Coming up with the lists for our “Best of the Decade” feature this week was pretty tough — tougher than we expected. We couldn’t possibly agree on everything, and our regular, pleasant Arts Dept. selves turned into brawling, stubborn advocates for our picks. There were outcries, poetic speeches, heated discussions, and even some hipster hatin’. What we really hope is that our list spurred you all to have the same type of dynamic (and, let’s face it, hilarious) discussions about which movies, albums, and TV shows have shaped the ’00s
Here are three I wish could have made it:
MOVIES: “Mulholland Drive” (2001)
An amazing, amazing film from David Lynch. I’ve watched it more times than I can count, still don’t completely understand it, and surely never will. Still, I think it’s a masterpiece — full of layers to keep peeling back. Plus, it’s always worth watching the look on a friend’s face the first time they make it through the entire movie.
ALBUMS: “Night Falls Over Kortedala” (2007)- Jens Lekman
I’d argue that though Jens is not as well-known as some of our picks, but this album IS as well-loved. “Night Falls” is a nearly perfect album. Lekman sings sweet songs full of ironic lyrics, making his tracks rewarding to those who listen beyond the music itself — a sweeping, surprising mix of ukulele, tamborine, horns, and harp.
TV SHOWS: “Pushing Daisies” (2007-2009)
The great crime of 2009: canceling this whimsical treat of a show. Beautiful sets and scenery, narration by Jim Dale, quirky characters, a unique premise, and Kristin Chenoweth?! “Pushing Daisies” was the perfect mix of morbidity and sweetness, and it was put to rest far too soon.
Photos: allmoviephoto.com, theage.com.au, whatsontv.co.uk
