C's Top 10 Songs of 2008

It is without any trepidation that I present my list of the Top 10 Singles of 2008.  I feel very strongly about my list and I've worked very hard to prepare it for you all.  I am open to any and all criticism my list might receive and I will do my very best to respond to those comments in a respectful way.  Admittedly, I've had some trouble in the past when it comes to getting extremely defensive about my music tastes...yet this year I would like to try to accept disagreement without striking back.  Honestly, if you disagree with my list, the best thing to do would be to generate your own list of songs from 2008.  At the very least, you'll be standing up for your own opinion and, hopefully, I'll see some songs I've never heard of.  Then I'll be exposed to new music and my tastes will diversify.  Every year I hope that my list generates this sort of response and rarely do I get to see such a reaction.  Hopefully this year will be different.  Although my tastes tend to swing mainstream, hopefully there are a few songs that you've never heard of that you'll investigate.  Happy reading.  

Quick clarification: This list is restricted to songs that were released as singles between December 2007 and November 2008.  Album tracks that weren't released as singles aren't eligible for this list, however I do have a special section at the end that recognizes outstanding songs that weren't singles.  

Also, this intro was a bit dry.  Things will get a bit sassier now.  

Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis

Well, I suppose I'll include this song.  It's only the number one song on my iTunes, and the Jason Nevins remix is in my iTunes top 10.  I guess that means I enjoyed the song.  I guess.  Let me back up and explain my personal journey with this song--a voyage filled with wonder and amazement, much like my discovery of cheesy tots.  I discovered Leona Lewis during what was a very boring winter break.  I had come back early to school because I was a Residential Adviser and therefore killed a lot of time with YouTube.  In all fairness, my obsession with YouTube isn't limited to winter break.  This really isn't important to the story.  Anyway, I discovered Leona and was obsessed (Thus ends the Hemingway-esque prose section of this list).  I was pretty confident that she was going to be a superstar, but I didn't really advertise my obsession with her because there was a little bit of doubt.  Also, a friend of mine was a real buzzkill because he made fun of Leona's vibrato and that made me ashamed to brag about her.  Holla.  Flash forward several months, and I learned that her debut album was finally going to be released.  Her debut single, Bleeding Love, was released in the UK in October of 2007 and I was obsessed from the very first second I heard it.  That obsession hasn't ceased in the subsequent fourteen months that I've been listening to the song. 

This is the best song of 2008 for several reasons:

1.  Almost everyone is sick of it now.  Hence it was huge.  If you saw this song as number one and rolled your eyes, this is why.  

2.  Leona is British.  Britain breeds great pop.  This song is great pop.  

3.  It helped pioneer the modern Pop/R&B ballad genre (Yes, I just made this up).  Beyonce was an R&B artist who added pop to her sound with Irreplaceable and spawned a bunch of imitations (Tattoo, Hate that I Love You, etc.).  Leona is a pop artist who added an R&B beat to her ballad.  Genius.  I know, Apologize did it first.  However, this was a much more subtle civil union of sounds.

4.  This is my list and I am "Grab a Cop's Gun" crazy about the song.  CRAZY PUTTY!!!!

5.  She wears them most bedazzled dress ever in the UK version of the music video.  Amazing.  

6.  According to the United World Charts, it is the song of the millennium in terms of sales.  Suck that, Apologize.  

7.  It very nearly made my Top 10 songs of 2007 when it was only released in the UK.  However, I wasn't sure that it officially counted.  It officially counts now.  

Paper Planes by M.I.A.

There are two songs on this list that I feel like I discovered before any of my friends.  Paper Planes is one of those songs.  I remember reading Rolling Stone's Top 50 Albums of 2007, and the number one album was by an artist I had never heard of:  M.I.A.  In a sudden burst of spontaneous behavior, I downloaded the album to see what was so great about it.  It was weird, edgy, cool, and definitely a departure for me musically.  The standout track came at the end of the album.  As soon as I heard those four gunshots, I was hooked.  I listened to the song all the time and nobody really knew.  Slowly but surely, people started talking about M.I.A. and Paper Planes.  I had a resident that asked me if I had the song and I scoffed.  I heard it at the senior gala, and only a small group of people danced to the song.  It wasn't until Pineapple Express that people really started to notice the song. 

The genius of this song is its message.  Most people who "know" the song are actually clueless.  One of my huge musical pet peeves is when people don't really understand what a song is about and proceed to reference the song in inappropriate contexts.  That's why I hate weddings where "I Will Always Love You" is the first dance or Republican campaigns where "Born in the USA" is the theme song.  WAKE UP, PEOPLE.  Anyway, now that I have that nonsensical rant out of my system, let me get back to the point.  M.I.A. had a disastrous experience trying to get into the United States with her Visa and she was inspired to record this song.  In Paper Planes, M.I.A. takes the typical American's stereotypical view of immigrants and puts them in a first person perspective.  Many Americans are (irrationally) threatened by immigrants because those people think that the immigrants will only bring violence to the country and take "our" jobs.  Listen to the chorus again with that in mind.  Clearly M.I.A. is mocking us and, sadly, she's pretty dead on.    

