SOUNDTRACK OF 2012

Each year I compile together music, and form 3 or 4 CDs of my favorite songs of the year.  I started doing this back in 2008, really got it organized in 2009, and it's probably the only thing in my life that I've ever committed to.  Lord knows, I haven't committed to my child support payments.  I hope you like, and if not well who cares, it's not like I created any of this music.

KT BEST OF 2012: CD 1
1. Little Cigarettes by Medicine Hat
2. Can't Feel My Face by Islands
3. What Would You Do by The Polyphonic Spree

4. Feral by Boxed Wine

5. Knock Knock by Band Of Horses

6. Loserhead by Cosmonot
7. Heartbeat by Kopecky Family Band

8. Bird by Wyldlife
9. (Talking On The) Telephone by  Camden
10. Off The Floor by Males
11. Holy Fucking Matrimony by And And And
12. Gimme A Beer by  Diamond Rugs
13. Hey Hombre! by High Safari
14. Crow Hill by It's A Bird! It's A Plane!
15. Feathers by Fanfarlo
16. Lady Percy by King Charles
17. Puzzle Pieces by Saint Hotel

18. The Stairs by Family Of The Year

19. Riot In The Neon Light by IAMDYNAMITE
20. Pablo Picasso by The Tellers
21. Shark In A Sink by Gaoler's Daughter
22. Golden Sea by French Films
23. Break These Chains by Raygun Cowboys
24. Breezeblocks by Alt-J

25. South by Racing Glaciers

KT BEST OF 2012: CD 2

1. Get Me In A Room by Hallelujah The Hills

2. Can't Get Enough by The Sweet Serenades

3. Do It Anyway by Ben Folds Five

4. Something Good by alt-J

5. Hallways by Islands

6. Waaaaaay! by Gregory Pepper And His Problems

7. Human Elevator by The Cast Of Cheers

8. Mars by Effi

9. Runaways by The Killers

10. I Just Know by The Struts

11. Panic Station by Muse

12. Anti-Pattern by Mystery Pills

13. Piedmont Girls by Local Hero

14. Your Stranger by Are You A Lion

15. That Old Black Hole by Dr Dog

16. The Thick Of It by Royal Wood

17. Close Encounters by Ganglians

18. Someone Purer by Mystery Jets 

19. Teenage Daughter by Dog Is Dead

20. Here She Comes by Skipping Girl Vinegar

21. No Rest by Dry The River

22. Drown Me In The River by Mother Falcon

23. Shivers by Divine Fits

KT BEST OF 2012: CD 3

1. Satellite Blues by Smile
2. Positive Vibes by Freshkills

3. I Can Lift A Car by Walk The Moon

4. Bam Bam by King Charles

5. Moneytown by Travis Morrison Hellfighters

6. I'm Shakin' by Jack White

7. Crash by Belle & Sebastian

8. A Little Bit Of Love by The Medics

9. Teenage Icon by The Vaccines

10. Swim And Sleep by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

11. Wrapped Up In You  by Dandelo

12. Think About Me (Fleetwood Mac Cover) by The New Pornographers

13. The John Wayne by Little Green Cars

14. Family by The Cast Of Cheers

15. Greatest Hits by Mystery Jets

16. Grist For The Malady Mill  by mewithoutYou

17. Heavy Ceiling by Said The Whale

18. Greyhound Racing by Concrete Knives

19. San Francisco by The Mowgli's

20. I Could Go by Oberhofer

21. I Came Around  by Murder By Death

22. Single Cheep by King Creosote

23. No Surprises (Radiohead Cover) by Locas In Love

KT BEST OF 2012: CD 4

1. Fence Sitter by Ball Park Music

2. California by Delta Spirit

3. Take A Left by Sunday Sun

4. Bigger Than Love by Benjamin Gibbard

5. Broke by Sea Of Bees

6. So So So by Bad Sound

7. Vampires by Maps & Atlases

8. The Fire Did Go by Royal Wood

9. Sugarplum by Eugene McGuinness

10. Fall In by Cloud Nothings

11. River by Civil Twilight

12. New Earth by Zerbin

13. I Walk The Streets by New Beard

14. Landline by Oberhofer

15. Mississippi Isabel by King Charles

16. Madison Row by The District Attorneys

17. Feud by Band Of Horses

18. We Are 1980 by Said The Whale

19. Shake It Off by The Spinto Band

20. I'm A Selfish Asshole by The Return Fight

21. Halcyon Days by Two Gallants

22. Whole Again by Paula And Karol

23. This Is Stupendous by Team Genius

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND "AWAY FROM THE WORLD" ALBUM REVIEW

The Dave Matthews Band is my favorite band. They have been since I was about 12 years old. I've been teased, loved, laughed at, boned, and mostly made fun of for this. What it comes down to, is screw you, I probably don't like your favorite band.

I'm full aware of the stereotypes that this band is a victim of. You can thank your typical college aged doucher for that. I understand that this band isn't for everyone, but i'm not sure that I understand why people choose to hate or make fun of the band without ever really hearing their full catalog.

