hulu)

It's great to be back with my NYC friends, solving crimes and watching a-list actors guest star for a season (Streep & Rudd). The central three are still spectacular and this season's murder premise might be my favorite?

15. Beef (mini-series, Netflix)

Much has been written about the tension of this show and, specifically, the pilot's road rage scene. Leads Yeun and Wong are just perfect and this show takes so many twists and turns and the series ends just spectacularly and cathartically.

14. Starstruck (season 3, BBC/HBO Max)

What a feel good show. Premise: a normal unknowingly has a one night stand with a famous actor and antics follow. The lead actress is just so comfy and funny and I want to spend time with her. The ensemble cast is firing on all cylinders with their eccentricities on full display. The new love interest this season is so endearing. I think the series is over and I think they pulled off a great conclusion, if so.

13. Barry (season 4, HBO Max)

So many series finales of iconic shows this year! Barry has a wild premise -- hitman taking a turn towards acting. This series finale season didn't let up on the intensity. Some fantastic curves and interesting choices made to close out the series. Maybe not a homerun but still so, so good.

12. The Climb (season 1, HBO Max)

Okay this reality climbing competition show is so good. I'm a sucker for climbing docs and this reality take is just so encouraging and good-natured. I was engrossed and loved it and couldn't wait for each week's next installment.

11. Dave (season 3, FX on Hulu)

Dove into this show this year and low-key loved it. Originally held off because it looked bro-y and it is but also heartfelt and hilarious and the music is on point. Filled with self-doubt and critique and social commentary and just perfect guest roles / cameos.

10. Reservation Dogs (season 3, FX on Hulu)

I love the trajectory of this show and the lead teenagers' lives. Dealing with grief and loss while also contemplating and exploring life outside of rural Oklahoma. Each season, the show has expertly built on the previous. The four leads are great and have only grown in their ability to live into their complex characters.

9. The Bear (season 2, FX on Hulu)

Fan of season 1 and despite all of the hyperbolic buzz, season 2 lives up to the hype. A study of desire and improvement and community bettering each other. Just crushing it. Oh, and the flash-back Christmas episode is tied with Beef for most tense viewing experience.

8. Claim to Fame (season 2, ABC/Hulu)

This is not my normal viewing. But I caved and hopped on the Claim to Fame train, getting fully invested in the celebrity adjacent reality competition shenanigans, making my own guesses on who the contestants are related to and loving the competition gameplay. If you need a hook, ep 1 of season 2 has a full-on anger meltdown from a relative of one of America's kindest public figures.

7. Succession (season 4, HBO Max)

This may be the first season of Succession that I've watched as the episodes have dropped, certainly upping the enjoyment factor. The memes, the commentary, the shock and awe was a fun ride. This show is expertly written and this season had a few episodes that will likely go down as all time greatest in television history. My attention span tends to dwindle on the 45 minute+ episodes but no notes for how this series wrapped up.

6. Our Flag Means Death (season 2, HBO Max)

Gay pirates! Back for season 2 and I couldn't be happier. I'm hoping this show continues to find its audience and give us a few more seasons. Bloody and heartfelt and charming through and through. I'm on board whenever there's something wholly new and original presented.

5. Abbott Elementary (season 2, ABC/Hulu)

You heard of this show? While Abbott may be crushing the viewing numbers and winning all of the awards, it would be easy to write it off as a broad, feel-good show (which it is). But the writing is smart, the performances are on point, and season 2 came back bigger and better. Long live Quinta and her team.

4. Somebody Somewhere (season 2, HBO Max)

Why do I love this show so much? Is it the queer Midwest vibes? I don't know. I love all of the characters so much and it's charming as hell and it just makes me feel good.

3. Heartstopper (season 2, Netflix)

Not sure if I binged season 1 but season 2 was a one-time viewing, front to back, late into the night when I had work in the morning. And it was worth it.

2. Jury Duty (season 1, Freevee on Amazon Prime)

I was a few months behind in viewing but this show got me. As mentioned previously (and in my top pick), I'm almost always down for a genre busting show that delivers. Pulling off a long-form hidden-camera "prank" has so many potential pitfalls. The cast breaking character, the subject being wild or mean or not-into-it, the James Marsden of it all. But they pulled it off. And it was pleasant viewing, not mean or cringey. Will they ever be able to pull off a season 2??

1. How To With John Wilson (season 3, HBO Max)

Three brilliant seasons of John Wilson wondering around NYC and beyond. Finding connections between the oddities of (city) life, meeting endearing and eclectic folks, and lightly investigating corners of society that I've never even considered. This is just brilliant, genre-busting television. I don't want any copycat shows except for folks who have a unique idea and want to follow it to perfection.

