10 Rap Albums You Should Listen To

It's been a while since I've made a blog post, so while I have no homework I'll return to my blogging with a post about rap albums.  Hey! This is what I looked like in 8th grade:

I'm the human in the back of this picture, not the pug (I was only a pug from 4th-6th grade).  Anyway, despite slightly less pale skin and a haircut, I still look pretty similar to the way I did in this picture.  The only reason I bring this up is so you know what this guy who's about to talk about rap looks like.  If you see this picture and immediately want to close out of this blog and never return, I totally understand.  But I encourage you to read on, and hopefully enjoy my thoughts on these albums.  Regardless of the way I look, I'm actually a decently big rap fan.  I think it's neat!  So hopefully if you don't know much about rap, you'll learn a little something here.  If you know more about rap than me, please feel free to let me know.  Give me some suggestions, I'm always looking for new albums to get into.

In All Seriousness:

Transitions are awkward.  So here's a little intro as to how I went about picking these albums.  I gave myself a rule that I could only pick one album per artist.  So artists like Kanye West and Outkast, who I like a lot, would probably have multiple albums on this list.  But I wanted to be able to recommend more artists, so they only get one.  Also, you've probably heard of most of/all of these albums.  This post is targeted at the more casual rap fan who hasn't heard much and is looking to discover something good.  So hopefully I don't get too much flak for recommending pretty popular albums.  Also these are in no particular order, they're just 10 albums I like a lot.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West

Track Listing

1. Dark Fantasy

2. Gorgeous

3. Power

4. All of the Lights (Interlude)

5. All of the Lights

6. Monster

7. So Apalled

8. Devil in a New Dress

9. Runaway

10. Hell of a Life

11. Blame Game

12. Lost in the World

13. Who Will Survive in America

Favorite Song: Blame Game

When I say they are in no particular order I kind of lied, because I'm starting with my two favorite rap albums.  MBDTF is my favorite Kanye West album.  It's my favorite rap album.  It's my third favorite album of any genre.  It could potentially be the album I've listed to the most ever.  Kanye does the best production of his career here, in my opinion.  The orchestral sound of All of the Lights, the simplistic, soothing piano of Blame Game and Runaway.  It's all great.  Despite not always being a huge fan of Kanye's lyrics, they are strong on this album.  MBDTF is filled with brilliant guest appearances from Pusha T, Raekwon, Bon Iver, Nicki Minaj's best work ever in Monster, and everyone who's ever done music in All of the Lights.  Top to bottom it's my idea of a perfect album.

Stankonia - Outkast

Track Listing

1. Intro

2. Gasoline Dreams

3. I'm Cool (Interlude)

4. So Fresh, So Clean

5. Ms. Jackson

6. Snappin' and Trappin'

7. D.F. (Interlude)

8. Spaghetti Junction

9. Kim & Cookie (Interlude)

10. I'll Call Before I Come

11. B.O.B.

12. Xplosion

13. Good Hair (Interlude)

14. We Luv Deez Hoez

15. Humble Mumble

16. Drinkin' Again (Interlude)

17. ?

18. Red Velvet

19. Cruisin' in the ATL (Interlude)

20. Gangsta Sh*t

21. Toilet Tisha

22. Slum Beautiful

23. Pre-Nump

24. Stankonia (Stanklove)

Favorite Song: B.O.B.

Here is my second favorite rap album of all-time.  Something that strongly determines whether I like a rapper/rap group or not is whether I like the rapper's voice or not.  A lot of people like Lil Wayne, but I think he has the most annoying voice in music.  On the contrary, Andre 3000 of Outkast has probably the coolest voice in music.  All of the choruses on this album sound great sung with his smooth, southern voice.  And his and Big Boi's verses in songs like B.O.B. and Ms. Jackson are some of the best in rap.  Now that's a pretty bold statement.  But I'm a bold guy, and I haven't listened to THAT much rap.  Just enough to make this post and not feel guilty.

Old - Danny Brown

Track Listing

1. Side A (Old)

2. The Return

3. 25 Bucks

4. Wonderbread

5. Gremlins

6. Dope Fiend Rental

7. Torture

8. Lonely

9. Clean Up

10. Red 2 Go

11. Side B (Dope Song)

12. Dubstep

13. Dip

14. Smokin' and Drinkin'

15. Break It (Go)

16. Handstand

17. Way Up Here

18. Kush Coma

19. Float On

Favorite Song: Side A (Old)

Danny Brown has a voice that you'll either really enjoy or not like at all.  I used to not really like Danny Brown when I first heard him on Childish Gambino's song Toxic.  After a few more listens of that song he grew on me.  So with Danny Brown I suggest giving him multiple chances, because he's one of my favorite rappers currently working now.  The beats on Old are insanely good, and you get the sense of that with the very first song.  Danny is putting out a lot of good original stuff, and I'm looking forward to anything he does in the future.

