2011 Silver Linings
Some dark clouds hung over me in 2011. Here are some silver linings:
The Dallas Mavericks. Not only did they beat the despised Lakers, but they swept them, and caused them to completely melt down. Then they beat the Miami Heat. Dirk Nowitzki played the way I always knew he could.
DJ Shadow. I was able to see him live in Edmonton, then I was able to meet him after the show. He later asked me to remix a song from his latest album, which will be featured on his website next year. I receive emails from one of my heroes.
The Arctic Monkeys. I’ve never been a huge fan, but I am now after seeing them live. I’ve seen plenty of bands from larger Canadian cities come through Saskatoon, clearly not wanting to be here, playing a lifeless, mediocre set, then skipping us on their next tour. The Arctic Monkeys come from England and play one of the best live sets I’ve seen.
Our vivefest 3 performance. Despite the turmoil and pain surrounding it. The moments sitting on a bench afterwards were the last good moments we had.
PJ Harvey. Let England Shake.
Cut Copy. Zonoscope.
Wild Beasts. Smother.
Fleetwood Mac. Rumours. (cliche, I’m sure, but I don’t care).
Jay Ferguson’s songs on the newest Sloan album.
“Getting Over You” and “Guiding Star” by The Foggy Notions.
“Power On Me” and “Broken Record” by Katy B.
90s vinyl reissues.
Everything Louis CK said and did.
The latest season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
The show Luther.
The book The Dirt - Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band.
Movies. 13 Assassins. I Saw The Devil. The Tree of Life. Hugo. Attack The Block. Drive (was not what I expected). 50/50. Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop.
The Star Wars Blu Ray set.
Recording songs.
Many friends and acquaintances - old and new - who not only put up with me despite my grumpiness and weirdness, but helped me in ways they won’t understand.
Learning how to enjoy myself a bit more.
Fantasy football.
