Another year of great --- and not so great --- pop culture and entertainment...
Here is my Kardashian-free free list of my faves for the year:
Music
Best: Sam Smith, In The Lonely Hour
This debut album from the British singer-songwriter; Smith has a hell of a set of pipes, from deep and low to squawking high. This album has lots of great songs, that being said it is not a happy ride; Lonely Hour wallows in sadness. Best track is Stay With Me, a plea for a one-night stand to stay over just for some human contact.
Also loved: Bette Midler, It's The Girls; Stevie Nicks, 24 Karat Gold, Miranda Lambert, Platinum.
TV
Best: Scandal
Stronger than ever in season 4, this sexy political soap goes crazy off the rails and then comes right back to real human emotions. Love it.
Also loved: The Big Bang Theory, How To Get Away With Murder, Outlander, The Good Wife.
Movies
Disclaimer... Haven't seen the Oscar bait movies I am dying to see -- Imitation Game, Into The Woods, Whiplash... but I did see some great ones:
Best: Life Itself
A deeply moving documentary on the life and death of film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert - career, travels, love, alcoholism, and his slow physical decline from cancer. A film about celebrating life and about dying with dignity.
Also loved: Guardians Of The Galaxy, The Lego Movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Books
Best: The smart and touching The Children Act, which I wrote about here.
Also loved: Flash Boys by Michael Lewis, a true business book about the few ethical traders on Wall Street, and Andrea Martin's Lady Parts, which I wrote about here.
Live Concerts
Best: Fleetwood Mac "On With The Show"
With the return of Christine McVie the whole group is back together for the first time in 16 years, and seem to be having a helluva good time as they sing their catalogue and chat with the audience. Amazing show.
Also loved: Cher with Cyndi Lauper, and Pat Benatar. So yes musically I still live in the 80s. And love it there.
What were your faves of the year?
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