2011 in Review: Looking Back

Today marks the end of my week-long "2011 in Review" series of posts. If you're just joining in, then I suggest you go back and read my earlier posts. On Monday, I set the stage for what was to come. I also gave a nice list of my favorite songs over the last eleven years; so that post is worth going back to see for that reason alone. On Tuesday, I gave a rundown of my favorite songs for 2011. On Wednesday, I did favorite albums. And yesterday, I did movies. Right now, I am going to give a rundown of the year as a whole.

A lot of things happened this past year. There was the much-talked-about "fairytale wedding" between Prince William and Kate Middleton. I still don't know why that wedding generated the level of buzz that it did. I mean, people get married all the time, right? The only thing that wedding did was to make sorry bachelors the world over feel even more sorry for themselves. Not me though. I'm still good for another 5 years at least. Oops. Make that 4.

Then there was the unexpected death of Apple founder and CEO, Steve Jobs. I have never been a Mac user, but iTunes has for years been a staple of the list of running programs on my Windows computer. Just think iPod, iPhone and iPad, and you'll get a sense of what I am trying to say. I can't even imagine where we'd be today without any of these gadgets. Probably dusting off our Sony Walkmans (remember those?) or trying to steal (I mean, share) music through Napster. Mr. Jobs has influenced an entire generation, and one can only hope to get to impact as many lives as he has, before the curtain closes.

But of all the stories that made waves this past year, I think the most significant (at least as far as the writing community is concerned) was that of Miss Amanda Hocking. In January alone, she sold 450,000 copies of her ebooks, all self-published through Amazon. She would later go on to sign a $2 million book deal with St. Martin's Press. Her success has inspired many writers to buck the traditional publishing route in favor of self-publishing. I am one of that many. My books (The Mediator, The Host and The Second Rebellion) were uploaded to Amazon on the 9th of December. Since then, I have sold a whopping... wait for it... wait for it... two copies! Not one. Not one and a half. But two whole copies!!! Woo hoo. Someone pour me a drink.

It's been a wonderful year. I have fulfilled my dream of having my work put out there. 2012 looks even brighter. At least until the Tsunamis come crashing down. See you on the other side.

P.S: I couldn't end my 2011 review without leaving you with something special. Something that has set the internet on fire this past year. Do you know what that is?

2011 in Review: Favorite Movies

Let me start by conceding to the fact that I didn't watch nearly as much movies this year as I would have loved to. This is why I am limiting my choice of finalists to just 5 movies. It's not that they weren't that many good movies to choose from. It's just that most of the truly great ones (the Oscar-worthy ones) typically come out at the end of the year. And to include them in this list would be a disservice to the movies that had held us captivated over the months. That said, I'm sure you'll agree with at least some of my choices. So sit back, relax and let the rundown begin.

The Finalists

Sucker Punch

From the very moment I saw the trailer for Sucker Punch in August 2010, I could instantly tell this film could only go either of two ways. It could be utterly brilliant or piss poor. Well, majority seem to believe it falls in the latter category. But I feel they are simply missing the point here. This is a film that cannot be assessed on surface value alone. It is a work of art, something that could only be crafted by a skilled director like Zack Snyder. It tells a multilayered story where things are not as they appear. It also boasts some of the most spectacular action sequences seen all year. And while I would have preferred a less anticlimactic conclusion, I still feel the story in its present form more than achieved what it set out to do: to leave the audience dumbfounded, wondering what just happened. Hence the title.

The Adjustment Bureau

This is one of those rare movies that turn out way better than you anticipated. I went into The Adjustment Bureau expecting to be mildly entertained at best, but came out just shy of blown away. This movie manages to tell a decent love story, without sacrificing any of its source material's otherworldliness. It is partially responsible for my current obsession with all-things Philip K. Dick, and I feel it is one of the better adaptations out there. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt also put forth decent performances as the star-crossed lovers.

Source Code

I remember having an overwhelming desire to see this movie earlier this year. Looking back, I can't seem to remember where that desire came from. But I'm sure glad I listened to that desire. Otherwise, I might have missed one of the year's finer science fiction offerings. Reminiscent of the 1993 movie Groundhogs Day, Source Code tells the story of a man (Jake Gyllenhaal) who must relieve the same eight minutes of another man's memory, over and over again, until he finds a terrorist planning to detonate a dirty bomb, mere hours away. He is backed by the beautiful Vera Farmiga, and together they must try and foil the act of terrorism. Come to think about it, I think I now remember why I really wanted to see this movie. Two words: Vera Farmiga.

