'Tis the Season... for Top Ten Lists, featuring the Top 10 Ads of 2010

It's that time of the year again, when we all get together with our loved ones to share the spirit of the season and reflect on the year that was, and then make a top ten list about it. As you can see from my previous post, I'm already sharing the joy of top ten lists. Campaign Magazine is getting into the spirit with their Top 10 TV and Cinema Ads list. Not spoiling the surprise, as it was a given, I have to mention that the Nike - Write the Future commercial for the World Cup slots in at #2. Surprised they didn't take gold. You'll just have to check out the link to see who did. While you contemplate whether you will or won't, watch Nike's silver medal entry again in glorious HD.

The Top 10 Albums of 2010, Says Me

Damn, it's been a good year for music. Loads of new bands with unique sounds and some great new albums from old favourites. While I could easily have made a top twenty or thirty list, 10 is just such a nice round number. (And I don't really have time to make a top 30 list.) So here are my ten favourite albums from the past 12 months, along with a stand-out track from each. Agree or disagree? Let me know.

10. Glasser - Ring
Featured track: Home



9. Twin Sister - Colour Your Life
Featured track: Phenomenons



8. Here We Go Magic - Pigeons
Featured track: Casual



7. Toro Y Moi - Causers of This
Featured track: Talamak



6. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening
Featured track: Dance yrself clean



5. Caribou - Swim
Featured track: Leave house



4. Delorean - Subiza
Featured track: Grow



3. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
Featured track: He Would Have Laughed



2. Beach House - Teen Dream
Featured track: Better Times




1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Featured track: Rococo



Featured track: Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

Le Loup "We Are Gods! We Are Wolves" Live At the Black Cat

Le Loup was another great recommendation from iTunes' search algorithm. This is from their first album. Their latest album, Family, sounds like a collaboration between Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bear. What more do I need to say?

Ahead of the Curve

I finally got around to downloading the Monsters of Folk album. Aside from being a pretty lame name for a band, it's hard to fault much about these guys. They've all got different styles, the common thread being they're all good at what they do. While Dear God, the main single off their first and only album so far, is definitely the stand out track, there's something about Ahead of the Curve. At first it's the guitar hook. That unique twang of the notes. It's pleading but satisfying nonetheless. One of those riffs that could be a small part of a solo or the foundation of an entire song. I'm glad they chose the latter this time around.

Here We Go Magic - "Collector" (Official Video)

Here's the real video for Collector. Have to say, I prefer the unofficial version!

Here We Go Magic - Collector (Music Video)

Here We Go Magic made a video for Collector. And they did it without creating a single piece of new video footage. They just collected a bunch of random video samples together. It's like they're collectors or something. Weirdos.

Twin Sister - I Wanna Be Your Lover (La Bionda cover, live @ Neumos, Sea...

Twin Sister's take on La Bionda's space-disco epic 'I Wanna Be Your Lover'. Awesome-o.

Sesame Street: Smell Like A Monster

Old Spice spoofed perfectly by Sesame Street.

Deerhunter - Helicopter (Official Video)

On lazy/hungover Sunday mornings, there's no better way to hide from the sun than lounging in bed with a coffee and discovering new music online. Over my past few months spent searching through iTunes, Amazon, Pitchfork and Spotify, the band Deerhunter always came up as a recommend when listening to bands such as Grizzly Bear, Atlas Sounds, Beach House and Real Estate. Finally giving in to the not-so-subtle hints, I downloaded their latest album, Halcyon Digest. I'm damn glad I did. Like most great albums, it takes a few listens for the gems to surface, but this album deserves all of the praise that has been heaped on it this year. While I'm not sure if it's my favourite album of 2010, it's a strong contender. Testament to this is the fact that during a recent 10-hour flight to Vancouver from London, I listened to nothing but this album. Really. Okay, maybe there was the occasional TV show in there, but 10 hours is a long time. Either way, it's that kind of album. It just gets better with every listen. And there's no better proof than 'Helicopter'.