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)

100 Foot Wave (season 2, HBO Max)
Am I Being Unreasonable? (season 1, Hulu)
Beckham (doc mini-series, Netflix)
Big Mouth (season 7, Netflix)
Bob's Burgers (season 14, FOX/Hulu)
Cunk on Earth (season 1, Netflix)
Deadloch (season 1, Prime Video)
Extraordinary (season 1, Hulu)
A History of the World Part II (season 1, Hulu)
Human Resources (season 2, Netflix)
Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York (doc mini-series, HBO Max)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (season 5, Prime Video)
Never Have I Ever (season 4, Netflix)
Painting with John (season 3, HBO Max)
Platonic (season 1, Apple TV+)
Poker Face (season 1, Peacock)
Queer Eye (season 7, Netflix)
Rupaul's Drag Race (season 15, MTV)
The Secrets of Hillsong (doc mini-series, FX on Hulu)
Sex Education (season 4, Netflix)
Shiny Happy People: Dugger Family Secrets (doc mini-series, Prime Video)
Shrinking (season 1, Apple TV+)
Swiping America (season 1, HBO Max)
Telemarketers (doc mini-series, HBO Max)
Ted Lasso (season 3, Apple TV+)
Welcome to Wrexham (season 2, FX on Hulu)
What We Do in the Shadows (season 5, FX on Hulu)

Highly Anticipated (listed alphabetically)

Black Mirror (season 6, Netflix)
The Crown (season 5, Netflix)
The Curse (season 1, Showtime/Paramount)
The Diplomat (season 1, Netflix)
Full Circle (mini-series, HBO Max)
I'm a Virgo (season 1, Prime Video)
Mrs. Davis (season 1, Peacock)
Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage, & Reckoning (doc mini-series, HBO Max)
The Other Black Girl (season 1, Hulu)
Rap Sh!t (season 2, HBO Max)
Savior Complex (doc mini-series, HBO Max)
Survival of the Thickest (season 1, Netflix)
Swarm (season 1, Prime Video)

Best Movies of 2023

I moved to a new city and my social life suffered. As a result, my movie viewing sky-rocketed as I concurrently re-enlisted in AMC A-List (in June) and have zero issue with braving the cineplex solo. 200+ movies viewed this year* with over 50 in theaters. (This is not a brag, quite the contrary.)

I thought it just a wonderful year for movies. We had some original IP summer blockbusters, some fun teen movies, a few straight up funny mid-budget comedies, and some truly unique award season options thrown in there. I also participated in a once-a-month movie-club with old friends and that was just a delight, watching Oscar-nominated movies ranging from old classics to more recent gems. I have an aversion to rewatching movies or checking out older movies so this was a fun way to explore beyond movies released in 2023.

I need to shout out a few non-traditional movies that aren't in my top-ten list: Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé and the A24 re-release of the Talking Heads' 1980's concert film, Stop Making Sense. Renaissance was a banger of a concert movie and allowed me to live the tour I missed. And the Talking Heads film truly lived up to its reputation as being one of the all time greats. Then Mike Birbiglia's The Old Man and the Pool is stand-up comedy / story-telling at it's finest. Birbiglia is brilliant, I love his podcast, and my brother and I were able to see him live midway through the year here in Indy so it's been a year of Birbs.

Okay, on to my faves of the year.

*My movie list includes traditional feature length movies, short films, and stand-up specials.

10. The Iron Claw

The devastating story of familial athletic masculinity expectations that just escalates to absolute depression mode. Woof. So well acted and vibey and the four brothers just played off each so well. For such a downer of plot line, I didn't get stuck in the sadness slowness.

9. Saltburn

Um, what? From director Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), this story takes so many turns. It's hella dark, funny, freaky-deaky. And Barry Keoghan pulls off another killer performance (among many great performances).

8. Bottoms

These are the teenage movies that I'm here for. Queer and outsider story set squarely in 2023. Leads Rachel Sennett and Ayo Edebiri are the best and perfect casting of Marshawn Lynch.

7. Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One

Action done right. That's about it.

6. The Color Purple

My first experience of The Color Purple story, somehow having not read the book, seen the 1980's version, or had much contact with the stage-musical version. This hit for me with amazing songs and performances that lift the movie up amidst lots of punishing plot points, ultimately resulting in a redemptive and uplifting movie.

5. Poor Things

Emma! We love you. Keep taking the weird roles. Yorgos doesn't miss as dirctor. This Frankenstein story of a woman created in Victorian London is dream-like, hilarious, and explicit. Heavy social commentary without ever sacrificing story. Set design is so good.

4. Theater Camp

Not a theater kid but kinda loved this one. Mockumentary style of a kids theater camp that expertly utilized the kids. Jokes throughout that just got me. And, of course, a lot of heart.

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse

I watch all of the Marvel stuff but this is one of the few franchises I continue to care about. Animation continues to be amazing. Plot continues to be super compelling. Can't wait for the next one.

2. Past Lives

Beautiful and thoughtful movie. Lead, played by the fantastic Great Lee, immigrates to the States from South Korea as a twelve-year old then catches up with her childhood friend, first virtually in her twenties, then in-person in her thirties. Loosely set-up like a love-triangle minus any of the romantic will-they/won't-they. Instead, considerations of alternate life paths that could have transpired, dealing with split identities, consideration of choices made. All characters are treated with such grace and the movie is so honest and adult. Looking forward to more from writer/director Celine Song.

