Favourites 2008 [2]

Ok here's the second part of my favourites of the year.. etc etc. Just to clear it up, I have nothing against the New Year celebrations. I'm not into holidays at all, but this one isn't that bad. Thing is, when I look back at everything that has happened this year.. well it's kinda scary to be honest. So much has been going on and it's quite crazy to think everything will begin again. It rather scares me to know that I have no clue as what will happen in 2009, as I didn't know what'd happen in 2008. It was a good year tho, so a round of applause for it.

See you next year! And all the best :)

10. I'm from Barcelona - Who Killed Harry Houdini?

I love this band. They are upbeat, fun, melodic, cute, etc. I can't really describe them really. But I think they are absolutely awesome. Probably not the most known Swedish band out there, but definitely worth checking out. Headphones, Ophelia and Houdini are excellent examples of it. Um I uploaded this the other day for some friends, so this is the only album I uploaded in full. Hope you like it.

9. Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads

So yeah, I like Kaiser Chiefs, sue me. This one is, yet again, rather different from their previous album but I think it succeeds on getting the hooks and the catchy tunes. I think it's a really fun album and would love to see how the songs work live. My favourite Addicted to drugs, no doubt.

8. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

Jack White is a genius (except that Bond track.. eek). Add Brendan Benson to that and it's a match made in heaven. I think this album is way better than their first one because it manages to keep you interested all through it. Consoler of the Lonely, You don't understand me and Many Shades of Black are tracks worth mentioning and listening!

7. Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

This is just more piano driven rock/pop/whatever from Andrew McMahon & co. I think it's more powerful than their previous album even though I still don't really like the song Bloodshot. However songs like The Resolution and Caves really stand out. Beautiful stuff.

6. Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul

I find it kind of difficult to deal with reviewers and it was particularly the case with this album. So yeah, Oasis have really kept to their style for all these years, and I think it seems to work really well for them. However I feel it's different from their previous stuff, I feel it more mature than anything they've done in the past. Plus, the songs sound amazing live. I never thought I'd see the day when a Liam song would be my favourite on an Oasis album but it is! I'm Outta Time (yes, it's Liam trying to sound like John Lennon, again) is truly good, and my favourite along Falling Down.

5. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

This one (like the next 3) could have been number 1. One of my favourite DCFC albums, it's such a complete album. I mean, it has everything I could've wanted from them. No Sunlight and Your new twin-sized bed are favourites that'll last.

4. Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue

Another alternative project. Jenny Lewis (from Rilo Kiley) really delivers with this album. I don't know if I like this one more than Rabbit Fur Coat (cause that's one of my favourite albums ever) but I can say this album has more of a 'kick' in it. The title track is absolutely amazing, as so is Carpetbaggers (with a special appearance from Elvis Costello).

3. Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst

All I can say is GO and LISTEN. You won't regret it. This is really such a good album! So well constructed and full of magic. And you can tell they were having fun. Love at first listen really. Cape Cañaveral and Sausalito are my favourites, but the whole thing is really really good.

2. Keane - Perfect Symmetry

I'm not sure exactly why I liked this so much, even when my expectations were so high. I know that it is really different of their previous albums, and despite this was something that alienated many, I think it's what I liked about it the most. Currently You haven't told me anything is my favourite, but Better than this and Spiralling (ofc) are worth a listen.

1. The Killers - Day & Age

I don't think I even have to explain why this one is my top album of the year, everyone knows I absolutely love this band. It was quite worth the wait, and despite sounding so different to their previous album, I think they manage to get away with it. The sounds are so diverse and there's a mix of "serious" and "fun" songs, which I think lacked in their previous albums. It's kind of sad to not see it getting the reception I think it deserves. Anyway, This is your life is my favourite of the album, but Spaceman and Neon Tiger are worth checking out.

Songs.. blah blah... here

6.17 am

Why am I living in GMT again? why why why?

I keep waking up early but somehow manage to stay up until.. well it's 6.17 am currently.

How did I managed? I don't know, but it's even sadder that I've been browsing for stuff in perpetual kid and fred flare even when I know I won't buy anything (because I really need to stop spending money).

This is really cute tho! Might be worth it to save up a bit

huh what? "There isn't enough space available to save blah blah album i was downloading". Oh my gawd! Ok, new year's resolution: stop downloading so much crap. :(

You'd make me the happiest person in the world

if anyone would buy me these babies!

I mean, I've been looking for red sparkling shoes for over 18 months! This isn't exactly what I had in mind but aren't they oh so pretty.

