Club Scene

Best of 2014

As I did last year, below find my favorite films and music of 2014. I sadly didn't see as many films this year as I would of liked, so there may be some glaring omissions.

Top 10 Films:
1. ST. VINCENT
2. SKELETON TWINS
3. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
4. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
5. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
6. WHIPLASH
7. INHERENT VICE
8. BOYHOOD
9. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
10. DOM HEMINGHWAY

Honorable Mentions: IMITATION GAME, BEGIN AGAIN

Top 10 Albums:

1. Crow Bait - Sliding Through the Halls of Fate
2. First Aid Kit - Stay Gold
3. Curtis Harding - Soul Power
4. Broken Bells - After the Disco
5. Augustines - Augustines
6. Ben Howard - I Forget Where We Were
7. Delta Spirit - Into the Wide
8. Roll the Tanks - Broke Til Midnight
9. Mariachi El Bronx - Mariachi El Bronx III
10. Future Islands - Singles

Honorable Mentions: The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream, Drive-By Truckers - English Oceans, The Hold Steady - Teeth Dreams, You+Me - Rose Ave, Atmosphere - Southsiders

Top 65 Songs:

1. Crow Bait - 83
2. James Bay - If You Ever Want to Be In Love
3. Bryce Vine - Sour Patch Kids
4. Willie Nelson - The Wall
5. Curtis Harding - Surf
6. Broken Bells - Leave it Alone
7. Circa Zero - Levitation
8. First Aid Kit - Stay Gold
9. Lake Street Drive - Bad Self Portraits
10. Bleachers - I Wanna Get Better
11. Future Islands - Seasons (Waiting On You)
12. Jamie T - The Prophet
13. Jack White - Lazaretto
14. Bruce Springsteen - American Skin (41 Shots)
15. The War on Drugs - Red Eyes
16. The Fray - Wherever This Goes
17. Atmosphere - My Lady Got Two Men
18. The Madden Brothers - We Are Done
19. Damon Albarn - Photographs (You Are Taking Now)
20. The Both - Milwaukee
21. Foster the People - Coming of Age
22. David Gray - Gulls
23. Walk the Moon - Shut Up and Dance
24. Ben Howard - I Forget Where We Were
25. Augustines - Walkabout
26. Max Collins - Sports Bar
27. Taking Back Sunday - Stood a Chance
28. Nikki Lane - Seein' Double
29. The Gaslight Anthem - Sweet Morphine
30. Death - We're Gonna Make It
31. Strand of Oaks - For Me
32. Passenger - Scare Away the Dark
33. Kevin Miso - Zombie
34. Drive-By Truckers - Grand Canyon
35. Blanco, Husalah & Kokane - Grief and His Due
36. Bon Iver - Heavenly Father
37. Cloud Nothings - No Thoughts
38. Against Me! - Dead Friend
39. Ryan Adams - Tired of Giving Up
40. Afghan Whigs - Algiers
41. The Lawrence Arms - Paradise Shitty
42. Robert Plant - Rainbow
43. The Hold Steady - Oaks
44. Bike for Three! - Heart as Hell
45. Cold War Kids - First
46. Damien Rice - The Greatest Bastard
47. Taylor Mcferrin - Postpartum
48. George Ezra - Budapest
49. Foo Fighters - In the Clear
50. Sun Kil Moon - Carissa
51. Gruff Rhys - American Interior
52. Tove Lo - Habits (Stay High)
53. The Decemberists - Make You Better
54. Ray LaMontagne - Supernova
55. Wild Cub - Thunder Clatter
56. Yelawolf - Till It's Gone
57. Eno . Hyde - Daddy's Car
58. Antemasque - In the Lurch
59. Pixies - Snakes
60. Lagwagon - Reign
61. Young the Giant - Mind Over Matter
62. Brody Dalle - Underwold
63. Tune-Yards - Water Fountain
64. Sturgill Simpson - Turtles All the Way Down
65. Chrissy Hynde - Dark Sunglasses

The Dance (or Wrong Way, Tick)

Bitches Be Tripping

Giraffster

Words for Robin

I normally avoid personal posts on this site, but I had to take some time to pay tribute to Robin Williams. Like so many out there, I grew up with Robin in my life. I was a fan from early on, watching MORK & MINDY reruns with my mom, but that fandom never died. His wonderful films taught me so much about comedy, and how to infuse it with heart (of which he had so much). His work with Comic Relief and other great causes showed how comedy could be used as a force for good in the world. He influenced my sense of humor and I'm sure is one of the reasons I am trying to be a comedy writer today (I dreamed of him starring in my screenplay CRACK BABY BLUES). Watching his HBO Live on Broadway special with my dad and brother, all of us laughing, is one of those memories I have where I truly felt bonded with my family. But I was lucky enough to have a personal memory of Robin as well.

The picture above was taken on the set of TOYS. A close family friend (the wonderful Julie Pitkanen) who was working on the movie brought me there, knowing I was a big MORK AND MINDY fan, and loved Robin Williams. Getting to watch him in person did nothing to assuage that love. During the scene, Robin was just walking down a hilly room. After a few takes, out of nowhere, he produced a red clown nose and put it on just for that take. The shot couldn't be used, but he had everyone laughing. When he finally got to take a break to eat some chili, I was brought over and introduced. He was completely friendly, and seeing that I was nervous, began to speak in a creepy foreign voice "don't worry, I will not hurt you". He went on and on, making it impossible for me to keep a straight face while the picture was being taken. This memory would be a highlight of my youth, and I am so grateful for it.

I miss this man so much already. He literally brought joy to the world, and it will forever me a little darker and less whimsical without him here. #RIPRobinWilliams

The Spirit of Awesome