In no particular order:

Shame, Jill Scott. This was my theme song, y’all. For real. I absolutely love this lady! And if this album, the Light of the Sun, is not on your iPod right now, shame on you! It is my absolute favorite of the year. And Mary J. put out a crazy album (see below), so that is saying something! (Honorable mentions: Quick and All Cried Out).

Over You, Raphael Saadiq. I was in love with soulful retro sounds this year. No one did it better than Raphael Saadiq. His whole album was the business, and this was my favorite track. (Honorable mentions: Stone Rollin’ and Heart Attack)

Stay Too Long, Plan B. I probably played this album, the Defamation of Strickland Banks, more than any other this year. It’s a crazy sick mix of retro soul and hip hop. All from a white dude from England. Madness. This is my favorite track (very honorable mentions to Love Goes Down and I Know a Song)

Miss Me With That, Mary J. Blige. Ok, if y’all don’t know how I feel about the album My Life II…, you betta ask somebody. This is my favorite track, because it’s full of that No-More-Drama sensibility I love Mary for. Who else can effectively croon: “I know just what your ass gon’ say, so save it!”? Love her! (Honorable mentions: 25/8 and Love a Woman)

Party, Beyoncé. I am not a big fan of Bey’s music. Sorry. I’m much more likely to be listening to her hubby (see below). But this…was…my…JAM this year! Love love love it!

Yoü and I, Lady Gaga. I love Gaga. I do. When her album came out I secretly wished that she would not release this song as a single, because it was my favorite and I didn’t want to get sick of it. Oh well. Still love it.

Ni**as in Paris, Jay-Z and Kanye West. Kanye may be the most annoying individual on the planet. But he kills it on every track. Add Jay, my favorite rapper ever, and you know I’d be hooked. This whole album is just redic.

Fool For You, Cee Lo. If the only Cee Lo song you know is F*ck You, then forget you. Buy the whole album. It’s crazy.

On The Floor, Jennifer Lopez. Ok, I love this song, ok? There, I said it. I’m a J.Lo fan. Sue me. I like her. Forget Marc, girl – go get your 24-year-old! Do it, Mami!

Take It All, Adele. Ok, I only started listening to this album a few weeks ago, even though I bought it when it first came out. It wasn’t her fault that I had just fallen in love, and almost as quickly had my heart smashed into a million pieces at the beginning of the year. So listening to 21 was like rubbing gasoline-soaked gravel into an open wound. But I’m feeling much better now, and this track is my favorite. But maybe a happy album next time, huh, girl? Thanks.

Want to read more about music from me and people who know much more about music than me? Then check out I’ve Been Meaning To Listen To… – a blog where a bunch of cool, knowledgeable, music-loving folks like me review an album a week. See you over there!

I’m not closing the blog. I have a dream I’ll be able to come back to it one day. But for now I have to say,

So long.

“Everything’s Changing,” Keane.

“I’m trying to make a move just to stay in the game. I try to stay awake and remember my name. But everybody’s changing and I don’t feel the same.”

“Don’t Let It Bring You Down,” Annie Lennox

[How can Neil Young’s words coming from Annie Lenox’s mouth not move you?]

“Don’t let it bring you down, it’s only castles burning. Find someone who’s turning, and you will come around.”

“Help,” Tina Turner

[John Lennon’s words coming from Tina Turner’s mouth. Even more moving than Neil and Annie.]

“And now my life has changed in oh so many ways. My independence seems to vanish in the haze. But every now and then, when I feel so insecure. I know I need you like I never did before.”

“Holding Back The Years,” Simply Red

“I’ve wasted all my tears; wasted all those years. Nothing had the chance to be good; nothing ever could.”

“You Could Make A Killing,” Aimee Mann

“I could follow you and search the rubble. Or stay right here and save myself some trouble. Or try to keep myself from seeing double.”

“Long Hard Road,” Sade

“And when in this life, in this life, when I can only turn my chin. I know it’s gonna be alright.”

