2009, where have you gone? It seems like not too long ago I was living in Minnesota, wondering when I was going to escape the sub-zero weather. So here I am, in Spokane, where the temperature doesn't get colder than 20. It's not much improvement, but I'll take what I can get.

2009 showed some great artistic endeavors and I thought it would be great to share with you some of my favorite things from 2009.

Movies:

• Star Trek: I'm no Trekkie, nor have I ever watched a Star Trek movie before, but this incarnation of the series is everything a summer blockbuster should be fun. It's fun, entertaining, thrilling, and compelling. While it certainly doesn't break any new ground, it reminds us that summer movies don't have to be terrible (I'm looking at you Transformers).
• Up in the Air: I know some people are hating on it, but it had such a profound impact on me. There's something so wonderful about seeing regular life being treated in the movies. When a movie forces you to keep thinking about it after you've watched it for weeks on end, then you know you've created something marvelous.
• The Brothers Bloom: This is a film that some didn't like, but I think there is something so magical about it. The visual style, the witty writing, and the wonderful performances. I don't know how one couldn't just sit down and enjoy this movie. Plus Rachel Weisz. Need I say more?

Music:

• The Resistance: Muse put out a great album this year that really showcases what their music is all about. While it is not their finest work to date, it does remind people what Muse is all about, being audacious, creative, and unconventional. Also, the three part work of "Exogenesis" at the end is worth the listen alone.
• Strict Joy: This album by the Swell Season is everything about music that I love. Beautiful harmonies, potent lyrics, and the desire to listen to it over and over again. If you liked "Once," then you need to check this out.

TV:

• Modern Family: This show is great and freaking hilarious. I don't think an episode has passed that hasn't made me laugh hysterically yet. One of the best comedies of 2009.
• Community: I really struggled with Community at first because I didn't think it was that funny. But then it settled into itself and become one of the greatest sitcoms of the year. This show handles pop culture references right (unlike the blatant in your face nature of Family Guy). Bonus points for a "Somewhere Out There" Celtic remix.
• Better Off Ted: It seems that only comedies were good this year, but Better Off Ted is such a brilliant show to me. The pace is quick, the jokes fly by at unconventional pace, and more often than not, they are freaking hilarious. Also, Better Off Ted is the master of the callback. If you're not paying attention while you watch this show, you're going to miss out on all of the funny.

These are some of my favorites from 2009. Did something miss the list? What are some of the things that you enjoyed about this last year?

Once in awhile there comes along a CD that you just connect with completely. Something about the lyrics, the type of music, and the aesthetics just make you want to listen to it over and over again. This is exactly how I feel about Strict Joy by The Swell Season. If you haven't listened to this CD yet, then seriously, you need to make this a priority.

The Swell Season consists of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. If these names sound familiar to you, it is because they are the stars of the hit indie movie of 2007, Once. I absolutely loved this movie (a review of which can be found here) and fell in love with the soundtrack. So imagine my excitement when I discovered that the two would be releasing an album together. This little indie heart leapt for joy, strict joy in fact.

If you have listened to the soundtrack for Once at all ("Falling Slowly"), then you already know the type of music you are getting. There are some tracks that are more tame and ethereal ("Fantasy Man," "Paper Cup," "I Have Loved You Wrong"), songs that require you to pour yourself a glass of wine and relax with some friends ("Low Rising," "In These Arms"), and other songs that are just downright fun and catchy ("The Rain," "Feeling the Pull"). They really do cover the whole gamut here.

But all of the songs have that distinct feel that Hansard and Irglova bring to their music. The music is so passionate and so well done that it just compels you to listen. Their two individual styles compliment each other well, and Strict Joy results in something so wonderful that you won't be able to help play the CD over again when it's all said and done. If you're into this type of music at all, there is no doubt in my mind that you will love it. So seriously, go listen. Now.