Andrew Bank's 2021 Favorites

Andrew Bank's 2021 Favorites

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Although our persistent pandemic era is far from over, 2021 offered a welcome return to some normalcy. The entertainment industry continues to adapt and it feels like we're beginning to experience another creative golden age. I've been trying my hardest to savor this.

In a blockbuster year for choosing how we consume blockbusters, I've watched and reviewed over 190 movies (for a whopping 6 followers!) on Letterboxd. While working from home has halted actual "water cooler" conversation, more traditional week-to-week TV programming rollouts have significantly upgraded my online/group chat television discourse. After 462 nights without a proper rock show, I safely attended over 40 concerts since July. Additionally, the "10-Song Playlist Challenge/Panel" Zoom music club is 100+ artists deep and still going strong.

My favorite art and events frequently help me feel engaged, enlightened, challenged distracted, understood, out of my element, and/or inspired. I hope some of these year-end highlights enrich your 2022.

MOVIES:

25. BECKETT

Charmingly clumsy thriller. I silently cheered as the title character fails to conveniently hijack a motorcycle. While there's some truth to John David Washington criticism, this flick chooses to view heart as a surface-level extension of one's banged up limbs.

24. THE WHITE TIGER

One of the bleakest movies I've seen in a while. Adarsh Gourav and Kamlesh Gill are riveting. Slumdog Millionaire comparisons feel a bit lazy, but both should leave you feeling blessed for what you already have.

23. CRY MACHO

Clint Eastwood has been old as f*ck since 1974! While this simple story doesn't exactly rule like 2018's THE MULE, it's still nothing short of a miracle.

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22. THE LAST CRUISE

Although I've been actively avoiding a lot of upsetting/unsetting COVID-related content, bizarre cruise ship culture has always fascinated me. In 40 minutes, Hannah Olson explores characters, chaos, class conflict, and communicative negligence that will (hopefully) be studied for decades.

21. TICK, TICK... BOOM!

I sure am glad Lin-Manuel Miranda knew Andrew Garfield had this in him.

20. SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME

Impressively rivals ENDGAME's unique ability to reward people who love this stuff. I sure am glad Jon Watts knew Andrew Garfield had this in him.

19. LICORICE PIZZA

Saw it on 70mm and had my standard PTA experience characterized by deep admiration and faint frustration. His realest and warmest movie left me feeling a little cold. Confident I'll grow to appreciate that.

18. KING RICHARD

Will Smith's strongest performance (excluding the 1999's VMAs) since 1997's MEN IN BLACK. Impeccable use of Jon Bernthal and DOOKIE.

17. THE SPARKS BROTHERS

Only knew two Sparks songs and really enjoyed Edgar Wright's doc. Stunned I hadn't seen McCartney's jubilant "Coming Up" music video before.

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16. BILLIE EILISH: THE WORLD'S A LITTLE BLURRY

Billie Eilish's bittersweet authenticity makes our very blurry world feel a little more lucid. Special music, journey, and family.

15. BO BURNHAM: INSIDE

While gradually losing his mind, Bo Burnham somehow maintains a firm grip on 2020-21's complexities, absurdities, and mundanities as they develop in real time.?Remember John Krasinski's much-needed SOME GOOD NEWS? This simultaneously feels like its antithesis and a rightful COVID comedy streaming?bookend.

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14. WEST SIDE STORY

Spielberg's the absolute greatest and he's still got it. Sweepingly steady. I hope Damien Chazelle takes a crack at this in 2071.

13. THE POWER OF THE DOG

Meticulous moviemaking on every level. Deepening Dunst and Plemons onscreen chemistry. Favorite Cumberbatch performance yet. Campion tests and rewards your attention while demanding repeat viewings.

12. DUNE

Excruciatingly expository, but justifiably so! Haven't read Herbert's novel or seen Lynch's predecessor, but Villeneuve's arresting adaptation could establish something really special. The sequel's quality will dramatically impact how we remember it. Highly recommend @JakobFree's review:

11. THE CARD COUNTER

Mixed feelings about Tiffany Haddish's casting/performance, but Oscar Isaac is such a natural fit in these seedy casino bar and motel room scenes. He's ruled the past decade (alongside Adam Driver and Jesse Plemons) and I admire his commitment to working with so many filmmaking legends. Pair this with 2017's FIRST REFORMED and you have an instant classic Paul Schrader double feature.

