Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Music isn’t always the main focus of this blog. I tend to write more about
television, movies, gaming and reviews; however, I love sharing new music I come across and
experiencing live shows (which I finally got to do more of for 2013). As part of my yearly features, I highlight a few of my
favourite songs from the previous year and rank them based on their impact on
my playlist. While I still listen to songs I included in the 2011 and 2012 lists,
I only feature new songs that haven’t already been chosen before.
Note: Artists will be listed from most-to-least favourite and if certain artists below collaborated on the same song then I may only reference a song once.
Songs: I Love It, All Night, We Got The World, Girlfriend
LYR (Last Year's Rank): NEW
What can I say about Icona Pop that my Instagram and Twitter feeds haven't heard already? Their breakout hit song 'I Love It' became the dance song of the summer and everyone couldn't stop singing it (literally, it was everywhere!). In the span of one year, I've seen the duo perform live at three different festivals and concerts: once at Osheaga, Virgin Mobile FreeFest in the U.S. and at The Big Jingle in Toronto. I'm going to chalk this up to a strange (and very pleasant) coincidence as the year where I got to attend many great music opportunities, I got to see Icona Pop perform a few times.
LYR (Last Year's Rank): NEW
What can I say about Icona Pop that my Instagram and Twitter feeds haven't heard already? Their breakout hit song 'I Love It' became the dance song of the summer and everyone couldn't stop singing it (literally, it was everywhere!). In the span of one year, I've seen the duo perform live at three different festivals and concerts: once at Osheaga, Virgin Mobile FreeFest in the U.S. and at The Big Jingle in Toronto. I'm going to chalk this up to a strange (and very pleasant) coincidence as the year where I got to attend many great music opportunities, I got to see Icona Pop perform a few times.
Songs: What You Know, I Can Talk, Handshake
LYR: NEW
Two Door Cinema Club wasn't a band I heard of before the summer. When I traveled to Montreal for Osheaga, their name was on the line-up and I had no clue who they were. After hearing their songs and seeing them perform live, I downloaded a few of their tracks and I've been listening to them ever since. I would love to see them in concert again.
LYR: NEW
Two Door Cinema Club wasn't a band I heard of before the summer. When I traveled to Montreal for Osheaga, their name was on the line-up and I had no clue who they were. After hearing their songs and seeing them perform live, I downloaded a few of their tracks and I've been listening to them ever since. I would love to see them in concert again.
Songs: I Was A Fool, Goodbye
Goodbye
LYR: #10
Another great act that I watched live a few times last year. While Tegan and Sara were included in my list for 2012, I was a bit surprised I decided to place them higher this year on the list, but I can't help it - I love their music. Plus, after seeing them perform with Macklemore at Osheaga, they easily cracked my Top 10 yet again.
LYR: #10
Another great act that I watched live a few times last year. While Tegan and Sara were included in my list for 2012, I was a bit surprised I decided to place them higher this year on the list, but I can't help it - I love their music. Plus, after seeing them perform with Macklemore at Osheaga, they easily cracked my Top 10 yet again.
Songs: Burn, I Need Your Love
LYR: #1
The greatest joy for music fans is getting to see one of your favourite artists perform live. Ellie Goulding was at Osheaga last summer and I loved every minute of it. Her songs that I included in last year's list are still on my playlist rotation and I absolutely loved her collaboration with Calvin Harris. If she ever comes back to Toronto, I would definitely consider going to the concert.
Songs: What I Wouldn’t Do, Fall
LYR: NEW
This entry is twofold as I have two different experiences with Serena Ryder. Firstly, I caught on to her music after 'Stompa' and absolutely loved 'What I Wouldn't Do' - it's a really catchy song and the video is great as well. Also, as some of you may know, I work for a brand that contributes to the music space on occasion and we did two really great events with Serena that helped an amazing cause that I support. For those reasons, I couldn't describe my 2013 music life without her.
Songs: Radioactive, On Top Of The World
LYR: NEW
I'm seeing a trend with the artists on the list this year as Imagine Dragons was another band I saw perform live. Their catchy hooks, amazing songs and larger-than-life live performances earned them a higher spot on the list for 2013.
Songs: I Will Wait, Little Lion Man
LYR: NEW
I'm positively blown away by Mumford & Sons. They closed out Osheaga in one of the best performances I've ever seen and instantly made a fan out of me. I had heard of the band before but I didn't really listen to their music until after I stood in the rainy weather and watched them perform. Trust me! You need to watch them live.
