Top Albums of 2010

Well, I'm snowed in so the best use of my time is OBVIOUSLY to make a few personal "best of" lists. I have been kicking this list around in my head since Thanksgiving, which is when I usually start looking back at the year as a whole. My order has changed a bit over the past month, and probably will change again as soon as I post this, but my Top 10 has basically stayed consistent.

10) Das Racist - Sit Down, Man/Shut Up, Dude

I grouped both of Das Racist's "mixtapes" together as they came out so close together that it's hard to not look at them as a Part I and Part II. I love these guys, they blend humor and great beats better than most hip hop groups out there today. Honestly, anyone who can work the line "sambar, dosa/ in the middle of little Italy" in to a verse gets my vote.
Key Tracks: You Oughta Know (dude), hahahaha jk? (Man).

9) Against Me! - White Crosses

This album didn't resonate with me the same way 2007's "New Wave" did, but it's the closest thing I'll get to a new Clash album. High energy post-punk riffs mixed with politically aware lyrics that have a distinct narrative are always good with me and this album has plenty of that. This album is proof that Butch Vig hasn't lost his touch and can still produce a relevant album two decades after Nevermind. Plus, I saw these guys twice this year and seeing them play these tracks live gives even more depth to their record.
Key Track - Teenage Anarchist.


8) Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

I almost forgot that this album came out in 2010. It's so familiar to me that it feels like I have been listening to it for years. It's hard to argue with the genius that is David Albarn and it's also proof that he can produce a Gorillaz album without bringing in a heavy hitter like Dangermouse or Dan The Automator to do the heavy lifting. Once again the Gorillaz manage to make use of some innovative guest vocalist including, Mos Def, Snoop Dogg and my fav, Lou Reed.
Key Track - Rhinestone Eyes

7) Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown

If the KOL are the modern version of U2 then then this is their Achtung Baby. KOL pruists will bemoan the production value and the fact that they sound like they can actually play their instruments on this album, but Come Around Sundown is what it is, a solid rock album. Once again, the KOL live and die by the vocals of Caleb Followill and he doesn't disappoint. Half the time I don't even care what he's saying, it's more about his use of his voice as another instrument. He's no Bjork, but his voice adds to the instrumentation on a level almost comparable to the way Maynard does with Tool.
Key Track - Pickup Truck

6) The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

What can I say... I LOVE this band. They mix punk pop with the narrative songwriting of Springsteen, which I am a complete sucker for. This has been my "driving music" for much of 2010, and I drive a LOT! Musically, it's nothing special, but lyrically, each song tells a story that either uplifts or breaks your heart.
Key Track - Bring It On

5) Girl Talk - All Day

It came out just a few weeks ago, but it is already THE party record for 2010. The best thing about a Girl Talk album is that you can just put the playlist on and let it go. If you don't like what you hear, that's fine as it will probably change in 20 seconds. Unlike Feed The Animals, GT allows his samples to breathe a little more so you get a bit more of a flavor of the song before he moves on. Further, he gives a few of the background tracks a call back so you aren't just hearing the beat, you quite often get the payoff hook mixed within the track, which is a nice change.
Key Track - Jump on Stage (Portishead + Big Boi = WIN)

4) Black Keys - Brothers

At one point this was hands down my album of the year and tomorrow I'll probably feel that way again, but for right now it's #4. Black Keys instrumentally have always been brilliant, but with Brothers, they have managed to maintain their genius while also making themselves a little more accessible. Their probably most commercially successful track, Tighten Up, is proof again that Dangermouse can channel an artists raw talent into a mainstream hit... even if the hipsters will hate him for doing it. :)
Key Track - Next Girl

3) Sleigh Bells - - Treats

If there is one album that I will keep coming back to from 2010 over the next few years, I have a feeling it will be Treats. The raw pop-electro-noise from this record has kept this in my rotation consistently since May. It's a rarity these that you have 5 solid, single worthy, tracks on an album so you have to respect that. Although MIA probably should have spent more time on her own album, I have her to thank for bringing Sleigh Bells to the masses.
Key Track - Kids

2) Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Raw emotion. That's the best way to describe both this album and the way I feel when I listen to it. Although there is no track on this album that rivals the majesty of Wake Up, it's still packed with songs that will resonate with me for years to come. Their partnership with GOOGLE also lead to one of the most innovative marketing of an album with their interactive video experience thing for We Used to Wait. Simply amazing.
Key Track - We Used To Wait


1) Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

First off. I wanted to hate this album. I went into my first listening of this record with the WORST possible attitude. I was just looking to pick it apart. I'm not even a Kanye fan. I mean I recognize that he is great at what he does, but aside from College Dropout, I haven't gravitated to any of his work. Until this. Wow, simply wow. What impresses me the most about this album is that there seemed to be very little regard for writing "singles". These songs are LONG and not radio friendly in the slightest. In that way it reminds me of listening to old Metallica in that the songs are as long as the songs need to be to tell the story they need to tell and if it doesn't fit into what the radio deems the acceptable length, then screw it! Probably the biggest thing on this album is that Kanye allows his guest vocalists to steal the show on several of his tracks. Like, completely steal the song. The best example of this is Nicki Minaj on Monster who just completely eats both Kanye and Jay-Z alive.