Liquid Swords - GZA

Track Listing

1. Liquid Swords

2. Duel of the Iron Mic

3. Living in the World Today

4. Gold

5. Cold World

6. Labels

7. 4th Chamber

8. Shadowboxin'

9. Hell's Wind Staff/Killah Hills 10304

10. Investigative Reports

11. Swordsman

12. I Gotcha Back

13. B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)

Favorite Song: 4th Chamber

Like all of the Wu-Tang Clan, GZA likes to use samples from kung-fu movies.  The intro to Liquid Swords, a monologue from a kid in the movie Shogun Assassin is chilling, and one of the coolest intros to an album.  Liquid Swords is my favorite solo album from a member of the Wu-Tang, and GZA is a close second only to RZA as my favorite Wu-Tang Member.  Great beats, great lyrics, great artwork, it's a great album.

good kid, m.A.A.d city

Track Listing

1. Sherane a.k.a. Master Splinter's Daughter

2. B*tch Don't Kill My Vibe

3. Backseat Freestyle

4. The Art of Peer Pressure

5. Money Trees

6. Poetic Justice

7. good kid

8. m.A.A.d city

9. Swimming Pools (Drank)

10. Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst

11. Real

12. Compton

Favorite Song: m.A.A.d city

Kendrick Lamar makes me more excited for the future of rap than any other rapper working today.  I've loved all of the stuff he's done so far, especially this album.  He's got great personal lyrics and songs that flow so well together.  This album is best listened to in order (most albums are, this is a waste of a sentence).  If Kendrick keeps consistently making good music he could easily find himself towards the top of my favorite rappers list (which is an honor greater than any award or number of album sales).

Madvillainy - Madvillain

Track Listing

1. The Illest Villains

2. Accordion

3. Meat Grinder

4. Bistro

5. Raid

6. America's Most Blunted

7. Sickfit

8. Rainbows

9. Curls

10. Do Not Fire!

11. Moneyfolder

12. Shadows of Tomorrow

13. Operation Lifesaver aka Mint Test

14. Figaro

15. Hardcore Hustle

16. Strange Ways

17. Fancy Clown

18. Eye

19. Supervillain Theme

20. All Caps

21. Great Day

22. Rhinestone Cowboy

Favorite Song: All Caps

This joining together of the extremely talented MF Doom and Madlib created one of the best rap albums of all-time.  Doom and Madlib's production on this album is among the best you'll ever see.  The beats are perfect.  The use of samples are great.  The songs are all just long enough; the album's pacing is very good.  It's a great intro for anyone trying to get into early-2000s alternative rap.

MM...FOOD - MF Doom

Track Listing

1. Beef Rapp

2. Hoe Cakes

3. Potholderz

4. One Beer

5. Deep Fried Frenz

6. Poo-Putt Platter

7. Fillet-O-Rapper

8. Gumbo

9. Fig Leaf Bi-Carbonate

10. Kon Karne

11. Guinnesses

12. Kon Queso

13. Rap Snitch Knishes

14. Vomitspit

15. Kookies

Favorite Song: Beef Rap

I'm kind of cheating here, because MF Doom is part of Madvillain.  But who cares, this album is so good I couldn't leave it off the list.  MF Doom might be my favorite rapper when it comes to the use of spoken word samples.  Also an album based on food is just REALLY down my alley.  This album's beats are very relaxing to me.  If I had to pick one rap album to listen to whenever laying down at night, it would definitely be this one.

EP - Childish Gambino

Track Listing

1. Be Alone

2. Freaks and Geeks

3. My Shine

4. Light Turned On

5. Not Going Back

Favorite Song: Freaks and Geeks

I'm kind of cheating again here because this isn't an album, it's an EP.  As a pretty big fan of Gambino, I've heard all of his albums several times.  But in my opinion this is the best thing Childish Gambino has ever put out.  It's 5 songs, but they are among his best.  They have some of his funny, and most personal lyrics.  All of the beats are great, especially on Freaks and Geeks, which is one of my favorite songs of all-time.

Black on Both Sides - Mos Def

Track Listing

1. Fear Not of Man

2. Hip Hop

3. Love

4. Ms. Fat Booty

5. Speed Law

6. Do It Now

7. Got

8. Umi Says

9. New World Water

10. Rock N Roll

11. Know That

12. Climb

13. Brooklyn

14. Habitat

15. Mr. Ni**a

16. Mathematics

17. May-December

Favorite Song: Mathematics

Too often when I ask people if they've listened to Mos Def, they tell me they've never heard of him.  This shocks me every time.  Mos Def, in my opinion, is one of the smartest rappers working still.  Black on Both Sides is by far his best album, and one of the essential albums of the 90s.  I wish he made more music, and spent less time in movies.  Also, Mathematics is probably my favorite rap song of all-time.

