Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #6-5

6.Between the Buried and Me-The Parallax II: Future Sequence (2012)
After a not overly great start, Between the Buried and Me closed out The Parallax Saga on an incredibly high note. Metal's most accomplished mad scientists concocted something that is unpredictable and out there even by their lofty standards as this invigoratingly over-the-top epic prog adventure shifts through tempos/genres/unconventional instrumentation at a breakneck pace.
Standout Tracks: 1.Bloom 2.Lay Your Ghosts to Rest 3.Telos 

5.Lana Del Rey-Born to Die (2012):
The polarizing legend of Lana Del Rey was built here. Born to Die shaped an entire generation of pop artists with its lush, melancholic sound that combined understated atmosphere with the genre's traditional catchiness to make something that's hauntingly beautiful and thoroughly intoxicating.
Standout Tracks: 1.Blue Jeans 2.Off to the Races 3.National Anthem

Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #8-7

8.Revocation-Deathless (2014):
As strong as Revocation's catalog is from top to bottom, Deathless stands defiantly atop the heap. It's an absolutely monstrous record that has only become more ferocious over time. The riff faucet never stops running at full blast, the genre variation (progressive, thrash, melodeath, tech death) present in the songwriting is top notch and the eerie atmospherics of the instrumentation perfectly match the Lovecraftian lyrics.
Standout Tracks: 1.Scorched Earth Policy 2.A Debt Owed to the Grave 3.The Blackest Reaches

7.The Black Dahlia Murder-Nightbringers (2017):
Member changes have plagued The Black Dahlia Murder throughout their career. While their two remaining founding members (vocalist Trevor Strnad, rhythm guitarist/primary songwriter Brian Eschbach) have done a terrific job of mitigating a lot of the potential negative effects that come with frequent turnover, there's no question that having a different lineup on almost every record (since their 2003 debut LP Unhallowed, they've had 5 drummers, 3 bassists and 3 lead guitarists) has had varying degrees of impact over the years. Their latest change at lead guitarist (Brandon Ellis replaced Ryan Knight-who had been with the band since 2009) ended up being the best thing to happen to them creatively in several years as Nightbringers was their most inspired effort since a certain record that came out earlier in the decade that will be appearing later on in this countdown. Ellis' electric solowork and explosive riffs served as a needed shot of adrenaline for a band that was coming off of two of their weaker efforts (Everblack, Abysmal). His zest for playing fast, bouncy riffs resulted in the band embracing a sound that was pretty reminiscent of the early Gothenburg melodeath, which subsequently made this perhaps the most purely fun record they've put out.  
Favorite Tracks: 1.Kings of the Nightworld 2.Matriarch 3.As Good As Dead

2020 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 (Updated 4/8)

1.Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU)
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
4.New York Giants: Tristian Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
5.Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback (Alabama)
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr, tackle (Alabama)
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
10.Cleveland Browns: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
11.New York Jets: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
13.San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
15.Denver Broncos: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
16.Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
18.Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
22.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
23.New England Patriots: Zach Braun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU) 
25.Minnesota Vikings: A.J. Terrell, cornerback (Clemson)
26.Miami Dolphins: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
27.Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, edge rusher (Penn State)
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
29.Tennessee Titans: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
30.Green Bay Packers: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
31.San Francisco 49ers: Jaylon Johnson, cornerback (Utah)
32.Kansas City Chiefs: D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)

Quick Movie Reviews: Big Time Adolescence, Uncorked, Coffee & Kareem

Big Time Adolescence:  This comedic coming-of-age story centered around the close friendship of a 16-year old high schooler (Griffin Gluck) and the 20-something screwup (Pete Davidson) that he idolizes captures a very specific slice of the suburban youth experience that doesn't make it to the screen too often. There are people like Davidson's Zeke who spend the early part of their 20's reliving their past glory by partying with kids that are 5-6 years younger than them as a way of postponing the painful responsibility of adulthood and just as many, if not more like Gluck's Mo whose justifiable naivety allows them to view these people as role models in most places around the world. Writer/director Jason Orley is smart enough to avoid glorifying or demonizing this type of relationship by sniffing out the small, teachable moments that can come from engaging in irresponsible behavior as well as portraying the big brother/little brother bond that exists underneath all of the debauchery. Seeing this dynamic played out on screen made Big Time Adolescence a comforting, authentic hangout movie that shouldn't flyer under the radar for much longer.  

Grade: B+

Uncorked: Is calling a movie that's been out for 10 days on Netflix a hidden gem ridiculous? Probably, but I feel like Uncorked has gotten completely buried as a result of all the hype surrounding Tiger King. Prentice Penny's debut effort is an impressively assured family drama that tackles the age old dilemma that faces a young person (Mamoudou Athie, in a beautifully understated performance) that has to choose between following tradition by being groomed to take over the family business (a Memphis barbecue restaurant) or potentially alienating their loved ones by trying to forge their own unconventional path (becoming a master sommelier). Penny does a terrific job of highlighting how life can get in the way of achieving goals without ever feeling contrived, exploring the differing goals/perspectives/personalities of each member of the family and slowly building to a moving conclusion that gives his actors (in addition to Athie, Courtney B. Vance and Niecy Nash are terrific as his parents) ample opportunity to show off their range by weaving well-deployed moments of comedy into the serious narrative. It's the perfect low-key, pick me up for these trying times and I highly recommend anyone that could use a smile or two right now to go check it out.     

