What I Didnt Hate in 2009 (And Maybe Even Kinda Sorta Liked) by Rudy

I am, once again, a little light on new music. But the important thing is ... I'm making progress! Last year I had three, this year five, next year I'm going to breakout (you'll see).

1. YACHT - See Mystery Lights
Jona Bechtolt is super talented and an old acquaintance from Portland. I was bummed when he left The Blow, but it's obvious now that he knew what he was doing. He went back to focusing on YACHT, and the new album really broke out this year. Even Kanye gave him a write-up (http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/index.php?em3106=233070_-1__0_). Also, check out his website (http://www.teamyacht.com/) as he is always designing, making videos and websites, and it seems, never sleeping.

2. DEAD WEATHER - Horehound
For when I'm wearing tight black jeans and drinking whiskey.

3. SALLIE FORD AND THE SOUND OUTSIDE - Not an Animal EP
An amazing local Portland band. They have a really old sound, a throwback to old rocknroll/folk/soul. It's so good. Here is a YouTube clip I found and if you like their music it's for sale on their website (http://www.sallieford.com/)



4. NEKO CASE - Middle Cyclone
I got this album as a gift. Even I'm surprised I love it so much.

5. BOWERBIRDS - Upper Air
For me, "Northern Lights" is the star of the album. I cut a video to this song over the summer, which means I had to listen to it at least a thousand times, and I'm STILL not sick of it.

(ps. since the Paulies began, I've found The XX, which seems pretty awesome so far.)

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And now to the movies. Not a terrible year for film given the death of the independent distributor. Here is a top 9:

1. HUNGER
The cinematography is bananas. The details: crumbs falling to the floor, snow flakes melting on raw knuckles. And the movie that started everything for Michael Fassbender. Directed by Steve McQueen. No. The other Steve McQueen.

2. INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
Count me as a skeptic when this came out. But I loved it (as much as I can love a movie with Brad Pitt in it). The simple, drawn-out scenes were refreshing, complimented with great dialogue and performances (sans Brad Pitt).

3. HURT LOCKER
Not in love with the last few minutes of the movie, but easily forgivable. Big props to Kathryn Bigelow.

4. UP IN THE AIR
Ohhh man I read this script early and loved it. And then I saw the movie and was a little let down by the execution. But I'm sure I was just expecting too much. The script was so great that I can forgive any (possibly hallucinated) execution flaws.

5. MOON
One of those rare movies that creates a mood that stays with you for a long time. I have a feeling it had something to do with the Clint Mansell soundtrack. And if you haven't seen the poster and trailer, do so now (http://www.sonypictures.com/classics/moon/)

6. ANTICHRIST
Difficult to classify this is as "Best Movie." How about "Most Memorable Movie?" As fucked up and uncomfortable as it was, there isn't a movie that stands out as much as this one. I've never seen anything like it.

7. BALLAST
Such a small story, yet so satisfying. The characters and pacing were great.

8. FUNNY PEOPLE
Ok, some definite flaws (the movie was probably 30 minutes too long) but there was enough right to make up for the wrong. Like Jonah's plan for internet fame:



9. CORALINE
Some flaws in this one too, but I spent months of my life working on this launch, so it holds a special place.

Things Worth Noting
- I have yet to see Avatar and The Messenger
- Worst movie of the Year: Limits of Control. Soooo terrible. How terrible? My friend left half way through to get a coffee so she wouldn't fall asleep. I actually turned my head away from the screen and stared at the walls in the theater, for minutes at a time, out of spite.
- Old movies that I discovered this year that I loved: Scenes from a Marriage, Masculine Feminine, Days of Heaven.
- Innovation of the year: IFC Same Day On Demand.

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Thanks for reading. Looking forward to seeing more entries.