Yuletide

It's been a while, my apologies. Nevertheless, here I am - now let's make the best of it. The christmas holidays are upon us and no matter how you feel about them, you'll most probably get some time off from whatever it is you do normally. So, to keep those quiet moments when you don't feel like staying too quiet occupied I've made a list of good albums to listen to and good movies to watch, some old classics, some fresh exciting new findings, but all fantastic. So without further ado, I give you my absolutely non-definitive list of great music and spectacular films.

Albums
..Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago // The perfect relaxing, meditative, fireplace album. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more complete album for relaxing emotional "me"-time.
..Astrid Swan - Spartan Picnic // A new find for me, fantastic Tori Amos meets PJ Harvey esque creative swash-buckling music.
..The Decemberists - Picaresque // A new-found love for an old acquaintance. Fantastically unique sound.
..The Welcome Wagon - Welcome to the Wagon // Sufjan Stevens produced (!) light, feel-good album. Disregarding the religious fervor of the album, fantastic for friendly relaxing among friendly friends. If you're a fan of Sufjan Stevens you'll love this, his mark on the album is very apparent.
..Girl Talk - Feed the Animals // Very different music from the rest of the list. Canadian "mash-up" artist. Great for parties and dancing. You can download the album for free (if you so choose) from his myspace site: http://www.myspace.com/girltalk

Films
..A Complete History of my Sexual Failures // Great, hilarious, gripping and emotional documentary about the directors quest to find out why all his girlfriends have dumped him. He's very sympathetic and amazingly open and did i mention hilarious? Easy to watch even if you're not a big fan of documentaries.
..Burn After Reading // One word: Brad Pitt.
..Our Daily Bread // Powerful, minimalistic, gruesome documentary about mass food production. A movie everyone should see.
..Zack and Miri make a Porno // If fun is what you want, fun is what you'll get. Kevin Smith and Seth Rogen, need I say more? (another great stoner movie: Pineapple Express)
..In Bruges // A MUST SEE FOR EVERYONE!! Absolutely fantastic movie. A weird, yet very wonderful, mix of genres. Hilarious, dramatic, tense, emotional and with a spot of action, this film has everything. You'll positively love it! I guarantee.


There. That should keep you occupied during the lonely hours of the dark wintery nights. I hope you'll like what you hear and see, I know I love everything on that list.

Go home to your families, turn off your mobile phones, don't turn on the computer and just take it easy over christmas. Enjoy it. Soak it in. And relax.

Merry christmas, hyvää joulua, god jul, joyeux noël, feliz navidad!
And a happy new year! I'll see you in 2009!

Hugsies,
Anton

Ps. Santa Clause is from Lappland (northern Finland). NOT the North Pole, despite what some yanks might tell you.