Now that i've got that off my chest, let's move on to the album review for "Away From The World", currently America's #1 selling album.  The band reunited with Steve Lillywhite for the first time since 2000. The last time they had released anything with him as producer was 1998's "Before These Crowded Streets". It's pretty clear he knows how to get the best out of the band in the studio, and it's validated with "Away From The World"

Broken Things-A pretty simple song, with an extremely catchy sing along chorus. It also features a violin solo in the middle, which is interesting because you could argue that Boyd Tinsley has seen his role with the band decrease over the last couple years.

Belly Belly Nice-Straight up sex. This song is this generation's version of "Too Much", except it's not about greed. It's about sex. This packs a punch and you get the funk and the jazz. Strong horns would be the dominating force behind the song, but it's got a pretty cool riff.  This song also has a horn section solo and a violin solo. "Gonna eat your belly jelly til' the kingdom come" is the lyric that sticks with you until the end of time. Sex, man. Sex.

Mercy-I understand the main stream appeal, but I just don't really like this song. I do like the horn fills, and the outro is kind of cool although it doesn't really go anywhere.  A good song, but definitely one of my least favorites on the album.

Gaucho-This song took a while to grow on me. It's got that whole "change the world" message.  Love the fuzzy bass in the middle of the song. This is a weird thing but I kind of like when rock songs incorporate choirs, and this song features a stop down with a children's choir at the end of it. Although calling them a choir is kind of offensive to actual choirs. It's more just kids screaming the chorus. It works though, along with a pretty mean saxaphone solo from Jeff Coffin.

Sweet-One thing about this record is that it's dominated by Dave. This song is mostly him playing a ukulele, but it really is one of the more celebrated slow/love songs. I really like it. When the full band comes in at the end, it really proves that this song was perfectly done in the studio. They knocked it out of the park here, even though it's one of the more dry songs on the album.

The Riff-I rank this one strong to quite strong. It starts out with Dave solo, playing a really difficult riff, although it's a classic Dave style riff. Of all the songs on the album, I really think Lillywhite's influence is evident on this one the most. This is a very well produced, 5 minutes. I love this song.

Belly Full-They sandwich a 1:45 song between two 5 minute monsters. Dave solo, with a really simple love song. The change of pace in the chorus is the highlight for me. Nice and quick.

If Only-The second single from the album, and it's the most bluesy tune on the album. A song of despair and hunger for a long lost love. Overall just a really good adult alternative song. Great work with the violin and horns at the end of the song, and really strong fills from Tim Reynolds on the electric guitar. This is a beauty.

Rooftop-Not sure really what to think of this one yet. It has a fast paced Dave guitar riff to begin the song, but then the chorus kind of comes out of nowhere to smack you in the face. Lyrically the chorus is extremely weak, if not lazy, but the payoff is there because it is a pretty rocking chorus. This one is the biggest question mark on the album to me. I think I like it though.

Snow Outside-Sounds like a country song most of the way with some really strong musicianship by all members of the band. The last two minutes it accelerates and turns into a full fledged jam session, to lead us into the final track of the album. Really like this song, and it has extreme potential when played live.

Drunken Soldier-There's a lot going on here. This one clocks in at 9:48, and you get a funky, almost country riff at the beginning of it. It then peters off into more of a classical guitar style part, before the horns and other instruments come in, for a pretty amazing song intro.  Boyd then plays one of the most beautiful violin pieces he has ever played in my opinion. The song then goes on a high speed blast until the 6 minute mark and it turns into a soft 4 minute segment that is a cross between something Neil Young might do, but it also had some Pink Floyd tendencies. The work by the brass section is phenomenal, and it's really a perfect way to end the album as it fades out, with the "that's not a star, it's a satellite" line.

Overall, I really like this album. I'm not sure where to rank it on the DMB totem pole, but I know that Steve Lillywhite definitely helped make this album sound as good as it is. Great musicianship, somewhat decent lyrics, and an album with not a single turd on it's ledger. Check it out, even if you're not a DMB fan.  Highlights are "If Only" "The Riff" "Belly Belly Nice" "Sweet" and "Drunken Soldier".

THE KILLERS "BATTLE BORN" REVIEW

Next Tuesday’s release of “Battle Born” marks the Killers first album since 2008’s “Day and Age”.  In 2010 we were presented with the largely underrated “Flamingo”, a solo project by Brandon Flowers. Last year, drummer Ronnie Vannucci completed a record entitled “Big Talk” by his side band under the same name.  They termed “Battle Born” their “difficult” fourth record, and the final product is something that is clearly distinct. The Killers have a meandering sound that’s usually indefinable, but take away the vocals and the casual fan could probably pick out that it’s The Killers. 

On “Battle Born” they turn everything up. Their first CD “Hot Fuss” had plenty of guitar live-action, but it was also heavily covered with the keyboard skills of Flowers.  Their follow-up and best work to date “Sam’s Town” was a pure rock record. “Day and Age” was a bit off the beaten path, but still a solid record. I kind of refer to it as the bastard step-child of “Hot Fuss”.  To me “Battle Born” is Sam’s Towns nephew. It looks up to Sam’s Town, like young kids might possibly look up to their uncle. 

