Dear 2011/The Highlights

Dear 2011,

How bout that ride in? I was a little worried about how you might play out but to my surprise you turned out to be a pretty good year. Thanks for the memories! Lets hope 2012 holds up ;)

xoxo,

Tiff

The Highlights...

• Getting the opportunity to work on these show: 
• Independent Spirit Awards
• Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards
• MTV Movie Awards,
• 63rd Primetime Emmys
• Going to the Govenor's Ball!!!! (still can't believe I was there)
• Getting scared by a Norman Bates impersonator on the Universal lot
• My brother TJ's graduation from The University of Texas-Arlington
• Launching THAT'S RUDE COMEDY (shout out to the TRC crew...love them)
• Shooting my 1st music video "Miss U. Dig U. Love U."
• All the new and amazing people in my life
• Jessica and Josh's Wedding
• Bachelorette Vegas Weekend (#TeamBlackout)
• The following albums: 
• Adele "21"
• Kanye West & Jay Z "Watch The Throne" 
• Mayer Hawthorne "How Do You Do?
• TuneYards "Whokill"
• The infamous Halloween Party I can barely remember ("Black Swannin")
• My 24th Bday Brunch/House Party with Tyler and Bojan
• Meeting Chris Evans...I died.
• The following movies:
• Midnight in Paris
• Warrior
• Super 8
• Attack the Block
• GAME OF THRONES!!!!!!
• Visit from my Nicholas
• All the new music I discovered from Aquarium Drunkard
• Seeing ADELE live!!
• My new MacBook Pro (RIP iBook G4)
• Being in the same theater as Justin Timberlake
• Alabama Shakes (my new favorite band)
• Seeing THE BLACK KEYS live!!
• The amazingness that is Jean-Ralphio from Parks & Rec
• Friday night's pizza & Dos Equis with Queen T
• "My presence is a present...kiss my ass." - Lena Waithe (Quote of the Year)

AND MANY MORE!!!!

From me to you...

Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday with loved ones and good food! Here's my gift to you, a playlist of my favorite singers from the 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s..."Soul Sistas & Blue Bellas" 

Click HERE to open the playlist on Spotify! Enjoy :)

xoxo,

SpikeLeah

My Top 10 Movies of 2011

This list was a little harder to put together only because films are my first love and I'm way more judgmental when it comes to them. Also, keep in mind there are still a few movies I need to see (The Artist, Hugo, Pariah, A Separation) so I might have some "Honorable Mentions" I'll be posting about later ;)

10. Drive

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn

(Wish there was just a little bit more character development, but the soundtrack alone is what really drives this movie.)

9. Hanna

Directed by Joe Wright

(I love Joe Wright. He's like the king of tracking shots and there's a great one in this movie with Eric Bana. Saoirse Ronan is a beast and Cate Blanchett was fierce and creepy at the same time.)

8. Horrible Bosses

Directed by Seth Gordon

(I have such a soft spot for Jason Sudeikis after working with him on the 2011 MTV Movie Awards so I had to see this movie. And it was f*cking hilarious! SO underrated!)

7. X-Men: First Class

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

(This is how a comic book movie is done...great story + great performances...can't go wrong.)

6. Moneyball

Directed by Bennett Miller

(Never have I ever cared so much about a baseball game.)

5. Bridesmaids

Directed by Paul Feig

(Three words...Kristen, Maya, Melissa...done.)

4. Super 8

Directed by J.J. Abrams

(Thank you J.J. Abrams for reminding me why I want to make movies.)

3. Attack the Block

Directed by Joe Cornish

(When Spike Lee raves about a movie, you kinda have to see it...and now I see why. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun watching a movie. I was scared out of my mind but laughing uncontrollably at the same time.  The best tag line ever: "Inner City vs. Outer Space")

2. Midnight In Paris

Directed by Woody Allen

(I mean, I'm pretty sure I've raved enough about this movie...Destination Paris!)

1. WARRIOR

Directed by Gavin O'Connor

(No words...period.)

Hidden Gem: WARRIOR (My best picture of the year!)

