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Ben's Top 40 Albums of 2011
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Mylo and IWY <3. The rest I haven't heard yet.
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Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
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I'm With You I was expecting more from this album but I like it
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Member Since: 1/26/2006
Posts: 17,384
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Mylo Xyloto!
haven't heard the rest, but I like what I heard from I'm With You.
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Spaceman! So good to see your thread.
Singles: Holy F*ck are one of those bands I have so much respect for but unfortunately can't get into. Viva Canada though. Awesome to see you with the last minute addition of Black Keys. Although I'm dissapointed you wont be included the essential 'El Camino' on your top 40 list. And I agree with a lot of what you said about 'Throne', nonetheless Otis is dynamite.
Movies: I love your thread for this very reason! That gave me so much to look forward to and your write ups got me pumped up.
Albums: only familiar with Coldplay and RHCP - but to see two staple Rock acts making the bottom end of your top 40 speaks volumes for what the rest of the show should be like
Cant wait
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Member Since: 10/3/2009
Posts: 35,844
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Good stuff on this set of albums. Sorry for not commenting before, but it is just that nowadays I am a complete ignorant about movies.
I cannot say the same about albums, though. In fact, I know two albums from this set, "Mylo Xyloto" and "I'm With You". Out of those two, "Mylo Xyloto" is my favorite. Keep them coming Ben, oh, and your write-ups are phenomenal.
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35. Dum Dum Girls – Only in Dreams
I enjoyed previous releases by Dum Dum Girls, such as I Will Be, but Only in Dreams, I think, is the strongest DDG release to date. Dee Dee, the lead-singer/songwriter/guitarist/frontwoman of the group, said previously that she was much more of a dictator in getting her bandmates to record the songs exactly as she recorded the demos. Which is all well and fine, but it made their previous albums feel a bit stiff at points. With Only in Dreams, Dee Dee allows the band to get their own little moments, and it's the release that feels the most like an actual band recorded it.
Another reason why it's their strongest to date: It has the finest songs on any Dum Dum Girls album. Dee Dee admits to being influenced by '60s pop, and you can tell, as these are classically composed songs, that recall the work of Phil Spector. Great girl-group grooves and harmonies. I mean, come on, listen to "Just a Creep," and try not to do the Watsui. These are wonderful songs that are timeless, without feeling like a museum piece.
Best Songs
01. In My Head
02. Just a Creep
03. Bedroom Eyes
34 The Lonely Island - Turtleneck & Chain
To understand what a big deal Turtleneck & Chain was when it came out (I say this like it was released 30 years ago, but you know what I mean), you have to understand that major hip-hop producers were sending their beats to The Lonely Island. It may strike you as funny and odd, but the more you start to think about it, the more it makes sense. When The Lonely Island either put out an album or release one of their songs as an SNL Digital Short, it is seen and heard by more people than most pop songs out there. You can't ask for better exposure. So, when you listen to Turtleneck & Chain and you wonder "wow! This sounds a lot more professional than Incredibad" you now know why.
One of the things i've always loved about what The Lonely Island has done is they have satirized the genre conventions of hip-hop better than anyone else that I know. And it clearly comes from a love of the genre itself, as no one else would get the finer points of a song like "Trouble on Dookie Island," a song ala Ghostface's "Run," which is a fast-paced story-based song that turns more and more ridiculous as it goes on. A song like "Turtleneck & Chain," if you weren't paying attention to the lyrics, sounds like a great modern-day hip-hop song, in the vein of Rick Ross, until you hear lyrics like "Turtleneck thicker than Delta Burke swimming in a Guinness."
But you already know The Lonely Island are great, I don't need to sell you on them. I hope they keep putting out albums every couple of years until the end of time.
Best Songs:
01. Turtleneck & Chain featuring Snoop Dogg
02. Jack Sparrow featuring Michael Bolton
03. Attracted to Us featuring Beck
33 Phonte – Charity Starts at Home
After disbanding his long-running hip-hop group Little Brother, and releasing the acclaimed Foreign Exchange (his R&B group with Dutch producer Nicolay) album Authenticity in 2010 (an album that ranked in my Top 10 Albums list), Phonte decided to release his first-ever solo album. It's been a long time coming, and it delivers, as Phonte continues to prove that he's one of the greatest MC's out there today.
