BEST SONG: VNV Nation – “On Air”

This will probably be viewed by most as only an “intro track” which sets the mood of the album, rather than a standalone track. However, it is the one track on the album that I consistently hit repeat on, because it does an incredibly awesome job at “setting the mood”. It is a composition which I find to be very dark, and very lonely… as if you’re stranded in the tundra, wrapped up in a parka that feels thinner by the minute, desperately trying to find some signs of life on an antique radio. I love that. I really, really love that.

BEST NEW BAND: Foster the People

I wasn’t much for discovering new bands this year – I left that to Kev. And he turned out some pretty good ones. Foster the People was one he really got into, and I must admit, this is pretty good stuff. Their tunes are fresh and absolutely infectious. I do hope they stick around and don’t fade into obscurity… as generally happens when good bands get wildly popular on the mainstream music market. Best of luck, guys.

BEST MUSIC VIDEO: Woodkid – “Iron”

I actually didn’t see this until New Year’s Eve, which is quite amazing when you consider it has eight million hits on YouTube. It’s not surprising that it’s such an amazing video, considering that Woodkid is a music video director – he directed this one as well. The images were beautifully captured and presented by both Woodkid (Yoann Lemoine) and cinematographer Mathieu Plainfosse, creating an extremely powerful, captivating artpiece to bring a brilliant depth to an equally moving musical piece.

BEST GUILTY PLEASURE: Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”

Seriously, how can you NOT like this?

BEST LULZ: The Lonely Island – “Threw It On The Ground”

This one was extremely difficult to decide, as I do rather love some funny-music. But of all the songs put out this year, this one consistently cracked me up. I even had part of it as a ringtone for my Dad (This ain’t my dad! This is a CELL PHONE!). Honorable mentions go to LMFAO for “Hot Dog“, and the geniuses behind Bad Lip Reading for “Russian Unicorn“.

BEST DANCE: Radiohead – “Lotus Flower”

My opinions are officially invalid.

Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat has hit the Central Kentucky scene, baby!

I couldn’t help but be a little shocked at the price: $7.29 per bottle. Really? Isn’t this… isn’t this supposed to be an alternative to OPI? At that price, it’s not all that “alternative”. Especially considering that China Glaze Crackle Glaze is just $5.99 at Sally’s. Still, I was chuffed, so I picked up the Antique Gold Crackle Overcoat, as China Glaze’s Metallics won’t be released in the US until July/August.

What can we do with Gold Crackle? This is one of the first looks that came to mind (pairing with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “Emerald City”):

Cash money, baby.

Now, for those who are curious about this particular crackle, I will say that the consistency is different from OPI: It is a bit thinner. However, don’t be a goober and pile on a big glopping coat to try and make up for it, because it won’t crack very well if you do. A nice, average coat is more than enough for deep cracks. If you like super-tiny islands of shattered colour, Antique Gold might not be for you, because I can’t see it being able to achieve such ultra-fine cracks. I’ll test with other colours later on, surely.

In other news, who else is loving the holy living hell out of the new Gaga? I must confess, I am a big Farmville geek, so I’ve been gathering all the Gaga quest gear, and enjoyed the album preview they had rolling a few days ago… but listening to my very own copy of it feels so, so good.

I hope whoever made this particular edit gets lots of cookies. Of all the Lotus Flower re-dubs, this one is the best (including all the other Single Ladies edits).

Yeah yeah, I really need to post more than just videos every now and then, but there are some things that just need sharing. And as soon as my bank account recovers from paying last month’s mobile bill, I’m snagging that track off Amazon and making it my new obsession.

I love The Guild. Love.

Anyway, news… news. Eh. School is coming up next week (gasp, oh noes). Later this week, I have “pre-employment testing” to go to, for whatever that means. I don’t even rate an interview. I just get tested. THE REAL WORLD IS JUST LIKE COLLEGE LOL. Oh, and I love a guy who hits you with flowers, chocolates and love notes, all on separate occasions, but well within a week’s time. Ok, so the chocolates were M&M’s, but I LIKE THEM OKAY. THEY WERE YUMMY. And also a surprise, so I count them! Officially. Hehe.

PUNCHLINE: These Are My Twisted Words  (Advance / Leak / 2009)

Well. If this is really genuine, at least Phil still knows how to play drums.

The experience has been, so far, quite mixed. I’m happy even if I am at times quite terrified… partly due to nerves and partly due to the real mixbag we call “neighbours”. Most of the happiness is down to the fact that I’m surviving outside the next with minimal emotional hitches… anxiety increased but it’s been nowhere near as horrid as the other times I’ve been far from home. I think it’s due to my being stronger, and having much better support than I ever had before. Support which, god willing, should arrive within the fortnight, and perhaps lend a hand at being more supportive of my mammaries.

I’m earning an A in Narty.

The most pleasant thing about being in a more citylike environment is the fact that I have an intarweb connection which is worth a shit. The hell that is dial-up is finally behind me. Finally. I’ve been making friends with Netflix Instant Play, as well as catching up with all the glory of YouTube:

Fuck. Yes. THIS is what Christmas music should be.

Wish I could say the same for my night.  I came home, sat in the car for a while, left again, came back, had a beer, and then had a mild panic attack.  Which wouldn’t have been such a bad thing had I not been on the phone at the time.  I needed the release, without worrying about reigning it in for the benefit of party-two.  He wanted to stay on the phone with me.  I got nagged about hanging up, he wanted to stay that much.  I guess that should be a comfort, but… I don’t know.  There’s a very, very delicate balance between “leave me the fuck alone” and “please don’t go”.  A sort of, please be there, allow me the comfort of knowing you’re there, but don’t be so present that I should worry about what you’re thinking when I need to worry about calming myself down.  I guess it’ll take some practice.

After that episode, and after I had fully recovered (took about an hour?), the night went alright.  Still feeling a bit overwhelmed by this whole mess of life, but the worst of it has been expelled.  Like having a zit on yer ass, I reckon.  The pressure is off but it’s still going to hurt for a bit.

In other news, thanks to Kev’s inquisitiveness, I found out that Peter Heppner has indeed released his solo effort, imaginatively titled “Solo”.  International release dates are, unfortunately, still being negotiated.  But with the glory of the Inter-tube, who needs international release dates?  Soulseek to the rescue!  It’s not as great as Wolfsheim — only a few songs pack a somewhat similar sort of punch — but it’s still pretty good.  ‘Alleinesein’ was probably his best choice for a debut single, and definitely my favourite.  ‘No Matter What It Takes’ is also pretty striking.  The rest?  Well, it’s going to take some time to bond with.