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Two of the best 2025 "year-end" lists, from @tomwhitwell and @dkthomp.bsky.social
(Plus- Dusty Springfield vs.Apartheid)
Read 'em and reap: https://roughlydaily.com/2025/12/15/curation-is-a-form-of-pattern-recognition-pieces-of-information-or-insight-which-over-time-amount-to-an-implicit-point-of-view/
SOLITI 2023: THE END OF YEAR LISTS
Sanna Komi (KO:MI, Pintandwefall)
This year I’ve listened to a lot of classical music, ambient, afrobeat and jazz. According to Spotify my favourite artists have been Mahler, Ligeti and Bach – can’t get enough of those cello suites by Pablo Casals.
I’ve also really loved these albums:
Yussef Dayes: Black Classical Music White Lotus Season 2 soundtrack
And these podcasts:
This is Love Criminal The Kids of Rutherford County
I watched a lot of mediocre movies and also some great ones. My favourites have been:
Aftersun The Banshees of Inisherin The Quiet Girl RRR
I also loved these short films:
Haulout An Ostrich told me the world is fake and I think I believe it The Saboteur And everything made by the great Iiti Yli-Harja
My favourite books have been:
David Diop: At Night All Blood is Black Anni Kytömäki: Kultarinta, Margarita and Kivitasku Diane di Prima: Spring and Autumn Annals And I’ve had a lot of fun slowly going through the Alphabet (detective Kinsey Millhone) series by Sue Grafton – I’ll continue from N during Xmas holidays!
New Post has been published on Website Design Naples Florida Webmaster
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Google app now delivering restaurant reviews & best-of-lists for local searches
Released today in the U.S., Google says food and drink related searches will now return reviews from top critics and include best-of lists. The post Google app now delivering restaurant reviews & best-of-lists for local searches appeared first on Search Engine Land.
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Dos - Top 50 albums of the 00′s
Tres bien merci! That’s exactly how we feel when we listen to these next few records from our top 50 albums of the 00’s.
40 – Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
In a scene where emotional honesty can cripple an artist, Frank Ocean’s Thinkin’ Bout You cemented his legend being one of the first black R&B stars to admit feelings of attraction to a member of the same sex.
The single itself is an emotional rollercoaster, yet Frank doesn’t dwell on what people may or may not think of him throughout the remainder of Channel Orange. Pyramids is a progressive keyboard jam, Lost lyrically flirty (“Double D, big full breast on my babe”) and Bad Religion a theatrical gospel ballad demonstrating his range of influences and versatile voice.
Ultimately what makes CO such a great listen is its emotional charm, lyrical vitality and the soulful charisma of Ocean himself. A modern legend.
39 - Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000, Interscope, Aftermath, Shady)
Parents at the beginning of the 00’s had a real nuisance on their hands; the angst ridden Slim Shady. Thanks to the enigmatic rapper, teenagers all over the world were getting their first true taste of what can only be described as musical filth.
Written after his breakthrough album The Slim Shady LP, TMMLP increasingly focused on the rappers rise to fame and family life, including some of his most violent lyrics to date:
“They say I can’t rap about coke no more
Slut, you think I won’t choke no whore
‘til the vocal chords don’t work in her throat no more?!”
Crude perhaps, but it’s the release that made us into the badass teenagers we were.
38 - Eluvium- Copia (2007, Temporary Residence)
Eluvium has always written music that appeals to the reflective mindset. With Copia, Eluvium (aka Matthew Cooper) exceeded better than ever before.
An album of contemporary classical ambience, Copia has the ability to sweep up its listener into a haze of looping relaxation with an emphasis on progression and subtle layers over boisterous vanity.
Whilst the majority of the album consists of atmospheric droning, the albums standout track, Piano Ballet, showcases Eluvium’s ear for graceful minimalist piano.
In creating Copia, there is an artistic realisation that beauty often comes from the simpler things in life.
37 - The Gaslight Anthem- The 59’ Sound (2008, SideOneDummy)
Before you've even put the CD into your music player, the tracklist of The 59’ Sound gives you a pretty good indication of what to expect from The Gaslight Anthem’s second outing; a pop punk album of blues, massive sing-a-long chorus’, an appreciative nod towards Springsteen and most importantly, ever-enduring style.
Importantly, T59S demonstrates TGA’s mastery of writing danceable punk without compromising the often dark lyrical undertones of Brian Fallon.
Add to this classic tales of cars, slicked back hair, homemade tattoos and the scratched vinyl of opener, Great Expectations and you have an unashamedly stylish release, inspired by visions of vintage America.
36 - The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt (2010, Dead Oceans)
Such is the power of music that it empowers individuals to lift themselves out of their darkest moods. No way is this philosophy more evident than with the second offering from TTMOE, where Kristian Matsson combines catchy folk with stunning, heart-warming lyrics.