They stick to what they do. Songs about America, cars, young love, heartbreak, and songs with powerful anthem style rock choruses. It’s The Killers. It’s what they do. It’s called the way it is.  Here’s the track by track…

BATTLE BORN

1. Flesh and Bone 8/10

A great opener, with a punch in the face of Roy Jones Jr. in his prime.  This song definitely has room to grow live.  I didn’t like the lead single “Human” from “Day and Age”, and I still don’t like that song, but “Flesh and Bone” is “Human” on crack with more guitar. 

2. Runaways 9/10

The lead single is definitely one that will hang out with “When You Were Young” when it comes to catching everybody’s ear. It’s a wonderful song, and probably a little simple musically, but it’s classic Killers.  Flowers probably urinates catch choruses.

3. The Way It Was 8/10

Remember how I was saying that when Brandon Flowers pees, a little bit of awesome chorus comes out? Well, yeah it must be true. Great song, and classic Killers format. Tease you with the verse, and suck you in with the chorus.

4. Here With Me 5/10

Not one of my favorite songs on the album, but I understand it’s appeal. I think a lot of people will like this, and it could have single written all over it. Of course, most Killers do.  I just thought it kind of dragged in the middle. It’s a pillow-puncher. It’s a tearjerker if you’re the emotional type…..not me………….

5. A Matter of Time 3/10

Sounds like something that would have been on “Sawdust”. I’m not a huge fan of this song right now.

6. Deadlines and Commitments 6/10

Not to be repetitive, but this sounds like something that would have been on the tail end of “Flamingo”.  I dig the song a lot, but it was less like The Killers than some of the other cuts on the album.

7. Miss Atomic Bomb 6/10

Pretty powerful track with a booming chorus.  It kind of reminded me of “A Dustland Fairytale”. Just another song on this disc that follows the mold of ramping up the guitars and vocals.

8. The Rising Tide 8/10

This low self-esteemed reporter thinks that this song is possibly a B-side from Sam’s Town, but one can’t really ever know that.  Quick, punchy, and good.

9. Heart of a Girl 7/10

A sweet song that ends up pretty extravagant.  More resemblance to “Flamingo” here.

10. From Here On Out 6/10

This one had an almost country feel with the slide effects on the guitar.  “Big Talk” influence is pretty evident on this one.

11. Be Still 3/10

Undoubtedly, my least favorite song on “Battle Born”.  It could be a grower though.

12. Battle Born 10/10

The title track is pretty much perfect. A great way to end the album, and a perfectly produced track all the way around.

BONUS TRACKS

Carry You Home 7/10

Love the themes of death, and being okay with death. The guitar riff is fantastic too.

Flesh and Bone Remix 8/10

I'm not dubstep/techno/dance club music guy really, but this remix was done masterfully.

Prize Fighter 4/10

Definitely a reason this song is an extra. Kind of silly, in fact really corny.

While it’s not Sam’s Town, and I won’t have it ranked higher than Hot Fuss, I do think it’s better than their previous work Day and Age. I like Day and Age, but it’s just my least favorite album of theirs. I like this CD. It took me a few listens, but I really like it. It’s just another group of songs that will translate well in a live atmosphere. I’ve always been amazed at The Killers ability to stay incredibly indie, while also being mainstream, but not to the extent of selling out and going with the current trends of Top 40 music. Now, more than ever, I stand back and am still amazed at this band’s ability to pump out powerful, infectious 4 minute pop-rock songs, while still not getting away from the meaning of the songs. Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” was catchy, but it was pointless. That’s one example of many. The Killers’ songs are catchy, but there is a direction and a beauty to their craft.

For me, this album ranks in the lower half of their discography, but it’s still a creative work of art that I’ll spin until I die.

Mike from Breaking Bad has a New Role

Johnathan Banks, most well known for his role as Mike on Breaking Bad will be playing the role of Adam Scott's dad in Parks and Recreation this season. Awesome!

BREAKING: Jason Sudeikis in....for now

It was questionable that Jason Sudeikis would return for a 9th season of Saturday Night Live, but it's being reported today by Entertainment Weekly that the veteran is signing on for about a half season. He will likely be leaving the show in January.

That's good news for SNL. He plays the part of Mitt Romney, although his enthusiasm for the part was questionable. He also plays Joe Biden. I have to think SNL paid him a hefty amount, because I just didn't see any reason for him to stay. Saturday Night is the season premiere, with an election special next Thursday.

Parks and Recreation Season 5 Preview (WITH SPOILERS)

Season five will surely be the most challenging season that Parks and Rec has ever faced.  With a Ben (Adam Scott) and April (Aubrey Plaza) in Washington DC, and Leslie (Amy Poehler) fresh off her city council election win, this certainly appears to be a change of pace for the underrated NBC comedy.

