"Number one authority on nothing"
Matthew Nash
Contact Matt at mnash@sequimgazette.com
Matthew Nash hails from Portland, Ore., and stumbled into writing for newspapers when his high school allowed him to write movie reviews. Nash is married to a kindergarten teacher. They have one child together who is named after two superheroes.

Choosing things you love is easy as evident the past two months. People have bombarded magazines and the Internet with top 10 and must-see/listen/read/eat lists. I’m following suit but keeping it cheap and letting you know which things are available through the North Olympic Library System, www.nols.org. Try Netflix or Redbox for cheaper options. You can also do a quick Internet search and find song clips, book previews and movie trailers to pique your interest.

 

So, here are my 2011 discoveries that I hope you’ll explore.
 
Movies:
• Best Worst Movie (2009), documentary: Explores the cult following of “Troll 2,” considered one of the worst films of all time. Cast members are reunited and we see how such an awful film could become appealing through a lovable dentist. (Available at NOLS)
 
• Bridesmaids (2011), comedy: A raunchy comedy with women isn’t necessarily innovative but from a different voice than Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler is welcome. I think Kristen Wiig is hilarious and she’s good in most other movies despite the films not being at their best. (Available at NOLS with long wait list)
 
• Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), action/ adventure: Breaking the mold of the superhero formula — parent/ loved one dies, protagonist gains super powers, becomes superhero — Captain America is just about the perfect summer superhero movie with comedy, action, World War II recreation, and a creepy villain. The formula is similar but adds so much more to it with great performances. (Available at NOLS with long wait list)
 
• Catfish (2010), documentary: A creepy film depicting how weird online dating can become. As you figure out what’s going on, a chill might go down your spine. It’s an unscary horror movie that leaves you wanting to leave your computer off for a while. (Available at NOLS)
 
• The Muppets (2011), comedy, family: Growing up watching the Muppets, this film played into its nostalgia but was hilarious throughout. Typically, human characters take a backseat like in “Alvin and the Chipmunks” but the leads Jason Segel and Amy Adams were great even the Muppet brother Walter, too. (Coming to DVD in March).
 
Disclaimer: Movies aren’t as accessible for me due to time and distance, so I apologize for not having a more artsy taste bud. I saw all the 2010 Oscar movies in 2011, so I play catch up. I’ll do the same this year. I’m looking forward to seeing “Drive” and “The Descendents.”
 
Books:
• Amulet (four editions so far), by Kazu Kibuishi: With themes from “Lord of the Rings,” “Star Wars,” and classic Japanese animated films, the Amulet series covers the gamut of action, a complex and rich developing story, and strong characters, particularly the female lead. Things pick up after the first book as more of the Amulet world is revealed.
 (Available at NOLS)
 
• Anya’s Ghost (2011), by Vera Brosgol: Anya befriends a ghost who isn’t everything she appears to be after falling in a well. We see Anya grow as she encounters body issues, Friendship her family’s culture. I think any teenager and up would enjoy this. (Available at NOLS)
 
• The Complete Peanuts, 1950-1952, by Charles Schulz: As a casual Peanuts fan, I decided to start from the beginning and see where Charlie Brown and Snoopy began. I found much of the book ingenious and laugh out loudly. It’s cute but appealing for all ages. There are multiple editions out chronologically, and it’s interesting to see Schulz’s train of thought day to day. (Available at NOLS)
 
• Level Up, (2011), by Gene Luen Yang and Thien Pham: Dennis must decide between his passion for video games and medical school. The book conveys a real struggle for Dennis in his life decisions that many teens and adults can relate. Do we play or face real life? (Available at NOLS)
 
• Usagi Yojimbo (multiple editions), by Stan Sakai: I read a random volume through the library and became fascinated at the world of a rabbit in Japan fighting ninjas and samurais. The book is action packed and filled with history, believe it or not. (Available at NOLS)
 
Disclaimer: I read mostly comic books and magazines, so it’s kind of hard to review a favorite magazine. Like movies, I’m catching up with some critically acclaimed graphic novels like “Habibi” by Craig Thompson and “Hark! A Vagrant” by Kate Beaton.
 
Music
Warning: I listen to loud and mostly absurd music while trying to stay grounded and provide something for my wife to listen to in the car with my iPod.
 
• Adele – 21: I received her albums 19 and 21 for my birthday in July, and fell instantly in love with them. I listened to it for the first time on digital radio and was hooked. Keep in mind I had never heard of her stuff before the summer. This album is thoroughly great. (Available at NOLS with a wait list)
 
• The Aquabats – High Five Soup: With songs like “Food Fight on the Moon,” “Poppin a Wheelie” and “Hey Homies!,” the Aquabats are a creative, silly band that make rock music a lot of fun. Check it out if you like the children’s show “Yo Gabba, Gabba,” the online cartoon “Homestar Runner” (listen to “Pink Pants”) and the band They Might be Giants. (Available at NOLS)
 
• Hands – Give me Rest: One of my most listened to albums is a hard rock/ hardcore act who provided one of the most emotional and honest records I’ve ever heard. If you like loud, harder music, Hands delivers and builds every song to perfection. (Search for the band on Facebook or Youtube)
 
• Saves the Day – Daybreak: Years past my first listen, Saves the Day sounds fresh (albeit constant band overturn) and lead singer Chris Conley’s voice still makes me want to sing along. (Available at NOLS, look for the whole album acoustic at FYE in a double disc – it’s worth it)
 
• Weird Al Yankovic – Alpocalypse: Total bias pick here. I love his parodies “Another Tattoo” and “Perform this Way.” I usually prefer his original songs, like “Frank’s 2,000 Inch TV.” The best part is original music videos for each song. “If that isn’t Love” is a worth a listen along with his polkas, this time appropriately titled “Polkaface.” (Check Youtube for videos on Al’s channel
 
 
Song of the year:
• Artist: M83; Album: Hurry Up, We're Dreaming; Song: Midnight City
Their last album Saturdays=Youth was near perfection. The new album builds on that but this song recreates the 1980s for 2011/2012. Just wait for the saxophone at the end.
 
Listen to it from Jimmy Fallon:
http://www.mojvideo.com/video-m83-midnight-city-jimmy-fallon-late-night-21-11-2011/7f518a8c6401717e0757
 
Official music video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX3k_QDnzHE