“Dark Truths,” Joan Armatrading

“It’s so nice that someone thinks you’re special. Treat them right, that trust in you is precious. All the same, we make mistakes. I’ve used up a few lives, now I’m afraid of dying. Cuz one day I’ll find you’re not forgiving.”

“Till the Sun Turns Black,” Ray LaMontagne

“Can you see the corporate man – he’s winning on the telephone; his possessions are his throne – till the sun turns black/ Can you see him in his lounger watching TV in the dark, waiting for a spark, till the sun turns black?”

“Color,” Mary J. Blige

The lyrics to this track are actually very happy and uplifting – yet every time I hear it, I bawl. Maybe it’s just Mary’s voice. Maybe I’m just still waiting to get to that place.

“Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To?),” Diana Ross

I know I’ve mentioned this song about a billion times on this blog. I hope I’m not entering into ad nauseam territory, because I really do love it that much. Seeing Diana Ross live (from the second row!) this past spring was a highlight of my life, and when she sang this track I pretended she was singing directly to me. I was moved to tears.

As someone who is immensely proud that you – a strong, smart, kick-ass woman – are at the helm of one of the most important federal executive departments in our country, I absolutely hate it when people criticize your hair or wardrobe. It really irks me, because no one criticizes Robert Gates’ haircut or Eric Holder’s suits. People should not get away with that foolishness just because you are a woman. The Secretary of State has more important things to worry about than accessorizing, people! Dang!

But – and don’t get me wrong, everything I just said is true – I have to ask you, Sec. Clinton, what in the name of holy hell is this?!?

The only time my head looks like this is first thing in the morning when I’m only halfway done with the flatiron!

Sec. Clinton, I implore you – please do not ever attend a UN meeting looking like this. You represent the United States of America! Sheesh! Even Condi knew better than that!

Yours truly,

-Elleen

Cee Lo, “F*¢k You”

Dear Grammys: Go ahead and give this man the prize for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Male Performance, Best Country Track – all of ‘em. Because this is the most brilliant joint that has come out in YEARS! Bravo! NSFW language, obviously.

Janet Jackson, “Nasty”

I absolutely love it when I hear a song from my childhood, and it acquires a whole new level of brilliance when you hear it as an adult. This song is a prime example. Go’on, Miss Jackson.

Kanye West, “Power”

Yep, I’m still blasting this. I’m not exactly Kanye’s biggest fan, but this is my favorite Hip Hop joint since Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” dropped. This song is directly responsible for my 10K training progress. Never run before? Put this track on repeat and see if you don’t put four miles behind you before you know it. Try it.

Mary J. Blige, “The One”

I didn’t like this song at all when it was first released. Not at ALL – mainly because the thought of a talent like the incomparable Miss Mary J. Blige using autotune offended me deeply. Then this summer happened. And suddenly – this became my theme song! It literally plays when I walk down the street. That’s right. Yeah, I’m that. Yeah, I’m that. Yeah, I’m her.

Destiny’s Child, “Soldier”

I posted this on my Facebook page after a couple of my friends, in completely unrelated conversations, told me they didn’t think I like a certain type of guy. Just FYI: I am the Rainbow Coalition of dating. Just sayin’.

Missy Elliot, “Work It”

Same point as above – in response to one friend, I quoted Missy Elliot: “Boys, boys, all type of boys. Black, white, Puerto Rican, Chinese boys.” Oh yeah, and I like to pretend that I look like a Halle Berry poster as well.

Sugerland, “Stuck Like Glue”

Ok, just so y’all don’t think I’ve become too single-minded and jaded, I’ll throw this little sweet diddy in. Love this track. So fun and happy. It’s a love song! Imagine that!

Carolina Chocolate Drops, “Hit ‘Em Up Style”

And… we’re back to jaded. But really, this is the bomb. It kicks Blu Cantrell’s version in the teeth. Thanks, Emma, for turning me on to this band!

