Lefty Side of the Dial

I think just about every time I do these "weekly" top tens I always say that it has been a long time, but I really mean it this time. Here is what has been taking up my time, other than watching expensive pieces of equipment break down:

1. Guitar Hero II

I suck at Guitar Hero II. After I finish playing a long session of Guitar hero my fingers hurt, and my left hand cramps. In spite of this, I am having a blast playing this game, because I often get to play this with Mrs. Lefty as my bass or rhythm guitarist. I have been trying to eek out a few more achievements out of the game, before Guitar Hero III comes out. I may never get beyond Normal, heck my skill lies more in Easy...but I do make some really good rock god moves. One of these days Mrs. L will videotape me and upload it to Youtube and I'll have more notoriety than the lightsaber kid. Until then, I'll be rocking out.

2. God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert

I am finally reading one of my favorite books of the series. I can't remember why I liked this book of the series the most, but I'm looking forward to rediscovering why (I think it has something to do with the Duncan ghola). I am just having a blast re-reading all the books.

3. The Office

The Office continues to entertain me. It's my one show I absolutely must watch the next day (I almost never watch anything live these days). I am really liking the change in dynamics as relationships change, people move the corporate ladder, and Stanley still couldn't give a rat's ass. The Office is perhaps, for the moment, the funniest show on T.V.

4. Reaper

I finally have gotten around to watching Reaper, and have to say right now it is my favorite new show on television. It has successfully eclipsed Chuck for that honor. That distinction may change when I start watching the several episodes of Pushing Daisies I have lined up on the DVR. Mrs. L can't stop raving about that show. It's like watching a slacker male Buffy (of the Vampire slayer variety) try to capture souls that have escaped from hell....all because his parents sold his soul to the devil.

5. Halo 3

Yes I finished the campaign the day it came out. Yes, I'm not the greatest multiplayer player. That being said, I am now a Halo fan because I enjoy all the custom games you can play. I also love the saved films functions that brings a little Youtube magic to the Xbox 360.

6. Primus "Frizzle Fry"

I downloaded this album after seeing it was available on eMusic. One of my favorite songs to play on Guitar Hero II is John the Fisherman, which is on this album. I foresee that this won't be my last Primus purchase. I love the Zappa-like sound and groove that is magnetic. I now want to hear other albums. This one has gotten a lot of play on my iPod in the last week.

7. The Orange Box

What is the Orange Box? It's a collection of games from the game developer, Valve. On one game disc you get Half Life 2, Half Life 2 Episode One, Half Life2 Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. I've never played Half Life 2 which came out several years ago for the PC, so I've really been enjoying working my way through that. Also, the game has 99 achievements...which is fun to chip away at.

8. Chuck

Just because it's not my favorite new show this season, doesn't mean I don't enjoy it. Oh, Adam Baldwin I can't quit you. I am still loving this show, in particular the cast that surround Chuck.

9. Bruce Springsteen "Magic"

So this Friday I am finally seeing Bruce WITH the E Street Band. I am a bit excited, but not as excited as the total Bruce-fanatic I'll be accompanying...that Paul Taylor loves him some Bruce. This new album is pretty good, but it hasn't really wowed me yet. The songs make me think of Gov't Mule in that often a song is good not great, but once played life will tilt the earth on its axis and bring you a little closer to the universe. This album is full of songs that seemed trapped by the physic object of the compact disc, just waiting to be fully-realized on stage and in "the moment". It will be very interesting to see how I view this album after the concert on Friday.

10. Radiohead "In Rainbows"

Let's get it out in the open first....I paid nothing for this album. Zero. Zilch. I'm okay with that. The band is okay with that (otherwise they wouldn't have let me choose my price). However some folks may think I'm ripping an artist off. The album only exists on my laptop and on my iPod. I'm not a huge Radiohead fan. I rather like their early stuff, but their output in the last few years I never felt the inclination to pick-up. This album is...well it's interesting. It's hasn't hooked me yet, but there's something indescribable there that I haven't qujite grasped. I've been listening to it quite a bit of the past week or so, almost like I'm studying for a test or reading my bible waiting for new knowledge to make this blind man see the brilliance in Radiohead. I haven't found it yet, but I'm patient and trust by the recommendations of my friends that it will arrive.