Paqman's Top 10 Albums Of 2011 - The Year Of The Mixtape

Tens of thousands of albums have been released this past year, so P&B are taking on the arduous task of breaking down our very own Top 10 Albums of 2011 List. This is the second of a 2-part series (Turnbull's first, with Paqman's second). We'll break down the albums, EPs, and mixtapes, etc, that made for quintessential listening throughout the year. If you don't see something on here that you feel should've made the lists, feel free to leave a comment or send us an email about it!

10) Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

The Foo had one hell of a year. They reestablished themselves as the premiere stadium rock band with a massive sold out tour. If you haven't checked out the "Back and Forth" documentary which chronicles the band's history and the making of "Wasting Light", it's a must for any fan of the Foo Fighters and modern rock.

P&B Approved Cuts: Bridges Burning, Rope, Arlandia

 9) Drake - Take Care

Canada's hottest export did not fail with his sophomore release. With longtime producer Noah "40" Shebib, Just Blaze and T-Minus, Drake proved that his star continues to rise as he delivers his trademark introspective lyrics over fantastically produced beats.

P&B Approved Cuts: Buried Alive Interlude, Under Ground Kings, Take Care

Turnbull's Top 10 Albums of 2011

Tens of thousands of albums have been released this past year, so P&B are taking on the arduous task of breaking down our very own Top 10 Albums of 2011 List. This is the first of a 2-part series (Turnbull's first, with Paqman's to follow). We'll break down the albums, EPs, and mixtapes, etc, that made for quintessential listening throughout the year. If you don't see something on here that you feel should've made the lists, feel free to leave a comment or send us an email about it!

10) Theophilus London - Lovers Holiday

Amongst a couple of mixtapes, and a major label debut that I found somewhat disappointing, this 5-track EP captured the true essence of this debonnair Brooklyn MC/singer-songwriter, who sights Prince, Mike J, and The Smiths as his key influences.  London is a fashion savvy street rebel who struck gold with this short yet solid set of tracks.

P&B Approved Cuts: Strangelove, Wine & Chocolates

9) Bon Iver (s/t)

Truth be known, I didn't know what to make of this album when I first heard it, but it certainly has grown on me over time.  This record serves less as an album, and more as a collection of lush 'soundscapes' that conjure up the same feelings of isolation shown on Bon Iver's critically acclaimed debut album For Emma, Forever Ago.

P&B Approved Cuts: Perth, Holocene, Towers

Happy Holidays From Paqman&Bull

(Photo via fairfaxbynight.com)

We want to take this opportunity to wish everyone happy holidays, no matter how you celebrate. Best wishes to you and yours, even if you have been naughty or nice. 

We will be going dark for the next few days, but have a few treats in store for you before 2011 wraps up. Please keep it locked as both Paqman and Turnbull will be offering you their top 10 albums of 2011. There might be a few surprises on our lists, but we posted some clues throughout the year if you have been faithfully reading since our launch in February. 

Thanks again for being among our readership. We are truly thankful for you taking the time to stop by and read our work.

- Paqman&Bull 

Frank Ocean Named One Of GQ's 2011 'Men Of The Year'

image via hypebeast.com

Gentlemen's Quarterly magazine has dropped its annual "Men Of The Year" list, which recognizes/acknowledges/verifies the "coolness" factor of select cats in the fields of music, sports, film, comedy, etc.

The honour of "Rookie Of The Year" went to the incomparable Mr. Frank Ocean, who caught everyone off-guard with the sheer genius of his debut mixtape nostalgia, ULTRA. It is, hands down, my favourite record of 2011, and I broke down the impact that Ocean has had on the music scene this year in a previous post.

P&B would like to offer our congrats to Frank for this most prestigious award (lol), as it's great when a publication, or organization (or whomever) gets it right when dishing out recognition for dope shit.

Other 2011 winners include Jay-Z, Steve Carell, Michael Fassbender, Novak Djokovic, Mila Kunis (I know she's not a guy, but her sheer hotness cannot go unrecognized!), and Derrick Rose.

For a full breakdown of this year's list, click HERE.

-Turnbull

The Ultimate Fighter Anti-Finale

Because watching them debate might be more exciting!

image via hov-mma.com

In a business where the ability to hype a fight is quickly becoming as important as striking and grappling, the two men set to face one another in Las Vegas Saturday night are without equal.

Good thing, because tonight's Bisping/Miller fight has all the hallmarks of a snoozer. 

The Ultimate Fighter season 14 finale between coaches Michael Bisping and Jason “Mayhem” Miller is an interesting fight mainly due to the fact that it’s between two of the biggest mouths in the UFC. Neither of these guys has knockout power, nor do they have outstanding stand-up technique.  What strengths they do possess -- including talking shit -- pretty much cancel each other out.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs 1955-2011

(Photo via apple.com)

Apple Co-Founder and visionary Steve Jobs has passed away today due to pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind a company that changed so many facets of the way we consume media through amazing products like the Mac, iPod and iPad to name a few. Jobs brought the music industry into the Digital age, even though they didn't want to give in. He did what he wanted, and everyone followed suit.

Powerful. Brilliant. Charismatic. Innovative. Genius.

In life as in death, he's a legendary icon that will continue to inspire the masses.

-Paqman

Pearl Jam Twenty to Debut at 2011 Toronto International Film Festival

photo via seenandheard.com.au

Pearl Jam are set to premiere Pearl Jam Twenty at this year's Toronto International Film Festival.  

The documentary film will be released as a part of the band's 20th Anniversary celebration.

Directed by filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Singles, Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire), the film will also receive a wider theatrical release in select locations beginning September 20th.

Other plans for the film include a television premiere in October as part of the PBS American Masters series, and a DVD release of the movie later that month.

Check out the trailer for a sneak peek:

-Turnbull

Delicious Food Show To Hit Toronto October 20-23



photo via deliciousfoodshow.com

Attention Toronto Food Fans!

The Delicious Food Show is coming to the city in October.

Peep the video and also visit deliciousfoodshow.com for more details.



-Turnbull