The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem

Track Listing

1. Public Service Announcement 2000
2. Kill You
3. Stan
4. Paul (skit)
5. Who Knew
6. Steve Berman (skit)
7. The Way I Am
8. The Real Slim Shady
9. Remember Me?
10. I'm Back
11. Marshall Mathers
12. Ken Kaniff (skit)
13. Drug Ballad
14. Amityville
15. B*tch Please II
16. Kim
17. Under the Influence
18. Criminal

Favorite Song: Stan

Controversial, lyrics that cut like knives, and controversial lyrics about knives.  Eminem in his prime was hard to top.  There is a reason why this album sold a ridiculous amount of copies.  The year was 2000, rebelling against your parents was cool, and there was nothing more rebellious than listening to Eminem (except for maybe like lighting stuff on fire and worshipping the Devil).  The MMLP holds up today as a terrific rap album, and is cited by a lot of modern rappers as a big influence on them.  It's hard to imagine a rap world with Kendrick Lamar and Danny Brown without Eminem paving the way for controversial rappers.

3 TV Shows You Aren't Watching But Should Be

I know that you are all probably watching thirty different shows already.  You're trying to fit in seven episodes a day of Orange is the New Black, while catching up on the last season of Game of Thrones and Mad Men before people spoil them for you, and trying to rewatch every episode of Breaking Bad again because if you go a month without hearing, "Yoooo Mr. White!" you breakout into hives and start vomiting all over the place.  Woah, this got really gross.  Anyway.  I know you're swamped with other shows (and social lives, which I hear is a thing normal people are supposed to have) so you don't have to watch these shows now, but I'd like to shine some light on them so if you're ever free you can give them a watch.

In All Seriousness:

1. The Leftovers (HBO)

The Leftovers is a new HBO show, it premiered three weeks ago.  The show focuses on Justin Theroux as a cop in a town that's coping with life after an event where 2% of the entire world's population disappeared into thin air with no explanation (yet).  It's really new, so I could be speaking too soon if the rest of the season just really sucks, but with the way it's going so far, I feel really comfortable giving it my stamp of approval.  The inspiration for this entire post was the 3rd and most recent episode of this premiere season, because it was one of the best episodes of television I've seen this year.  So definitely try to give this show a watch, and at least make it to the third episode.

2. Undateable (NBC)

This show could very well fall into the realm of countless sitcoms of a bunch of friends who work at/constantly go to a bar, and be forgotten.  But for now at least, I'm a big fan.  The show isn't breaking any storytelling ground, a lot of the stories aren't that original, but every episode has me laughing really hard.  The joke writing is good, and the cast is filled with talented up-and-coming stand-up comedians like Chris D'Elia, and the lesser known but very funny Brent Morin and Ron Funches.  Give it a shot, if you laugh then keep on watching like I have been.  

3. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Another HBO show.  If you don't have HBO Go then steal it from a friend because it's pretty much the best network. (Have you not seen Game of Thrones yet?  What's wrong with you?)  LWT is a comedy news show from former Daily Show correspondent John Oliver.  He is killing it.  Being on HBO he is able to be more risqué then he would be allowed on Comedy Central, and the once a week format allows him and his writers to put more work into creating the jokes.  The show is really informative and hilarious at the same time.  There are many late night shows available to watch nowadays.  Make this the one or at least one of the ones you watch.

~Ryan Moncrief

Album Review: Ultraviolence - Lana Del Rey

Deluxe Edition Track List

1. Cruel World

2. Ultraviolence

3. Shades of Cool

4. Brooklyn Baby

5. West Coast

6. Sad Girl

7. Pretty When You Cry

8. Money Power Glory

9. F****d My Way Up To the Top

10. Old Money

11. The Other Woman

12. Black Beauty

13. Guns and Roses

14. Florida Kilos

15. Is This Happiness

It was hard to go into this without bias, due to the fact that I really enjoy all of Lana Del Rey's previous work, and also because the album title references one of my favorite books/films (A Clockwork Orange).  But I attacked this 15-song album with an open mind, hoping that Lana would stick to the mellow, almost dream-like sound she had on her fantastic debut album Born to Die, rather than trying to produce formulaic pop hits.

Lana (apparently we're on a first name basis) did not disappoint.  She didn't sell out, or succumb to producing accessible music for the sole purpose of being accessible.  She took her massive success, and made a sophomore album that feels even more personal, and more organized then her well-received first album.

My main criticism would be that she recycles a few ideas here, especially in the first two songs.  Cruel World has a mention of the red party dress that she's talked about in a few songs.  Every time I hear her sing about it I think, "She's got some money.  Can't she buy some different colored dresses?" She also uses the adjectives "Young", "Wild", and "Free" again here in the early songs like she has done a lot in Born to Die.  

Other than this, her lyrics are great.  Del Rey uses her unique voice to talk about unusual relationships (such as being the on-the-side girl in Sad Girl), her new fame (in Money Power Glory), and enough sadness and loneliness to fill your twitter feed with quotes for days.

Something that's evident in the beginning are the bluesy riffs that are in all of these songs.  Co-producer of the album, Dan Auerbach, is also the lead singer/guitarist of rock band The Black Keys.  The combination of Black Keys style music behind Lana's soft, echoey voice is fantastic.  They're two kinds of sounds that you wouldn't expect to enjoy together until you actually hear them mixed.

Overall, Lana Del Rey follows up her great first effort with a great second effort.  Ultraviolence feels more complete and lyrically it is superior to Born to Die.  Lana fans, you can breathe a sigh of relief.  She's done it again.

