Overrated / Underrated 2009

OVERRATED

Killing genres: Over the last 10 years, we’ve heard the death knell for jazz, rock, hip-hop and cinema (to name a few), and there’s no end of the pop cultural dead pool in sight. Alarmist forecasts like these are always wrong, of course, so to avoid similar rushes to judgment we declare that the next decade should be all about the birth and rebirth of new and familiar forms. New Wave skiffle revival, anyone?  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

UNDERRATED

Video game machines as media players: We’ve long feared bringing a game machine into our lives because we’d never step away from EA’s Madden franchise long enough to feed ourselves. But now that both XBox and the PS3 can stream movies from Netflix, we’re coming around. Something gearheads have long recognized will soon come true -- your computer is merging with your TV and vice versa.   (Barry Gutierrez / Associated Press)

UNDERRATED

Television: Now that “Avatar,” for all its jaw-dropping effects and technology, ushers in a new age of cinema as “Star Wars”-styled spectacle, here’s hoping TV can continue the evolution it’s enjoyed in the last few years of becoming the new home for groundbreaking storytelling and drama. We’re not sure what’s coming to top “The Wire,” “Friday Night Lights” and “Lost,” but we’re excited to find out.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

OVERRATED

Fame: While much of the hand-wringing surrounding the unscripted TV craze subsided as the genre improved, its dominance seemingly only deepened our culture’s desire for notoriety. We’re not sure how to prevent another Balloon Boy fiasco, but we can speak from experience that a good start is appreciating the internal satisfaction of an anonymous job well done.

Pictured: ‘American Idol’s’ “bikini girl” from its most recent season.  (Michael Becker / Associated Press)

UNDERRATED

Facts: In a decade where the Internet allowed anyone with a keyboard to join the news conversation, and various networks raced to align with one lucrative ideology or another, irrefutable facts became harder and harder to find. Factor in the need-it-yesterday deadlines of the digital age, and it’s going to take work to pin down what’s real over the next 10 years. The question is, are you up for looking?

Pictured: Fox News’ Glenn Beck.   (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

UNDERRATED

The DVR (a.k.a. TiVo): No product did more this decade to change how we watch TV, and not only through bypassing those pesky commercials. More TV dramas started thinking in terms of season-long arcs, as episodes could now be collected, saved and studied instead of merely watched. What this on-demand revolution has spawned is still evolving -- and the networks and cable companies are nervous.   (Daiman Dovarganes / Associated Press)

OVERRATED

‘Friends’: Amid all the well-deserved hype “Curb Your Enthusiasm” earned over the past few months for its show-within-a-show “Seinfeld” reunion, we couldn’t help but notice how little its one-time partner on NBC‘s Thursday night schedule resonates these days by comparison. The years when it dominated pop culture are well behind us, but as Chandler might say, “Could this show be any more dated?”   (Jon Ragel / Associated Press)

UNDERRATED

Maria Bamford: Amid all of the post-Thanksgiving shopping hype, we hope you caught this L.A. comic’s series of surreal ads for a certain department store’s “ Black Friday” sale. With a twisted gift for voices and characters, Bamford nearly stole Comedy Central‘s “Comedians of Comedy” series, and we’re thankful she’s finally getting more exposure without compromising her wonderfully weird perspective.  (Marsaili McGrath / Getty Images)

UNDERRATED

R.E.M.’s ‘Live at the Olympia’: One of the more distressing musical developments over the last decade has been R.E.M.’s tumble into mediocrity. This live “rehearsal” doesn’t solve where Michael Stipe and Co. go next after 2008’s promising “Accelerate,” but it’s wonderful to hear them burn through deep cuts like “Wolves, Lower” like the young, hungry band we once knew.  (Mark Matson / For The Times)

OVERRATED

Aerosmith: We’re not sure if we’re more surprised these rockers may have finally broken up or that people still seemed to care. Don’t get us wrong, we love “Toys in the Attic” and the culture-shifting “Walk This Way” with Run-DMC, but those were long ago. Now the only question is who gets custody of the Diane Warren power ballads, Joe Perry or the man who actually referred to himself recently as “Brand Tyler.”

>> Pop and Hiss blog:Tyler remains in Aerosmith   (AFP / Getty Images)

OVERRATED

Enhanced CDs: We understand record companies are eager to add whatever bonus content they can to the fading CD format, but can they at least be sure it’s done correctly? We’ve been eager to listen to a number of new albums on our computers only to have them either not be recognized or crash our whole system. Weren’t these the sort of bad things that would happen if we downloaded albums illegally?  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

OVERRATED

Bon Jovi: We may incur the wrath of New Jersey here, but when did these ‘80s pop-metalers become respected rock titans? We get that people are excited about the new album, but what’s with the lionizing Showtime documentary “When We Were Beautiful”? We know the band is adored and somewhat better than Warrant, Winger or Ratt, but we’re not ready for a world where Jon Bon Jovi is the new Tom Petty.  (Mel Evans / Associated Press)

