Sooty's 2011 Year In Review Countdownmania

[Cosmic Harmony]

#1
Marissa Tomei

Fast forward to 2011, the year when my Marissa love has peaked. In 2011, I saw her in two flicks in two completely different characters. One was dark quirky comedy Cyrus and the other she played a crazy over the top chick in romantic comedy Crazy Stupid Love. Both she was still the hottest character. It was Cyrus where I really fell for her but in either role or even in interviews I fell in love with that smile, laugh and genuine believability. In these roles she falls for the unexpected type goof but in Cyrus it's one part situation but one part seeing the good in people. She comes across as the type that can draw out the best in people. Maybe I'm fooled by good acting but in interviews she seems a little dweeby herself like the girl who would laugh until she snorts. Anyway, the perfect blend of looks and personality is what's hottest and that makes Marissa Sooty's pick for 2011.[/CENTER]

I rented Cyrus a while back just because I like Marissa Tomei and Jonah Hill (John C Riley, not so much) and while I liked her in that movie.....I still don't know what to think of it. I imagine it's probably how a lot of people feel when they watch The Cableguy for the first time.

 

[Soot and Stars]

I rented Cyrus a while back just because I like Marissa Tomei and Jonah Hill (John C Riley, not so much) and while I liked her in that movie.....I still don't know what to think of it. I imagine it's probably how a lot of people feel when they watch The Cableguy for the first time.

Yes it is a strange movie but that's why I like it. Movies with dysfunctional people that gel well together is something I like. How can you not be a John C. Riley fan? I've loved him ever since Magnolia and he holds his own with every comedian he's paired with!

 

[ILoveJimmyPage]

Alright Soots! Finally got to catch up for your thread. Still waiting on your mention on that one band I like. Eager to see which song you picked for them. Out of the songs I had to catch up on I'd say the ones that stood out for me were Rachel Yamagata and Clare Maguire. What do you mean Rachel had a fan financed album? No record deal? I didn't really think of that possibility in terms of record production.

Do you have a thread for Clare Maguire? I would definitely check that one out and before I even read your analysis after the video I did think she reminded me of Florence! I purchased a Within Temptation album last year but it's a lot different from the video you posted. Much more impressed with what I bought before.

It's funny, knowing you I can see why these songs really appeal to you. They all have those deep, longing lyrics that are typical of ballads and typical Soots material. You're the sappy ballad lover to my upbeat dance party girl thing. We compliment each other perfectly.

 

[Soot and Stars]

Alright Soots! Finally got to catch up for your thread. Still waiting on your mention on that one band I like. Eager to see which song you picked for them. Out of the songs I had to catch up on I'd say the ones that stood out for me were Rachel Yamagata and Clare Maguire. What do you mean Rachel had a fan financed album? No record deal? I didn't really think of that possibility in terms of record production.

Do you have a thread for Clare Maguire? I would definitely check that one out and before I even read your analysis after the video I did think she reminded me of Florence! I purchased a Within Temptation album last year but it's a lot different from the video you posted. Much more impressed with what I bought before.

It's funny, knowing you I can see why these songs really appeal to you. They all have those deep, longing lyrics that are typical of ballads and typical Soots material. You're the sappy ballad lover to my upbeat dance party girl thing. We compliment each other perfectly.

I remember trying to nudge you to her thread when I first made it because I knew you'd like her but here's your chance.

Clare Maguire

Coldplay will be in the next batch Jen. If I were to rate overall albums it may have been a little higher but it was more of an album album rather than one song being infinitely better than the other. It was put together well to feel bigger altogether.

I DID prefer the "The Heart of Everything" album more at first but the most recent Within Temptation really grew on me to the point where I like it's bigger sound.

Rachel went independent, took her time and did get a lot of support from her fans and I did read more than once that a lot of it was helped to be financed by her fanbase. It is possible to do that though you may be lacking some perks but bands rent studios all the time one way or another before starting out so with anyone who has some sort of name in music and loyal fans it can happen.

Thanks for following along Jen and there will be some more poppy gems for ya I promise!

 

[METALPRIEST]

I'm still loving While Heaven Wept and I think everyone should get a copy of the last Within Temptation CD!!

 

[Soot and Stars]

#30
Marketa Irglova-Your Company



I've got it all figured out, baby.
You'll come home with me and we will laugh
our worries away and you can stay as long as you please.

Cos I'm really just glad that I could have met you.
It's easy to see how much I like your company
but I wouldn't dream of trying to keep you.

Well you know how they say that love heals all fear.
Well in a similar vein I thrive when you're near.
But you've had your pain and you've had your grief
and at the hardest of times she brought you relief.

And you love her even if only for that
and she knows that she saved you
and she won't let you forget.

But I remember the time that I sat beside you and your hand brushed against my knee.
I thought I would die for that alone, instantly.
But I'm sure you knew just how good that would feel

Well I had good reason for not seeing this through.
Oh but now I forget and I don't know what to do.
But you can hold my hand. You can kiss me too just while I try and remember
why I shouldn't want you.


I bought this album at the same time as a Lisa Hannigan and considered them kind of contenders as they are very similar in their careers. Both were the lovely accompanying vocalist to their male folk counterpart with Marketa's being Glen Hansard. This was Marketa's solo debut while Lisa was on her sophomore effort. Lisa had the favoritism and edge going in but ultimately I was far more impressed with Marketa afterward. I never quite knew Marketa's range and presence because her vocal seemed to blend so much with Glen while Lisa and Damien seemed to be two different entities that compliment each other. While Lisa went all chill on her solo stuff Marketa put out the most beautiful solo female vocal of the year. I mean her harmonies resemble Sarah McLachlan in her Prime. They are gorgeous. This song and the way she warbles through each note and the vibrato is stunning. Songbird defined!

