Top 2006 listmania!
I’m a sucker for lists, especially at the end of the year. This is subject to change, but here are a few of my top lists. Feel free to send me suggestions, it’s not an easy thing keeping track of all the movies and music that come out each year!
Top 5 Movies of 2006
Keep in mind I don’t watch a lot of movies in the theaters, so I am definitely missing out on some great ones. Here are the ones I did happen to catch, either on the big screen or through Blockbuster Online.
5. Akeelah and the Bee - This movie is predictable to the core, your typical family film. Maybe it’s my love for words or I really can appreciate some sappiness every once in awhile. Sometimes you do need some good, clean, educational fun.
4. V For Vendetta - Visually stunning. I’ve always been a fan of dystopian stories and this was a good one to check out. Nothing like “stickin’ it to the man.” Natalie Portman has definitely landed a spot on my favorite actresses list.
3. Little Miss Sunshine - I had assumed this movie was going to be hilarious since Steve Carrell was in it. I was wrong. This movie was extremely dark at times, but it was full of heart. It depicted life without much sugary coating and I appreciated it. (It did make me laugh, too.)
2. Cars - I’m a sucker for Pixar movies. They are always smartly written and beautiful to watch. This one is no exception. Watching the “making of” on the DVD made me appreciate it all the more. And Mater is a pretty loveable character.
1. Borat - I got to see a special screening of this and it was nonstop laughter from the whole audience. It is not for the weak of heart and the easily offended! But if you’ve got tough skin and a little sense of humor, it’s worth it. After watching this, I checked out the Ali G show where Borat originated. Ridiculous stuff!
Top 5 Albums of 2006
I was more into discovering new “old” music than checking out the new albums from this year, but these got considerable play time from my computer and in my car. I don’t like rating music so much, so these are not in any particular order.
- Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not - I forget where I heard about these guys, but I’m glad I ran into them. Reminds me a bit of Hard Fi, but a little more raw. Tracks to check out: “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor” and “When the Sun Goes Down.”
- Ben Folds - Supersunnyspeedgraphic - I’ll be honest, I haven’t kept up with all of Ben’s EPs. But I jumped all over the opportunity to watch him in action a few months ago. And of course I had to prepare myself to sing along, so I grabbed this album. I hope to catch him live again, he was amazing. Check out “There’s Always Someone Cooler Than You” and “All You Can Eat.”
- Yellowcard - Lights and Sounds - Okay, so you won’t find this on any other top list this year. I’ll admit, I was disappointed when I first listened to this album. I wanted less rock, more violin. But this album grew on me and definitely gets played once a month in my car. Check out “City of Devils” and “How I Go.”
- Mat Kearney - Nothing Left to Lose - This is slightly cheating because most of the stuff on this album was from his first album he released on a smaller label. My brother caught them opening for Shane & Shane two years ago and enjoyed Mat more. He gave me a copy of their cd and I’ve been ecstatic to see Mat “make it big” … aka get some play on Grey’s Anatomy! Check out “Can’t Break Her Fall” and “Bullet.”
- This spot is reserved for all this music I will be listening to this week. Apparently, there are some albums people are raving about that I’ve never checked out. I’ll post later on how much I agree with the critics.
Tags: arctic monkeys, ben folds, mat kearney, Movies, Music, yellowcard