OVERRATED

Gourmet grilled cheese: We’ve experienced, with equal parts gluttony and skepticism, the gentrification of burgers, cupcakes and all manner of comfort food. But gourmet grilled cheese sammies? We have to draw the line. No matter how fancy the cheese is, how artisanal the bread is or how you doll it up, it’s still just cheese and grilled bread. Save the $6-8 you’d pay for one of these at a food truck or a fancy restaurant, buy yourself a loaf of bread and a brick of cheddar, and warm up your frying pan. It’s all you need.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

UNDERRATED

Karen O: We came down in the middle on Spike Jonze‘s visually arresting but uneven adaptation of “Where the Wild Things Are,” but one thing we are certain of is its appropriately feral soundtrack, led by this singer from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Joined by a children’s choir and a host of fellow indie rockers from the likes of Liars and Deerhunter, Karen O’s raucous mood music sounds how wild childhood feels.   (Simone Joyner / Getty Images)

OVERRATED

Small-plate dining: One of the side effects of our recession has been a resurgence in sampler-sized dining options for lower prices than ordinarily found on a white tablecloth. Except once all those small plates are added up, the bill winds up no different from the cost of a few large plates. We really don’t mind spending good money on good food, but let’s not call this subtle sleight-of-hand a nod to tough times.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

OVERRATED

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros: Upon first hearing this band fronted by glam-pop refugee Alex Ebert (formerly of Ima Robot) we loved its commune-ready exuberance. But after seeing them live, the aggressively faux-hemian look overwhelmed the music. It’s OK to dress like an acid flashback, but we’re much more engaged when it doesn’t just feel like a fashion statement.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

OVERRATED

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Another year, another round of hand wringing about who’s getting snubbed. Isn’t it better to ask why rock ‘n’ roll needed a museum in the first place? All due respect to its Cleveland home (not that the museum regards the city with any; most of its ceremonies are held in New York), but don’t most people start bands to rebel against these kinds of institutions?

For The Record: An earlier version of this slide described the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as having hosted all of its induction ceremonies in New York instead of Cleveland. In fact the ceremonies were held in Cleveland earlier this year for the first time since 1997, and a 1993 ceremony was held in Los Angeles.  (Jamie-Andrea Yanak / Associated Press)

OVERRATED

Gastropubs: This isn’t easy to say because we’re huge fans of craft beer and burgers so thoughtfully composed that vegetarians question their beliefs. But please, L.A. restaurateurs, we’re tapped out. Not that we don’t welcome sampling a pint from every new variety that sprouts up week after week, but if we keep flooding the market some great spots are going to close once this trend finally crests.  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

OVERRATED

Kanye West‘s ego: We get it: You can’t reach the top of the hip-hop game without an Ali-esque assurance that you’re the greatest. And you know what? Pound for pound, Kanye has pretty much been that for the ‘00s. But whether last weekend’s VMAs stunt was staged or another act of a guy who just can’t seem to have an undeclared thought, it’s probably best if his music did the talking for the next decade.  (Jason DeCrow / AP)

OVERRATED

Beatlemania 2.0: Okay, we’re well past 9/9/09, everyone has absorbed the remastered albums and went on to “Meet the Beatles” all over again in digital form with “Rock Band.” Their music is unfathomably influential, and the likes of them won’t likely be seen again. Now we must move on. We love them too, but if we hear any more talk about the “Fab Four’s” legacy we’re heading off to live in a yellow submarine.  (Paul Ellis / AFP/Getty Images)

OVERRATED

Local pro football: We admit enjoying a little football from the comfort of our couches every now and then, and we just want to voice our hearty thanks to our fair city for not securing an NFL franchise. We’ve been without a pro team for nearly 15 years, anyone notice a gap in our civic pride? Spare us your seat licenses, luxury boxes and TV blackouts, NFL executives. We’re doing just fine with USC and UCLA.  (Bill Sikes / Associated Press)

UNDERRATED

Health: No, not the act of tending to one’s well-being (though we’re sure that’s great too), we’re talking about the L.A. noise-rock band that just split our heads open with the album “Get Color.” Born out of the same unhinged downtown scene that gave us No Age and Mika Miko, Health somehow blends the airy vocal melodies of My Bloody Valentine with occasional sonic blasts of a garbage truck being welded to a 747. In a very, very good way.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

OVERRATED

Exploding people: Looking past the idea that the alien apartheid movie “District 9” is possibly the most thought- provoking hit of the summer (an easy feat), the film may have broken the record for splatter-art death scenes in one film. Sure, it’s a shocking effect, but eventually we would’ve preferred that some of that visual energy went to filling a few holes in the plot instead.   (HO, AFP/Getty Images)

OVERRATED

The cocktail renaissance: Yes, we’re very excited that foodies have branched out in their beverage choices in an ongoing quest to flash some gourmet cred. But seasonal organic apricots and hand-crushed ice delivered by sleigh from Iceland don’t make a $14 drink go down any easier. The economy may be in recovery, but our untrained palates are still fine with a shot and a beer, thanks.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