Season 1 ended wonderfully, while Season 2's complete season worth of magic ended with the departure of Mark Brendanawicz (Paul Schneider) and the love triangle between Andy (Chris Pratt), Ann (Rashida Jones), and April. There was also Tom (Aziz Ansari) realizing that Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) was dating his ex wife. Season 3 began with budget issues and the addition of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott, and it had the Harvest festival arc that brought us the greatness of Lil' Sebastian. The 3rd season's cliffhanger revolved around Leslie's relationship with Ben and if she would run for office or not, along with the appearance of a figure (hidden at the time) known as Ron's first wife Tammy.   In season 4 it begins with Leslie deciding to run, and the season ends with her winning the City Council election, but with her boyfriend Ben half-heartedly accepting a job in Washington DC.

So where do we go from here?

I'm not sure. I think the plan is to keep Leslie and Ben together no matter what, and you could definitely have many long-distance storylines. Next Thurday's (9/20) season premiere is titled "Ms. Knope Goes to Washington", so that kind of explains what's happening for the beginning of the season. Our good friends at Zap2it have the second episode information as well. An episode titled "Soda Tax", in which Leslie passes a tax on Soda, and also in the episode Chris helps Andy train to be a cop.

We know now Andy is going to attempt to be a police officer, a fine way to channel his inner Burt Maclin. 

Episode 3's information is available as well. In an episode entitled "How a Bill Becomes a Law", Leslie tries to pass a law to extend the community pool hours, while Chris thinks of a new way to solve people's problems around the city which leads to Ron fixing a pothole for a local mother (Lucy Lawless). Ben and April plan a road trip.

There's a lot going on here. First of all, it looks like they can have fun utilizing Leslie's new role to come up with a lot of new laws to pass or get rid of. Secondly, it appears Ron is going to be getting some action with the milfy hot Lucy Lawless! Mostly, i'm really looking forward to the forced chemistry of Ben and April on the road. 

I also have information for Episode 6, in which we meet Ben's parents.  From zap2it "The sixth episode of the season is titled "Ben's Parents." Yes, we'll meet Ben's dad, Steve, and his mom, Julia, as Leslie bends over backwards to make a good impression. The reunion goes a little sour when Julia meets Steve's much, much younger Hawaiian girlfriend. Her name, Ulani, means "cheerful." She isn't"

I'm excited. Are you? Why aren't you watching this show?

KT

3 ALBUM REVIEWS: Band of Horses, Avett Brothers, and The Divine Fits

Band of Horses-"Mirage Rock" 4/10

After being largely unimpressed by their 2010 album Infinite Arms, I was really looking forward to this Band of Horses session.  After receiving their lead single "Knock Knock" a couple months ago I was really excited.  Sadly, this CD just doesn't live up to the hype that "Knock Knock" created for me. It's probably likely that the allegiance of Band of Horses fans didn't like how poppy "Knock Knock" was, but for me it had created higher expectations that I probably needed to have. While many songs on the album have that typical Band of Horses folk sound, they came off rather directionless. I find myself enjoying more of their electric songs. "Feud" is a quick 3 minute cut that is clearly relationship driven. "Dumpster World" is my 2nd favorite track on the album. The raunchy cut about drugs and evil is a fun rocker. Other than that everything seemed really watered down. Maybe it wasn't ambitious enough for me, and maybe it'll grow on me, but for now I don't see this as an album that's going to get a whole lot of playing time. 

Knock Knock

Dumpster World

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The Avett Brothers-"The Carpenter" 7/10

I'll never pretend to be some expert on this band. I like them, and have liked them since about 2007, but that's really all I can say about our relationship. I've seen them twice live, but not as the main act. My earliest exposure to them came from my good friend Will Stewart, and at the time I was hearing the really wild-ass Avett Brothers material.  I really like it when they rock out, but I get very easily bored with some of their more beautiful slow songs. Maybe it's my disdain for country music, because I should really appreciate how they will never just play a song with a basic chord progression and leave that as the only substance to the song. No matter what there are always fantastic guitar fills that keep the songs from sounding bland.  In their last effort, 2009's "I and Love and You", they had once and for all cemented themselves in the conversation of indie/folk/Americana bands that you must give a shot.  While I had a few issues with just flat out getting bored during that record, it also had some gems that won't be forgotten.  Again, I was the victim of high expectations. They had brought in Rick Rubin to produce, a guy most well known for his rock producing background. I think I expected a more upbeat record.  With expectations out the window, I took in "The Carpenter" and it turned out to be quite the roller coaster.  I'm doing a track by track, because it's pretty good.

1. The Once and Future Carpenter 5/10

Definitely not how I would have started the album off, but I can definitely appreciate the musicianship and the religious undertones and death themed message. It just didn't do it for me though. I compare it to waiting in line to ride the Texas Giant or something.

2. Live and Die 10/10

The roller coaster is in motion. Excitement level peaking. Just a great song, and very fun. It might be too simple for some, but that is compensated for later on in the album.

3. Winter in my Heart 4/10

Kind of a hazy track. I compared it to getting off the roller coaster. Kind of dizzy. There's an emptiness in the lyrics, but a haziness in the song. Not a bad song by any means, but definitely nothing to remember.

4. Pretty Girl From Michigan 9/10

Continuing their "Pretty Girl.." series is this punchy song. Heartbreaking fun.

5. I Never Knew You 8/10

The background harmonies are so well placed and essential to this cut. I don't really know, I think the word i'm looking for is thumpy.