Super 8

I still feel all warm inside just thinking about this movie. Quite simply one of the film-making triumphs of the year. With Super 8, J. J. Abrams proved that you could make a suspense-filled action roller-coaster of a movie centered around a bunch of kids. What really surprised me though was the level of emotional development between the characters. This should be attributed not only to the wonderful script, but to the superb job done by the actors themselves. There isn't a single weak character in this movie. The special effects were also top-notch, especially the spectacular train wreck sequence. The fact that the audience was kept guessing until the final minutes is also worth noting.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

Coming straight off the path paved by the incredible Deathly Hallows Part I, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II brings the franchise to a satisfying close. Even as a Potter fan who has never been satisfied by the movie adaptations, I could tell from the way Deathly Hallows Part I was handled that Part II was going to be hands down the best movie of the lot. After all, it was still just one single movie split in two. Well, not only was it the best of the lot, it was also one of the best movies of the year. Period. This movie reminded us of everything we loved about Harry Potter, whilst securing its place as the highest grossing movie franchise (well, at least until Avatar 2 and 3 get made and released).


And the winner is...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

I admit that I was a wee bit skeptical when I'd found out the final book's adaptation was to be split into two separate movies. It sounded like a money making ploy to me; like Warner Bros. was trying to milk their Harry Potter license dry before moving on. Now I see how silly I was being. If only other movies in the franchise had gotten a similar treatment (With the exception of Order of the Phoenix. That book was just plain bloated to begin with).

I think the most remarkable achievement the Harry Potter movies have made is allowing us witness the cast members grow, not just as actors, but as individuals as well. I remember going "Holy Sh*t" when I saw young Daniel Radcliffe in the flashback sequence. And then in the final epilogue sequence, where they were made to look 17 years older (or closer to their actual ages, depending on how you look at it). Those were the moments that made us aware of the 10 years it took to make these movies.

This final movie is a well-realized adaptation that remains faithful to the book while taking some liberties. I like the fact that the spectacular duels weren't dampened by the good guys muttering disarming spells, when the bad guys were obviously using unforgivable curses, one of my little nitpicks with the final book.

All in all, the filmmakers and cast members gave the final effort their all, and the result is a movie as Oscar-worthy as anything else out now. This movie deserves a Best Picture nomination at the very least. And in this day and age of 10 available slots, there simply is no excuse.

2011 in Review: Favorite Albums

The Finalists

My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys

I'll admit, this album shouldn't (technically) be on this list, since it came out all the way back in November last year. But in a month filled with big name releases from the likes of Rihanna and Kanye West, this release was all but eclipsed. So it wasn't until early this year, after all the dust had settled, did I finally discover this record. And I've been smiling ever since. If you're a fan of the band, or a headbanger looking to add new music to your collection, then look no further. Highlights include Sing, Bulletproof Heart and Party Poison.

Jay-Z & Kanye West - Watch The Throne

Easily one of the most anticipated albums of the year. And boy did it deliver. The fact that the first single, H.A.M., was relegated to a bonus track on the Deluxe Edition should tell you something about the caliber of sounds on this album. Put simply: there isn't a single track here that you wouldn't immediately love. Feeling more like an extension of Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy than anything else, this album is my favorite collaborative album since Jay-Z & Linkin Park's Collision Course. Highlights include No Church in the Wild, That's My Bitch and Made in America.

Various Artists - The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

The one thing I've always loved about the Twilight movies is the associated music. Some of my favorite songs in the past three years have been spawned by these movies. Songs like Decode by Paramore, I Belong to You by Muse, and Ours by The Bravery. This most recent addition to the franchise is no different. And while I am still yet to see the movie (been avoiding it like the plague you see), I can honestly say that the soundtrack is every bit as solid as anything else out there. Highlights include Turning Page by Sleeping At Last, It Will Rain by Bruno Mars, and A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

Ever since the song The Pretender became one of my all-time favorites, I'd been sold on getting the next Foo Fighters record, even if they had recorded it inside a well, in the middle of a snowstorm. Thankfully they hadn't. Still had to wait four years though. But it was well worth the wait (no pun intended). And from the very first listen, I could already tell this was a major contender at next year's Grammy Awards. Highlights include Rope, White Limo and Walk.