Love is a Losing Game by Amy Winehouse

This song was Amy Winehouse's last great single before she disappeared from the music scene.  Released in December of 2007, this song actually never saw the light of day in the United States.  I think that's a shame, because it is definitely the most achingly beautiful ballad of the year.  Say what you will about Winehouse's personal life, she is a brilliant songwriter and singer (when she wants to be).  This song perfectly captures the essence of heartbreak and, in my opinion, is the best song from her Grammy winning debut album.  It loses a little ground on this list (especially compared to Rehab on last year's list) because of it's lack of prominence but compensates for the most well written song on the list.  

Finally, here's proof that when Amy is on her A-game that she is one of the best in the business:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVMTshWbtpo

Oh, and before I get sass for this choice, let me say something preemptive.  I know I references this song as a 2007 single in last year's list.  However, I did change the rules to include December 2007 singles, which is when this song was released.  Suck it.  

Hot 'n Cold by Katy Perry

Katy Perry burst onto the music scene with her bi-curious smash, I Kissed a Girl.  The song spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was an international sensation.  However, I feel like Hot n Cold is a better song for one reason.  It's catchier.  The concept of a fickle love interest may not be the most unique idea, but this song is literally the most infectious single of the year.  I think it deserves respect for that.  The basic chorus, a sequence of opposites, rings in your head for days after listening to this song.  It is complicated?  No.  It pop supposed to be complicated?  Definitely not.  When I originally started writing this list, I predicted a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist for Katy, but that she would receive stiff competition from Leona Lewis.  Well, the Recording Academy has spoken.  They think that Lady Antebellum is a more deserving nominee than both Katy and Leona.  I hope that Lady Antebellum (and next year's follow-up, Sir MasonDixonLine) does very well at the award ceremony.  Or that she (I think it's a she) trips on the train of her dress and falls down in front of everyone.  One or the other.  

More Like Her by Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert released the single best country cd I've ever heard.  Her sophomore album, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, painted the perfect picture of an artist.  Throughout the disc she threatens her ex, laments a dry town, and stands up for women.  Listening to this album, you really get the sense that each song is from the perspective of the same angry, bruised woman.  The album's most vulnerable moment is More Like Her, a sad ballad where Miranda blames herself for a breakup.  I don't know why I'm so ballad crazy this year (or at least more-so compared to previous years), but slow jams definitely had a strong showing in 2008.  Also, I could just be a sucker for ballads.   

If I Were a Boy/Single Ladies by Beyoncé

So, I know I'm cheating a bit here.  I'm counting both of these songs in one spot for a few reasons.  First, I honestly couldn't decide which Beyonce song I liked better this year.  Second, they were both released as the same time.  Granted, this clearly doesn't make them the same single...but when it comes to my twisted list-making logic I feel the simultaneous release of these singles allows me to declare a tie.  Finally, they were both great songs, so they definitely both deserve to make this list.  

On another note, congrats to Beyonce for being the only artist to make my Top 10 songs list every year I've published a list.  

If I Were a Boy really surprised me.  Reading reviews for I am...SASHA FIERCE, I saw that most critics were torn on which disc was more of a risk for the Beyonce.  Was it I Am, with its simple ballads and restrained singing, or SASHA FIERCE, with its adventurous new dance sounds?  Personally, I feel like I Am is the bigger departure for Beyonce and that's part of the reason that I like If I Were a Boy so much.  It's so simple in the writing and the melody, yet it effectively conveys the singer's heartbreak.  I also love how the story of the song develops slowly and the real message of the song appears in the second verse:  "If I were a Boy/I would turn off my phone/Tell everyone it's broken/so they'd think that I was sleeping alone."  In that verse, the song's point is crystal clear.  Tear.  

Single Ladies is just a lot of fun.  I'm not quite sure if this song would make the list without it's super fabulous music video (and every live performance where Beyonce does the choreography from the video), but that's sort of irrelevant at this point.  The bottom line is that when this comes on at a club, everyone goes crazy and tries to imitate the dance moves.  Hand flipping, hip thrusting, and butt slapping all show up.  It doesn't hurt that the song is pretty great also.  I know that this analysis might make it seem like I prefer If I Were a Boy, but honestly both songs are amazing and I truly can't pick one because they're so different and great.  Good work, Beyonce.  I suppose this means your album concept was a success.  

No Air by Jordin Sparks, featuring Chris Brown

I love Jordin Sparks.  Currently, she is my favorite American Idol winner (this might be different if David Cook's debut weren't disappointing and Kelly Clarkson had bounced back from My December).  I really wanted to include Tattoo on my list last year, but I thought that choosing a song with the line "you're on my heart just like a tattoo" would destroy my credibility.  Well, let's ignore the fact that Tattoo has more than 100 plays on iTunes.  This year is my chance to include Jordin without feeling like a loser.  In the debate between No Air and One Step at a Time, the choice is clear.  No Air is an epic ballad and includes a performance from the incredibly popular Chris Brown.  One Step at a Time, albeit a good song, doesn't have the same power as No Air.  Furthermore, the best routine on So You Think You Can Dance this season was choreographed to No Air, which really emphasized the emotion in this song.  Brilliant work.  I can't wait to see what Jordin whips up in 2009.  