Beach House - Walk in the Park (from Pitchfork.tv)

Not exactly what the Beach House show was like tonight at the O2 Empire in Shepherd's Bush, but it doesn't really matter. It's Beach House live, which is always worth sharing.

Twin Sister - Phenomenons

With songs filled with hushed voices and lush melodies, Twin Sister are giving the term 'easy-listening music' a good name. This up and coming Long Island-based electro-folk band are currently promoting their latest EP, Colour Your Life, and will be playing at The Lexington on Thursday, November 25. Excited to check them out live. Should be a good night, especially since it starts off with London's Movember Gala. Watch this space for photos from the 'taschtastic event.

Wishery (Disney Remix)

Stumbled upon this video on another blog and was blown away. The creativity of people out there never fails to amaze me. Even cooler, most of his remixes are available for free at http://www.pogomix.net/downloads. Happy dl'ing.

Respect the Mo. Donate to the Mo!

Lock up your daughters and your beard trimmers, after a two-year hiatus, the ‘stache is back for Movember. The first time around, the legend of Ron Burgundy lived again and the city of Vancouver couldn’t keep scotch in stock. This time, it’s taking the form of a Texas rancher ‘stache that Yosemite Sam would be proud to call his own, and the ladies of London only wish they could.

Of course, growing an impeccably groomed moustache in November is meant to do more than just raise the eyebrows of Blighty's women and the ire of thin-bearded men. It’s about raising awareness and funding for men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. One man dies every hour from the disease in the UK. As me and 3 billion of my brothers from other mothers (and two from the same) are at risk, this is kind of a big deal.

So I’m asking you to support prostate cancer prevention by making a donation to The Prostate Cancer Charity. To help, you just need to click this link: http://uk.movember.com/donate/your-details/member_id/764100/ and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account.

The Prostate Cancer Charity will use the money raised by Movember for the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember, you can visit http://uk.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs.

Thanks in advance for supporting the ‘stache and the fight against prostate cancer.

Jimi Hendrix - Pali Gap

Not to be found on any of his Greatest Hits albums, but 'Pali Gap' is one of the best Hendrix songs out there. The South Saturn Delta album is worth picking up for more than just this gem. It's a rare blend of rock, blues, funk and jazz done in a way that only Hendrix could. Pick it up.

Table Connect for iPhone

So cool. Now I don't just need an iPhone. I need an iPhone Table. Damn it.

the social network

Just watched the social network and came away with a few thoughts:

- Jesse Eisenberg was made for this role.
- Eduardo Sabourin is an awesome name.
- Justin Timberlake plays a douchebag just a little too well.
- 65 million dollars seems kind of lame now, weirdly.
- Aaron Sorkin can write for frustrated geeks a little too well.
- David Fincher can direct anything into a great story.
- I spend way too much time on Mark Zuckerberg's multi-billion dollar F U to Harvard's elite.

Good flick.

Animal Collective's "Banshee Beat" (studio)

After being nudged with a heavy hand by my brothers towards their critically acclaimed 2009 album, Merriweather Post Pavillion, I finally discovered Animal Collective's quirky, indie rock ways. That was December 2009 though. It's taken a solid 9 months of listening through their back catalog of albums to appreciate this band's completely unique sound. At this point, I'd say Merriweather stands atop the pack, but with Feels and Fall Be Kind (EP) close behind. And while 'My Girls' and 'Summertime Clothes' are rightfully hits - as much as an indie track can be - it's 'Banshee Beat' that does it for me. Creeping and tense, it starts slow and builds to a remarkable cacophonous climax. It kind of epitomizes this band's music: masterfully orchestrated chaos.

Walls - Hang Four

Loving this ambient techno track from Walls. First heard it live at the Field Day festival last weekend. It truly felt like a wall of sound coming at you. If I had the means to make music, this is pretty much what I would aim for. But even better, obviously. ;)

Arcade Fire @ Hackney Empire "Wake Up"

A small slice of the Awesome Cake that Arcade Fire delivered at the Hackney Empire in London a few weeks ago. It was yummy.

The Dog for Whom I Feel Nothing

If you don't know the Kids in the Hall, you should.

The Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

The Arcade Fire are back in fine form with their lead off single, The Suburbs, for their new album of the same name. Looking forward to hearing the rest of the new album at the Hackney Empire show on Wednesday night!

Mark Zuckerberg and His Frenemies

How have I not heard of this until now?!

Dirty Projectors come a calling in London

The best things in life aren't free. Sometimes they cost 26.50. At least that's how much the brilliant Brooklyn-based Dirty Projectors set me back this past Friday night. A meager amount of dosh for the night of weird and wonderful music they doled out in return.

As I only decided to go at the last minute, I didn't have much time to research the show. All I knew was that it was at the Barbican, which gave me a great excuse to visit London's central performance arts venue - an impressive exhibition hall that would inspire Mr. G of Summer Heights High fame to perform a one-man show called 'Envy'.

Due to the short notice, I took in the show on my own, which meant a few wee drams were in order. Thankfully, the Barbican provided a decent selection of scotch, including Glenmorangie and Laphroaig, both of which I took it upon myself to sample during the show.

Settling into my glorified cubby hole of a seat, the show kicked off with a one-hour performance of the 2005 rock opera, The Getty Address. To add effect, the Dirty Projectors came out in Little Red Riding Hood costumes. Thankfully, the theatrics stopped there. Backed by the progressive orchestra of Alarm Will Sound, the rock opera was surprisingly grabbing. Here's a quick taste.



Perhaps it was the aforementioned glasses of scotch, but I was hooked from the first verse. I couldn't have been more surprised as I had read the pamphlet containing the story of the opera while waiting for the show to start and two words came to mind: pretentious crap. Funny how even the most nonsensical lyrics make perfect sense when surrounded by incredible music - just look at Miike Snow's lyric sheet ("A horse is not a home"?).

After a prolonged standing ovation for The Getty Address - to which the lead singer responded "Don't worry. We'll be back after the intermission. We promise." - and another plastic cup of fine scotch, the Dirty Projectors performed some of the best tracks from their critically acclaimed 2009 album, Bitte Orca.

Named as the best album of the year by more than one reasonably reputable mag, Bitte Orca is a creeper that definitely takes more than a few listens to appreciate. Now, a few months in, I still feel like I'm discovering this album. Bitte Orca is definitely one of those albums that requires solid work from the listener. But the reward is well worth it. And it was all the more rewarding to hear the Dirty Projectors perform it live.

The second half of the concert started off with a pared down version of Two Doves, which was the song I was most looking forward to hearing. That out of the way, things only got better. Working through an hour of Bitte Orca's best material including a rendition of Stillness is the Move that had a female fan in the seat next to me literally leaping out of it, the band took the show to another level and really showed their musical prowess. Here's the album version of Two Doves.



From the incredible harmonies of the three female singers to the Jeff Buckley-like range of lead singer Dave Longstreth to the power and precision of the drummer, this is a band that is so accomplished musically that they didn't just recreate their technically perfect studio album but they improved on it. Rarely does a band live up to their album when playing live. And almost never do they go beyond their album. The Dirty Projectors did just that. Best 26.50 I ever spent.

Here's the video for Stillness is the Move to close things out.

A Wee Dram or 26

For hundreds of years, the world's greatest minds have been trying to answer the big question: How many glasses of scotch can a man drink in a weekend without causing irrevocable damage to his liver, sanity or bank account? Recently, a good friend and I set out to the island of Islay on the west coast of Scotland to answer this age-old question. Here's how we fared.

Friday:
Jura 10 year, 40%
Glenfiddich 12 year, 40%
Ardbeg 10 year, 46%, 23 ppm
Ardbeg Blasda 40%, 2 ppm

Saturday:
Bruichladdich 12 year, 46%
Bruichladdich 1991, Sherry Cask, 55.9%
Bowmore 12 year, 40%, 2 ppm
Caol Ila 12 year, 43%, 35 ppm
Caol Ila 1993, Distiller’s Edition, 43%, 35 ppm
Caol Ila Cask Strength 61.6%, 35 ppm
Lagavulin 1993, Distiller’s Edition, 43%, 35 ppm
Ardbeg Uigeadail, 54.2%
Ardbeg Supernova, 58.9%, Whisky Bible 2010: Scotch Whisky of the Year, 100 ppm