Pleeeeease

Favourites 2008 [1]

So, keeping with the tradition of last year (hah) I have compiled my favourite albums/tracks of the year. I don't know if they are the best ones (unlikely) but I've definitely enjoyed listening to them throughout 2008 and I think it's a way to celebrate how good this year was, as for music releases. I still have a shitload (that's an understatement, really) of albums released this year that I need to spin them a few times (yay for only having time for myself during the holidays, hence the amount of blog entries). More good music is the whole point of it.. the more, the merrier.

There were also some albums I really enjoyed that I wasn't expecting to like at all. That includes Fast Times at Barrington High by The Academy Is, Pretty. Odd by Panic at the disco (thank you Kristen for both!) and Hold On Now Youngster... by Los Campesinos! I know, I know.. I'm weird.

There were also some albums that I got, listened and I regretted. That includes Coldplay's, The Last Shadow Puppets' album (such a disappointment) and CSS' album.

As I said, there were a lot of albums I liked this year, so many I wish I could name them all on the top spot. But worry not my dears, you are all winners to me. This will be a top 20 thing, and here's the first half

20. The Magnetic Fields - Distortion

I knew about The Magnetic Fields because once Ben Gibbard mentioned them somewhere, and they had a show in London when I was there but I didn't go because I wasn't really familiar with their music (and cause I'm really stupid obviously), and damn do I regret it now! I'm not sure what I like from this album. It takes me to a different world, it's just one of those albums I need to listen to in it's entirety to fully enjoy it. Will be on severe rotation in the following months, no doubt. California girls is just awesome and Too Drunk To Dream is hilarious, really. And I can see myself singing Zombie Boy a lot in the future. Love love love this.

19. Conor Oberst - Gentlemen's Pact EP

So I'm cheating and including two albums by the same guy. Take it as my version of Coldplay. This is a very short EP but it's really good. The song Gentlemen's Pact reminds me of old Bright Eyes, while there's a very funny rendition of Corina Corina. However, Breezy makes the EP worth the money (that is, if you could get your hands on one unlike me). It's just a really sad and emotional song that shows how Conor can really write amazing songs.

18. Chris Walla - Field Manual

I was interested in this album because it's Chris Walla from Death Cab for Cutie aaaaaand because I had heard a raw version of Sing Again and I was really curious as how a proper studio version would sound. While it took me a while to get used to that one, I really got to enjoy the album. It's not a great departure from the DCFC sound at all, but I think that it serves to enjoy Chris' voice and songwritting. It's Unsustainable and Our plans, collapsing are standout tracks. Top stuff

17. The Kooks - Konk

Yeah I like The Kooks, so what? This didn't do it for me as much as their first album in the long run, but I think it's easy going and enjoyable pop. It really got to my head and I must say the box or whatever it comes in (the edition with Rak ) is really nice actually. See The Sun is definitely my favourite of the album, along with Tick of time. I do must say that I hate "Do you Wanna" with a burning passion.

16. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours

This album is really unlike me. And I don't even remember why I got their stuff a couple of months ago. I think it's rather hypnotizing and catchy stuff! I really like So Haunted, Midnight Runner and Feel the Love. This is what I'd like to listen to in the club.. that if I ever went to clubs!

15. REM - Accelerate

Remember REM? They're back! In pog form! I love these guys and their new album is kicking. Kinda sad it didn't get enough attention really, I think it's a very solid album. Living well is the best revenge rocks basically, so does Hollow Man and Houston. I really like the album except I'm Gonna DJ, which I think was a poor choice to close the album.

14. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

So I guess if you haven't heard from these guys you've been living in a rock for over a year. And to think I only knew about them when I was in London! So I managed to get my hands on the CD and I'm glad I did! They have this um weird mix of sounds, between rock and electronic that I think sounds very well, or whatever really. And they're pretty good live as well! Kids and Pieces of What are my favourites no doubt.

13. We Are Scientists - Brain Thrust Mastery

Putting aside the pair of clowns these guys are (I mean it in a good way!) this album has some catchy tunes and a more dance-y side to WAS. I think it's like WAS trying to sound like the Killers but ending up sounding like... something else. I still like it! Impatience is one of my favourite tracks of the year.