***Honorable Mentions***

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Crazy Stupid Love

My Week With Marilyn

The Help

Can't forget about the EPs

Since technically they're not considered full albums I couldn't include them in my Top 10 Albums of 2011, but I can't forget about these EPs that I've been obsessed with all year. I'm hoping they drop full albums next year...#getfamiliar

Beth Ditto

Do You Need Someone by Beth Ditto

 

Alabama Shakes

Hold On by Alabama Shakes

 

Nick Waterhouse

I Can Only Give You Everything by Nick Waterhouse

 

My Top 10 Albums of 2011

10. Future Islands - On The Water

  Future Islands - Balance 

 

9. James Blake - James Blake

8. Kendrick Lamar - Section.80

Kendrick Lamar - Hol' Up

7. The Black Keys - El Camino

The Black Keys: Gold On the Ceiling

 

  

6. Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials

Florence + The Machine - Leave My Body

 

  

5. Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin'

  Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin'

 

4. tUnE-yArDs - Whokill

tUnE-yArDs - Gangsta

 

3. Kanye West & Jay Z - Watch The Throne

Who Gon Stop Me

 

2. ADELE - 21

Adele - I'll be Waiting

 

1. Mayer Hawthorne - How Do You Do?

Love. Love. Love Him!

Mayer Hawthorne - Get to Know You

**Honorable Mentions:**

Fitz & The Tantrums - "Pickin' Up The Pieces"

The Cool Kids - "When Fish Ride Bicycles"

M83 - "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming"

Frank Ocean - "Nostalgia"

Fleet Foxes - "Helplessness Blues"

Bon Iver - "Bon Iver"

Lykke Li - "Wounded"

Pac Div - "The Div"

Documentary Spotlight: RE:GENERATION

This documentary feature, produced in association with The Grammy's looks at the history, songwriting, and recording process of five different genres of music through the eyes of 5 of the most influential producers/DJ's in the world as they create new music tracks with influential collaborators from rock, country, classical, R&B and Jazz.

Featuring Skrillex, DJ Premier, The Crystal Method, Pretty Lights and Mark Ronson.

I just can't wait for the soundtrack!!!!!!!!

Re:Generation Music Project

In theaters Feb 16th

BAUCE!

A legend at work.

Wow, has it really been a year already?

December 11th marked the one year anniversary of my blog, SpikeLeah (My 1st post) Just a little thing I wanted to start to keep my friends in the loop on my current obsessions...because I know they always get tired of me asking/telling them, "Have you heard of this group?"/"You need to see this movie..." and I must say, a year and over 5,000 views later, I guess it wasn't a bad idea after all :)

So THANK YOU to everybody for their constant support and love...I really appreciate it!! I'm glad you guys are not over me...just yet ;)

Stay classy,

SpikeLeah

In case you missed it...

By now, everyone should be on the Robyn band wagon...and if you're not, then you need to hop on real quick...period.

Damn, it feels good to be a gangsta

How dope is Ice Cube?! The legendary West Coast Rapper drops some mad knowledge about husband and wife team, The Eames and their amazing home built in 1949.

"Who are these people who got a problem with LA? Maybe they just mad they don't live here."

 - Ice Cube

Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA 1945 to 1980

I'm obsessed with this little girl

Future movie star, fashion diva and just overall BAUCE in the making!! Love her!

Chloe Grace Moretz

2012 Movie List: HAYWIRE

So as the year comes to an end, I'm starting to put together my 2012 Movie List, all the films I can't wait to see next year. And adding to that list, HAYWIRE because it looks so bad ass! (and because I love Steven Soderbergh)

www.haywiremovie.com

Some other movies that have made the list:

CHRONICLE

THE HUNGER GAMES

RED TAILS

AVENGERS 

Swag.

Top 10 Music Blogs of 2011

I don't consider my blog a "music blog" in the slightest. (I wish) I actually don't think there's a category for this blog...I'm kinda all over the place. However, thanks to We Listen For You, one of my favorite music blogs, they've put together a list of the Top 10 Music Blogs of 2011 including my all time fave, Aquarium Drunkard

Enjoy :)

Get Familiar: AWOLNATION

I have to thank my good buddy and co-worker Kevin for this recommendation. He played this song for me and I was sold...then of course I bought the album...that's all it took. So now I'm sharing it with you guys because I'm sure you're gonna want to buy the album too...or at least I hope so ;)

AWOLNATION

 

I can only give you everything

Nick Waterhouse is one of my new faves of 2011. I love him, his music, his style...everything. He's just too cool for school!

Check out his new video for his single "I Can Only Give You Everything" off his debut EP "Is That Clear"

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back...

