10. Karen O and the Kids / Where the Wild Things Are
Few things get me out of my house in the middle of the night where there are hoards of people. Taco Bell is one of them, and this past semester it was a midnight screening on the opening night of Where the Wild Things Are. A Text From Last Night pretty much sums up the night: “It looks like a Radiohead concert had sex with Hot Topic”- or something like that. The entire theater was full of college kids like myself and I had actually had my ticket for a full two weeks before the screening. It was all quite worth it though. The movie was fantastic, and Karen O was just recently, and rightfully, nominated for an award for her work on the soundtrack that perfectly captures the pains and joys of being young.
9. Lady Gaga
I’m not the hugest Gaga fan, and I still haven’t even gotten my hands on her most recent album. As a student at an art school, though, I’ve learned to develop a great appreciation for what she does. Sure, she looked like a giant bloody tampon at the VMA’s, and sometimes those lacy veils she wears are creepy as hell. But isn’t that what art and fashion is about? Pushing it to places where none have gone before? I’d say so, and she does exactly that. Gaga is more than just a pop tart. Beyond her bizarre sense of style, she has become a huge advocate for gay marriage, and continues to raise the bar with her music videos - which are actually more of a short film than anything else. So even though I am not “gaga for Gaga,” I still became a supporter of what she does.
8. Kanye stealin’ the mic.
Okay, so everyone knows that Kanye West is kind of an asshole. Which was why it wasn’t THAT surprising when he stole the mic from little Taylor Swift at the VMA’s when she won video of the year. Maybe I’ll get some flack from this, but I thought it was hilarious. My jaw did drop in disbelief, and I did feel a little bad for Taylor (mostly because she plays that innocent role so damn well...). But then...it was hilarious. There were countless jokes made out of it and seeing them even today cracks me up. “Yo Neil, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish, but Michael Jackson had the best moonwalk of all time! Of all time!” Things like that.
7. Adam Lambert losing American Idol
I don’t think anyone saw this one coming. I’m not the biggest American Idol fan in the world, but I did follow this season, especially because I thought Lambert was one of the most exciting people I had ever seen on the show. His voice was dynamic, outfits always put together well, and from the start, he blew everyone out of the water. Yet, little Jason Mraz-esque Kris Allen beat him out. WTF?
6. Fall Out Boy breaking up.
Not going to lie, I’m a Fall Out Boy fan. I’ve been stuck on them since 7th grade or so, and no one can deny their smart lyrics. They’re almost too catchy and poppy to resist, and without a doubt they were one of the biggest pop-punk bands of the last half of the decade. When they broke up, I will admit to being a little sad.
5. The Amazing Concerts I went to.
When I was living in Michigan, I was lucky to make it to one or two concerts a year. I live in a tiny town with zero concert venues, and the closest ones are hours away. In the Spring, I saw Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s with Cloud Cult and Ice Palace in Grand Rapids. It was incredible. Since I’ve moved to Chicago, though, I have been to four amazing shows. Empires with the Felix Culpa and the Dear Hunter, Lightning Love with Pet Lions, Brand New with Manchester Orchestra, and Nico Vega with Neon Trees. Incredible shows, and I can’t wait to add more to the list.
4. Single Ladies by Beyonce.
This is another thing that I’m not a huge fan of. The dance in the video though has been recreated so many times that it’s practically viral. From plus sized ladies, to babies, to Joe Jonas and Justin Timberlake, everyone was rocking the black leotard and getting fierce with it. Also, thanks to the videos that are always playing in the Columbia College cafeteria, I know the song word for word and can probably do most of the dance since the damn thing is played at least three times a meal.
3. Michael Jackson’s Death
I’m not sure anyone really saw this coming. Without a doubt, Michael Jackson has made one of the largest influences in the music world. With his dance moves and all of those hit singles, he had rightfully earned his title as the King of Pop. But Michael wasn’t the only star to leave us, and this ear was definitely the year of unexpected deaths. Farrah Fawcett, Patrick Swayze, Ted Kennedy, Brittany Murphy, Jimmy ‘the Rev’ Sullivan, David Carradine, Billy Mays, DJ AM, and loads more. RIP all of you bright souls.
2. Barack Obama being sworn into office
This was an amazing moment for me. I did tons of campaigning for Barack Obama in the fall, and had to deal with racist and republican asshole’s from my town while I went door to door trying to spread the word on this brilliant man. Now his first year in office is coming to an end, and I have no regrets for rooting so hard for our new president.
1. Moving to Chicago.
Since eighth grade I have wanted to live in the Windy City, and now I am finally living here and going to the school I’ve always wanted. It’s opened up so many doors for me, I’m getting a great education, and I’ve been having the time of my life. Sure, I will probably be in debt up to my eyeballs by the time I graduate, but it’s all one hundred percent worth it. I’ve made great friends and great memories and I’m in love with my life.
Happy New Year, everyone!
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