I frequently write about what music I'm listening to, and if you've been reading my blog at all since I've joined Gamespot, you've probably seen me mention Anathallo. They officially announced that the band is over, which I suspected since they'd been quiet for so long, but nonetheless it sucks. :(
Check them out: http://www.myspace.com/anathallo
once you're done with that, console me. :cry:
Ok, not really a robot. It's summer and I don't have a job yet. NOTHING TO DO BUT WRITE REVIEWS FOR YOU, GAMESPOT!
Please someone hire me? Please?
Just in time for the finale Sunday, I bring you a LOST: Via Domus review. I gave it a 5.0. It's very average, even if you're a fan of the show like me. I checked my copy out of the library, and I think it was worth my time, but if I would have bought the game I'm not so sure I'd be as pleased with the time I spent. No tricks to this review, just straight talk. :P
Hope you guys enjoy it! :D
Did you know that back in the old EGM days, reviewers writing the second and third opinions were often given only 80 to 150 words to make a complete review? It doesn't seem like a lot to work with! One cool thing about working with such a small word limit is that you have to make sure EACH word you have is important, and you've got to focus on what is really remarkable and worth noting about the game.
My most recent review, for the first Assassin's Creed, is exactly 100 words. I had to pad the beginning a little bit because Gamespot wouldn't accept it, but the "review" itself (the second paragraph) is what I wanted to focus on. I hope you all enjoy it! I agreed with Gamespot's score and gave it a 9.0.
Want to challenge me to write a review in a unique way? I'd love to hear it! :P Let me know any ideas you have & I'll try my best!
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/assassinscreed/player_review.html?id=721120
Hey everbody! The badge is back! :)
I also have a new review up, for the Beatles: Rock Band. You can check it out here. It's not the best work I've ever done, but if you're interested feel free to read it over. :) I made a New Year's Resolution several years ago that I would review every game I finish, and while I've stuck to it, it usually takes me awhile. I write them mostly as a way to practice writing, and I'm looking for some different styles to try out in order to flex my writing muscles. I think next I'm going to limit myself to specific word counts, to see how that changes things. If you've got any ideas for styles I should try, let me know! I'll take them as a challenge. :P
Lastly, totally late to the party on this, but I've played a lot of Canabalt lately while procrastinating on exam studying. It's a free browser game that is quite addictive and really fun. If you've played it, what's your highest score? Mine is 6042... not great, but respectable! Check it out here.
I finished the semester on Tuesday! This summer is looking beautiful. I hope its looking good for the rest of you, too!
Hey all! As you might can see, I'm currently on short hiatus from being a moderator! It's a new program we've been trying out for awhile to put us back in your shoes--I kinda like it! :)
My badge will be back in a week or so, though! Just wanted to give you guys a heads up.
ps. New Josh Ritter CD is out TODAY! So Runs the World Away. Go get it! :D
-Heather
UM so this day continues to get better.
Josh Ritter announced early this morning that his new album will be out May 4 in the USA. A new song has been posted here and it is BEAUTIFUL. Go check it out it.
Today is too much for me.
WE WON!!!
Saints fan born and raised, all my life. My father shot off fireworks when the Saints won. My nine year old sister texted me a picture of drew brees as her backgroudn on her phone.
This was so beautiful.
GEAUX SAINTS GEAUX SAINTS GEAUX SAINTS GEAUX SAINTS
have I told you guys I'm going to mardi gras in New Orleans yet? because I am!! I picked the right year to go!!
WHO DAT
Basically Harry Potter fans are awesome and have raised enough money for Partners in Health to charter THREE planes full of supplies to Haiti. We're going for a fourth. Today is you last day to donate... you could potentially win a set of signed first editions by JK Rowling, or all sorts of other cool stuff. Come be a part of nerds doing something really, really incredible.
is admitting you have a problem, right?
Hello, I am SkylinePigeon and I am a Dragon Age addict.
20 hours in so far....
:D
5. One Last Century - The Damnwells
This is a sweet pop/rock record for a group that doesn't get enough credit for what they do. It's easy to listen to and easy to like, but I didn't really fall in love with until I started writing. It's a beautiful soundtrack to write to, full of moments that hit your ears like candy on your tongue and remind you of all those emotions you're trying to capture on the page. You can get it as a free download at their website: http://www.thedamnwells.com/welcome/
4. Hazards of Love - The Decemberists
Maybe not the most accessible Decemberists record, but a good one. Lead singer Colin Meloy describes it as a "prog-folk rock opera," telling the tale of what happens when the shape-shifting son of a witch falls in love. The instrumentation on this album is incredible, ranging from lush, twangy country ballads to heavy guitar riffs that would sound right at home on a metal record. Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond gives fantastic guest vocals on the album, playing the part of the Queen. Hazards is a really interesting record that marks a huge achievement for the band. I can't wait to see what they do next.
3. Aim & Ignite - fun.
This is a debut album from a new band composed of some of my old favorites. When I found out the Format broke up last year, I honestly felt like someone punched me. Fast forward to a few months later when I read the news that the lead singer of the Format was forming a new band with an ex-member of my long-time favorite band Anathallo, I was estatic. Aim & Ignite is great power pop, a combination of Nate Ruess's great vocals and clever lyrics plus Andrew Dost's skillful and creative instrumentation (plus that other guy in the band, Jack Antonoff, that I had never heard of :P). Their name fits them well, and it would be hard to listen to fun.'s debut without a smile on your face.
2. Strict Joy - The Swell Season
Glen Hansard is a genius and he can't make a bad record. This is beautiful. Resonant. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the two main creative forces behind this band, broke off their relationship, but not their musical partnership. Strict Joy is a chronicle of heart break, the journey of two failed lovers, but some how manages to contain more hope than about anything else you'll listen to in this lifetime. It doesn't get much more earnest, haunting, or gorgeous than this record.
1. Mean Everything to Nothing - Manchester Orchestra
My favorite thing about Manchester Orchestra is their raw sense of spirituality. Many of their songs are marked by a quest to believe, but full of struggles and doubts. Songwriter and lead singer Andy Hull lays it all bare on this record. This is a loud, rocking, angry album. And it's incredible. "The River" is a stand out track and one of my favorite songs of all time. People have called this record a classic, and I don't disagree.
Years ago I saw Manchester Orchestra open for Anathallo and Colour Revolt and a crappy, now closed, bar in Jackson. They were pretty bad, and ultimately so forgettable that I had to be reminded I had seen them before years later when we watched them at Voodoo Fest. They've grown into something truly great, and I'm excited to see where they keep going. Mean Everything to Nothing is absolutely fantastic and highly recommended.
What are yours? :)
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