LMFAO - Sorry for Party Rocking

While it can be argued that this album was nowhere near as praise-worthy as their Grammy-nominated debut, I still feel it was a step in the right direction. If you can look beyond the borderline ridiculous lyrics and subject matter, what you'll find here is an overall well-made collection of club bangers. And I think the success of Party Rock Anthem more than proves my point. Highlights include Sexy and I know It, Champagne Showers and With You.

Foster the People - Torches

This is one album I can never get tired of listening to. After the breakaway success of Pumped Up Kicks and their self-titled EP, many wondered if this band could deliver the goods when it came to a full-length album. Quite possibly the most impressive debut I've heard in years, Torches is an album that begs to be kept on constant repeat. What first struck me was the fact that every single song was instantly catchy, a slight departure from the norm when compared to offerings from other indie rock bands. In retrospect, it is clear that this is due to lead singer Mark Foster's songwriting (he used to write jingles) and an impressive lineup of big name producers (Paul Epworth anyone?). Highlights include Helena Beat, Pumped Up Kicks, Call It What You Want, Waste and Miss You.

Adele - 21

Relationships gone bad: that's one of the most heartfelt subject matters in popular music. Because let's face it, we've all had our hearts broken by a special someone at some point in time. And I believe that no other album this year captured that sense of heartbreak as sincerely as Adele's 21. It immediately became apparent that every single song on this record is a retelling of her experiences with love, heartbreak and everything in between. I mean, why else would it resonant with so many people, translating into one of the most successful albums in recent history. Highlights include Set Fire to the Rain, Someone Like You and I'll Be Waiting.

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

If ever considered overrated or under-talented, then I think this was the record where Lady Gaga proved to the world her success was no fluke. After all, three consecutive Album of the Year Grammy nominations have to count for something, right? And by the way, Grammy board members, if she fails to take home the big one this time around, then you'd be directly held responsible for starting World War III. I am not a Little Monster myself, but I've been a fan from the moment I watched her ascend from the swimming pool at the beginning of the Poker Face video. This album is filled with such epic moments, so much so that I can't even list any in particular without risking leaving out another.

Example - Playing in the Shadows

Every once in a while, a record drops and you find yourself up at two in the morning, singing along at the top of your lungs. And then you wake up in the afternoon, only to resume where you left off (subjecting your next door neighbors to more torment). For me, Example's Playing in the Shadows was that record. The British rapper's third album is much darker than the light-hearted Won't Go Quietly, but still manages to be every bit as infectious, perhaps more so. Highlights include Stay Awake, Changed The Way You Kiss Me, Natural Disaster and Midnight Run.

Florence + The  Machine - Ceremonials

This was the record that cemented Paul Epworth's position as one of my favorite producers. He produced every single track, resulting in an album that sounds miles ahead of its peers. Add to this Florence Welsh's pitch-perfect, arena-filling vocals and you get something close to sonic perfection. This is how you make a follow up record; bigger, bolder and every bit as ground-breaking as the critically-acclaimed Lungs. Highlights include Breaking Down, Heartlines and Spectrum.


And the winner is...

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

What? Don't tell me you didn't see this coming? Well, what can I say? No other album delivered on all fronts like this one. First off, there's Miss Germinata's songwriting, which has never been as strong and as heartfelt. Then there's the production, spearheaded by none other than Gaga herself, with the likes of Red One and Fernando Garibay helping define the 80s-themed instrumentals. And finally, her vocal prowess, which is on full display and always on point. All these things come together beautifully to create the definitive Gaga record. Don't believe me? Then I suggest you give a listen to the opening instrumentals on Black Jesus † Amen Fashion, then tell me if you still feel otherwise.

