2010 Top Ten: Albums

OK, so I probably should have started my Best of 2010 lists a little sooner than the day before 2011 begins. But that's kind of how I like to operate. Behind the times. I had a really, really hard time narrowing this list down to just ten, so I picked ten ... and then a few more as honorable mentions. So here are my Top Ten Albums of 2010, in their alphabetically-ordered glory.

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
This one seems obvious. I don't think I'm alone in saying everything this Canadian group makes is absolute gold, and The Suburbs is no exception. I was sold after the HTML5-powered online short film "The Wilderness Downtown", but the whole vibe of the album really sealed the deal. As weird as it might sound, it just seems so full of hope. These days, I think we can take all we can get.


"Modern Man"

Beach House - Teen Dream
For a large chunk of this year, I was bordering on obsession with this album. It encapsulates so many things I love in a great record: sweeping melodies, beautifully simple female vocals, and singable (over and over and over again) lyrics. And live? These guys are out of this world. Oh, and can I let you in on a little secret? This was probably my overall favorite album of the year. Definitely. Maybe.


"Zebra"

Broken Bells - Broken Bells
Today's easiest recipe for musical success? Add Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, Danger Doom, and The Grey Album, anyone?). And even though my love for the Shins has cooled since all the clamor after the release of Wincing the Night Away died down, my love for James Mercer's voice is still burning bright. Together, the two create one of the most awesomely-mellow, yet highly-listenable, musical pairings in recent memory.


"Mongrel Heart"

Girl Talk - All Day
I haven't met anyone that has listened to this album that doesn't like it. Hell, even my dad loves this album (he recently told me he puts it on to get him pumped to clean the house). Admittedly, I do have one of the coolest dads on the face of the earth, but I think All Day is an album a lot of different kinds of music lovers can get into. With the hundreds of different artists sampled, people are going to find at least something about the record they love. And how many times do I need to mention that it's FREE?


"That's Right"

The Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Truth be told, I really mulled over the decision on whether or not to add this one to the list. I love The Gorillaz, but it took me awhile to get into this album. And after being disappointed with their live show at Coachella (despite a whole bevy of guest performers), I more or less wrote this one off as a decent album I just wasn't all that into. And then suddenly, something changed. I dig this album. A lot. Any album that features Little Dragon (not once, but twice!) is a winner in my book!


"Empire Ants" (ft. Little Dragon)

Kanye West - My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy
I'm pretty sure I don't need to explain myself any further on this one. Just read this if you want to know my feelings about the incomparable Mr. West. MBDTF gets better with every listen, and I've got a whole lot of listens left in me.


"Lost in the World"

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
I cheated a little with this pick. The album was technically released in 2009, but not in the US until 2010. But I doubt anyone is paying that close of attention on this list, so I digress. I'm a big fan of African beats mixed with more modern rock/pop melodies (I loved listening to Paul Simon's Graceland as a kid), and Local Natives would definitely qualify as a band that successfully pulls off this combination. The Afrorock mix, paired with gorgeous soaring harmonies, has firmly planted Gorilla Manor on this list.


"Sun Hands"

Mumford + Sons - Sigh No More
I don't think anything I could say about Sigh No More would really do justice to my feelings toward the album. It is without a doubt one of the most stunning works my little ears have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Something about this album was so familiar from the very first listen ... I think it's because it reminds me of the folk and bluegrass music I grew up with, but on a totally grandiose scale. I honestly don't see myself ever tiring of this Sigh No More. In fact, I might just throw it on right now.


"Sigh No More"

Sleigh Bells - Treats
I just want to shake my ass and move to Brooklyn when I listen to this album. I know that probably doesn't make a lot of sense, but that's really what it does to me. Sleigh Bells was one of my biggest must-sees of Coachella (and the first show we saw at the festival), and for being a duo with an iPod for a backup band, they seriously rocked the hell out of that tent. Treats is one of those albums I can throw on no matter my mood and instantly feel like I'm queen of the world.


