Cool. Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, I tend to favor Heavy Metal bands like Tool. Yet, I'm not into mindless, screaming, tantrum metal like Pantera or Linkin Park. I prefer real hard rock that's balanced out with beautiful lyrics, soft piano/violin, or electronica. Though Tool has a Heavy Metal label, it is definitely your thinking man's music.
I definitely considered Achtung Baby for 1991. However, I gave the slot to Nevermind (because it's the best Nirvana album) and Metallica (because it's my favorite Metallica album). Although I did have to think about it for a bit, I decided Achtung Baby had to have the bronze. But don't be too put out by my choice, however, as I haven't heard Achtung Baby more than a couple times. I'll have to borrow it again.
As for the The Doors, I think you're right about it being one of the greatest debut albums there is. I tend to believe that most decent bands reach their pinnacle with their sophomore releases.
Boston is simply great rock. The Fragile is an emotional masterpiece.
I appreciate the ideas and discussion. I definitely forgot about about The Moody Blues, Tom Petty, and Meatloaf. I definitely should have included them, either as first or runner up in their respective release years.
Most of the other albums I have not heard. But since you describe them as "globally well-considered," I will at least try some of them out.
I don't feel four albums from Tool is too much because I feel they are an awesome band without peer. Opiate may have been an extreme choice, as it's not even a full length album, but I couldn't think of anything better for that year.
As for this "confusion" between "the best" albums and my "most favorite" albums... I beleive you are making a false assumption. You may be assuming that to include "Best" in a list title automatically means that the list is a compilation of popular opinion, be it votes from Listology members or be it a list taken out of Rolling Stone magazine. "Best" when it comes to art of any form, is a matter of opinion. Albums that are my favorites are naturally the ones I consider the "Best."
An advantage to using the word "Best" in my title, is that it generates discussion as to which titles people agree with or disagree with. When using the word "Favorite" instead, I feel people are less likely to comment because they know that everyone is entitled to their own tastes and opinions. I prefer to rely on what you admit is the strength of my list format: selections that are quite personal and create discussion easily.
I am a big advocate against censorship. I don't like the notion of certain words being taboo. However, the fact remains that we live in a society. Some people are offended by things that others are not. The 1st Amendment gives us the right to say whatever we want. This freedom is pretty complete when in our own home.
Yet, in other people's homes, businesses, etc., we must be willing to have some restraint. That's simple decency.
In the open public, our freedom of speech is somewhere in the middle: we can say whatever we want depending on the predominant audience in that particular spot. If we're cursing up a storm right outside a pre-school, I'd say the police have a right to take issue. If we're at a political rally with an adult audience in Central Park, go nuts. Parents with any qualms about dirty language will know not to bring their kids near the rally.
Since this is primarily's Jim's website, he has the final say about things, just as if it were his house. His policy is pretty open. Showing some restraint does give this site a better reputation. Also, I'll just say that I am currently making progress to stop swearing. Let me say, this is not easy when you're in the military. However, I agree with the comments posted earlier in this board that using other words instead of "bad words" tends to sound more intelligent, gets your point across better, and gives your ideas more credibility.
As for spoiler labels and mature audience labels... Frank Miller has said a lot about why they're bad, and I like what he says. Yet, it seems like a good compromise that lets people avoid things they might find offensive. On the other hand, it shouldn't be employed as a disclaimer that liberates the creator from any responsibility for his expressions.
To summarize, say whatever you want, and don't let Big Brother dictate our means of expression. Just do your best to respect the opinions of those around you and tailor your manner of speech according to your audience. Otherwise, don't complain when those around you no longer want your company.
I just recently finished grading each movie individually and putting them in a detailed ranking order. So if you see one of your favorites falling short or are happy to see some high on the list, then I'd like to hear what you think.
I think the only thing that redeems "Simpson Safari" for me was when Simpson rolls around in the diamonds, laughing and says, "He he he. Ahhh... Africa." It's almost a direct acknowledgement of how ridiculously terrible the story is.
Best: "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" - What is it about one man pitted against an entire city that is so hilarious? I think it's Homer's unwillingness to surrendur, the fact that he takes everything but doesn't back down. It's silly what he endures, yet his determination is so admirable you have to root for him.
Worst: "Day of the Jackanapes" - A pitiful continuation of the Sideshow Bob saga. There have been a lot of great Sideshow Bob episodes, even though it seemed harder and harder to keep it interesting. This one didn't find a good script before the deadline.
