by Corey Ball
I'm not a Top 10 list kinda guy. More a Conan fan, than Internbanger. Err, Letterman. So instead of a list I've created a few catergories that incorporate the word 'Most' in it. A nice cross section of my year, highs and lows. With that, I present the Mostesses.
(Brandon Lee approves of Corey's use of 'The Business' [pka 'da biznass])Song Released in 2009 Most Likely To Be Included On a Wes Anderson Soundtrack:
The Dirty Projectors - Two Doves
It's got it all. Lilting strings, plinky keys and an overall feeling of nostalgia. You hear that, Mothersbaugh? Hire me already.
Movie I walked into Most Excited and Exited Most Disappointed:
This honor is bestowed to District 9. I remember liking the short they released on youtube, and was excited to see the full length, fleshed out (so to speak) feature. Sadly, the flick for me suffered under the weight of an unsympathetic, unlikable main character. I just couldn't muster up any concern if he lived or died. Which usually determines the life or death of a film of this sort. That said, the aliens, weapons and robot suits were pretty damn cool.
Most Watched Fake Talk Show on the Internet:
It has to be 'Between Two Ferns' with Zach Galifanakis. Everyone's favorite fat bearded comedian brings a form of anti-comedy with a mixture of aloof-osity, awkward innuendo and general hilarity in this FunnyOrDie.com exclusive where he interviews some of the hollyweird's biggest stars. This would have originally gone to The Michael Showalter Showalter but they haven't made one of those in hella. Much to mine, and many others chagrins.
Slang Term Most Used By Me In 2009:
The business. As in, "This song/bailout package/heavy handed, but visually stunning movie is the business".
Most Absurd Music Related Conspiracy:
This definitely goes to the charge that the Carter family (Jay-Z and Beyonce) are pushing a Freemason/Pagan friendly agenda due to imagery in Be's 'Sasha Fierce' and Jay-Z's 'On To the Next One' video.
[Seth & Amy] Really?!? [/Seth & Amy].
I don't know where people find the time or energy to create such outlandish assertions, but I prefer my conspiracy theorists like Mel Gibson in the movie of a similar title. That is, with combination locks on his coffee, obsessed with 'Catcher In the Rye' and in love with Julia Roberts. Take notes, new jacks.
Free Local Rap EP Most Repeated on IPod:
The Physics - High Society EP
2009 was the year of the free EP for Seattle hip hop. A cohesive product from this Southend crew that I would have gladly paid for. With standout tracks like 'Callin', 'I Just Wanna Beat', and 'The Session'- it was a perfect Summer soundtrack. I'm excited to hear what they come with next.
Honorable mention to the Drobots Saga EP by They Live!
Most Impressive Live Show:
Say Hi/David Bazan at Neumo's 11/07/09
Not being very familiar with his past work with Pedro the Lion, I was formerly introduced to David Bazan because a good friend's brother played drums for Say Hi and Bazan on their last regional tour. As that tour progressed, I learned (and listened) more and more of David Bazan via his latest album, 'Curse Your Branches.' Their last stop was a hometown show at Neumo's and by the time that rolled around I was definitely intrigued. In a live setting I found Bazan every bit as transparent as his music, candidly doing Q & A's and answering if not always eloquently, honestly, the questions shouted out at random by the enthusiastic, shoulder to shoulder crowd. I don't really care for Say Hi too much but David Bazan more than made up for it as the members of Say Hi joined with Bazan's crew and formed a type of indie rock Megazord for his set. They had great chemistry and provided the perfect backdrop for Bazan's revealing lyrics. A+! Would watch again.
Most Fun I Had For No Money:
Multiple times in 2009 I ventured over to the Balagan Theatre in Capitol Hill and attended their variety show night known as Smorgasborg. Every time I went I was greeted with a friendly bartender, witty banter and grab bag of performances by the talented, crazy and crazy talented. Aside from churning out quality theatre, all that inhabit the space are good folks. Guests, regulars and company members alike. It's a good vibe there. Very recommended for a recessional constitutional.
