Kanye West

Rating 4/5
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy / Roc-A-Fella
Never mind what you think of the man’s behavior; Kanye’s bad boys antics are played to the hilt here, his fourth and probably catchiest release yet. With beats and samples so infectious, who needs the likes of Jay-Z and Usher anymore? Check out the album’s signature nine-minute “Runaway,” a tribute to the douchebags and assholes in the world with samples from Rick James and Backyard Heavies fused with unforgettable piano tinkling—acting like a bad-ass has never sounded this good. TO

Twin Sister

Rating 4/5
Vampires with Dreaming Kids / Color Your Life / Domino
Looking for something upbeat and kooky enough to add some bounce to your weekday? This double EP by Brooklyn newbies Twin Sister (comprising of young hipsters Andrea, Dev, Gabe, Eric and Bryan) should do the trick. Equal parts The Knife and Velvet Underground with a sprinkling of Isobel Campbell, the latter whose voice can be heard in a few tracks, the album may be fun, but its hodgepodge of ideas and influences get a little lost in translation along the way. But for the most part, the album remains fantastically intriguing and gratifyingly unconventional all the same. TO

Chromeo

Rating 4/5
Business Casual / !K7
P-Thugg and Dave 1 of Chromeo almost single (or perhaps double)-handedly lay to rest the myth that music from the 1980s is nothing to celebrate. Bass slapping, robotic vocals and banging synths are the foundations of the band’s tracks. Business Casual is their third studio album featuring electro-funk jams like “Hot Mess” and “Night By Night” and other tracks inspired by cheesiness from the likes of Rockwell, Lionel Ritchie and Oran Juice (nice). Check out offbeat director Keith Schofield’s (who worked on Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck’s “Heaven Can Wait” and the infamous XXX video for Diesel) work on the music video for “Don’t Turn The Lights On” for some serious WTF moments. ZA

Asa

Rating 4/5
Beautiful Imperfection / Naive
Exciting times for the souland-pop genre with the emergence of talented Nigerian singer Asa. Her organically raw and husky vocal prowess seals the gap between what Amy Winehouse offered when she first burst onto the scene and the lyrical maturity of Erykah Badu. From the uplifting opening track “Why Can’t We,” to the melodiously upbeat “Maybe,” and the African-inspired “Ore,” Asa works her lyrical magic in beautiful, serene fashion. ZA

John Adams

Rating 4/5
I Am Love / Nonesuch
This is probably one of the year’s most hypnotic soundtracks; not surprising since it’s basically reworked materials based on acclaimed composer John Adams’ earlier brilliant work—from 1978’s Shaker Loops to 1996’s Century Rolls. Film director Luca Guadagnino conceived his arthouse film I Am Love with Adams’ music in mind, and the result is music that is at once bravura and stirring—especially the 13-minute opener “The Chairman Dances,” which shimmers, bubbles and boils with its playful orchestral tones. TO

Est. 33

Bldg. E, Crystal Design Center, 1420/1 Praditmanoontham Rd. 02-102-2096. www.est-33.com. Open daily 11am-midnight
Est. 33 is what you get when you combine an old-school label like Singha with the forward-thinking brains of the folks behind Minibar Royale. It’s for the young and hip crowd, the kind of crowd who shop at the far-flung Crystal Design Center. Stop here for glasses of original, microbrewed beers. Sit at the bar and see it being brewed right in front of you (try Est. 33 Shandy, B150, and Fire Drop, B180), or opt for the pier-like outdoor space, perfect for people watching and catching the suburban breeze.

Club Culture

Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 08-9497-8422. Open Wed-Sat 7pm-2am. www.club-culture-bkk.com
Indie kids were devastated when Club Culture, home to the city’s party collectives like CMYK, Club Soma and Trasher, shut down at the end of last year. A few months later, however, the place re-opened on Ratchadamnoen, in a massive four-story warehouse-like space akin to a criminal’s lair. Club Culture may not win any design prizes, but its raw and edgy vibe makes it a favorite spot for hipsters and people looking for an alternative scene.