Here's the quick episode list if you're trying to remember your choices for best and worst: CLICK HERE.
I'd be all about adding some suggestions from Europe or anywhere else. Being from the USA, I haven't experienced many comics from other countries other than Japan. If someone is wordly enough that they could compile lists of best comic artists by country, then I'd enjoy reading it.
I'm a bit more of a comics fan than lukeprog, so I can say that you've got some nice choices here. I'm a huge John Byrne fan. I'm also big on George Perez, Art Adams, and Alex Ross. Jim Lee is one of my very favorites, as I was a big fan of X-Men and WildC.A.T.s. Sam Kieth has come to grow on me after awhile. The rest I'm not into, or else I haven't seen their work. Some of my favorites not on your list: Frank Miller, Todd McFarlane, and J. Scott Campbell. Plus, I'm into several manga artists like Masamune Shirow.
Haha. Yeah, that might have been a little too generous. I bumped it down a bit, but I honestly enjoyed it. It's not a outstanding, intelligent film. But I wasn't expecting much other than some fun action. It was a ball getting to see Predator and Alien duke it out. I guess this is a guilty pleasure, but I honestly enjoyed it more than a lot of movies I've seen lately.
Thanks for the compliments. And thanks for sharing some of your favorites that you agree with.
I'm sure some of my top picks aren't that popular or aren't the most sophisticated movies. Some are my favorites simply because they influenced me in my youth, they display some upstanding ideals, or there's some character I identify with. I guess the bottom line is this: I rate movies on how much I enjoy them personally, as opposed to how well they speak to large audiences. If you tend to like the same movies I do, then I'd recommend looking further down my list till you see one near the top that you haven't seen yet. I am a bit of an idealist, and believe that good movies should speak to us about life and about what's important. Our busy lifestyles often make us forget our priorities, and I think films are a fun way to get inspired again.
Wow, you're right about 1994. That was awesome year for movies. My top 5 favorite years in film would be as follows:
1) 1999
2) 1994
3) 1995
4) 2002
5) 1998
Sweet. I was hoping you'd hook me up with those titles. Thanks!
Cool. Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, I tend to favor Heavy Metal bands like Tool. Yet, I'm not into mindless, screaming, tantrum metal like Pantera or Linkin Park. I prefer real hard rock that's balanced out with beautiful lyrics, soft piano/violin, or electronica. Though Tool has a Heavy Metal label, it is definitely your thinking man's music.
I definitely considered Achtung Baby for 1991. However, I gave the slot to Nevermind (because it's the best Nirvana album) and Metallica (because it's my favorite Metallica album). Although I did have to think about it for a bit, I decided Achtung Baby had to have the bronze. But don't be too put out by my choice, however, as I haven't heard Achtung Baby more than a couple times. I'll have to borrow it again.
As for the The Doors, I think you're right about it being one of the greatest debut albums there is. I tend to believe that most decent bands reach their pinnacle with their sophomore releases.
Boston is simply great rock. The Fragile is an emotional masterpiece.
I appreciate the ideas and discussion. I definitely forgot about about The Moody Blues, Tom Petty, and Meatloaf. I definitely should have included them, either as first or runner up in their respective release years.
Most of the other albums I have not heard. But since you describe them as "globally well-considered," I will at least try some of them out.
I don't feel four albums from Tool is too much because I feel they are an awesome band without peer. Opiate may have been an extreme choice, as it's not even a full length album, but I couldn't think of anything better for that year.
As for this "confusion" between "the best" albums and my "most favorite" albums... I beleive you are making a false assumption. You may be assuming that to include "Best" in a list title automatically means that the list is a compilation of popular opinion, be it votes from Listology members or be it a list taken out of Rolling Stone magazine. "Best" when it comes to art of any form, is a matter of opinion. Albums that are my favorites are naturally the ones I consider the "Best."
An advantage to using the word "Best" in my title, is that it generates discussion as to which titles people agree with or disagree with. When using the word "Favorite" instead, I feel people are less likely to comment because they know that everyone is entitled to their own tastes and opinions. I prefer to rely on what you admit is the strength of my list format: selections that are quite personal and create discussion easily.
I am a big advocate against censorship. I don't like the notion of certain words being taboo. However, the fact remains that we live in a society. Some people are offended by things that others are not. The 1st Amendment gives us the right to say whatever we want. This freedom is pretty complete when in our own home.