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10. THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK

Liked THE SOPRANOS (I'm your psychotic friend who prefers 2010-14's BOARDWALK EMPIRE) and loved everything about this. Totally exceeded my expectations. Special Liotta performance(s).

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9. A QUIET PLACE PART II

Despite extensive coronavirus-related delays, this was masterfully crafted for our return to movie theaters. Better (and scarier) than its predecessor. John Krasinski can *really* direct. Millicent Simmonds is brilliant and important.

8. DEREK DELGAUDIO'S IN & OF ITSELF

I live in New York and somehow hadn't heard about this magical stage show until the night I watched it on Hulu. Avoid *any* thematic or structural spoilers. Sink into a singular experience.

7. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND: THE LEGENDARY 1979 NO NUKES CONCERTS

This simply has to be one of the greatest rock shows ever filmed. A complete madman at the peak of his live powers. Flawless setlist. Enduring spirit.

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6. THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS

Lana Wachowski made me feel things no other 2021 movie made me feel. While this isn't as fully realized as David Lynch and Mark Frost's TWIN PEAKS: THE RETURN, it similarly honors, enriches, and challenges past triumphs while shedding some lingering stink.

After playing it very straight on MINDHUNTER, Jonathan Groff really goes for it and deliriously delivers. Could've used a little more Christina Ricci and a little less Priyanka Chopra.

RESURRECTIONS lacks the original and RELOADED's unforgettable action sequences, but it's hard to break new ground when you've established the visual foundation for everything that has followed in your disruptive footsteps. Can't say I'm pining for more, but I'm beginning to believe again.

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5. PIG

Revenge is a dish best served bold. This isn't JOHN WICK. It's YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE meets BURNT. Deeply unusual and unusually moving. Nicolas Kim Coppola is nothing short of an all-time great.

4. THE LAST DUEL

An intimate, subtle, and subversive storytelling exercise unsuccessfully marketed as a sprawling epic. Best Supporting Affleck.

3. PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (2020)

Convinces you that you've never seen Carey Mulligan like this 'til you realize you have. Emerald Fennell thoughtfully fuses and weaponizes this understated star's wit (INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS), vulnerability (SHAME), and stoic resilience (DRIVE).

2. CODA

One of the sweetest coming-of-age/family movies I've seen in years. Touching performances. Troy Kotsur is especially spellbinding. Reverberating representation.

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1. THE BEATLES: GET BACK

Endlessly overwhelming personality, ideology, iconography, mystery, mythology, and legacy. Peter Jackson's miraculous gift is going to shake our hearts and break our brains for the remainder of time.

A few observations from my first of many future viewings:

  • Turtleneck Paul is the coolest dude who has ever lived, yet Turtleneck Ringo is even cooler
  • Teasing "I Shall Be Released" on Thanksgiving warmed my heart
  • How does anyone make great music with modern distractions?
  • 1969 Paul McCartney hadn't seen THE WIZARD OF OZ?!
  • It's almost as if Paul retroactively scripted his Yoko commentary to end the 50-year controversy he predicted
  • George Martin is a Phil Jackson with Pat Riley hair
  • Allen Klein must've been pretty damn charming to con someone as cynical as Lennon
  • Michael Lindsay-Hogg sounds like Basil Exposition
  • Michael Lindsay-Hogg (Libya, "...kids with broken legs...what about an orphanage?") is basically a VEEP character
  • Michael Lindsay-Hogg makes a powerful argument for unethical hidden microphones
  • Michael Lindsay-Hogg's LET IT BE (1970) editing is even more suspect because his visual coverage is so amazingly comprehensive
  • Peter Jackson's rooftop climax features the greatest multi-camera editing I've ever seen
  • A HARD DAY'S NIGHT (1964) and GET BACK (2021) are perfect Beatles bookends

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TELEVISION (SCRIPTED):

25. RESERVATION DOGS (Hulu)

Uniquely illuminating inclusion. Zahn McClarnon really knows how to blend in while standing out.

24. THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS (HBO)

Believable and meaningful character development. A good time.

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23. YELLOWJACKETS (Showtime)

Flashback/flash-forward narrative structure helps this scratch some long-lost LOST itches. Weary of the supernatural direction, but glad it'll have another season to develop a spirited audience.

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22. THE MANDALORIAN (Disney+, 2020)

Better than S1. DUNE-esque Tomothy Olyphant installment. Series makes a big leap after Rosario Dawson's arrival.

21. PEN15 (Hulu)

Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine are remarkable, but the *actual* child actors also display shockingly mature perception. Season 2 prominently features our finest bar/bat mitzvah content since A SERIOUS MAN.

