THE BEST OF 2024
BEST ALBUMS
Green Day- Saviors
Sixpence None the Richer- Rosemary Hill- I hadn't heard new music from Sixpence None the Richer in many years. I saw them live recently and the show renewed my memory on how good their music is. Their 2024 release, Rosemary Hill, is a journey in nostalgia and memory and holds up with the songs they are know for.
Ben Folds- Sleigher- I am usually not a fan of Christmas albums. Sleigher is at its best when it focuses on Folds' original holiday songs like "Me and Maurice" and "We Could Have This" over the traditional standards.
Wussy- Cincinnati Ohio- It had been six years since Wussy's last release, 2018's What Heaven Is Like. Wussy's new album, Cincinnati Ohio, was worth the wait and was one of most compelling albums of the year.
BEST CONCERTS
Green Day with Smashing Pumpkins in Cincinnati. 2024 marked the 30th anniversary of their album, Dookie and the 20th anniversary of their album, American Idiot. Green Day ambiously played both of these albums in their entirety, making for an epic rock show. Shout out to the Smashing Pumpkins for opening show.
I give an honorable mention to Ben Folds for his Paper Airplane tour. Taking requests from the audience on paper airplanes made for a unique live experience each night.
I continue to be impressed that Rupp Arena and the Opera House are being better utilized, bringing more concerts to Lexington. I also saw these great acts live in 2024, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, Jenny Lewis, The Totally Tubular Festival, Sixpence None the Richer, and Matt Nathanson.
BEST REISSUE
Green Day- American Idiot- 20 years ago, Green Day released their epic rock opera, American Idiot, a commentary on living in America post 9/11. The 20th anniversary reissue is packed with extras, from demos to live tracks. 20 years later, American Idiot feels just as relevant today as it did in 2004.
FAVORITE COMEBACK FILM
The 4:30 Movie- I have been a fan of director, Kevin Smith, since I first saw him as Silent Bob in 1994's Clerks. I still enjoy Kevin Smith's speaking engagements (I was able to see him this year) but it has been a long time since he has made a good film. I am going to forget that he made films like Red State and Tusk. He changed that with The 4:30 Movie. The film is a tribute to the 80's teen comedies Smith grew up with, like I did. It has a sweet nostalgia and has the sharp humor of Smith's earlier films.
FAVORITE MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES
I really enjoyed some of the music documentaries that were featured on Paramount Plus. Nothing But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of 80's Hair Metal was a good look back at the rise and fall of the hair metal genre in the 80's. I also enjoyed Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza, which showed the evolution of the iconic music festival.
FAVORITE ENTERTAINMENT MOMENT
Robert Downey Jr's Oscar win for Oppenheimer. I knew when I first saw Robert Downey Jr in his devastating performance as Julian in 1987's Less Than Zero that he was an extraordinary talent. He has such versatility from comedy to drama to a super hero. Instead of becoming a Hollywood casualty of his very public struggle with addiction, he overcame his demons and got to have one of Hollywood's most impressive second acts. Oppenheimer gave Downey the push to a long overdue Oscar win. But his Oscar win was more than his great performance in Oppenheimer but a recognition of his career and talent.