Much, much more good stuff after the jump, y’all! =>

Melanie Fiona, “Give It To Me Right”

Ok, I am not usually a fan of heavy sampling. Particularly if the sample is from one of Elleen’s Essential tunes. But in this case, Melanie KILLED it! One of my favorite songs of the summer!

Amy Winehouse, “Mr. Magic”

I’ve been listening a lot to Amy Winehouse’s first album, which is way more brilliant to “Back to Black,” in my opinion. This one’s my jam. It’s the perfect warm weather groove. And it’s 100 percent crack-free!

John Legend, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing”

A friend of mine who went through a similar tough time a few years back once told me that Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry…” helped get her through it. So I took a page from her book, with a slightly different version. Because imagining John Legend looking hot while singing it works even better.

Marvin Gaye, “Sexual Healing”

Once of the greatest tracks ever recorded. A timeless classic.

Corinne Bailey Rae, “Closer”

I think this may be the best modern version of “Sexual Healing.” Well done, CBR.

TLC, “No Scrubs”

Isn’t it funny how some things never change? This track is as true as the day it was released.

The Good

To my dismay, this is a thin category this year. There was a lot of fug happening on that red carpet, let me tell ya! But a few ladies stood out beautifully. Here are my favorites.

Tina Fey

My favorite look of the night! Tina Fey killed it!! She worked this dress like the rent was due last Thursday!! GORGEOUS!! She usually likes black, but she ventured out a bit with this amazing overlay print. And the dress fits like she was born in it. I think I jumped up and down and squealed a little when she walked out, because she was that fabulous!

Claire Danes

It is really, really hard for me to say something nice about some trick who once stole a pregnant woman’s man. But I give credit where it is due: Claire’s dress was a close, close second to Tina’s as my favorite of the night.

Jayma Mays

OK, ladies – take note. THIS is how you do a frilly detail right! Jayma looked GORGEOUS! The gown fit her perfectly, the navy color is beautiful, the hair and makeup are flawless and don’t compete with the dress. This is glamour done right!

Much, much more after the jump =>

Jane Lynch

Despite the fact that the bottom of the dress wasn’t fitted quite right, I loved Jane Lynch’s look. She was pretty, but not overdone, and she looked like herself. Awesome.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Never did think I’d see the day that I would give two thumbs up to a dress with a mesh cutout. But JLD rocked it so that I had no choice. I love the neckline and straps, and I’m dying over the earrings and bracelet. Gorgeous!

Lea Michele

Lea only makes the ‘good’ list by default, because this gorgeous Oscar de la Renta number would have made this list if it had been walked out on a clothes hanger.

Problem is, it basically was. Lea has lost SO MUCH weight, that I couldn’t even focus on the dress for wishing I had a sandwich to give this girl. It just makes me sad.

Kiernan Shipka

Sally, you are impeccable. That is all.

The Bad

Take a seat. There is plenty to see here, unfortunately:

Kyra Sedgwick

This hurts my heart, because I luuuuvs me some Kyra. And this  Monique Lhuillier dress is pretty! But the hair ruins the whole thing! You are not a mermaid, Kyra! Certainly not in that dress! And what was with the hot pink lipstick?? And what looks like rubber charm bracelets from Claire’s?? You were thisclose to being gorgeous. Ugh.

Elizabeth Moss

Ugh – Peggy was THISCLOSE to being a ‘good’! You can’t tell from this picture, but the bottom of this dress was a mess. The draping looked sloppy, and there was this huge sash part that looked like it was stapled right below her ass! That looks good on no one! She’s a ‘good’ from the waist up, though. And by far the best dressed adult ‘Mad Men’ lady. (More on Christina’s and January’s foolishness below).

Keri Russell

Oh, Felicity. Let’s set aside the fact that the top of your dress did not fit you properly. That is your stylist’s fault – you have always been a tiny girl, but watching you on the red carpet, I feared that the too-loose right side of your bodice was just going to fall off.