"Shake It Out"

by

Florence + The Machine

Regrets collect like old friends

Here to relive your darkest moments

I can see no way, I can see no way

And all of the ghouls come out to play

And every demon wants his pound of flesh

But I like to keep some things to myself

I like to keep my issues strong

It's always darkest before the dawn

And I've been a fool and I've been blind

I can never leave the past behind

I can see no way, I can see no way

I'm always dragging that horse around

All of these questions, such a mournful sound

Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground

So I like to keep my issues strong

But it's always darkest before the dawn

Shake it up, shake it out, shake it up, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it up, shake it out, shake it up, shake it out, ooh woaaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah

I am done with my graceless heart

So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart

Cause I like to keep my issues strong

It's always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

And given half the chance would I take any of it back

It's a fine romance but it's left me so undone

It's always darkest before the dawn

Oh woah, oh woah...

And I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't

So here's to drinks in the dark at the end of my road

And I'm ready to suffer and I'm ready to hope

It's a shot in the dark and right at my throat

Cause looking for heaven, for the devil in me

Looking for heaven, for the devil in me

Well what the hell I'm gonna let it happen to me

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah

You ain't alone, so why you lonely?

Look, I know I've said it before, but I'm gonna keep saying it until EVERYONE is familiar with this band...ALABAMA SHAKES is the shit!!! I'm obsessed and a fan for life!

Lead singer Brittany Howard, sings with her whole soul...you can feel her passion...she is life.

WINTER IS COMING!!

I'm gonna need April 2012 to hurry up and get here because I can't wait any longer!

RetroSexuals: Funny is the new Sexy

Love this spread in People's Magazine "The Sexiest Man Alive" Issue with the cast of SNL and Parks & Rec recreating classic looks from the 30s and 60s.

"Woody Allen: A Documentary" (The Man Behind The Dream)

If you know me personally then you know that I have many obsessions; films, music, graffiti, guys with accents, guys who can dance and Woody Allen.

And now thanks to PBS, we can all get a closer look into the life and career of the person I like to call "The Man Behind The Dream", Mr. Woody Allen.

 

Airing this Sunday, November 20th on PBS (Woody Allen: A Documentary)

Oh Andy...

Can we all just agree that Parks & Rec is killing the comedy shows right now? I mean really these past two seasons have been flawless.

We already know "My Hero" is quite possibly one of the best characters in TV history, and now Mr. Andy Dwyer has officially secured a place in my heart with this AMAZING quote...

LESLIE

 I need a few more volunteers, Andy will you be Iceland?

ANDY

The bad guys from Mighty Ducks 2...don't think so.

LESLIE

Okay, how bout Japan?

ANDY

The bad guys from Karate Kid 2...even worse. 

How bout Germany? They've never been the bad guys.

Can I just be her for a day, please?

Fat Belly Bella AKA Lo Down Loretta Brown AKA Miss Erykah Badu is the fiercest of them all! She's the shit! If you can catch her live, DO IT! Your life will thank you for it.

Listen to Miss Badu's rendition of Lady Day AKA the late great Ms. Billie Holiday's "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do"...speechless.

Hidden Gem: WARRIOR (my Best Picture front runner)

I know I'm making a pretty bold statement this early in award season, but when I know....I know. And after seeing Gavin O'Connor's WARRIOR, I knew that this film right here was my "Best Picture" front runner. There...I said it.

I can't even begin to explain to you why this movie was so brilliant...but I will. For starters, I can recall not being interested in seeing this movie when it first came out. I was like, why is this movie trying to be like "The Fighter/Rocky?" So now imagine how surprised I was to find out that The Wrap was screening it last week as part of their "Award Series" I thought there must be a reason Lionsgate is pushing this movie...so I went. Now let me tell you, I'm a person that doesn't mind being proven wrong when it comes to movies. Going into it, I already had it in my mind that this movie was going to just be okay but boy was I wrong. This movie left me speechless...literally. 

Starring Tom Hardy (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises) and Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom), the movie follows two brothers, both MMA fighters, on a path of finally confronting the forces that tore them apart, all in while wagging the most intense, winner-takes-all battle of their lives. Tom and Joel both give the performances of a lifetime! Physically and emotionally. Nick Nolte, who plays their recovered alcoholic father,  gives the most heartfelt and fearless performance of his career. 

This movie has real emotional resonance, vivid flawless performances and a story so powerful that I was blown away from its opening moments. I must say, that the true genius lies in the way Gavin O'Connor balances the violence of the fight scenes with tender moments of human weakness.