One thing that I have to say about Phonte: I don't know what it's going to take, whether it's a documentary about his career or what, but Phonte, I would argue, is one of the most influential rappers of the last 10+ years. Why? Do you know who Kanye West and Drake are? Probably. They credit Phonte (with Drake specifically saying that Phonte is his all-time favourite MC) as being a huge influence on their careers. You can see it, as Phonte was really one of the first rappers (at least one of the first to do it well) to rap about being a regular joe, and about normal day-to-day struggles. Yet, even with Drake shouting out Phonte on many occasions, it has yet to lead to Phonte landing a guest-spot on one of Drake's album. Why? Possibly because he fears he may get murdered on his own song. Which is also likely the same reason why Kanye has never featured Phonte on one of his albums. Now, I love Kanye, and I love Take Care (coming up on the list), but I really hope one of these days he gets his own spotlight. If you want further reading into this topic, read this fascinating story on the Smoking Section: "On: Drake, Phonte & The Fear of Getting Murdered On Your Own ****."
If you have never heard Phonte's music, Charity Starts at Home is as good of a place to start as anywhere. It's truly great stuff.
"Don't need a new style, being dope is always in fashion."
Best Songs:
01. Everything is Falling Down
02. Who Loves You More
03. Ball and Chain
32 The Stepkids – The Stepkids
Stones Throw, typically a hip-hop label, rarely releases non-hip-hop releases. However, they signed The Stepkids, this weird retro-soul/psych-funk group, that recalls the scores to Blaxploitation movies, among other things of that era. They do a pretty terrific job of recalling that period, for a group of three white guys. Songs such as "Legend in My Own Mind," have this great build to them, and it makes you feel 50x cooler listening to it as you are walking outside. It's not really a deep record for its lyrics. Instead, it's more of just an aural experience, that I doubt you can get from any other album released in 2011.
Best Songs:
01. Legend in My Own Mind
02. Brain Ninja
03. Santos & Ken
31 Boston Spaceships - Let It Beard
You can call Robert Pollard many things, but the last things you can call him are lazy and unproductive. Since Guided by Voices broke up in 2004, he has released 12 solo albums, 5 albums with Boston Spaceships (a group that consists of Pollard, John Moen of The Decemberists, and Chris Slusarenko of Guided by Voices), and various other odds and sods. I'd be lying if I said I heard the majority of those (I haven't), but the ones I have heard are really strong, and it shows that at age 54, Pollard has yet to lose it.
Of the post-GBV albums that were most successful, his work with Boston Spaceships in paticular is pretty much tremendous across the board. I placed 2009's Zero to 99 on my Top 40 albums list (Between #30-20), and Let It Beard, the final album by Boston Spaceships, which is even better (Yes, it placed lower than Zero to 99. That's how strong of a year it has been for music), is the absolute best way to close off this chapter in Pollard's career.
Let it Beard is a sprawling 26 song, 75 minute long thing that truly never flags (Your mileage may, of course, vary). It's a classic double album, in the '70s sense, ala London Calling, Quadrophenia, that has callbacks to various songs on the record ("Chevy Marigould" gets mentioned various times throughout the album, which is the title of one of the strongest songs on the record). It's muscular rock music, with a pop sensibility, that may very well be the best thing Pollard has done post-GBV.
Since the release of Let it Beard, Guided by Voices have actually gotten back together (in the form of the classic mid '90s line-up), and have released Let's Go Eat the Factory (released last Tuesday on iTunes, and released in physical copy January 1st), with plans for another GBV album for sometime in 2012. From a couple brief listens to Let's Go Eat the Factory, I maybe don't like it as much as Let it Beard, but it's still a very great album that could very well make 2012's albums list.
If you get one thing from this write-up, know this: We need to treasure Robert Pollard more, as he continues to put out incredible music at a pace that no one else can match.
Best Songs:
01. Make a Record for Lo-Life
02. Chevy Marigould
03. Juggernaut vs. Monolith
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NEXT UP: The beginning of the TV list! I hope to have the first part posted by Christmas, and then i'll try to finish it on Monday. Following that, I will resume the albums list.
Thanks for all the comments!
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The Lonely Island
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I heard The Lonely Island
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The Lonely Island Haven't heard the album, but I always love their singles I think I should heard that album
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So I saw Ximena Sariñana – Different though TC's twitter but I didn't realize it was co-written and produced by Armstrong... that's pretty cool! I don't think I can pick up any of his style but maybe if I looked more into what songs he's produced/written. I always love the new info you share ^_^
Ooh, I had no idea The National had a song with Sharon Von Etten; she's quite awesome! Thanks for sharing the youtube link for that.
Girls looks good! I won't remember this though, or remember looking into your list when I want new shows either. Wah. False hope. Same with the movies, though I'm interested in the movie with Will Ferrell, Bachelorette, and To-Do List (agreed on just the cast point, haha). Oh, and I'd see Lincoln but I am still mad that I never got to see any of the shootings in Richmond, or just the actors roaming around. I mean, SO CLOSE. SO DAMN CLOSE. /done.
Brave looks good! I want to remember to see it when it comes out! I'd also like to see Gangster Squad because it's the second time Emma Stone is with Ryan Gosling.
I cannoootttt wait for Avengers and the Dark Knight Rises!
I feel like Nick Stroller is another name I should start remembering...
WHAT?! THERE WAS A NEW RHCP ALBUM?! Oh my god, I've been under a rock. Downloads now.
I can agree with you on Jessica Lea Mayfield but that may be the exact reason why (the nice album part) that it never stuck with me. I mean, it's just... nice. It's still good to see that on your list though.
Lonely Island <3 I actually did not realize they were getting professionally made beats though lol I don't know, I liked their previous album a lot more than T&C, but still major major approval!
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Member Since: 10/3/2009
Posts: 35,844
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I love the 60's pop sound the Dum Dum Girls have. While reading your comment about "Only In Dreams" I've been listening to "Just A Creep."
But waaaaaait, just heard "Bedroom Eyes" and I loved it.
From The Lonely Island - Turtleneck & Chain I only know "I Just Had Sex" haha. Maybe I should check the whole album or at least your three favorite singles from it.
And those my friend are the only two bands I know from this set. Can't wait for the next set!
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Member Since: 5/2/2009
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I only listened to the Stepkids album a couple of times, and I didn't dislike it. I feel like slamming it on again...
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Before I begin the TV list, I must say that this was a very strong year for television. I said that last year, as well, but it’s true yet again for this year. The returning shows more often than not had series-best-seasons, and there many debuts of very promising and wonderful new series’. Even with that, not everything I watch made it on the list. For some, because I had no idea how to classify it onto this list (Sports Show with Norm MacDonald gave me some of the biggest laughs of any show this year, but it’s very hard to put a purely joke-based thing on a list, between all these scripted shows. It’s the same reason why you don’t see Saturday Night Live or any of the late night shows make this list), others because they were too new, even though I felt they had promise (New Girl, 2 Broke Girls get better each week), or because it simply had a terrible season with hardly any redeeming values (Dexter). Just know that there are quite a few shows that I quite like that didn't end up making the list. The 36 chosen shows, I feel, are the cream of the crop.
One more thing: adult swim's mini-series The Heart, She Holler (starring Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal, and created by PFFR) was one of the most adventurous and absurdly brillaint things I saw on TV this year. Due to its mini-series-like nature, it didn't make it on the list. That does not mean you should not check it out, as you absolutely should. I guarentee you haven't seen anything quite like it.
36. Wilfred
Network: FX
The first show, in what was a very strong year for FX (by my count, every show FX aired this year, with exception of Sons of Anarchy [I stopped watching in season 2] and American Horror Story [I didn't attempt watching], has made it onto this list) Wilfred is a pretty unique comedy. Depending on the episode, it could be more dramatic and quite dark (the finale in paticular had a pretty dark ending for a comedy), while other times it was quite absurd and fun. The relationship between Elijah Wood and Jason Gann (who starred in the original Australian version of the show) is really quite great, as very early on they have this great Odd Couple sort of comic relationship going on (If the Odd Couple was about a suicidial man and an Australian man in a dog suit, that is). To my surprise, the show became quite the hit for FX, and it could be one of FX"s main draws for years to come. I have no idea where they will take the characters in season 2, but I look forward to finding out.
35. Lights Out
Network: FX
FX series #2! This series, sadly, didn't get a second season and was canceled this year. Its first season was quite strong, as it followed the typical boxing movie narrative (with some twists and turns along the way) in a 13-episode season arc. Holt Mccallany, the lead of the series, is a true find, and he has a great physicality that he brings to his performance. Stacy Keach, as his father, was also very good. While i'm sad it won't get another season, the series' final episode did end in a way in which it could seem like it was always meant to be just 13 episodes. So, if you are into boxing and would like to see it done in the cable TV format, i'd recommend you check out Lights Out, as I think it has a strong beginning-middle-and-end that would satisfy you.
34. United States of Tara
Network: Showtime
Yet another series that was canceled this year, that had a pretty perfect finale that made it seem like that's how it was planned to always end. United States of Tara was always the odd-duck in the realm of Showtime's comedies. It tried something different, and truly got better season-by-season, as it became less gimmicky and jokey, and became a true examination of a woman who has been diagnoised with DID (dissociative identity disorder). The "alters" of the lead character became much less the sketch show characters from the first season, and instead became oddly tragic in season 3. The cast was uniformly excellent (I've already sent my marriage proposal to Brie Larson), but tops among the supporting cast was the great Patton Oswalt. He's been on the show since season 1, but starting with season 3 he kinda became a part of the cast, and he really had a great character that he acted the **** out of. Between Big Fan, Tara, and his work in Young Adult (a tremendous movie that is one of my favourites of the year), Patton could very easily become one of the best stand-ups-turned-actors ever.
33. Cougar Town
Network: ABC
Abed Nadir's favourite show had a bad racket this year. ABC delayed the show's third season until January, and then once the mid-season schedule was announced, it wasn't listed on it at all (similar to Abed's very own show, which is coming up on the list). So, due to that, that is the reason why Cougar Town is charting as low as it is, as the last episode of the show aired this year was in May. Season 2 was even better than the first, and it's really becoming a special little show. As I said in last year's Cougar Town write-up, if you loved Scrubs, there is absolutely no way you won't love Cougar Town. I truly think it is impossible. It's Scrubs, minus the medical cases of the week, the narration, and more goofiness. I look forward to the show's return sometime in March of next year.
32. The Office
Network: NBC
Let's make this quick: Steve Carell's final episode = wonderful. There were great episodes here and there. I really like James Spader's character, even if they neutered a bit of what made him great in last season's finale. I love that Ed Helms is the boss. I will watch this show until it ends. The end.
31. Raising Hope
Network: FOX
Greg Garcia's follow-up series to My Name Is Earl is, I would venture to say, an even stronger show. The cast that he has assembled for Hope is really amazing, with Martha Plimpton and Garret Dillahunt being true highlights. I also really like Shannon Woodward as Sabrina (Garcia writes female comedic characters very well). They do some truly weird things on the show, as well as some really nice emotional beats (I really liked the Sherwood Schwartz tribute at the beginning of the season 2 premiere, as it was both funny and a really sweet tribute to one of the Sitcom's grandfathers). This is another show that really gets better and better with every episode, and I can't see them fumbling anytime soon. If you were a big fan of My Name is Earl, like Cougar Town/Scrubs, I truly can't see you not loving Raising Hope.
Also: This show has the cutest baby I have ever seen. The baby reaction shots they get out of Hope.... I don't know how they do it!
30. Parenthood
Network: NBC
The thing that I love about Parenthood is that it's like the chicken soup of TV shows. There are shows that try more daring things, and shows I like more, but I feel really warm after watching an episode of Parenthood. It's the corniest show on television, and I could not say that more as a positive. Have you ever spent time with your family? Chances are, they are corny, as well! Jason Katims (who previously was the main guy behind Friday Night Lights, which is coming up later in the list) really nails the whole sense of family dynamics really well. I'm not the first one to say it, but there hasn't been a show like this (or at least executed this well) since Thirtysomething, that was just about small-scale issues in your family, that made for captivating viewing week-to-week. I want to single out Mae Whitman (AKA: Ann, Hog, Her?, etc on Arrested Development), as she really brings it each week, as she's the character I most relate to on the show. And when she starts to cry, watch out!
29. Eagleheart
Network: adult swim
It seems almost a natural fit that Chris Elliott's grand return to television would be on adult swim, as his comedic sensibilties (from Get a Life, to Cabin Boy, to FDR: A One Man Show, to his Late Night with David Letterman bits) shaped much of what has come to be known as the adult swim style. Another natural fit with Elliott: The show was co-created by Michael Koman and Andrew Weinberg, two long-time writers on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, another show that owes its debt to Ellliott (Conan is also on board Eagleheart as an Executive Producer). It's everything you could want out of a Chris Elliott project, as he also stars with the amazing Maria Thayer, Brett Gelman (if you haven't seen "1000 Cats," please make it a priorty), and Michael Gladis (last seen on Mad Men as Paul Kinsey), so it has a great ensemble, as well. Other Late Night vets such as the wonderful Andy Blitz also work on the show, so if you miss that old Late Night sensibility (though, i'd argue that the TBS show gets some really weird stuff on from time-to-time, such as Gravy Boat Light House), Eagleheart will be your new favourite thing.
28. Childrens Hospital
Network: adult swim
Speaking of weirdness! Childrens Hospital continues to be such a wonderfully absurd show. Season 3 was the funniest yet, and I can't wait for season 4.
27. Archer
Network: FX
FX show #3! Archer was as great as ever this year, so if you aren't watching it yet, you really should.
26. Up All Night
Network: NBC
The best of all of the new comedies for the fall 2011 season was, in my opinion, very clearly Up All Night. The series, created by comedy-writing vet Emily Spivey (long-time writer on SNL, writing most of Amy Poehler's most well-known sketches [Just as Adam McKay wrote Will Ferrell's known stuff, that's the act that Spivey did for Poehler], as well as writing on Poehler's own series Parks and Recreation), stars Christina Applegate (the funniest she's been since Anchorman), Will Arnett (funny as ever), and Maya Rudolph (ditto). What I love about Up All Night is that it has a unique tone to it, in that it's a great character-driven comedy about being new parents, as well as getting some great showbiz satire stuff in, as Applegate works as a producer on Rudolph's AVA show (a daytime talkshow similar to Oprah/Ellen). In only 11 episodes, Up All Night has been funnier than all three seasons of Modern Family combined, and has delivered non-sitcommy plots with genuine laughs (which I personally can't say is the case with the other show).
Recurring guests on the show have included amazing stand-up comedian Matt Braunger, Jason Lee, and Molly Shannon, and they all have great parts that they own. Starting in January, Up All Night will join the NBC Thursday line-up (joining Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, and The Office, but not Community, which you know, I won't get into. Community fans: Please don't take what NBC did to Community out on Up All Night. That would be very petty and childish), where it should thrive, as it has a similar sensibility with the other Thursday comedies. I can only see the show getting better from here.
25. Fringe
Network: FOX
I have always loved Fringe. While the beginning of season four (being non-specific for the new fans of the series potentially making their way through the series) was a bit off, due to a weird piece of plotting, the series continues to deliver the best genre entertainment found on network TV.
24. The League
Network: FX
FX show #4! The League is a very reliable laugh-getter. You have that great ensemble, plus fantastic recurring characters (such as Jason Mantzoukas' Rafi), and you get those great Curb/Seinfeld-ian plots, where things come together in the end. In doing this list, I have yet to see the two-part finale that aired last night, so it may have placed even higher. Still, the point stands, that if you like great ensemble-based comedy, you ought to check out The League.
23. Curb Your Enthusiasm
Network: HBO
It's always a good year when CURB is back. While it defintely wasn't as strong as the Seinfeld season, as the New York half had a couple duds, it was still a very funny season of Curb. Highlights include "Palestinian Chicken," with its very funny take on the Israeli- Palestine conflict, "Vow of Silence," and the definite highlight of the New York episodes "Mister Softee," with its hysterical take on the Bill Buckner situation. While this season of Curb wasn't as strong as last season (or a few other seasons), it is always a delight to have it back on the air every couple of years. I hope Larry decides to make another season.
22. The Good Wife
Network: CBS
The best network drama on TV today. Really.
2011 was the year in which I got into The Good Wife, and caught up with every season of the show. While it looks like a flimsy procedural on the surface, it instead reminds you that procedural isn't a bad word. What The Good Wife does better than any show on the air currently is they have a great balance of strong serialized stories in each episode, as well as a Case of the Week (as the show is set at a lawfirm) that often delve into topics and issues that no other drama would go near. The show also delves into some great political material, involving Alan *******'s wonderful Eli Gold character (where people such as Donna Brazile, Chris Matthews make cameos as themselves). If you were a huge fan of The West Wing, and are looking for a show on network TV that would satisfy that urge, I think The Good Wife may be your new favourite show.
The show won a Peabody this year, and it seems like it's only going to get more popular/more attention from here-on. It is well deserved, as when people reminisce about the days of smart, network dramas, remind them that The Good Wife is currently on the air, and is doing just that.
21. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Network: FX
FX show #5! This was maybe, if not my favourite, one of my 2-3 favourite seasons of Always Sunny ever. So many hilarious episodes and moments. I want to single out two people from the show: Kaitlin Olson and Danny Devito. Kaitlin Olson is one of the funniest people on TV right now. The commitment she has in playing such a silly and deranged (though, deranged could describe practically everyone on the show) character is really unreal. I'm in awe of the work she does on the show, as Dee. How she has never been nominated for any award is mind-boggling to me.
In terms of Danny DeVito, he's already played one of the most well-known and iconic characters in TV history in Louis DePalma on Taxi. Not many people can reach those heights that he did on that show, so if he felt that he didn't need to do another TV show again, it was perfectly understandable. Yet, on Always Sunny, he plays Frank, and he is generally the person that makes me laugh the hardest on the show. While it's well-known how funny DeVito is, I think the 18-20somethings don't necessarily know that. So i'm glad he's on this show, as he's just so insane. The way he spouts out lines, that on paper maybe aren't funny, but through DeVito's mouth they become some of the funniest things you will ever hear, it's a true talent.
While I generally don't like shows going on and on if they don't need to, Always Sunny is a show I truly think could run forever and still always make me laugh. It just got renewed this year for three more seasons, and I think they've got a lot of great stuff left to do. I can't wait to find out what that will be.
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20. Game of Thrones
Network: HBO
I loved the Game of Thrones series. "Then, why, Ben, are you placing it at #20????? It should be #1!!." Well, whiny voice in my head (WViMH), I loved the series, but i'd be lying If I said I was completely on board from moment 1. Now, I liked the pilot, and the early episodes, but as a non-reader of George R.R. Martin's books, I was a bit lost at points, so I wasn't entirely invested. I became fully invested at around episode 5 or 6, and then it didn't let up from there. There were great performances (including the Emmy-winning Peter Dinklage), and the look and scale of the show was really quite incredible. When that moment happened near the end of season 1, it cemented my love for the series. I am eagerly looking forward to season 2 in April, and I will very likely rewatch all of season 1 before it airs. I imagine i'll end up enjoying those early episodes a whole lot more in retrospect
19. Jon Benjamin Has a Van
Network: Comedy Central
Jon Benjamin was the lead of three TV shows this year! As a long-time fan of his, this was THE year to be a fan of him. The lesser known series of the three, Jon Benjamin Has a Van, was the one that defintely took the most risks and had some of the most insane plots for episodes I have seen in a while. The series, a kinda-satire of news shows, like CBS Sunday Morning, had its own singular tone, that blended man on the street stuff (like the hilarious faux-gameshow "You Can't Shoot Here," where Jon goes to various real businesses and says "Welcome to the game show You Can't Shoot Here," getting in that line before the blurred-out owner of the establishment gets to say it) with more sketch-based/absurdist comedy. It's very hard to describe, as it's really a show that has to be seen to be believed. My favourite episode was an episode in which the sound guy on the JBHV team (Canadian comic Nathan Fielder) is abducted, so the majority of the episode plays as a silent-movie of sorts. It was so inventive, and had so many big laughs.
The series isn't likely to get another season (Comedy Central has yet to give an announcement, which is generally when you know a show gets canelled on CC), but I hope they at least make a DVD, as the show (also produced by the Funny or Die team, and Tim & Eric) was designed in its DNA to be a cult favourite to be watched for years to come.
18. Treme
Network: HBO
David Simon's Treme remains a polarizing show, in its second season. I continue to love it. I guess some of the complaints are that it's too boring (disagree), there's too much "WELL, THAT'S NEW ORLEANS, MANNNN" (that's been considerably toned down in the second season, though it never bothered me), and people don't like jazz (come on).
What I love about Treme is that it's one of the only true slice-of-life shows airing currently, in that you are watching these characters that are all in various occupations (between a chef, a schoolteacher/bandleader, radio DJ, bartender, an out-of-town contractor, a Mardi-Gras Indian, a non-New Orleans-style modern day jazz musican, a police officer, a lawyer, etc) and how they are managing to stay happy post-Katrina (season 1 was set post-2005 after the Hurricane, and the second season is about a year later). Treme remains the best I have ever seen live music portrayed on a TV show, as the songs/instruments are all played live, with zero lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks.
Key performances this season include Steve Zahn, as Davis, who has become quite lovable in season 2, Lucia Micarelli as Annie, a non-actor who really does a terrific job (and is a key reason for Davis being lovable in season 2), Wendell Pierce as Antoine Batiste, who is arguably the MVP of the season, as well as Khandi Alexander as LaDonna, whose character goes through a serious struggle in season 2 that is very hard to watch, but is always captivating under Alexander's brave and brilliant performance.
Treme was renewned for a third season, despite low ratings, as HBO has faith in David Simon's (as well as co-creator Eric Overmyer) vision for the series. Treme is never going to be the most popular show on HBO. It was never designed as such. It is, however, a show, in which, if you give it your full attention and you get something out of it, there is truly nothing else quite like it on TV. For that, it should be celebrated, despite if the series is your thing or not.
17. Boardwalk Empire
Network: HBO
Season 2 of Boardwalk Empire just wrapped, and it was a definite improvement over the strong first season. Some of that is because a lot of what is set up in the very early episodes of season 1 comes to pass in season 2. I won't say a word about what those things are (all i'll say is that that the last two episodes of season 2, in paticular, are very strong) for the people who have yet to see season 2 (or any of the series and are interested at some point in watching the series). I'm not sure what I can say, without spoiling anything. OK, how about saying that Jack Huston as Richard Harrow remains one of my favourite characters on all of TV? It's such a unique character I don't think I have seen portrayed on TV before, and Huston nails it, and it should be a performance that leads him to a very great career. Michael Shannon, one of my favourite actors, as Van Alden gets some really weird things to do, but Shannon sells them like a pro. The rest of the big cast, from Steve Buscemi to Michael Pitt to Kelly MacDonald to Michael K. Williams, are all wonderful, as well.