Grade: B+

Favorite Song: Brooklyn Baby

You can listen to these songs on Youtube right now.  You can also listen to the singles West Coast, Ultraviolence, Shades of Cool, and Brooklyn Baby on Spotify or iTunes.  You can and should pre-order the album on iTunes now, or buy it when it is released on June 17th.

-Ryan

Top 20 Favorite TV Shows of All-Time

All normal people watch TV.  Non-normal people don't have TVs.  People who are REALLY not normal will cancel plans, lock their bedroom door, and watch 16 hours of a TV show on Netflix while eating nothing but a few chocolate-covered Oreos throughout the day so they don't have to leave their bed.  I'm just assuming there are people like this, I'm DEFINITELY not speaking from experience.  But basically what I'm trying to get across is that I have watched many TV Shows.  So if a show is on this list, then I thoroughly enjoy it and recommend everyone watches it immediately.  Additionally, I have not seen every single TV Show there ever was, I'm not insane.  I do other things too (I also watch movies).  So if you see one of your favorites like The West Wing or Archer or everyone's precious Scandal, know that I have not seen it or I am just starting it.  Or I just don't like it (I'm looking at you The Big Bang Theory).  Or it doesn't exist.  I should have known that Celebrity Ninja Warrior hosted by Steve Buscemi is something only possible in my dreams.  So enjoy the list, let me know how wrong I am, and tell me what some of your favorite shows are.

In All Seriousness:

 Alright before I get to the actual entries on the list, here are a few honorable mentions: They didn't make the list because they are newer shows so I didn't feel I could put them on an all-time list yet (True Detective, House of Cards), or they were shows that I've liked for a long time, but couldn't squeeze in (The Daily Show/The Colbert Report, House, Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends), or I haven't finished watching yet (Community, Deadwood, Modern Family).


20. Dexter (2006-2013, 8 Seasons)
Network: Showtime

Dexter was almost left off the list.  We have a bit of a rocky relationship.  For the first 4 seasons, this was my favorite show on television.  For the last 4 seasons, it was NOT that.  I don't know what happened with the writing, but it got a little ridiculous.  And the ending was not satisfying at all.  But man those first 4 seasons are good.

19. Eastbound and Down (2009-2010, 2012-2013, 4 Seasons)

Network: HBO

I think Danny McBride is hilarious.  I find him funny in everything he's in, and Eastbound is no exception.  Everything in this show is so ridiculous, but it had me cracking up for all 4 of it's seasons.  You can tell that they were allowed a lot of flexibility on this show, which is something I like a lot.

18. Justified (2010-present, 5 Seasons with 6 on the way)

Network: FX

Justified started off as a pretty good show, with cool characters every week.  When the second season came around and the show focused less on new stories each week, and more on longer story arcs that last several episodes or even the whole season, that's when it got really good.  Great acting, and some really great writing.  The banter between Raylan and Boyd is some of the best dialogue on television.

17. Louie (2010-2012, 2014-present, 4 seasons with possible 5th on the way)

Network: FX

Louis CK is a creative genius.  He makes one of the best shows currently on television.  It is technically a comedy and has some parts that will make you laugh until it hurts.  But it's hard to call it strictly a comedy, because there are a lot of moments and even episodes that aren't that funny, but are just good stories that are enjoyable to watch.  Louie isn't a comedy, it's a show.  And it's really good.

16. Mad Men (2007-2015, 7 seasons with pt. 2 of season 7 coming in 2015)

Network: AMC

Mad Men is not for everyone.  It's very melodramatic, and it's not as flashy and action-packed as a lot of shows on TV.  But somehow the writers are able to create a show that is intense, funny, and emotional at the same time.  Also I gotta hand it to them for somehow writing very few (if any) likable characters, but making us root for them and enjoy seeing them anyway.

15. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015, 6 seasons with a 7th in 2015)

Network: NBC

Ironically, Parks and Recreation is the next show on the list and it does the opposite of what Mad Men does.  Most (if not all) of the characters are lovable.  They are all hilarious and unique, and they make this show about what I'm guessing is a really boring workplace, really entertaining.  The writing is really smart and funny.  The acting is great.  It's easily one of the most snubbed shows at the Emmys each year.

14. Survivor (2000-present, 28 seasons, 29th season on the way)

Network: CBS

Yes, 28 seasons and I'm still watching this show.  Something about a bunch of strangers in the jungle competing in games and trying to vote people out is so appealing to me.  The strategy and endurance involved in the game is just really cool.  I will continue to watch this show until they stop making seasons.  And it would be awesome to be on it.  But first I have to get around to making an audition tape.

13. Entourage (2004-2011, 8 seasons and a movie in production)

Network: HBO

For most guys, Entourage is the show we watch and admire the life we would love to have, but probably will never have.  Vince and the gang have great chemistry, and Jeremy Piven is the best he'll ever be as Ari Gold.  I'll forgive the lame series ending because of the movie.  Also the show is loosely based on producer Mark Wahlberg and his "entourage", so that's really cool.

12. Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2 seasons)

Network: ABC

Twin Peaks is just as weird and awesome as David Lynch's films.  Twin Peaks has a variety of cool, interesting characters and story lines that make this show a great watch for any Lynch fan.  Agent Cooper became one of my favorite TV characters of all-time, and Audrey Horne is definitely one of my biggest tv character crushes.  Even if you're not a fan of Lynch I'd still say give the pilot a shot and see if you like it.  It's a one-of-a-kind show that I don't think people should pass on.  I wish David Lynch and Mark Frost were able to make more than just 2 seasons.

11. The Wire (2002-2004, 2006, 2008, 5 Seasons)

Network: HBO

The primary story in this show is between the cops and drug dealers of Baltimore.  But the entire show touches upon nearly every aspect of living in a city from the school system to the local newspaper.  It's a realistic portrayal of a city's community. The main thing I've been talking about in this post are well-written characters, and The Wire has some of the best.

10. Saturday Night Live (1975-present, 39 seasons with a 40th on it's way)

Network: NBC

SNL is one of the most influential shows on television.  Lorne Michaels created a starting place for some of the biggest comedic figures of the last 40 years.  Boasting alumni like Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Kristen Wiig, etc. it's impossible to argue SNL's legacy. Everyone has their favorite era, and a lot of people will say that the current era is horrible.  These people probably don't watch the show, because some of the stuff they've produced in recent years is really good stuff.  SNL remains one of the staples of today's comedy world, and I don't see things changing anytime soon.

9. The Simpsons (1989-present, 25 seasons with a 26th on it's way)

Network: FOX

Another show with a legacy unmatched by most other shows.  The Simpsons is not only the longest running animated TV show, but it's also spawned a successful movie, MANY video games (The Simpsons Hit and Run is one of my favorite games of all-time), board games, and tons of other merchandise.  Also without it's success, there wouldn't be shows like Family Guy, South Park, Futurama, etc.  The Simpsons is important, and while I never thought it was laugh-out-loud funny all the time, it has always been really entertaining.  The show has always been great at storytelling, and there are episodes that will have a place in my heart for the rest of my life.

8. Game of Thrones (2011-present, 4 seasons a 5th coming next year)

Network: HBO

There is a reason this show is becoming unbelievably popular.  Because it's so good, and getting even better.  The creators must be doing something right, because each week they rip my heart out of my chest and then treat it like the Dothraki treat horse hearts, but the next week I come back for more.  If you're not already watching Game of Thrones, you need to get yourself an HBO membership or not be too young, because you're missing out on some real good television.

7. Lost (2004-2010, 6 seasons)

Network: ABC

Again a show with some really memorable characters.  I even named my dog after one of them (Sawyer).  It's known as the show with so many plot twists and turns, and questions to be answered with each episode.  The writers even admitted that they made it up as they went along.  They didn't really have any idea where they were going.  Despite this, it was thrilling from the incredible pilot to the finale.

6. Arrested Development (2003-2006, 2014-?, 4 seasons with maybe more or a movie to come?

Network: FOX/Netflix

Pretty widely considered as THE show that got cancelled way too early.  so much so that it was brought back 8 years later with another great season.  Some of the best writing that rewards you for re-watching the show multiple times with jokes that you might not have caught at first glance.  Great acting from an underrated cast.  One of the best comedies of all-time.

5. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014, 9 seasons)

Network: CBS

This show is really important to me, as is evident in my love note to the show.  These characters are really important to me.  I started watching the show at a place in my life where these kind of stories became interesting to me, and I stuck with it to the end.  It became one of my most watched shows of all-time.  This show is filled with moments that make me laugh, and there are some that hit me right in the heart.  The end of this show made me tear up for the first time because of a TV show and it'll always be one of my favorites.

4. The Sopranos (1999-2007, 6 Seasons)

Network: HBO

Great writing and great characters are what draw people to shows, and keep them watching.  The Sopranos had us rooting for a mobster who killed people, stole, cheats on his wife, and other horrible things.  We root for this guy, because while he is a mobster he still has qualities that everyday people have.  We relate to him, and we don't feel as bad for rooting for this guy.  This was so rare for television at the time, and without the success of this show (and Tony Soprano played by the late and great James Gandolfini) there would not be a bunch of other shows I like with an anti-hero such as Dexter, Boardwalk Empire, and Mad Men.

3. The Office [US] (2005-2013, 9 seasons)

Network: NBC

In my opinion, one of the funniest shows to ever be on TV.  Steve Carell is one of my favorite comedic actors because of this show.  The entire cast has incredible chemistry, and they make a show about a paper company hilarious.  My favorite shows will be ones I can come back to and re-watch.  The Office is and will always be a show I can come back to for the rest of my life.

2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013, 5 Seasons)

Network: AMC

This is how a television show should be made.  Each season tops the one before it.  And then it goes out while it's on top.  Bryan Cranston does incredible work here, and it made him even more successful than he was from his Malcolm in the Middle days.  And Aaron Paul went from unknown to star in a few years.  Vince Gilligan and the rest of his writers created one of the smartest, and most intense shows of all-time.  I can't wait for the Breaking Bad Collector's set to not be 400 dollars.