Songs: Thift Shop, Can’t Hold Us
LYR: NEW
The YouTube sensation that became the instant hit for 2013! Macklemore, while mainly a rap/hip hop star (admittedly I don't listen to those genres much), pulled me in after I watched his viral music video and I saw him perform at Osheaga with Tegan and Sara. He's fun, loud and loves a great time - what's better than that?! Plus, 'Can't Hold Us' is easily one of the catchiest songs of 2013.
Songs: Gun, The Mother We Share, Lies
LYR: NEW
I had never heard of the band Chvrches before heading to FreeFest. Their name may have been thrown around here and there, possibly a catchy song on the radio I didn't recognize, but they were completely unknown to me at the time. Being open to new music and new experiences lets you enjoy new acts to discover and Chvrches is one of the new ones for me.
10. LordeSongs: Royals, Team
LYR: NEW
Is Lorde a one-hit wonder? I'm still not sure at this point but I really hope not. 'Royals' was the sleeper hit song of the year that made Lorde both an indie and mainstream success. I think 2014 will be a great year to see how Lorde develops as an artist and the new music that she's ready to release.
11. The Black Keys
Songs: Gold On The Ceiling, Howlin' For You
LYR: #5
12. Bruno Mars
Songs: Locked Out Of Heaven, Treasure
LYR: NEW
13. Zedd
Songs: Clarity, Stay The Night
LYR: NEW
14. Britney Spears
Songs: Work It B*tch
LYR: #19
15. Metric
Songs: Synthetica
LYR: #16
16. Vampire Weekend
Songs: Diane Young
LYR: NEW
17. Capitol Cities
Songs: Safe And Sound, Kangaroo Court
LYR: NEW
18. Dragonette
Songs: Run Run Run
LYR: #3
Songs: Diane Young
LYR: NEW
17. Capitol Cities
Songs: Safe And Sound, Kangaroo Court
LYR: NEW
18. Dragonette
Songs: Run Run Run
LYR: #3
19. Twin
Forks
Songs: Back To You
LYR: NEW
20. Down With Webster
Songs: Party For Your Life (P4YL), One In A Million
LYR: NEW
21. Prides
Songs: Out Of The Blue
LYR: NEW
22. Madeon
Songs: The City
LYR: NEW
23. Robin Thicke
Songs: Blurred Lines, Give It 2 U
LYR: NEW
24. Miley Cyrus
Songs: We Can't Stop, Wrecking Ball
LYR: NEW
25. Lady Gaga
Songs: Applause
LYR: NEW
Songs: Back To You
LYR: NEW
20. Down With Webster
Songs: Party For Your Life (P4YL), One In A Million
LYR: NEW
21. Prides
Songs: Out Of The Blue
LYR: NEW
22. Madeon
Songs: The City
LYR: NEW
23. Robin Thicke
Songs: Blurred Lines, Give It 2 U
LYR: NEW
24. Miley Cyrus
Songs: We Can't Stop, Wrecking Ball
LYR: NEW
25. Lady Gaga
Songs: Applause
LYR: NEW
Agree or disagree with the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
In less than 12 hours, we'll be saying goodbye to 2013 and welcoming a new year. New shows will premiere, seasons will return from their breaks and in the coming few months, the axe will start dropping as struggling performers are cut from next year's line-up. With the holidays nearing its end, many programs are set to resume this week. New year, new possibilities!
From my personal list of shows that aired in the Fall/Summer, I've come up with a few hopes and predictions for the rest of the season. Obviously, I will mention stuff that's happened on the show so this a SPOILER alert to anyone who has yet to watch so turn back now!
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
The series finale is set for March 2014 and the story is slowly (as in VERY slowly) inching its way toward introducing Ted to the Mother. With the final season centred on Barney and Robin's wedding, I would like the last few episodes to tie the Mother's involvement and connection to the group as this wedding shouldn't be the sole focus. Plus, a twist at the end is always appreciated (my guess is either Ted or the Mother has died in the future).
THE ORIGINALS
So much is yet to come with Hayley's baby and the mystery surrounding its upcoming birth could change the course for the remainder of the season. New creature? New powers? In the meantime, I would love if Davina's story continues to be a major plot arc as The Harvest could prove to be a climactic season finale, especially now since she also has Josh and a newly "freed" Cami on her side to protect her.
THE WALKING DEAD
With the prison gone and the group splintered, it's become a game of survival until they find each other again. New characters are going to be introduced but a few current ones will obviously have to go to make way for new storylines. Carol should hopefully reunite with the team, Beth/Maggie need to survive after losing their father and some resolution should be done about Judith's disappearance. Spoiler: she dies in the graphic novels, but it shouldn't be left ambiguous.
