Short update, Best of 2007
I have not blogged in quite some time, so first will be the catching up, for those I have not seen or spoken with, and then will be the massive 2007 best-ofs.
Northern Illinois did not work out. I was not happy with my situation there because the major focus of study there was not something that held my interest. The faculty are quite good at what they do but it was not for me. After weeks of deliberation, I decided that returning to Iowa State and studying public administration would be the best fit for me. So here I am, in my office on the fifth floor of Ross Hall conducting office hours (blogging). I am taking three classes, one in statistics and two in public administration, and assisting in a class on religion and politics. Another good thing about the transition from NIU to ISU is that, at most, it will take me one more semester than if I had stayed in DeKalb to graduate with my master’s.
I am living on the west side of town in an apartment that is nicer than any other place that I have lived after leaving home—you should visit. A key feature of the apartment is that Rachel really likes it which is pleasant for both of us. Also, I really like this town and university culture. It will be a good stretch.
Now for the best of 2007 music list (in my opinion). You will disagree—I understand this—so let me know your best-ofs and, likely, I will give you the benefit of the doubt, concede that your list is better than mine, and curse the damned luck. First are the top ten which were extremely difficult to finagle down, so after are the next five followed by the rest of what I appreciated greatly this year.
Best: LCD Soundsystem-Sound of Silver; Spoon-Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga; M.I.A.-Kala; Of Montreal-Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?; Justice-†; Okkervil River-The Stage Names; Deerhoof-Friend Opportunity; Radiohead-In Rainbows; St. Vincent-Mary Me; and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists-Living With the Living.
Next 5: Aesop Rock-None Shall Pass; Panda Bear-Person Pitch; Feist-The Reminder; Menomena-Friend and Foe; and Kanye West-Graduation.
Honorable Mentions: Elvis Perkins, Dan Deacon, The Shins, Lily Allen, Stars, Bloc Party, Ryan Adams, Liars, Sondre Lerche, Jens Lekman, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Animal Collective, Sunset Rubdown, Saul Williams, Talib Kweli, The White Stripes, Common, Lucinda Williams, Ghostface Killah, and Dethklok.
Playlist 2007: 1. Deerhoof-The Perfect Me; 2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Rockers to Swallow; 3. Of Montreal-The Past is a Grotesque Animal; 4. Kanye West-The Glory ; 5. Feist-My Moon My Man; 6. Spoon-Don’t Make Me a Target; 7. Menomena-Air Aid; 8. Jens Lekman-A Postcard to Nina; 9. Elvis Perkins-Sleep Sandwich; 10. The Shins-Red Rabbits; 11. Okkervil River-A Girl in Port; 12. Radiohead-Bodysnachers; 13. Justice-D.A.N.C.E.; 14. Aesop Rock-Coffee [Feat. John Darnielle]; 15. Lily Allen-Knock ‘Em Out; 16. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists-Annunciation Day/Born on Christmas Day; 17. The White Stripes-Conquest; 18. Saul Williams-Niggy Tardust; 19. M.I.A.-Paper Planes; 20. LCD Soundsystem-All My Friends.
That was the long list. As for film—I have been limited in my exposure. With this understanding, I really enjoyed the following: Babel, The Bourne Ultimatum, Grindhouse, Half Nelson, Hot Fuzz, The Last King of Scotland, and Superbad. Not many, right? So that will be a New Year’s resolution.
Let me know what you think. Much peace and love and a belated happy New Year to all.
Northern Illinois did not work out. I was not happy with my situation there because the major focus of study there was not something that held my interest. The faculty are quite good at what they do but it was not for me. After weeks of deliberation, I decided that returning to Iowa State and studying public administration would be the best fit for me. So here I am, in my office on the fifth floor of Ross Hall conducting office hours (blogging). I am taking three classes, one in statistics and two in public administration, and assisting in a class on religion and politics. Another good thing about the transition from NIU to ISU is that, at most, it will take me one more semester than if I had stayed in DeKalb to graduate with my master’s.
I am living on the west side of town in an apartment that is nicer than any other place that I have lived after leaving home—you should visit. A key feature of the apartment is that Rachel really likes it which is pleasant for both of us. Also, I really like this town and university culture. It will be a good stretch.
Now for the best of 2007 music list (in my opinion). You will disagree—I understand this—so let me know your best-ofs and, likely, I will give you the benefit of the doubt, concede that your list is better than mine, and curse the damned luck. First are the top ten which were extremely difficult to finagle down, so after are the next five followed by the rest of what I appreciated greatly this year.
Best: LCD Soundsystem-Sound of Silver; Spoon-Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga; M.I.A.-Kala; Of Montreal-Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?; Justice-†; Okkervil River-The Stage Names; Deerhoof-Friend Opportunity; Radiohead-In Rainbows; St. Vincent-Mary Me; and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists-Living With the Living.
Next 5: Aesop Rock-None Shall Pass; Panda Bear-Person Pitch; Feist-The Reminder; Menomena-Friend and Foe; and Kanye West-Graduation.
Honorable Mentions: Elvis Perkins, Dan Deacon, The Shins, Lily Allen, Stars, Bloc Party, Ryan Adams, Liars, Sondre Lerche, Jens Lekman, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Animal Collective, Sunset Rubdown, Saul Williams, Talib Kweli, The White Stripes, Common, Lucinda Williams, Ghostface Killah, and Dethklok.
Playlist 2007: 1. Deerhoof-The Perfect Me; 2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Rockers to Swallow; 3. Of Montreal-The Past is a Grotesque Animal; 4. Kanye West-The Glory ; 5. Feist-My Moon My Man; 6. Spoon-Don’t Make Me a Target; 7. Menomena-Air Aid; 8. Jens Lekman-A Postcard to Nina; 9. Elvis Perkins-Sleep Sandwich; 10. The Shins-Red Rabbits; 11. Okkervil River-A Girl in Port; 12. Radiohead-Bodysnachers; 13. Justice-D.A.N.C.E.; 14. Aesop Rock-Coffee [Feat. John Darnielle]; 15. Lily Allen-Knock ‘Em Out; 16. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists-Annunciation Day/Born on Christmas Day; 17. The White Stripes-Conquest; 18. Saul Williams-Niggy Tardust; 19. M.I.A.-Paper Planes; 20. LCD Soundsystem-All My Friends.
That was the long list. As for film—I have been limited in my exposure. With this understanding, I really enjoyed the following: Babel, The Bourne Ultimatum, Grindhouse, Half Nelson, Hot Fuzz, The Last King of Scotland, and Superbad. Not many, right? So that will be a New Year’s resolution.
Let me know what you think. Much peace and love and a belated happy New Year to all.
posted by andy at 2:24 PM
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