./monroec

As 2009 wraps up, I’d like to comment on my top three albums for the year. I’m purposely avoiding compilations and remixes.

Hip-Hop

Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon: The End Of Day

Kid Cudi broke out onto the mainstream with his mix tape “A Kid Named Cudi.” His popularity was already growing after having worked with Kanye West and Common. Overall, he’s a great rapper with an alternative Hip-Hop sound. Highly recommended.

Industrial/Noise

HEALTH - Get Color

HEALTH is an American Industrial/Noise-Rock band from LA. What makes them memorable is their use of haunting monotone vocals. Apparently this is their second album, and they have opened for NIN.

Psychedelic/Electronic

The Tear Garden - Have A Nice Trip

Essentially, The Tear Garden is Skinny Puppy meets Legendary Pink Dots. In this particular album, there is a stronger influence by Cevin Key (My opinion….). Overall, Edward Ka-Spel is as mystical/awesome as ever.

It’s a shame that 2009 did not have more notable releases. Here’s hoping for a better 2010!

I missed my chance to buy Muse tickets a few weeks back. Luckily, some free tickets made their way over to me. I saw two girls attention whoring, I met DJ Scott Stubs, laughed at Germans heading to Hoffbrauhaus, almost saw a guy get run over, and got a chance to walk through UNLV’s campus again.

Overall, a fantastic night that never really ended, as it was 7 a.m. when I got home. Too bad the past is exactly that.

Here are some pictures I took on my phone:

By far, this was the best show I’ve seen all year. The theatrics, visuals, and blood were beyond awesome.

I’m very glad to see the band back to form and can’t wait for the new CD.

On a whim, I signed up for the Santa Run in Town Square, Las Vegas. It has been a while since I’ve run a 5k for any sort of cause. I’m glad I still have it in me.