Well the year is winding down, and most of the music/movies/new things that are going to come out is out. So now come the lists of best albums, best new movies, best comeback albums, best novels, best website, best Norwegians alternative polka double albums, etc. And since my list would be somewhat reminiscent of the stuff that I have been posting on here all year, I figured I would give you something a little different: I’m just going to virtually scrapbook some things together as the year is winding down. This way we both win: I get to share cool stuff with you and I don’t have to choose a list format (movie, music, books, etc..). Look for more installments before the year is over. (also be on the lookout for Reformissionary‘s best albums list: it’s consistently awesome)

tUnE-yArDs

With the release of this springs w h o k i l l album, this crazy lo-fi, high angry one-gal band has made the most unusual/fun album of the year. It can get a bit weird, but that’s part of the charm. And even when it’s weird, it’s always catchy. Check out their live session on KEXP from earlier this year

Gospel Wakefulness

Jared Wilson’s newest book, Gospel Wakefulness is one of the most theologically rich, passionate, well written things that I have read in a long time. If you haven’t checked it out, I highly, highly recommend it. I reviewed it a while back, for more info check out that review here.

South Sudan

On July 8th of this year, South Sudan became the newest independent nation since Kosovo broke up with Serbia in 2008. After some tribal disputes and bloody war with Sudan over border issues (Europe’s fault… imperialism was a bad idea) Sudan and the rest of the world recognized South Sudan as their own entity. I’m hoping Kurdistan is next in 2012!

The Castle Theatre

In late 2010, the The Castle Theatre came under new ownership after being restored a few years earlier and becoming an unsuccessful movie theatre. The new owners decided to turn this awesome place into the music venue that Bloomington, Illinois was missing. And away they went, exploding in 2011. In the last year, this small, independent music venue has brought in some awesome acts such as

• Alejandro Escovedeo
• The Old 97′s
• Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
• Steve Earle & The Dukes
• Jakob Dylan
• Snoop Dogg
• Toad the Wet Sprocket
• Yonder Mountain String Band
• Twista
• Ha Ha Tonka
• The Felice Brothers
• Del McCoury
• Robert Earl Keen
• Afroman
• Underoath
• and MANY more (there are like 4 shows a week, it’s great)

If you live in Central Illinois and for some reason you haven’t checked out The Castle yet, do it. It is easily the best venue south of the Aragon Ballroom.