7.12.10 My Top Ten RIGHT NOW

1. MOVIE The Kids Are Alright

This wasn’t quite the saving grace of summer film that I was hoping for.  Even as counter programming, I wasn’t completely smitten.  The performances are undoubtedly excellent, especially from the always-luminous Annette Bening.  But like Lisa Cholodenko’s earlier work, the story meanders a bit too much, missing much of the heart of the matter through her episodic narrative.  All that said, I still found myself crying at the end of the film, thanks to a shattering speech from Julianne Moore and an affecting performance from Mia Wasikowska.  Ultimately it’s a beautiful work about families of all shapes and sizes… B+

2. MOVIE Toy Story 3

There’s a part of me that wanted to leave these characters in my memory of them over ten years ago, as they completely transformed the nature of filmmaking.  But after spending another couple hours with them, I was beyond fulfilled.  And, like so many others who have sat through the film, I couldn’t help but get chocked up as these toys went full circle in their existence.  It’s a beautiful film, despite my desire for something fresher coming from Pixar’s expansive creative brains… A-

3. ALBUM We Are Born Sia

Infectious and delightful, this album is a fantastic listen from track one to track twelve (I can do without the Madonna cover on track 13).  This is an artistic force to be reckoned with, infectious and enchanting with music that makes you want to move and moves you at the same time.  She even incorporated a child-singing-chorus that doesn’t frustrate, a near miracle.  Her semi-ballads like “Be Good To Me” and “I’m In Here” overwhelm the soul sonically.  It’s an excellent and must-have album, much like her previous work… A+

4. FOOD Meatball Shop

There are not superlatives enough to describe the mouth-watering deliciousness that is being served at this lower east side establishment.  You write your order on the menu itself, hand it over to your server and are served the most overwhelmingly flavorful meaty creations (ok, I might have been starving when I went to this place, so this review is tainted with my hunger).  Veal meatballs covered in provolone, sliders of meat and basil, there are endless combinations of yummy-ness.  And stick around for the make-your-own ice cream sandwich, it’s worth the extra calories… A

5. SPORTS Spain vs Netherlands

I certainly lost a bit of steam heading into the final match, without the US represented or any African nation either, it all seemed a little too foreign.  But I rallied behind my other homeland, Spain, as in the country I would live in, if I didn’t live in NYC.  And I was pretty bored for a good hour or so until we finally scored a very clean and beautiful goal.  It was an odd game, with Spain constantly at the goal and unable to sink a shot.  And don’t even get me started on that judo kick to the check from the Netherlands.  How is that not a red card?  B

6. TV Mad Men Season 3

It took all season, but finally something happened.  I’ve tired a bit of longing stares and deep seated feelings expressed from emotionless but beautiful people as their cigarettes slowly burn down and the ice in their glass slowly melts.  But by the end of the final episode, I was so engrossed in the future of these people that I realized the strength of the creation and the connection to these cold characters.  It’s a well crafted and gorgeously shot work that I’m quite glad I’ve watched in as few sittings as possible.  We’ll see how I do watching live for the first time this upcoming fourth season… B

7. TV Kathy Griffin, Life on the D List

I was so excited for this show to come back on for the summer but honestly have been only semi-entertained.  It’s all pretty much the same spiel that it’s been from day one, but somehow my tolerance for it has waned.  Yes she’s funny and insightful at times, but the fame whoring seems all the less original now that she is actually famous and treated as such.   And enough with the cameos, other famous people are even less interesting than Kathy.  I’m still holding out hope for this season, but I’m not sure how long I’ll last… B-

8. ALBUM The Adventures of Bobby Ray B.O.B.

I love and hate this album.  These twelve tracks float between well-written and catchy songs, in the realms of Kid Cudi and Janelle Monae (who guests), and the most obnoxious attempt at radio friendly tracks.  There is no doubt that B.O.B. has an amazing career ahead of him, as is evidenced in his current radio presence, I just wish he’d taken a page from Monae in exploring multiple genres by making them his own.  Too often, it just sounds like someone who has come before him, clearly evidenced on the bad Finley Quaye sound-a-like “Lovelier Than You.”  I’m very much looking forward to the next phase of this young talent… B-

9. ALBUM High Violet The National

This album finally gets closer to my favorite song of theirs, “So Far Around the Bend.”  It’s a great mix of tracks, deep voiced and pulsing, melancholy and bright all at the same time.  The album is paced awkwardly, but individual tracks, like the symphonic “Little Faith,” stand out as amazing songwriting and producing.  Take a listen to “Afraid of Everyone” and the awesome “Runaway” and you’ll be sold… A

10. ALBUM Night Work Scissor Sisters

It’s another fun mix of dance tunes that play nice and easy but somehow don’t stick in my head.  The piano heavy “Fire With Fire” has an excellent Queen-quality to it, somewhere between a ballad and a Mika track.  This album definitely pushes into some new and enjoyable territory, combining Elton John’s songwriting with the best of the ‘80s back beats, but somehow it can’t quite grab me.  Worth a couple of listens… B