BEST OF 2011: NON-ALBUM EDITION
There are two types of best-ofs in the world: music, and non-music. Here is a list of the top five things that happened this year, that aren’t related directly to an album. And keep in mind, more awesome things happened that I just can’t remember. This is what came to mind, in no particular order.
The Final Four Episode of Breaking Bad Season Four
Obviously, all of Breaking Bad is the greatest thing ever, but this season kicked it into high gear in its last four episodes, which can be regarded as some of the most heart-pounding, suspensive, awesome television ever aired. Not since the episode of Seinfeld where they all can’t find each other at the movie theater have I been so intrigued.
On Cinema with Tim Heidecker
In an age where podcasts are a dime a dozen, Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric reminds us that we spend a severe amount of time listening to people talk about nothing in our ears. In his short program, he both parodies the very podcasts we’ve come to love, and retains the same Tim and Eric flare that keeps us coming back.
Grace Potter’s Drum Solo at Lollapalooza
I haven’t heard any of Grace Potter’s music, before or after seeing her live for five minutes, but during her set each member of the band surrounded the drums and began playing them - eight people playing one set. Incredible, and surprising that no one thought of this before them.
The Best Show Puppet War
After years of Wally Wackiman, the felt figure finally exploded in what fans are dubbing “The Feltdown,” paving the way for both Skeevy - AP Mike’s vulgar lunchbag - and Vance, the prog-rock loving three-eyed titan who Scharpling has crafted excellently. Best of all is Vance’s catchphrase: “Prog Rock is good for your head.” Here’s to the show that just keeps getting better.
The Scene in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo where Stellan Skarsgård tortures Daniel Craig to “Ornioco Flow” by Enya
I’ve gotten a lot of flack for my obsession with both Skarsgård and this scene, but I still think it’s one of the best pieces of work put out this year, even if the rest of the movie was just alright. It’s terrifying, awesome, and brilliantly done. And the song kills it.
See you in 2012!
