Update #1 already. Most of the other lists will take time, but I feel confident in declaring a #1 in television right now. And I'll throw in the first two albums to sweeten the pot.
And still champion...
This is by far the easiest choice of the entire year. Breaking Bad holds on to the spot its held since midway through its second season - BEST in TV. Even with a shortened half-season Game of Thrones second season bring me to near *insert fluid* every single week, one of my favorite Mad Men seasons, an unbelievable late push by The Walking Dead, the redemption of Dexter, the intensity of Homeland, the dark hilarity of Its Always Sunny and the end of Community as we know it; Breaking Bad just continues its remarkable reign of terror. Next year will be the end, and its a heavy favorite to once again place first.
And now some music! Most of the time I'll post a video, however these two bands are quite well known thus it is unnecessary.
40.
King Animal by
Soundgarden
Welcome back, Soundgarden! Perhaps this would have charted even higher if "Live To Rise" were included. Regardless,
King Animal is a return to form for Chris and the boys. The single "Been Away For Too Long" and "By Crooked Steps" were the standouts for me. Soundgarden has never placed here before (I think) but Cornell has appeared in other forms. Most notably a top ten placement for "Show Me How To Live" in 2003.
39.
Living Things by
Linkin Park
Linkin Park returns to chartfest after a five year absence for the former dual-#1.
Living Things doesn't exactly return them to their former glory, but there is a lot to like here. They have managed to salvage something decent from the disastrous
A Thousand Suns by mixing their former nu-metal sounds with the modern electronica. It still sounds awkward in places (see: "Lies, Greed, Misery) yet shines in songs like "Lost In The Echo" and the single "Burn It Down". Also keep an eye on the power ballad/potential great arena song "I'll Be Gone" which echoes
Minutes To Midnight. Linkin Park is officially back on the right track.
Might do some more tonight depending on how late I stay up.