1. Whose Line Is It Anyway? [US] (1998-2006, 2013-present, 10 seasons with more possible)

Network: ABC/CW

Improv comedy has always been one of my favorite things.  The Whose Line gang is incredible at it, and makes me laugh more than most things on this planet.  I can quote it more than any other show, and I was so happy when they decided to bring it back.  Even without Drew it's still nice to see Colin and Ryan together again.  I can and do watch Whose Line any time of the day, when I'm in any mood.  And this is why it's my favorite show of all-time.

-Ryan Moncrief

Playlist of the Week #4: Beginning of Summer Edition

Summer break has started for most colleges, it is starting up for high school soon, and what else is there to do during the summer other than read my blog and listen to music.  So here is a playlist for anyone bored this summer looking to listen to a few summer jams.  This playlist is not for adults that aren't going to be on any sort of break.  Go to your jobs so the rest of us can have fun, you don't get to listen to music!


1. 'Change Your Life' by Iggy Azalea feat. T.I.

You should listen to it because: You're thinking about how the biggest name in rap at the moment is a white girl from Australia.

2. 'Heroes' by David Bowie

You should listen to it because: You're driving around alone on a summer night with your windows down and self-esteem also very down.

3. 'Skeleton' by The Front Bottoms

You should listen to it because: You're skating on roller blades down the boardwalk with a jukebox on your shoulder.  Don't ask me why that's what this song makes me think of, it just does.

4. 'Forever' by HAIM

You should listen to it because: You're at the beach.  This is gonna be y'alls beach song this summer.  Unless you live in the middle of the US, then I don't know?  A river?  Move to a coast.

5. 'Walk of Life' by Dire Straits

You should listen to it because: You need a song to put in your end of the summer photo montage or flipagram if people are still doing those.

6. 'Ain't It Fun' by Paramore

You should listen to it because: It's one of the few songs that's popular on the radio right now that you don't have to be embarrassed about.  Unless you're a dude.  But I don't care I love it.

7. 'America The Beautiful' by Ray Charles

You should listen to it because: In America you can go watch people hit balls with big pieces of wood while you're eating a meat stick that's covered in cheese, sauerkraut, relish, mustard, ketchup, onions, and chili.  So be proud of that (if you live in America, otherwise skip ahead).

8. 'Crimson and Clover' by Tommy James and the Shondells

You should listen to it because: It'll make you feel like you're at a beach party in a 1960's movie.

9. 'Freedom' by Rage Against the Machine

You should listen to it because: You're so happy about being free from school work that it makes you just really angry and intense.  Go ahead, punch some things.

10. 'Grown Up' by Danny Brown

You should listen to it because: You're winding down with your friends at the end of a party and you're doing all of your drugs that you have.

In All Seriousness:

1. 'Change Your Life'

2. 'Heroes'

3. 'Skeleton'

4. 'Forever'

5. 'Walk of Life'

6. 'Ain't It Fun'

7. 'America the Beautiful'

8. 'Crimson and Clover'

9. 'Freedom'

10. 'Grown Up'

~Ryan Moncrief

Review: HBO's 'The Normal Heart'

An HBO Executive: Okay here's our next great movie.  We're gonna take The Hulk, but we'll make him a writer instead of a scientist.  He's gonna be gay and dating that hot guy from White Collar.  He's going to be just as angry and loud as The Hulk, but he never actually turns into him or smashes anything.  And it's gonna be sad.  It'll be great!

In All Seriousness:

Directed by: Ryan Murphy
Written by: Larry Kramer
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Jim Parsons, Julia Roberts, Joe Mantello, Alfred Molina

Ryan Murphy, who is known for creating the extremely successful and not at all similar shows Glee and American Horror Story, returns with another television creation in the form of a TV movie for HBO.  The Normal Heart is adapted by Larry Kramer, from the play also written by Larry Kramer.  Two of the film's stars (Matt Bomer and Jim Parsons) have recently come out as gay.  This is an important story about homosexuality and AIDS awareness, told by important members of the gay community.

Now I'm not going to use this review to talk about any sort of politics, or try to persuade people to lean towards either direction of any sort of political issues.  I am going to be approaching this film strictly as a form of entertainment.  So if you were hoping for some kind of political rant, *Tyrion Lannister voice* "You've come to the wrong place."  Since I doubt most of you were hoping for that, enjoy the review.

The Normal Heart is a based-on-a-true-story tale of a group of gay men who attempt to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s.  Mark Ruffalo leads the cast as the initiator of this movement, and he does some of the best work here that I've seen from him.  Which says a lot, because I have been a big Ruffalo fan for a few years now.  Matt Bomer is great as well, and nearly unrecognizable at parts having lost 40 pounds for the role.  It's good to see the sometimes on and sometimes off Taylor Kitsch in a good role that allows him to show off his acting chops.  Film veteran Julia Roberts and stage veteran Joe Mantello each get moments to shine in a film that gives it's entire cast plenty of on-screen time.  Jim Parsons does well in the first non-comedic work film or show that I've seen him in, and Alfred Molina is great and welcome on my TV screen as always.  Expect a good amount of nominations from this group at the the various awards shows this year, and maybe a couple of wins too.