In closing, F you Kanye and your genius. I still think you are an ass, but damn you are talented. Truly, lets have a toast for the douchebag... as you released the best album in this past year. Jerk :)
Key Track - Blame Game



Honorable Mentions:

Best Coast - Crazy for You
Great album with two very solid singles

Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot
Andre 3000 who?

Yeasayer - Odd Blood
Like Plastic Beach, I can't believe this was released in 2010 as it feels like it's been with me a lot longer

The Madness of March, 2010 Version

Another year, another Final Four. Although my beloved Spartans did manage to get back to the Final Four for the second year in a row, and sixth time in the last twelve years for those counting, I failed to repeat my success of last year in our annual March Madness pool. A heartfelt congratulations goes out to JT, our 2010 March Madness champion.
At any rate, here are the final standings.
1) J. Tomasik (resident scUMmer)
2) R. Moore
3) T. Kearney
4) Joel/Mike
5) Jayded Spartan
6) J. Seifert
7) P. Cairns
8) B. Hickling
9) Bobby Finstock.
Can’t believe that a UofM grad won my pool. I feel great shame.

Happy Fathers Day!

Just got this pic from my dad... it's the sign outside Mutt's in Newport Beach. Happy Fathers Day to you too Daddy-o! :P

March Madness 2009

I have never been more disappointed to win a NCAA Tournament pool. Even though I picked the final four PERFECTLY, it still came down to the final game. If Michigan State won, Pete won the pool. If North Carolina won, I won. Needless to say I would have certainly bypassed all of the glory of winning this annual pool for a Spartan victory... but that was not the case.
It has honestly taken my up until now to even look at the standings of this pool because I was so heartbroken over the loss on Monday night. This was truly a dream season for Michigan State and having the Final Four right here in Detroit seemed like the perfect storm. Unfortunately, this fairy tail did not have a happy ending. North Carolina came in and put yet another beating on MSU, crushing the hopes and dreams of Spartans everywhere.

So it is with a heavy heart that I give you the final standings of my annual march madness pool.

1. JAYdedSpartan
2. M. Faye
3. M. Servitto (AKA Lo Pan)
4. TIE - J. Seifert & P. Cairns
6. R. Moore
7. B. Hickling

Until next year... GO GREEN!

Come Out And Play

March Madness 2008

Well the Tourney is over and once again, I am bringing up the proverbial rear. March Madness has usually lead me to April Angst as I am TERRIBLE at picking a bracket. Although I did fair quite a bit better than I have in past years, most notably in 2007 when I had locked up last place before the first weekend was over, I still had a terrible outing. As always, I am dumb.

Anyways, here were the final standings.

1. M. Faye
2. D. Chisholm
3. P. Cairns.
4. J. Tomasik
5. JAYded Spartan
6. R. Moore
7. M. Servitto
8. J. Seifert

Oh well, at least I did better than my Dad :) Duke in the final? That really killed him early. Not to mention, hats off to Faye for picking Kansas as the eventual champion.

Well enough of the

scUM, scUM oh how I hate scUM!!!!!

BEAT MICHIGAN!!!

Back For More

Well I'm here for my bi-yearly post. Actually, I think it's been almost a full year since I was last on here. Anyways, what's new in the JAYded world...

• First and foremost, I got engaged this past Friday to Madhavi (aka Robot Girl)!!! It's funny because it came as a big surprise to a lot of my friends, but after dating for 7 years you would think they would be expecting it. Maybe they were just shocked that I'm actually going to settle down. Well folks, I may be getting married, but there is no chance this kid is settling down :)
• I started to lay the foundation to my fledgling record label, Very JAYded Records. When I say that it is in the early stages that is a complete understatement. I'm in the process of setting up PO Boxes in Toronto, Detroit and LA to solicite demos. I'm also going to try and get an old friend of mine that I reconnected with on facebook to do up some art for the logo soon.
  
• Speaking of Facebook... I have become completely addicted. It has been a real trip reconnecting with some people that I haven't seen for literally a decade sometimes. If you aren't on it already, get on it, it's a blast.
• I moved! Well not far, but I'm now on my own officially. It's weird not having a roommate but it gets rid of the awkward stares when I "air dry" after the shower :)
  

Well that's all for now... it's been so long since I posted that I'm not sure how many people actually check this anymore, but I do have every intention to post more often now.
Until next time;
Be Excellent to Each other
Party on Dudes!

20-10

Just wanted to say HI to all my friends and family out there and to thank them for making today, the "first anniversary of my 29th birthday" so special!!!

Talk more soon!!!

New Post!!

