best records of 2010

1. Superchunk, Majesty Shredding - This album is amazing. I think this is the greatest Superchunk album since Foolish. It's hard to say, though, because it's tough for them to make a 'just ok' record. 'Digging for Something' was in my head for at least a week after I bought this. And I didn't mind!

2. Grinderman, 2 - It's hard to say what Nick Cave will do next; he always has a surprise in store. While I did like the first Grinderman album, I find that I don't really listen to it that much. Not so with this one - I've been listening to it tons since it came out! In all honesty, it sounds like a Bad Seeds record - which makes me wonder if the Bad Seeds are done for good and this is the next phase for Mr. Cave. Regardless, he's getting better and better with age.

3. Beach House, Teen Dream - I resisted the awesomeness of this album at first. It's true, I didn't want to like it - don't ask me why. I'm clearly insane. This is a case of Tyler playing it so much that I relented in my stubborn-ness to be greatly rewarded with an awesome album that is perfect for the evening commute. When I've been on my feet all day and just want to sit down, but every seat on the train is full of weirdos, tourists with 80 suitcases, and several screaming children who are somehow all named Ashley, I just crank up this album and the urge to punch people subsides.

4. Thee Oh Sees, Warm Slime - Really wasn't sure how they could top Help. This record is definitely good in a different way from that one, but I think seeing them play earlier this year at Lincoln Hall sealed the deal. Holy crap, they played so fast I thought they'd spontaneously combust at the end of their set.

5. Woods, At Echo Lake- Another situation where I honestly didn't think the band could top their previous release, this record was more than just a pleasant surprise. A nice, warm blanket to keep you warm through the winter. This was another band that we got to see live that made me really appreciate their records even more.

6. Joanna Newsom, Have One on Me- I really fell off the Joanna Newsom bandwagon there for a while. Nothing ever seemed as good as The Milk-Eyed Mender - but this record is pretty amazing. Parts of it sound an awful lot like early Kate Bush, but in a good way (thankfully, not in the "Tori Amos attempting a pale imitation of Kate Bush" pretentious sort of way) - mostly in terms of production and polish. It has the same intimacy of her first release, but you can tell there's been a musical progression that makes sense, and the results don't feel calculated and forced. Really pretty music!

7. Dum Dum Girls, I Will Be- I looove the Dum Dum Girls! Someday, I hope we actually get to see them play a show - so far we've been thwarted several times, but outlook is highly likely for this February. My only complaint? Must like the Vivian Girls' first release, this record is way too short! Want more!

8. Deerhunter, Halcyon Digest- I am the casual Deerhunter fan - I'd say of the two of us, Tyler is the bigger fan. I don't listen to their records much - usually only when Tyler plays them - but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy their music. I really like this record, though, and find myself getting the songs stuck in my head fairly often.

9. Disappears, Lux - Two things made me really appreciate this album and this band: 1) Seeing them play over the summer @ Millenium Park. 2) Learning that they record everything live - an ethos I can really get behind. Really loving on this Chicago band, and excited to hear what they put out next.

10. Ultimate Fakebook, Daydream Radio is Smiling Static -This release came along exactly when I needed it to. It's been so long, I almost forgot how amazing UFB ~~was~~ is. When I am having a terrible, terrible day, there are a few bands whose albums I reach for that almost always pulls me out of a funk. UFB is one of them (Sloan is another!). Bonus: the entire album is free to download!

Easy DIY: Beaded Vintage Snowflake Ornament Kits from Solid Oak Inc.

I was really excited to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new as part of my "Christmas in July" theme this month. The kind folks at Solid Oak Inc offered me a chance to review one of their Nostalgic Christmas beaded crystal ornament kits I couldn't resist. My tree is already full of ornaments I've inherited or been gifted from other family members and friends, so these pretty crystal beaded ornaments will fit right in I think! I was super impressed with this compact little kit , which includes everything needed to create three gorgeous vintage-style ornaments - just add a pair of round nose pliers (I found mine on Amazon for less than ten bucks). The instructions had some fabulous tips for newbies like me; for example, it recommended sorting the beads and laying them out in order on a towel or beading mat to prevent them from rolling away. That may seem obvious, but I was totally ready to start beading on my kitchen table without a

What If I Didn't Add Heels?

Last weekend, I finished the first sock with my Waterlilies yarn , and just for yuks, I tried it on even though it was basically just a tube sock. Much to my surprise, it fit really well, even without a heel. Who knew? So, that got me thinking: what if I just didn't add the heels? I never thought a tube sock would actually fit nicely, but I genuinely like the fit, so...why spend time to add the heels? As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.... Let's say I decide not to add heels once the second sock is done - there will still be placeholder yarn for the afterthought heels, as you can see above, so should I leave it in and just weave in the ends? Or should I remove it, put the live stitches back on needles and at least graft them together using more of the Waterlilies yarn? I plan on mulling all of this over as I knit the second sock, and I'd love to hear your opinions of what you think would look best (or if you think this whole "n

Overdyeing A Finished Knit

Even after just a few years of knitting or crocheting, you're bound to have some finished projects lying around that never get worn or used. After 10+ years of crafting, I have more than just "some" or "a few"....and with my ongoing quest to declutter my house this year, I've become obsessed with going through these forlorn projects and making some Big Decisions. Sometimes, they are perfectly fine and just need a new and loving home. Other projects may have not turned out quite right: there might have been some mistakes in the knitting that I thought I could live with, or the yarn was gorgeous but not well-matched to the pattern, or my taste has drastically changed since I finished making the project...in any case, why on earth did I keep knitting?! Who knows, but I don't feel good about gifting anything that falls into this category to someone else. These projects have been relegated to the "frog pile" (or should I say, frog pond?), to b

handmade by stefanie

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