2017: A Year in Review

After 10+ consecutive year in review posts of my top 3 faves in topics like music, movies, TV, cars, and more... I figure I've earned the right to shake things up a bit. So this time around, I'm trying something new. Welcome to some of my favorite things that I either loved, discovered, or got into in 2017. These are in no particular order, but there are 9 in total (so yeah, optimized nicely for the Insta).

ADPT Straps


The dudes at Worn and Wound launched their very own American made NATO-style watch strap company this year with the best color combos in the business.


2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Sure, these entry-level all-wheel drives are becoming undeniably ubiquitous, but every time I see an orange one… I just wanna get out and go.


Dunkirk


This is Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus and in my opinion it’s easily the best movie of the year. Also, check out the sound illusion that makes Dunkirk so intense.


The Crown


Just when you're starting to really feel a lack of Downton Abby in your life, along comes The Crown with all of its binge-worthy Britishness.


Arcade Fire - Everything Now


Sure it heavies up on the topical messaging and ABBA inspiration, but man there are some arena-optimized crowd pleasers here that make this one an instant classic.


Farer Aqua Compressor Hecla


Yes, I've become a little watch obsessed this year (even more than usual), and this particular model from an inspiring brand really brings it home: simple, functional, beautiful.


Gear Patrol Magazine


I love that a publication, which was born online, can enter the traditional, printed space with such style and sophistication. Opening this magazine feels like Christmas morning every time.


The Grey Nato Podcast


Adventurers Jason Heaton and James Stacey dial up the outdoor inspiration with an every-other-week podcast that kinda makes you wish it was a daily deal.


Under an Arctic Sky


Photographer turned documentarian Chris Burkard delivers an epically frigid film that captures the hunt for the ideal arctic wave. Wait until the end, it's worth it!

2016: A Year in Review

Top 3 Favorite Albums

3. Future Present Past EP - The Strokes

I know this one’s just a little 4 track EP, but I wore it out on my walks to and from Grand Central. Standout track: Oblivius (Moretti Remix)

2. Cleopatra - The Lumineers

Definitely got my fix of Hey’s and Ho’s with The Lumineers’ next big album. Standout track: Gun Song

1. Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Sing Street

This was tough. This flick was easily one of my faves, but its music is what took it to the top of this particular top 3 list. Standout track: Drive It Like You Stole It

Top 3 Favorite Movies

3. La La Land

I’d pretty much follow these two anywhere, even into a musical stroll through an insider’s view of Los Angeles. Standout feature: 2.55:1 CinemaScope Aspect Ratio

2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

The first time I saw this, I had some mixed feelings. On my second viewing I was sold. Standout feature: Cassian’s Coat

1. Arrival

This movie came just when we needed it most. It’s an alien invasion flick with a promise of peace. Standout feature: The Heptapod Logograms

Top 3 Favorite TV Shows

3. Last Man on Earth

With cameos by some of my favorite tv stars and movie cars, my number one pick from last year easily continued to earn a spot on this year’s list. Standout episode: General Breast Theme with Cobras

2. Black Mirror

So glad that Netflix is now helming this series. You’ll never look at your mobile phone the same way. Standout episode: Playtest

1. Stranger Things

I seriously don’t care how many member berries are packed into this one. It feels tight and fresh despite referencing films I know and love. Standout episode: Holly, Jolly

Top 3 Favorite Cars

3. Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Hopefully this rig will help usher in a new era for the post-dieselgate VW.  Standout features: long roof lines and a gravel-tackling stance.

2. BMW M2

You knew this would be here. It’s a treat to the eyes and the ears. Standout feature: wide-bodied wildness.

1. Porsche 911 R

There’s no doubt about it, Porsche tapped right into the whole Magnus Walker fanboy vibe with this one—creating the most driver-centric modern car of all time. Standout feature: throwback minimalist design philosophy.

2015: My Tenth Annual Year in Review

Ten years ago I started a blog about music, movies, TV, cars, and design and that same year I decided to do a quick review of my top three favorites in each category. I've loved creating this list each and every year since and here are my picks for 2015. Enjoy!

Top 3 Favorite Albums

3. Individ - The Dodos

The Dodos not only dropped one of their best albums yet in 2015, they put on a face-melter of a tour. Standout track: Confidence

2. Depression Cherry/Thank Your Lucky Stars - Beach House

What band releases an amazing, full-length album and then two months later drops another? Beaccch Houssse from Baltimore, that's who. Standout tracks: Space Song and One Thing

1. Every Open Eye - CHVRCHES

My kids know every lyric to every track, 'nough said. Standout track: Never Ending Circles

Top 3 Favorite Movies

3. The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Who would have thought that after coming off of stinkers like Man of Steel and The Lone Ranger, these boys could out-Bond Bond. Standout stuff: all of the cars and clothes.