UNDERRATED

Allen Toussaint’s ‘The Bright Mississippi’: It’s tempting to think that after so many years in music this pianist-producer could just rest on his reputation, but instead he surprised us with a brilliant album of rich, mostly instrumental jazz. With backing from heavy-hitters such as Nicholas Payton, Marc Ribot and Joshua Redman, there’s so much New Orleans history here it should come with a bowl of gumbo.   (Rafa Rivas, AFP/Getty Images)

UNDERRATED

The maturing of Patton Oswalt: We’ve long been a fan of this comic’s smart, surreal wit, but his new CD/DVD set, “My Weakness Is Strong,” shows us something unexpected: growth. With frank -- and frankly hilarious -- talk about parenthood, depression and success, and a darkly dramatic turn in the upcoming film “Big Fan,” Oswalt’s developing into more than his former title as a “Comedian of Comedy.”  (Jason Kempin / Getty Images)

UNDERRATED

Henry Rollins on KCRW: Both have been such fixtures on the L.A. media landscape for so long that it’s easy to take them for granted, but who knew that these two seemingly distinct tastes would taste so great together? Yes, Rollins’ punk rock Brahmin shtick can get old, but who else would dare introduce metal great Ronnie James Dio to the public radio station’s tasteful airwaves? Rock on, Henry.   (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

OVERRATED

Woodstock: Another five years have passed, which must mean it’s time for yet another examination of Max Yasgur’s farm, Jimi Hendrix, brown acid and every myth-making wonder driven down our throats since the festival’s first anniversary. Fine, Woodstock was a one-of-a-kind communal experience, the artistic and cultural influence of which we post-boomers could never hope to top. Can we all just move on now?   (Elliott Landy, AFP/Getty Images)

UNDERRATED

Sunny Day Real Estate: Before emo became synonymous with asymmetrical haircuts and guy-liner, there was this anthemic, ambitious and, yes, melancholy band out of Seattle. Torn apart by internal strife before the sound they helped forge started taking off, SDRE recently announced a reunion tour, its first with original (and current Foo Fighters) bassist Nate Mendel since the mid-’90s.

Pictured: Sunny Day Real Estate’s Don Hoerner in 1999.   (Geraldine Wilkins-Kasinga / Los Angeles Times)

OVERRATED

Mix-tape fetishism: It may be just us, but lately we’ve noticed a resurgence in nostalgia for homemade cassette recordings made for that special someone. Yes, CD burning and iTunes playlists have rendered these obsolete, and this is a good thing. Not only did tapes sound like rubbish, but obsessing for hours on the perfect love-tape probably isn’t the healthiest way to spend a day. Burn a mix, go outside. Everyone’s happier.  (Wendy Wahman / For The Times)

OVERRATED

‘NYC Prep’: After the parade shows dedicated to the times and trials of wealthy “Housewives,” we shouldn’t be surprised that their children would be the next natural progression for Bravo. Regardless, witnessing shallow and privileged behavior on the part of adults is one thing, but taking the same “reality” show theory and applying it to high schoolers just fills us with more sadness than schadenfreude.  (Virginia Sherwood / Associated Press)

UNDERRATED

Trent Reznor: We’d lost track of Nine Inch Nails in recent years, but now that Reznor has announced his band -- in its current form, anyway -- is calling it quits, we’re reevaluating. Not only is 2007’s “Year Zero” a darkly barbed gem, Reznor’s been taking the idea of an independent artist in the digital age even further than standard-bearers Radiohead. Whatever’s next for the uncompromising Reznor, we’re listening.   (Bogdan Borowiak / EPA)

OVERRATED

This year’s summer movie crop: We loved “Up” and “Star Trek,” and “Transformers” and “Ice Age” seem to be printing money at the box office, but so far this year’s films are leaving us just as happy curling up at home with Netflix. Will Tarantino’s spelling-challenged “Inglourious Basterds” break us out of the doldrums? There had better be some good reviews -- Season 2 of “Mad Men” comes out this week.   (Francois Duhamel / Associated Press)

OVERRATED

Compact discs: Industry watchers have sounded the death knell of the CD era for years, and now we’re joining the crowd in the bell tower. After the Beatles remasters are released this year, it’s a matter of time before the other, digital-based shoe drops and people sell off their collections at Amoeba. We’re not sure where that leaves all those lovely music stores, but, hey, there’s always vinyl, right?  (Tim Boyle / Getty Images)

OVERRATED

Our attention span: Remember the Iranian election and the green armbands? The H1N1 virus (an estimated 1 million cases in the U.S. and counting)? Or the South Carolina governor and his “disappearance”? We’re not sure whether to blame cable news, the Internet or our own information-overloaded focus, but this all-or-nothing coverage trend is troubling. Wait, what were we talking about again?   (Richard Drew / Associated Press)