Grade: B+

Coffee & Kareem: Michael Dowse has followed up Stuber with another thrifty, unapologetically crass buddy action comedy that feels like it was lifted straight from the 80's. While some of the gags (particularly in the middle of the film) are tasteless and hacky, I'll be damned if I wasn't laughing pretty often during this tightly-paced throwback sleazefest. The aloof cop (Ed Helms)/vulgar kid (Terrance Little Gardenhigh) dynamic works pretty well, the supporting cast is full of fully engaged scene-stealers (Taraji P. Henson, Andrew Bachelor, RonReaco Lee, David Alan Grier, Betty Gilpin-who is quickly building a rock solid quip-spewing action star resume) and the final sequence is bloody, outlandish poetry that features some of the more outrageous on-screen deaths in recent memory. The fact that there is still a place for proudly trashy entertainment like this in 2020 continues to make me happy, so a big thank you to Netflix for providing this completely non-vital public service. 

Grade: B 

Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #10-9

10.Rivers of Nihil-Where Owls Know My Name (2018):
Where Owls Know My Name is a prime example of an artist delivering on the huge amount of potential they flashed on their previous effort. Expanding upon the progressive sound they introduced on 2015's Monarchy by adding several new elements (clean vocals, saxophones, keyboards) to their arsenal introduced a greater scale and surprising amount of emotion for a record that's so extreme in nature. That added dynamism fortunately didn't come at the expense of a reduction in the traditional death metal elements-which hit as hard as ever thanks to guitarist Brody Uttley's mammoth slam riffs and vocalist Jake Dieffenbach's tortured screams.  
Standout Tracks: 1.A Home 2.Subtle Change (Including the Forest of Transition and Dissatisfaction Dance) 3.Hollow

9.Fallujah-The Flesh Prevails (2014):
If it wasn't for somewhat suspect production that mutes a bit of the rich world Fallujah created here, The Flesh Prevails would be a perfect album that easily would've placed in the top 5. This progressive/technical death metal triumph organically mixes no-holds-barred aggression and beautiful atmospherics with stunningly effective results.
Standout Tracks: 1.Starlit Path 2.Levitation 3.The Night Reveals

Top 20 Albums of the 2010's: #12-11

12.Death Grips-The Money Store (2012): 
Crafting music that feels genuinely rebellious is hard to do. Artists that fancy themselves the edgy type often try so hard to manufacture a "punk" sound that it comes off as disingenuous and kind of pathetic. That annoying trend makes the existence of organic anarchy like The Money Store joyously refreshing. This entire record is a carnival of singularly abrasive chaos that thrives on the industrial hip hop trio's abundant rage, speed freak energy and stunning gift for making even the most inaccessible music thoroughly catchy.
Standout Tracks: 1.The Fever (Aye Aye) 2.I've Seen Footage 3.The Cage

11.Danny Brown-Atrocity Exhibition (2016):
The introspective pain that was in the background of Danny Brown's releases like XXX and Old made its way to the forefront with staggering results on Atrocity Exhibition. Aided by a manic, sample-heavy backdrop, Brown takes the listener on a harrowing journey through his personal hell that's driven by depression, self-loathing and substance abuse. While it's often an uncomfortable and distressing listen, it's also a highly poignant and original take on the familiar concept of an artist trying to confront their deeply-rooted demons through art.  
Standout Tracks: 1.Ain't It Funny 2.Golddust 3.From the Ground (feat. Kelela)

2020 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 (Updated 4/1)

1.Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, quarterback (LSU)
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, edge rusher (Ohio State)
3.Detroit Lions: Jeffrey Okudah, cornerback (Ohio State)
4.New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, tackle (Iowa)
5.Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovaiola, quarterback (Alabama)
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, quarterback (Oregon)
7.Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Simmons, inside linebacker (Clemson)
8.Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills Jr., tackle (Alabama)
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Brown, defensive tackle (Auburn)
10.Cleveland Browns: Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle (South Carolina)
11.New York Jets: Ceedee Lamb, wide receiver (Oklahoma)
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver (Alabama)
13.San Francisco 49ers: Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver (Alabama)
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, tackle (Georgia)
15.Denver Broncos: C.J. Henderson, cornerback (Florida)
16.Atlanta Falcons: Kristian Fulton, cornerback (LSU)
17.Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, safety (Alabama)
18.Miami Dolphins: Mekhi Becton, tackle (Louisville)
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Grant Delpit, safety (LSU)
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Diggs, cornerback (Alabama)
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver (Arizona State)
22.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, wide receiver (LSU)
23.New England Patriots: Zach Braun, inside/outside linebacker (Wisconsin)
24.New Orleans Saints: Patrick Queen, inside linebacker (LSU)
25.Minnesota Vikings: Jeff Gladney, cornerback (TCU)
26.Miami Dolphins: A.J. Epenesa, edge rusher (Iowa)
27.Seattle Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Mantos, edge rusher (Penn State)
28.Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, inside linebacker (Oklahoma)
29.Tennnesee Titans: Josh Jones, tackle (Houston)
30.Green Bay Packers: Tee Higgins, wide receiver (Clemson)
31.San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Mims, wide receiver (Baylor)
32.Kansas City Chiefs: D'Andre Swift, running back (Georgia)