While folk isn’t always associated with guitar virtuosity, Matsson’s best moments come from his speedy fingerpicking which he delivers with undeniable skill and certainty. Along with the imagery of his lyrics (“Oh darling when it’s you I see in headlights driving down the golden highway. And salvation in the beauty of some brace”) his scrawl of a voice evokes endless likeability.
Music that is so pure and honest is something that can lift anyone out of their darkness.
35 - Ludovico Einaudi – In a Time Lapse (2013, Decca)
In writing In a Time Lapse, Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi wholeheartedly experimented with classical minimalism, the results of which give the strongest sense of nostalgia and enticement.
Such music should be used as a reminder of the most colourful moments in life; Discovery At Night could be the soundtrack to finding a long lost friend, Run with its explosion of strings a theme for adventure and daring escapade and Circles (with lyrics by Greta Svabo Bech) a song of ideological romanticism.
Soothing and carefree, this is minimalism that isn’t afraid to bask in its own beautiful glory.
34 - The Antlers – Hospice (2009, The Antlers Music, Frenchkiss)
Much like Neutral Milk Hotel’s In an Aeroplane Over the Sea, The Antlers second album Hospice, although irrevocably sad, is something that you can’t help but fall in love with.
A concept album, Hospice tells the story of the romance of a hospice worker and his patient, who both fall in love despite the woman’s terminal cancer. Dealing with themes of love, death, disease and depression it is lyrically immense with piano, horns and synthesizers all lending themselves to the mix perfectly:
“Someone, oh anyone, tell me how to stop this. She’s screaming, expiring and I’m her only witness. I’m freezing, infected and rigid in that room beside her”.
It’s the hardest piece of music to listen to on this list. But on the rare occasion we play it, there’s barely a second where our spine isn’t tingling.
33 - Baroness – Blue Record (2009, Relapse)
With a twin-guitar attack that would make Thin Lizzy proud, Baroness’ Blue Record, although an all-out metal assault, pays homage to blues, folk and country music in typically awesome fashion.
Interlaced by 3 interludes, the seven tracks presented demonstrate an authenticity, tone and multiculturalism you’d expect from a band from Georgia. Whilst its metal influences are full of gritty Southern soul and barked vocals, its folk influences (Steel That Sleeps.../ Blackpowder Orchard) show an impassioned belief in widening the sphere of metal music.
Along with its outstanding artwork by frontman John Baizley, it’s one of the best metal albums we’ve ever heard.
32 - Sigur Ros – Agaetis byrjun (2000, Fat Cat)
Sigur Ros’ Agaetis byrjun hovers somewhere between the simplicity and allure of looping minimalism and intelligent dexterity of heavily layered ‘postrock’. And the results are stunning.
Their breakthrough album, Ab’s guitar-bowed soundscapes and falsetto vocals have since become their synonymous trademark – both gorgeous but eerie in equal measure.
Showing ethereal similarities to Cocteau Twins, SR would explore further their dreamy sound including the use of their gibberish language Hopelandic and increasingly orchestral arrangements throughout.
It’s an album which is deep and textured. And it’s the work of a band coming of age.
31 - Kvelertak – Kvelertak (2010, Indie)
With the attitude of The Clash, artful playfulness of Bowie and punk aesthetics of Neurosis, Kvelertak combined catchy and chaotic metal with uncompromising rock and roll.
With its black metal influenced snarls, “YAAHHS” and space age style solos and riffs, it’s a record which makes you feel like you’re in the studio with the band, getting spat at in the face as they destroy their rehearsal room. It’s also the perfect platform for drinking too much whisky and not giving a shit about what a dick you looked like the next day.
And with artwork we could stare at all day, John Baizley proves once again why he’s one hell of an alternative artist.
Cinema
So I'm single now, live alone, and am raising a puppy, which means I am a) short and cash and b) need to be home a lot. Time to catch up on my (Netflix) movie viewing. Suggestions?
traveling back, the last year before the end of the world
AMENDED (to the beginning): Things I have learned and loved in late November and December: Lambchop "Mr. M" + Daughn Gibson "All Hell" (really something special) + some Mac Demarco and Hiss Golden Messenger tracks (thx Nathan + John)
Three un-new albums for December: Destroyer's "Your Blues" and John Cale's "Paris 1919" and "Fear"
A new staple this year. Depeche Mode! Who knew they could be so frequently pleasing?
Ditto FM's "Tusk"
Love "Mary" and a couple others from the latest Spiritualized
"Centipede Hz" now is my favorite AC record
Matthew Dear "Beams" is the frontrunner for my AOY
Ot is it Purity Ring?
