Well, Davey’s done his Top 5, so I thought I’d chip in with my own little list. This one is a combination of books, music, and movies.
#1 – Hellboy II: The Golden Army
What can I say? I’ve seen this movie three times now, and each time has been better than the last. It just hits the spot for me: a bad-ass monster who’s actually a good guy, elves that put Legolas and Arwen to shame, an evil army that is as modernistic/scientific as it is mythical (machines that fix themselves? far out!), and, well, the best use of a bad love song ever. Here’s hoping that they’re able to wait for Del Toro to return for #3.
#2 – Wall-E
This movie has the second best use of a bad love song ever. Somehow, this movie takes a tiny little robot, fills him chock full of personality, and then turns him into savior of the world who still needs love. This movie won’t be mentioned outside of animated awards this year, which is a real shame: I can guarantee you that it stands on par with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Frost/Nixon.
#3 – Gilead and Home by Marilynne Robinson
Unlike the rest of the world, I did not fall and fawn over Gilead when Robinson won the Pulitzer. Instead, I avoided it. (It’s a natural reaction, and one I’m repenting of continually.) But when Home came out this year and landed on my doorstep (I am very thankful for Amazon’s pre-order sales), I buckled down and forced myself to read the first book. And after about 35 pages, I was hooked. To make a boring story short, I loved Gilead, raced into Home, and then loved Home far more. I like Rev. John Ames, but the characters of Glory and Jack in Home are some of the most fascinating I’ve ever encountered. And while their story is far darker than Rev. Ames’, it is nonetheless hopeful. If you haven’t read these books, do: they will change your life.
#4 – Lies by Bon Voyage and Dial M by Starflyer 59
These two CDs go together because Jason Martin wrote the songs on both. The guy is amazingly prolific, and he’s also able to produce (in the same year) a hook-filled pop album and an ode to classic rock. I’ll admit that Dial M is an acquired taste: only one or two songs stood out to me on the first few listens. But it’s the first SF59 album I’ve truly loved since Old, and the song “I Love You Like the Little Bird” is definitely one of my Top 3 songs of the year. Lies, on the other hand, is a perfect pop album. Especially check out “Wake Up, Make Up” (see the audio player off to the side) and their cover of “Girlfriend in a Coma.”
#5 – Day & Age by The Killers
So I like pop music. Sue me. We listened to this album three times yesterday (while driving up to Vancouver), and every time was wonderful. I predict that The Killers are the next U2, and my evidence is “A Dustland Fairytale” and “This Is Your Life.” They still employ a few two many cute cliches, but then, U2 hasn’t exactly been King of Originality as of late. This album is fun, it will make you sing along, and that’s why I like it.
Honourable Mentions:
Fleet Foxes (self-titled)
The Queen (which I had never seen till this year and absolutely loved)
So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger