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Ben's Top 40 Albums of 2010
ATRL Senior Member
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Alot of a stuff I haven't heard, from what I have, I love.
I really need to check out that B&S album, and Carey Mulligan duet sounds interesting.
Great to see some love for Sarah Harmer - what a Canadian treat. and obviously you know I'm pro-Gorillaz so nice to see the recognition.
And I can't join you on the Weez bandwagon, sorry man.
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 6/9/2002
Posts: 6,789
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I decided to hold off on doing my albums list, and get going on my TV list. I've had it cemented since the beginning of December (when shows finished their seasons/half seasons), and I didn't want to wait any longer.
I watch a lot of TV. A lot. In my years of watching a **** ton of scripted TV, this was the best year of TV I have ever watched. Many new shows debuted, and were incredible, while veterans had series best seasons. 2010 was a good year to be a TV fan.
Due to 2010 being so spectacular, and my watching of a lot of TV, I have to mention that not everything I watch made it on this list. Long-running shows such as Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, and others i've listed in the past just couldn't rank with these shows. I still love them, and will continue to watch them, but that goes to show how good 2010 was.
Let's begin!
33. The Walking Dead
Channel: AMC
AMC's The Walking Dead was something I was really looking forward to. I bought the first Compendium, and really enjoyed Robert Kirkman's work with the comics, so I was officially psyched for the series. I then saw the pilot, and couldn't believe how great it was. The Walking Dead's 90 minute pilot (written and directed by Frank Darabont) is a truly remarkable piece of work. He takes what works about the comic series, and adapts it amazingly to the TV screen. The way Darabont had long stretches where there was no dialogue worked wonderfully. It looked great, the effects/makeup looked good, it was looking like another AMC homerun.
And then the rest of the episodes aired. Now, there were good things in episodes 2-6, but the drop in quality was just as remarkable as the quality of the pilot itself. The dialogue, awful. The use of generalization for supporting characters, terrible. Just the way the show was arced in the episodes following the pilot was atrocious. The finale episode gave you no real urge to get excited for a second season. Instead of a "holy ****! can't wait!" it was a "That's It?".
Since The Walking Dead has done really well in the ratings, and got another season, Frank Darabont has fired all of the writers and will be getting scripts by freelancers. This is a great idea, as anything that changes from what they did wrong in season 1 will be ideal. Again, I don't hate this show, else it wouldn't be on here at all. I really, really loved the pilot, and love the comics, so I see the potential of a great series that can stand beside Breaking Bad and Mad Men as one of the best on TV. Instead, what we got in season 1 was an AMC/HBO quality pilot and then a second rate SyFy series for episodes 2-6. I hope they learned from their mistakes, and deliver for season 2. I will be rooting for them.
Best Episode: Days Gone Bye
32. Dexter
Channel: Showtime
Another season of Dexter, and we still have the same positives and negatives. Michael C. Hall continues to deliver a stunning performance as Dexter Morgan (his lashing out in the season premiere was jaw-dropping), and Debra Morgan continues to be a good character. Every other character? Just as bad as ever! The problem with Dexter (and this has been the case since the very beginning) is that the writers think we care about the police department. We WOULD care about that stuff if it was even just a tiny bit interesting, and even when it was good, it never matches up to the Dexter stuff. I would go on about Dexter, but that's about all I can say about it. I'm more interested in talking about the other shows on this list.
Best Episode: Everything is Illumenated
31. The Good Guys
Channel: FOX
I love what this show stood for. In a climate where we have dozens of terrible, dark police procedurals that aren't the least bit fun, here comes The Good Guys! it was a show straight out of the late '70s/early '80s, and was just a whole lot of fun. There are cases each week, but they are secondary to all of the comedy that happens throughout. Bradley Whitford is so great as Dan Stark, a man stuck in time to an earlier era, and he is paired with Colin Hanks' Jack Bailey, who is very by the book, but eventually a good match for Dan. This show isn't complicated. There have been many versions of this show in the past. Just that there hasn't been a version of it in decades.
It got very low ratings, and was eventually cancelled, which really bummed me out. I wish The Good Guys could be on for years to come, as it's a show that made me have a good time each and every week. I guess people would rather have their CSI's, Criminal Minds', and all of those other humorless dirges of shows. What a shame.
Best Episode: Dan On The Run
30. The Office
Channel: NBC
It's no secret that The Office has had a rough couple seasons. The show has never been bad, though. The problem is that it is currently airing on the same night and channel with 3 shows (Community, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock) that outclass it every week. It's unfair competition to be placed onto any comedy, especially one that is in its 7th season. Most shows either don't make it to 7 seasons, or are not nearly this good. Whatever you may think of The Office now, at least none of the characters have gone into outerspace (or whatever insane thing Family Matters did late into its run).
With this being Steve Carell's final season, I will be very interested to see where the show goes from here. I do know that many people I know will stop watching the show after Carell leaves. I, however, will stay watching as long as they make it. I mean, sure, Carell was the bedrock of the show, but they still have Ed Helms, Mindy Kaling, Craig Robinson, Ellie Kemper, BJ Novak, and many other great talents. Even so, if the show post-Carell is a failure, it'll be a fascinating one.
Best Episode: Andy's Play
29. Futurama
Channel: Comedy Central
It sure is great to have Futurama back. Some of the early episodes this season were a bit rough, but once they worked out the kinks it retained a lot of its former glory. The best episode of the season, "The Late Phillip J. Fry", is one of the best episodes they have ever done. It had a ton of heart, was very funny, and delved into the sci-fi subtext that no other show goes near. I wasn't sure if having Futurama back would be good for its legacy, but i'm very glad to be proven wrong.
Best Episode: The Late Phillip J. Fry
28. The Venture Bros.
Channel: [adult swim]
The Venture Bros. has always been great, and it was great again this year. The end.
Best Episode: Operation P.R.O.M.
27. Rubicon
Channel: AMC
If you haven't watched the series yet (and it is only a series, as it was canceled after one season) stop watching at Episode 13. Watching from episode 1-12 will give you something very satisfying that the last episode will only further murk. The finale would have been great if it had gotten a second season. Since it didn't, it is a useless episode. It sure was a good show for those 12, though!
Many people have called the show "boring", and i'm not sure if I agree. Yeah, the pilot (which was under the guidance of the original creator, before Homicide: Life On The Street vet Henry Bromell took over at episode 2) was a bit slow-moving, but it continued getting more and more interesting as it went along. Those episodes set the scene for later events to leave a bigger mark. The payoff, in episode 12, was so satisfying and great that dare I say it outclassed Mad Men in its respective week. I'm sad that Rubicon won't have another season, especially as a way of clearing up/fixing episode 13's mistakes, but oh well.
Best Episode: Wayward Sons
26. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Channel: FX
What is there to say about Always Sunny, as it entered its 6th season this year? Nothing, really. It is still as funny as ever, the cast is still one of the best comedy casts on TV today, and they still get away with some incredibly weird gags (Dee as an ostrich, The Boat episode). Defintely still one of the funniest half-hours on TV.
Best Episode: The Gang Buys A Boat
25. In Treatment
Channel: HBO
It would be hard to top season 2, and they didn't. It was still a really great season, though. The best episodes of the season were the Irrfan Khan (who played Sunil) episodes. So gripping. No other show tries something like this, so when they have a great episode, it is unlike anything else on the air.
Best Episode: The Sunil episodes
24. Archer
Channel: FX
This show sold me once I found out that it would be the amazing Jon Benjamin voicing Sterling Archer, the dapper and dimwitted title character. His voicework really is the driving force of the show, and it sells jokes like crazy. The rest of the voicecast is also very good, including Chris Parnell, Judy Greer, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, and others. Adam Reed, the creator of this show, last created adult swim's Frisky Dingo, and it makes sense. Archer is essentially an adult swim show with an FX budget. That is meant as nothing but a positive. I am so very excited for this show's return in January, as I think it can only get better from here. DANGER ZONE!!
Best Episode: Skytanic
23. United States of Tara
Channel: Showtime
Showtime has other comedies that may be more popular, but in my mind, United States of Tara is by far the best of those (and also the best show on Showtime, period). What makes it better is that the stories are more grounded/developed than the other flimsy plots you will find on those shows. Also, it is actually laugh-out-loud funny. Toni Collette of course does great work, and so does the rest of the main cast, but the stand-out is one of my very favorite people: Patton Oswalt. Fans of Patton who don't watch this show can't even grasp at how great he is on this thing. It is such a well-tuned performance, and it is no doubt why he got a major part in Jason Reitman/Diablo Cody's upcoming Young Adult. Not to get all hyperbolic, but I think he is well on his way to becoming one of the very best actors, who are also stand-up comedians, ever. He has the drive, and talent to really get there, and I have no doubt that he will.
Oh yeah, United States of Tara! Great show! Please watch it!
Best Episode: Torando! [sic]
22. The Sarah Silverman Program
Channel: Comedy Central
Yet another show that was canceled way too soon. The Sarah Silverman Program was a great outlet for some of the most absurd concepts you would find on TV. The show, in its third season, moved away from "Sarah takes on ______" episodes, and it became a much stronger, and funnier show for that. It became a great absurdist ensemble comedy, and i'm not sure any other show fills that role now. The best episode of the season, "Just Breve", was this amazing little episode where Brian Posehn and Steve Agee care for a little tiny robot named Breve. However, then the government takes aim at Breve (with the main government official played by an always welcome Adam Scott), and the last act becomes a sort of crazy action movie. It's one of the best episodes of TV I have seen this year. Great action, comedy, and a lot of heart, all of that is precisely why I will miss The Sarah Silverman Program.
Best Episode: Just Breve
21. The League
Channel: FX
On paper, this show sounds kinda terrible: A comedy about fantasy football, that you would imagine is full of Bud Light/beer commercial humor. I am happy to say that couldn't be further from what the show is.
The show's MacGuffin of sorts is that it is a fantasy football show. I, as a person who has never played fantasy sports/is not a huge football fan, get all of the jokes and humor out of it as much as someone who is into those things would.The show was co-created by one of the guys who wrote on Seinfeld for years, and then later-on became a main director/producer on Curb Your Enthusiasm. You can definitely tell, as the show has a keen understanding of social faux pas, and plots all merging into one like those shows do. Also, another thing that makes the show work: Its incredible cast. Going in, I was already a huge fan of Paul Scheer (one third of Human Giant), Nick Kroll (one of the funniest people alive right now), and Mark Duplass. The other members of the cast are just as great, including regular guy Steve Rannazzisi, the great Katie Aselton and internet star Jon Lajoie (though, if I had one complaint about the show, it would be that I don't like how they shoehorn in his songs. They aren't needed). it's a really strong cast that plays off each other very well.
So, again I must say: If you were at all scared of this show due to not being a sports fan, don't! If you are a fan of Seinfeld/Curb-ian comedy, with a great comedy cast (not actors doing comedy. Comedians doing comedy), then you will love it.
Best Episode: The Anniversary Party
More in next post!
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20. Childrens Hospital
Channel: [adult swim]
I can't believe this show exists. it is really something so great and amazing that I think could only come out of my wildest dreams.
Short pitch: If you love David Wain's movies (Wet Hot American Summer, Role Models, etc), then this will be your new favorite show. it is the humor of Wet Hot American Summer in 11 minute long form.
Rob Corddry created this show, and the cast on this thing... Holy moly. it is the best. It's almost like an entire cast of comedy supporting players finally getting their shot. Rob Huebel (who, to make a controversial point, may be the funniest of the three Human Giant members), Ken Marino, Megan Mullally (who with this and Party Down this year has really reestablished herself as a great comedic talent), the great Henry Winkler, Malin Akerman in her best role to date, and so many others. I was about to talk about moments from the series (The Spike Lee inspired closing credits of one episode, the tour-de-force live episode which culminates with an incredible Jon Hamm performance, etc), but it doesn't do it any justice. Just know that if you like your comedy absurd, weird, offbeat like I do, then you will love this thing.
Best Episode: The Sultan's Finger: Live
19. Cougar Town
Channel: ABC
Yeah, the title sucks. Even the cast and crew know that. Starting in season 2, they have made a new joke in each episode during the title card (one of the examples of that shown above).
If the title scared you away, then you are missing out on one of network TV's finest comedies. Hey, did you like Scrubs? This show is Scrubs set in a cul-de-sac (with no voiceover, medical cases, etc). The title Cougar Town doesn't let you know at all how funny this show is. It's a great ensemble comedy, with running jokes, odd jokes, and all of that great stuff. Busy Philipps, who played the immortal Kim Kelly on Freaks and Geeks, is so great on this show. Really, the whole cast is, but especially her. Ever since Freaks and Geeks went off the air, all I could think about when I saw Busy was Kim Kelly. Now, as Cougar Town is in the middle of its great second season, I now think of Laurie.
This is a show I would describe as a great "hang-out" show. As in, it's a show where you meet up with a group of people each week and follow what they do, and you always enjoy it, because you enjoy those characters. Nothing really big ever happens on Cougar Town, plot wise. Probably the biggest development was when the huge wine glass, known as Big Joe, fell and broke, and they held a funeral for it. That is the kind of show it is.
All of the praise for ABC's comedy block goes to Modern Family, and I find that to be insane. Modern Family, while an amiable, well-cast formula comedy, is nothing to jump up and down about. Cougar Town succeeds in multiple ways, including having a better ensemble, being much funnier (much, much funnier), as well as not repeating the same 3 episodes ad nausuem. If Cougar Town hits syndication (and I sure hope it does), I don't want to hear people be like "Hey! you know what's a good show? Cougar Town! Why didn't anyone tell me?" I did. I just told you. Don't be tardy to the party and watch Cougar Town right now (use that slogan, ABC!)
Best Episode: You Don't Know How It Feels
18. Justified
Channel: FX
This is one of those new shows that is great right out of the box. The pilot (which comes directly from the Elmore Leonard shortstory “Fire In The Hole”) is just such a great tone piece, and really sets up the characters of Raylan Givens (played by Timothy Olyphant, in what will now be his most iconic role), and Boyd Crowder (played by the incredible Walton Goggins, last seen as Shane Vendrell on The Shield).
What is amazing about Justified is how it can do a stand-alone episode with no carry-over to further episodes (hence, a stand-alone) and make them just as compelling as the more serialized episodes. As a person that watches a lot of TV, only a handful of shows can pull that off (one of them being another FX drama that is still to come). How they made that work is by casting perfect guest actors like Stephen Root, Tony Hale, Alan Ruck, and others that just inhabit their roles so quickly that it feels like they’ve been living as those characters for years, even though it’s only a character that will be around for one episode.
As much as I loved the pilot, i am still shocked at how great this show turned out to be in such a short amount of time. I don’t feel it has yet entered the conversation with the other Great dramas on TV, but I feel it definitely should be there. You have some great characters (not just Olyphant, at least 4-5 great characters in just the first season alone), some suspenseful plotting, as well as just fun action and mystery stuff. The second season premieres in February 2011, and i hope you give it a shot if you haven’t seen it yet.
Best Episode: The Hammer
17. Fringe
Channel: FOX
I’m going to speak very vague about what the show has done in the third season, in case this write-up convinces you for whatever reason to start watching Fringe.
I have always loved Fringe. Some people bag on the first season, but I really enjoyed it. While, not every episode was a homerun, the characters of Olivia, Peter, Walter, and Astrid made you continue to care. Then a big event happens at the end of season 1, and Fringe turns from a solid sci-fi show to a great one. It only got better in season 2, as they delved further into the incredible oddness that they set up in the S1 finale.
And now, in season 3, it is pretty much entirely a crazy Sci-Fi show, with no real hints of the previous procedural cases. They took a huge gamble in season 3, and it has been really paying off, as the show consistently delivers better and better episodes.
Now, some people are concerned about its upcoming Friday timeslot, as FOX has slotted such genre fare like Firefly, Dollhouse, and The Sarah Conner Chronicles, to name a few, that just quickly died on Friday. With Fringe, it’s a much different circumstance than those other shows, as Fringe is in its third season, not its first. Fringe has its own devoted fanbase that it has built for 3 years, and they will follow it no matter where it ends up. It just wasn’t doing well enough at its Thursday timeslot. But here’s the thing: If it does the exact same numbers that it did on Thursday, it would be FOX’s most successful show airing on Fridays in years. I think it’s a really great idea, as Fringe has become a very weird show (and I mean this in the best way possible), and is suited for the Friday timeslot. I don’t see it getting cancelled this season, and I think it will be OK until the showrunners decide they want to end it. Of course, I may be wrong in this, and it could quickly do poorly, but I don’t see that happening.
Best Episode: Entrada
16. LOST
Channel: ABC
You know, I never thought about it before it ended, but i’m really going to miss LOST. I was of course sad once it ended, but it really hits home right now. Right at this time each year (December of the respective year), I would be getting geared up for the latest season of LOST premiering in the new year.
There are still plenty of shows that will entertain me, and shows I even liked more than LOST. But there was something different with LOST. The way each episode was part of the daily conversation, the way how such a weird sci-fi show like LOST could get young middle school kids to seniors watching it. There was nothing quite like it, and we won’t see something like it for a while.
Because, see, here’s the thing. Say whatever you want about the finale. I don’t need to hear your complaining. What every post-LOST show has failed at is that LOST was always about the characters. As interesting as the island’s mysteries and the plot were, what brought me back each season were the characters. Meanwhile, you watch any of the 5000 LOST rip-offs (say, The Event), and it’s a show that only cares about the plot itself, and has non-existent characters. I won’t give a **** about whatever dumb thing you will show us if you can’t get us to care about the characters. That’s why none of these rip-offs can get past the first season, and if it does, it’ll be an irrelevant pile of garbage like Heroes.
So, in short (which this writeup isn’t), I don’t see another show cracking the code like LOST did for network TV for a long time. At least, if they do, it won’t be as widely watched by all age groups like LOST was.
Best Episode: The End
15. Boardwalk Empire
Channel: HBO
This show is the best looking show on paper ever. You have Martin Scorsese directing the pilot (and then exec producing the series, which involved him once a week giving notes for whatever episode they were working on), Terence Winter creating it (David Chase's #2 guy on The Sopranos, a show that last gave us Matthew Weiner creating Mad Men), and starring such great actors like Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Michael Pitt, Michael Stuhlbarg, Michael K. Williams a whole lot of Michael's. I can't think of a show that has that kind of pedigree (the only other one is the upcoming HBO series Luck, created by David Milch, pilot directed/exec produced by Michael Mann, and starring Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, Dennis Farina, etc), so expectations were placed skyhigh.
The pilot, as to be expected from a Scorsese production, was top-notch. Marty pulled out all his directing tricks on one 80 minute episode of TV, and it was incredible. However, the episodes that followed brought some criticism, as people wanted a gangster epic each week. In fact, that's not what the show ended up becoming. It wasn't a gangster show, though it had shades of it at points: It's a show about the politics of that time and how it foreshadows our current times. Which may sound a bit dry, so what if I told you that there was a guy who lost the left side of his face during the war, and then wears a tin mask that is painted to match the right side of his face? And oh yeah, he kills people. Exciting, isn't it? Kinda disregards my political point, but that remains the case, even with Richard Harrow* (the name of the tin-faced character) being a badass.
Boardwalk Empire, while I loved the pilot, really came into its own later on, and became one of the best shows on TV. The pilot was a great Martin Scorsese movie; it then later became a great series in its own right. I hope more people check it out, as it really ended on a high note (a certain scene in the penultimate episode involving Michael Shannon's Van Alden* character... Holy ****ing ****. Shades of Daniel Plainview), and I think it's definitely a show that can reach the heights of some of the best dramas of all-time.
*This is another sign of a great series. In just one season, I know the first and last names of the majority of the characters without looking them up. That may not seem like much, but believe me, a lot of lesser series' don't accomplish this.
Best Episode: Home (which was co-written by Newsradio creator Paul Simms! How cool is that?)
14. Bored To Death
Channel: HBO
I really liked season 1 of this show. A lot of people didn't, and I was confused by that. However, I think everyone can confidently say that season 2 of Bored To Death was not just its best season yet, but also one of the best seasons of comedy all year.
Just the ensemble of Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson (who is quite possibly doing career best work on this show. I love Cheers, and Danson's other work, but his work on Bored To Death is on ANOTHER LEVEL), and Zach Galifianakis work so well together, and they are really fun to watch interact. They all bring their different comedic styles to the show. The show also has some really great guest stars, including Kristen Wiig, Kevin Bacon (playing himself), Jim Norton, and Oliver Platt. Best of all, though, was John Hodgman's insanely funny Louis Green character. His character is the one who gave Jason Schwartzman's character a bad review of his novel, and made him not get another book deal. He acts as a great foil, and Hodgman is just so great at playing such a pompous ass.
When this show was paired with Eastbound & Down (which is still to come) earlier this year, it became oddly one of the best comedy blocks on TV. You wouldn't think that they would be a good fit for each other, but to me, I would rather watch two different styles of comedy back-to-back as opposed to watching the same show twice. Bored To Death's neurotic mysteries made me laugh in season 1, but I was truly won over in season 2, and I am very excited to see its third season next year.
Best Episode: The Gowanus Canal Has Gonorrhea
13. 30 Rock
Channel: NBC
30 Rock: Still funny!
Highlights:
- James Franco, playing himself, with a Japanese sex pillow.
- Elizabeth's Banks' Avery character.
- Tracy Morgan, in a greenscreen room as Garfield, yelling at a child who is playing Nermal for a Garfield movie.
- Tracy Morgan saying "Ladies of the Battered Women's Shelter, be quiet, a man is talking!"
- Tracy Morgan saying “I once saw a pack of wild dogs take over and successfully run a Wendy's!”
- Tracy Morgan on Cash Cab
- Tracy Morgan, Jenna, and Kelsey Grammer as the Best Friends Gang
- Anything Tracy Morgan did
- The concept of Reaganing
- "FRAJER!!!!!!"
- Alec Baldwin doing a video will
- Alec Baldwin saying "Oh really, that's how much time is left? Pizza?"
I could go on. The point: 30 Rock is, and always will be, hilarious.
Best Episode: Reaganing
12. Party Down
Channel: Starz
Yes, I'm sad to see this show go, but at least it ended in a great way. It ended in a way where, like Freaks and Geeks' finale, it could serve as either a series or season finale. Sadly, it had to be a series finale. But the thing is, and this is often forgot about as the show was canceled, Adam Scott would have been gone from the show if it had a season 3. Because it was looking so doubtful that Party Down was coming back, Scott signed a deal to join the cast of Parks and Recreation (still to come). If Party Down did come back for a third season, he would only be able to come back for three episodes at the most, and I can't imagine that show without Adam Scott. He was the rock of it.
I hope Lizzy Caplan, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen, Megan Mullally (though, she is on Childrens Hospital now. She's doing fine), and everyone else involved get great projects that are at least close to Party Down in quality. Yes, it's sad that it's gone, but at least we have 2 flawless seasons of TV to watch over and over again.
Best Episode: Steve Guttenberg's Birthday
11. Friday Night Lights
Channel: NBC/DirecTV 101
Though, this show's fourth season aired in full on NBC this year, I will mainly be talking about the currently in progress fifth (and final) season, because I find it to be the bigger achievement.
Friday Night Lights has done something amazing in its fifth season. As you know, it's a show set in small town Dillon, Texas, based around a high school football team. Since it is in its fifth season, and high school doesn't last that long, a lot of the original cast that we know and love is long gone. This season was the first to put it to the test, because outside of the adult characters, and daughter of Coach and Mrs. Coach Julie Taylor, every single other character that is being focused on now is a character that was only introduced last season in season 4. That may sound like a recipe for disaster (especially as the show's final season), but i'm here to tell you that it has been a huge success.
I am actually quite stunned at how well they have handled this season. It is not a greatest hits of past seasons' characters, as it is focusing solely on the new characters' lives. This isn't Saved By The Bell: The New Class. The trials and tribulations that these characters are going through are just as interesting as ever. And again: We have only known these characters for a season and a half!!! Yet, I love Vince, Jess, Luke, Becky, and all of the other new characters just as much as Tim Riggins, Smash, Street, Saracen, etc. They deserve major accolades for handling this transition so smoothly, as I have seen shows fall on their face (most recent example: the last season of Scrubs) as they focus the show entirely on a new set of characters. Another great thing the writers have done with this season, is that they have brought territory characters that have been around since season 1 in Billy Riggins and Mindy, and given them their most screentime ever. Back in season 1, they maybe got 10 minutes of time a season. Now, they get at least 10 minutes an episode, and it always delivers.
As I have stated many times in this write-up, it is the show's final season. I am currently loving this season as much as any, and I don't want this wonderful show to end. It has brought me so much joy over the years, and I am glad that it has gotten as many seasons as it did. It is truly one of TV's best dramas of the past 10 years.
Best Episode: Kingdom
The top 10 of the TV list will be up tomorrow.
Thanks for all the comments!
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 5/9/2003
Posts: 3,779
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I can't read a lot of your write ups for fear of spoiling myself. However, I have seen atleast some of every show on here and they all rule. It's weird to see stuff like The Walking Dead and Dexter in the 30s, but you did give us warning that you watch a lot of TV. Can't really argue that they deserve to be above the other great shows.
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Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
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The Walking Dead
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 10/1/2002
Posts: 14,726
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Surprised to see the likes of Boardwalk Empire and 30 Rock missing your top ten.
I really need to watch Friday Night Lights - I have this nagging feeling that I would love it.
Nice to see Dexter on your list. I wish I watched more television. My three absolute favorite shows are Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and Modern Family - all of whom I am hoping make your top ten! If not Modern, then at the very least Mad Men and BB.
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Member Since: 4/19/2008
Posts: 12,553
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 9/26/2001
Posts: 22,475
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Quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Spaceman
13. 30 Rock
Channel: NBC
30 Rock: Still funny!
Highlights:
- James Franco, playing himself, with a Japanese sex pillow.
- Elizabeth's Banks' Avery character.
- Tracy Morgan, in a greenscreen room as Garfield, yelling at a child who is playing Nermal for a Garfield movie.
- Tracy Morgan saying "Ladies of the Battered Women's Shelter, be quiet, a man is talking!"
- Tracy Morgan saying “I once saw a pack of wild dogs take over and successfully run a Wendy's!”
- Tracy Morgan on Cash Cab
- Tracy Morgan, Jenna, and Kelsey Grammer as the Best Friends Gang
- Anything Tracy Morgan did
- The concept of Reaganing
- "FRAJER!!!!!!"
- Alec Baldwin doing a video will
- Alec Baldwin saying "Oh really, that's how much time is left? Pizza?"
I could go on. The point: 30 Rock is, and always will be, hilarious.
Best Episode: Reaganing
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Pretty much all of this, but particularly "Reaganing". "Make way, I'm Reaganing" has become a personal motto of mine. This list is missing Jon Hamm's virtuoso performance during the live show, though.
Dexter, of course, is still fantastic, though I do understand the faults that you have with the show. I just haven't had time to get into Cougar Town, but by all accounts I should fall in love with it pretty easily. Futurama is back and it is awesome. The Walking Dead and Boardwalk Empire are two shows that I REALLY need to start watching more of. And so on.
I am looking forward to the lovefest that "Community" will inspire. Or the lovefest that BETTER commence. *shakes fist at everyone else that's not Ben*
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Member Since: 2/19/2007
Posts: 33,412
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Lost and Fringe
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ATRL Senior Member
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10. Men of a Certain Age
Channel: TNT
I’m not sure how it happened, but Lucky Louie somehow became one of the most influential TV shows of 2010. I really liked Lucky Louie, but it later spawned two shows that were better fits for its two creators. One of those is still to come (Hint: Drop the “Lucky”), while the other creator, Mike Royce, co-created a show with the person he worked with prior to Lucky Louie: Ray Romano.
Ray Romano, after Everybody Loves Raymond went off the air, spent a lot of time wondering what his next move was going to be. Should he pull a Johnny Carson, and just retreat into the shadows, as he has enough money to never work again? Should he try for a film career? Should he create another sitcom? Should he pull a Seinfeld, and go back to his stand-up roots? How about co-create a drama/comedy show, where he is one of three people in an ensemble, which airs on TNT? Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that, either.
What makes Men of a Certain Age remarkable is that this could very easily be a bad show. It could be a Wild Hogs/Old Dogs type of broad comedy with a lot of Viagra jokes. Instead, it’s a very well observed drama that deals with three different types of men (Ray Romano’s character is separated, and still sees his kids, Andre Braugher’s character is a happily married husband with kids, that works as a car salesman for his father, and Scott Bakula’s character is a bachelor, whose main job is as an actor, who can’t get a lot of gigs currently), that then lets the comedy come out organically. Both Romano and Royce started out as stand-ups, so they know how to write and tell a well-crafted joke pretty easily. So they are well aware of the bad, hacky version of this show, and they don’t want to go near it.
Another great thing about the show is how they have switched the usual roles for Ray Romano and Andre Braugher up. Braugher, who is most famous for his amazing role on Homicide: Life on the Street, is an incredible dramatic actor, and as stated earlier, Ray is a great stand-up/comic actor. On Men of a Certain Age, Braugher gets the majority of all the funny plotlines/situations, while Romano gets to do the most dramatic moments. It works wonderfully, as both get to show off a new side of their acting that they generally don’t get to do. Of course, there are points where both Braugher and Romano get to do what they are great at (drama and comedy), and they hit it out of the park. It’s just not as often as you would think by looking at the cast list.
I understand that people may wonder why I would ever put this series on my list, without seeing it. A TNT show, really? Yes, really. I never watch anything else on TNT, which shows that HBO/AMC/FX don’t have a monopoly on all of the great dramas on television. Which is a great thing, as the more channels that deliver great content, the better it is for the viewer. I hope more people check out Men of a Certain Age, as it is a really wonderful show that entertains me each episode.
Best Episode: Go with the Flow
09. Treme
Channel: HBO
Have you ever heard about second album syndrome? An artist goes to work on its next project, after their first was widely beloved by people, and it is often met with backlash as the second thing isn’t like the first thing they loved so much. Sometimes it works out (For a TV example: Gervais/Merchant’s The Office to Extras), while most other times people hate it, because it isn’t like the first thing. David Simon went through that this year, as he created his second television series (not counting his two miniseries The Corner and Generation Kill) Treme, after everyone tried to out superlative each other talking about his first series: The Wire. In terms of second album syndrome, it is quite possibly the toughest example you can think of.
To David Simon’s credit, he created a TV show that was very different from The Wire, so no one could make a direct correlation between the two shows. Treme is a series about a devastated city (New Orleans circa fall 2005) that remains joyful and upbeat during trying times, which is quite the switch from The Wire. Where The Wire often left you feeling depressed, as the many bodies of government continued to fail the people on the series, Treme often makes you want to stand up and dance. Yes, of course, as it is set just months after Katrina, there will of course be heartbreak, and sad moments (particularly involving the Khandi Alexander character), but then a couple minutes later you get some great New Orleans jazz.
Oh yeah, the music. That is definitely a selling point. I am not a huge jazz fan, but the way the music is implemented on this series is just amazing. It has live performances that are played out for considerable amounts of time (sometimes even as long as 3 minutes), with all the actors actually playing their own instruments. When you see Wendell Pierce’s character play the trombone, he is actually playing the trombone live.
The ensemble that this show has assembled is amazing. While there were criticisms for Steve Zahn’s character (most famously when Brian Williams blogged that he loved the pilot but “everyone hated the Steve Zahn character!”), I didn’t buy it. I subscribe to the belief that your character can be as rotten or annoying as possible, but as long as the character is interesting and sheds a light on something to do with the series/movie, then it is perfectly acceptable. Also quite amazing were Melissa Leo, Kim Dickens, Clarke Peters, and the great John Goodman. Goodman also had a character that could be described as annoying/rotten, but his character ultimately served a purpose, as his final moment of the season was amazingly well done.
I understand that this show may not be some people’s cup of tea. But, for me, I find it to be a really amazing series that includes great music, a look at subcultures that are often not talked about (The Mardi Gras Indians, for one), and Robert Altman-esque ensemble work. I greatly look forward to its return next year.
Best Episode: I’ll Fly Away
08. Terriers
Channel: FX
Of all the great one season wonders this year, this was by far the saddest to not have for another season. It was such a bizarre circumstance, as the cast and crew loved making the show, the brass at FX loved the show, fans and critics loved the show, so where did it go wrong? No one saw it. This wasn’t a case of a network burying a show, because they hate it. FX adored the show so much, and tried everything they could to bring it back, but none of the options were financially sound. It got some of FX’s lowest ratings ever, to the bafflement of everyone involved.
As sad as it is that it didn’t get another season, its one season is so incredible, and ends in a way to make you think that it was always intended to end like that. I truly think it will be right up there in the pantheon of great one season wonders like Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, Firefly, etc. It will be one of those DVD sets that people will borrow to each other, and give 13 hours of entertainment to everyone that watches it.
Donal Logue and Michael Raymond-James shared amazing chemistry right from the pilot (during the filming of the show, they lived in the same house), and it seemed like the show had been on the air for years. The show, like FX`s Justified, had some stand-alone episodes that were just as interesting and compelling as their more serialized arc episodes. The show was created by screenwriter Ted Griffin, and executive produced by The Shield creator Shawn Ryan, which is one of the best drama pedigrees you can think of.
If you loved Veronica Mars, then you really should watch the first season of Terriers. It has the great mystery/noir parts of Mars, but done with sloppy, unemployed late 30s dudes. It’s probably even a better show than Mars, as it also has the intensity of Breaking Bad at moments. I am sad that it won’t be on the air again, but its DVDs will likely be some of the best selling FX will ever have.
Best Episode: Fustercluck
07. Parks and Recreation
Channel: NBC
This show is at a disadvantage, because unlike other network comedies, this show only had one half of episodes air. Generally, with a lot of these network comedies, I can judge them on the second half of last season, and the first half of the latest season. With Parks and Recreation, NBC had the bright move of delaying the premiere date of season 3 until January 2011. This is made all the worse, because they filmed 6 episodes for season 3 back in May, due to Amy Poehler's impending pregnancy. What an insult! Especially as they air the DOA POS Outsourced instead.
So, anyway, the second half of season 2 was pretty wonderful. The addition of the great Adam Scott (one of my favorite actors currently) and Rob Lowe added a jolt to a show that was already going incredibly well. Yes, the show isn't as innovative or daring as Community, but it's just as funny, which is all that counts. The ensemble gets better with every episode, and from what I hear about the first 6 of season 3, the show is about to get even better. I had no idea that was possible!! Anyway, point being: Please watch this show. It's great.
Best Episode: Telethon
06. Delocated
Channel: [adult swim]
I placed this show on my list last year when it only ran as 15 minute episodes. Now, as Delocated is in season 2, adult swim wisely decided to give the show the full half hour, and it hit ANOTHER LEVEL. Delocated is the most absurd comedy on the air, and it is quite possibly the show with the highest LPM's (Laughs Per Minute, which no one should ever say ever again. What an awful thing I apologize).
There are other comedies above this one, so you may wonder why I would say Delocated is the one that made me laugh the most. That's because the 3 comedies above it, while all spectacularly funny as well, have other things they strive for. Better episode structure, great dramatic moments, things you have never seen on a comedy before. And, while, Delocated has done a couple of those (especially in the things comedies have never done before department), it is striving 100% for the laughs. It's not a deep show. Some (even Jon Glaser, the creator/star himself) would call it a stupid show. But then, tell me which show has:
- A person in the witness protection program (who wears a skimask and has a voice modulator on) who says he has a great Dennis Farina impression and continues to do it.
- A network exec named Mighty Joe Jon, The Black Blond (played by the always funny Jerry Minor)
- Has an episode where the lead character "Jon" gets his own hidden camera prank show called Jon He Does it, in tribute to Howie Mandel's failed prank show Howie Do It
- Has an entire episode based on the plot of Face/Off, where "Jon" and Sergei have facial surgery that switches their faces.
- Has an episode titled Dog Mayor where "Jon" runs for the position of New York City Dog Mayor, a position he made up on the spot
- Has Todd Barry (playing himself) sitting in with the Russian Mob, as he plays poker.
That stuff may not translate to the page, but when you see it, in my opinion, it's some of the funniest stuff ever. It's unclear whether Delocated will be getting a third season, which makes me incredibly sad. This show deserves another season, as it's the best show adult swim currently has. If the show doesn't get another season, though, Jon Glaser should be allowed to do another project as soon as possible, as he is the greatest.
Best Episode: Jon He Does It
05. Eastbound & Down
Channel: HBO
Last year this show was #1, now it's #5. What happened? Nothing. Just tougher competition. The show was as funny as ever, and the stuff that Jody Hill/David Gordon Green/Danny McBride get to pull off is simply incredible. I said earlier that Delocated had the highest count of laughs per minute, but Eastbound & Down is right there with it. Hard laughs throughout every episode, and the episodes look beautiful (shot with 16MM).
Next season will be the last season of the show, as Jody Hill/DannyMcBride/David Gordon Green and company look at the UK television shows as a blueprint of what to do. Their goal is to not to make a lot of episodes, and make each season as its own movie of sorts. I look forward to see what they do for the final season of the show, and I imagine it will end up as one of the funniest shows in TV history. Which may sound like hyperbole to people who haven't seen it, but it's the truth.
Best Episode: Chapter 11
04. Mad Men
Channel: AMC
Now, let me blow your mind. This was quite possibly Mad Men's best season to date. Then, why the hell is it #4?!? Again, stiff competition from the other shows.
I don't know what to say about Mad Men that others haven't. In terms of TV shows currently on the air, it is definitely the one that gets the most words typed up about it. One thing I will say about this season is that the episode titled "The Suitcase" is definitely one of those episodes that years from now, when Mad Men decides to end, it will be looked back as one of the show's defining episodes. Its own "College" or its "Middle Ground" (The Sopranos and The Wire, respectively).
Oh! One thing I will say. Mad Men likely won't air in 2011. What, you say?? it hasn't been confirmed, but it's all but done. As Breaking Bad premieres in July 2011 this year (along with new series Hell on Wheels), and The Walking Dead's 13 episode second season debuts in the fall, that only leaves January 2012 as the earliest possible date for it to premiere. I know, it sucks. At the very least, we will have a huge time jump all but guaranteed.
Best Episode: The Suitcase
03. Community
Channel: NBC
Last year at this time, Community had only aired 11 episodes total, and I placed it around #7 or #8 (i'm too lazy to look, but you get the general idea). I really loved those 11, especially the Halloween and Christmas episodes, as they did some really interesting things with the sitcom form I hadn't seen before on network TV.
Now, in December 2010, a whole lot more episodes have aired. It is now #3. That thing I said about Community doing interesting things with the sitcom form that I hadn't seen before on network TV? Multiply that by about 5 million.
Let's see, what have they done. Time for another point form list!
- Did an episode (with guest star Jack Black) that was a brilliant satire on the "Guest Star Appears On Struggling Show To Bump Up Ratings." The episode also featured Senor Chang coming back from the dead, and a great M*A*S*H* homage
- Did an episode where Jeff Winger faced off against Blake Clark in a billiards match (with some great Color of Money riffs) that eventually forced both of them to play naked. This episode also featured Abed as Don Draper talking to Alison Brie, and White Abed.
- Did an episode where the study group wanted chicken fingers, that turned into an elaborate Goodfellas homage, with the best use of the "Layla" piano outro since that film.
- Did an episode...
Hold on, hold on. I was going to continue doing this, but I realized that a) it would take too long, b) contrary to what people may say, Community is a whole lot more than just homages about pop culture.
To prove that point watch an episode like "Mixology Certification" (the episode that aired before "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas", my favorite episode of the series) which features 0 homages. None. The episode is pretty much entirely about the study group and their dynamics, involving Troy's (played by Derrick Comedy member/Will be in every comedy movie in a couple years Donald Glover) birthday party. It's a really smart episode of television, as they go away from the Greendale campus, and do an episode (aside from the beginning) that is entirely set outside of the place where they generally do things. Their security blanket is gone, and the cast roll with the punches. It proves that that cast is so strong, and you can just put them on camera for the whole episode and watch them interact, and it'll still be the greatest thing ever.