No, no – that is not my biggest problem with this look. My motto: Floor length or tea length – pick one. Don’t hedge and go in between. This length skirt is flattering on no one. And why does your clutch look like a carton if cigarettes?

Rutina Wesley

Oh, Tara. At least still photos are much kinder to this dress than the TV cameras were. It looked like the losing dress from a Project Runway challenge that required the designers to use only materials from an art store. It literally looked like paint-splattered paper. Lafayette would NOT approve.

Emily Deschanel

What in the world was this child thinking? She looks like she was attacked by party streamers! This may be the most unflattering dress on the red carpet.

Toni Collette

*Sigh.* Why are the ladies who I love so much presenting such tragedy on this runway? And I am sure that, up close, the print of this fabric is beautiful. Just lovely. But on TV and in pictures, it looks like she dragged her dress through a mud puddle. Sorry, girl.

Lauren Graham

There was a horrible, gruesome accident on the red carpet. Lauren Graham’s dress began to devour her as onlookers could do nothing but watch.  She tried to beat it back with the brass knuckles-like jewelry she was wearing to no avail.

The Lawdhammercy

There are no words, but I will try to find them:

Christina Hendricks

This hurts me deeply. Deeply. Cuz there is no one I was more excited to see than my dear, dear Joan Halloway. With skin, hair and a body like that – it would be a designer’s DREAM to dress her.

So what in the name of holy hell is this??

She looks like a barmaid in an old Texas saloon! I refuse to believe this foolishness is actually Zac Posen. Because he should know better. And so should she. The twins look fabulous, though.

January Jones

At least I already knew January Jones has questionable taste. I don’t think I’ve seen her in a look that I’ve liked. So I wasn’t expecting much. But this mullet-shaped, looks-like-it-was-made-of-cupcake-foils, scaly mess fell far below even my very, very low bar. And January, if you are going to wear a hot mess of a dress like this, at least comb your hair. Sheesh!

Anna Paquin

Let me start by saying that I adored Alexander McQueen, and mourned his death like he was a friend. He was a true artist. But not all has masterpieces can be worn on the red carpet. This is a classic example of something that should have been left on the runway. Sorry, Sookie.

Rose Byrne

This dress looked like it hurt.

Dianna Agron

Dear Dianna: You are a ‘Glee’ girl, not a ‘Golden Girl.’

Oh, and Betty White called – she wants her curtains back.

No, really – she does. And she’s dressed better than you. Shame.

Julianna Margulies

I don’t even fully understand what kind of fabric this is! But it was an unflattering mess both on the red carpet and onstage. This is what you wear to honor CLOONEY?!?! Lawdhammercy, indeed, child…

Rita Wilson

Oh, sweet heavens to Murgatroyd!

In the words of your husband:

“Wilson, I’m sorry! I’m sorry, Wilson!! I’m SORRY!!!!”

I know you may be a bit young to remember this, though, but a fab fashionista already beat you to this look. Years ago. Her name is Jane. Check it at about 00:39:

Better luck next time, RiRi!!

Smooches,

-Kim

Being awake for most – or all – of the night on a regular basis means I watch a lot of TV. Lucky for me, there are usually some amazing television characters to keep me company. So I am making a “Kick-Ass Chick” list of television characters I absolutely love. I will add to this list as I think of more of my favorites, but let’s kick it off with these six ladies:

Willona Woods, “Good Times.” The world’s awesomest neighbor! My favorite episode is this one, where Willona and the Evans family learn that their neighbor Gertie is so poor she has to eat dog food. Gertie came over for a dinner party – and brought meatloaf. Willona makes this scene.

Hyacinth Bucket, “Keeping Up Appearances.“ “It’s Bou-quet!” Now, I would not like Hyacinth as a neighbor! Here she is in rare form after seeing a “strange man” in Elizabeth’s house.