So there's my Mostesses for '09. Out with the Aughts, in with the... other things. This also marks my first contribution to TCO! I'm feeling all tingly inside. I hope to have that feeling a few more times this new year. Here's to a clean slate!
The Dirty Projectors - Two Doves
It's got it all. Lilting strings, plinky keys and an overall feeling of nostalgia. You hear that, Mothersbaugh? Hire me already.
Movie I walked into Most Excited and Exited Most Disappointed:
This honor is bestowed to District 9. I remember liking the short they released on youtube, and was excited to see the full length, fleshed out (so to speak) feature. Sadly, the flick for me suffered under the weight of an unsympathetic, unlikable main character. I just couldn't muster up any concern if he lived or died. Which usually determines the life or death of a film of this sort. That said, the aliens, weapons and robot suits were pretty damn cool.
Most Watched Fake Talk Show on the Internet:
It has to be 'Between Two Ferns' with Zach Galifanakis. Everyone's favorite fat bearded comedian brings a form of anti-comedy with a mixture of aloof-osity, awkward innuendo and general hilarity in this FunnyOrDie.com exclusive where he interviews some of the hollyweird's biggest stars. This would have originally gone to The Michael Showalter Showalter but they haven't made one of those in hella. Much to mine, and many others chagrins.
Slang Term Most Used By Me In 2009:
The business. As in, "This song/bailout package/heavy handed, but visually stunning movie is the business".
Most Absurd Music Related Conspiracy:
This definitely goes to the charge that the Carter family (Jay-Z and Beyonce) are pushing a Freemason/Pagan friendly agenda due to imagery in Be's 'Sasha Fierce' and Jay-Z's 'On To the Next One' video.
[Seth & Amy] Really?!? [/Seth & Amy].
I don't know where people find the time or energy to create such outlandish assertions, but I prefer my conspiracy theorists like Mel Gibson in the movie of a similar title. That is, with combination locks on his coffee, obsessed with 'Catcher In the Rye' and in love with Julia Roberts. Take notes, new jacks.
Free Local Rap EP Most Repeated on IPod:
The Physics - High Society EP
2009 was the year of the free EP for Seattle hip hop. A cohesive product from this Southend crew that I would have gladly paid for. With standout tracks like 'Callin', 'I Just Wanna Beat', and 'The Session'- it was a perfect Summer soundtrack. I'm excited to hear what they come with next.
Honorable mention to the Drobots Saga EP by They Live!
Most Impressive Live Show:
Say Hi/David Bazan at Neumo's 11/07/09
Not being very familiar with his past work with Pedro the Lion, I was formerly introduced to David Bazan because a good friend's brother played drums for Say Hi and Bazan on their last regional tour. As that tour progressed, I learned (and listened) more and more of David Bazan via his latest album, 'Curse Your Branches.' Their last stop was a hometown show at Neumo's and by the time that rolled around I was definitely intrigued. In a live setting I found Bazan every bit as transparent as his music, candidly doing Q & A's and answering if not always eloquently, honestly, the questions shouted out at random by the enthusiastic, shoulder to shoulder crowd. I don't really care for Say Hi too much but David Bazan more than made up for it as the members of Say Hi joined with Bazan's crew and formed a type of indie rock Megazord for his set. They had great chemistry and provided the perfect backdrop for Bazan's revealing lyrics. A+! Would watch again.
Most Fun I Had For No Money:
Multiple times in 2009 I ventured over to the Balagan Theatre in Capitol Hill and attended their variety show night known as Smorgasborg. Every time I went I was greeted with a friendly bartender, witty banter and grab bag of performances by the talented, crazy and crazy talented. Aside from churning out quality theatre, all that inhabit the space are good folks. Guests, regulars and company members alike. It's a good vibe there. Very recommended for a recessional constitutional.
So there's my Mostesses for '09. Out with the Aughts, in with the... other things. This also marks my first contribution to TCO! I'm feeling all tingly inside. I hope to have that feeling a few more times this new year. Here's to a clean slate!
You can read more of Corey's musings on his blog, Lawn Darts Anyone? and his Tumblr.

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