A Look Back - 2013 (Part Two)

Hola muchachos!

Welcome back to the real world.  Sadly, now is time to put away the cookies, hot cocoa, mashed potatoes, Christmas ham, and wrapping paper.  We must now go to back to our jobs, messy homes, and hope for a even better year to be on it's way.  Fear not, though.  Let's take a look back on what 2013 has brought us.  Or me, I guess, specifically.  (Sorry, I sound like a jerk)

2013 Books

I didn't end up reading too many books this year, mainly because the fourth book in the Song of Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones) was such a slog to get through.  While people who had HBO were freaking out over the Red Wedding, I was plodding through the boring adventures of Cersei Lannister and the Greyjoy Brothers, Theon's uncles.  A task to be sure.  So when I finally finished eight months later, 2013 was almost at an end.  I did manage to read two memoirs, a decent murder mystery and a young adult novel. (because I'm a nerd, we've been over this)

WHY GOD!?!

Recommended if you were born in the 80's and felt like an outsider.  Not recommended if you don't listen to rap which I don't.

I though this would be more uplifting, instead she describes how much she missed sex with strangers while hiking alone.

This has a strong beginning, fast paced middle, and a meh ending.  Just sayin'.

I like to pretend this book doesn't exist.  It's the last book in the series and really doesn't live up to the rest.

Yep, so boo hoo.  Not the best year in books for me, but now that I got a little money for Christmas, I'm going hard for Justin Cronin's The Twelve, Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, and Cupcake Brown's A Piece of Cake:A Memoir.  Let me know if I should save my money or full steam ahead.

2013 Music

Onto the music front,  I had more success.  I know people do not buy full albums anymore, and female bloggers typically populate their "Best Of" lists with pop singles from Miley, Beyonce and Lady Gaga but I'm  a little old skool, as we have established.   I like to listen albums more than EPs or singles as I'm driving, cooking, writing, or hosting a party. 

I'm bringing you national and local albums, by way of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I can heartily recommend.  Let's dive in!

Leagues - You Belong Here

This CD, is a bouncy, buoyant album for driving in your car with the windows rolled down.  Perfect for all seasons and really fun, think like Foster the People.

Atoms for Peace - Amok

Duh, Thom Yorke is a genius.  Pop this in for parties, or cocktail night with friends when you want to focus on sparkling conversation set against hip background music, like you are in Sophia Coppola movie or whatever.

Local Natives - Hummingbird

 I typically like my summer music to be a tad more upbeat, but this is good for listening to anytime during the summer, especially when you are reminded that you don't have kids so you get last pick in the office for summer vacation.

Ishi - Digital Wounds

Yay local music!  This is great for parties or even pre-party rituals.  When you want loud jams to get your crew excited!  Pop that champagne and get it going!

City and Colour - The Hurry and The Harm

This album is great for the fall or winter, when you want to take a breather from the holiday stress or want to create a cozy atmosphere.  Folky and honest, people will always take note and ask you who this is.

Dark Rooms - Dark Rooms

Another local band, Dark Room's self-titled album is perfect for impressing a first date or even setting the mood for a more romantic outing.  Beautiful, swirling, romantic, a hipper version of Florence and the Machine with a male lead, the amazing Daniel Hart.

The National - Trouble will Find Me

Sometimes, I have trouble listening to too much of The National.  It's almost like a dark beer you have sip, you can't drink too much of it in one go.  Matt Berninger's gravel tinged voice can get a little melancholy after awhile but this album is one of their better efforts and should be played on the road, coming back from a particularly crazy music festival or wild night out.  It's the music that cements memories.

As for tv, this is all you need to know about 2013. Warning -some spoilers, mmkay?  Not of the last season but seasons 1-4.

So what about you guys?  What books, music, or tv shows have you come across?  Let me know.

Holla back my ninjas,

Marg