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December 31, 2009
Best of 2009
Beirut - March Of The Zapotec
I don't recall where I read the review, but once I saw that this album featured a brass band from the Mexican provenance of Oaxaca I just had to check it out. Years ago I came across an album full of field recordings from Oaxaca (titled Explorer Series: Mexico - Fiestas of Chiapas and Oaxaca) and I was smitten with the beauty contained therein. From a musical perspective I can't imagine how one goes about writing songs around a brass band from another culture. Were these compositions that the band already knew and the songs came later? I don't know, but it most definitely works.
Coda by Panic Software
As a web designer this tool has been revolutionary in my process. I can FTP and live-update with the best of 'em. I love the way it displays code and interacts with its sister tool, Transmit.
KEEN Winterport II Boots
Working at a ski resort puts me in all kinds of unusual weather conditions. These boots have performed well so far and have now replaced my old trusted Sorel's. Slip on quick and not-so-bulky enables me to commute to work in comfort and style.
Blitzen Trapper - Furr
The opening song Sleepy Time In The Western World still gives me chills in all it's lovely through-composed goodness. The title track Furr lyrically cracks me up. It's nice to hear songs crafted not only with unusual orchestration, but unconventional form as well. It takes me back to listening to Prog Rock (in a good way).
CSS Edit
With the ability to rework any living website, this tool has taught me more about CSS than just about any other means. Quite possibly the best $30 I've spent on software.
The Garant Yukon Snow Pusher
Leave it to the Canadians to design a perfect snow removal device. I stumbled upon this beauty at our locally owned and operated Ace Hardware™ last year and have consistently marveled at the engineering behind it. The handle is so well thought out with its two or one handed option. The bent neck has saved my back and made lifting not nearly as troublesome as it could be. Too bad this was omitted from Gary Hustwit's industrial design documentary Objectified.
Trade Gothic
One of the most basic typefaces in my arsenal, yet so beautiful and utilitarian. It has this unique ability to get out of the way of content while standing on it's own if needed. As a headline or display it works as well as looking good as body copy.
Tilt Shift Generator
This year my Verizon contract finally expired and I got to get with my peers and purchase an iPhone. Sure, AT&T has lived up to it's mediocre service but having this little photo app has more than compensated from those pestering phone calls. I also love the companion Toy Camera app as well. Worth every bit of the $2.99 I paid.
Fully Automated Sprinkling Systems
Since my wife and I moved into our house five years ago it has been my dream to install a sprinkling system and plant new desert-friendly sod. Finally this past summer this dream came to fruition. I broke concrete, rented a trencher, nearly clipped our gas line, made 300 visits to our locally owned and operated Ace Hardware™ store, glued my fingers together and got to know my father on a much higher level. Tears fell when I finally saw and heard water spraying from those beautiful little sprinkler heads.
Smashing Magazine
As a web designer I drink from the fountain of wisdom and knowledge this site has to offer. Following them on twitter is an even more rewarding experience.
The Art of The Title Sequence Blog
I'm sure it's obvious by now that I'm a type geek.
The Art Of The Title blog scratches that itch as it breaks down the beauty that is this medium. Sad that there is so much crap out there when there could be so much beauty.
This American Life
On the rare occasion that I get to travel with my family, my wife and I love to hook up an iPod and catch up on these podcasts. We love the stories and the story telling, though I think that my wife has a crush on host Ira Glass. Sometimes I wonder if there's something in my life that'd make an interesting story, but then I come to my senses and realize that I don't have anything to add.
Queens Of The Stoneage - Songs For The Deaf
I've owned this for years and remains one of the only albums that brings me to air-drum. Just ask my coworkers. Dave Grohl is possibly one of the greatest rock drummers that I've ever heard.
Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Sure, I know that I'm a little behind on this one but once I was bitten, I was smitten. I love the orchestration and the unconventional use of conventional instruments (well, conventional to the son of a band teacher). Chicago is one of those songs that I could play over and over and has this magical quality to it. Thank goodness for all the remixes of I've now come across.
ISO50
It never seems to fail that I find inspiration every time I visit this site. Scott Hansen is brilliant and I'd love nothing more than to adorn my house with his beautiful posters.
Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Not quite on the same level as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but better than just about any other album I've heard this year. Glenn Kotche is simply the most interesting drummer I've heard in years. I appreciate how he doesn't take the easy way out and gives each song something unique and interesting.
Posted by patatomic at December 31, 2009 09:45 AM