Aaron's WWEport - My “Fave Five” of 2014

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteofDOOM.com

It's the 4th year of the prestigious WWEport end-of-year awards. Well, I say awards but this "Fave Five" is just a list of people who I have particularly enjoyed in 2014 and who I think have performed better than most. Full credit goes to Booker T for the inspiration all those years ago.

It's been a tough year for the WWE. All it's biggest hitters have left in some form or other. We ended the year without Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, and Batista on the active roster, all of whom main-evented Wrestlemania this year. Add to that the long absence of golden boy Roman Reigns and the permanent absence of CM Punk and all the stars are gone. Who filled the gaps?

1) Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler has maintained his slow but steady rise in WWE. He has done it by putting over pretty much every other wrestler in the company on a consistent basis. He does that by being incredibly athletic and reliable in the ring but also by having a style of match with a simple template of getting beat up, a lot. I'd like to see him start to dominate a few opponents in 2015 to break that monotony if he really wants to excel even further.

Audiophilia: Aaron's Albums of 2014 - Part 3

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteofDOOM.com

Here we are, the final part of my 2014 album run-down. A dozen albums I parted cash with. The final four picks come from England, Ireland, and the United States. To read the first two parts click HERE and HERE.

Geography - Yay For Squares

I wrote previously about this album HERE so for a more in-depth write-up give that link a clink.

Since writing that I have to say that I've probably played this album more than any other this year. Between the catchy hooks, exciting riffs, and other phrases that make me sound like an old fart Geography is a stomper of a rock album. Everything I wish the Foo Fighters still were.

Here is "Unwilling, Ungrateful" with a pretty cool video featuring the drummer working on the song from home.

CABIN FEVER #117: The Farce Awakens

Sometimes, just sometimes, we like to give you a surprise present at Christmas. Don't say we never got you nothing.

 

BOOM! You're welcome.

To listen to the podcast CLICK HERE or to download directly CLICK HERE

Audiophilia: Aaron's Albums of 2014 - Part 2

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteofDOOM.com

Welcome back to my marathon run-down of albums I felt were good enough to hand over money for. Yes, these are all albums I actually paid to own this year!

Half Lonely - Seth Boyer

I first discovered Seth Boyer accompanying Marian Call on her tour. An accomplished guitarist and all-round good dude, I was eager to hear his own music. He describes his brand of stripped down, sweet but melancholic songs that haunt your soul "BummerJamz". It's an unnervingly accurate description.

Seth is also a prolific song writer. After releasing this 9 track album in April he has released a 6 track EP this month on his Bandcamp page called I Got Believe In You.

To give you a good taste of his style, this video features a live performance of three songs from Half Lonely. "A New Leaf", "West Side Ghost Hunters", and "News From The Real World".

Tease Me, Baby! - Mad Max: Fury Road

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteofDOOM.com

We've been almost inundated the last few weeks with trailers of old franchises. Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Terminator, and now Mad Max. One of the differences with Mad Max though is that the original writer and director George Miller is back with this sequel.

It has been over thirty years since Mel Gibson first played the titular character in the post apocalyptic desert. Somewhat understandably he has been replaced with the younger, fitter, Tom Hardy in Fury Road.

Weirdly, George Miller went from making Mad Max to Babe: Pig in the City and Happy Feet. So it's an unusual switch back and forth through genres. I somehow doubt we'll see a dancing penguin in this trailer but keep an eye out just in case.

Audiophilia: Aaron's Albums of 2014 - Part 1

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteofDOOM.com

It has been a good year for music releases. Lots a solid debuts along with great bands returning with more music. As with previous years I'll be giving you the lowdown on all the albums I've purchased within 2014. Yes, I'm still that guy who buys albums, I even buy CDs! So here is Part 1 of my "So Good I Gave Them Money" list!

Ball Pit by Paul and Storm

The internet's favourite male duo Paul and Storm are close personal enemies acquaintances of mine. But you can trust me when I say that they put on great live shows and are funny, talented guys. Honest.

This year saw them have a very successful Kickstarter campaign for this album. I doubt any of it's backers could complain about value for money because it's a 25 track beast ranging from geeky subjects such as Game of Thrones to creepy subjects like stalking your favourite band.

"This Song" is my favourite of the bunch possibly because it un-ironically works as a great tune, despite the sardonic intention of it's lyrics.

Christmas Fever: The Album

Over the years, through the myriad of podcasts and websites I'm associated with, I have done quite a few Christmas songs.

They're all pretty awful.

Tease Me, Baby! - Terminator Genisys

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteofDOOM.com

The Terminator franchise has an awkward legacy. Two great films followed by two poor films (your mileage may vary). I don't think it's surprising to say that I think another sequel could jeopardise what is already shaky ground at this point.

There are some bright spots though. It's being directed by Alan Taylor who did the quite good Thor 2 and a half dozen Game of Thrones episodes. The latter brings us to Emilia Clarke in her biggest movie role to date as the younger Sarah Connor. Add to that the returning Arnie, Matt Smith, and Angry Monkey Sequel's Jason Clarke you've got a pretty decent cast.

But it could still go all wrong. Just ask Christian Bale.