Hyde and Seek

Athenee Residence, 65/1 Soi Ruam Ruedee, 02-168-5152-3. Open daily 5pm-1am
The folks behind Flow ensure that this GQ-esque hangout for the young and hi-so is strong on the cocktails front (Ian Kittichai is behind the food). In addition to their usual drinks list, they do 11 new cocktails every month and even dedicate entire months to flights of single liquors like whiskey, rum and vodka. Definitely a spot to be seen at and get liquored up before hitting the clubs.

Cocktail

Mansion 7, 244/7 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-275-0779. Open daily noon-midnight
Set in Ratchada’s latest retail playground Mansion 7, Cocktail gets kudos for bringing a slice of sophistication to the massage parlor-ridden neighborhood. The bar strikes a rare balance of edginess and elegance, thanks to the dramatic high ceiling and spiral stairs which somehow complement industrial elements like bare cement and metal frames. We hate to state the obvious, but don’t leave here without sampling their cocktails, whipped out to suit your current mood by a resident mixologist.

WTF Bar & Gallery

7 Sukhumvit Soi 51 ,02-662-6246. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am. BTS Thong Lo. www.wtfbangkok.com
Tucked inside a narrow lane off Sukhumvit Soi 51, WTF is a cool, intimate spot favored and frequented by unpretentious hipsters. The ground floor of this retro shophouse sees a small corner bar with retro touches like old movie posters, an old-school bench seat and flowery tiles. We particularly dig their inventive cocktails (try the absinthe-infused Van Gogh, B200) and the lack of popsanova). Head there early to ensure a table if you’re too self-conscious to stand around.
 

For a long time, both locally and globally, French fare has been perceived to lord over other cuisines as the pinnacle of culinary excellence. Fortunately, perceptions are changing as people have started looking to other cooking styles.

The first half of the year saw Mexican joints springing up, with the likes of Casa Latina, Spruce Taqueria and Tomatillos—the latter two fashioned with fuss-free street grub in mind (reminding us that some of the best Mexican we’ve ever had was off a cart on the streets, often eaten standing up).

However, the revenge of the Spanish was swift—presenting itself in restaurants such as The Club Tapas, Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar, Sabroso Tapas Wine Bar and Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant’s Dempsey outlet, and not forgetting Santi by Michelin star-studded chef Santi Santamaria.

Moving beyond cuisine, a dining concept that has really flourished is that of communal eating. While it’s not at all unusual in Asian cuisine, when applied to Western food it certainly makes for a less typical dining experience. If you’re feeling generous, head to The Disgruntled Chef (European), Cocotte (French), Ku Dé Ta (fusion), Roast at One Rochester (European) or Stellar at 1-Altitude (international). Remember, sharing is caring.

The theme of steakhouses seems to be especially hot, with Parisian bistro L’Entrecôte, Argentinian Salta, Meatworks and Hippopotamus all setting up shop. One of the most notable openings on that front, is Wolfgang Puck’s Cut.

For those with a chronic sweet tooth, 2010 saw the arrival of even more dessert parlors. We’ll throw a few names out there just to jog your memory: Pavé, 3 Inch Sin, Dessert Ministry, Let’s Sweets and Flor Pâtisserie, not to mention the frozen yogurt craze with Swirl Art, Sogurt and Miki Yo!

Another notion that we’re hoping to see more of is guerilla dining. Things are just starting to heat up with lolla’s secret suppers, Social Candy and The Ping’s Illegal Diners Club, but only time will tell if this is going to be as big a thing as we hope.

SEPTEMBER

- Thailand’s First TRULY Viral Ad
1,258,716 views for a teacher destroying a student’s cell phone—too bad it was all an evil plot to sell spicy burgers.
-  THE BAHT
Stronger and stronger.
- CAT blocks 3G
On Sep 12, the Government-owned company wins the hatred of every single geek in the kingdom by blocking 3G—just as the rest of the world is gearing up for 4G.
-  IPHONE 4
You know something’s gone too far when even 10-year-olds on the BTS have a 26,000 baht phone.
- NAHM WARS
Everyone is cheering the opening of David Thompson’s Nahm, until the New York Times runs a story titled “Thais Bristle at Australian’s Take on Thai Cuisine” on Sep 23. Let the chauvinistic, misinformed mud-slinging commence.
-  TRENDING: POLITICAL ART
Tonson Gallery becomes an oasis of political expression in an increasingly repressed society. First, Pichet Klunchun impersonates reds and yellows in a gripping choreography. Then, Rirkrit Tiravanija illustrates the gallery’s walls with scenes from the protests. At Akko Art Gallery, Vasan Sitthiket lambasts Thaksin and the Army, while Pichet stages another very political performance at Patravadi.
- KRISPY KREME
‘Nuff said.

