Dancing Through A Dumpster Fire - Best of 2020
I’m convinced the most soulful man on the planet is a 29yr old redhead from Buckinghamshire, England. This album is at once warm, relaxing, energetic, and fun. Garratt sings and plays all of the instruments (it’s an amazing experience seeing him live), and while his music is described as some sort of mix of Electronic/Alt-R&B/Pop, his Blues/Rock background shows through in his guitar work. I truly have nothing bad to say about this album, every choice he makes just works so well. The only thing I could wish for is simply more of it. In a world where popular bands are practically forced by their label to put out an album every 2yrs and constantly release new singles in the meantime, waiting 4yrs for Jack Garratt’s new album felt like forever. But it was SO worth the wait. Just as his 2016 album did, this one tops my list.
If you had told me several years ago that I’d be listening to Bring Me the Horizon, let alone putting one of their albums on my top list, I would’ve wondered what the hell happened to me, but here we are. For a long time Bring Me the Horizon was simply a very popular Metalcore band. But several years ago the lead singer decided to take some health advice and dial way back on his screaming. Not only did the vocals change to mostly clean singing, the instrumentation added tons of electronics, pads, and backing tracks - everything changed. This new sound skyrocketed them from a niche fame to the same heights as Pop artists.
With this, their 3rd album since the sonic change, they’ve taken it to a new level by melding in the heaviness they used to be known for with the new sound they’re now known for. This is shoved in your face with the blistering Metal/Punk opening track, letting everyone know they can still bring the heavy when necessary. The rest of the album is solid and fun to rock out to. I’ve heard bands try to mix their Hardcore stylings with some Pop sensibilities and it usually doesn't quite work right or just sounds boring, for one reason or another. I highly encourage you to check out this album, whether you normally like Pop music and only dabble in Alt/Rock stuff, or if you’re a Metalhead who only dabbles in lighter or electronic stuff, I think you’ll like it.
Circa Waves has been on my radar for a while now, but I’ve never really taken the time to dive into them. Well I’m glad I did this year. “Sad Happy” is a combination of 2 EPs they released last year which, as you could probably guess, were titled “Sad” and “Happy.” Nothing genre bending here, just some solid Alt-Rock/Indie-Pop goodness, along with a few acoustically led chill songs.
I’ll say I was only really into about 70% of the album, but of those songs I had the hardest time choosing which one was going to appear on my mix. “Be Your Drug,” “Move to San Francisco,” “Call Your Name,” and the one that made it on my mix, “Jacqueline,” are the standouts for me. You may have even heard the title track on the radio. I don’t like to compare bands really, but since there’s so many in this genre I’ll say that if you like Cage the Elephant, Sant Motel, or The New Pornographers, you’ll probably like these guys. Even if you don’t like or know those bands you may still like Circa Waves.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
“Everything Changes in the End” - Vistas
“The Lottery Winners” - The Lottery Winners
Ok so both of these albums are really good, and I legitimately like them, but they suffer from the same problem - memorability. On each album the songs kind of blend together and no single one really sticks out. I could play a random song from either album and I’d like it, but none of them would stick with me enough for me to really be into it. I recommend giving them a listen because maybe one or more will stand out for you though. Vistas are pretty much the definition of Indie-Pop and The Lottery Winners have a general modern Pop/Rock sound with some songs sounding slightly influenced by ‘90s/‘00s Pop/Rock.
I don’t know, maybe the fact that I like almost all of the songs means they’re perfect albums and I’m just not used to that. But the fact none of them stick in my head for long leads me to believe something’s off. Have a listen for yourself and enjoy!
One of the best Comedies of the year, with a dash of Sci-fi and a pinch of Drama for good measure. When maid of honor Sarah (Cristin Milioti) meets carefree and under-dressed wedding guest Nyles (Andy Samberg) he’s somehow charming, maybe too charming. After a night of fun and getting away from the seemingly average wedding, things get complicated as they are unable to escape the venue, themselves, and each other.
From that quick description it may sound like an average Rom-Com, but to call it such would be a disservice. It’s a very fun movie and makes you ask yourself, or discuss with whoever you’ve just watched it with, what would you do in that situation? Samberg’s character, while still comedic, is much more toned down from the characters he’s known for. While I’ll always love watching him play the super goofy guy for the rest of his career, I like seeing him as a more “normal”/relatable character as well, so hopefully there’s more of that in his near future. I’m not as familiar with Milioti but she nails her role too.