Yes, Community does great homage/parody episodes that no one even comes close to, but this isn't Family Guy. This is a show with substance, with 3 dimensional characters that really care about each other. It is why the show I continue to compare this show to (as well as Newsradio, which similarly shared a stacked ensemble) is Edgar Wright's Spaced. Yes, they got away with a lot of incredible homages of all the movies/TV shows they love, but you continued to watch the show because you cared about the Tim and Daisy (played by Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes) characters. The reason WHY Community is the best comedy on network TV is because the show works entirely even if you haven't seen the thing they are homaging, because you also, like Tim & Daisy on Spaced, really care about the characters and what happens to them. I look forward to it being on the air for a while to come.*
*NBC is in so much **** that they won't think of canceling Community this year. It'll get another season, and if it continues to build an audience like it is now, it'll be fine for as long as they want to do it.
Best Episode: Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas
02. Louie
Channel: FX
I guess 2010 was officially the year in which the world became aware of Louis C.K. Hey, world: TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH!
I'm not about to go over Louis C.K.'s history, but just know that he's one of the most prolific stand-up comedians, comedy writers of the past 20 years. On the first writing staff of Late Night with Conan O'Brien (which to me personally, is the Holy Grail of comedy writing staffs: Robert Smigel as head writer, Louis C.K., Dino Stamatopoulos, Andy Richter, Bob Odenkirk contributed some things to the early years, etc), won the Emmy for working on HBO's The Chris Rock Show, wrote a lot of TV Funhouse shorts with Smigel, many other things. He got an HBO show titled Lucky Louie in 2004, and while I really liked it, it still didn't feel like Louis' best vehicle.
At the same time Lucky Louie got canceled, Louis C.K. went from a pretty good stand-up with absurd concepts to The Best Stand-Up Comedian Working Today. His HBO special "Shameless" is one of the funniest hourlong specials you will see, and it was followed by the equally great "Chewed Up." So, how could Louis combine the stand-up he was obviously so great at, with his his amazing comedy writing/directing skills (he directed numerous shorts in the '90s, and a little known movie called Tomorrow Night, which is one of the handful of movies i'd pay a large sum of money to be able to see).
Enter FX's Louie. A show in which he directs, writes, stars, produces, and edits, it is 100% Louis C.K. Each episode takes a concept (for example: "God", "Bully") and shows some of Louis' stand-up on the subject, in between a couple of short films. It is so exciting to watch, as you don't know what you are going to get with each episode. Hey, you know how TV shows have casts, and ensembles? Not Louie. Louis C.K. is the only person who will be in every episode, as the rest of it differs on whatever the topic is (some short films won't show adult LCK at all, and instead feature a child actor playing LCK as a young boy).
This is an overused phrase (especially on this year-end), but it is truly unlike anything else airing right now. FX has given Louis C.K. 100% creative control on what he can make with his episodes. In fact, FX has no idea what Louis is doing with the episodes, until they see the finished project. No other show works like that.
Louie isn't just exciting for a gigantic Louis C.K. fan such as myself, to see him be able to express himself completely without any interference, but also exciting as a fan of quality television. I hope other cable channels take more risks like this, and do show deals like this with people who can do it all like Louis can. But then, who else can do what Louis can?
Best Episode: Bully/God (tie. Bully was the funniest halfhour, God was the "HOLY ****!!" halfhour)
01. Breaking Bad
Channel: AMC
There’s a very good chance that when you look at any top TV of 2010 list, Breaking Bad will be #1. Numerous publications, critics, fans, are placing the third season at the top spot for the year. You may think there is a sort of group-think going on, or people being copycats. However, I doubt you would think that if you actually saw the third season of Breaking Bad. We all just saw the same groundbreaking and incredible season of television, so it’s no question what was the best of the year. The only people who don’t put Breaking Bad at #1 for 2010 (or at least top 3) are people that just didn’t see it. That is the only possible way I can think of how that happened.
So, what makes the third season of Breaking Bad so superlative? It continues Bryan Cranston's reign as the Robert DeNiro of basic cable drama. I mean Raging Bull/Taxi Driver DeNiro. No one is touching his performance, as Cranston (last seen as the goofy dad on Malcolm In The Middle) completely disappears into this serious badass who actually scares me at points. I'm not an expert on acting, but if what Cranston does on Breaking Bad isn't considered the best, then I don't know what is better.
Not to be outdone, the entire supporting cast is almost equally as great. Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, especially, who started off as an annoying kid in season 1, has turned into just a tragic figure, and Paul is amazing at it. Same goes with Dean Norris as Hank. Now, without getting into specifics, Hank's character was kinda goofy and normal for the first couple seasons or so. However, in season 3, his character reached a lot of hardship, and played it so incredibly well. I could go on and on, also mentioning Anna Gunn, Giancarlo Esposito, and Jonathan Banks, who all crush it every week.
However, I want to spend this little point to talk about Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman. As a huge comedy nerd, I am well aware of Bob. I adore Mr. Show, I love everything else he has done, and he is one of the people I would go out of my way to meet and love to have a conversation with. All that said, seeing him as Saul on Breaking Bad is a revelation. Seeing him all these years crush it in comedy sketches, and movies, I had no idea he had it in him. Of course, Saul is the most overtly comic character on the show, but he can also deliver the drama when needed. If all what Breaking Bad did was do this with Odenkirk, I would forever be a fan.
I don't know how to keep talking about this show without sounding like a Justin Bieber fan or something. The drama is the best going, it is much funnier than you would expect, and the moments where it goes there makes it the funniest drama on TV. Also, during one episode, the episode titled "One Minute", where if you have seen it, it's the episode where Hank gets into a confrontation. I don't recall ever getting so much adrenaline watching a television program as I did watching that moment. I was physically off the couch watching it. As much as I go on about Mad Men, The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood, etc, no other show has physically lifted me up off the couch and made me want to take a jog afterwards. I've heaped enough superlatives on this show to last a lifetime, but if it continues at the rate it's going, I think... I don't know what else I can say. This show is better than everything else. If you aren't watching it yet, you are truly missing out.
Best Episodes: One Minute (for the moment listed above)
Fly (for the conceptual brilliance, by director Rian Johnson)
Half Measures/Full Measure (for making the wait for July so very hard)
Next up: Albums!
Thanks for the comments!
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 9/26/2001
Posts: 22,475
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All I could think about was "Geez, Community is two spots lower than it should be"...and then I saw #1 and I understood.
That top ten is so great, and it makes me sad because I haven't seen most of them at all, let alone a few episodes here and there. I've REALLY missed out on Eastbound and Down, though, and I need to rectify this. And soon.
THAT'S GOOD STUFF, CHICO!
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ATRL Administrator
Member Since: 5/2/2000
Posts: 2,844
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What a wonderful list of television. There are some shows here I've really been slacking on. But the ones I have seen, I couldn't agree more. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Also, hello!
