Adios 2009!

I don't like odd numbers. I prefer even ones. 2009 was very uneven.

Its New Year's Eve 2010 and I've waited until the waning moments of 2009 to put a bow on the year that would never end. Without question, 2009 was the most difficult year of my entire life. Just about anything that could have happened did. From my truck breaking down on the 55 freeway at 12:30 am, financial struggles at home, disappointment, heartache, a quarter life crisis, and even my dad falling ill the day after Thanksgiving (although, now he's healthy) the year was not boring by any stretch of the imagination.

The hits kept on coming and every month there was something new to overcome. I made my share of mistakes to be sure and I can honestly say that I have learned from them. With 100% humility, I can proclaim that I am different person than what I was exactly one year ago today. I am closer to my family and I have cast aside people who were poison to my soul and heart. 2009 never got off onto the right foot from day one. I remember this time last year like it was yesterday. I was confused, conflicted, and was not listening to God's voice clearly. I was not in a good place.

There were some high points and I would have to say that my trip to Belize was the highlight of the year. My first trip outside of the country, Belize allowed me to regather myself and to put my focus onto others instead of myself. We spent 10 days serving, forming lifelong bonds, and fellow shipping with some of the best people that I've ever met. I miss them all. That trip and the friends that I left behind will always have a special place in my heart and one day I hope to return to visit them again.

Another highlight of 2009, was my reconnection with my sister. Over the years for whatever reason, we grew distant but that is no more. She has been a tremendous blessing to me and has helped me deal with a lot.

2009 was no slouch with regards to concerts. I was finally able to see Doves in Anaheim and LA on consecutive nights. They are my favorite band and the reason why I love indie music. Other notable shows included Miike Snow, Mayer Hawthorne, JET, Switchfoot, and Jack Penate. I know I'm forgetting other bands that I've seen this year because the list is too long! This was also the year where I fell in love with House music. Thanks R.A.! It was a good year for music. Don't be surprised if you hear more of Mayer Hawthorne & Jack Penate in 2010. Look out!

The Angels...no comment. It was a great season and I am proud for all they accomplished and overcame but the season was still a failure. As it stands, 2010 looks like it will be a rough year.

In short, I grew up a lot in 2009. It wasn't easy and I don't expect that 2010 will be a bed of roses. By God's grace, I do feel that I've turned the corner and I have no intention of looking back. I hope everyone who reads this will have an unbelievable 2010!

Peace.

Chromeo - Night by Night

I don't know much about choreography but this video is dope. It reminds me of old MJ videos from days gone by. I love music videos that are able to integrate fashion, desire, and the elusiveness of love. Those common themes are the foundation for any successful music video.

Miike Snow - Silvia

If you've been around me this year then at one time or another you've heard me rave about my favorite band of 2009. From the very first note, the band Miike Snow captured my imagination. Often when I hear new bands and if I really like them, I will listen to their CD a hundred times and then move on without exception. This has not been the case with Miike Snow. Since May, I have been fixated and maybe a little obsessed with this Swedish electronic group. Every time I listen, its just like the first time. I cannot recall a CD ever having this affect on me.

A few days ago, they released their latest music video. "Silvia" is perhaps their strongest track on their self-titled release. It is edited for time but this song is drenched with a rawness leaving you feeling as if there is a pit in your stomach. Brillant!

Classic Cartoons: Eek the Cat

I am going to start a feature of favorite cartoons from my childhood. I firmly believe that today's children are overstimulated by computer animation. There is something inherently special with hand drawn animation. Each line, border, color, and shadow was carefully drawn by someone and not done by a person clicking a mouse. There is an authenticity that computers could never create. Computer animated features do possess the ability to dazzle and stir emotions but I'm my opinion they lack soul.

Top Quotes of 2009

2009 was a wacky year. The world endured the "Summer of Death," a tanking world economy, and a UFO that resembled a jumbo sized bag of Jiffy Pop flying over Denver! There were also a plethora of unforgettable quotes from this unbelievable year. A Yale lecturer has compiled his annual list of important & influential quotes from the past year. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. "Keep your government hands off my health care."

3. "There's an app for that."

6. "I'm going to let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time! One of the best videos of all time!"

7. "Um, you guys said that we, um, did this for the show."

9. "The governor is hiking the Appalachian Trail."

A full list of the top quotes can be found >>>> here

Doves - Snowden

When I'm down or up, this band always makes life beautiful.

Disneyland Pin Traders

I love Disneyland. But No THANK YOU to pin trading.

Rendezvous With Destiny

Top Albums of 2009

2009 was an amazing year for music. There were countless high points as the boundaries of music were pushed to new heights. I owe most to my discoveries to KCRW radio and their many DJ's who are passionate about eclectic music. Settling upon this list was a tough task!!! I want to know what you think about the rankings. If you feel I missed anything or if you think I have lousy taste then tell me (but be nice). So, without further hesitation I now present my Top Albums of 2009.

1) Miike Snow

2) Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement

3) Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

4) Doves - Kingdom of Rust

5) The Horrors - Primary Colors

6) Kasabian - West Ryder Lunatic Asylum

7) Zero 7 - Yeah Ghost

8) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz

9) Wilco - Wilco (the album)

10) Silversun Pickups - Swoon

Fink - Sort of Revolution

I like music that has a driving beat and sense of purpose. For me, the bass line makes the entire song and supplies it with motion. I was also digging the dub rhythm that drops at 2:53. Love it!



Peace.