On another note, I'm not going to punish a song for being ubiquitous.  If you hate a song on this list because it was played to death, make your own list.   

See You Again by Miley Cyrus

Let's be real.  Miley's second album, Breakout, is way better than her previous work.  However, See You Again, is still the definitive Miley single.  As much as I like Breakout, 7 Things, and Fly on the Wall...I can't escape See You Again.  So many Thursday afternoons were spent singing along to this song at WU and perhaps one of my most meaningful friendships at WU was strengthened by this song.  Additionally, I still remember when a girl offered to show Richard her boobs if he would play See You Again a second time.  Holla Senior Gala.  What a classy night.  Anyway, I've still got my sights set on this single and I think I'll be listening to it until I see you again, Josh.  

Love Story by Taylor Swift

Lord this song is cute.  Love Story equates a blossoming romance to Romeo and Juliet, which is probably the most well known love story of all time (except for KFed and Britney or William Taft and food).  It's a pretty bold comparison, but the song is good enough to support this notion.  Also, this song has the best key change on this list, and I'm a sucker for a good key change.  Finally, I want to make sure Taylor Swift gets proper credit for the great work she did on her album Fearless.  It's one of the best works of the year and it's full of catchy, well-written songs.  One review of Fearless said Swift is a "song writing savant" and I tend to agree with that statement.  Although she doesn't have the strongest voice in the business and she's pretty miserable as a live performer, she knows how to craft a song that suits her voice and strongly appeals to her fans.  Good work, Tswift.    

Womanizer by Britney Spears

Britney has had quite the career.  Most people are familiar with her rise to fame and subsequent downfall.  Furthermore, most people know this is Britney's second attempt at a comeback.  Although Blackout was a perfectly good Britney album, she derailed all of her momentum with her disastrous VMAs performance.  Well, Brit is giving fame another chance with her sixth studio album, Circus.  Although the album is dramatically different from Blackout, the most noticeable difference is that Spears actually seems to be trying this time around.  She's giving interviews, being "candid", and doing a decent effort to promote Circus without seeming like a human train wreck.  Even her live performances (even though she still dances listlessly) seem to be improving steadily.  Her case is strengthened by Womanizer, the outstanding lead single from the album.  Although the song has the lyrical depth of her last lead single, Gimme More ("Gimme gimme more gimme more gimme gimme more..." vs. "Womanizer woman-womanizer you're a womanizer..."), it still is extremely catchy and well constructed.  Here's to hoping that Britney finally gets the comeback she deserves. 

Special Awards:

Most Disappointing: David Cook (Light On)

Looking at all of the previous Idol winners, if I had to anoint one as the Idol with the most potential (before their debut album was released), I would have picked David Cook.  He did some of the most amazing arrangements Idol has ever seen and he has an incredible voice.  I was so excited for his debut album because I expected him to deliver very catchy rock/pop.  However, my excitement immediately disappeared upon hearing Light On.  This song is so ordinary I can't stand it.  David can do better.  Now, his album isn't terrible--far from it.  However, when I think about the potential he has as an artist, I really think he's failing to live up to that.

Artist of the Year: Rihanna

Ok, so I need to give credit where it's due.  Rihanna had an incredibly successful year in 2008 with the release of several hit singles:  Don't Stop the Music, Take a Bow, If I Never See Your Face Again (collaboration), Disturbia, Live Your Life (another collaboration), and Rehab.  Although none of those songs cracked my top 10 list, I can't deny her phenomenal performance.  Ryan Tedder called her the next Britney, and I think that could be true.  Let's just hope she doesn't pull all of the crazy shit that Brit did.  Runners-up:  Lil' Wayne, Leona Lewis, and Chris Brown.   

Should be Singles

Every year I feebly attempt to suggest songs that I think would fare well on the radio.  Generally, my suggestions have ignored.  Last year, only Break the Ice and Last Name were released after I suggested them.  Sadly, Break the Ice didn't fair very well because Britney was a living shit show at that time.  Last Name, however, faired very well on the country charts and received the second loudest scream at the Carrie Underwood concert I attended (after Before He Cheats).  This year, I will attempt to cast a wider net and see if my suggestions hold true through 2009.

Take a Bow/Run-Leona Lewis.  Sadly, some faux-hawked harlot released a grating ballad by the name of Take a Bow this summer.  It basically took the generally theme of Leona Lewis' Take a Bow and made it more unpleasant to listen to.  Just to clarify, Leona released her version of Take a Bow first--in the UK on her album Spirit.  Anyway, I think Leona should still release the song in the United States, because it is damn catchy and would be a hit.  Leona is currently releasing Run in the UK, but she has I Will Be slated as her next US single.  Although I Will Be is a fine choice, Run is a much more emotional song.  Hopefully she'll release Run stateside as well.  

