Some of my favorite stuff of 2011

I realize this is probably later then most other "Best of the Year" lists and whatnot, but with the way I keep track of time it's probably as timely as anything is ever likely to be.  Also, because of my inability to realize how much time has passed at any given moment, this isn't only a list of the best things that came out in '11, but also things I discovered that year and got into regardless of when they came into existence.

Blitzkid- Apparitional

You could pretty much call 2011 the year of Blitzkid for me, at least as far as what I was listening to.  I've been a fan for years, but the build-up for the release of their newest album Apparitional sent me over the edge of big fan to full on fanatic.  I couldn't get enough of this band leading up to when this album was finally available in the States, and thankfully, unlike most albums I build up in my head for too long and get disappointed by, this one unquestionably delivers.  A comfortable mix of the somewhat experimental material on my favorite album Five Cellars Below and the classic straight ahead horror punk they are known for, this album is rock solid.  What sets Blitzkid apart, like always is their talent.  They bring experience, excellent song writing, untouchable lyrics, and of course the ability to actually sing to the table which sets them apart from the countless other horror bands that try to get by on gimmick alone.  Unfortunately during the time this album was being produced founding member and song writer T.B. Monstrosity was expecting to leave the band and because of this didn't contribute any vocals to the album.  Goolsby is no slouch, I love his vocals, and he unquestionably brought his A-game, at times almost channeling T.B. where necessary, but it would have been better to hear T.B. sing the songs he wrote  as had become the custom.  Thankfully since the release of the album, T.B. has decided to stay with the band and all is right with the world.  If you've never listened to Blitzkid before, this is as good a place as any to start, though I could say that for almost all of their albums.
My favorite tracks:  Cedar Bluff, Mr. Gore, They're All Dead, Head Over Hills, and Casque of Amontillado.

Tucker and Dale vs Evil 

This movie hit me by complete surprise.  Whenever I finally got it through the mail from Netflix I only had in my mind that it had gotten decent reviews and that it was a new take on the horror comedy, a favorite genre of mine.  As I sat down to watch it, I knew within the first ten minutes that it was going to be hilarious.  It turns all the conventions of the "crazy redneck" horror movie on their head and paints the rednecks as loveable goofs and the cliched college kids in peril as anything from unbelievably stupid to insane.  Time and again both sets of characters find themselves in ridiculous situations that serve to perpetuate both of their wrong first impressions.  The success of the comedy rests on the shoulders of the two title characters, played by Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine.  I know Tudyk from Joss Whedon's cult classic Sci-fi series Firefly and the movie spin-off Serenity and I've always enjoyed him.  Tyler Labine is a new face to me, but he delivers in every way as the main character of the story.  If you enjoy comedy with your horror I can't recommend this movie enough.

Breaking Bad

Most people are probably already aware that this is one of the most well reviewed television shows of all time and I can't possibly say anything about it that hasn't already been said.  I had already seen the first season before last year, but it was in late 2011 that I decided I had to get caught up with what is essentially the best thing of it's kind on television since The Sopranos.  I went through the episodes and seasons as quickly as I could because I wanted to know what happened at the end of almost every episode.  If there is anything I can say about the show that sets it apart from other shows is that it has the ability to leave you on the edge of your seat not just at the end of the season finales, but with practically every episode.  The stakes continue to get higher and higher with every episode and at times you wonder how things got so crazy but in my opinion that is what sets it above and beyond other shows.  Unfortunately there is only one season remaining but that could be a good thing as they will go out on a high note and not out stay their welcome as some shows do.  I can't wait to see where it goes.

Bongripper- Satan Worshiping Doom

This is an album that came out in late 2010 I believe but I didn't get into it until 2011.  It would be hard to sell this to anyone who isn't already a fan of metal (with that band name and that album name they're obviously not aiming for the widest possible audience), particularly stoner and doom but if you are a fan of those genres this is an incredible album.  Clocking in at just over 53 minutes, this is four tracks (Hail, Satan, Worship, Doom) of instrumental doom that will straight up crush you.  Other influences make appearances such as black metal and sludge but the heart of this album is all out doom.   If what I've just described interests you at all, then check out this album because I don't really know how to convey how jamming I think it is and if it's for you you will know it.

The Whole F'n Show

Something that I love that still doesn't get much attention, though it's starting to blow up thanks to celebrities realizing it's easy way to connect with their fans, is podcasts.  My favorite of all time remains Tell 'Em Steve Dave from the Smodcast Network but I'm always willing to try out new ones as they make the insane amount of driving I have to do more enjoyable. TWFS was by far my favorite I discovered in 2011.   I was browsing Youtube for the Wrestlemania fourteen main event (yes I do still enjoy wrestling from time to time, mainly the era I watched on T.V. when I was growing up) when I came across a fan commentary of the said match by a podcast called The Whole F'n Show.  At first I wasn't going to listen to it but I couldn't find the video without commentary and I succumbed.  I'm glad I did because what I discovered wasn't two guys trying their best Jim Ross impression but two guys with incredible chemistry , hilarious bits, and at times interesting things to say about wrestling.  I instantly decided to download an episode of their podcast to see what it was like and I found it even more hilarious.  As I've been listening (keeping up with the new episodes while going back and listening to all the ones I'd missed) the show has evolved into it's own universe with in-jokes, catch phrases, and supporting characters.  The show at times doesn't even have anything to do with wrestling but you don't care because the hosts, Kevin Scampoli and Danny Richardson, work so well together and are so freaking funny.  That said, when they do discuss wrasslin' it's not with the jaded outlook most "smarks" have about the industry, but with the same unadulterated love you had when you were a kid.  This "weekly discussion" will make you want to watch wrestling again.  I wouldn't say it's for everyone, as any idea of political correctness is appropriately ignored, but if you aren't offended by the occasional tirade by a character called "Racist Vince" check it out at THE WHOLE F'N SHOW.