You already saw what movies rocked my socks off and which ones totally sucked, but now it’s time to talk about everything else that ruled this year (and some stuff that sucked). So get ready to see what I read, watched, and jammed to this year that’s worth your time.
Concerts
Well, I only managed to attend five concerts in person before the world crapped out on everyone, so I’d say they automatically count as my favorite shows of 2020.
Motionless in White – I think at this point it’s a given that whenever Motionless in White is in town, my sister and I are going to see them. Over the years this band has really grown on me because their songs really are good and the guys in the band who I’ve met a few times are all incredibly nice. Hopefully this non-stop touring band gets to go back out on the road next year!
Saint Motel – Back in February, this was my first time seeing this peppy indie band, and they were fantastic. Sure, someone passed out towards the end of the concert, but they were okay, and the band kept rocking! This show was also at a newly renovated venue that was pretty sweet. Anyways, Saint Motel’s got a talent unlike any other and if you’re looking for a set to dance to, then these are your guys!
Bear Hands – The last live concert of 2020 was bestowed upon Bear Hands and they totally crushed it! It was only my second time seeing them live, but this just confirmed to me how incredible they are. Lead vocalist Dylan Rau has such unique vocals that are equal parts dreamy and playful, I couldn’t wait to hear all my favorites tracks. The band was also out promoting their latest release, Fake Tunes, so I got to hear my favorite song off the record, “Mr. Radioactive!”
Breathe Carolina – This band is reminiscent of my high school days, and I’ve never seen them before, so it was quite the experience. Sure, the lineup has changed since 2007, but they still rocked my socks off. Even better, this concert was part of the great California trip I took in February, so I got to experience a show at famed venue, The Roxy. So cool!
American Authors – This was sort of a double whammy show at a really strange venue that wasn’t too far from home. Both American Authors and Magic Giant did little alternating mini-sets that was a really cool change of pace! Then they ended with a collaborative set that was insanely fun! I’m not as well versed in either band’s music, but their stage presence was infectious, and so were their songs!
Books
This is the most I’ve read in a long while, with 72 titles making the list! There was a nice mix of young adult and sci-fi, which was a newer genre for me, and I discovered some pretty cool authors. Nothing I read was outright bad, but these books were the most fun to read for sure!
One by One by Ruth Ware – This book gave me the willies! A corporate group goes on a ski vacation that turns deadly when they get snowed in and people start dropping, as the title implies, one by one. There’s also ex-employee Liz, who’s attendance at the event is somewhat shrouded in mystery. What happened to her back in the day and what is going on with the hottest music company for the millennials?
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell – I read the first novel in this trilogy last year and I am obsessed! Also, when I learned that the trilogy was based off of fan fiction from another one of Rowell’s novels, I was hooked. She writes for the young adult crowd, but her stories of vampires and magicians is magnetic. I think the third and final installment is coming out in 2021 and I cannot wait!
Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen McManus – As you’ve read prior, I can’t read McManus’ mysteries fast enough! She creates page-turning thrillers that trick you into thinking you’ve figured some of it out and then smacks you with a new twist when you least expect it! Something about this story stuck out because I could picture the amusement park the twins worked at so vividly, and it was cool to see a story come full circle from the past to the present.
Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton – I felt like this book tackled mental illness in a way that made it easy to understand some of the nuances, as well as seeing how a person with the illness perceives the world. I watched the movie first, but after reading the book, I felt like it did it justice. I also enjoyed the element of humor peppered throughout.
The Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver – I recently read this mystery novel and it kept me guessing the whole entire time! What happened to these two sisters who used to be so close? The twists and turns this novel took will have you reeling. Can’t recommend it enough!
Albums
I don’t feel like there was an overabundance of new music this year, but there were definitely some noteworthy listens!
Ceremony, Phantogram – I love Phantogram and it’s been four long years since their last release, Three. This one didn’t connect with me quite as well as that one did, but I love this band so much and the beats they are able to create that it was still a winner in my book! I was so looking forward to seeing them live in 2020, but of course that record got released right as the world was shutting down. It sounds like we might get even more music from them in 2021 and hopefully a tour! Go listen to “Dear God” (my personal favorite).