You Belong With Me-Taylor Swift.  Ms. Swift is blessed with several single options on her sophomore album.  I think this one is the strongest choice, but she has enough to choose from that I doubt she'll misstep. 

Breakin' Dishes-Rihanna.  RIRI IT'S NOT TOO LATE!!!  PLEASE RELEASE BREAKIN' DISHES!!  

One of the Boys-Katy Perry.  I read somewhere that this might be her next single, but it's a very weak rumor.  In any case, I think this is a good choice so I hope she follows through with it.

Paparazzi/Eh Eh-Lady Gaga.  Ms. Gaga is finally getting the attention she deserves in the US.  These two songs are my favorites, so I hope at least one of them gets some radio airplay.  Eh Eh is my personal favorite, but I think Paparazzi has more potential.

Bad Influence-P!nk.  

Breakout-Miley Cyrus.  

Serious-Duffy.  

American Idol of the Year

Jordin Sparks.  Two years in a row, little J.  Maybe KC will take this award next year.  Here's hoping she bounces back.  

Best Music Video 

Single Ladies, Beyonce

Worst Music Video  

Forgive Me, Leona Lewis.  Mariah Carey must have taught her how to make music videos.

Guiltiest Pleasure 

T-Shirt, by Shontelle

Lyric of the year  

All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy.

And on one final note, here are some songs that would have made my lists (had I been writing them) in previous years.  I really wish I had started writing my Top 10 Songs list earlier on in my life, so here are some "retrospective anniversary" lists to satisfy my quarter-life crisis.  They're in no particular order.  Some of them were released prior to the year in which they were popular (noted in parenthesis), but since they were so huge, I counted them.   

5th Anniversary  

Beautiful, Christina Aguilera (Dec. 2002) 

Crazy in Love, Beyonce  

Hey Ya! Outkast  

Miss Independent, Kelly Clarkson  

Cry Me a River, JT (Dec. 2002)  

Guilty Pleasure:  Ignition/Stacy's Mom

10th Anniversary

...Baby One More Time, Britney Spears

Torn, Natalie Imbruglia

All My Life, KC & JoJo

The Boy is Mine, Brandy & Monica 

My Heart Will Go On, Celine Dion  

Off the Wall Choice: Bachelorette

15th Anniversary  

Dreamlover, Mariah Carey

What's Up, 4 Non Blondes

That's the Way Love Goes, Janet Jackson

Can't Help Falling In Love, Ub40 

I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston (Oct 1992, but #1 for Jan and Feb of 1993).  Awesomely bad song that I love:  Whoomp! There it is.

20th Anniversary  

Sweet Child O' Mine, Guns & Roses

Pour Some Sugar On Me, Def Leopard

Man in the Mirror (GREAT KEY CHANGE), Michael Jackson 

Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Poison

Could've Been, Tiffany 

Most YouTubed Song of 1988:  Never Gonna Give You Up.  

Album Review-It's Not Me, It's You

Lily Allen's most recent album, It's Not Me, It's You is a disappointment. That's a compliment. Ms. Allen built her reputation on being a foul-mouthed, unapologetic musician who's previous album, Alright, Still, dealt with issues ranging from her little brother's pot addiction to a man being "less than equipped" in the size department. All of these songs were laced with an inherent sarcasm that came from the juxtaposition of her light delivery with her nasty lyrics. In that sense, most people expected It's Not Me, It's You to contain the same attitude. It does...to a degree. When it comes to the biting sarcasm of her debut, it seems that Allen is giving us the diet version of her typical attitude. Instead, she reaches not only for larger social commentaries but also for more personal and introspective sounds. So, her album is disappointing if you are looking for more of the same. However, it's a surprisingly richer and more mature album than expected. That's the compliment. 

Before discussing the changes in It's Not Me, It's You, let's briefly discuss what this album has in common with Alright, Still. The two most blatant attempts at recreating her trademark sarcasm are Not Fair and Never Gonna Happen. Now, Not Fair should suffice for those wanting to hear more of Allen's potty humor. To what could best be described as a hoedown beat, Allen sings about the virtues of a man and how those virtues mean nothing because this man is terrible in the sack. The song is actually one of the strongest tracks on the album, because of it's biting lyrics and original instrumentation. Never Gonna Happen is arranged in an inventive way, yet the lyrics don't quite match the sardonic nature of Not Fair or even Smile from Allen's debut. Overall, the bite is there, it's just not as sharp as it used to be.