6. February Seven 3/10

This one bored me, but I think if I found the deeper meaning of the song I might dig in more. 

7 Through My Prayers 1/10

This one bored me even more.

8. Down with the Shine 6/10

I'm pretty sure this song is about Moonshine and the temporary effects. Who doesn't like moonshine?

9. A Father's First Spring 8/10

Yeah it's a slow one, but a good. It's clearly about being a father, and how having a kid suddenly removes you from yourself. 

10. Geraldine 8/10

It's under 2 minutes and is the perfect precursor to...

11. Paul Newman vs. The Demons 10/10

The Rick Rubin influence finally appears in this one. A hard rocking song, and I wish they would go this route  more often. So good.

12. Life 5/10

Sounds like something that would have been on "I and Love and You". It doesn't pack a punch, but it's a decent way to end an album on a gentle note.

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The Divine Fits-"A Thing Called Divine Fits"

Spoon's Britt Daniel leads an effort with Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade, and Sam Brown of New Brown Turks. It's not overly ambitious, but it's a record that is simply good. It's not great, it's not particularly memorable either, but it's also not a turd or anything resembling a turd. If you like Spoon, then I have no doubts that you will like this album. I'm glad this record exists, just for the sole reason that it is the album that contains "Shivers". I really, really love that song.

Highlights: "Shivers", "My Love is Real", "Flaggin A Ride", "Baby Got Worse", and "For Your Heart"

Shivers

STATE OF THE SHOW ADDRESS: SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

This is the first of a potentially new series that i'm calling "The State of the Show Address".  The idea being that i'll preview some of the upcoming television shows for the fall.  Sometimes I forget I have a blog though, so no guarantees.  For my first entry of this mini-series, i'm taking a look at Saturday Night Live.

Although not at it's apex by any means, Saturday Night Live is a television institution.  Like many, I don't watch it live anymore, but I do watch it.  I ignore reruns for the most part, but when the new season begins each fall it's a lock to take up space on my DVR.  Next season marks the 38th of the program's history and one that could be vital to the future.

Cast members Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Abby Elliott will not be returning.  Jason Sudeikis, the male lead, has yet to confirm that he is returning.  See my post from 3 months ago regarding tension with Sudeikis during last season's finale.  

Additions to the cast will be made, in fact it's really hard to imagine them not bringing in at least 3 new members.  I'm of the belief that they should bring in five or six new members on half season contracts, and throw them up against the wall.  In any form, we should expect new cast additions any day now.

As it's currently constructed, if Sudeikis doesn't return, the 2012/2013 SNL cast looks like this...

Fred Armisen
Vanessa Bayer
Bill Hader
Taran Killam
Kate McKinnon
Seth Meyers
Bobby Moynihan
Nasim Pedrad
Jay Pharoah
Kenan Thompson

2011/2012 SNL Season 37 Airtime Chart

As far as the men go, Armisen is capable of picking up some slack, but with his investment to Portlandia, it's hard to see him expanding his role any.  In fact, I'd expect that we see less of Armisen on SNL in both the short and long term.  Bill Hader is probably overall the most talented person on the cast, and he would likely move into the male lead role if Sudeikis bolts.  He is a really strong and consistently solid piece to Saturday Night Live.  He's just the type of person you need going forward, especially if they try to reload with a bunch of fresh faces.  Taran Killam shined last year, and is also a definite candidate to take over the lead role.  The husband of Cobie Smulders (Robin from How I Met Your Mother), has proven that he can carry a load in multiple roles.  Seth Meyers is the head writer of the show, and pretty much only does Weekend Update now.  I like Seth Meyers, but I kind of feel like it's time for a change.  Bringing in a female co-host on Weekend Update might freshen things up a bit, and also might take the load off of Meyers.  I vote Nasim Pedrad, but perhaps a new hire could give that role a shot.  Either way, Weekend Update needs a major re-tooling from a delivery standpoint.  Too often, it's been jokes centered around photo-shopped pictures.  The guests have been a high point of the show over the last couple years with the introduction of Stephon, Drunk Uncle, and Nicholas Cage to name a few.  Moving on, Bobby Moynihan has proven to be a solid contributor as well.  As previously stated, his character "Drunk Uncle" was a pleasant surprise towards the end of last season.  He's a keeper.  Jay Pharoah is the impressionist extraordinaire, but really struggles with basic acting in formulated scripts.  They need to see some improvement out of him this season.  His impersonations are fantastic, but he can only do the Chris Rock, Denzel Washington, or Will Smith a certain amount of times before it becomes tired.  I like the guy a lot, and I love the talent, but he must improve and become useful when not doing impersonations.  That leaves us with Kenan Thompson.  The star of "Good Burger" has been a pretty polarizing topic among SNL fans.  I think he's really improved over the last 5 years.  Once he stopped trying to be Tracy Morgan, I think he adapted to different roles.  Until last season's addition of Pharoah, more than anything Thompson was a victim of being the only black guy on the cast.  I think he's still got a place, but hopefully they pick and choose his spots better and use him in smaller doses. 