You can feel the sense of how important this story is to Larry Kramer, especially knowing that Mark Ruffalo's character is based on himself.  The themes he is going for here are loud and clear, but at times they are a little too loud and a little too clear.  He probably could have benefitted from being a little more subtle.  This way the film would have felt less down-your-throat with it's message, although that might have been what him and Ryan Murphy were going for.

The film has a lot to say, and it doesn't say it in a short amount of time.  The 2-hour-and-ten minute long movie drags on at times.  Some of the many long monologues go on a little too long.  Overall, The Normal Heart is very similar but inferior to the 2008 film Milk, which I am a big fan of.  I did enjoy it enough to be glad that I watched it, but I'm not sure I'll be dying to watch it again anytime soon.  I do, however, hope that a lot of people give it a chance.

Rating: 7/10

~Ryan Moncrief

Netflix Pick of the Week #9: Short Term 12

This blog has been running for months and I'm on Week 9 of Netflix picks.  Nice job Ryan.  I'm going to try to make these more weekly rather than couple-of-monthsly.

Short Term 12 (2013)

Starring: That Girl I've seen in things, That guy who's in The Newsroom, That guy who looks familiar, a bunch of kids
Premise: A group of 20-something year olds work at a residential treatment facility and help you realize that you don't want to have kids yet.
Quote: "Yeah, I see that he's wearing an American Flag cape, but does no one else notice how tiny his nipples are?" - Grace (Brie Larson)
One Sentence Review: You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll have a sudden craving for cupcakes.

In All Seriousness:

I'm really happy that this movie was put on Netflix, because it was my third favorite film from last year, and no one has seen it.  Now that it's readily available to every Netflix user (and anyone who uses their friend's account), I hope that more people will watch it.  Brie Larson, who you probably recognize from movies like 21 Jump Street and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, shows that she's got some really solid dramatic acting chops.  Expect to see her name a lot in the future.  And if you watch HBO's The Newsroom (which you should if you don't already), you know that John Gallagher Jr. can act.  And he proves that even further here.  Short Term 12 touches on a few serious subjects, but still keeps it light enough so that the audience can laugh, and not go into an immediate deep depression.  That being said, there are parts that will pull on those heart strings of yours, so much so that I got a little choked up a few times during this film.  So in conclusion, if you're looking for a movie to watch this weekend, here it is.  And if you watch it, please let me know what you think.

~Ryan Moncrief

Top 20 Albums of All-Time

I do a lot of film things on this here blog, so I figured it was time to sit down and figure out my Top 20 albums of all-time.  It was a lot harder than I was expecting.  There were some albums that I wish I listened to more so I could include them.  There were some albums that I love and struggled to leave off.  There is also lack of many rap albums, which makes me realize how white my taste in music is, and that I need to start listening to some more rap.  Feel free to make fun of me, and tell me what albums you like from my list.  But mainly make fun of me.

In All Seriousness:

20. 'Is This It' (2001) by The Strokes

Favorite Song: The Modern Age

I discovered this album back during my freshman year of high school.  During winter break of this year was the first year that I actually escaped my comfort zone and started listening to albums instead of random singles that were on the radio.  This was the first entire album that I actually owned, and I loved it.  I listened to it on repeat that winter break.

19. 'Bon Iver, Bon Iver' (2011) by Bon Iver

Favorite Song: Minnesota, WI

In my senior year I was given this album on a CD and I listened to it in my car all throughout that summer.  I thought it was so perfect and that all of the songs flowed so well together.  Justin Vernon is one of my favorite singers right now.

18. 'OK Computer' (1997) by Radiohead

Favorite Song: Paranoid Android

Radiohead recently became one of my favorite bands of all-time.  I wasn't really big into them when I first started getting into alternative/indie music, but I gave them another chance and became such a huge fan.  This won't be the last time you see them on this list.

17. 'Audioslave' (2002) - Audioslave

Favorite Song: I Am the Highway

This was the 2nd album I ever listened to in it's entirety when I first started getting into music.  I always really liked the sound of singers like Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, Scott Weiland, etc.  This mixed with Tom Morello's cool guitar riffs was exactly what the doctor ordered back then, and the album has held up for me since then.

16. 'The Blue Album' (1994) by Weezer

My Favorite Song: My Name Is Jonas

I really enjoy Weezer, but I don't think they'll ever make an album as good as this one.  Pinkerton was close, but it's not as consistently good in my opinion.  The Blue Album has so many great songs, it could be a Weezer Greatest Hits album. I love singing along to this album in the car.

15. 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' (1991) by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Favorite Song: Under the Bridge

Another album that could double as a greatest hits album.  This is far and away my favorite Chili Peppers album.  It has my 2 favorite songs by them, and as a whole is just really great.  It seems crazy to me that his album came out before I was born.