20. YOU (Netflix)

My smug Penn Badgley voiceover appreciation is at an all-time high. So much hangs on his ability to strategically mirror or obfuscate his accompanying facial expressions. Really intelligent performance. This ridiculous series punches above its weight class.

19. WANDAVISION (Disney+)

Not a big MCU guy, but this clever throwback inherently caters to my childhood Nick at Nite obsession while exploring how and *why* we consume comforting, nostalgic, and (often) idyllic storytelling.

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18. DEUTSCHLAND 89 (Sundance TV, 2020)

Lots of Bumble ads appear throughout Hulu's presentation of German-American spy thriller DEUTSCHLAND 89. Unfortunately, none of them disclose whether Bumble will help me connect with women who also watch German-American spy thriller DEUTSCHLAND 89.

Thrilling three-season (spanning six Cold War years) espionage experience. Total command over its unique pulse.

17. SEX EDUCATION (Netflix)

Magnificent S3 LEBOWSKI tribute. A natural, zesty enterprise.

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16. FOR ALL MANKIND (Apple)

Some of my favorite needle drops since THE AMERICANS. Michael Dorman (you should watch Amazon's PATRIOT) is extraordinarily great at being sad.

15. SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE (HBO)

Haven't seen Ingmar Bergman's 1973 original, but I love how this revival exploits the home's features (closet, kitchen island, refrigerator, shower, stairs, walls, windows, vanity, etc.) to expedite/elevate its storytelling. Intimate, physical performances by design. Such a treat for my fellow A MOST VIOLENT YEAR heads.

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14. ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (Hulu)

Enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Sting is so much cooler than his solo career.

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13. SQUID GAME (Netflix)

Why are so many people so surprised this is a global hit? It's PARASITE meets THE HUNGER GAMES/THE RUNNING MAN/THE LONG WALK/etc. In another TV era, SQUID GAME goes full LOST with extensive character backstory. Hwang Dong-hyuk efficiently makes you care about these lowlives. Shrewd, uncompromising, and gripping debut season.

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12. OZARK S3 (Netflix, 2020)

Returned to OZARK (after a 3+ year post-S1 hiatus) for more Julia Garner. Wasn't expecting to stick around for REO Speedwagon. "Divorce rock" lives!

11. INDUSTRY (HBO, 2020)

So damn vibey! Such a refreshing Ken Leung role. Underutilized actor for several decades. Terrific Christmas episode.

10. TED LASSO (Apple)

Getting more and more jealous of this show's well-funded music supervisor.

9. DOPESICK (Hulu)

Rhythmically gripping and even more haunting than 2018's similarly structured THE LOOMING TOWER. Michael Keaton and Michael Stuhlbarg really bring it.

8. MAID (Netflix)

An enlightening, excruciating, and unpretentious reminder that life is so hard for so many. Margaret Qualley is a star and it’s hard to overstate how meaningful her mother/daughter collaboration feels. MAID's simple onscreen financial tally is one of the most efficient and affecting narrative devices in recent memory.

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7. THE WHITE LOTUS (HBO)

Harnesses such a delicate tension between chaos and restraint. In awe of the casting, performative commitment, score, and singular vibe. It truly feels like a destination.

6. HACKS (HBO)

Television's most confident freshman comedy since THE OTHER TWO (see below).

5. IT'S A SIN (HBO)

"Imagine if Ronald Reagan or Margaret Thatcher had mobilized their countries for Operation Warp Speed: AIDS...there was a time when a virus was killing thousands of people with barely a mention...The extent and intent of that silence haunts me."

Dense, devastating, empathetic, and vibrant storytelling. Narrative television's most powerful abilities on full display.

4. MARE OF EASTTOWN (HBO)

Jean Smart blesses us with some of the finest slapstick comedy you'll ever see in a dreary murder drama. What a post-FARGO S2 run:

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3. THE OTHER TWO (HBO)

Molly Shannon's PAT! is TV's funniest show within a show since Nathan Fielder's THE HUNK.

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2. DAVE (FX)

Proud of GaTa and all involved in this determined, hilarious, salacious, and surprisingly vulnerable series. "Enlightened Dave" is the metaphorical floatation tank I didn't realize I had been searching for. For very different reasons, the touching S2 finale is just as surreal.

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1. SUCCESSION (HBO)

Symphonic, sadistic, better than ever, and unlike anything else on television. While Jeremy Strong is in Cranston/Gandolfini/Hamm territory now, the comedic/dramatic ensemble has entered a class of its own.