Bonus Countdown: Top 10 Movies of 2011

#10
Insidious



This movie seems to have people divided but I'm one of the ones who sees it as being in the good camp. I can't not applaud an original American horror flick among all the remakes, torture porn and overdone docu-style fare. This stands out as a well paced, ghost story with genuine creeps and atmosphere. This builds tension with sound, shadows and tension like only the best horror films need. It's like Poltergeist and the exorcist but this time with the boogeyman. Some were disappointed with the boogeyman's unveiling and while I admit he was scarier when only shown in darkness and in pieces I thought it worked when he was unveiled. It was more of what a monster would look like if a child envisioned it. I like the little details like the creepy use of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" as well. All these little details gave this film it's own identity which I applaud it for. I liked the characters as well. Patrick Wilson is one of my favorite actors. Never seen a flick where he wasn't solid or more since I first caught him in "Hard Candy". Liked his deeper connection to the story. The kid didn't annoy me which I give props just for that. The kooky characters like the medium were well played as well and added color to the films cast. So all in all a great direction for American horror which has my blessing. Hope 2012 follows that lead. ​

 

[Tray73]

Yes! Thrilled to see you are going to include your top ten movies in your countdown as I know you like your horrors like me! Insidious is one that I really enjoyed, I was a little disappointed with the ending (including the unveiling of the demon/boogeyman) but the film gave me some real good chills and I don't spook easily. Can't wait to see which others are in your top ten (And of course I will still be checking out the music too )

 

[Soot and Stars]

#29
Open Hand-The Hand



There's a snafu with this pick because apparently it was released in April 2010. I don't give a shit because it's an underground release that I didn't find out about until 2011. I can't even get the song lyrics for it. Anyways, I've liked this band in it's various incarnations since "The Dream" came out in 2003 and 2011 was my year for digging this recent material which I bet was the case for lots of people as they'd have to stumble upon it which causes a lot longer for it to honestly find life and see light. So that said I love this track and album because it mixed what I loved about "The Dream" which was the dreamy cloudy vocal harmonies with their more mainstream heavier rock riffs of their minor hit album "You and Me". I love the overlapping vocals, the chugging riff and even with the slower pace I still think they have an excellent drummer. Always been an element of the band I've liked. So with that said I had my interest in the band revitalized in 2011 as I thought they had dropped off the map. Instead they stepped it back up.

Bonus Countdown: Top 10 Movies of 2011

#9
Cedar Rapids



I watched this movie nearly back to back with Hall Pass and while I laughed at both to me this film had more of a charm I liked. A lot of that has to do with Ed Helms who I'm a fan of and I'm glad he got a vehicle for his talents. Seriously though, it's an awesome cast. I'm always a fan of John C. Reilly. To see these guys work off each other was a treat for me. Ed helms character is so naive and removed from his comfort zone and John C. Reilly is an obnoxious dick. Great chemistry and when you add Isiah Whitlock Jr. to make a trio with his deadpan character their's a lot to laugh at. This comedy had the perfect blend of stupid and heart. You both grin and like the characters in a genuine way unlike a movie like Hall Pass where it's the same crude humor build to a happy resolution. I didn't care about any of those characters and my biggest laugh involved a sneezing shit. In this even Sigourney Weavers bit part was memorable in which she plays the cougar who has to let the naive Helms down because he thinks they are a serious monogamous couple because they've knocked boots. This movie provides a sense vain of humor and great acting and characters all around. Sooty recommended! ​

 

[Soot and Stars]

I'm still loving While Heaven Wept and I think everyone should get a copy of the last Within Temptation CD!!

Yes! Thrilled to see you are going to include your top ten movies in your countdown as I know you like your horrors like me! Insidious is one that I really enjoyed, I was a little disappointed with the ending (including the unveiling of the demon/boogeyman) but the film gave me some real good chills and I don't spook easily. Can't wait to see which others are in your top ten (And of course I will still be checking out the music too )

Metal, did you pick up that 2011 While Heaven Wept? Did you like it as much? How about the track I picked for Within Temptation? Was that one of the ones that stood out? Coolest part is too see if I match track preferences with others without knowing beforehand!

Tray, I'm a huge movie buff but mostly watch stuff I find on Netflix. Horror is my favorite genre but I found it to be a weak year for it overall. There's been a ton of great horror films (mostly foreign) which I first "saw" in 2011 but only one other on my list classifies as pure horror. It was a year that saw some good films but unless you love the million tired superhero movies it wasn't a strong year overall.

 

[Tray73]

Oh yes there was plenty of super hero ones which do zero for me (although I may have to watch Thor, but that's purely because Chris Hemsworth is in it ) If there's a spooky release you can bet I've seen it or it's on my rental list, I think I drive Sox mad with my passion for scary movies! I'm trying to think of the other horror you've included, I have a few films in my head but I'll wait and see

Now back to the music! I really like the Open Hand track you posted (again a new one to me), they remind me of another group but I can't for the life of me think who (this is gonna bug me!), and maybe it's just me but I hear undertones of The Smashing Pumpkins in there, like the chugging reminded me immediately of Tarantula.