haveweallgotthebendss

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Addison Russell hits a grand slam - November 1, 2016

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For the first time in my lifetime, The Chicago Cubs are headed to the World Series! Words can't describe how amazing this is!

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My 2015 Year End List

ALBUMS:

1. Father John Misty- I Love You, Honeybear

2. Sleater Kinney- No Cities To Love

3. Courtney Barnett- Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit

4. Sufjan Stevens- Carrie & Lowell

5. Titus Andronicus- The Most Lamentable Tragedy 

6. Wilco- Star Wars

7. Tobias Jesso Jr.- Goon

8. D’Angelo & The Vanguard- Black Messiah 

9. Bully- Feels Like

10. El Vy- Return To The Moon 

11. Grimes- Art Angels 

12. Kurt Vile- b’lieve I’m going down... 

13. Natalie Prass- Natalie Prass

14. Destroyer- Poison Season

15. Bjork- Vulnicura

16. Joanna Newsom- Divers

17. Tame Impala- Currents

18. The Mountain Goats- Beat the Champ 

19. Viet Cong- Viet Cong

20. FIDLAR- TOO

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

1. Wavves- V

2. Jamie XX- In Colour 

3. Deerhunter- Fading Frontier

4. Panda Bear- Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper

5. Kendrick Lamar- To Pimp A Butterfly 

6. Craig Finn- Faith in the Future

7. Majical Cloudz- Are You Alone?

8. Death Grips- The Powers That B

9. Mikal Cronin- MCIII

10. Will Butler- Policy

TOP SHOWS: 

1. EL VY AT THE METRO CHICAGO NOVEMBER 19, 2015

2. SUFJAN STEVENS AT THE CHICAGO THEATER APRIL 25, 2015

3. Run the Jewels at the Pitchfork Music Festival July 19, 2015

4. Foo Fighters at Wrigley Field August 29, 2015

5. Sleater Kinney at the Riviera Theater and at the Pitchfork Music Festival February 17, 2015 & July 18, 2015

6. Wilco at the Pitchfork Music Festival July 17, 2015

7. Stevie Wonder at the United Center October 16, 2015

8. Father John Misty at the Vic Theater April 3, 2015

9. The Replacements at the Riviera Theater April 29, 2015

10. AC/DC at Wrigley Field September 15, 2015

11. The War on Drugs and Philip Selway at the Metro July 30, 2015

12. Death Grips at the Metro June 30, 2015

13. Tweedy at the Vic Theater March 7, 2015

14. Courtney Barnett at the Pitchfork Music Festival July 19, 2015

15. No Doubt at Riot Fest September 11, 2015

16. TV On The Radio at the Vic Theater August 1, 2015

17. American Football at Lincoln Hall January 2, 2015

18. Bully at the Pitchfork Music Festival July 18, 2015 and at Lincoln Hall October 9, 2015

SONGS:

1. El Vy- “I’m The Man To Be”

2. Father John Misty- “Bored in the USA”

3. Chairlift- “Cha Ching”

COVERS:

Screaming Females cover Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”

TELEVISION:

1. Master of None

2. Mr. Robot

3. Fargo

4. Difficult People

5. Man Seeking Woman

6. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 

MOVIES:

1. Inside Out

2. Love and Mercy

3. Ex Machina

4. Mad Max: Fury Road

5. Star Wars The Force Awakens 

BOOKS:

1. You Don’t Know Me But You Don’t Like Me: Phis, Insane Clown Posse, And My Misadventures With Two Of Music’s Most Maligned Tribes by Nathan Rabin (2013)

2. Hunger Makes me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein

Gaming:

1. Fallout 4

2. NBA 2K16

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Record Store Day was a massive success yesterday! Was able to get everything I wanted. I still can’t believe I was able to get the ultra Rare Paul McCartney “Sweet Trash Mix” 12". Till next year!

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Beck beats Beyonce and Kanye almost pulls a Kanye.

(via ditzkoff)

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Top 10 Shows of the year

1. Wilco at the Riviera theater December 6, 2014 & December 12, 2014

Twice in the past 3 years, I have seen Wilco in December. I think I have my top shows all picked out and then BAM, I see Wilco and it all changes. Technically, these are two different shows, but I couldn't choose between the two. Every time I see Wilco, it's such a wonderful experience that I never want to end 

2. The Strokes at the Governors Ball Music Festival June 7, 2014

I FINALLY SAW THE STROKES LIVE! After foolishly skipping them at Lollapalooza 2010, I had to make a special trip out to New York to see them. They've been high up on my must see list for years and I was so fortunate to catch them live. Even though the show was kind of ruined by an awful crowd (as my friend Jared put it, "everyone who goes to a Strokes show, thinks they are the biggest Strokes fan and will stop at nothing to be front row), it was still an incredible set that I will never forget. After seeing The Strokes live, I can finally say, I've seen my top 10 favorite bands live!