I didn’t really know anything about this movie going in other than that it starred Aubrey Plaza. I also can’t say too much without spoiling things, so watch it with the only knowledge being a film director/writer (Plaza) has a getaway to a cabin, owned by a young couple, in order to find inspiration to write her next film. I hesitate to say the genre but it’s essentially a Drama/Thriller with a dose of jet black comedy.
Some say this movie’s too pretentious, which I can see, and I honestly wasn’t sure how much I liked it after watching it. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and a day or so later I decided it was worthy of a top spot on my list for 2020. It’s intense, uncomfortable, and Plaza’s performance is excellent. I wouldn’t fault you for pausing it to make yourself a stiff drink and have a cigarette at some point during the film, but I’d encourage trying to watch it all in one go.
Can’t believe I’m actually putting a DC movie on my list (to be clear I’m more DC than Marvel when it comes to comics, but DC’s movies have been…..less than stellar). Harley Quinn has been a favorite character ever since she was created back in the ‘90s, and Margot Robbie has done an excellent job with bringing her to a live-action big screen. She really is one of the few saving graces of the DC cinematic universe this past decade, and the only good thing to come out of the Suicide Squad movie, and it’s all Robbie.
As for the movie itself, suspend your disbelief and enjoy the absurdity of it all - the costumes, one-liners, ridiculous fight scenes, and Ewan McGregor as a villain (I mean, almost everyone’s a villain in this technically). Enjoy yourself and don’t take it too seriously.
Funny, sad, real, absurd, and real absurd, “Spontaneous” is your classic coming-of-age tale about first loves, growing up, and oh yeah…..high school students spontaneously combusting. In this senior class you learn to live fast and die even faster. A Dark Comedy at heart, this movie still has its drama, but is an overall enjoyable ride.
QUICK PICKS
A couple extra movies for you to enjoy!
We Summon the Darkness (Netflix) - Set in the '80s, some young people attending a Metal concert go to an afterparty where they encounter a serial killing cult. A mostly serious Thriller, it's a solid watch and will keep you wondering what's going to happen next.
Freaky (On Demand or Rent/Buy) - Another "Freaky Friday" style film, except this time a high school girl switches bodies with a serial killer.....played by Vince Vaughn. A fun Horror/Comedy, it's like "The Hot Chick," except it's actually watchable. And with a lot more murder.
I finally got around to watching this over the summer and it’s great. The premise? Superheroes exist and are marketed like products and stock options. They make movies, appear on talk shows, promote charities, and are essentially super-celebrities who occasionally stop a robbery to keep up appearances. But away from the public and cameras they have the power to do whatever they want…..and they do just that. A small number of people know this, and an even smaller number are trying to bring them down, but what can a normal human do against beings that are bulletproof or shoot lightning from their hands? But superheroes being not-so-super is just the beginning of the story, as this rabbit hole goes deeper than you can imagine.
I think people generally feel the whole “gritty, dark superhero” genre is played out now due to DC messing up their movies this past decade, but this isn’t DC, and it’s done right. In fact, the comic was originally under a sub-publisher of DC when DC cancelled them only 6 issues in. Luckily an independent publisher took them on only a few months afterwards and now we have this great show 12yrs later. It’s an Action/Thriller/Drama show through and through, with just the right amount of humor…..usually dark humor. Being a streaming, hour-long drama, it only has 8 episodes per season (2 seasons so far), so there’s no fat to trim, it keeps the story moving. That being said, you’ll still be sitting there, eyes glued to the screen, as you hold your breath through uncomfortable, tense, non-action scenes in pretty much every episode. Antony Starr is amazing in this, from his big speeches all the way down to extremely tiny facial expressions, his performance is expertly nuanced. After many false starts in TV and box office mediocrity (save Star Trek) Karl Urban has finally found another role he’ll be remembered for, and he’s perfect for it. The rest of the cast is solid and hits their notes, but Starr and Urban are the obvious standouts.
By the way, when I say “gritty, dark superhero,” I don’t mean like Nolan’s PG-13 Batman trilogy - this is hardcore TV-MA. Season 3 is on the way, so it’s a great time to catch up!