2011 in Review: Favorite Songs

The Finalists

Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger

Ah. Maroon 5. Beautiful Maroon 5. You guys left us with yet another winner this year. My only question is why wasn't this song on the Hands All Over album. Although, I admit it would have been a bit out of place, since this is quite a departure for the band. In fact, that is the only nitpick I have about this song: it didn't sound like Maroon 5 at all. It could as well had been touted as an Adam Levine side project for all I could tell. That said, this has arguably the best instrumentals of the year, powered by the production work of two current generation geniuses: Shellback and Benny Blanco .

Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks

I confess that the very first time I heard this song, I didn't even know what to make of it. The first thing that struck me was the contrast between the spaced out instrumentals and the disturbing subject matter (a kid about to go on a shooting spree). But upon subsequent listens, the song grew on me like vines on a post. Now, I can't imagine what my 2011 playlist would have been like if this gem from 2010 hadn't found it's way to mainstream success.

Jessie J - Domino

While I really loved her breakthrough single Price Tag, I feel this was the song that did it for me. This was the song that made me a fan. Sure, there are those who would say she's stepping into Katy Perry territory with this, but I think that has more to do with the writing/production work of the exceptionally-talented Dr. Luke than anything else. I'm really hoping she can keep the ball rolling like this in the years to come.

Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight

In a year, like recent years, teeming with songs with the word "tonight" in their titles (Enrique Iglesias - Tonight (I'm Loving You), Michael Jackson - Hollywood Tonight, Pitbull - Gimme Everything (Tonight), Outasight - Tonight is the Night, just to name a few), it is rather inevitable that one of them make it onto this list. Hot Chelle Rae's Tonight Tonight is by far the catchiest song I've heard all year, one that sounds just as wonderful on your gazillionth listen as it did on your very first listen.

Benny Benassi - Beautiful People (feat. Chris Brown)

Yes. This was the first song to really blow my mind this year. All the way back in January. Seems like ages ago now. It was the only reason I bothered to grab a copy of Chris Brown's F.A.M.E. I couldn't wait until Benny Benassi's Electroman dropped. It baffles me greatly why this didn't get a Best Dance/Electronic Recording nomination for next year's Grammy Awards. Really baffled, I am. I can't say enough wonderful things about this song, so just give it a listen and let the song speak for itself.

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem

I can't really imagine having this list of finalists without including Party Rock Anthem. It's that simple. There. I said it. So deal with it. "Everyday I'm Shuffling."

And the winner is...

Foster the People - Pumped up Kicks

I am picking this song as the winner for the mere reason that it sounds like nothing else on the list of finalists. I'm sure that 10 years from now, when I think back to 2011, this is the song that would perfectly capture the year in music. It was quite sad that it wasn't nominated for Record of the Year for next year's Grammy Awards. But at least the album as a whole was nominated for Best Alternative Album, after all, it was hands down one of the most enjoyable albums of the year. More on that tomorrow.

2011 in Review

Ah. Boxing Day. The day set aside for opening all those wonderful presents. I know a lot of you are probably still hungover from Christmas, so I'll keep today's post as brief as can be.

I'll start with a minor aside. Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of granting my very first interview (hosted by yours truly). To check this out, head over to: http://nigelpbird.blogspot.com/2011/12/dancing-with-myself-michael-abayomi.html

Okay. Back to business.

One thing in particular that I love about this time of the year is year-end lists. This is where various publications, websites and bloggers list their picks of the very best of the year. So in keeping with this trend, I am going to spend the rest of the week blogging about the things I loved about 2011. Tomorrow, I reveal my favorite song from a list of 5 finalists. On Wednesday, I talk about favorite albums. On Thursday, favorite movies. And on Friday, I'll talk about my personal achievements for the year; resolutions that were met... that sort of thing.

And so, in preparation for tomorrow's post, here is a rundown of my favorite songs since the year 2000. Enjoy.

2000
Eminem - Stan

2001
Daft Punk - One More Time

2002
Avril Lavigne - Complicated

2003
Linkin Park - Somewhere I Belong

2004
Muse - Time is Running Out

2005
Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc.

2006
Panic! at the Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies

2007
Gym Class Heroes - Cupid's Chokehold

2008
Sara Bareilles - Love Song

2009
Owl City - Fireflies

2010
Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

Disclaimer: By listing these songs as my favorites over the years, I am in no way suggesting that they were the best songs released in their respective years. It's just that when I think back to the years in question, these are the songs that immediately come to mind. In other words, I find them most memorable.