OCTOBER

- Rebellious FLIP-FLOPS
On Oct 3, a woman is arrested in Ayutthaya for selling flip-flops with Abhisit’s face on them and the message, “People died at Ratchaprasong.”
- Pinky vs Thunya
Hot chicks having slapfests over a guy in TV soaps are fine. But when it’s in real life, we’re totally psyched.
- TRENDING:ANANDA’S REMAKES
Released Oct 7, In See Daeng, by director Wisit Sasantieng (Fah Talai Jone) resurrects the 1960s superhero starring Ananda Everingham as the masked defender of good. Shortly after, Ananda stars in Eternity, another remake, this time of a 1955 movie based on a 1943 novel.
- TRENDING:HEALTHCARE WOES
2010 sees Thailand’s healthcare system fall apart. It starts with corrupt health ministry officials misappropriating Thai Khem Kaeng funds, followed by doctors refusing us the right to sue them for malpractice and, finally, the realization that healthcare costs for civil servants (which doubled from 2005 to 2009) are spiralling out of control.
- VAMPIRE WEEKEND
On Oct 22, the preppie band can’t live with the hype as fans complain their gig is just way too short.
- DANISH-THAI
Sra Bua, the sister restaurant of one-Michelin star restaurant Kiin Kiin opens. The big deal (apart from the star)? Kiin Kiin and Sra Bua serve Thai food although the original chef is Danish.
-  FLOODS!
Bad, bad weather. Boo!
- TRENDING: COMMUNITY MALLS
On Halloween, Mansion 7 opens, the last of a long string of community malls to open in Bangkok in 2010: K. Village, Grass Thonglor, Park Lane and Paradise Park.

NOVEMBER

- Aung San Suu Kyi is Free!
Following the Burmsese elections and her release from house arrest, she addresses the crowds on Nov 14.
- 2,000+ FETUSES FOUND IN TEMPLE
Nov 18, in Thonburi, Lanjakorn Jantamas, 33, performed illegal abortions, charging B5,000 for women under three months pregnant and up to B30,000 for those past five months. She also accepted fetuses from clinics, charging them B500 per fetus. She would then deliver the remains to a temple’s undertaker, who she paid B100 per fetus.

DECEMBER

- 8
Number of months between the US release of the iPad and its official release in Thailand, on Dec 3.
- WIKI-LEaks
Where we finally find out that Thailand’s politicians are considered corrupt by the rest of the world. Shocking!
- INSECTS BANNED
Insects in the Backyard, an indie film dealing frankly with sex while blurring gender lines, gets banned by the film commission.

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1. Best for Secret Agents

Aptly named 20,000 Feet, this watch holds the world record for the deepest dive. It was also blown up with dynamite, shot three times with a Winchester shotgun, thrown from an airplane and hosed down by a high powered fire hose and still kept the time with barely a scratch. (What’s the big deal? We put ourselves through the same routine just to wake up in the morning.) $5,175.94 from CX Swiss Military Watch.

2. Best for Adrenaline Junkies

A brand already known for their uncompromising
toughness, G Shock went a step further with their recent Ultimate Tough GX56 collection. Spreading across a 55mm frame (double the size of a typical G Shock), the watch features advanced self-charging and solar power technology for unwavering reliability.
$206 from G Factory.

3. Best for Nightowls

The Swiss Military Honowa Navigator Pro is made from stainless steel PVD and scratch resistant sapphire crystal, featuring luminous index and hands—perfect for anyone crawling home from a club. Price upon application from Watches of Switzerland.