Ok, Ok… so it’s be a really long, long, long time since I last posted and honestly I don’t even know where to begin.

To start, I lost two very important people in my life. This past May, I lost my grandmother. I had the very unique opportunity to get to know my grandmother both as a kid growing up, and then again as an adult when I moved in with her while I studied for the Michigan Bar Exam. It was a wonderful opportunity to have and one that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Shortly after my grandmother passed, I lost my puppy Abby. At 16 years old, her little body finally gave out. It sounds dumb, but she was a member of my family and was always treated as such.

I’ll have to write more about them someday, but not now.

Work is still the same… too much work, not enough play.

OK… my cold meds are really kick’n in now (I have a bloody head cold that just won’t go away), so it’s time for me to retire…

Talk more soon…

Who Is This Guy?

Me in a previous life... I can't believe that I used to have hair like that... actually, I can't believe that I used to have hair :) 

Hulk Rules

Allison is totally my new hero!

 

Still Here

I'm still here... I'm just off saving the universe :)

Be back soon... promise... 

Update

OK... so I haven’t updated this in QUITE SOME TIME... but it’s not like I have been slacking. I’ve been running around like crazy! So quick update as to what has been going on:

My Dad one the annual NCAA March Madness pool. What a crazy tournament! In fact, he was the only one to even have a team to reach the Final Four! So congratulations go out to Jeff Seifert, your JAYdedSpartan NCAA Champion for 2006. Just wait till next year.

Shortly after my last update, I got REALLY sick and was basically out of commission for a week. However, I did get to take my newly acquired health insurance out for a spin! Growing up in Canada going to the doctor was never a big deal. You just showed up and they treated you. No worries. I had no idea how expensive the whole process was until I came down with an ear infection my second year of law school. $80.00 for a 30 second visit with the doctor and a scrip for Amoxil?!?! What the hell! I never realized how good I had it. Now if I can only score some dental insurance life will be perfect.

So I have been pretty much all over hells half acer taking depositions for a wide variety of cases. I love being able to get out of the office from time to time, but this has gotten out of control! Next week I get to take a huge trip up to Alcona County, Michigan for 5 deps in one day. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to that.

That being said, I have been completely out of the pop culture loop for the past two months. I can’t even tell you the last movie that I saw. Sad I know! Not that anything memorable comes out between Oscar season and the summer blockbusters, but I really miss going to the theater. Even if it’s a bad movie, it’s always great to be there. The movie theater is my sanctuary. A place where I can forget about all of the garbage in my life and just focus on something completely unrelated to everything I’m doing. It’s a totally different experience than when you watch a movie at home. The images are larger than life in a theater and you can’t help but be sucked in. That’s it, I need to go see more movies.

Well I’m off... and hopefully I’ll be back sooner than later this time....

Things you need to hear NOW:

Sister - She Wants Revenge
Suffer Well - Depeche Mode
Cash Machine - Hard-Fi
Gold Lion - Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs
Munich - Editors

Saturday Night's Main Event!!!!!

Welcome to Saturday Night's Main Event, LIVE from Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan!!! Yes, I am a huge nerd, but here are some pics from my night at Wrasslin!

HUGE fireworks display that was super lour and kinda kool. I have to admit however that I am hard to impress. After spending the better part of three years going to DisneyLand every weekend, fireworks are kinda lost on me. Plus the smoke from the fireworks display left a haze over the ring that remained throught most of the show, as you will probably notice in my pics.  

Triple H, proving that in this day an age it is still possible to sleep your way to the top. 

Ms. Foley's baby boy and Edge resurrect the flaming table. You might also notice that Mick is holding a bag full of thumbtacks. A Foley trademark. Surprisingly, I was the only person that I saw wearing a Cactus Jack t-shirt. Somewhere Robot Girl is shaking her head saying "how embarrising" 

Stone Cold and JBL just before their Beer Drinking contest. Was never a huge fan of Steve Austin, but he you can't deny his ability to work a crowd. 

Without a doubt, the Undertaker has the best entrance in the history of wrestling. You also would not believe how HOT the flames shooting out of the stage were.  

March Madness

Every now and then an invention or idea comes along that changes the way we view the world. The lightbulb, the telephone, Eienstein’s theory of Relativity, sliced bread... all of these pale in comparison to CBS Sportsline streaming EVERY game of the NCAA tournament for free over the internet. I get a little choked up when I think about it. The utter brilliance of this innovation cannot even begin to be fathomed until you experience it yourself.

As with most of the working pinons of the world, I miss the afternoon games on the Thursday and Friday of March Madness... arguably the biggest Sporgy (that’s a sports orgy, thanks JT) days of the year. But now, I can listen and "occasionally" take some time to watch the games from my own office PC. The best part of this experience is the browser itself. You have unlimited access to every game On-Demand, but there is also a "Boss Button", that when activated changes the video stream into an Excel spreadsheet. Beautiful I know.

Go to www.cbssportsline.com and check it out for youself.