3. St. Vincent at SXSW March 12, 2014, St. Vincent at the Pitchfork Music Festival July 19, 2014, St. Vincent at the Chicago Theater December 2, 2014

Oh Annie, sweet sweet Annie. Your album was so amazing this year that I had to see you three times. That's right, I saw St. Vincent three times this year and I couldn't decide which time I liked her the best. Every time I've seen Annie Clark over the years, it's been such a fantastic experience. Her stage presence, the way she shreds on guitar everything about her live show is just remarkable. At SXSW this year, I heard her new material live for the first time. She completely killed her set at pitchfork and ended up even getting a black eye after smashing her face into a drum kit. The last time I saw her this year was the first time I had seen her inside a venue since the Strange Mercy tour at the Metro. The light show that went along with each song mesmerized me. All in all a great year to see the lovely and talented Miss. Annie Clark live. 

4. Kraftwerk 3D at the Riviera Theater March 27, 2014

Seeing these pioneers live was an awesome experience. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out with the whole concert being in 3D, but it ended up being really fun. It was my first time sitting in the balcony of the Riviera. I thought this would be the best place to view the show, so I could get the whole perspective of it. Images popped out, German "robots" sung and people danced. A very cool show to say the least. 

5. The Hold Steady at the Concord Music Hall on July 2, 2014, The Hold Steady at the Cobra Lounge on September 12, 2014 and The Hold Steady at Riot Fest on September 14, 2014

Three years ago, I met a now really good friend of mine outside the Riviera Theater waiting for a Wilco show. We started talking about various things ranging from music, to movies and favorite television shows. When we got on the subjects of favorite bands, he said that his was this band called The Hold Steady. Having heard the name, but not knowing any of their music, I kind of took it as a suggestion to listen to them. After he told me about his history with the band (and several other attempts to have me start listening to them), I finally did in late 2012. Since then, I have basically listened to them nonstop and couldn't wait for them to start touring again. After announcing a new album this year, I was beyond stoked that I would be able to see them live! July 2, 2014 was my first Hold Steady show. It was Brendan's 62nd. From the moment their set started with "Your Little Hoodrat Friend" I was hooked. It was one of the most fun shows I've ever been too. A few months later, they announced that they would be playing a Riot Fest aftershow. I usually don't like to go to aftershows if I'm going to a festival so I was on the fence about this one. Brendan texted me a few hours after tickets went on sale and asked if I had bought one? I said not yet, but was probably going to. He told me there was going to be a "special surprise" at the show, but he wouldn't divulge any information. I needed to be there. The day finally came. September 12, 2014. It was a rainy cold day in September but that didn't stop me from going to The Cobra Lounge that night. The Hold Steady got on at around midnight. I knew I was going to be beyond tired the next day, but I didn't care, I was about to witness something amazing in a 150 person capacity venue. They played a few songs off their new album Teeth Dreams, and then went into their song "Positive Jam". I didn't think anything of it, because I knew they play that song quite often. Then came the "surprise" Brendan was talking about. Following "Positive Jam", they played "The Swish" and then"Barfruit Blues". Suddenly, I knew what was happening. They were in the midst of playing their first album Almost Killed Me in its entirety. The show was absolutely incredible (minus the old drunk guy that kept pushing everyone). Everyone was covered in confetti by the end. It was one for the memory books. Two days later, I saw them again play Riot Fest. A pretty killer greatest hits set. My goal for that afternoon though was to change my friend Greg's mind about the band. He had saw them play at the Granada Theater in Lawrence, Kansas earlier that year and said he hated it. We got up to the second row and even though Brendan wasn't there gesturing with his hands and belting out every lyric, it was still a great show. Halfway through the set, Greg turned to me and said, "Wow, they're incredible"... Mission accomplished!

6. Spoon at the Metro August 2, 2014

I've been wanting to see Spoon live for years. This year, I finally got the opportunity to and they did not disappoint. A career spanning set that included a lot of tracks off their newest album They Want My Soul. This show had everything I expected from a Spoon concert. A fun time with a lot of sing-a-long jams. Before the show, my buddy Artem and I went to the Gingerman Tavern, a famous dive bar located right next to the Metro. It was my first time there and it was kind of cool knowing that so many of the greats that have played the Metro over the years had stopped in for a drink there. 