"Kids"

Vampire Weekend - Contra
I was worried that Vampire Weekend was going to be one of those bands that fell victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, but they proved me wrong with Contra. It is enough like their first album to be familiar, but different enough to not be tiresome. And remember that whole Afropop thing I loved so much with Local Natives? VW is doing it better than almost anyone else these days.


"Giving Up the Gun"

Just missing the cut ...
The Black Keys - Brothers
LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
The National - High Violet
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
Warpaint - The Fool
Yeasayer - Odd Blood

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Are there any albums that didn't make my list that would make yours? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

A Few of My Favorite Things

It's no secret: when it comes to getting awesome gifts, I'm pretty spoiled. My family LOVES giving gifts, and it shows. Every year I wake up to find a boatload of prezzies for the family under the tree is another year I know just how good we've got it. And we're forever grateful.

So here, in no particular order, are my very favorite gifts from this year. (And yes, I realize we're now almost a week past Christmas. I can be a little slow-moving sometimes.)

Multi-stone tennis bracelet, from Marcus
Zak confetti mixing bowls, from Dad
Michael Kors iPhone wallet, from Jerry (stepdad)
Vintage Royal typewriter with case, from Dad
Just Dance 2, from Dad
FujiFilm Instax Mini, from Mom
Lady Gaga Remix Album, from Marcus
It's Always Sunny seasons, from Shayna (stepsis) and Bailey (sis)
Hello Kitty fisheye camera, from Dad


What were some of your favorite gifts this year?

Credits
Bunting image from Pugly Pixel
Images found via Google Image and Etsy

Home for the Holidays

Dad's house on Christmas morning

I really hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas (or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or whatever it might be that you celebrate). My family's Christmas traditions haven't changed much in my 26 years of celebrating, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Marcus and I don't even spend much of the holidays together, since neither of us are willing to give up these times with our families. Thankfully, we're both pretty flexible. Here's a quick wrap-up of my extended weekend:

♥ Thursday night (or Christmas Eve Eve, as I like to call it) was spent with two of my best girlfriends. We had originally planned on spending the night in with a movie and a few bottles of wine (yes a few ... don't judge us!), but after we were done with those, we ended up at our favorite bar. Shocker.

♥ Seeing old boyfriends while out at the bar on Christmas Eve Eve can be a pretty uncomfortable situation. Unless you're with my girls, then it's just hilarious.

♥ Tamales with my mom's family is my favorite holiday tradition. I seriously love being Mexican (although admittedly, this tradition could be enjoyed by people of all races and ethnicities!).

♥ Squirt and Wellers bourbon happens to be my abuelito's drink of choice, and all of the grandkids of age follow his lead on Christmas Eve. Yum yum!

♥ Late-night viewings of Pee Wee's Christmas Special is probably my second-favorite holiday tradition. How can you lose with a Christmas show that includes Grace Jones, Charo, kd Lang, and Little Richard (and loads of other random celebs)? You can't. It's impossible.

♥ Waking up on Christmas morning at the same time as my little sis (another tradition: we share a bed on Christmas Eve, since I lost my bedroom when I moved out) and watching stupid cat videos on YouTube instead of waking our mom and stepdad turns into a massive early morning giggle-fest.

♥ Stockings first, then everyone opens up presents one at a time. There is no compromise on this.

♥ Bailey and I hit Dad's house for a second Christmas morning around 10. We proceed to dance like Peanuts characters to the Charlie Brown Christmas music. Then it's onto stockings and one-at-a-time presents. Again, no compromise.

♥ Just Dance 2 might be the best thing to EVER happen to the Wii. I can't believe we never tried our hands at the original Just Dance. Also, I obviously get my dancing skills from Dad. This is not a good thing.

♥ Finally getting a chance to exchange presents with Marcus after 11:30 p.m. on Christmas made the gifts all the more special, since the excitement had a chance to build. And he's really good at picking out jewelry. Now if I could just get him to use that skill to pick out a ring ...

♥ I was pretty Christmas'ed out by Sunday, but that feeling quickly dissipated once the annual Meier Family Dollar Gift Exchange commenced. I gifted a small wooden statue of King Kamehameha, and ended up with a Turner (KC) School District stapler. Always a classic.