While I liked season 1 a lot, season 2, I believe, was the season in which Boardwalk Empire graduated from being a Very Good Show to a Great Show. I look forward to season 3 very much.
16. Happy Endings
Network: ABC
Happy Endings is further proof that I should trust my own extincts. During Upfronts 2010, they announced numerous Friends-clones (such as Perfect Couples, Traffic Light, Better With You, some others that got canceled), and one of them was Happy Endings. On paper, it looked like the best of them, as it had Joe/Anthony Russo directing the pilot/executive producers (they did the pilot for two other beloved comedies: Arrested Development and Community), and it had people I thought were really funny like Casey Wilson, Eliza Coupe, and Damon Wayans Jr. However, of all the Friends-clones, it was the one that got the worst treatment, as it didn't premiere until April, and it aired at weird times like 10:00 and 10:30 on Wednesday nights. This was the worst case of a network mistreating its show I had seen. Coupled with that, it didn't get great reviews. I wondered why I gave it such high hopes.
Then a funny thing happened: People watched it, and they really enjoyed it. It grew a cult following that grew with each episode (even if the ratings still weren't great, and ABC aired episodes out of order). ABC, to their credit, saw that it was one of their only comedies that had a rabid following, and they renewed it for season 2, placing it after ABC's biggest hit Modern Family at 9:30 PM.
Since then, it's gotten a full 22 episode order for season 2, and looks to be well on its way to getting a season 3. The show itself is one of the funniest on the air currently, as it's the ultimate hang-out show. There are plots, but they are secondary to the ridiculous things that the group says and does (which also includes the insanely funny Adam Pally, whom I wasn't aware of before watching the show, but he's a great UCB Theatre regular who is very talented). The show also has tons of great guest stars from comedy people, including Rob Huebel, Paul Scheer, TJ Miller, Rob Riggle, June Diane Raphael, Jamie Denbo, Megan Mullaly, and way too many others to list.
As it stands, I think it's ABC's best comedy, and one of the best that network TV has to offer. It's a show that you can just sit down, and have a great time with, as they throw some really goofy and absurd gags at you. It reminds me a lot of an NBC show that should be on the Thursday line-up, which is about the highest regard I can give a network comedy. I hope this show is around for some time to come.
Oh, and Calgary's own Elisha Cuthbert, while a bit shaky in season 1, has really come into her own as a comic presence on the show. She's a very reliable laugh-getter, and i'm glad she's had this comeback.
15. Bob’s Burgers
Network: FOX
Loren Bouchard is one of the unsung heroes in comedy. He worked on Dr. Katz, co-created Home Movies, among other things. Now, in 2011, he has a show on FOX called Bob's Burgers, and it's been renewed for a second season (with a cast that includes Jon Benjamin, Kristen Schaal, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts). How cool is that????? This should be a show on adult swim, yet that not only is it on FOX, but that it's kinda succeeding? That's a huge triumph.
To me, it's the best FOX animated show since King of The Hill (Jim Dauterive, who worked on KOTH for a long-time, is an Executive Producer on Bob's Burgers), in that it combines the absurdist humor joy of Bouchard and the the relatable character-based comedy plots of King of The Hill. It's a tremenedous achievement. The cast that this show has assembled is so incredible, and they each bring a great combo of humour and warmth to their characters. Kristen Schaal is just a dynamo as Louise, as she has a diabolical mind that doesn't come off as cheap or forced. I could rattle down the whole cast, but just know that everyone in the cast (Eugene Mirman as Gene is another highlight, as he's such a goofy child, obsessed with playing fart sounds on his keyboard). The show also includes some great recurring characters voiced by Andy Kindler, Larry Murphy, Sam Seder, Kevin Kline (yes, that Kevin Kline), as well as Sarah and Laura Silverman voicing a pair of grade school boys, which is inspired casting.
One other thing that I love about Bob's Burgers: The voice-acting sessions are done all in the same room, so you can get live reactions to what is said (and there's a chance for some improv here and there). It really shines when someone, such as Eugene Mirman's Gene, says something ridiculous that catches Jon Benjamin off-guard and he audibly cracks up. It adds a lot to the proceedings.