Sunday:
Laphroaig Quarter Cask, 48%, 45 ppm
Laphroaig 18 year, 48%, 45 ppm
Bunnahabhain12 year, 40%
Kilchoman 3 year, 46%
Bruichladdich 5 year, Orpheus 02.2 Octomore, 61%, 140 ppm
Lagavulin 21 year, Sherry Cask, 56%
Ardbeg Supernova, 58.9%, Whisky Bible 2010: Scotch Whisky of the Year, 100 ppm
Black Bottle 10 year, 40% (blend of all Islay whiskies)
Bowmore Darkest, 15 year, Sherry Cask Finish, 43%

Monday:
Highland Park 12 year, 40%
Bruichladdich Waves, 46%
Lagavulin 16 year, 43%

The Lochside Hotel Bar in Islay, Scotland aka Heaven

Clock Opera - Crappy name, awesome music

Surprised to say I heard about Clock Opera in the daily Metro newspaper this morning. Kudos to whoever had the smarts to throw in a little blurb and image for this band to promote the MacMillan cancer fundraiser this evening in Brick Lane. Looking up the band on myspace upon my arrival at work, I had a good feeling from the look of the page, which says a lot for design, even the simple image provided on the myspace page. My first impression was confirmed within seconds of hearing the first few bars of their new single 'A Piece of String'. Even better than this single, now available online everywhere, is their not-so-readily-available remix of the single 'Baby' by Phenomenal Handclap Band. Enjoy. And let me know if you find it online!

Star Wars/adidas Mash Up

Adidas - Star Wars Cantina 2010

It'd Be A Lot Cooler If You Did

On a lazy Sunday recently, I revisited Dazed and Confused, Richard Linklater's portrayal of life as an American teenager in the '70s. I'm glad to say that it was as good as I hazily remember it. Here are some of the scenes that make this movie such a classic:

The UK's Ten Most Complained About Ads in 2009

The UK Advertising Standards Authority recently released the ten ads that received the most complaints from the public in 2009. Included in the list is the unabashedly insulting Oven Pride TV commercial, which states that Oven Pride is 'so easy to use, even a man can do it.' Ha. See the full list of ads here.

Write The Future - Nike

Once again Nike gets it right. This time for the 2010 World Cup. I haven't seen a sports ad that truly captures the impact of a game like this in years. The last campaign I can think of that comes close is the Sports Illustrated 'You may not get it, but our 6 millions subscribers do' campaign. That campaign may get an edge as it was a print campaign that managed to capture all the suspense and drama of sports without any live action, but you still have to give full credit to the way this ad covers every imaginable impact that the World Cup could have, even if it's a tad exaggerated, which is part of its charm. Still, I don't think Rooney will be living in a trailer if all goes awry in a month's time, but considering that the English love their footie like Canadians love our hockey, it's not completely impossible, unlike England winning the World Cup. Oops.

1 Y&R New York Job (0.17 seconds)

I can't get enough of the brilliant simplicity of this job seeking campaign by copywriter/director Alec Brownstein. Taking advantage of the egos of creative directors and the fun of Googling yourself (it just sounds dirty, doesn't it?), Brownstein bought ads under 6 New York creative directors' names so that his ad would come up at the top when their name was searched. The total cost: $6. Brownstein's campaign of the moment didn't just get him a job at Y&R New York, it also got him on the CBS Early Show.

New Music Friday - Mumford & Sons

While the lead singer's voice is frighteningly close to that of Dave Matthew's - frightening because I hate that guy's preachy voice - the frenetic folk sound of Mumford & Sons propels forward in spite of this minor drawback. Little Lion Man is a perfect example of their trademark sing-along sound.

Built around raw yet poetic lyrics, the song weaves back and forth between soft reflective moments and a full throttle knee slapper of a chorus. Part hill billy folk and part pop rock, Mumford & Sons are like Block Party and Fleet Foxes had a baby - a baby with Dave Matthew's voice. Hey, nobody's perfect.

