Best of 2011: Sbtrkt - Never, Never

I was introduced to this band by an acting buddy. The entire album has this kind of infectious groove. And with various vocal appearances by some of the most talented performers, you get one of my favorite albums of the year. I could've picked a couple of different tracks from this album and undoubtedly you would have liked all of them, but this so happens to be my fave. Enjoy!

Sbtrkt website

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Best of 2011: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

And it begins! With, predictably, music and the best songs of 2011. So the first in this installment is Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues. This song hits on all the ethereal notes of phenomenal folk music. Fleet Foxes released such a strong album and this so happens to be the defining song as well as the album's namesake, Helplessness Blues. There's a reason it was nominated for a Grammy, it is simply that good.

Lyrically the song levels me with its honesty and sincerity:

I was raised up believing I was somehow unique
Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes, unique in each way you can see
And now after some thinking, I'd say I'd rather be
A functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me

But I don't, I don't know what that will be
I'll get back to you someday soon you will see

I don't know about you, but basically that's how I've felt all of 2011.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Holydays

Well I'm back in sunny California. The trip to Chicago although brief was fantastic in that I got to see my family. There's nothing quite like an Oak Park Christmas Eve. It was cold, but not unbearable. I received some lovely unexpected gifts and played a mean board game or two. Lots of screaming, drinking and laughs. That's my family.

We also trekked to my ladies neck of the woods for a farmer's Christmas. There's something relaxing and peaceful about being surrounded by nothing i.e. the picture above. Her nieces and nephews were adorable as can be, watching them reminds me of what Christmas used to feel like each year. And it snowed the last day.

The only downfall was I didn't sleep much. With all the travel and my retail work schedule I think I only had one decent night of sleep...somehow though it makes sense. Christmas and the holidays have always seemed so rushed and full of anxiety these past couple of years. I guess I should expect it more so now that I live across the states.

As for the blog, I'm going to spend the rest of year posting "a few of my favorite things" from 2011. So no Dunkin for the rest of the year and probably some sporadic posts here and there, but definitely some rockin tunes, links to posts, quotes and some funny videos. I hope you all had a blessed and an amazing holiday.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Friday

One more day till Christmas Eve! I'm not that excited because I'll be working at 6am, then hopping on a flight (thank God it's Virgin) and arriving late to the party in Oak Park. At least I'll be able to see family for like two hours. What's everyone up to this holiday? How's the Festival of Lights going? I hope everyone is having a blessed and fantastic time with family and friends.

Here are your highlights:

Louis C.K. hilarious comic, model citizen

House Republicans couldn't say no forever, Payroll Tax Cut clears

Let's talk about jobs record Romney

Eight soldiers charged in death of PVT. Danny Chen

Ummm Amazon and teh super duper computer


Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Thursday

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I woke up feeling wretched. Not sure what's going on. Perhaps it was working nine hours last night. Meh. I'm actually looking forward to traveling to Chicago on Saturday. As for the forecast it looks like it won't snow...hmm, warmer than normal in the Midwest during winter...that reminds me of something Al Gore once said...what was it? Oh yeah, he invented the internet!

Here are your highlights:

Boehner cuts off C-Span cameras

A reminder, the auto industry bailout did some real good

Concept bottles for Evian...STAR WARS!!

Mitt Romney "Any President?" ad by the DNC. Pretty bold.

And the calamity continues! Watching Boehner Twist in the Wind

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Living in LA-LA Land

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

Ho ho ho holy hell the GOP is full o crazy this time of year. No payroll tax holiday, no unemployment benefits and a bit of procedural tricks in a pear tree! And in even better news this is the least popular Congress in history. So it's got that going for it as well. Only a couple of days till it's on for Christmas, Happy Hanukkah to those who rock that out as well!

Here are your highlights:

Even conservative pundits think the GOP House is messing up

Obama's poll numbers look promising. Also too, help out Washington Monthly if you can

Robot takeover continues

TNC, on Ron Paul "Old News" and "Ron Paul's Shaggy Defense"

Pitchfork has their "Top 50 Albums", do you agree?!

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Either Boehner's lost control of his caucus or "I've got a dead man's dingly"

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

Today is my last day off before the storm of retail booze madness. I'm actually looking forward to the chaos. I've been working on my lists for 2011. Hopefully I have them all prepared for the year is out. It's been a crazy year for us. There's a ton to talk about and tons to appreciate. I'm excited to hear from people about some of their faves. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of the TATPodcast. We'll be chatting about our lists hopefully soon!

Here are your highlights:

Politifact fails it's most basic job requirement and in doing so gives Republicans an out

Nerds unite! 20 best video games of 2011

This mailbox can go into space!

