All time, top five...

Favourite albums. Now here is a very tricky one, and undeniably one that has taken me a few weeks, no scrap that, months (although I really mean years) to generate. Music has always been very important to me both in an active musician's and passive listener's sense, so the stance I'm taking to create this top-five, is somewhat biased - but not really. When thinking about these kind of things, it seems almost impossible not to include the music that you were brought up listening to or to include those first 'finds' you made as a teenager in record stores (or in my case over the internet). So, without further ado, here we go...

1) Blink-182 - Enema of the State (1999)

From when I was about nine, I've always loved skateboarding. When I was about eleven, I was in a skate shop where this album was playing and that was pretty much it. I've always said it was like hearing the music my ears were built to listen to. In reality, if it wasn't for this band, I would probably not listen to half the music I listen to today, or been in half the bands I've ever been in let alone picked up an electric bass. Whilst I love and appreciate everything this band has done before and since, Enema of the State tops it for me mainly for the influential age I was when it came out but also just for its awesomely perfect collection of pop-punk.

2) Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

As I've already said, only the truly time tested albums will find themselves in this list, yet here is Bon Iver's 2008 full length in all its glory. Again, this list is not a hierarchical top five and each look in deserves an equal share of the glory but I do feel like if I had to choose, I would never regret calling this album my all time favourite. To put it simply, for me this is music. Self recorded in a Wisconsin cabin over three months with vary basic gear, 'For Emma' is drenched in songwriting genius. Ghostly, layered vocals and melodies that I could only ever dream of writing. Deservedly, this album has been featured in countless best albums of 2008 or 2009; even becoming the Guardian Newspaper's best album of that former year.

3) Jimmy Eat World - Clarity (1999)

When the band's 2001 album 'Bleed American' came out in 2001, I wasn't overly impressed (I have since become so, though, don't worry). It wasn't until about four years ago that I first heard Clarity, pretty much ignoring the fact that the band had done anything prior to their first commercially big release. Now regarded as pretty much the 90's emo record, Clarity without doubt deserves a place in my all time top five. It's mainly a great record to relax to, or drive to, with tracks like 'Just Watch the Fireworks' and 'For Me, This is Heaven' ultimate mellow outers. I still absolutely love everything else this band has done (and even more so for the fact that their lineup has never changed) but Clarity will always be my favourite.

4) Name Taken - Hold On (2004)

Let's go for something a little more obscure shall we? As a band, one of my great internet finds of the early 00's, Name Taken's first and final full length is alternative pop rock at its absolute best. An awesome vocal with instrumentals that I will pretty much call perfect music, Hold On has it all. This album meant so much to me from the age of sixteen it would be wrong not to put it in this list. Standout tracks for me, 'A Year Spent Cold' and 'Drive Drive Drive'. Please go listen to it now!

5) Steely Dan - Aja (1977)

This last one's a little bit more tricky, but I think I've got to broaden the range and go for something slightly different and of course, older. Without doubt, the best album production ever (it actually won a Grammy for the Best Engineered Non-Classical Recording of 1978) and an ensemble cast of musicians that is, to put it bluntly, nuts. Steve Gadd's performance on the title track, 'Aja' is what got me into playing drums (long before my Blink-182 electric bass days) and in that same way, Chuck Rainey's bass playing on 'Peg' is jaw-droppingly, and flist-clenchingly good. Although this is very much an album of my parent's generation, it has to be in my top five not only for its production but also because it is just awesome music, played awesomely well.

So there we go. There are countless other equally awesome and influential albums that could easily be here but these are what came to mind and didn't leave and probably never will.

Jonty x

All time, top five...

Favourite TV Shows. As requested (or not) here, for your reading enjoyment, are my all time, top five favourite TV shows. Again in no particular order...

LOST (2004-2010)

When Lost started in 2004 I refused to like it. Perhaps because I wanted to be counter-cultural at the time and didn't appreciate its (then) bandwagon following. Needless to say, I was hooked after watching the first couple episodes of season two and it kind of went from there. I never watched these on TV (thanks to Rupert Murdoch hatin' on Richard Branson) but rather, extensive DVD marathons. That's how it should be done though, really. Season six was great but the week wait between episodes was awful and I would never want to re live it. In fact, I am proud to admit that I have watched seasons one to five twice now. Anyway, great characters and story line worthy of its own encyclopedia, and yes, there is one.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-present)

I never got into Seinfield, and that's not because I didn't like it, I just never actually watched it (until recently of course). Larry David, however, Seinfield's co-creator and long time writer, is without doubt one of my favourite human beings of all time (the top five is coming). I love dry, dark, and hide-behind-things-because-you-can't-take-the-embarrassment kind of humour and this has it and then some. Favourite episodes are easily Season two's 'Shaq' and 'The Shrimp Incident' and I cannot wait until season eight airs in 2011! Pretty good, preeety, preeeeety preetty good!