1. Barbie

Hi Barbie. I'll follow Greta Gerwig anywhere. Even and particularly into a Barbie world that celebrates femininity and plastic commercialization. With a convoluted premise, I trust Greta to create something worth all of the excessive promotion. The movie is so much fun, holds up on repeat viewings, has great original music, hilarious performances from so many. While not a perfect movie, I'm here for all of it. And, this summer blockbuster juggernaut was a cultural powerhouse, breaking the box office, embracing the Oppenheimer double-release, and doing so while centering women.

Honorable Mentions (Listed Alphabetically)

Anatomy of a Fall
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.
Asteroid City
The Blackening
Cocaine Bear
The Creator
Dicks: the Musical
Dream Scenario
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Elemental
Every Body
Godzilla Minus One
A Haunting in Venice
The Holdovers
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
John Wick: Chapter 4
Joy Ride
Killers of the Flower Moon
M3gan
Maestro
The Marvels
Missing
No Hurt Feelings
Oppenheimer
Please Don’t Destroy: The Legend of Foggy Mountain
Polite Society
Red, White, and Royal Blue
Rye Lane
Scream VI
Strays
The Stroll
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Talk to Me
You Hurt My Feelings

Highly Anticipated (Listed Alphabetically)

All of Us Strangers
American Fiction
Fallen Leaves
Kokomo City
Origin
The Zone of Interest

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Best Albums of 2022

I keep having issues getting high/normal res pics load...

Music happened this year. A lot of releases from long-time favorites that delivered. A few top five releases by new folks that I'm excited about. This was the year of vinyls for me, re-framing the way I have been experiencing music, diving into new albums but also more frequent visits to older favorites. I also got to a few shows this year: MUNA, HAIM, Carly Rae Jepsen, & Wet Leg. Oh, a lot of women in this list. All of them actually, either individual artists or vocally fronted by. Here we go.

10. Beach House - Once Twice Melody
Same gauzy, hooky goodness.

9. Semler - Stages of a Breakdown
Semler has had a break-out year or two and is a fun follow on the social medias. Queer Christian music that ranges from sing-alongs to hazy worship to bops and I'm mostly here for the bops.

8. Ethel Cain - Preacher's Daughter
Oh shoot, a lot of atmospheric albums to start out the list. but Ethel Cain had a great entry to the music scene this year. Distinct POV in the lyrics and great expansive tracks. Worth the time investment in this long album.

7. Sylvan Esso - No Rules Sandy

Most listened to artist of the year. Though I probably need to spend a little more intentional listening time with this album to delve into the individual tracks. This duo is reliably great and I'm here for them having fun with a no rules project.

6. Lizzo - Special
Lizzo is a pop force to be reckoned with. Numerous bops on this album and continued pop positivity. She's also crushing it with her award winning reality competition show, playing enslaver J-Mad's flute at her DC show, and dropping a documentary on HBO Max. Looking forward to where she goes next and wouldn't be annoyed if she experiments on future albums.

5. Maggie Rogers - Surrender
Ok, I see you Maggie. Some great leading singles with That's Where I Am and Want Want. And some great, sentimental tracks with I've Got a Friend and Different Kind of World. This album is a little more rocker gurl vs. electronic pop, which takes some getting used to, but the album grew on me and will provide plenty of re-listens.

4. MUNA - self-titled
Break-out pop rockers of the year, for sure. Which is a convoluted statement because they've had a few albums (on another label) and they hooked us with single Silk Chiffon with feat. Phoebe Bridgers last fall (2021). But this album is fully realized and just great. Can't wait to see what else they do. Also: saw them live in Hummelstown, PA in January 2021 for a perfect small, local show.

3. Wet Leg - self-titled 
Irresistible punk gurlies from the UK. I wouldn't have pegged any of those descriptors to be something that would be something I would be interested in but they know how to write a hook. Both goofy and rockin, this album is a blast. Was able to see them live in Harrisburg, PA and they were a hoot.

2. Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loneliest Time
This album has a lot of great tracks. Carly is queen of crafting a pop bops and I'm here for it. She goes a few different directions and takes some chances. A collab with a Rufus Wainwright (yes!) and that beach song (meh) but that's what seasoned artists do. Also, I was able to see her on tour and it was everything I want out of a concert (medium sized crowd, seats, bop after bop, and seeing with good friends where we could walk to our Airbnb afterwards). 

1. Beyoncé - Renaissance 

Beyoncé creates a moment. A conversation. She fills a musical need that we didn't know we needed. Collaborations and homages abound. Less autobiographical than her last two albums, Renaissance is a call to the dance floor, to live life fully. The album is expansive, weaving into a number of different sounds. Bangers, grooves, hip-hop, disco, queer ballroom. Oh, I live for the Energy, Break My Soul, & Church Girl trifecta line-up. I'm here for all of it.