The slower, smaller episodes really make the grand spectacles (Kendall's 40th) feel even more preposterous. Love how this series surgically examines its own scale while cutting deep.

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TELEVISION (NONSCRIPTED):

5. 100 FOOT WAVE (HBO)

"All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine."

4. PRETEND IT'S A CITY (Netflix)

Essentially HOW TO WITH JOHN WILSON for boomers who think VINYL deserved a second season.

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3. SONG EXPLODER (Netflix)

Excellent Nine Inch Nails and Killers installments. Would’ve been very cool with 22 *hours* of SAM’S TOWN discourse.

2. MCCARTNEY 3, 2, 1 (HULU)

Hits even harder if you've seen Showtime's outstanding SHANGRI-LA.

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1. HOW TO WITH JOHN WILSON (HBO)

Top tier comedy, poetry, and storytelling. Recently spotted John (with his camera) in the wild and it was perfectly awkward.

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RECORDS:

10. KNEBWORTH 1996 - Oasis

Though the accompanying rock doc isn't quite as biblical as 2016's OASIS: SUPERSONIC (Britpop's HISTORY OF THE EAGLES), this live album certainly makes the Gallaghers feel more mythological than ever. Liam is an all-time great frontman and Noel has always known this. I deeply regret taking their 2008 Madison Square Garden set for granted.?

9. IT WON'T ALWAYS BE LIKE THIS - Inhaler

My Irish father's son's band has everything it takes to be as big as a modern rock act can get. Elijah Hewson's physical and vocal resemblance to BOY-era Bono is quite surreal.

8. SOLAR POWER - Lorde

Feels like Lorde set out to make her version of an early McCartney solo record. Not as ambitious/striking (still a technical wonder) as its classic predecessors, but I generally like hearing scrutinized greats embrace domestic bliss. Convinced "The Path" should've been the lead single. TE AO MāRAMA is an admirable and unusually inviting companion EP. In some ways, it kinda feels more natural than the LP.

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7. SOUR - Olivia Rodrigo

My favorite thing about 2021's biggest debut record is the fact that "drivers license" may be my least favorite song on it.

6. EXIT WOUNDS - The Wallflowers

Excluding 2018s Echo in the Canyon soundtrack, this is Jakob Dylan's strongest collection of songs since 2000's Breach. Shelby Lynne's supporting vocals take several of these lived-in songs to another level.

5. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND: THE LEGENDARY 1979 NO NUKES CONCERTS - Bruce Springsteen

This had me at a "Prove It All Night" opener for the ages.

4. CINEMA - The Marías

Fell for this sensuous LA band after seeing them open for Albert Hammond Jr. at Brooklyn Steel in 2018. They'll be returning as headliners for two sold-out shows in February. Mask up and get down.

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3. PRESSURE MACHINE - The Killers

A compelling and committed IMPLODING THE MIRAGE (my #1 2020 LP) contrast. Spoken intro bites can wear on you, but the abridged version is clutch for streaming.

If SAM'S TOWN (celebrating its 15th anniversary!) is this band's BORN TO RUN, PRESSURE MACHINE is their NEBRASKA/THE RIVER hybrid.

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2. HAPPIER THAN EVER - Billie Eilish

This stunning sophomore LP confirms that Eilish and FINNEAS are generational talents with creative courage and total aesthetic control.

1. MERCY - Natalie Bergman

Even though I'm not particularly religious, I urge you to embrace these brave and cathartic gospel-psych-soul hymns. Once you become a Bergman believer, her LIVE AT ELECTRIC LADY set will be waiting to receive you.


SONGS:

10. "Could've Had Me" - The New Preservation Society

Infectious Fab Four spirit courtesy of my annoying gifted friend Dan Miraldi.

9. "The Kiss of Venus" - Dominic Fike, Paul McCartney

As Paul appreciation nears an all-time high, I recommend revisiting 2020's MCCARTNEY III. With this record, a fantastic Hulu series, GET BACK, and an album of "Imagined" remixes, the best Beatle may have had his best year since 1975-76.

Hadn't heard of Dominic Fike until I became extremely impressed that Paul had. Excited to see Fike act in EUPHORIA's highly anticipated second season.

8. "On My Way" - Alex Lahey

Haven't seen Netflix's animated THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES, but this soundtrack standout makes a pretty compelling case to go for the ride.