The Simpsons (1989-present)

People who either shun or in any way look down on this series, go away now and never come back. I don't like you and I don't want to be your friend, ever. A show that i've enjoyed since I was old enough to remember watching it and still enjoy today unquestionably deserves to be in this list. A ridiculously awesome cast of insanely developed primary, secondary and even tertiary characters (see my first post for my comic book guy obsession) is what makes this show what it is. That, and an outstanding writing team that, contrary to popular opinion, pen some of the most consistently brilliant family based humour you can find on TV. Awesome.

The Office - UK version (2001-2003)

My girlfriend (being American) loves, and understandbly loves, the later US version of this comedy. Ricky Gervais' 14 episode original however, will and shall never be beaten. No question. Perhaps the sheer brevity of episodes is what makes this show so good in a short and sweet way, or perhaps it's just because it is that funny. Awesomely dry and again embarrassing (to the point of my Dad having to leave the room repeatedly) will always make this a favourite and conditioned viewing for my future children's upbringing.

Prison Break (2005-2009)

There were a few other contenders for this spot, namely HBO's Entourage, but this just cut it for its addiction factor. Seasons one and two are quite easily some of the best cliffhanger tinged pieces of programming I've ever seen and if you have the time to spare (which I'm sure you might if you've read this far) I urge you to sit down and watch the first season on DVD over a weekend or holiday. Then you'll see what I mean.

Jonty x

All time, top five...

Favourite Films. This is a little bit more tricky as the list tends to change a bit. My list as of right now however, is the following - again not in any specific order.

The Matrix (1999)

This just simply is the best film ever, no question for me. I saw this for the first time on Christmas Day in 1999 and on VHS of all things, but boy did it resonate with me even then. Groundbreaking camera work and a kind of cyber-punk feel that Im yet to see done as well. I am now on my 25th viewing of the film and a Christmas day screening is a no brainer for my family even now. While the general consensus toward the second and third films is somewhat hateful, I quite enjoyed them. Having said that, had they left it at the first film, I wouldn't have minded.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Again, a film that really hit me when I first saw it. This one has a little bit of a mixed audience of lovers and haters, but I am most certainly the former. An awesome non-linear story combined with a great cast and a great script makes this an all round awesome film. If you haven't seen it, make it happen!

Evil Dead II (1987)

Here's another one that I saw for the first time on VHS (as you should see it!). To say I'm obsessed with the whole Evil Dead / Army of Darkness franchise would definitely be an understatement, it is THAT AWESOME. Whilst the first film in 1982 redefined a lot of what it means and takes to make a horror film, the updated sequel / remake five years later just tops it for me. It's funny, scary, weird and everything you could want in one go. Sam Raimi is undoubtedly one of masters of contemporary horror and I know for a fact I will never tire of this film... without doubt, one to show the kids!

American History X (1998)

I don't really need to say that much about this for if you have seen it, you will probably know why it is in my top five. It hit me pretty hard the first time I saw it, and its driving theme will definitely open any audience's eyes. Ed Norton's performance is world class, as is the general script, but wow... what an ending.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Whilst it's a tricky one for me, this is the best film adaption of a Stephen King text. If you want a perfect film, this is pretty much it. Surprisingly, it kinda flopped in theatres when it came out, but has (like all good things) garnered quite a following in the years since; consistently making 'the best films of all time' lists. Tim Robbins is so, so good here - WATCH IT NOW (even if you have already seen it).

So that's it. Like I said, the list can change which is why I like to keep the time tested films there. My next top five entry will more than likely be TV shows be we shall see!

Jonty x

All time, top five...

High Fidelity is not only a great book, it's a great film too - something I normally only like to attribute to Stephen King texts*. What resonates so well with me from the Nick Hornby book (and indeed the film adaptation) is the consistent categorisation of everything, and I do mean everything, into personal all time top fives. I don't know, but there's something very satisfying and very simple about putting one's favourite albums or films or anything of worth into a top five caboodle.

Perhaps my next few posts on here will detail a few of my more important top fives (believe me, I have a fair few)? For now, I'll post one that I have recently updated this week and that is my all time, top five favourite cheeseburgers. Bear in mind, that with my top fives, number one is never better than number five; they're all good and that is why they are in the list. Drumroll please...

Number one:
GBK (Gourmet Burger Kitchen) - This is a chain of up market burger eateries in the UK actually started by a New Zealand chef and boy is it tasty. The entry into my top five here however, is their very basic but insanely delicious cheeseburger. Plenty of mayo, awesomely fresh romaine lettuce, a good slab of cheddar that isn't too sharp, and the best Aberdeen Angus beef patty you've ever tasted.

