I think it's safe to say that many people won't see this coming. I mean, it's apparent to most people with eyes and a functioning brain that I have not really been around all that much on ATRL this year. In fact, in many ways, I've become the dreaded "lurker" that mainly browses the forums but doesn't post. Hell, I was seriously contemplating not even doing the YECA for 2013. I mean, NOT DO THE YECA? 2006 me would have considered that to be inconceivable. But really, while I can't say that I don't still enjoy browsing ATRL, the fact is that I'm getting older, and getting older means more responsibilities and real life matters. As recently as a week ago, I did not think that I was going to do the YECA. I simply was not prepared, nor was I even in the right frame of mind to consider doing it. Besides, I said that last year was the last time I'd be doing the YECA on ATRL, and I planned on sticking by that.
Ultimately, though, the allure is too strong. Me and the Best of forum have a long and storied history, dating back all the way to the inception of the idea. I was there when the first Best of forum opened, which, I believe, was ten years ago. At this point, it's impossible to imagine me NOT doing the YECA every year. The biggest reason I decided to do this for another year is quite simple: I did not finish last year's YECA. Hell, I didn't even come close to finishing it. This year, that changes. I vow to everyone that I will finish this year's YECA.
So, enough backstory and chit-chat. Here's what we're absolutely doing this year, guaranteed. Unlike last year, where there were "Superlatives" looking at my favorite things of the year, we're going back to the old format with assorted top lists. There will be a Top 5 Video Games list, a Top 10 YouTube videos list, a Top 10 Albums list (that I'm woefully unprepared for), and, of course, the big one: The singles list. And just like the last two years, I've listened to enough songs to put together a top 100. This year's top 50 (and particularly the top 20) was perhaps the toughest to rank in the long history of the YECA. Now remember, these are the GUARANTEED lists. If I find the motivation to do other lists, chances are that I will do them.
For now, sit back, relax, and get ready for another year of YECA goodness! It's time for the most recent, most awesome, and, this time, probably not the last installment of my yearly tradition...
It all begins tomorrow (hopefully) with the list that everyone cares about the least: The top 5 Video Games of 2013. See you all then!
I know it will be one of my faves on here (as always), I really love your unique taste in music 
, it's always very unpredictable in your countdowns and that's what makes it more interesting, can't wait to see what you come up with this year 
I just had to come back for the YECA, though, and the Best of forum. Can't imagine a year without one.