This was an interesting find for me this year. The premise is an international flight out of Brussels is seemingly hijacked by a madman claiming they need to immediately take off before the sun rises. The more information the captain gathers, the less mad this hijacker seems to be, but how long can they fly before sleep deprivation, insufficient food, and their own personalities and biases, let alone the sun, catches up to them? The main language spoken is French, but Russian, Italian, German, and English are all spoken in this international whirlwind of a Thriller. Hop on board and buckle in, you will experience some turbulence.
Irish comedian Aisling Bea writes and stars in this Comedy/Drama about a woman who has recently been released from a mental rehab center after suffering a “tiny, little nervous breakdown.” Bea plays Aine, a woman in her 30s who teaches English as a second language in London, and we follow her as she deals with her ex, her roommate, her mother, and her protective older sister who has relationship issues of her own. Aine is quick-witted and can easily brush off any comment with a joke, but in her moments alone you get to see the depression and desperation that’s really going on inside this awkwardly charming woman trying to pull her life together.
At only 6 episodes it feels a bit short, but a 2nd season has been greenlit and is on the way. So come have a good laugh, cry, and drink.
An animated show about a Batman villain? Yup. And it’s funny. And it’s TV-MA. But don’t worry, it’s not another boring, gritty/dark adaptation, it's a Comedy first and foremost, the rating is mostly for swearing and violence. Its premise is similar to the movie Birds of Prey, in that Harley strikes out on her own without Joker. However since this is animated and a 30min tv show, there’s much more freedom in characters and storylines. Aside from the comedy, of which there is multitudes, the serious parts of the show hit on relationships - be it friendships, abusive partners, or even your own relationship with yourself. Great for teens or young adults on their own for the first time, but can even be helpful to those well into adulthood too. Grab some snacks and a friend, you’ll have a great time binging the first 2 seasons (season 3 is on the way!).
You’d think post-apocalyptic media has been overdone, but this one’s family friendly! After an event practically destroys the world and makes the surface unlivable, the humans have been driven underground while the surface is filled with toxic plants and poisons…..and anthropomorphic animals! You’ve got gangster frogs, science wolves, rock’n roll snakes, and Godzilla-sized bunnies! Kipo, an upbeat 13yr old girl from an underground bunker, is accidentally forced up to the surface when her bunker is attacked. As she tries to find her way back to her dad and the rest of her people, she’ll make friends, enemies, frenemies, and take in the wonder, and horror, that the surface world has become. Raised in a world of positivity, will her idealism and naivety get Kipo and her new friends killed? Also, some unexplained things are happening to Kipo, and it’s way beyond just normal puberty…..
Music plays a big part in this show, so that might make me a little partial to it. While it’s obviously aimed at elementary and middle school kids, if you’re looking for something to watch with (or without) your kids, it’s a good one…..especially if you can’t handle another viewing of Frozen or whatever your kids have on repeat right now.
QUICK PICKS
Here's some more shows that I think are a fun watch, but for one reason or another didn't crack my top list.
Avenue 5 (HBO Max) - In the future you can take a cruise on a spaceship. After a malfunction, this cruise is set to return to Earth in a few years. Hugh Laurie plays the straight man as the Captain and main character of this comedy, flanked with ridiculous/hilarious performances by Josh Gad and Zach Woods. I’m only halfway done, which is why this is in the “Quick Picks” section, but it’s very funny and I highly recommend it.
Solar Opposites (Hulu) - Aliens stranded on Earth. Another animated comedy from Justin Roiland. It’s funny enough and some filler to watch while you wait for the next season of Rick and Morty. The best part of the show is “The Wall,” kind of a sub-show within the main show.
Love Life (HBO Max) - Do you like Rom-Coms and Anna Kendrick? Here’s a full season of that. Good times.
My Hero Academia (Crunchyroll or Hulu) - One of the most popular anime of the past few years. A world where 80% of people have super powers, but not every power is good - you might get something cool like super strength, but you also might just get some really strong tape that shoots from your elbows (yup, that’s a character). Set in Japan, Heroes are licensed and kind of a combination of private investigators, disaster relief, and helping the local police/fire departments. The show follows the new freshman class at the top school for hero training. It’s fun and an easy show to get into if it’s your first foray into the insane world of anime. I suggest watching it in Japanese with subtitles instead of the English dubbed version.