7. Arcade Fire at The United Center August 29, 2014

This was my third time seeing Arcade Fire but first time in an arena. The previous times I had seen them were at Lollapalooza in 2010 and the UIC Pavilion in 2011. Granted, both were pretty significant sized venues, they were nowhere near as big as seeing them at the United Center. I got there about two and a half hours early because I wanted a good spot on the floor. To my surprise, there weren't that many people waiting to get in. It was pretty underwhelming even though the first two people in line got there at nine in the morning. The wait was pretty grueling. It was a hot August afternoon and the people who were waiting weren't the most talkative. As soon as those doors opened at 5pm though, my excitement started rushing through my veins and I knew I was in for an incredible night. The legendary Devo opened the show. They were pretty magnificent by themselves. Then after a Dan Deacon "dance party" in the middle of the United Center, Arcade Fire appeared on stage. There was dancing, sweating and a whole lot of singing. Those few people who were waiting in line and myself kept belting out song after song. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Arcade Fire is one of the best live bands I've ever seen. Even though their playing these huge arenas now, I will always love this band. 

8. I'll Take You There: Celebrating 75 Years of Mavis Staples November 19, 2014

On the night of November 14, 2014 I was in my car picking up Chinese food. While driving, I received a phone call from a number I didn't recognize. It had a 312 area code so I knew it was from Chicago. Normally, I don't even consider touching my phone while I'm driving, but for some strange reason, I picked it up. It was a women calling from WXRT saying that I had won tickets to the 75th Mavis Staples birthday celebration at the Auditorium Theater on that Wednesday. I had entered a contest earlier in the day and some how some way I won. I played it cool on the phone, but as soon as I hung up, I started freaking out. I knew that I would not only be in the same venue as some of my favorite musicians (Win and Régine from Arcade Fire and Jeff Tweedy) but I would also be in the same room as some music legends. That and the fact that tickets for this show were not cheap. I picked them up Monday afternoon and realize that these were forth row pit seats. These tickets were beyond anything I could ever imagine. My Dad and I went out for a nice dinner in the city and then headed to the Auditorium theater. Now I've heard rumors that the Auditorium theater has some of if not the best acoustics in all of Chicago and that is the truth. The sound in this venue was beyond incredible. Never did I think I would be witnessing talent like Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Arcade Fire and Jeff Tweedy (to name a few) all in the same room. It was such an amazing evening. A fun side note, before the show started, I went to grab some waters for my Dad and me. All of the sudden, I see none other than the mayor of the city of Chicago Rahm Emanuel. As I notice who it is, I see him taking a photo with someone so I ask "Mr. Mayor, do you think I can take a picture with you? It would only take a second." He turns to me and says "Let me go listen to some music" and walks away. Bad mouthing him to my Dad until intermission, we go out into the lobby and low and behold Rahm is there talking it up with some supporters. I go up to him again and ask if I could take a picture with him. He hesitates for a bit and then agrees. It was a pretty great moment.

9. Outkast at the Governors Ball Music Festival June 6, 2014

I've been hoping for an Outkast reunion for as long as I can remember. This pivotal 90s Hip-Hop duo announced they were playing the festival circuit in 2014 and even though they may have overdid it a bit, this was still a must see this past year. So many sing-a-longs during this show. From their opener "B.O.B" to their closer "The Whole World" (Killer Mike jumped in on his verse), this show was so much fun. I know Andre said they won't be making anymore music, but I sure hope they'll be around forever, forever ever forever ever. 

10. Neutral Milk Hotel at the Riviera Theater February 7, 2014

Almost three years ago, I saw Jeff Mangum perform a collection of songs from the band that made him famous. To this day, it's still one of the best shows I've ever been to. Neutral Milk Hotel disbanded in 1999, long before I ever heard any songs by them. About 6 years ago, I was introduced to this quartet, and ever since then, they have been one of my favorite bands. I never thought I would have the opportunity to see them live as a full band. This year however, I saw them twice. Once at the Riviera Theater and the other time at the Pitchfork Music Festival. The Riviera show though outweighed their Pitchfork Fest set by a long shot. Seeing this band I never thought I'd be able to see two rows in front of me, was an amazing experience. Singing a long to all those songs I never thought I'd have the opportunity to hear live, made for a magical moment that I will never forget. 

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Top 50 albums of 2014 & 10 Honorable Mentions

1. St. Vincent- St. Vincent 

This record has meant a lot to me over the year. It's a new sound for Annie, who has said that it's "A party record you could play at a funeral." This album almost sounds like it was recorded on another planet. The songs sound futuristic and to the listener, leaves a great deal of imagination. I have loved almost everything miss Annie Clark has put out, but this release in particular has left a lasting impression. I feel that this will be a record that I will be listening to for years to come. 

