Everyone’s got guilty pleasures, but these go beyond that. This is a list of the artists, albums, shows, and movies that I genuinely love, yet will inevitably earn me an undue share of grief.
1. U2
Well, as arguably the biggest band in the world, somebody has to like them. Though they’ve undeniably crafted a polarizing reputation between their notorious iTunes giveaway and Bono’s hyperbolic celebrity stature. Forgetting these off stage distractions, they remain one of the most melodically-gifted and consistent bands in rock.
2. Matrix Reloaded
The first Matrix film is an (almost) universally beloved sci-fi classic. The second film…not so much. Some will argue that Reloaded is disjointed and philosophically bloated. This is true, but you have an interstate fight scene with dreadlocked-ghost-twins. So tell me why this is a bad film?
3. Third Eye Blind
Doo doo doo, doo do do doo. Ok, now that that’s in your head for a week, let’s think more critically about 3EB’s legacy. Beyond this devastatingly catchy anthem for meth use, their first album is a remarkably polished piece of songwriting. They’ve even reemerged recently with an ingenious protest of Donald Trump. Often panned as corny, 90’s pop, 3EB’s discography is a masterclass in how to execute taught, interesting pop music that goes beyond mere catchiness.
4. Big Bang Theory
The show you love to hate. Yes, the laugh track is unbearable and the hit-to-miss ratio can skew wildly from episode to episode. But there’s genuine heart in the ensemble of characters and the show is quie capable of delivering a gut-punch if you give it the chance.
5. Viva La Vida
Somewhere in the wilds, between X&Y and whatever the hell Ghost Stories was, Coldplay partnered with Brian Eno to release a surprisingly sophisticated and complex LP. Viva La Vida is far more than it’s unavoidable title track. There are numerous “hidden” tracks, chorus-less anthems, and diverse instrumentation. It’s never quite challenging, but certainly surprising within the Coldplay canon.
6. “Enter Sandman”
Depending on who you ask, “Enter Sandman” is either the beginning or end of one’s love affair with Metallica. Though it signaled the end of the band’s thrash metal days, it’s also one of the most iconic and memorable rock riffs of all time coupled with a Top 40 chorus. “EXIT LIGHT!” Well, it certainly signaled dark days for the band, but “Enter Sandman” is a muscular and polished addition to the hall of fame.
7. Indigo Girls
“God-fearing lesbian” folk singers. Cue the SNL parody. But they owe more to Simon and Garfunkel than to their unbearable coffee-shop colleagues. The Indigo Girls are masters of harmony and the balladic tradition, but their albums also venture into jazz and punk as well. It’s earnest, but not in a hipster, overwrought kind of way.
8. American Idiot
Perhaps my favorite album of all time. but also regarded by many as an overproduced smirch on the pop-punk trio’s legacy. For many there is a sharp divide between “new Green Day” and “old Green Day”. Self-righteous fans aside; however, this is a masterpiece of songwriting.
9. Lorde
Is she more famous for the South Park parody now? Lorde, Lorde, Lorde is actually quite the talented writer and lyricist. Pure Heroine stands as one of the all time great debuts and her ability to deftly expose issues of gender and social-class defies her young age. Here’s looking forward to the followup. Any time now…
10. Lost
“We have to go back!”. In later years, Lost received a reputation for being opaque and melodramatic. Yet, re-watching reveals a rich character study that uses mystery as character development rather than for cheap thrills. Much is lost (pun intended) by watching week to week looking for answers. Focus instead on the rapturous performance of Terry O’ Quinn, the brilliant use of time as a storytelling device, and the lovable cast of misfits.
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