CX Swiss Military Watch, www.swiss-military.biz.
G Factory, #B3-47 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8582.
Watches of Switzerland, #01-22 Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Rd., 6734-0928.

The buzz: Looking to hit the great outdoors this coming holiday? Then The North Face’s line of high quality, technically innovative products should be on the top of your list, here at its largest store in South East Asia.

The goods: Always fancied yourself a bit of a Bear Grylls? Then you’ll need some proper gear. Suit yourself up with their collection of Soft Shell Jackets (from $296), which incorporate patented Hyvent Technology that waterproofs the jacket while retaining breathability and durability. The brand’s range of trekking shoes (from $186) are well-renowned for their all-weather suitability; while the SnakePlate provides grip on almost any surface. Pack all your equipment in the Base Camp Duffel bag ($206 upwards), a classic bomber expedition bag that’s as functional as it is stylish.

Why you’ll be back: It’s a great place to stock up on just about all of your outdoor equipment. Plus, the Marina Square outlet has an integrated mock trail-bridge to simulate actual trekking conditions for hardcore adventurers who want to try everything on for size.

#03-140 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, 6338-0736. Open daily 10am-10pm.

MaxSwing Indoor Golf #04-30 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6509-0200.

Queen’s Golf 60 Jalan Penjara, 6471-0555.

Laguna Golf 11 Laguna Golf Green, 6542-6888.

Marina Bay Golf Course #01-01, 80 Rhu Cross, 6345-7788.

Range-On-Grass 200 Turf Club Rd., 9711-4327.

City Golf #61-01 One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Plc., 6536-4846.

Singapore Island Country Club 180 Island Club Rd., 6459-2222.

Orchid Country Club 1 Orchid Club Rd., 6755-9811.

Warren Golf & Country Club 81 Choa Chu Kang Way, 6760-6616.

Seletar Country Club 3 Park Lane, 6481-4812.

iPad
Specs: 11” LED backlit screen | 680-730g | 16, 32, 64GB flash storage | Apple A4 1.0GHz | iOS
With seven million units already sold, iPad is clearly number one, despite the lack of a camera, inability to handle Flash, and the fact that it’s chunkier than its competitors. Still, we love its overall sleekness, user-friendly operating system and crystal clear TFT screen. The battery power is also sturdy enough to watch two movies in a row. 
Verdict: Impressive looks and ease of use; but we’ll wait until they bring out a smaller model with a camera option.
$928 (16GB with WiFi & 3G) upwards from EpiCentre@ION Orchard, #B3-14 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-5028.

Galaxy Tab
Specs: 7” TFT screen | 385g | 16GB internal (up to 32GB microSD) storage | Cortex A8 1.0GHz processor | Android OS 2.2
The Galaxy Tab is simply a larger version of a Samsung Galaxy S smart phone. It offers similar performance to the iPad, except it also comes with the geek favorite Android 2.2 OS, two built-in cameras for photo, video and video chat. Perhaps the biggest plus for the Galaxy is the fact you can also use it as a mobile phone. 
Verdict: Definitely more portable, the Galaxy needs to drop its price to take on the iPad.
$998 upwards at SingTel Shops including #B2-12 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6235-1688.

Dell Streak
Specs: 5” | 2GB internal (up to 32GB microSD card) storage space |220g | 1 GHz Snapdragon | Android OS 1.6
Dell’s foray into the tablet market takes the form of the ultra-portable Streak. Equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G connectivity, this lightweight allows for easy web browsing, digital entertainment and social networking. The screen is also impressively durable with the use of tough-as-nails Gorilla Glass. Dell calls it “a hybrid device”—it’s both a tablet computer and a smart-phone. Yes, you can make and receive calls with this one.
Verdict: The Streak is a large and sleek smart-phone that still fits in the pocket or an ultra-portable tablet computer, whichever way you want to put it.
$938 with two-year contract from Starhub Shop, #B1-02 One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6873-2828.