As we move to the females, I think the disclaimer is that it's hard to get a good read on any of these ladies because they were cock blocked by SNL's use of Kristen Wiig.  While Wiig is a top 5 female cast member of all-time, there's no doubt that she was overused over the last few years of her SNL career.  Vanessa Bayer's second year was last season, and she is most well known for her impersonation of Miley Cyrus.  I don't see her as lead material, but she's a good piece to the female core.  A less funny Rachel Dratch in my eyes.  Next is Kate McKinnon.  She was brought on in April of last season, and did a decent job in a couple different roles that were largely unnoticed.  I'm looking forward to see what else she brings to the table when she's used for a full year.  Nasim Pedrad is the last female currently still on the roster.  To me, Pedrad is the biggest victim of the Wiig era.  A lot of roles that Wiig played, could have easily been played by Pedrad as well, or at least I would have liked to see her get more time in key roles.  She's in position to take over as the female lead, but that could change depending on how aggressive Saturday Night Live is with their cast additions.  In any circumstance, the female roster is currently thin, and I'm hopeful that SNL will tack on 2 or 3 new female cast members in the coming weeks.

I've heard questions about whether or not SNL will be around much longer.  NBC is a struggling network, and DVR's really take away any pertinent need for live programming on late Saturday nights.  They need to have a strong season, and I think if they make the right additions to the cast, then it'll prove a much needed rejuvenation to the writers and older cast members.  I just have a hard time being hopeful for the immediate future of the show.  Losing Wiig, Samberg, Elliott, and possibly Sudeikis is a huge blow, especially in an election year.  This could be the toughest test SNL has faced in the last decade, and I don't really see them passing the test with flying colors.  I hope i'm wrong.

KT's 2012 Emmy Nomination Wishlist

Tomorrow morning Nick Offerman and some other lady that I sort of recognize will announce the official nominees for the 2012 Emmy Awards which will televise on September 23rd.  The Emmy's are my favorite award show.  I've grown to hate the Academy Awards and the Grammy's for different reasons, but the Emmy's have a sense of comfortability and a casual attitude that I find endearing.  It's not as pretensious as The Oscars, and it's not filled with as much crap as the Grammy's.  Jimmy Kimmel is the host, and I personally find him to be rather funny and a good emcee.

DISCLAIMER
These are not my predictions.  These are who I would pick.  I haven't seen every show, so for those it'll be based on word of mouth and critical reviews.  Yes, it'll be flooded with Parks and Recreation.  I'll try to be as biased as possible.  Let's get it.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
*Last year's winner: Melissa McCarthy from Mike and Molly

KT's Ballot
Amy Poehler in Parks and Recreation
Tina Fey in 30 Rock
Kaitlin Olsen in It's Always Sunny...
Julie Bowen in Modern Family
Lena Dunham in Girls
Christina Applegate in Up All Night

Tina Fey is grandfathered (or grandmothered) in.  I don't watch 30 Rock, but I eventually will.  I also don't watch New Girl and Zooey Deschanel will get a lot of love from Emmy voters.  Lena Dunham has been called this year's Louie CK, and while I don't neccessarily find her hilarious, I get that she definitely has something and should be nominated.  I can't see Applegate getting a nod here, but she was fantastic in Up All Night.  I think she's funnier than Will Arnett in that show.  Julie Bowen might not even be a candidate for this award but i'm putting her there anyway.  Anyone who watched Modern Family knows Phil and Claire are the rock of that show, and Claire is definitely better than Sofia Vergara.  I've beamed about my love for what Dee Reynolds did last season in It's Always Sunny.  I can't talk enough about how great she was, but she'll get overlooked as It's Always Sunny always seems to do.  The winner better be Amy Poehler.  Her progression as Leslie Knope has continued to incline as the series has gone on.  She's my winner, although I expect they'll give it to the fat chick from Mike and Molly or Elaine from Veep.  Meh! Meh! Ooooh double meh!

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
*Last Year's Winner: Jim Parsons of Big Bang Theory

KT's Ballot
Louie C.K. in Louie
Joel McHale in Community
Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm
Adam Scott in Parks and Recreation
Rob McElhenny in It's Always Sunny...
Ty Burrell in Modern Family

Rob McElhenny is on the list only because of the balls to pull off what will be known as Fat Mac.  He doesn't stand a chance on the actual ballot.  Last year's winner for supporting actor Ty Burrell should be in this category, but he'll again be relagated to the supporting role. Joel McHale and Adam Scott definitely took their characters further, and they are two of my favorite current actors but I can't really give them the nod either.  I've seen very few episodes of Curb, but I know Larry David deserves a nod over Hank Moody, Kenny Powers, Ed Helms, or any of the guys from The Big Bang Theory.  My winnner here is Louie C.K., and it's not really that close.  I guess you could make the argument that he's not really acting because that show feels so real, but I think he will win and he'd be my choice if I was given out the award.  That's high praise, considering the double man crush I have on Joel McHale and Adam Scott.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
*Last year's winner: Julie Bowen in Modern Family