Found on FFFFound

:)

Don't stop. Don't stop. Don't stop doing ads like this.

Creative ads are refreshing. Insightful ads are inspiring. But ads like this one are unique, because they change behaviour.

I've read some criticism in the media about this campaign being upsetting, but that's the point; it gets an emotional reaction that solves its problem. This is what public service advertising should be. Actually, this is what all advertising should be. Persuasion in its most powerful form. Hmm, I think that may be the slogan of Zig. (Please don't sue me, Zig.)

Thomson Holidays are mean

Damn you, Thomson Holidays. Damn you for making me want to go on an exorbitantly expensive resort holiday - even more than usual. Damn you.

Delorean - Grow

Some stunning new music from Delorean. Perfect tune for lazy summer days. Blissful.

Campaign of the moment - Carling - You know who your mates are

My favourite campaign at the moment has to be the 'You know who your mates are' campaign for Carling beer. I'm not too familiar with the beer - mostly because it tastes like piss - but I'm pretty certain it has been building a relationship with blokes through football sponsorships and the like throughout the UK. This brand campaign is a broader approach, understandably, that cleverly re-creates common situations guys find themselves in, although within a different context.

For example, the latest TV spot sees a group of guys stranded on an island, hailing a passing ship. Subtle additions such as the fact that the passing ship has 'its light on' inform the viewer that they're watching a metaphor for modern life. Anyone who has struggled to find a cab late at night after the pub can relate to the feeling - it's barely an exaggeration.

While the situations perfectly relate to Carling's target audience - guys who drink beer - what makes the campaign so strong is the camaraderie of the guys in each spot. In the desert island spot, one of the guy's fascination with finding sticks causes the group to miss the passing ship. Rather than be outraged with him, the guys laugh it off, although not before delivering the great line 'Brilliant another stick. Just what we need on this island of sticks' (Unfortunately, this isn't said in the YouTube version I found.). They decide they'll ;get the next one; and start walking, further reinforcing the metaphor of trying to find a cab home at the end of a night out with the guys.

Each of the TV spots has a moment like this, where one of the guys or the group of guys go out of their way for each other. It's aspirational and nostalgic at the same time. It makes you want to get the guys together over a pint of Carling and tell old war tales, while making some new ones as well. It's everything a brand campaign for a blokes beer could hope to be. Good on ya, Carling. Too bad your beer still tastes like piss, though. (Campaign by Beattie McGuiness Bungay.)

!!!!Explode your odour!!!!

I think the subtle message of this new TV spot from Wieden + Kennedy, Portland, is that Old Spice Odor Blocker is kind of powerful. Maybe.

Tiger's resurrection begins

Considering the global hate-on Tiger Woods created when his countless extramarital affairs came to light, it was no surprise that most of his corporate sponsors turned tail and ran. What was surprising was who stayed: Nike.

After seeing Woods make his feeble apology at the worst press conference ever planned, I remember being unsettled by the sight of the Nike representative solemnly standing by his side. I couldn't imagine how they were going to pull off what would have to be the greatest PR comeback ever attempted. But after seeing this first step in Tiger's long road back, I believe.

For insightful critiques from some of Canada's top creatives, check out this article from Marketing Mag here.

What to buy the man who has everything, but could be having more sex

It's also handy when lighting bonfires, or so I hear. Pick it up here!

Pixels!

Pixels are pretty awesome.

They grow 'em big in Mexico

Love the playfulness of this overpass execution in Mexico, but can't help imagining if the Hot Wheels logo was replaced by the Wonderbra logo...

Anish Kapoor discusses the thinking behind the 2012 Olympic Orbit

Love the idea of turning the traditional tower in on itself. Truly 21st century.

Anish Kapoor's High Note

When I first came across this image of Anish Kapoor's Olympic Orbit through the coolhunter.net's twitter feed, I wasn't sure what to make of it. My first reaction was one of incomprehension. It just didn't make sense to me, as it looked more like a twisting rollercoaster rather than a monument. Kapoor's work has always had a playful bent, but this seemed to be taking it a bit far. The more I thought about it, though, the more sense it made.

