These are a few of my favorite things…

I stopped attempting to create annual top 10 music lists long ago, but in an attempt to stay somewhat engaged in culture, I’m just going to take a page from Oprah and list any album, book, TV show, or whatever I discovered and/or dug this year. (Is this two posts in a row with Oprah references? Someone call for help — I’ve turned into a middle-aged woman.)

I think most of these were released this year, but I really don’t feel like doing the research to make sure. This is my website, after all.

OK, here we go, in no particular order (after the jump):

HOMELAND: Seasons 1 -3

Why didn’t anyone tell me how amazing this show was before this year? You’re all dead to me.

VAMPIRE WEEKEND: “Ya Hey”

There isn’t a bad song on this album… but this one is the best.

ALT-J: “Breezeblocks”

It’s a little kitschy, but I both love this album and hate myself for loving this album so much.

DEAFHEAVEN: “Dream House”

This is the heaviest shoegazer band I’ve heard. It’s amazing.

PHOSPHORESCENT: “Ride On/Right On”

I love this song’s simplicity, and singer Matthew Houck’s vocal pops and guitar work make it all come together.

JOSHUA FOER: Moonwalking with Einstein

 A guy meets memory nerds athletes who can memorize the order of two decks of shuffled cards in less than a minute, decides to give it a try, masters the technique, then decides [spoiler alert, I guess…] there’s no point. Somehow, this book fascinated me.

GIPHY.com

There is not an email, web post, tweet, or Skype that cannot be improved with a well-sourced gif. Giphy.com is as good a source as any.

POPE FRANCIS

 This guy is awesome.

PAPA: “Put Me to Work”

I was on the fence about including this band, but then I watched the video and the bonus points for wearing lighted hairnet over the dude’s beard put them over the edge.  I assume most bands who aren’t U2 moonlight in the restaurant industry, so I appreciate the attention to hygiene.