7. "Calling You Back" - The Marías

Like Eilish ("I Didn't Change My Number"), The Marías feature a growling dog intro on their 2021 LP's second track. Love when a chill act unveils some pent-up bite.

6. "Coloratura" - Coldplay

2021's lamest mainstream rock release happens to feature Coldplay's coolest song in over a decade. I *really* miss believing 2011's MYLO XYLOTO would end up being their weakest effort.

5. "Paint the Rain" - Natalie Bergman

Most conventionally inviting song on a record requiring an initial leap of faith.

4. "good 4 u" - Olivia Rodrigo

Rock's influence on modern pop fills me with hope. Can't believe this song still feels as fresh as it did in May. There's a reason it closes Rodrigo's sweetly substantive SOUR PROM film.

3. "Low Key in Love" The Struts with Paris Jackson

Deliciously shameless "Beast of Burden" energy.

2. "In the Car Outside" - The Killers

PRESSURE MACHINE peaks when Flowers sings “swear to God” with the brazen conviction many skeptics used to belittle. I want to love The War on Drugs, but generally prefer when the Killers rip 'em off.

1. "Happier Than Ever" - Billie Eilish

Eilish's best song yet. Thrilled she's closing shows with it.


CONCERTS

20. Julien Baker (Beacon Theatre)

The sold-out Beacon crowd was quietly seated and enamored 'til one attendee asked Baker if fans could stand. "You’re asking...us?!" immediately got everyone on their feet. Humble, nimble, and powerful performer. Hadn't heard a note 'til that evening. February's LITTLE OBLIVIONS is tremendous. Bummed I slept on 2018's enchanting boygenius project.

19. Todd Snider (Gramercy Theatre)

My first Todd Snider gig since 3/6/20 (my last show before, well, you know). Nice to see the Clown Prince of East Nashville mourn John Prine and Jerry Jeff Walker the only way he knows how. Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think.

18. LCD Soundsystem (Brooklyn Steel)

Not for me, but they're exceptionally good at what they do. Picked a strange week to see them for the first time...

17. Future Islands (Governor's Ball)

Samuel T. Herring makes me want to be a better friend, lover, brother, and son.

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16. Dan Miraldi (Bowery Electric)

Hooks from the heart.

15. Dave Matthews Band (Jones Beach Theater, Madison Square Garden)

These weirdos belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

14. St. Vincent (Radio City Music Hall)

First time seeing Annie Clark perform. DADDY'S HOME's "My Baby Wants a Baby" was a surprising highlight.

13. The Lemon Twigs (Elsewhere, Bowery Ballroom)

After catching 15+ performances since 2017, I somehow went 580 days without seeing my favorite under-25 band. Love this family. Missed their energy. Glad they played my favorite 2020 incest ballad.

12. Brian Wilson (Capitol Theatre)

You'll never regret seeing the one-of-a-kinds.

11. The Wallflowers (The Paramount - Huntington, NY)

Jakob Dylan seemed unusually loose and very grateful to be touring. Been way too long since I had heard some of my longtime playlist staples.

10. Foo Fighters (Madison Square Garden)

I unironically enjoy the intensely straightforward "Dee Gees" tribute album.

9. Trey Anastasio (The Beacon Theatre)

Caught 20+ Trey Anastasio performances before seeing ‘em acoustic/seated. His mellow virtuosity has never seemed so impressively effortful. Insanely demanding compositions. No clue how his fingers still function. Loved being back at the Beacon with such a special New Yorker.

8. Music From The Big Lebowski Live with That Feeling When (Brooklyn Bowl)

These creeps can roll, man.

7. The Struts (Capitol Theatre, Irving Plaza)

Truly one of the world's premiere touring acts. See 'em whenever/wherever you can.

6. SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY (St. James Theatre)

This summer's brief revival felt more emotionally and comedically resonant than ever. Shrewd setlist swaps (2020's "I'll See You in My Dreams" was a striking closer). When Bruce sings “The Promised Land” sans mic, he simultaneously feels more divine and human. That’s this production’s 1 + 1 = 3.

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5. DAVID BYRNE'S AMERICAN UTOPIA (St. James Theatre)

A joyous expression of the soul and life-affirming experience. Can't believe Byrne does this six times per week. Special audience energy. You can feel the collective gratitude.

4. Billie Eilish (Governors Ball)

One of the most energetic and magnetic festival performances I’ve ever seen. Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell truly rocks.