Instead, Allen tries to save some of her wit for tackling societal issues. This leads to mixed results. The Fear, the lead single from the album, is an effective criticism of celebrity culture and society's obsession with it. When Allen sings "I am a weapon of massive consumption/And it's not my fault/It's how I'm programmed to function" you can't help but wonder if there's something slightly self-referential in her words, considering what a tabloid staple Allen has been in recent years. Some of her other attempts are less perceptive. Fuck You, a song dedicated to George W. Bush, would have been better served as a vague reference to bigots in general. It perfectly captures the tone of Alright, Still's best tracks. However, once the final verse comes and it's apparent this song is dedicated to GWB, the song seems outdated and slightly tacky. It's a shame, because the rest of the song is so strong. Finally, Everyone's At It is a ditty that expresses how Allen is tired of doing drugs but that drugs are everywhere...and that's just how things are. Allen wants to know when everyone will be tired of "putting shit up our noses" but then suggests society should acknowledge drug usage, because, as the title says, "everyone's at it." The point of this song is unclear, something Allen admits when she says "I get involved but I'm not advocating." It seems like this is meant to be a criticism of drug usage, but Allen is treading carefully to avoid hypocrisy. Treading lightly is not Allen's strong point. 

The most surprising aspect of It's Not Me, It's You is the tender moments. Who'd Have Known and Chinese are lovely songs that show Allen's softer side. Who'd Have Known details a friendship blossoming into a new romance with such lyrics as "And even though it's moving forward/It's just the right amount of awkward/And today you accidentally called me baby." Chinese is a very pretty ode to spending time at home with family and friends, something Allen must miss while she's on tour. The way Allen is able to balancing waxing sentimental and being sarcastic shows a maturation in her sound, something that might suggest Allen has staying power. Although It's Not Me, It's You isn't perfect, it shows that Allen is making progress towards striking a sublime balance between sarcasm and sentiment. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Savage Songs: Not Fair, The Fear, and Who'd Have Known

Oscar Predictions

You may or may not know that I have a huge obsession with Oscar season (or awards season...however you prefer to refer to the glorious period of time between the announcement of the Golden Globe nominees and the Oscar broadcast). In previous years, I have abstained from predicting the nominees for awards. I prefer to wait until the nominees are announced and then I predict the winners. However, I've decided that I've seen enough "award-bait" movies to boldly predict the Oscar nominees in certain categories (read: the categories that people actually care about. I'll be damned if I can predict the nominees for Best Sound Mixing). I wanted to write this note now, because next week there will be a plethora of predictions from the mainstream media. I wanted to get mine out there before it looks like I just copied these choices from Entertainment Weekly or something. There are a few disclaimers:

1. I am predicting who I think will be nominated, not who should be nominated. Big difference. These awards can get surprisingly political, so if your favorite movie or performance isn't on my list, it's not to say that it isn't deserving of an award. I'm just saying it probably won't get nominated by the Academy. 

2. I haven't seen every movie released this year. Wow, can you believe it? Granted, almost every movie released this year won't be nominated (that may come as a shock to all of The Love Guru fans out there), but there's also a chance that I haven't seen a movie that gets nominated. 

3. The nominees are listed alphabetically by last name. As much as I like to rank things, I'll save that for my winner predictions.

4. Here's how I'll format this note. For each category, I will list my predictions. Then I'll give a bit of analysis to explain my predictions a little bit more thoroughly. Finally, I will offer my "Fingers Crossed" selection. This will be someone that I doubt will get nominated, but I secretly hope does get nominated. 

Sound good? Here we go. I'll work up to the big categories.

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams, Doubt
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Kate Winslet, The Reader 

Well, I think this category is one of the bigger wild card categories. Granted, I didn't take any risks with my list, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is a shocking nomination come January 22nd. However, I think this category is more famous for surprising winners (Tilda Swinton, Marcia Gay Harden, etc). There is a bit of internet chatter saying that Kate Winslet could get nominated for The Reader in the lead category. Since nomination rules are different for the Oscars, this is a definite possibility. However, I really think that most members will cast their ballot with Winslet in the supporting category for The Reader. She's long overdue for an Oscar, and I think it'll be easier for most voters to place her here for The Reader and in the lead category for Revolutionary Road. Since an actress can only be nominated in each category once, I don't think many voters will want to debate Revolutionary Road vs. The Reader for lead actress. 

I feel like Amy Adams is the one with the highest potential for a snub, which is a shame because I thought she gave the best performance in Doubt. A few weeks ago, Marisa Tomei would have been the long shot, but she seems to be gaining momentum. Viola Davis and Penelope Cruz have been the front runners for a long time, so I think they're the safest bets for a nomination next Thursday. 

"Fingers Crossed." My fingers are crossed for Rosemarie DeWitt in Rachel Getting Married. I think she gave an exceptional and believable performance as the burdened sister in that film. 

Best Supporting Actor

Josh Brolin, Milk
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire

Supporting Actor/Actress is notorious for nominating younger actors. I think that will help Dev Patel slip into the running. The widespread support for Slumdog Millionaire doesn't hurt either. I really have a suspicion that Ralph Fiennes could slip into the mix somewhere. I think he could take Robert Downey Jr.'s spot or Patel's spot. However, Robert Downey Jr. has been having an amazing year so I suspect the Academy will honor him with a nomination. Hoffman, Ledger, and Brolin seem like safe bets, so it's the remaining two spots that are in contention right now. 

"Fingers Crossed." I really would love to see James Franco nominated here. I think he gave a beautiful, compassionate performance in Milk and it's a shame that understated performances seem to go unrecognized (the reason I'm afraid Amy Adams will get snubbed). 