Number two:
In-n-Out Burger - I first tried this California exclusive** back at the beginning of 2009 when I studied abroad in Sacramento, and even though I knew what to expect then, wow what a burger! I've finally nailed my perfect order though--taking account of all those hidden augmentations you can make--to a 4x4, no onions, extra lettuce and extra spread. Perfect. Evidently, this is not your typical fast food burger joint by any stretch of the imagination! Everything is freshly prepared, in fact, one of the main reasons the place hasn't expanded is because a location HAS to be within a day's drive of their meat processing plant! That is quality you can definitely taste!

Number three:
Rubicon Brewing Company, Sacramento CA - I know, not a burger place specifically but this local microbrewery in Sacramento CA actually serves one of the best burgers I've ever had! Again, super fresh ingredients and nothing crazy. A great American tasting*** all beef patty with fresh tomatoes, onions and a huge wedge of romaine lettuce! A very recent, but very welcome addition to my all time top five!

Number four:
The Old Studio Coffee House, Witney UK - Again, not a burger joint per se but the best bad burger you've ever had! A favourite at my old job for both me and my colleagues, make sure you order it with cheese, lettuce and mayonnaise! So bad it's awesome.

Number five: Jose's Fish Bar, Witney UK - Another home town favourite, this typical chip shop burger comes complete with a no fuss thin patty that, rather unusually for such burgers, covers the entire surface area of the bottom bun! It's greasy and messy but oh so good! I make sure to order mine with lettuce and fried onions and of course, the mayo!

So that's it! My all time top five favourite burgers. The list my change as you might expect, but for now these are the best five burgers available in my life!

* - Stephen King actually has the most book to film adaptations of any author ever and as a result they're not all great! So there is an element of sarcasm in this sentence which I don't think will translate. I think for it to make sense, you really need to see the film Maximum Overdrive, then it will make sense. Yes.


** - Whilst I've stated California exclusive, I am indeed aware that In-n-Out has locations in Nevada, Utah and Arizona.


*** - Yes, American beef does taste different and sometimes, depending on what you're eating, there really isn't an alternative.

The omnipresent flip flops

Omnipresent is perhaps the wrong word. Ubiquitous ... also doesn't quite cut it. I'd like to say that my Picnic Sport (contender for best brand name ever?) flip flops have been everywhere with me and when I come to think of it, they actually have, for almost half my life. I got these bad boys when I was eleven, holidaying in the Biscay region of Northern Spain. You will now undoubtedly be thinking, 'wow, you had big feet for an eleven year-old' and I will agree, yes, I did. But don't let that detract from the awesomeness of these stylish, molded-to-my-foot-shape beauties, they have literally been on every holiday and traveling expedition since then. Which includes, and is not limited to everywhere from Thailand to Vegas to Kenya.

I am understandably very reluctant to part with them. In fact, at the request of both my family and girlfriend (and come to think of it, my girlfriend's family), I have been asked to 'upgrade' the Picnic Sport's on countless occasions yet, thankfully, they remain.

Jonty x

American Psycho

...is a pretty intense book. I am sure there are many of you who have seen the film adaptation of this Bret Easton Ellis book, and rather paradoxically, I urge you to simultaneously stay away and also pick up the original text. Although I haven't finished the book yet (I'm about three quarters of the way through), it is in equal measure both graphically shocking and interesting. For those of you who haven't read, or know very little about the book, it focusses on the life of Wall Street 'yuppie' Patrick Bateman (played in the film version by Christian Bale, pictured above) as he indulges in psychotic, murderous rampages when he is not at the day job. He becomes seemingly more unhinged and blood thirsty as the book progresses and I can only imagine how all his crazy antics will pan out - I am definitely up for seeing what will happen though. Is that wrong?

Anyway, if you want a book that will both shock and grab you, have a look at American Psycho. I actually read that in New Zealand and Australia, it is illegal to sell the book to anyone under 18 and it actually comes shrink wrapped in store! All the more reason to check it out!

As a side note, if you want some awesome music to listen to, I am currently spinning Saves The Day's 'Stay What You Are' album - it undoubtedly rocks.

Jonty x

So...

I am going back to Sacramento at the end of September and cannot wait! I am hoping the weather here in the UK holds out until then and I can enjoy an extended summer / autumn until the New Year! Out of everything that California has to offer, I think I am most looking forward to revisiting my love for In n Out Burger. Back in Janurary last year I made this video of myself eating an 8x8 and am from today preparing myself to step it up to perhaps a 10x10 or even a 12x12. For those of you who also enjoy this fantastic West Coast burger establishment and do not always find yourselves propinquitous to all it offers, might I urge you to revel in Kenji Lopez's meticulous breakdown of an animal style double-double at A Hamburger Today. Other than that, I just found out that...