REIGN
Nostradamus predicted the future but Mary's relationship with Francis is still unclear (on the show... not real life). Giving her virtue to Francis and now running off with Bash, this will add a new layer to the love triangle and make things more complicated if she returns to French Court. For Mary and her friends, the death of Aylee could leave the girls rethinking their future and place while at French Court. New love interest for Lola? Pregnancy for Kenna? Commitment for Greer? All predictions and I can't wait!
TEEN WOLF
A bloody Stiles?! Maybe the latter half of this season could be where Stiles becomes a supernatural creature? Even Lydia is now something more than just the popular girl and even as a human, Alison is a hunter. Always the comic relief, it would be interesting to see how he copes with a new curse... and maybe a new love interest for Teen Wolf?
ARROW
I've got a lot to catch up on with Arrow and I'm still a little behind with the second season. However, whatever the case may be, I do hope that Felicity and Oliver start dating or continue their flirtatious moments. They possibly have the best chemistry that resulted from an unexpected pairing. Until Laurel becomes the Black Canary and Flash has his own series, I can focus on this potential romance as a possibility.
REVENGE
What a midseason finale! Emily's shooter was revealed to be her new husband Daniel after he learned the truth of her conniving ways. She went overboard with two shots to the stomach and now the upcoming previews show that she has amnesia. For the first time ever, the Graysons have the upper-hand against Emily and it would be great to see how Daniel reacts to this new predicament. Will they stay married? Will he try to kill her again? Plus, what has happened to Victoria? Since she might be framed, I'd like for the tables to turn in her favour and have the Queen Grayson hold the power for once.
GLEE
This is not so much as a prediction but a recommendation for Glee. I'm a fan of the series but the tone/quality has drifted so far from where it originally started. The show has split into two stories: the New York story and the glee club story. Since there will be another graduation coming up, once the last of the original glee club members have graduated, the main story should shift to New York solely. There's potential there for a rounded plot with many of the original Glee club members and it's clearly the main focus that's keeping its core fans.
ONCE UPON A TIME
Reboots are a tricky thing and Once Upon A Time is taking a gamble with its latest twist. Spoiler: Peter Pan ushered a new curse which caused Regina to remove every fairytale character from Storybrooke and return them to the Disney World without their memories. Has everyone forgotten their memories? Hook hasn't and he's reached out to Emma for help. I hope that all of the good that came from Storybrooke isn't gone because the "Happily-Ever-Afters" throughout the three seasons (i.e. Ariel, Cinderella) were sweet to see and I wouldn't want them gone. If something were to have gone wrong with Peter Pan's curse, that could be an interesting development.
THE CARRIE DIARIES
Sebastian's gone, Walt's kicked out of his home, Maggie and Mouse are alone, and Carrie is only just starting her adventure in New York. The future of this teen drama is still on the bubble but before its last remaining episodes, a few Sex and The City origin stories might be needed. Graduation is coming and Carrie will obviously make her way to New York but who will she meet there? Miranda? Charlotte? The infamous Stanford? Someone new should be on their way to help the series; Samantha can only do so much.
2 BROKE GIRLS
Many highs and lows for the cupcake shop throughout the three seasons. Success can't come soon enough but after the second season, it shouldn't feel rushed. What about Max's mother and Caroline's mother? These two important characters have been unseen, but we've heard a lot about them. Having one of them appear could shake up the show and add a new level to the girls' backstories. Plus, someone should experience a new romance...even if it's Han.
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
NO MORE NEW DOPPELGANGERS! The whole Silas/Amara/Qetsiyah love triangle arc helped to add some backstory to the curse but it did little to add excitement - it was more of a distraction to end off a Season Four plot. With that arc finished (hopefully for now), Katherine will be a main focus and the mystery of the knife should be revealed. I don't think she'll die (yet) but her collapse will cause the group to take a drastic action.
MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.
Simple prediction but an important one: more Marvel characters will appear. If Smallville and Arrow can get away with using characters from its universe then SHIELD could be ready to have a few familiar faces pop up. The season so far has been without superheros or superpowers for the large part and with the remainder of its first season still airing, someone is bound to appear.
PRETTY LITTLE LIARS
With a season and a half left in the series (potentially), there are a few more bombshells left to be revealed. Ezra, now confirmed to be a member of A team (or the enemy of A team), could start the fight of his life to find Alison, especially now that she's revealed to be alive. In the battle between Ezra and Alison, I think a few more people will be revealed as part of the conspiracy and Ezra won't make it past the season alive.
AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN
A few more episodes left in the mini-series and it looks like the two queens of New Orleans are coming together against the hunters. While it looks to become a war of witches against hunters, not all will survive and I predict that potentially the witches may turn on each other at the end. Who is the Supreme? My guess is either Misty Day, Zoe or Nan.
BONUS
SLEEPY HOLLOW & THE BLACKLIST
I only promised 15 predictions but these two shows carry simple predictions that I wanted to throw in. On Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod learned that he had fathered a son with Katrina after death while Liz is still searching for her birth father on The Blacklist. My guess for both shows: Red is Elizabeth's father and Jeremy Crane will return at the season finale from being buried alive by the coven.
Agree or disagree with my predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Only one week left before the "death" of Emily Thorne.
The penultimate episode before this season's climax is approaching in a few days and we caught a glimpse into some pre-wedding fun. Revenge has suffered the growing pains of transitioning from a lackluster sophomore season: figuring out how to be serious while also embracing its ridiculously soapy fun. The show has tried to erase its previous faults and in the process, it's bringing back the things we love slowly: the witty jokes, romance and the fact that Revenge doesn't take itself too seriously. For the continued success of Revenge, it needs to remember these factors or else it will continue to fall.
This week on Revenge, Daniel is conflicted between his love for Sarah and Emily's fake pregnancy, Lydia storms the manor, Margaux chooses Jack, and Victoria throws a wrench into Emily's plan.
PICTURE-PERFECT LIES
Daniel has not had an easy road when it comes to love. Emily isn't trustworthy, Ashley was merely using him and Sarah nearly died because of Daniel - he doesn't make the smartest decisions when it comes to love. After finding out Emily is pregnant, the conflicted Grayson continues to play groom while posing for wedding photos and caring for his pregnant fiance. Sarah is none too pleased as Daniel promised to live his life with his true love; while he didn't sleep with Sarah during the last episode, we find out his desires: to be with Sarah. He receives some advice from Charlotte and he lets Sarah go to be a responsible man for his unborn child.
If Daniel were ever to have a chance at REAL happiness, I hope he finds it. Emily has lied enough to him and if the choice came between death or being with Sarah, he needs to experience true love again. It's either that or continuing to live life while making unintentional Titantic references. Really?! He had to drop the necklace into the ocean?
A STORY NO MORE
Margaux, the ever respectable writer, decides this episode to give up the story of a lifetime. In the matter of minutes, she gives up her ambition to uncover Conrad's secret instead to protect Jack from a potential unforeseen death. I can respect Jack telling Margaux the truth about Conrad and yet I don't think this will be the end of this plotline. She's only a few steps away from the truth and all she needs to legitimize her magazine is a story like this.
BACK TO BED
Lydia is a dose of underhanded evil and social climbing that's been sorely missed on Revenge. Everything she's done in the first season had an air of snobbery and manipulation that I really missed when she was revealed to be alive. Her role as a news source may have ended but her mission to take down Emily has not. Lydia finds the New Year's Eve photo in Conrad's photo albums and now the social climbing enemy has the ammunition needed to fight Emily; not just pushing her off the steps.
A NEW LIFE
Aidan doesn't work for me. I get that he loves Emily and they have this bond that was slowly introduced during the second season (at some times to a painful degree) but it seemed forced compared to the simplicity of Daniel and Jack. The equally vengeful Brit proposes to Emily (which she accepts) and yet I'm wondering if this will really last? This looks all too simple for the pair to run off into the sunset. With half a season left, something has to go wrong for this plan to end in flames... or bullets.
RSVP DENIED
Oh Victoria, how I enjoy you so. With a single mark of a pen, Victoria can send Emily's plan into a nosedive. The Queen Grayson is refusing to attend Emily's wedding and preventing herself from being framed for Emily's murder. Moments like these remind me of the first season: Victoria and Emily keeping each other on their toes, neither is winning in the fight but both are delivering equally manipulative tactics. Well done!
How will Emily get Victoria to attend the wedding? Will Margaux return to the story? What does Lydia have up her sleeve now? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
When is too comfortable not the right fit?
The young Ms. Bradshaw and crew were put to the test as their relationships crashed and burned on The Carrie Diaries. Some excelled with taking risks for the future while some couldn't live without staying in the comfort zone.
This week on The Carrie Diaries, Carrie tackles her first topic of writing sex, Maggie finds a friend in Sebastian, Larissa bonds with Samantha, and Walt sets a brave face for Bennett.
