In December, I set goals for myself, how many films to see this year, how many shows to attend, how many records to purchase, and how many books to read. This is the standings, as of the end of February…

Books I read (2/10 – 20%):
Heaven Is Small by Emily Schultz | Originally published 2009

Films I saw (19/52 – 36.5%):
Whip It | Originally released 2009
24 Hours On Craigslist | Originally released 2005
The Princess And The Frog | Originally released 2009
The Secret of Kells | Originally released 2009
An Education |  Originally released 2009
Invictus | Originally released 2009
The Blind Side | Originally released 2009
The Hurt Locker | Originally released 2009

Albums I bought (22/52 – 42.3%):
Next Year In Zion by Herman Düne (vinyl) | Originally released 2008
Realism by The Magnetic Fields (CD + vinyl)
The Beatles Stereo Box Set | Originally released 2009

• Please Please Me by The Beatles | Originally released 1963
• With The Beatles by The Beatles | Originally released 1963
• A Hard Day’s Night by The Beatles | Originally released 1964
• Beatles For Sale by The Beatles | Originally released 1964
• Help! by The Beatles | Originally released 1965
• Rubber Soul by The Beatles | Originally released 1965
• Revolver by The Beatles | Originally released 1966
• Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles | Originally released 1967
• Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles | Originally released 1968
• The Beatles by The Beatles | Originally released 1968
• Yellow Submarine by The Beatles | Originally released 1969
• Let It Be by The Beatles | Originally released 1970
• Abbey Road by The Beatles | Originally released 1969
• Past Masters by The Beatles | Originally released 1988

Shows I attended (7/52 – 13.5%):
The Magnetic Fields (w/ Laura Barrett) @ Queen Elizabeth II Theatre; February 8, 2010
The Hidden Cameras, Owen Pallett, Thomas, Kids On TV, The Barcelona Pavilion, Mean Red Spiders, Neck a.k.a. Christiana, Boars @ The Garrison; February 14, 2010

I finally picked up Herman Dune’s record Next Year In Zion; I was really impressed with their set opening for Julie Doiron. Herman Dune, from Paris, France, are an English-language band who released their latest record Next Year in Zion in 2008.

I purchased it on vinyl today, and though it’s not advertised as such, it does include a digital download coupon (for those of us who love both our analogue and digital technologies).

I’m really digging this record. I haven’t finished my first listen, but I know a handful of the songs from the Lee’s Palace show, and I can easily see this making its way into heavy rotation.

Jennifer Polk (aka History Jen) reviewed October 27th’s Julie Doiron show with Herman Dune and Shotgun Jimmie. Check it out. Photos by me.