A bit of an answer to Sully, ED Kain and Paddy K, A little bit more about Ron Paul

House Republicans go Scrooge

Pres. Obama signs Executive Order establishing a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Love, Valour and Compassion...

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Monday

Wow. Where has the year gooooone? So much to reflect on and consider and what...it's almost Christmas?!! Okay panic attack over. I'm excited to go back to Chicago for one night see the fam and then head to the in-laws. We'll be in farm country for a couple of days, then back to work. So starting Saturday I'll be off the grid for a bit. I hope you all won't miss me too too much.

Here are your highlights:

Kim Jong-Il dies

NPR music, listeners pick their top albums of 2011

Gingrich losing steam

Oh the gubbament hating freeloaders, Rick Perry being the king

Profile of a Protester

War is Over, Merry Christmas

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Friday

I have to work the ole double today. Lunch service on the truck, closing at the liquor store. So glad it's Friday and that tomorrow I get to head to Long Beach and hang out with some buddies from college. It should be a grand time.

Here are your highlights:

Best way to sum up the GOP debates

A Congress of Scrooges

Romney's quote without the "n"

Teh best boxers from the Super Six tournament face off this weekend Andre Ward v Carl Froch. It's gonna be a good one!

And it's begun. If I was a poor black kid dot com

Chow!

From the Mix Tape - The Seven Mile Journey

(from the previous release "The Journey Studies")

From the label:

The Seven Mile Journey is a quartet from the northern parts of Denmark that operates within the wide ranges of the post-rock genre. The band settled on its current name back in 1999 and released a demo cd in 2001 followed by the debut album “The Journey Studies” in 2006, and their second album “The Metamorphosis Project” in 2008.

The music of The Seven Mile Journey has always been signified by instrumental storytelling that through captivating soundscapes, dynamic changes and long intense passages invites the listener into absorption, which is also the core on the bands 3rd album “Notes for the Synthesis”.

Everything about this band, everything they play I'm immediately drawn to; it's raw, emotional and the musicianship is incredible. The Seven Mile Journey. The band name. Is Perfect. Each song, carefully crafted taking you on a symphonic ride that is in itself a journey. I know I sound a bit fan boyish, but it isn't often I can sit down and be moved by a band every listen. Perhaps it's my mood this time of year, I'm always in this mindset to discover a "winter soundtrack", the Seven Mile Journey so happens to be my 2011 "winter soundtrack."

Visit their site here. Their label site allows you to preview their latest release "Notes for the Synthesis." Enjoy!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ninja Thought

The real Rand Ron Paul please stand up

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Update: Thanks Paddy K for correcting my quick mixing of names.

Get Your Dunkin Thursday

"Welcome Home"

I woke up to a dog barking incessantly. In fact it's still going this very moment. Needless to say today has not started out great. Owners who leave their dogs out unsupervised should have to lick a frozen pole Christmas Story-style. I want my sleep back.

Here are your highlights:

As Flag Is Put Away, America's Mission In Iraq Symbolically Ends

Pelosi to the GOP, figure it out yourself

In the fight for civil rights its good to read before freaking out, The Rest of What Carl Levin Said

Super Check Your Breasts

Who thinks the banks don't run this mother? Debtors' prison is back and it's serious. Well it's been nice knowing you guys!

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

Sorry, I would have been on earlier, however I was having one of those epic Facebook debates :) It was definitely a 99% v. 1% argument, but to do with sports. I'm of the belief you pay a guy after he's played for you over 10 years *Pujols* some disagree. I love starting my morning with a feisty debate. SO LET'S DO THIS!!

Here are your highlights:

Mitt Romney's BAIN of existence

Sorry, but the GOP is beyond farce at times

NFL and the IPad, a match made in technology

The Myth of the Center For Freedom and Prosperity's Economic Competency

Umm, anyone remember EXO-Squad?


Chow!

Ninja Thought

Mahna mahna. Capitalism.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

I'm lucky enough to have today off. I'll be working on my resume and perhaps doing some Xmas shopping. It's Christmas on a tight budget this year, so we'll see how good of a gift giver I am...My audition yesterday went really well, but you never know. Hopefully I get a call back. If not I'm not sweating it, 2012 I feel good about it.

Here are your highlights:

Korean Zombie, ends it in 7 seconds

The ACLU goes after Scott Walker for his Voter ID law

Lowe's keeps to low

The Craven Mitt Romney - Rom Dom slowly getting himself out of contention

Either Obama is a Muslim warring on Christmas or he's just too darn into Christmas! Can't be both, but you already know that.

Chow!

Mitt Romney Channels the KKK

Steve Benen and Steve M over at No More Mister Nice Blog both seem surprised at Mitt Romney's newest low. Romney is using the phrase "Keep America American" a throwback right out of the infamous Ku Klux Klan's playbook.