Best Actress

Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kristin Scott Thomas, I've Loved You So Long
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

Well, I'm betting against the big guns here. Angelina Jolie could very well be nominated for her role in The Changeling, but I think the odds are stacked against her. It's not a very critically acclaimed film, and I think the Academy's love for Clint Eastwood will be bestowed upon Gran Torino instead of The Changeling. I'm also betting against Cate Blanchett, who received a nomination for the sequel to Elizabeth last year (what the fuck, right?). You would think that Benjamin Button would be able to carry her here. Instead, I'm going with Sally Hawkins and Kristin Scott Thomas. I just have a feeling, based on the weighted voting system the Academy uses, that they'll receive higher preferential rankings from voters. Melissa Leo could also sneak in, but I think her film is almost too small. Hathaway, Streep, and Winslet are pretty secure in their nominations here.

"Fingers Crossed." Well, I actually feel pretty good about the five ladies I have selected. I haven't seen the movie Wendy and Lucy, but I think that once I do I'll be rooting for Michelle Williams. Unfortunately, I won't get to see that movie until after the nominations are announced. 

Best Actor

Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler 

I had a lot of trouble with the final slot in this category. Rourke, Langella, and Penn are surefire bets here. I also had a really easy time putting Eastwood's name here. He's slipped in before (Million Dollar Baby) and I think his movie is picking up steam at just the right time. The conflict was between Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Richard Jenkins for the final spot. Jenkins, who is a beloved veteran, was apparently great in The Visitor. However, I feel like like this category is already a bit on the elderly side since Penn is a previous winner, Langella and Eastwood are "beloved veterans," and Rourke is having a huge comeback. So, I ruled out Jenkins. DiCaprio is younger than Pitt, but I think that the Academy is going to show a bit more love to Benjamin Button. That means history will probably repeat itself. Kate and Leo have starred in two movies together, and both times Kate gets nommed and Leo gets snubbed. I could be wrong, but something about this prediction feels so right. 

"Fingers Crossed." Again, I feel like the best performances of the year are on this list. It would be fun if Robert Downey Jr. snuck in for Iron Man, but I don't see that happening. 

Best Picture

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button     
The Dark Knight 
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire

Honestly, I would be very surprised if this line-up gets disturbed. All five of these films were nominated by the PGA and the DGA, which are the strongest precursors for this category. People are saying that The Dark Knight is a longshot here, but I disagree. I actually could see Frost/Nixon or Milk getting snubbed before The Dark Knight. It was just too huge to ignore. That's what she said.

Also, I was going to do Best Director as a category, but it's about as predictable as the Best Picture category. Where's the fun in that? The acting categories are where the action is this year. 

"Fingers Crossed." I would die a happy man if Wall-E snuck into the final five. That movie was glorious, but probably won't get nominated. The weighted voting system makes it an actual possibility, but I think it's not going to happen. 

What are your thoughts? Am I stupid? Do you agree? I'd love to know!

-XOXO, C

Summer Movie Preview Pt. 3

Opening July 11

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair

I know you're wondering why I'm doing this one (C says:  I'm not.  I see previews for this movie like four times a day), but I thoroughly enjoyed the first Hellboy.  I'll admit it.  And if I can admit that I liked Hellboy, then Hayden Christensen can admit that the only reason he played Anakin in Star Wars was by going down on George Lucas.  Unnecessary comparison?  I think not (C says:  What?  You didn't see him challenge his acting skills by starring in Virgin Territory opposite Mischa Barton?  By the way, who would ever buy into a movie called "Virgin Territory" starring Mischa Barton?  Irony).  Pre-rating: B+

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Starring: Brendan Frasier, Josh Hutcherson

The title speaks for itself.  And I really only put this on here because Brendan is one of many vying to be my husband one day (C says: Ugh you can have him).  Call me creepy, but give Josh

 Hutcherson a few more years and he could go on my list too (C says:  You're creepy).  However, this movie will probably suck as much as Paris Hilton on the weekends.  Pre-rating: B-

(C says: Thanks to celebritycomsmeticsurgery.blogspot.com for the flattering image)

Meet Dave

Starring: Eddie Murphy

This movie will be a bigger disaster than the Chernobyl nuclear crisis.  Pre-rating: C-

Opening July 18

The Dark Knight

Starring:  Christian Bale, Heath Ledger (C says: Tear), Maggie Gyllenhall, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, and Gary Oldman

Just look at the list of superstars.  It doesn't get much better.  The sequel to the hugely successful Batman Begins will push Ledger even farther into Hollywood legend.  Also, with a supporting cast like this one, you can be thankful that the producers wised up and replaced Katie Holmes with Gyllenhall (C says: Well apparently Katie Holmes turned down the role because of "scheduling conflicts."  I guess you can't film a movie while aliens are giving religious guidance to your closeted husband.  Although, I do have to compliment Tom.  As soon as the crazy rumors started, they replaced the gay rumors.  Well done.  It's better that society thinks your batshit crazy as opposed to thinking you have refined tastes and dress well).  Aren't you proud I didn't crack any Heath jokes?  I just didn't want to overdose you with negativity...Oops.  Pre-rating: A

