[2010 + Win!]…Listen Up

As a lover of music, I would be doing the yearly “Best of” lists an injustice if I didn’t share with y’all what I thought were the best albums of 2010. They aren’t in any particular order…and they are not coming from the perspective of a *serious* music critic…they’re just albums that made my 2010 musically awesome.

1) Tron Legacy: Soundtrack (Daft Punk) – It’s Daft Punk + amazing cinematography. I have not seen the film yet, but the soundtrack has already gotten me glitched out!

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Kanye West) – Couple this with the visually interesting short film “Runaway” and you have the Kanye West that won me over with “College Dropout”

Body Talk (1-3) (Robyn) – I love Robyn. And I love the Body Talk series because every single track just makes you wanna go out any dance. Plus the album artwork is hella cool.

Michael (Michael Jackson) – Though I question the authenticity of some of the tracks on here (namely “Breaking News”)…I do know that most of the tracks are by MJ because they all show that versatility (folk to funk to hip-hop) that only Michael can do. I really do enjoy this album, though it makes me miss him more.

Doo Wops & Hooligans (Bruno Mars) – Bruno Mars is so cute. And that’s not the only reason I like this album. It’s fun, unique, and has some really sweet lyrics.

Head First (Goldfrapp) – I play this album at least once a week. This electropop group has some of the best melodies around. Youtube “Voicething”. You will not be disappointed.

Senior (Royksopp) – This is the more melancholy sibling to 2009’s Junior (which is a really fun album).  I think the album was the best atmospheric one I listen to this year and is perfect for mellowing out.

The ArchAndroid (Janelle Monae) – This girl is talented. She combines an amazing voice with some amazing production. I love albums that carry a concept and The ArchAndroid is definitely that. If you love work about the social philosophy of man & machine, then you’ll love this!

New Amerykah Part 2: Return of the Ankh (Erykah Badu) – “Window Seat” was hands down one of my favorite songs this year. The rest of this album is just as good & is my favorite since “Mama’s Gun”. Plus she enlisted the awesome talents of Madlib…this is some good, chill stuff right here.

So there you have it…my favorite albums of 2010. I’m so picky about music (I think most if it is just awful these days), but when I hear albums like the ones above, I have hope that 2011 will have some good stuff too!

[2010 + Win!]…Feline Frenzy

Those that know me well know that I probably have the tendency to become a crazy cat lady in the far (or maybe near??) future. I love cats! I think they’re super cute and I love how they don’t give a damn about rules and just do their own thing. On top of that, their quirky ways and personalities make them great fodder for humorous videos, lists, photos & websites.

Here’s my favorite cat related things of 2010 (well, some have been around since before 2010, but I discovered them this year so yeah…)

(Click the photos for more!)

Twas the Night before Chrismas Told by Cats

Cats Just Chillin’

Cats in Sweaters!!

How to Best Organize Your Cats

Stuff on my Cat

Squeeee! …anyone with a  heart has got to find these kitties cute!

[2010 + Win!]…In Space

For the rest of the year, I’ll be dedicating “2010 + Win” to posts about what I consider the “Best Of” 2010. I know you’re probably getting sick of those types of lists, but hopefully mine will be a bit more offbeat and include some things besides the norm that I consider the best!

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If you’ve never checked out NASA’s “Photo of the Day“, then you’re missing out on a real treat. I try to check the site daily for some awesome glimpses into the world of space & space exploration. The following are some of my favorites that I’ve seen this year…

These images really just awe me. Looking at them makes you realize that there’s so much out there that we don’t or can’t understand. Even if that’s the case though, it can still be beautiful or stunning to look at. I wish everyone could approach the unknown with such wonder! Can’t wait to see what the heavens have to share in 2011!