Friday, December 31, 2010

2010 in Review: My Favorite Videos of the Year

Marco Rubio: A Generational Choice

In his flawless campaign ad titled A Generational Choice, Senator-Elect Marco Rubio showed why he is the most promising and exciting conservative politician in a generation and shot to the top of the list of 2012 GOP vice presidential candidates.




24 Series Finale

Like his loyal sidekick Chloe, I blubbered as we bid a sad farewell to Jack Bauer and the must-watch experience that was 24.  The film version of 24 won't come soon enough for me.



Red Eye Favorite Intros of 2010, Part 1

Red Eye became my favorite TV show in 2010 thanks to its unique blend of humor, political irreverence, libertarian sensibility, and entertaining cast of panelists. Host Greg Gutfeld controls the mayhem with such a light touch that it is easy to underestimate his contribution to the show's success and growing popularity. As of this writing, Red Eye is the third most discussed TV show on Twitter.The cheeky guest intros must test the limits of the Fox News Channel censors.




Red Eye Favorite Intros of 2010, Part 2



Bedbugs Take Over the USA
 
The clever Taiwanese animators from NMA World Edition are plugged into American news and culture. They seem to be watchers of Fox News and fans of Red Eye as evidenced by the bedbugs video below.



Dennis Miller on Jimmy Carter's Presidency

Dennis Miller's regular segments on The O'Reilly Factor provide the funniest TV moments outside of Red Eye. Miller finally made his first Red Eye appearance on my birthday in August.

   

Best Commercial of 2010: Jack in the Box



This Drummer Is at the Wrong Gig 

Wrong gig and the wrong band. Dude.



Favorite Pet Video #1

A singing parrot? If you don't recognize the song, it is Let the Bodies Hit the Floor.



Favorite Pet Video #2

A talking cat? Is this video real or fake?



Favorite Pet Video #3

A talking dog? Maybe.



Favorite Pet Video #4

Cats are easily amused as are cat lovers like me.



     

2010 in Review: My Favorite Songs of the Year

Here are my favorite songs of 2010.

Beautiful, Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli

Quite simply, my favorite new worship song of 2010.

 

Sweet Disposition by the Temper Trap

I fell in love at first listen. My love burned brightly for weeks until it suddenly flamed out. The album was disappointing, but this is still a great song.



All of Creation by Mercy Me 

Mercy Me has become my favorite Christian contemporary band. Lead singer Bart Millard is one of the most charming personalities in all of CCM.



Crossfire by Brandon Flowers

On his first solo single, Killers' lead singer/songwriter Brandon Flowers eschewed his trademark New Wave quirks for a straightforward melody and vocal that are just lovely. With his charisma and talent for drama, Flowers could have a career in film or TV. The camera loves him.



Born Again by the Newsboys

Michael Tait, formerly of DC Talk, made a strong debut as the new frontman for the Newsboys.



Solitude Is Bliss by Tame Impala

Tame Impala is the third act from the Australian continent to appear on this list. Unlike the Temper Trap, Tame Impala's debut album was well crafted and memorable, sounding at times like the Beatles in their psychedelic period. Like the album, this video is also memorable and well crafted.



Our God by Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin remains the most prolific composer of worship music and this new song is already becoming a staple in churches that favor Christian contemporary songs. 



Forget You by Cee Lo Green

Clean version or profane, Cee Lo Green is an infectious performer of insanely catchy tunes that appeal to a variety of radio markets. As half of Gnarls Barkley, he helped create my favorite song of 2006, Crazy.



Blink by Revive

It happens in a blink. True dat.



Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine

Florence sounds like a cross between Siouxsie Sioux of the Banshees and Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde. 

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas 2010: He Is Come

Have you ever received a gift so generous that it humbled you, made you feel unworthy? You have. All you need to do is accept it and let the Lord do the rest.

Here are my favorite versions of two exquisite worship songs that fill me with joy and gratitude.

I Wonder As I Wander performed by Jubilant Sykes at Grace Community Church 



Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant set to The Nativity Story



Here is my favorite secular Christmas song. Enjoy!

This Christmas by Donny Hathaway