2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I'm still completely shocked at just how sold I am on the new squad. #ThanksJJ Standout performance: Daisy Ridley as Rey.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road

Only a movie with this much high-octane could possibly beat out one of the best Star Wars flicks yet. Standout vehicle: Imperator Furiosa's War Rig

Top 3 Favorite TV Shows

3. Daredevil

This show feels so much like the street-level Batman I've always wanted. Standout episode: Cut Man

2. Mad Men

It was full-on surreal to be working on Madison Avenue during the last season of this one. Standout episode: Lost Horizon

1. The Last Man on Earth

Finally, a non-formulaic foray into post-apocalyptic awesomeness. Never in the history of television has a show been as insanely unpredictable as this one. Standout episode: Alive in Tucson

Top 3 Favorite Cars

3. Jeep Renegade

Not only is this little rig riding the #adventuremobile wave perfectly, its TV commercial pretty much has the most serendipitously catchy tune of all time. Standout feature: Awesome colorways.

2. Volkswagen Golf R Wagon Wolfsburg Edition

This one woulda easily been numero uno if you could actually purchase it stateside. Standout feature: It's the total package, even despite all the diesel drama.

1. Volvo V60 Polestar

The V60 wagon wins the day. Its flawless Euro-stance and hatch is actually available at a dealer near you. Standout feature: Polestar Blue

Top 3 Favorite Designs

3. Vintage Overland Caravan

Nothing says adventure time like a rugged teardrop in tow. Standout feature: Chrome caps

2. New Balance 574 Botanical Garden

It's the New Balance retro running shoe that says I'm fun yet sensible, stylish yet approachable, daring yet down-to-earth. Standout feature: The botanical tongue.

1. Levi’s x Pendleton Trucker Jacket

If I had $400 bucks to blow on a denim jacket, it'd definitely be this one. Standout feature: Its sick Pendleton print.

2014: A Year in Review

Top 3 Favorite Albums

3. Bleachers - Strange Desire

Bringing the ’80s back one synth track at a time. Standout track: Reckless Love

2. Taylor Swift - 1989

Also bringing the ’80s back another synth track at a time. Standout track: Bad Blood

1. Beck - Morning Phase

Trust me. Pop this one in first thing every Monday morning. Standout track: Blue Moon

Top 3 Favorite Movies

3. Interstellar

Yes, this one just might be Nolan's M. Night moment, but I've thought about it everyday since seeing it. Standout features: CASE, KIPP, and TARS

2. The Lego Movie

Mind melding the Lego, Batman and Star Wars geeks in us all. Standout moment: Spaceship, Spaceship, Spaceship!!!

1. Live. Die. Repeat.: Edge of Tomorrow

Shoulda been called Live. Die. Repeat. from day one; it's the most underrated movie of the year. Standout feature: Emily Blunt wielding a helicopter blade sword.

Top 3 Favorite TV Shows

3. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

Seinfeld. Fine autos. Cool restaurants. Yes. Yes. And yes. Standout episode: Sarah Jessica Parker

2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Consistently bringing comedic heat to the heat! Standout episode: Stakeout

1. Gracepoint

This outta nowhere 'merican remake of a British show makes me wanna have more miniseries marathons. Standout performance: David Tennant as Detective Emmett Carver

Top 3 Favorite Cars

3. BMW i8

Easily the most exciting car to come along in decades. Welcome to the future. Standout feature: i is the new ///M

2. BMW ///M235i

This was so close to my number one pick, it’s not even funny. Standout feature: It’s a drift mob monster.

1. Volkswagen GTI

Sheesh. Wolfsburg nailed it. Standout feature: No other five seater under $30K on the planet has this perfect balance of fun, style, economy and character.

Top 3 Favorite Designs

3. Poler - The Rolltop

So digging the aesthetic of the classic rolltop backpack. Standout colorway: Holiday Yellow

2. Quell & Co. - The Spool Dock

My phone always seems to have juice now. Standout feature: Industrial grade felt FTW.

1. Canopy.co

If only Amazon’s main interface was nearly as cool as its curated cousin’s. Standout feature: Sweet little iOS app.

And a new category this year since officially making the leap to Madison Avenue...

Top 3 Favorite Ads

3. Land Rover - The Vanishing Game

Never thought an ad would be the trigger to make me want to start reading again. Standout feature: Multimedia awesomeness.

2. Honda - The Other Side

This is really hard for me to say, but this guy could give Jason Statham a run for his money. Standout feature: Cinema-grade production design.

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Official Teaser

I don’t care how many blades that lightsaber has, I started choking up the moment I saw the Falcon doing those maneuvers. Standout feature: Impossible to choose just one.