THE FIRST OF MANY
Weaver, the young writer and Carrie's current beau, is the lucky man to earn her heart and V-card in the last episode. Even though the couple are enjoying their new found bliss, Carrie is still pretty new to talking about sex in public or to her friends. An essay at the New School - Carrie's writing program - offers Carrie a chance to explore a topic that would take her out of her comfort zone: sex. She's ready to start but Weaver isn't as agreeable; he tries to talk her out of the story idea and focus on something safer. Carrie may not be fully ready to discuss sex now but the future sex columnist isn't ready to throw in the towel yet and writes the story regardless.
I never had a problem with Weaver. He seemed like a good match for Carrie; a more stable boyfriend than Sebastian and definitely more likeable than George. His decision to read Carrie's diary was a bad move and I was unsure if the couple would survive after that. They've called it quits for now and it may be for the best but I wouldn't expect them to be a part for much longer. The boy who took Carrie Bradshaw's virginity won't disappear that easily.
BABY ON BOARD
Maggie is the victim of the teen drama trope. A night of passion has left her pregnant and alone while carrying the child of her secret affair. She reaches out to the father but is spurned to fend off the responsibility alone. With nowhere left to turn, Maggie seeks Sebastian's comfort - first by coming onto him (only to be rejected) and then by explaining the situation of being pregnant. Maggie has a friend in Sebastian but how long does Maggie have until she has to make a decision: keep the baby, adoption or an aboration?
BURNING LOVE
Walt and Bennett are the perfect romance on The Carrie Diaries. I love their interactions and Walt's personal story of overcoming his fears to be with the guy he loves. For this episode Bennett moves into a new apartment in a scary neighbourhood as Stanford, Bennett's roommate and Carrie's future BFF, has decided to live the year in Ibiza. Walt, while scared at first, overcomes his fears and sprays himself with mace in the process.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
The two queens of sexual drama come to a head when their desires intersect. To celebrate Larissa's one-year anniversary with Harlan, she engages in a threesome with Samantha. Unfortunately, Harlan isn't able to make the meeting but the two girls don't waste the opportunity, they succumb to the pleasure and film the experience for Harlan's future enjoyment.
BACK-UP PLAN
Mouse possibly had the most frustrating plotline this week. She refused to apply to a back-up school and focus solely on her dreams at Harvard before realizing that having a safety school was the best advice. We've all had that friend who's safety school was our top choice. Ugh! Really Mouse?!
Was it too soon to get rid of Weaver? Will Samantha and Larissa connect again? How will Maggie cope with her new predicament? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
BABY ON BOARDMaggie is the victim of the teen drama trope. A night of passion has left her pregnant and alone while carrying the child of her secret affair. She reaches out to the father but is spurned to fend off the responsibility alone. With nowhere left to turn, Maggie seeks Sebastian's comfort - first by coming onto him (only to be rejected) and then by explaining the situation of being pregnant. Maggie has a friend in Sebastian but how long does Maggie have until she has to make a decision: keep the baby, adoption or an aboration?
BURNING LOVE
Walt and Bennett are the perfect romance on The Carrie Diaries. I love their interactions and Walt's personal story of overcoming his fears to be with the guy he loves. For this episode Bennett moves into a new apartment in a scary neighbourhood as Stanford, Bennett's roommate and Carrie's future BFF, has decided to live the year in Ibiza. Walt, while scared at first, overcomes his fears and sprays himself with mace in the process.
DOUBLE TROUBLEThe two queens of sexual drama come to a head when their desires intersect. To celebrate Larissa's one-year anniversary with Harlan, she engages in a threesome with Samantha. Unfortunately, Harlan isn't able to make the meeting but the two girls don't waste the opportunity, they succumb to the pleasure and film the experience for Harlan's future enjoyment.
BACK-UP PLAN
Mouse possibly had the most frustrating plotline this week. She refused to apply to a back-up school and focus solely on her dreams at Harvard before realizing that having a safety school was the best advice. We've all had that friend who's safety school was our top choice. Ugh! Really Mouse?!
Was it too soon to get rid of Weaver? Will Samantha and Larissa connect again? How will Maggie cope with her new predicament? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
I love gaming. I like zombies. And I can't wait for the next generation of consoles. Obviously, combining all three together would sound like a pretty enticing topic. I have yet to purchase the Xbox One - I'm still holding out until my birthday - but when I do, I believe that this game will be the first game I will purchase to welcome my new console. The open-world zombie survival-horror game: Dead Rising 3.
My first purchase for the Xbox 360 was the original Dead Rising and I was equally excited for the sequel a few years back. Now that the series is continuing to the next generation, the game has been equipped with new features, characters and a continuation to the storyline that will make the wait so much better.
Dead Rising 3 is currently out today but if you're still unsure about the purchase, check out the recent trailer released by Gamespot.