KT's Ballot
Gillian Jacobs in Community
Aubrey Plaza in Parks and Recreation
Kristen Wiig in Saturday Night Live
Jane Lynch in Glee
Alison Brie in Community
Cobie Smulders in How I Met Your Mother

I obviously don't watch Glee, but Jane Lynch is awesome in pretty much everything so i'm counting her in.  Technically Julie Bowen and Kaitlin Olsen would be up for this category, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me because they should both be considered leads in my opinion.  To replace them i'm having to dig deep.  After digging deep i've come to realize that i'm probably not very well certified for this category.  I'm rolling with my girls from Community because they were awesome, specifically Gillian Jacobs who definitely outperformed Alison Brie and Annie's Boobs this season.  Cobie Smulders and Kristen Wiig get consistency votes, but my winner this year is Aubrey Plaza.  People that know me are well aware of my undying love for her, but she really was amazing in this season of Parks and Rec.  She's gone from an attitudinal intern, to a loving wife and a bit of a problem solver on the show.  She's shown some heart.  She was really good and she gets my vote for the win.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
*Last year's winner: Ty Burrell of Modern Family

KT's BALLOT
Nick Offerman in Parks and Recreation
Eric Stonestreet in Modern Family
Tony Hale in Veep
Jim Rash in Community
Donald Glover in Community
Bill Hader in Saturday Night Live

Ty Burrell will be up for this category again for some reason.  I feel like it's pretty clear that he should be defined as a lead, but I could be wrong.  Hell, i'm probably wrong.  As much as i'd like to say Ron Swanson should be the winner here, he really shouldn't.  It was sort of a down year for Ron Swanson.  A down year for Ron Swanson is better than most years for other actors though.  Tony Hale basically played Buster Bluth on Veep. Eric Stonestreet continues to be extremely gay, but extremely funny on Modern Family.  Two guys from Community stepped their game up as their national recognition has gotten higher.  Jim Rash, after winning an Academy Award for helping right The Descendants, was hilarious in his role as the Dean of Greendale Community College.  Donald Glover now has a legit rap career as Childish Gambino, and he was funnier than ever as Troy Barnes in Community.  My winner though, goes to Bill Hader.  With Jason Sudekis possibly leaving, Bill Hader has put himself in prime position to be the male lead on SNL next season.  Stephon, Clint Eastwood, Generic Game Show Host...you name it, he probably has done it.  Bill Hader gets my vote.

BEST COMEDY SERIES
*Last year's winner: Modern Family

KT's Ballot
Modern Family
Parks and Recreation
Community
Louie
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Curb Your Enthusiasm

I'm sure 30 Rock, The Office, The Big Bang Theory, and Glee will all get nominations.  I don't think The Big Bang Theory is funny at all, but I know a ton of people who do.  Glee is more of a drama than a comedy I hear, but I really can't be certain of that.  The Office had a down year, and pretty much everyone will vouch for that.  I thought New Girl was just stupid more than funny, and I haven't seen enough of Happy Endings to know, but I hear it really got funny after the first few episodes.  Curb makes the list because it's always funny.  I'm not a P1 of the show, but I know it's great.  Modern Family and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia were great again, but probably a notch below their prior form.  Louie may be the best thing going overall, and could almost even be ruled a drama.  Community had a very good first half, but sort of tapered off on the back end.  That leaves Parks and Recreation, the show that continues to get better and better.  It's better than The Office in it's prime.  How it still goes largely unnoticed will forever be a conundrum to me. The show is damn good.  

Gotta speed things up now.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
*Last year's winner: Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife

KT's Ballot
Clare Danes in Homeland
Elizabeth Moss in Mad Men
Jessica Pare in Mad Men
Emmy Rossum in Shameless
Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife
Katey Sagal in Sons of Anarchy

KT's WINNER: CLARE DANES in HOMELAND

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
*Last year's winner: Kyle Chandler in Friday Night Lights

KT's Ballot
Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad
Jon Hamm in Mad Men
Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empire
Damian Lewis in Homeland
Timothy Olyphant in Justified
Jeremy Irons in The Borgias

KT's WINNER: BRYAN CRANSTON in BREAKING BAD

This was a tough one between Cranston and Hamm.  "I am the one who knocks" helps take the cake though.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
*Last year's winner: Margo Martindale in Justified

KT's Ballot
Christina Hendricks in Mad Men
Kelly Macdonald in Boardwalk Empire
Morena Baccarin in Homeland
Anna Gunn in Breaking Bad
Kiernan Shipka in Mad Men
Lena Headey in Game of Thrones

KT'S WINNER: ANNA GUNN in BREAKING BAD

This was down to Gunn and Macdonald.  As much as I hate Skyler, I played into account how great of a job she did in making me hate her.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
*Last year's winner: Peter Dinklage in Game of Thrones

KT's Ballot
Peter Dinklage in Game of Thrones
Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad
Giancarlo Esposito in Breaking Bad
Mandy Patinkin in Homeland
Michael Pitt in Boardwalk Empire
Johnathan Banks in Breaking Bad

Holy crap, what a category.  Dinklage, Paul, Esposito, Pitt, and Banks are all a step ahead of Patinkin.  I'm going with Aaron Paul.  He took Jesse Pinkman to new depths.  Everybody else was awesome.  If I had to rank this category it'd be Paul, Pitt, Esposito, Dinklage, and Banks.  Man, this is tough though.  Yeah. Okay. I'm going with Aaron Paul.  Yeah Bitch, Magnets!

