In an editorial called “An Argument Against Year End Lists” Dusted‘s Ben Tausig calls them both “viscerally disgusting” and “overdone” and accuses those critics who write them of being lazy.
Point taken, Mr. Tausig.
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Our Top Ten List of 2009 consists of things we’ve listened to, watched, and read throughout the year that have made an indelible impression. It is either hopelessly out-of-date or incredibly prescient depending on your personal politics. In no particular order:
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By Toren Atkinson of The Darkest Of The Hillside Thickets
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Jim Campilongo is a fantastic guitarist and songwriter and has been called “an American treasure” by Billboard Magazine.
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It’s worth noting that there are several records that may’ve made the cut if I’d have had more time to get to know them a little better by year’s end; this year’s TV On The Radio and Califone records come to mind, as well as Tom Waits’ Glitter and Doom Live. And since the release date of Jim Campilongo’s Orange was moved to February 2010, I guess it’ll just have to go on next year’s list. Furthermore, though it came out in ’08, I didn’t pick up a copy of Giant Sand’s proVISIONS until early this year, and it’s pretty amazing. Check it out!
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By Jemiah Jefferson
Find out how to win a copy of the soundtrack to Nine at the end of this article! The contest has now ended.
In light of the upcoming release of Nine (on December 18), starring everybody and Fergie, it’s time for a small countdown of my particular favorite movie musicals. Of course, this list probably won’t line up with yours (although you should remember to check the lists of runners-up at the bottom!), but these five films were instrumental in transforming me from a scowling punk who had nothing but contempt for movie song-and-dance to a glitter-afro-wearing, Twyla-Tharp-worshipping show tune queen.
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I know this song’s privileged, paternalistic attitude is totally inappropriate, but it just reminds me so much of teenaged Christmases, I can’t help but love it. Plus, it features many of my teen musical crushes: Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Boy George, and of course, Marilyn (before the drugs took their toll).
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Yes, it’s full of ’80s cheesiness, but that’s what makes it so great. You can just picture George Michael and Andrew Ridgely performing this song in sweaters that would make even Bill Cosby blush.
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To me, “Christmas Song” means a song that is about the holiday. I’m not sure what crazed goon chose “My Favorite Things” to include on the Christmas radio station, but I can’t abide by it. That also excludes songs from Christmas specials that are not about the holiday. Like “We’re A Couple Of Misfits” from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer—it’s not about the holiday. Your interpretation may vary, and that’s good.
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I think it has everything. Lush orchestration, festive jangly bells, underrated reindeer, and more than a little bit of indie magic.
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