Teenage Bounty Hunters (Netflix) (Canceled)- Two sisters from an upper-class family, and who attend a strict Christian high school, stumble into becoming bounty hunters. Absurd? Yes. Funny? Definitely. Sadly I believe this was a victim of the pandemic, being canceled after just this first season. I guess there’s a chance it could get picked up by another service, but it’s unlikely. It’s still worth watching though.
STAND-UP
This year some heavy hitters released new specials, including Tom Segura, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, and even Louis C.K. quietly released a new one. But none broke my funny bone quite like the 5 I'm about to list for you, so take a look!
James Acaster is back with 2 hours of comedy, and watch out old people and Christians - he’s a badass now, so you’re not welcome anymore. After releasing his 4-show comedy epic “Repetoire” 3yrs ago (4 separate specials, an hour long each, and all related to each other about him being a detective), this special seems too normal for him, talking about his ex, a tv appearance that turned him into a meme, and the worst year of his life. It takes a while to see it, but this special isn’t really about all those “normal” sounding comedic topics, it’s about his anxieties and overall mental health journey. A serious topic made funny in only a way that James can - uniquely. I’d say this isn’t as good as his previous special(s), but it’s really hard to top a 4-show “special.”
Please note as of right now this special isn’t available anywhere. It was filmed in December 2019 and it was livestreamed on Dice.fm this past December. So the only way to currently see it is to sail the high seas and grab a copy, or know someone who has ;) Wherever it does end up though, I will be buying it, and you should keep your eyes peeled for it too. You can find his amazing 4-show epic “Repetoire” on Netflix though, which I talked about last year and will say again to make sure you watch each special in order and preferably close together, as it’s kind of one giant story and has some good callbacks.
Kyle Kinane has been one of my favorites for a long time and, despite being successful, has remained somewhat under the radar. To quote Nel after we listened to this special - “That man knows how to spin a yarn.” - and I agree. Kinane’s stories take unexpected turns and you soon realize his mind does not work like the average persons’. Seemingly mundane topics, such as his parents visiting, his own name, or how he spent his time while his roommate was gone for 2wks, are golden threads of comedy in Kinane’s hands.
Kyle went old school with this “special” by making it an album, meaning it’s audio-only. You can find it anywhere you listen to things - Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, e.t.c….. And make sure to do yourself a favor and watch his other specials (which are video, not just audio), as I think they're even better than this one - all of which are streaming on the CBS app of all places, and are available to buy/rent on AppleTV, Amazon, and a few others.
At 26, Taylor Tomlinson seems too young and new to have her own Netflix special, but make no mistake, she’s been in the game for a decade now and is deserving of everything she’s earned. You might assume her comedy would be just for the 35 and under millennial crowd, but jokes about her engagement, growing up, dating, and her own thoughts can be enjoyed by anyone.
After this amazing special I’ll be looking forward to each new one she releases. Being this good now, I can’t imagine how great she’ll be in the next 10yrs. Give it a watch, you won’t regret it.
Bamford is back baby! Ok she never left, I just wasn’t into her past 2 specials. In this new special she continues with her original, hilarious style of mining her mental health for comedy gold. Jokes about her parents, husband, and the absurdity of being a professional entertainer also abound. She’s been a pro in the comedy world for a couple decades now and first popped on my radar in the mid-‘00s after watching the documentary “The Comedians of Comedy” (a film AND short tv series about a stand-up tour with Maria Bamford, Zach Galafianakis, Patton Oswalt, and Brian Posehn) which you should watch if you haven’t seen it/them. I’ve loved her comedy ever since.
Additionally she is the creator/star of “Lady Dynamite” on Netflix. It’s a kind of sketch show based on her real life and on a lot of her previous jokes. So there’s something else for you to check out if you enjoy her stand-up, which again I would recommend trying to find specials and clips of hers from the past 20yrs because she’s so good.
A fast-talking, flamboyant redhead from Down Under, Nicholson is like an anxious stream-of-thought on stage in a suit. With jokes about getting older (he’s 30), drugs, parents, and representing the gay community, you’ll find yourself laughing the whole way through, even clicking back 10 or 20sec to catch some missed jokes. Grab an extra cup of coffee, or maybe an energy drink, and try to keep up.
This was my first time hearing of him, but after this I’ll be checking out his previous work as well. Enjoy!
Promising Young Woman
Willy’s Wonderland
Breaking News in Yuba County
Minari
Free Guy
A Quiet Place 2
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
The Suicide Squad
Eternals
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