A MUST SEE!!!!!

Official website

PS. Mr. Hardy...thank you.

Ain't that the truth

They're at it again...and I love it!

Oh Justin and Jimmy can do no wrong in my book...well except for "In Time" and "Taxi" but we all make mistakes sometimes ;)

Here's another brilliantly "History of Rap" medley from the dynamic duo.

I miss her :(

A new song from the late Amy Winehouse feat. Nas called "Like Smoke"

Get Familiar: Lana Del Rey

This girl is fire! She's like a modern day Nancy Sinatra (kinda moody and dark yet soft and sweet)...and her style is very reminiscent of a sixties bombshell. I highly recommend you check her out because she's seriously about to blow up! Her EP Video Games is available on iTunes for only $2.99...definitely worth it!! 

Lana Del Rey - Official website

Lana Del Rey - Video Games 

Rolling Stone knows what's up

Rolling Stone's "The Hot Issue" features the best, the brightest and the baddest of 2011.

Check out their picks for the new British Invasion!

Why does this actually look good to me?

Get Familiar: Gary Clark Jr.

Muddy Waters would be proud. This Austin, Texas native is joining the ranks of The White Stripes and The Black Keys as musicians who are putting blues-rock back on the map. Love it! Check out his EP The Bright Lights available on iTunes. You wont be disappointed!

www.garyclarkjr.com

Tonight I'm livin' in a fantasy

my own little nasty world...

Vanity 6 - nasty girl

Oh Snaps!

It looks like I'll be adding a new movie to my "Beautiful Dark Twisted Movie List"

SHAME, starring Michael Fassbender as a sex addict directed by Mr. Steve McQueen...ummm, YES! This movie looks deliciously twisted and I MUST see it. It's even already stirring up some controversy. Check out this article from The Hollywood Reporter on whether or not the film should receive a NC-17 rating.

But first, watch the trailer...



Look what Entertainment Weekly is saying about the film too.

"Women in Hollywood" Talk Movies

So inspiring!

As part of their "Women in Hollywood" event, Elle magazine brought together a powerhouse of actresses for a short film in which they talk about their careers, their inspirations and their favorite movies.

One word...Uh-mazing! Barbra Streisand and Viola Davis...done.



Check out ELLE MAGAZINE for more interviews and fierce photos from their 18th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute.

In case you missed it

Mayer Hawthorne performed "The Walk" last night on Conan...enjoy!



You already know how I feel about him,  Sorry Adele...

Guilty By Association

This is a collaborative album were indie-rock artist cover their favorite "guilty pleasures." Vol. 2 was released back in 2008 and features two covers you must hear. Robbers On High Street covered New Edition's classic "Cool It Now" and Francis & The Lights covered Mr. West's "Can't Tell Me Nothing."

Guilty By Association by SpikeLeah

My Hero

Meet Mr. Jean-Ralphio...swagga on a hundred thousand trillion!



#PARKS&REC #GETONIT #ASAP

I have three words for you...

TREAT YO' SELF



Parks & Rec is killin' the comedy game. It's definitely one of my favorite shows on TV right now. I advise everyone to jump on board with this show if you haven't already...you need to "Treat Yo Self"

Union Motivation (Kelly Rowland x Little Dragon)

The Hood Internet - Union Motivation (Little Dragon x Kelly Rowland) by hoodinternet

The Hood Internet delivers again!

What I'm Listening to "Right Now" Vol. 10/11/11

A new batch of songs I currently can't get enough of...

1. A Real Hero - College feat. Electric Youth
2. Can You Get To That - Funkadelic
3. And When I Die - The Heavy
4. Sunshine Help Me - Spooky Tooth
5. I Got - Young the Giant
6. Powa - Tune-Yards
7. Harder Than You Think - Public Enemy
8. Heart It Races - Dr. Dog
9. King Kong (Attack of the Egomaniac) - Kudu
10. Fancy - Bobbie Gentry
11. Pain In My Heart - Otis Redding
12. Baby I'm Yours - Breakbot feat Irfane
13. You Called Me - Mayer Hawthorne
14. Crystal Blue Persuasion - Tommy James & The Shondells
15. You're the One - The Black Keys
16. Hold On - Alabama Shakes

by SpikeLeah

Sorry, I couldn't upload all the songs. But if you're on Spotify, you can check out all the tracks HERE

Assemble 2012

If you're not freaking out about this, then I question our friendship...I'm just saying.