While it doesn't fit the traditional style or structure of famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, this is precisely what makes it a truly contemporary expression of our times. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, which reaches for the heavens with grandiosity, this sculpture looks inwards, creating an endlessly twisting loop, much like the communication loop of our increasingly connected world.

As science and technology continue to play an ever more prominent role in our lives, I think we as a people are looking for answers to problems within our own communities, rather than upwards to the heavens or the higher ups. Our global communal lives are becoming more inter-connected nowadays, thanks to communication tools such as twitter, facebook and meetup. Also, the 24 hour news cycle constantly reminds us of the failings of government and corporate entities.

This has led to a more realistic perspective about what it takes to create change in the world, and at the same time we are more empowered by technology to create this change. Through the growing arsenal of new media tools and websites, our voices are becoming connected in an influential way, coming together in a chorus of opinions and expressions. So it's no surprise that this sculpture looks very much like the musical treble note.

It is fitting that this sculpture will be unveiled during the London 2012 Olympics, an event that represents the world coming together in unity, unlike any other time. Anish Kapoor's playful and powerful statement on modern society intertwines with the hopes of the Olympics: creating a harmonious world here on earth. It's kind of a beautiful, convoluted thing.

Here We Go Magic!

Got to love the name of this band, especially since they back it up with the catchy sure-to-be-a-summer-soundtrack Collector, the first single from their forthcoming sophomore effort, Pigeon.

The prescription for a slow Monday

Classic commercial for Old Spice featuring Neil Patrick Harris, the guy who puts the NPH in "NPH is awesome".

Pick Steve. Because you love him.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Bibio - Lover's Carvings

One of my favourite tracks and albums of the moment by British producer Bibio. The album moves from folk to sampled beats in the vein of Akufen. It's an eclectic mix of tracks to say the least. Just what you need if you're in a musical rut.

Creme That Egg!

Noticing last night that the run-up to Easter has already begun with the first of the Cadbury Creme Egg commercials airing, it's time to prepare for the annual ritual of stuffing our faces with chocolate-covered chicken eggs, given birth by rabbits, in honour of the death and re-birth of God's only son, born through immaculate conception. Is any of it logical? Nope. Do we care? Hell no. Bring on the chocolate-covered bunny rabbits and chicken eggs, Jesus!

Snickers - Game

This ad featuring the somehow incredibly cool Betty White is part of Snickers latest campaign, launched during this year's Super Bowl. I dig it, but it's got nothing on Mr. T's air strikes.

Memory Tapes - Stop Talking

Another great new band in the vein of Cut Copy and Miike Snow.

Beach House -- Norway

This great Grizzly Bear-like band is currently playing a concert on repeat in my ears.

Old Spice - The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

100% awesome.

"Humdrum Town" by Theophilus London

Great new track from the man who wins Best New Artist Name at the 2010 JAMS Awards.

Everything is everything

Wieden + Kennedy do it again. Love the technique. What a creative way to meet the brief (which I imagine was along the lines of 'show our entire range of products, focusing on the Civic') while producing a music video that you have to see again and again to take it all in. Great track selection (supposedly it's a remix of 'Atlas' by Battles) and mix of SFX. My faith in creative advertising is restored.

We trust harder

The Weiden + Kennedy Optimism blog is always good for inspirational articles, ads and ideas. Case in point: this excerpt from ex-Avis CEO Robert Townsend's business guide, Up the Organization, describing the process by which DDB sold through the 'We try harder' campaign.

Moral of the story: A little trust goes a long way.

The rich white men fight back

Hard to believe Bentley actually signed off on this poster, but, whoever thought it up, I salute you (if you know what I mean).

No babies, models or animals were harmed in the making of this blog post

Here's a cool yet creepy campaign for HP high quality printers. Really hoping they didn't use nails to put these up.

Agency: CLM BBDO France
Creative Director: Eric Pierre
Copywriter: Vincent Pedrocchi
Art Director: Cédric Moutaud
Photographer: Jean-Yves Lemoigne