RTJ4, Run the Jewels – Perhaps this is the record that everyone needed this year. They dropped a lot of truth bombs for anyone who’s been hiding, along with some of the catchiest beats. Get Duked! was one of my favorite movies this year and I loved the collaboration Run the Jewels did with them – including songs from the new album! I very much recommend listening to “Oh La La” and “Out of Sight.”
Zeroes, Declan Mckenna – I feel like it’s been a decade since Declan Mckenna dropped his debut album, so naturally I got my hands on Zeros the day it came out. It was a wise decision because I would argue that this is an even stronger release! No sophomore slump for this guy! Really, you can’t go wrong with any song on this album, but if I had to tell you to listen to one, it would have to be “Sagittarius A.”
Television
This year has to have been the year where I watched the most TV ever. I watched about 60 shows that filled up 22 days worth of my time (I’m a math nerd)! Almost all of them were decent, even though I did get disappointed by a few.
The Runner-Ups:
Cobra Kai – I’ll be binge-watching the third season today, so you know it’s good. You don’t have to be a fan of The Karate Kid or karate to enjoy this show!
The Queen’s Gambit – This show broke the stigma that chess is boring. It’s intense and cool, and I’ve taken it up myself! This is a miniseries you must watch.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Fourteen seasons in and counting! Every season gains momentum with the laughs, and somehow they’ve stayed degenerates.
Ted Lasso – I wouldn’t have guessed that a show about soccer would be one of the best things I watched in 2020. Ted’s positivity is infectious and we could all learn something from him.
Unbelievable – It’s unbelievable that this show didn’t get more awards recognition. Merritt Wever and Toni Collette were powerhouses in this thrilling drama.
Julie and the Phantoms – I know this is for teens, but this show just got me in ways I can’t explain. Sure, some parts were hokey, but I just felt good watching this.
Kidding – Talk about a show growing on you! After I got used to the rhythm of weird in this show, I was actually quite sad when I was done with it’s two seasons.
Defending Jacob – This thriller was captivating from the start. Take an idyllic family and then layer on the fact that your son might be a murderer? I’m in.
Black Narcissus – I was unexpectedly enthralled by this three-part BBC series. While the scenes were choppy at times, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Gemma Arterton and Alessandro Nivola. Plus, something about television or movies involving nuns really interests me.
The Boys – This violent show about superheroes is graphic in all the right ways and shows us they’re almost more shitty than normal people. Antony Starr is a star indeed.
The Worst:
October Faction – So much potential for this sci-fi show based off a graphic novel! Unfortunately, they rushed through plot and some of the dialogue was just plain awful.
ZeroZeroZero – This is one of three shows I just couldn’t finish this year. Despite my love for Andrea Riseborough and Dane DeHaan, they just couldn’t make this show interesting. It felt like nothing really happened in 6 out of the 8 episodes, and focused more on other characters that were just unoriginal.
The Flight Attendant – I just finished this the other day, and I’m kind of mad that I wasted my time watching it. Cassie was very unlikeable, and the flashes into her subconscious made for a very jerky experience.
The Best:
Hannibal – THE. BEST. Hands down. I’ve wanted to watch this show for a while now, and I’m so glad I did! The visuals of this show were stunning, and the content was so dark. However, this is not for people who get queasy easily. Even though this show unfairly only got three seasons and was cancelled five years ago, the fandom surrounding Hannibal is amazing, and both cast and creators help keep the love alive!
Succession – What an incredible show about a vile family. None of them have any redeeming qualities, but they are like a trainwreck you can’t look away from. The pandemic sadly stopped a third season from happening this year, but I look forward to the chaos whenever we get it.
Workaholics – How have I gone this long without seeing this show?! Three slacker best friends who live and work together but mainly just get into hijinks was the quality comedy I needed this year. I’m obsessed with these guys and will probably watch anything they do from now on. Tight butthole!