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Member Since: 10/3/2010
Posts: 50,276
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#7 Parks and Rec is hilarious
Great Job
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 5/9/2003
Posts: 3,779
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I've only seen season 1 of Breaking Bad so far. Can't wait to catch up all the way as it's an absolutely amazing show.
And excellent list overall, obviously. \m/
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 3/19/2008
Posts: 37,076
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Community, 30 Rock, Cougar Town I love how 30 Rock is still funny and that Cougar Town doesn't live up to its name which is great.
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 10/1/2002
Posts: 14,726
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OK - so Mad Men is my favorite show without question.
And I couldn't agree with you more about 'The Suitcase' - mind ****ing blowing.
So I am devastated to find out it may not be back until 2012? God damn.
And Breaking Bad - I am in the middle of season 2, catching up, and the show ****s with my brain.
So I didn't read your commentary about season 3 just in case, but god damn I have heard good things.
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 7/24/2004
Posts: 12,563
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I love the fact that Community is in your top 5. That show is underrated.
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 6/9/2002
Posts: 6,789
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30. Neil Young - Le Noise
Neil Young working with superproducer Daniel Lanois. How can it lose? Answer: It can't.
Neil Young is in that spot of a person's career where they really have nothing left to prove. Is every album he puts out great? No. Far from it. But, I don't care. He's given us so much wonderful music since the 1960's that he could do an album made entirely with musicboxes, and I wouldn't mind. He's Neil Young, and he's one of Canada's greatest exports. However with that said, when he puts out an album as great as Le Noise, that makes it all the more important and noteworthy.
Le Noise is an album made entirely wih Neil Young using either an electric or acoustic guitar, and that's really all you need. It's haunting stuff, and some of his most vital music since Living With War. Speaking of war, the best track on here, "Love and War", is just an incredible song. Again, just Neil and his acoustic guitar, and once you hear the opening line "When I sing about love and war, I don't really know what i'm saying" you know you are in for a great one. And indeed, you are. "Love and War" is one of the best songs of the whole year, and Le Noise is one of the best albums. Nice work, Neil. I say that because i'm close with him. No i'm not.
Best Songs:
01. Love and War
02. Angry World
03. Rumblin'
29. Ty Segall - Melted
More garage rock!
Ty Segall is a maniac. A good maniac, a manic that writes great songs. But still a maniac. He puts these albums out, generally once a year, and they always HIT. His snarling voice, the loud guitars, the power, and the catchy lyrics. This guy is a garage rock mastermind. If you aren't familiar with Ty Segall, then to use mixtape DJ Clinton Sparks' catch phrase: GET FAMILIAR!
Best Songs:
01. Girlfriend
02. Finger
03. Mike D's Coke
28. She & Him - Volume Two
Volume One ranked in the top 5. Volume Two just barely made the top 30. What happened? Nothing, really.
I think Volume Two is a very good album, and there are plenty of great songs. However, as is the case with a lot of second albums for vanity projects, it was just more of the same. The surprise factor was gone. That's really the only criticism I can think of, and it's barely one. You could combine both volumes into a big She & Him playlist and put it on shuffle, and you wouldn't be able to tell which came from which album (unless you listen to them enough to know where each song comes from, obviously). I think Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward have a great thing going with this She & Him thing, and they should continue making albums for as long as they want. If they can continue making albums as solid and great as Volume Two, then I would love to have a 13 song blast of '50s retro radio pop every couple years.
Best Songs:
01. Thieves
02. Over It Over Again
03. In The Sun
27. Rick Ross - Teflon Don
I remember when Port of Miami came out, and "Hustlin'" was a huge deal. The hype was more about Ross' image, and the beats he chose, as opposed to his rap skills. I didn't think he would last long.
Now, in 2010, as he has released his fourth album Teflon Don, his best album yet, he is suddenly one of the biggest stars in hip-hop today. And no, it's not just because of the beats he chose.
What makes Teflon Don such a fun album is that not only does Ross have the best ear for beats in the business, but he knows how to make a song. No one believes he is like "BIG MEECH, Larry Hoover" on "B.M.F.", but if he can gruffly yell it every minute with such force, you start believing him. Yes, his subject matter isn't deep. Last year I compared Ross to film director Roland Emmerich, most famous for movies like 2012. Things that are dumb as all get out, but they are such fun to listen to/watch.
Rick Ross is far from a flash in the pan, as he has cemented his stake in hip-hop. You know what kind of force he has? The best song on here, the Kanye West produced and featured "Live Fast, Die Young", was originally supposed to be for Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Ross asked Kanye if he could have it for his album, and Kanye reluctantly agreed. If Ross can grab a song from the best album of Kanye's career (his first without any filler), after Kanye WANTED IT for his own, that's huge.
Again, i'm shocked at the stuff Ross is managing to pull off, and make happen. The lead single "Super High", was produced by Clark Kent, who is a well known New York based producer who produced on Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt. It's maybe the most quintessential New York hip-hop beat of the whole year, and Rick Ross has it and owns it. As good of a rapper he is, you don't see Nas making great decisions like that. He would rather pick beats by NBA players, and other awful stuff that holds him back. So, whether you like or dislike Rick Ross, you have to admire what he's trying to do with hip-hop. As a lot of his contemporaries drift away from the genre, Ross puts Erykah Badu, T.I. and Jadakiss on a song that sounds as cinematic as any movie score this year. I think that deserves some respect.
Best Songs:
01. Live Fast, Die Young featuring Kanye West
02. B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast) featuring Styles P.
03. Maybach Music III featuring T.I., Erykah Badu & Jadakiss
26. The Walkmen - Lisbon
I remember when that song by The Walkmen was out called "The Rat." It was a great song, but I wasn't yet sold on THEM. Since that song came out, they have released some amazing albums like You & Me (which is the last CD I ever physically bought), and this year's Lisbon. You & Me, as great as it was, was very slow moving and didn't have a lot of uptempo stuff. They rectify that with Lisbon, as they recorded the album as a tribute to Memphis' Sun Records, with some surf rock influences on top of that. It's a really fantastic album by a group that gets better with each consecutive album. When "The Rat" was out, they were an interchangeable rock band with a great song. Now, in 2010 with Lisbon out, they are one of rock's greatest hopes.
Best Songs:
01. Angela Surf City
02. Stranded
03. Torch Song
Next up: 5 more albums! Likely tomorrow. it will pretty much be albums from here until the end, with a quick detour during the top 5 with my favorite movies of 2010. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoy making it.
Thanks for the comments!
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Member Since: 6/25/2008
Posts: 15,884
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Volume Two is a great album, I heared yesterday
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Member Since: 5/11/2007
Posts: 9,742
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Volume Two is great
Elizabeth Banks character on 30 Rock was great. I'm actually quite interested in watching some of the shows you've mentioned, especially Children's Hospital and Relocated.
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