2. Cloud Nothings- Here and Nowhere Else

This album is raw, heavy, loud and full of life. Everything you would expect from a great punk record. It isn't an improvement from their 2012 LP Attack on Memory but more of a constant. This trio from Cleveland proved on this album that they were more than just a couple of loner kids. This record from the beginning shoots right out of the gate and never stops. 

3. Angel Olsen- Burn Your Fire For No Witness 

This album is both beautiful and sad at the same time. After seeing her at the Pitchfork Music Festival in 2013 and being "bored" during her set, I really didn't have high hopes for this album. After the first listen, I immediately changed my opinion of her. This album deals with heartbreak. To the listener, this usually isn't what they want to listen too. Getting past that though, you start to feel empathy towards her and this is what makes the album so great! Knowing her pain and listening to how she becomes braver and using it to strengthen her as an individual is what made me fall in love with record. 

4. Spoon- They Want My Soul

Spoon has been one of my favorite bands for a long time. I FINALLY caught them live this year and it was everything I wanted and more. This is the bands eighth studio record and after 2010's Transference, which wasn't the greatest Spoon album, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this one. it took me a couple of listens to really get into this record, but when I did, I was hooked. This album feels like it's a new beginning for Spoon. It also seems like it could be the perfect follow up to their 2007 album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. It's not as upbeat/fun as that LP but seems like it would have made for a good transition. Nonetheless, even though this album is seven years late, it still makes for a great listen. 

5. Run the Jewels- Run the Jewels 2

I'm not usually a fan of Hip-Hop. I was also not the biggest fan of the first Run the Jewels record (even though I have gone back to it after listening to this one and have changed my views of it). However, this album is PHENOMENAL! Never have I thought I would use that word while describing a rap album, but this truly is an amazing record. The album is more bold and darker than the first installment.  The combination of Killer Mike and El-P's lyrics and the production on this album are absolutely remarkable. After each listen, I just keep getting more and more into this record. It's truly an outstanding piece of music. 

6. Ty Segall- Manipulator 

7. Sun Kil Moon- Benji

8. The War on Drugs- Lost in the Dream

9. Tweedy- Sukierae 

10. Future Islands- Singles

11. Ex Hex- Rips

12. FKA Twigs- LP1

13. Perfume Genius- Too Bright

14. Aphex Twin- Syro

15. The Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams

16. Tv on the Radio- Seeds 

17. Parquet Courts- Sunbathing Animal

18. Caribou- Our Love

19. Mac DeMarco- Salad Days

20. Beck- Morning Phase

21. Swans- To Be Kind

22. Todd Terje- It's Album Time

23. Owen Pallet- In Conflict

24. Sharon Van Etten- Are We There

25. Courtney Barnett- The Double Ep: A Sea of Split Peas

26. Damon Albarn- Everyday Robots

27. Interpol- El Pintor

28. Strands of Oak- Heal

29. Wye Oak- Shriek

30. Jenny Lewis- Voyager

31. The Orwells- Disgraceland

32. Hundred Waters- The Moon Rand Like a Bell 

33. Lykke Li- I Never Learn 

34. Twin Peaks- Wild Onion 

35. Warpaint- Warpaint

36. Pallbearer- Foundations of Burden

37. EMA- The Future's Void

38. Wild Beasts- Present Tense 

39. Against Me!- Transgender Dysphoria Blues 

40. Foo Fighters- Sonic Highways 

41. Death From Above 1979- The Physical World 

42. Real Estate- Atlas

43. Fucked Up- Glass Boy

44. The New Pornographers- Brill Bruisers

45. Jack White- Lazaretto

46. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Days of Abandon

47. SchoolBoy Q- Oxymoron

48. Alvvays- Alvvays

49. tUnE-yArDs- Nikki Nack

50. Protomartyr- Under Color of Official Right

Honorable Mentions

1. Ariel Pink- pom pom 

2. Sylvan Esso- Sylvan Esso

3. How to Dress Well- What Is This Heart?

4. Flying Lotus- You're Dead!

5. Ought- More Than Any Other Day 

6. Ryan Adams- Ryan Adams 

7. White Lung- Deep Fantasy

8. Iceage- Plowing Into The Field Of Love

9. Cymbals Eat Guitars- LOSE

10. iLoveMackonnen-iLoveMackonnen Ep

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This is how I imagine Thom Yorke announced his new surprise album.

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watch the video for Thom’s new song ‘A Brain In A Bottle’ https://bundles.bittorrent.com/bundles/tomorrowsmodernboxes

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Last night was pretty incredible! Haven't seen Arcade Fire since The Suburbs tour in 2011. They once again proved why they're my all time favorite band to see live. Devo was a great opening band. Never thought I would hear "whip it" live. The new songs from Reflektor sound absolutely amazing!

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RIP

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Mark Ruffalo: The Fangirl