Many, many more funny ladies after the jump =>

Samantha Jones, “Sex and the City.” One of my favorite television characters ever. Samantha is the main reason I can watch any episode of this show an unlimited number of times. This scene (with very NSFW language) is one of my favorites ever, all because of Sam – with Charlotte playing a crucial assist.

Blanche Devereaux, “Golden Girls.” Blanche was the original Samantha!

Rhoda Morgenstern, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” It occurred to me midway through the first season of “The Real Housewives of New York City” why I liked Bethenny Frankel so much (at the time): She was the real-life version of Rhoda Morgenstern. Rhoda created that mold – the quintessential New Yorker with hilarious, lightning-sharp, biting wit. (I hate Bethenny now, by the way. I actually hate all the housewives. But we’ll save the reality TV train wrecks for another blog post).

Florence Johnston “The Jefferson.” I’ll let the clip speak or itself. Priceless!

After downloading her latest collection, I went and uploaded all my Sade CDs (yes, CDs – the last time I bought Sade music, there was no iTunes!) on the iPod so I could revel in her entire catalog. While I don’t think she’s ever released a bad track, there 10 songs – well, 11 really – that I think are truly her best. Indeed, they are among the best songs recorded by anyone, ever. So to change things up, I’m doing the Jukebox as a Top 10 list.

Sade’s Top 10 (well, 11) Tracks (according to me!):

10. Never As Good As The First Time

So cool, so funky, but still classically Sade. And aren’t the lyrics the truth?!

9. Smooth Operator

Remember the first time you heard this track? It was like nothing you’d ever heard of before, right? And then remember seeing the full-length, epic video for it on VH-1 (back when they showed such things) and thinking that this woman was possibly the coolest chic ever? Yeah, me too. Don’t let anyone tell you 80s music is all crap.

8. Kiss Of Life/By Your Side

Ok, this one’s a tie for all the same reasons. While Sade is at her best singing about longing, or pain, or hurt, or forlorn love, she can also do a simple beautiful happy love song very, very well. Both of these are examples, and I couldn’t possibly pick one over the other.

More smoothness after the jump =>

7. Cherish The Day

This is the way Sade does love songs best – when it’s not about love that’s so simple as the last two tracks. “You’re ruling the way that I move; you take my air.”

6. Your Love Is King

I think this is the first Sade song I ever heard, and the first Sade video. Both are gorgeous, as she is. It will always be one of my favorites.

5. War Of The Hearts

Ok. Have you ever been in a relationship that was in trouble? No? Want to hear what it feels like? Listen to this song.

4. Soldier of Love

OMG, when I heard about her new album coming out, I was hoping it would be good. Then I heart this track  – and I literally got goose bumps! She killed it! It’s was different from anything she’s done before, and it’s amazing! And my goodness – does this woman age? Damn!

3. Love Is Stronger Than Pride

Ok. Have you ever broken up with someone, or found yourself on the verge of doing so, and listened to this song? Then you know exactly why this song is brilliant. Not only are the lyrics perfect, the song actually sounds like what you feel like! Her haunting voice is like that emotion that is a perfect mix of love and pain. The percussion is like the feel of a heartbeat. The guitar is like the sound of longing for the past. Really. It’s the perfect heartbreak song.

2. Is It A Crime

This song makes me want to have her voice. It’s one of my all time favorite in-the-car, windows-rolled-up, singing-at-the-top-of-my-voice tracks. Y’all know what I’m talkin’ about: “My love it wider than Victoria Lake; Taaaaaler, that the Em-piiiire State; it diiives, it juuuuUUUUUUUUUUUUuuumps!” But it’s not the same without having her ability to belt the words out while still being breathy. How does she do that? This is also my favorite Sade video.

1. The Sweetest Taboo

The previous 10 songs set the bar high, and this is the only one that can clear it. It’s so great I’m making it one of Elleen’s Essentials. The percussion, the lyrics, the guitar, the groove, the vibe, Sade’s voice – the whole thing is perfection.

(Don’t agree? Tell me your favorites below!)