3. Eagles (Madison Square Garden)

Got extremely into the Eagles during quarantine. Their open road imagery, improbable endurance, and meticulously constructed harmonic illusion unexpectedly helped me navigate studio apartment angst. Hadn’t seen ‘em since 2014’s James Dolan Kazoo Show. Glenn Frey's physical absence is bittersweet, but many of these timeless classics now feel more earnest and affecting. Impeccable performance.

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2. The Strokes (Irving Plaza)

New York City's first indoor, fully-vaccinated concert. Irving Plaza was a room on fire.

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1. The Killers (Terminal 5)

Last year, I penned "Whenever/however live music returns, I'm pretty sure The Killers are the first band I want to see in a packed arena. Fairly confident they'll open with their?'most romantic'?(and self-referential!) anthem to date."

Terminal 5 isn't MSG, but I nailed the "Dying Breed" opener and it was restorative.

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BOOKS

5. X: A HIGHLY SPECIFIC, DEFIANTLY INCOMPLETE HISTORY OF THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY?- Chuck Klosterman (2017)

Couldn't shake this 2015 Taylor Swift profile paragraph:

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4. THE LYRICS: 1956 TO THE PRESENT - Paul McCartney (2021)

While I wish Sir Paul went twice as deep on half as many songs, it's hard to complain about a personal gift from the gods.

3. U2 AT THE END OF THE WORLD - Bill Flanagan (1995)

"These are four smart, worldly, and self-sufficient men who must spend half their lives fitting into roles based on who they were as teenagers. For one of them to grow, they all have to grow. Otherwise, the formula doesn't work."

Flanagan's intimate, Zoo TV-era insight expertly captures bandhood.

2. HEAVEN AND HELL: MY LIFE IN THE EAGLES (1974-2001) - Don Felder (2007)

Read this surprisingly gripping memoir and went full Walter Sobchak meeting Arthur Digby Sellers on Don "Fingers" Felder. Beautiful response.

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1. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD - Quentin Tarantino (2021)

A dense novelization that deepens Tarantino's most personal and purposeful film. Scientists need to study his singular mind. What a bizarre treasure.

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PODCASTS:

5. SPORTFIRE PODCAST - Adam Weinrib

A delightfully digestible sports and comedy respite.

4. THE KNICKS FILM SCHOOL PODCAST - Jonathan Macri

While 2021-22 has reintroduced familiar struggles, the 2020-21 New York Knicks were ahead of schedule and right on time. Macri's post-game recaps nurture jubilation and frustration while elevating fan community.

3. RENEGADES: BORN IN THE USA - Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama

Springsteen's "ghosts vs. ancestors" comparison is one of the most powerful things I've ever heard on a podcast.

2. OFF THE RECORD: DAVID BOWIE - Jordan Runtagh

A Herculean labor of soul love.

1. AWARDS CHATTER - Scott Feinberg

Feinberg is Hollywood's most researched and thoughtful interviewer. Highly recommend his Nicolas Cage and Eilish/FINNEAS episodes.

PERSONAL WORK:

Twice ain't a fluke. Proud of GEORGE TO THE RESCUE's second consecutive "Outstanding Lifestyle Series" Daytime Emmy win. I love making television that makes a difference...especially when our storytelling subjects continue to achieve and inspire.

Waking up early to see Anastasia Pagonis win Tokyo Paralympic gold filled me with immense pride and joy. Watching Sam "Samvincible" Jarmer rise up (in our attire) makes me incredibly grateful to do what we do. Eager to share more uplifting stories in the coming year.

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Jacob Friedfeld

creative project manager

3 年

Now we're talking.

Dennis Urban, Ph.D.

Social Studies Teacher, Adjunct Professor, and Education Professional.

3 年

I always love reading your reviews and lists. Thanks for your passionate appraisals of media that I manage to miss or overlook throughout the year. Not sure if you’re into them, but The Hold Steady’s Open Door Policy was probably my favorite album of the year.

Andrew J. Bank

Life-changing partnerships, production strategy, and storytelling at NBCUniversal's GEORGE TO THE RESCUE | 6-time Emmy winner. 16-time Emmy nominee.

3 年

LinkedIn says my year-end list of lists will take you approximately 17 minutes to read. Explore a few of the accompanying articles and you can perfectly sync this with Goose's 20:21 "2021" https://youtu.be/nycmy8GJUwE

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  • Andrew Bank's Favorite 2017 Television

    Andrew Bank's Favorite 2017 Television

    2017 was supposed to be the year I "cut down" on television consumption. Oops.

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