14. 'Sublime' (1996) - Sublime

Favorite Song: Wrong Way

Yeah, this list is definitely going to be very 90's heavy.  I love the 90's.  The 90's is my favorite era of music.  Sublime is the only ska/reggae band I've ever really gotten into.  But they make me want to venture out into the genre a little for sure.

13. 'Led Zeppelin II' (1969) by Led Zeppelin

Favorite Song: Heartbreaker

Led Zeppelin is by far my favorite classic rock band of all-time.  I've been a huge fan of them since I was a little kid, and this album has always been my favorite by them.  A close second was Led Zeppelin IV, but II has a heavier sound that I like a lot.  The riffs on Heartbreaker and Ramble On.  The intensity of Whole Lotta Love and What Is and What Never Should Be.  This album is just awesome.

12. 'Kill the Moonlight' (2002) by Spoon

Favorite Song: The Way We Get By

Spoon has been one of my favorite bands for a few years now.  The lyrics that Britt Daniel write are great.  And they have such a cool, unique sound.  Kill the Moonlight is a perfect album to start with if you're trying to get into Spoon.

11. 'Talon of the Hawk' (2013) by The Front Bottoms

Favorite Song: Santa Monica

Maybe I'm jumping the gun on this album considering I discovered The Front Bottoms a few weeks ago.  But I've given this album so many listens within the past few weeks and it's pretty much perfect.  Every song is filled with great writing and awesome rhythms.  So excited to see them live in June.

10. 'Deja Entendu' (2003) by Brand New

Favorite Song: The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows

I would love to see Brand New live.  I hadn't listened to them until this year.  But throughout the year this album has moved it's way up on my list.  I was torn between this and The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, but in the end I decided that this album as a whole was better.  It's a perfect combination of their punkier stuff before it and their heavier stuff after it.

9. 'Consolers of the Lonely' (2008) by The Raconteurs

Favorite Song: Many Shades of Black

There was a time when Many Shades of Black was my favorite song.  It's not any more, but it's still one of my favorites for sure.  This sophomore album from The Raconteurs was miles better than their still very good debut album.  It's sad that we probably won't see another Raconteurs album, at least not anytime soon.

8. 'Because of the Times' (2007) by Kings of Leon

Favorite Song: Fans

Here is a band I've already seen in concert, and they were great.  Most of their best songs come from this album.  It's so consistently good, there is not a song I would think about skipping on this album.  Also Fans is another previous favorite song of mine.

7. 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' (1995) by Smashing Pumpkins

Favorite Song: Stumbleine

Smashing Pumpkins is my second favorite band of all-time.  I just love the range of their songs, especially on this album.  They can go intense with a song like Bullet with Butterfly Wings, or they can go softer with a song like Stumbleine.  This album is epic.  And I already hate myself for using the word epic in a way that wasn't ironic.

6. 'AM' (2013) by Arctic Monkeys

Favorite Song: Snap Out of It

Arctic Monkeys are one of my favorite bands for sure.  I liked them a lot before this album, but they really outdid their other work with AM.  It's incredible.  Not a single song is filler.  Great album to blast in the car.

5. 'Ten' (1991) by Pearl Jam

Favorite Song: Black

Not only is this one of my favorite albums, but I'd argue that it's one of the best albums ever made as well.  At least one of the best debut albums ever.  The writing is awesome, and I'd say at least 5 of my Top 10 Pearl Jam songs are on this album.

4. 'The Bends' (1995) by Radiohead

Favorite Song: Just

Radiohead's second album The Bends is pretty much what really got me into them.  I listened to this album and fell in love.  It made me want to listen to every other album they've made, and I did that same day.  After listening to them all several times, The Bends has gotten the most plays from me and it remains my favorite for sure.

3. 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' (2010) by Kanye West

Favorite Song: Blame Game

I'm even sad that this is my only rap album on this list.  I promise I like rap music guys, I just haven't listened to enough.  And I haven't like any other albums enough to give them a spot on my list.  That being said, it shows you how much I love this album due to the fact that it's the only rap album and it's this high on my list.  It's the perfect rap album in my opinion, and I don't see anything replacing it for a while.

2. 'Modern Vampires of the City' (2013) by Vampire Weekend

Favorite Song: Step

Vampire Weekend is and has been since Contra, my favorite band.  Seeing them last year was amazing.  I'm biased, but it's the best concert I've been to.  I was so happy that this album exceeded my unrealistically high expectations when it came out.  Ezra Koenig wrote some of the most clever lyrics I've heard in a while.  Even after what has to be over a hundred listens, this album stays fresh and interesting each time.

1. 'Siamese Dream' (1993) by Smashing Pumpkins

Favorite Song: Mayonaise

If someone asked what I would pick as the perfect album, this would be my answer every time.  It holds up so well today, and will hold up in the future.  Another great representation of Billy Corgan and the band as a whole's range.  The softer Disarm and Spaceboy mix perfectly with the harder Geek U.S.A and Rocket.  I don't really know what to say about this album other than I love it, and listen to it if you haven't already.

~Ryan Moncrief