I hope this show is around for many years, as FOX needs a show like this for its Animation Domination block. Otherwise, it'll be all Seth MacFarlane shows, and that's no fun for everyone. Not a slam at Seth, but we need multiple comedic voices in that Sunday line-up
14. Portlandia
Network: IFC
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein's (Sleater-Kinney/Wild Flag) Portlandia is a really affectionate parody of a city they love (and which Brownstein lives in). Some people think Armisen/Brownstein are taking Portland down, which is so dumb. They just notice some unusual behavior, and they are just poking fun at it. Are all the people portrayed in Portlandia assholes? It depends on your attitude going in to watching the series.
It's such a funny show, that really nails specific aspects of a certain type of person that lives in every town. You don't have to live in Portland to get the humour out of a sketch like "Did You Read?," in which Fred and Carrie go back-and-forth asking each other if they've read various pieces in various newspapers/alt-weeklies. There's the Feminist Bookstore couple, there's the couple that goes well out of their way to wonder if the food at their restaurant was ethically treated. So many specific sketches and bits that I can relay, but you should just watch it. It's the type of super-specific comedy that I love, and to me it's the finest work that Armisen has done (which includes so many wonderful SNL sketches he's been involved in over the years).
13. 30 Rock
Network: NBC
30 Rock returns in January!!! I can't wait!! - Dr. Spaceman
12 Beavis & Butt-Head
Network: MTV
So many shows have returned after years of being canceled/off the air, and they return in fine shape. Beavis & Butt-Head, however, I feel is the strongest example of this in recent memory. The show is, no qualifiers, as funny as it has ever been (with the exception of the Jersey Shore TV piece here and there, which I don't feel often work, but that's a quibble in an otherwise excellent revival). The shorts are truly as great as ever (if not better in some cases), as Mike Judge through B&BH are tackling today's societal issues in a very clever way. It really is the same show as it has always been, and I feel so happy saying that. It's maybe the show I laugh the hardest at out of any show on TV right now, as it is just a free-for-all of hilarity.
I'm so happy to have a Mike Judge show on the air again, and that it's Beavis & Butt-Head???? I could not ask for anything better. Now, with Pamela Adlon providing voices for some of the characters on the show, I want a Bobby Hill cameo at some point! Do it, Judge!
11 Bored to Death
Network: HBO
I post this on the week in which Bored to Death was canceled, in its third season. It's not a surprise, as it has never been a highly rated show. Still, it's a real shame, as the third season was truly as good of a season they ever did.
What made the show work was the incredible ensemble of Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and Ted Danson, who just became better and better each year. It was the dream team of comedy. Ted Danson's character, in particular, was off-the-charts hilarious, and I was laughing loudly whenever he did something absurd or silly. Also great: John Hodgman, as Schwartzman's arch-nemesis Louis Green, was was so determined in his quest to ruin Schwartzman's life. It was a great battle of the wits.
It's a shame this show will not be producing new episodes. One thing this show did better than almost everyone else is it had a real sense of earned weirdness, in that they told stories in a straight-forward fashion, but really weird and absurd things happened that felt native to its world. No other show did it quite as good as Bored to Death did, and i'll miss it. So long, Bored to Death. I hope more people find out about your wonderful show on DVD, as there may never be anything quite like it again.
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NEXT UP: Top 10 TV, which should be up sometime on Monday. After that, back to the albums!
Thank you for all the comments, and Merry Christmas, to the people who celebrate it!
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Member Since: 10/13/2003
Posts: 48,022
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Beavis And Butthead
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Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
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Beavis & Butt-Head will never get old
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 5/9/2003
Posts: 3,779
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Member Since: 10/3/2009
Posts: 35,844
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I really hope to see House MD in your Top 10.
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 9/26/2001
Posts: 22,475
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Let's get this out of the way first: TURTLENECK. OH YEAH.
Alright, TV SHOWS! Admittedly, I just don't watch as much TV as I used to, but at least you consistently find ways to make shows I haven't seen seem so awesome. Wilfred and Eagleheart are high on my list of shows to eventually see, Cougar Town is great (and poor Abed ), Parenthood is a WONDERFUL callback to the dramas of the 80's, Archer is Archer (what else needs to be said), The League is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows period (and I'm surprised that it wasn't higher), I REALLY need to get into Curb (and ditto with It's Always Sunny and Game of Thrones), Boardwalk Empire is the sole reason why I'm mad that I don't have HBO, Elisha Cuthbert's comedic emergence in Happy Endings is one of the feel-good stories of 2011, and I would have been happy if B&B had come back and it wasn't up to snuff with the original, but the fact that it is just as enjoyable as it was in the 90's is a testament to the talent of Mike Judge and the timelessness of the show itself.
*deep breaths* Alright, can't wait for the top ten.
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Member Since: 1/26/2006
Posts: 17,384
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from the albums, I've only heard two singles out of "Only in Dreams" and I like both.
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