Now I’m not even trying to front like this hugely popular show hasn’t been all over everyone’s top list for the last year, but I just got around to it, so now I’m going to throw some shine on Downton Abbey too. Why risk redundancy? Because it is just that fucking excellent. 
Obviously Maggie Smith rules, and she is in top form here as a domineering Countess. She’s just one yummy morsel of an all around delicious ensemble cast. Truthfully, there isn’t a bad actor in the bunch. 
So you are thinking period drama = snoozy, right? Wrong bitches. Academy Award-winning writer Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) propels the story forward using death, love, accusations, and swirling intrigue to keep the viewer super engaged.
There’s even a little Edwardian style man-on-man fun for those queens that need further convincing. 
Downton Abbey is everything. Obtain, devour, and enjoy seasons 1 & 2 now.
Lead single Night Air caught my attention a few months ago and had me looking forward to the release of Mirrorwriting, Jamie Woon’s new album. This has been on heavy rotation, but I needed to soak in it before offering you my thoughts. 
Without rushing to any conclusions, I adore Mirrorwriting. Woon’s memorable and enchanting voice layered over head-nod worthy beats sounds as sweet as frosted cake tastes. The danger with this genre is that it can easily curdle into fromage, but Woon keeps it in the pocket and maintains a credible swagger throughout the collection of a dozen songs.
Pursue the entire album; it’s a complete thought and worthy of your attention. Some personal favorites include Shoulda, Lady Luck, Street, and Night Air. 
I realize this may be a minority position, but anybody else find the whole union oddly depressing? Anachronistic, conformist, transactional, and remarkably beige, it was like watching the death of freedom. While the mainstream loved her gown, it was at best unoffensive and at worst a boring Grace Kelly knock-off. The dress did not particularly embody the McQueen aesthetic, but credit to Burton and her team for achieving a flawless fit. Even though the press made a big deal over Kate’s choice to do her own makeup, can we agree the brows were a little too dark, her under-eye area needed attention, and the blush was a little muddy? While the nuptials weren’t a style disaster, there were certainly imperfections swept over in the universal hyperbolic praise. Maybe it is this Teflon-quality that makes Mizz Middleton absolutely perfect for her new job? 
Sorry for the delay on this; it was released a year ago. Not really sure how it slipped through the butt crack, but 2010 can be the year of The XX in the US. Procure XX by The XX immediately. Need an extra nudge? This one is Karl Lagerfeld approved.
Their sound, brimming with dichotomies, is at once familiar and new, atmospheric and intimate, feminine and masculine. Think Cat Power paired with Pete Yorn singing over Radiohead, and then subtract fifteen years. The XX is sadly one of the few examples I can think of where a male and female vocal pairing strengthens rather than diminishes the overall sound.
Strong composition and musicality backs up the interesting vocal arrangements. The XX ain’t no one trick pony; the whole record is worth your time. The down tempo vibe may annoy some, but critics need to puff a doobie and relax. This is the good shit. 
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