12. Albert Hammond, Jr. - ¿Como te llama?

I love the Strokes and miss them dearly. But if that means I can have more Albert albums, then be my guest! His first album is one of my favourite albums ever, and this one didn't disappoint. It sounds a bit more.. rough I guess, but in a very charming way! Spooky Couch is one of the best instrumental tracks ever, really.. and Victory in Monterey is basically awesome. So for that, I'll excuse the poor Spanish in the album's title haha

11. Travis - Ode to J.Smith

I guess I wasn't expecting a new Travis album so soon, but here it is. So it's more like their first album (and really not like The Boy With No Name) but I bite, and I like it, a lot. They are showing they are not this soft stuff band and that they can actually be a bit raw and good. I bet these songs sound awesome live, I hope I get a chance to see that next year. Favourites include Something anything, Long way down and Song to self.

So that's the first half. Rest to follow...

Oh and I made a "sampler" here with the highlighted tracks. If anyone is interested in the songs/albums.

Worst Karaoke Ever

I mean, come on. I hate James Blunt but everyone knows the words to that song!

Kaiser Karaoke

It's cool Kaiser Chiefs, I do like you, unlike most of the people I know!


ps. I can't embed youtube videos.. grrr will fix this at some point

It's a Chrimble miracle [2]

So somehow I managed to stay home (for once!) on Christmas Eve and avoid all the unconfortable meeting with my distant family. Or whatever. It was nice just to eat pizza and be with those who do happen to be my family (except for mom, but that was her choice and this was mine).

Had to wake up early to give mom her present, so not good in christmas day. Can't wait for this season to be over and go back to regular life. Sorry, I meant lOife.

I thought i'd have something to say, but I really don't. I'm just sick of this "let's be good for a day" thing. People are lame 364 days a year but it's all good as long as they behave accordingly for one day? No thanks, not my boat.

I'm not saying everyone is like that, of course. But it happens and it gets lame after a while

It's a Chrible miracle!

So kids, the site (cough blog) has a new look. You like? You hate? Let me know. I won't change it, but still, I'd love to know. It's quite the miracle than after deleting some (apparently) important HTML stuff, it's working as I wanted.

Some might have noticed, also, that I've started typing the entries in English a couple of days ago. I had mentioned this to some friends as a new year's resolution, but might as well start now! Hopefully the chat people will actually read it (as they're the only ones I know who would care in which language I do this).

What else. It's really late and I need sleep. I'm not really a very christmassy person, but I might give a short speech. Later, after I'm bittered down by my not so lovely relatives. If you can call that relatives... we'll see.

Leg is doing better, thanks

oh gawd the pain

So.. I've been working a bit oh photoshop trying to see if I can manage to make this blog look less like shit, more like a blog of someone who loves to waste time, and I've been sitting in bed weirdly. Now, as I was preparing myself to give up and go to bed, I realise I can't move my right leg. If I try to move it I will burst into a lot of screaming because it hurts like a bitch. And I can't even scream cause everyone is asleep! (yeah it's almost 4am!).

This isn't funny - in any way. It really really hurts a lot and the only way to stop it is to get my leg back where it belongs. And to do that i need to snap it and that will HURT. I seriously hate my bones.

Oh I was also working on my end of the years lists. It's fun, I've been going through albums I hadn't listened in a looooong time (and some I hadn't listened at all!).

And i'm glad no one can see how i'm typing this.

problem solved - but gawd the pain!

Stumble Upon Fest!

Ugh, where has my life gone to?? It's just typical for the holidays, sleep around and do nothing, and play silly games. Love it.

ME 2D Beta - Not really sure what's this supposed to be in a full version. But it's reaaally addictive and fun.

Catch of the day - I seriously have no clue why I found this so addictive. Spent all morning on it basically. It's just a fishing game! I don't even like fishing! I don't even eat fish anymore!! *quits the game*

And last, but not least.

I consider myself to be a bit of a Lily Allen fan. I don't know why, I just really like her songs! They are very fun somehow. So she has her new album and single, and this was posted on her website as part of the promo for it. It's just a simple game, but the song is really catchy! Definitely one of the releases I'll look forward to in 2009.

And that's it, for now

I have no LOIFE

2.24 AM

cough, pero estos juegos estan bien cool.

Distraction - mi favorito. El jueguito en si esta bien simple, pero las distracciones están bieeen chidas.

Elastic Enthusiastic - Este es solo de picarle a los stickmen pero esta cool

Cats - Este esta relativamente estresante, es como lidiar con gatos de verdad

Ping - 4-sided pong! D:

Veamos si continuo picando el boton de "stumble!" me encuentro una vida