Big Fat Roundup Of The Year
Bye bye 2009. Hello Two Thousand And Ten. Yes, that is how I'm saying it. No, it's not worth making a fuss about really.
I've had a bit of an unproductive end to the year, which has left me feeling all kinds of blue and out of sorts, but when I took some time out to reflect, 2009 was all kinds of good for me; and very little of it I had any inkling about 1st Jan last year. The highlights, in a nutshell:
I'm sure I did other stuff in the last 12 months, but that's what stands out. Not a bad run really... and with that kind of result, who knows what 2010 will bring; I can't wait to find out.
Also, this Jan 1st marks 8 years that Chris and I have been together. Nine more days and it will be our 4th Anniversary of our civil union. I think I'll save the thoughts on wedded bliss until then, but much love for my husband. We're still going strong.
And finally, no year should end without one of these. My top 10 albums of the year. This list was put together with much thinking and ado. But lovers of music need to hear all of these long players...
10.Manic Street Preachers - Journal For Plague Lovers (Released: May 18th) Alternative Rock
9. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love (Released: May 18th) Folk Rock
8. Anthony & The Johnsons - The Crying Light (Released: Jan 19th) Avantgarde
7. Modwheelmood - Pearls To Pigs (Released: Jun 02nd) Electro
6. Florence + The Machine - Lungs (Released: Jul 08th) Pop Rock
5. Insane Clown Posse - Bang! Pow! Boom! (Released: Sep 01st) Horrorcore
4. Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us (Released: May 26th) Leftfield
3. Grizzly Bear - Veckatmest (Released: May 26th) Folk Rock
2. Patrick Wolf - The Bachelor (Released: Jun 01st) Alternative Rock
1. Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport (Released: Oct 14th) Experimental
I especially reccommend that if you want a fully immersive musical experience you won't forget in a hurry, getting hold of Tarot Sport, plugging in your best headphones, lock the door, unplug the phone, settle down on the sofa and hit play. It will take you places.
Nearly made the list: Bats For Lashes - Two Suns and Lightning Bolt - Earthly Delights
Wooden Spoons (Biggest disappointments / worst albums of the year): Muse - The Resistance and U2 - No Line On The Horizon
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
I've had a bit of an unproductive end to the year, which has left me feeling all kinds of blue and out of sorts, but when I took some time out to reflect, 2009 was all kinds of good for me; and very little of it I had any inkling about 1st Jan last year. The highlights, in a nutshell:
- Saw in the new year in Edinburgh, had a month in England with my family which was a good holiday, a worthwhile break, and a good reminder of how good I have it here in NZ.
- Saw Nine Inch Nails AND Billy Connolly in the flesh in the same month! (February). Actually had my presence acknowledged by Trent Reznor as we 'met' in the lobby of the hotel which we were both staying at, which was cool.
- Took the lead role in a return to the stage with a play called Verbatim; challenged myself as an actor, raised my profile in this town more, met some brilliant people, learned new things.
- Bought a House. A frickin' huge HOUSE. And it's a good one! I became a home-owner!
I'm sure I did other stuff in the last 12 months, but that's what stands out. Not a bad run really... and with that kind of result, who knows what 2010 will bring; I can't wait to find out.
Also, this Jan 1st marks 8 years that Chris and I have been together. Nine more days and it will be our 4th Anniversary of our civil union. I think I'll save the thoughts on wedded bliss until then, but much love for my husband. We're still going strong.
And finally, no year should end without one of these. My top 10 albums of the year. This list was put together with much thinking and ado. But lovers of music need to hear all of these long players...
10.Manic Street Preachers - Journal For Plague Lovers (Released: May 18th) Alternative Rock
9. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love (Released: May 18th) Folk Rock
8. Anthony & The Johnsons - The Crying Light (Released: Jan 19th) Avantgarde
7. Modwheelmood - Pearls To Pigs (Released: Jun 02nd) Electro
6. Florence + The Machine - Lungs (Released: Jul 08th) Pop Rock
5. Insane Clown Posse - Bang! Pow! Boom! (Released: Sep 01st) Horrorcore
4. Black Moth Super Rainbow - Eating Us (Released: May 26th) Leftfield
3. Grizzly Bear - Veckatmest (Released: May 26th) Folk Rock
2. Patrick Wolf - The Bachelor (Released: Jun 01st) Alternative Rock
1. Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport (Released: Oct 14th) Experimental
I especially reccommend that if you want a fully immersive musical experience you won't forget in a hurry, getting hold of Tarot Sport, plugging in your best headphones, lock the door, unplug the phone, settle down on the sofa and hit play. It will take you places.
Nearly made the list: Bats For Lashes - Two Suns and Lightning Bolt - Earthly Delights
Wooden Spoons (Biggest disappointments / worst albums of the year): Muse - The Resistance and U2 - No Line On The Horizon
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!