Steve M. asks:

Really, Mitt? You really want to use this phrase?

I would say YES really. It is the exact kind of phrase that rings with the base. Why? Because that's who Romney needs to convince to ride with him through the primaries. And Romney and Romney's people know very well that's what they're doing here.

They want to paint Obama and his policies as wholly Un-American, it's something the Right has been trying to do since the '08 election. It's the base that foams at the mouth for FOX Nation headlines (update: Steve M. also saw the same FOX Nation headline), cheers with Rush when he calls Obama the "most-racial" president, and doesn't flinch when Billy Cunningham calls Obama a "boy". Romney needs that base to win and right now he ain't winning.

My question to both Steve's is, why are you surprised? At this point it should be expected. Mitt Romney has shown time and time again he has no qualms with flipping and flopping. Why would anyone think Mitt Romney wouldn't go this low? It's a phrase that is on the tips of every raging wing-nut's tongue, on message boards and in the underpinnings of right-wing talk radio.

This is the new conservative America. Same as the old. Romney wants the base to know he's more American than the socialist, Muslim, terrorist-sympathizing, Barack Hussein Obama and that he's man enough to say it in no uncertain terms.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Monday

It's Monday! Okay I'm not really excited about that, but at least we're a little bit closer to family time and holiday time. I have an audition today, hoping it goes well considering I don't know much about it. I'm also searching for a new job. Hopefully the new year and a shift in the economy will bring me some good fortune. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of the TATPodcast. And starting compiling your lists folks, it's that time of year!!

Here are your highlights:

Lowe's caves to bigots, time to boycott Lowe's

I will say this over and over, Gingrich will eventually right-wing himself out of the race

Activists judges will hear Arizona racist ass illegal immigration law

Well can't say much about this, Lady cooks meth in Wal-Mart

How afraid of Elizabeth Warren are the Republicans? If Karl Rove's PAC attack ad is any indication, they are DEATHLY afraid.

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Friday

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Friday! I've got a double so I'll make this quick. This Christmas all I want is a bailout like the banks received...not gonna happen, so maybe the Tax Cut Fairy will drop a full-time job in my lap and sprinkle money in my pockets!

Here are your highlights:

Huge Eurobank, rated 'Britain's worst,' now accused of gouging US consumers

Don't believe the Ron Paul hype

All those sweet ads about alternative methods of harvesting energy Fracking False

Va Tech gunman had no campus ties

Europe. We have a problem. It's the Final Countdown and it seems like the leaders are going to watch everything fall apart.

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Thursday

It's almost the weekend...for those of you who don't work on weekends. Me, I'm working. Hard to believe the year is almost over. Lots to look forward to next year. As for this year, we're heading to Chicago for one night then the lady's childhood home. Somehow I rigged that while working retail. I've got a call to hop on, hopefully I'll be able to share what it's about later today or tomorrow.

Here are your highlights:

Give your spirits more spirit

The GOP continues its attacks on consumers

5 Old-Timey Movie Prejudices - I'm not sure how to fix this, except to keep writing with hopes people will embrace diversity in cinema

Pee Party, thank you Daily Show

JPMorgan Chase is run by a sociopath. He also is Confused. Aren't these guys supposed to be the "smartest" men in the room?

Chow!

From the Mix Tape - Benton Falls

I've been writing a lot late at night. It seems to be the best time for me creatively. Throughout the process I search for music that inspires or centers my mind. Songs that bring me back to certain places mentally, so I can channel the mood or feeling that I want specific characters to convey. I know it all sounds ridiculous. I agree, don't get me wrong, but it's what I have to do for whatever reason to put my ideas to puter.

Through my search I stumbled upon an album that I had forgotten A) How rockin it was and B) How it helped me grieve and grow. Benton Falls was there for me. Emo. Yes, but I don't care. At the moment in my life when this album was released I was regressing. Unsure of myself, I felt it best to drink, conform and try to escape the tragedy of years past. And so when I first had the opportunity to listen to this album in its entirety I was blown the eff away.

It was raw. It was emotional. It was melodic. It was where I was. And tonight I jammed out to it with the reminder of how far I've come.

2001 was a long damn time ago.

Can you name an album that's done the same for you?

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Mid-Day Dunkin Wednesday

Sorry folks I had to work this morning and for the upteenth time I decided to drag ass. So here's your mid/late linkage.

Here are your highlights:

Kaine and Allen debate it out in what will be a key race in the Senate

Mitt Romney seems to have John McCain speak down pat

The momentum for Gingrich is kind of mind-blowing...ly stupid

Metal Christmas!!! \m/

Obama lays down the veto threat on the payroll tax cut if tied to the Keystone pipeline

Fight weekend! Khan v. Peterson in Washington D.C. the experts weigh-in

Chow!