KT'S WINNER: AARON PAUL

BEST DRAMA SERIES
*Last year's winner: Mad Men

KT's Ballot
Breaking Bad
Boardwalk Empire
Game of Thrones
Homeland
Mad Men
Justified

KT'S WINNER: BREAKING BAD

The others are awesome, but that season 4 of Breaking Bad had me trembling.

NBC Fall Premieres/FX Stuff

NBC's Summer/Fall 2012 Premieres (New Shows in CAPS)

Wednesday, August 8

"GO ON" (sneak peek following Olympic Games coverage)

"Go On" is a show starring Matthew Perry about a sportscaster who goes to rehab.  I follow a few people on twitter who have seen the pilot for this, and the review was not good.  

Sunday, August 12

"ANIMAL PRACTICE" (sneak peek following Olympic Games Closing Ceremonies)

This show's lead is Nancy Botwin's brother in law on "Weeds".  Apparently he's a vet who loves animals but hates the owners.  Just like the Chandler Bing project, reviews of the pilot have not been pleasant.

Monday, August 13

8-10 p.m. "STARS EARN STRIPES" (two-hour premiere)

10-11 p.m. "Grimm"

I don't know what the hell these are.

Wednesday, September 5

7:30-8:30 p.m. "NFL Kickoff Special 2012" (regular season)

8:30-11 p.m. "Sunday Night Football" (regular season)

COWBOYS

Sunday, September 9

7-8:15 p.m. "Football Night in America" (regular day and time)

8:15-11 p.m. "Sunday Night Football" (regular day and time)

 Monday, September 10

8-10 p.m. "The Voice"

 Tuesday, September 11

9-9:30 p.m.  "GO ON" (time period premiere)

9:30-10 p.m. "THE NEW NORMAL"

10-11 p.m. "Parenthood"

Parenthood is a drama and while it's not great, from what I saw in it's first two seasons wasn't that awful.  The New Normal is a new show featuring a gay couple.  I'm hearing it tries to be like Modern Family, but it's just not very good at all.

Wednesday, September 12

10-10:30 p.m. "GUYS WITH KIDS" (sneak peek after penultimate "America’s Got Talent")

Not really sure what it is, but my sources say the pilot was incredibly NOT funny.

Friday, Sept 14

9-10pm - "Grimm" (time period premiere)

Monday, September 17

10-11 p.m. "REVOLUTION"

I may actually give this a chance only because it has Giancarlo Esposito (Gus from Breaking Bad).  Early reviews say the pilot was now that revolutionary, but also insisted that it wasn't bad either.

Thursday, September 20

8:30-9 p.m. "Up All Night"

9-9:30 p.m. "The Office"

9:30-10 p.m. "Parks and Recreation"

Okay, now we're getting to the wheelhouse.  Season 2 of Up All Night is extremely important if you ask me.  I thought about half the episodes ranked in the decent-good range, and I thought the other fifty percent was absolute crap.  You could see the potential though. I'm interested to see if they try to create an arc or two, or if they stick to the same formula.  I could see this thing dying off after Season 2 if it doesn't progress.

The Office is really interesting just because we're talking about a show with an undetermined future.  More on this in the coming weeks.

Parks and Recreation gets a full order in Season 5 and will kick it off coming off a city council election win for Leslie Knope.  I'll definitely have a Season 5 preview up sometime before September, but I will say this...I think Ron Swanson (who was fairly quiet in Season 4) will be HUGE in Season 5.

Wednesday, September 26

8-8:30 p.m. "ANIMAL PRACTICE" (time period premiere)

8:30-9 p.m. "GUYS WITH KIDS" (time period premiere)

9-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (two-hour premiere)

Thursday, October 4

8-8:30 p.m. "30 Rock"

Final Season.

Wednesday, October 10

10-11 p.m. "CHICAGO FIRE"

Friday, October 19

8-8:30 p.m. "Whitney"

8:30-9 p.m. "Community"

This is what Community has come to.  It's been left to die on Friday nights.  The ratings will be awful, but that doesn't really matter.  If the show has marginal success in the first couple episodes, I could see it's 13 episode order getting extended (especially if the new comedies tank...which is likely).  As for Whitney, i'll spend another fall trying to understand how in the hell it didn't get cancelled.

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Other TV stuff...My same source watched two episodes of Charlie Sheen's new FX show "Anger Management", which premieres at the end of the month, and he said it was like pulling off a band-aid. He claimed he had to "power through" the second episode he watched.  I won't be surprised if it's as bad as he says, but I also won't be surprised if it has marginal success.  

On a side note, I really like what FX is doing.  While I don't really think Wilfred is that great, Louie is one of the best shows on television and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is ramping up for Season 8.  I'm pretty sure i'll hate the Russell Brand project and Sheen's new show, but I like that FX is expanding to more original comedies.