Mamma Mia

Starring:  Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, and Amanda Seyfried

This will definitely be the gayest movie of the summer (C says: I AM SO EXCITED AND SO GAY!!!!) unless you count Hancock for the title alone.  An adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, this is sure to be loads of fun, especially with the star power of Streep, Brosnan, and Firth.  Add Amanda Seyfried (best known for playing super stupid Karen in Mean Girls) and you've got a hit!  Pre-rating: A  (C says: More like A++++++++++++)

Thanks, A, for this great movie update.  On a personal note, J and C are both experiencing transitions in their lives, so once they get settled they'll continue providing amazing pop culture commentary for your enjoyment.  

Summer Movie Preview Pt. 2

Hey everyone,

Here is A's next installment in his summer movie preview.  Enjoy!

XOXO-J&C

Opening June 27

Wall-E

Starring:  Voice of Fred Willard, Sigourney Weaver, and a bunch of other people

Do I really need to say much?  If you haven't seen the trailer yet, do it now-www.apple.com/trailers.  I live and die by Apple Trailers.  Disney-Pixar hasn't let me down yet, so I'm anxiously awaiting the antics of this adorable robot on the big screen.  Will it be good?  Fuck yes, it will.  Pre-rating: A+.

Wanted

Starring:  James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Angelina Jolie

The action-packed preview definitely looks promising, and Morgan Freeman is always good.  But will this be another Alexander for Angelina?  Does anyone even remember that overblown epic of disastrous proportions? (C says:  That's what you get for editing the gay sex scene out)  Regardless, the spy story, the actors, and the preview are all adding up.  Plus, James McAvoy is so hot right now.  Pre-rating: B+

Opening July 2

Hancock

Starring:  Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron

Well, lets disregard the recent rumors that Will Smith may be a Scientologist (C says: At least he doesn't have a child bride) and focus on the story- a superhero who sucks at being a hero.  Sounds original, right?  Throw in a comedic genius Jason Bateman and foxy Charlize Theron, and you may have two hours of cinematic gold. (C says:  If you get to call out Angelina for Alexander, then I get to call out Charlize for Aeon Flux, because at least Alexander still had gay overtones)  Pre-rating: B+

Pop Around the Planet-Skins

For this post, we turn to one of our international correspondents. L spend a significant amount of time abroad in Jolly Old England, and she has some stories to share. Here is her account of one of the best pop culture items that the Queen & Co. have to offer. Enjoy.

XOXO-J&C

From William Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling, from Henry Purcell to the Beatles to the Spice Girls, the British have always been an unstoppable force in pop culture worldwide. I've been lucky enough to spend the last five months in the UK and witness the juggernaut firsthand. As a pop culture enthusiast, I admit that I was more excited about regular doses of Graham Norton than I was about Stonehenge. No offense, Stonehenge.

More than ever, the Brits are making their mark on the pop culture scene. You've probably already figured this out if you've scanned through your favorite radio stations to hear Leona Lewis on every. single. one. (C says: I would argue that she hasn't hit NPR yet, but to prove that I would actually have to listen to NPR and there's no way that's happening) The diva du jour was discovered on BBC's The X FActor, a talent competition where Simon Cowell judges in the Idol off-season. Sure they struck international gold with Leona, but one thing I've realized is that some cultural gold mines may not ever make it stateside. A prime example of this is my favo(u)rite television discovery over the course of my Britisn Invasion:

Skins follows a group of sixth-form students (the equivalent of high school seniors) as they balance school with getting high, having lots of sex, surviving some screwed up home lives, rehab, seducing psychology teachers, stalking, and creative cursing. It's everything you can't show on NBC, blatantly and unapologetically. Each episode follows a different character, offering a deeper look into that individual's context and perspective, while advancing the overall storyline. The pilot follows a day in the life of Tony Stonem, the cocky ringleader, as he pursues his two main objectives for the night: to get his drowsy, best friend Sid laid, and to sell three ounces of spliff (British for pot) to a group of posh private school girls. Throw in some prostitutes, a guy named Mad Twatter, Maxxie's "Big Gay Night Out," (C says:  This sounds promising) and finish it off by running a stolen car into a lake, and you've kicked off the best high-school series that could never air in the US.  (C says:  Good thing you added that qualifier, L, because we all know Buffy is the best high-school series that did air in the US)

Not that we aren't trying. Some US networks are supposedly in talks to bring the series to America. Now, as much as I'd love to see these kids on my television again, the FCC would NEVER let the show's content anywhere near network TV. British censorship is practically non-existent compared to US standards. Not only are there f-bombs every five seconds in the average episode of Skins, but you get full-frontal nudity in the series' opening scene (and that's only the beginning). Since the series couldn't air in its original form on network TV, an Americanized version would have to go one of three ways:

1. Censor all the objectionable content and air it on network. This would never work, because the majority of any given episode would end up on the cutting room floor. (C says: We all know how lame Sex and the City is on TBS)

2. Re-write and re-cast the show with American actors; follow general story lines but show less of the naughty stuff and use more clever innuendo. While this is a possibility, it would infuriate fans of the original series, and the re-make probably wouldn't go very far. (Remember when they tried this with "Coupling" a few years ago?) The raw energy of the show would be completely gone, and important story lines would have to be cut. A watered-down Skins is no Skins at all.