♥ Chess custard pie might be one of the most delectable goodies I've ever had the pleasure of eating. How have I not heard of it before this year??

♥ Sunday night with my girls (the two mentioned above, plus the rest of the gang) to celebrate a birthday was a perfect way to unwind after the weekend. And I am once again thankful I have Mondays off of work.

And there it is. My Christmas in a nutshell. I'll be sharing some of my favorite gifts very soon!

What I Wore: 12.23.2010

Sweater - Forever 21
Shirtdress - Gap
Tights - Forever 21
Boots - Forever 21

Can you tell where I like to shop? I got these tights and boots on my last trip to the local F21. The sweater was a purchase from last year, and a favorite from my closet. And anyone that knows me in real life has seen this shirtdress on more than several occasions. I've been inspired to try a little pattern mixing lately. This is a pretty mild leap into multi-pattern outfits (in addition to the tights and sweater patterns, there's a tiny herringbone pattern on the dress you can't see in the photos), but it's a start.

In blog news, I'll probably take a few days off to celebrate Christmas with my family. I hope everyone has a magical holiday, and I hope you get everything you asked for!

Crawlin' our way to Christmas

If you follow me on Twitter, you might have caught wind of how busy I was last week. Without boring everyone with the details, I was busy. Preparing for 20 people to invade our tiny apartment is hard work! But our annual Christmas Crawl went off without a hitch, and a great time was had by all. The last guests didn't leave our place until almost 3 a.m. on Saturday morning, so getting up at 8 to go make tamales with my family was a little rough. Probably why I got up at 9 instead. Thankfully I had a little time to rest up before my company's holiday party that same evening, otherwise I probably would have fallen asleep on the dance floor. Whew! Here are some of my favorite shots from the weekend. (side note -- I am loving my new point-and-shoot. You should be seeing a lot more of my own photos around here from now on!)

A break in the silence

from Regular Jane at DeviantArt

I know I just said yesterday that I was on a short hiatus, but I had to stop in to leave a quick note.

If you've found your way here from this post at Freckled Nest, then welcome! I hope you decide you like me enough to stick around awhile, and maybe come back and visit me again!

Hiatus

from Boopsie.Daisy on Flickr

In case you couldn't tell, I've been on a bit of a hiatus 'round these parts. These past few weeks have been nothing but go go go (as I'm sure it has been with everyone else)! Anyone want to support me financially so I can quit my job and have some free time?

Anyone?

No?

...

Hey, it was worth a shot.

I'll be back soon with some holiday-related posts!

Scenes from a weekend

A little basketball ...

A little of these guys (I have NO idea who they are, they just cracked me up) ...

A little bit of heat in the cold ...

And a little bit of beauty in the snow ...

Hanging out in Kansas City this weekend was a pretty great way to help my dad celebrate his 55th birthday. Then again, any time spent with my two favorite guys is bound to be pretty great. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you!

Tune in Tuesday: Ugly Sweater Dance Party!

For the sake of not embarrassing my friends by posting our hilarious photos of this past Saturday's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, I'm going to give you just this one (unless you're on FB, where I will be posting the rest!). It was (very) early in the evening, and they were doing what we like to call The Poopy Diaper Dance. Oh yeah. These are my friends, ladies and gentlemen.

What I will share with you, dear friends, is the sweet, sweet dance party mix I made for the evening. The songs range from the classic to the ridiculous to the downright humiliating, but it kept us grooving for three solid hours of booty-shaking, boozin' (sangria, anyone?), and all-out shenanigans. And this was before we even made it to the bar! This year definitely topped last year's event, so I can't wait to see what next year has in store.

Are there any holiday traditions with friends that you look forward to this time of year?

It's a sweaterrrr!

(If you don't get my title reference, watch this)

Right now, I'm prepping for a little bit of this:

Our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Actually, it's a considerably different and larger group than last year, and I couldn't be more excited! So I've got to finish my awesome dance party mix and getting myself ready. I'll see you all soon (with ridiculous photos, I'm sure!).