From the Mix Tape - Caveman

One of my favorite songs off of one of the best albums of the year. More from Caveman.

I am Frank Chow and I approved of this message

Dear Pundits and the Like

It's not about you. I can't stress that enough. When Obama gives a speech, he isn't trying to impress you with memorable lines or send tingles down your thigh, he is trying to reach every day people. People who are suffering. People are trying to make ends meet. People who work two or three jobs. People who vote for Obama NOT because he leans Keynesian is his economic policy, but because in the short arm of life, he's the best bet for people having a fair shake. And so I conclude, he is NOT trying to reach some asshat propped up at his laptop waxing policy with his Beltway buddies. Remove head from ass then type. Also too, get out once and awhile.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday

I got to sleep in. Sort of. I dropped off my lady at work this morning, then decided "Hey, it's my day off," and went back to bed. Lovely. I needed some extra z's after staying up late watching the end of Season 2 of Breaking Bad. A show that has completely blown me away thus far. I know, I know I'm well behind, but I don't have cable, so forgive me. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of the TATPodcast. We are now actively friending people on Facebook, so hit us up, listen to our playlists on Spotify and feel free to chat when we're around!

Here are your highlights:

8-year-old confronts Michele Bachmann ever so slyly

Our media fails us. Paul Ryan is not, I repeat NOT a policy man

Pioneers from the East

New joint in LA, Le Pour Haus

Republicans clearly want to deny people to vote. It's crystal clear at this point. From state to motherf-in state. Why do they hate Democracy so?

Chow!

Ninja Thought

Miranda

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Monday

This weekend, despite working everyday, was great. The lady and I celebrated three years and six months of our relationship. We decided on a whim to go to the restaurant in the movie "I Love You Man" James' Beach. It was a quirky place with great fish tacos and nice cocktails, exactly what we both wanted. In our first six months in California my lady has been more than amazing, I cannot tell you how grateful I am...enough of the mushy stuff. Today or tomorrow I get my stitches out, I helluva nervous. The oddest sensation I've ever felt was the act of string going through my skin. I have no doubt the reverse will be equally uncomfortable. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of the TATPodcast. We're super psyched to be back and bringing you music, booze and the occasional political commentary.

Here are your highlights:

More winds in SoCal, look out! Just an observation, but since these winds come every year...shouldn't SoCal be better prepared?

Kansas v. the EPA. Consecutive infrastructure posts, you betcha!

Romney the B.S.er

Revenge! Cotto TKOs Margarito in the 10th round

Redskins season officially over

Can we just conclude this man is pure evil? AZ Sheriff Joe Arpaio didn't investigate over 400 sex-crimes. It amazes me that Arizona in the past two years has been revealed as one if not the worst states in America. With Sheriff Joe at the helm of a lot of the appalling behavior.

Chow!

Get Your Dunkin Friday - TATPodcast Episode 9

And we're back! Due to trans-continental and trans-Atlantic moves, the TAT was delayed but we've got our act together and have drinks and tunes to discuss. On this installment, we discuss the merits of a name change and their relation to hallucinogenic drugs and diseases. Moving rapidly into drinks, Paddy details his rediscovery of Washington, DC and the abundance of craft beers on offer, specifically DC Brau. Frank gets sniffy with some Gran Centenario Anejo tequila, Old World Spirits Blade Gin, and shares a prohibition cocktail recipe, the Aviation. In music, Paddy gets into some sludge and stoner rock with Black Tusk and Red Fang while Frank shares the Dum Dum Girls and two unbelievably catchy tracks from French pop act M83.

Listen, enjoy and don't forget to follow us on Facebook, on Twitter and follow our playlists on Spotify!

Chow!

From the Mix Tape - Geographer

TheNeighborhood.tv Sessions: Geographer - "Paris" from BAMM.tv on Vimeo.

Geographer is a band I discovered by accident. They are almost ethereal it seems like in their approach. Here is a stripped down version of their song "Paris." Enjoy!

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Thursday

Woah. I missed a day? I had to work in the morning, so apologies I was late to work had zero coffee and no time to write this here thing. I'm working on the last bits of TAT which will then be posted tomorrow. It's December 1st, can you believe that? Soon enough Paddy K and I will be doing our end of year lists. So start gathering your favorites and maybe we will read them over the internets! Bieber. All day everyday Bieber, best album, best song...

Here are your highlights:

Southern California infrastructure...not so good. It got a bit windy.

Your cellphone might be spying on you

Unemployment benefits for Christmas

I hate Chase Bank, you should too

Kentucky church disproves post-racial anything. They want that whole icky interracial marriage thing to stop. Darn nabbit!

Chow!