3. Air the original on a network like HBO or Showtime. this is probably the best option of the three. While the series would reach a smaller audience, it would at least allow that audience to experience Skins as it was intended.

Of course, the pOp/Ed blog does not endorse the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, (C says: Unless it's music, movies, or TV) but if you wanted to try and possibly find the entire series at sidereel.com, I suppose we can't really stop you.

If nothing else, please enjoy this photo of Mitch Hewer, the actor who plays Maxxie on the show, as seen in Cosmo UK.

(C says:  This is an A+ effort from L, but I have to say that she really only had to post this picture and she would have earned the grade.  If there's as much skin in the show as there is in this picture, I know I'm interested)

Summer Movie Preview

Here at pOp/Ed blog, we value the contributions of other members who we deem witty enough, sassy enough, and educated enough to comment on pop culture. Today's contribution will come from our friend A, who has written a very entertaining commentary on some of the movies that are coming out this summer. Don't worry though,we'll still offer their sassy reparté. Without further ado, here's A.

It's no big secret that the summer months are the biggest months for the movie industry. All the biggest blockbusters come out during the summer-but they're not your Oscar worthy blockbusters. No. Leave those heavy substantial movies for the spring (C says: Or the winter. That's usually when studios like to dump their Oscar bait). (j says: Interesting. I usually dump my jailbait around that time too.) Summer is for the huge, loud, in-your-face-funny, action packed, sexy, big screen loving movies. Like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. WARNING: SPOILER ALERT. Now, before I begin my preview of the upcoming money-makers, I just have to say that if the new Indiana Jones movie has anything to say about this summer at the movies, then we're in for a second-rate summer. Full of aliens. And everyone will know how to solve everything. "Oh, we're surrounded by millions of killer ants. Wait, I know! Have the old crazy guy hold out the crystal ALIEN skull. They'll be scared for sure!!" (C says: I find it very difficult to believe that you found that scene to be the most ridiculous thing about the movie. Apparently surviving a nuclear blast in a fridge is a more normal occurrence for our friend, A) SPOILER OVER. But I digress. Let's talk about the big HULKS of the summer. And I'm not referring to the remake of the remake that just opened. Let's not go there.

Opening June 20th:

Get Smart

Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin, and Dwayne Johnson.

Five things: 1. I have loved Steve Carell ever since the Daily Show (C says: I'm guessing somebody didn't watch Evan Almighty). 2. Anne Hathaway made me question being gay once. Once. (j says: unfortunately she was less successful with Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback) 3. Alan Arkin is old. 4. Dwayne Johnson=The Rock. Same Person. Same awesome? (j says: If you mean 0% awesome, then probably) 5. Action, comedy, and romance-the Trifecta. In conclusion, this WILL be good. Pre-rating: A- (C says: This rating is a bit optimistic for my tastes, just because it features someone who was in a sequel to The Mummy. However, I do want this movie to succeed) (j says: I'm personally just hoping the movie ends up being alternating scenes between The Office and the Devil Wears Prada)

The Love Guru

Starring: Mike Myers, Jessica Alba, Ben Kingsley, and Justin Timberlake

Let's set the stage: Mike Myers wearing a ridiculous costume, speaking in a funny voice, and making fun of dwarves. Does this sound familiar? Although the Austin Powers franchise has seemingly died out, it doesn't look like Myers' familiar take on the cooky characters that he plays has. (j says: also his shameless self-promotion seems intact as well. Three words: American Idol Skits. One reaction: BARF) Myers made me laugh in Austin Powers, but will that transfer? Well, kids, let's only hope that Justin Timberlake can save the movie with his superior acting skills. And in case he doesn't work out, Jessica Alba's tits will probably steal the show. Pre-rating: B (C says: If it were up to me, I would give this movie a pre-rating of a "D." The Cat in the Hat+Jessica Alba's inability to star in a decent movie--and I don't count her role in Sin City as a starring one+Justin Timberlake "acting"+the complete mockery of Indian culture+the incredibly lame and shameless plugging on the American Idol finale=a complete mess. We'll see how things go...) (j says: gotta side with C on this one. Jessica Alba's eye may've been the murder, but my eyes were the ones threating violence during that movie. And JT, bless his music, just doesn't quite make my Black Snake moan on the silver screen. )

BLOGGER'S NOTE: This image isn't actually from The Love Guru, but it was one of the first images to come up when we searched for a picture. We assumed it would be more entertaining than anything in the movie, so we choose it.

Well, that's all from A for now. Stay tuned every week this summer when he'll offer his thoughts on the weekend's releases. Here's hoping that this summer ride isn't one that we'll have to fasten our seatbelts for. XOXO-J&C