Grizzly Bear and Dirty Pros share the award of 'this is frequently amazing, but it was supposed to be -- so OK'
Cocteau Twins, your song titles alone give me a feeling of accomplishment
I dont read enough to know this is true, but I have a feeling that Yeasayer's may be the most under-rated album this year
Deftones was kind of disappointing, but still kinda sick
I guess The xx album is awesome. I listen to the song "Tides" often
Every year it's good to pick a Nick Cave focus album. this year I did "Let Love In," which was maybe his transitory point between raw and refined communications of pure emotion
Neil Young focal points --> "Hawks and Doves," "American Stars N Bars," "Come a Time." It had to happen with those eventually. They are worth a dig and a plucking of gems
damn. how am i just now thinking about Mr. Cohen? it was an old guy album, to be sure. it's useless to ask how good it was. i'd listen to a recording of his night farts
(on another LC note. Anyone who says they don't like "Death of a Ladies' Man" -- then or now -- is stupider than words)
All I can really say about rap this year is that the Kendrick Lamar and Curren$y (which I actually purchased like a damn fool) albums are fucking boring.
Had a feeling about Miguel's album after listening to that song last year 500 times. As expected, it was pretty much my shit
You guys. I really love Springsteen's "Tunnel of Love" from '87. really. a lot
Maybe Antibalas is my favorite record this. I remember hearing them for the first time, a song on the radio this summer. i was praying it was something new. just really hoping it was a new release. i dont know. you don't want a situation of 'all the jazz and international music I enjoy is from past eras.' It's disconnected, and that's no fun. Fun is getting to see Antibalas on Dec 14!
as a final note: if you never listen to any other jazz record, listen to Duke Ellington's "Money Jungle." It's three people. The best jazz composer, the best jazz bassist, and the best best jazz drummer in the history of the world. No orchestra. A trio, right, jazz at its purist. It's this classic thing, but there is an almost avant garde quality to it as well. I just keep going back to it. It really is fucking amazing, believe me.
2011
My favorite films of the year:
1. The Tree of Life 2. The Descendants 3. The Skin I Live In 4. Take Shelter 5. Drive 6. Melancholia 7. Beginners 8. Weekend 9. Natural Selection 10. Cedar Rapids
I still need to see: Shame, A Dangerous Method, The Artist, and A Separation
My favorite records of the year:
1: Middle Brother - Middle Brother 2: Banner Pilot - Heart Beats Pacific 3: Deer Tick - Divine Providence 4: Ampere - Like Shadows 5: Black Lips - Arabia Mountain 6: Graveyard - Hisingen Blues 7: Touche Amore - Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me 8: David Bazan - Strange Negotiations 9: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues 10: Bright Eyes - The People's Key
Best music festival - Fun Fun Fun Fest
Books I read in 2011:
Last Man in Tower - Aravind Adiga 1Q84- Haruki Murakami Straight Man - Richard Russo The Wrong Blood - Manuel De Lope The Angel Esmeralda - Don Delillo The Sense of an Ending - Julian Barnes Cain - Jose Saramago Then We Came to the End - Joshua Farris Tony and Susan - Austin Wright Towing Jehovah - James Morrow Death With Interruptions - Jose Saramago The Afterlife - John Updike The Orchard Keeper - Cormac McCarthy My American Unhappiness - Dean Bakopoulos Phillip Roth - Indignation The Razor's Edge - W Somerset Maugham Ten Storey Love Song - Richard Milward Number 9 Dream - David Mitchell The Devil all the Time - Donald Ray Pollock Mooch - Dan Fante Essays and Aphorisms - Arthur Schopenhauer Super Sad True Love Story - Gary Shteyngart The Silent Land - Graham Joyce Everything In This Country Must - Colum McCann The Centaur - John Updike The Clockwork Universe - Edward Dolnick Netsuke - Rikki Ducornet Laughter In The Dark - Vladimir Nabokov The Counterlife - Phillip Roth Love Wins - Rob Bell The Pale King - David Foster Wallace The Sound of Waves - Yukio Mishima Last Evenings on Earth - Roberto Bolano Popular Hits of the Showa Era - Ryu Murakami Mr. Peanut - Adam Ross Caribou Island - David Vann Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller Citrus County - John Brandon The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet - David Mitchell O Pioneers! - Willa Cather
Best-of lists are always imperfect, something I'm even more sensitive to when they involve fiction. But this is the kind I enjoy the most, the kind where each recommendation is tied directly to one specific writer/recommender, so that subjectivity is the name of the game. (Or should be. There are a lot of books on this list that have gotten a lot of buzz in the other usual places, and the cynic in me can't quite write that off entirely to coincedence or merit.)
That said, I am most entertained when I agree with a recommending writer's choice and assessment even when I'm not a particular fan of that recommender. Lev Grossman is my token example here, as I found The Magicians way too angsty for someone at my time of life (ie, not nineteen). But I couldn't agree more with his comment about George R. R. Martin's impressive ability to plot out something like 20 main characters over the course of a book of doorstop proportions.
Yup, I said it. I've read some Martin. And while there are several moments of queasy racial/cultural assumptions, the man can plot.