I write like
H. P. Lovecraft

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Next time...

try this. When it's super hot out, rather than having an adequately chilled bottle of Dr. Pepper at hand from your fridge, why not put said bottle in the freezer? After a lengthy and unbiased testing stage, I have concluded that freezing a 2 litre bottle of the delicious liquid (from store / room temperature) for two hours offers the absolute perfect coldness. Reeefreshing!

Wow

Justin Vernon, the man behind Bon Iver and other musical guises, is amazing. There is pretty much nothing better than finding new music that resonates so deep so immediately. For me, this does just that. Wow.

LOST

Back in 2005 I started, somewhat reluctantly, watching the first season of LOST. At the time it was hugely popular and I think I felt it had somewhat of a bandwagon following; not something I was too keen to become a part of.

Regardless, I have to admit I enjoyed it immensely and was subsequently hooked. After Sky One was axed from my Cable provider mid season two, I resorted to watching each series in the Autumn after it was released on DVD. This went on until the end of season five last year when I alerted my girlfriend to the show. I proceeded to watch, in its entirety, the whole show i.e. seasons 1-5 all over again and once more, I was not disappointed... In fact, I felt it bestowed on me an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the show's multi-faceted nature.

As season 6 (the final season) ends this month, I will have to say goodbye to a show that has occupied my life for months at a time for the past five years - I will definitely miss it! Having not written on here (again) for a long time and with the season finale in sight, I felt it fitting to offer my breakdown on how I see things shaping up in these final few hours of entertainment. Before reading on, and if you have not watched season six or still plan to start the whole show from season one, I advise perhaps averting your eyes...

So where are we? With the demise of Sayid, Jin and Sun in 'The Candidate', we are left with three remaining candidates: Jack, Sawyer and Hurley. Flocke (i.e. fake John Locke - aka the Man In Black or MIB) has made it clear that he will endeavor to kill these remaining guardians of the island to aid his personal liberation from it's so-called 'cork' effect imprisoning him there. Indeed, the logic has remained solid throughout - MIB cannot kill the candidates himself, he needs to find other means just as he had to have Ben kill Jacob at the end of season five. Hence, confining them all to the sub with a bomb that they ultimately detonate themselves. What, however (or who), is not allowing the MIB to kill the candidates remains a mystery as does the effects of what will happen to the MIB should he do something to them.

So, my questions and short answers going into these final three episodes are as follows...

1) Who or what is the young blood-stained boy haunting the MIB? My thoughts: He is an entity above both Jacob and the MIB. He appears to age leading some to suggest he is Jacob reincarnated yet his cheeky, 'I'm in charge' grin exhibited a couple episodes back would perhaps suggest he is indeed a higher being.

2) Who will takeover as the new 'Jacob'? My thoughts: Sayid, before being blown to smithereens, informed Jack that 'it's going to be you'. Whether there is weight to this statement or not is yet to be answered, although all fingers do appear to be pointing in Jack's direction.

3) What's happened to Desmond and what is his significance? My thoughts: Desmond has always been both an interesting and hugely popular character on the show and I feel the writers would be ill-fated to dispose of him haphazardly. We have seen his Jacob-like power in bringing the characters together in the flash-sideways timeline, but how important this will end up being is again another question. After being electromagnecuted (yes, that's what I'm calling it), something has definitely happened to him and he appears somewhat enlightened and evidently immune to the MIB's intimidating advances. I think we have a lot more to see from him yet...

I think that's enough Q&A for now. I know the title of this week's episode and what it will broadly cover so hope it should shed a lot of light on all the questions we have up to this point. Until then, we will just have to ponder...

Jonty x

Greenophobia

I feel that I have a perfectly legitimate excuse for my lack of postings on this blog; my dissertation. Whilst I am only 5000 words into the requested 8-10k word paper, it has admittedly consumed me. Before class began last September I decided it was something I wanted to do and went to my advisor with the aim of addressing Coca Cola Corp's take on the wonderful notion of corporate social responsibility. Come November, with nothing written, and two more meetings with my advisor I began to debate whether Coca Cola's ethical doings were indeed where I wanted to take my discussion. Then I read this.

I guess I've had somewhat of turnaround with regard to what I'm writing now. In effect--and when this piece of work is handed in--I'll have a sort of green marketing framework. I'm yet to fully decide on a title for my dissertation but I definitely want it to suggest an analysis or recognition if you will of the interface between marketing and the myriad of green issues we currently face. Even those without a specifically academic background in marketing theory could tell me that such an interface, through common sense, flags up a few problems. One wants us to consume more (and indeed fuels it) whilst the other wants us to consume less. I guess that's exactly what I want to answer though...

Perhaps when I'm done I'll make it available on here as PDF? Let me know if you're interested!

Jonty x