Yet, in other people's homes, businesses, etc., we must be willing to have some restraint. That's simple decency.
In the open public, our freedom of speech is somewhere in the middle: we can say whatever we want depending on the predominant audience in that particular spot. If we're cursing up a storm right outside a pre-school, I'd say the police have a right to take issue. If we're at a political rally with an adult audience in Central Park, go nuts. Parents with any qualms about dirty language will know not to bring their kids near the rally.
Since this is primarily's Jim's website, he has the final say about things, just as if it were his house. His policy is pretty open. Showing some restraint does give this site a better reputation. Also, I'll just say that I am currently making progress to stop swearing. Let me say, this is not easy when you're in the military. However, I agree with the comments posted earlier in this board that using other words instead of "bad words" tends to sound more intelligent, gets your point across better, and gives your ideas more credibility.
As for spoiler labels and mature audience labels... Frank Miller has said a lot about why they're bad, and I like what he says. Yet, it seems like a good compromise that lets people avoid things they might find offensive. On the other hand, it shouldn't be employed as a disclaimer that liberates the creator from any responsibility for his expressions.
To summarize, say whatever you want, and don't let Big Brother dictate our means of expression. Just do your best to respect the opinions of those around you and tailor your manner of speech according to your audience. Otherwise, don't complain when those around you no longer want your company.
I just recently finished grading each movie individually and putting them in a detailed ranking order. So if you see one of your favorites falling short or are happy to see some high on the list, then I'd like to hear what you think.
I think the only thing that redeems "Simpson Safari" for me was when Simpson rolls around in the diamonds, laughing and says, "He he he. Ahhh... Africa." It's almost a direct acknowledgement of how ridiculously terrible the story is.
Yes! The time-traveling toaster is one of my absolute favorites. "Don't touch anything??? I'll touch whatever I want!!!" Hahaha.
Best: "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" - What is it about one man pitted against an entire city that is so hilarious? I think it's Homer's unwillingness to surrendur, the fact that he takes everything but doesn't back down. It's silly what he endures, yet his determination is so admirable you have to root for him.
Worst: "Day of the Jackanapes" - A pitiful continuation of the Sideshow Bob saga. There have been a lot of great Sideshow Bob episodes, even though it seemed harder and harder to keep it interesting. This one didn't find a good script before the deadline.
Here's the quick episode list if you're trying to remember your choices for best and worst: CLICK HERE.
I'd be all about adding some suggestions from Europe or anywhere else. Being from the USA, I haven't experienced many comics from other countries other than Japan. If someone is wordly enough that they could compile lists of best comic artists by country, then I'd enjoy reading it.
I'm a bit more of a comics fan than lukeprog, so I can say that you've got some nice choices here. I'm a huge John Byrne fan. I'm also big on George Perez, Art Adams, and Alex Ross. Jim Lee is one of my very favorites, as I was a big fan of X-Men and WildC.A.T.s. Sam Kieth has come to grow on me after awhile. The rest I'm not into, or else I haven't seen their work. Some of my favorites not on your list: Frank Miller, Todd McFarlane, and J. Scott Campbell. Plus, I'm into several manga artists like Masamune Shirow.
Haha. Yeah, that might have been a little too generous. I bumped it down a bit, but I honestly enjoyed it. It's not a outstanding, intelligent film. But I wasn't expecting much other than some fun action. It was a ball getting to see Predator and Alien duke it out. I guess this is a guilty pleasure, but I honestly enjoyed it more than a lot of movies I've seen lately.
Leon ***
Liar, Liar ***
Life is Beauitful ***
Mulholland drive ***1/2
Trainspotting ***1/2
Thanks for the compliments. And thanks for sharing some of your favorites that you agree with.
I'm sure some of my top picks aren't that popular or aren't the most sophisticated movies. Some are my favorites simply because they influenced me in my youth, they display some upstanding ideals, or there's some character I identify with. I guess the bottom line is this: I rate movies on how much I enjoy them personally, as opposed to how well they speak to large audiences. If you tend to like the same movies I do, then I'd recommend looking further down my list till you see one near the top that you haven't seen yet. I am a bit of an idealist, and believe that good movies should speak to us about life and about what's important. Our busy lifestyles often make us forget our priorities, and I think films are a fun way to get inspired again.
Wow, you're right about 1994. That was awesome year for movies. My top 5 favorite years in film would be as follows:
1) 1999
2) 1994
3) 1995
4) 2002
5) 1998