I wanted to be positive about 2013, I truly do. However after two of my friends were diagnosed with cancer, my mom died, and I had some pretty significant health challenges it was hard to stay positive. Still, there was some amazing art, and so here are some of my favorites.
Although recording began in 2012 and one of the singles dropped then as well, this album is amazing. My toes tap, my shoulders shimmy, and this is some of the most infectious dance music in recent memory.
Part performance art, part sarcasm, and part electronica The Blow is fun stuff.
The performances on this soundtrack are wonderful, and although the style is anything but correct for the period the style is perfect. I especially enjoyed the cover of Back to Black by Andre 3000 and Beyonce. The song originally performed by Amy Winehouse is all the more poignant and dark now that she’s gone.
Orson Scott Card is a racist and a homophobe. These aren’t simply opinions, and they are well-documented. Unfortunately he’s also one of the most talented and prolific writers in modern SF. It’s a pity, because his work is very good. The fifth novel in the Ender’s Shadow saga is startling and unexpected.
One of the most amazing women, and one of the most amazing stories. Some of my friends dismiss the young. I am even guilty of this sometimes. However this story is incredible, and her struggle continues.
Christopher Hitchens posthumous memoir of his descent into death is funny, gripping, and illuminating. I miss his voice in the dialog of history and current events.
I hope that 2014 is better for all of us.
