An epic virtual discussion of our absolute favorites of 2010 — in every category we could think of — and why each one made the list.

Brian and Spencer discuss albums by Sleigh Bells, The National, and The Black Keys, and the novels Matterhorn and A Game of Thrones (Song of Ice & Fire vol 1). Also, the shows they’re keeping busy with this summer (Avatar: The Last Airbender and Daria) and the stupid movies they’re not seeing.

Our panel of two sat down for an epic virtual discussion of our absolute favorites of 2009 — in every category we could think of — and set about explaining why each one made the list.

Brian and Spencer discuss Paranormal Activity, Beatles Rock Band, Trials HD, new albums by Girls and The Mountain Goats, the novels Child 44 and The Magicians, Glen Beck’s misdeeds and turtle stackery with our bonus guest Gino.

Brian and Spencer discuss Batman: Arkham Asylum; Beatlemania, as well as albums by Sunset Rubdown, Pissed Jeans, and Neko Case; a book on Columbine by Dave Cullen; and briefly touch on Inglorious Bastards and Jay Leno. Oh, and gypsies.

Brian and Spencer discuss Star Trek, Free Comic Book Day featuring Atomic Robo and Ex Machina, Richard Price’s novel, Lush Life, new music by Japandroids, digging out old music after a hard drive crash, and the application of Newton’s laws to celebrities. But not in that order.

In our launch episode, we discuss new albums from The Thermals and Ihsahn, Observe & Report, the “Mockbusters” phenomenon, and disappointing new shows from talented people (e.g. Sit Down, Shut Up and Kings).

‘The Hazards of Love’ may not have the instantly gratifying hooks the band is capable of, but as a complete listening experience it’s an impressive and satisfying work that gleefully defies convention.

The latest album from MSTRKRFT is indicative of a band growing into a more approachable electro-pop sensibility while still trying to maintain their chunky, rough-edged sound.

When no one’s quite sure how exactly to describe your output, seeing how wildly different (and probably wrong) the responses are is part of the fun.