ViewSonic Viewpad 10
Specs: 10” WLED screen | 875g | 16GB SSD (up to 32GB microSD) storage | Intel® Atom™ 1.66GHz processor | Dual boot OS Android 1.6 & Windows 7 Home Premium
With an option to boot up on either Android or Windows 7, ViewPad 10 is definitely a tablet worth considering. With Windows OS, you can plug in a mouse and keyboard into the two USB ports to use it as a proper PC.
Verdict: ViewPad 10 is a good compromise for those who can’t choose between the instant startup and long battery life of a mobile platform (of up to 10 hours) and a full Windows 7 OS experience.
$929 from South Asia Computer, #03-01/41 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6337-0871.

MAY

- ONG BAK 3
Tony Jaah puts on a few pounds and learns to dance.
- Naresuan-Gate
Half of the B200 million budget from the Ministry of Culture to support Thai cinema goes to King Naresuan, causing an uproar. It later gets halved when financial support for the film from other ministries comes to light.
- B36 billion
Amount transferred by Siam Commercial Bank from accounts held by the Shinawatra family to the Ministry of Finance, making the grand total seized B46 billlion.
- ATTACK!
The Thai Army launches an all-out assault on the Red Shirt camp and arrests its core leaders. The protests last over two months and leave 91 dead and some 2,100 injured. Red Shirts also torch parts of CentralWorld, Siam Square, Channel 3 and Victory Monument.
- TRENDING: ALL-NIGHT HOUSE PARTIES
With the curfew declared on May 19-29, Bangkokians take to partying at home or clubbing from dusk till dawn as it is stricly forbidden to be out and about from 8pm-6am. 
- BRT
The Bus Rapid Transit system opens, connecting Sathorn to the depths of Southern Bangkok.
- TRENDING: BANGKOK Love-in
On May 28, BK Magazine and A Day Bulletin simultaneously release post-protest covers with giant hearts (red for BK, pink for A Day). Soon, the “We (heart) Bangkok” gimmick is everywhere, culminating in the BMA’s Together We Can campaign.
- B170 billion
The Defense Ministry budget for 2011, nearly twice what it was in 2006 (B86 billion), before the coup.

JUNE

- Plastic Bag Crackdown
The BMA promises to launch a “No Bag No Baht” campaign at nine BMA markets to be enforced from June 5 onward. The bags showed up, but not the penalty for not bringing your own.
-WORLD CUP FEVER
The amount of money gambled in Thailand reaches B37 billion.
- FRENCH IS THE NEW ITALIAN
4 Garcons, Table de Tee, Triplets—finally Thais are cooking French food and bringing prices down, making the stodgy cuisine fun all over again.

JULY

- TRENDING: GOVT. FLEXESMUSCLES
First, red shirt activist Sombat Boonngamanong is arrested, then the “Kor Thod Pra Thet Thai” (Apologise Thailand) ad is banned; then student protesters in Chiang Rai are arrested and given a psychiatric evaluation.
- FACEBOOK KILLER
In Chonburi, on Jul 20, a man shoots his wife and himself because he catches her chatting with another man on Facebook.
- TRENDING: COCKTAILS DONE RIGHT
Bangkok is increasing committed to quality cocktails. With Soul Food Mahnakorn (opened in September), Fat Gut’z (July), Hyde & Seek and WTF (both in April), we now have four places that craft their drinks with attention and talent.
- NICHKHUN
K-Pop + Thai = [shrieks]

AUGUST

- TRENDING: INDIE CINEMA
In the wake of Apichatpong’s victory, auteur cinema in Thailand enjoys a brief surge of popularity. Anocha Suwichakornpong’s Mundane History, which won multiple awards at international film fests, kicks off the Director’s Screen series on Aug 5. Brown Sugar, an erotic series of shorts comes out on Aug 26, Agrarian Utopia screened Sep 2 and the 14th Thai Short Film and Video Festival runs Jul 1-Aug 1.
- 77
Number of provinces in Thailand since Bueng Kan’s upgrade.
- Hello Stranger
Bangkok Love Story production house GTH, Shutter director Banjong and A Day editor Zcongklod team up to bring us this feel-good romantic comedy which fanned the K-craze.
- Airport Link opens
Finally, an alternative to the dodgy taxi  ‘no meter’ mafia.
- GOOD COUNCIL
A handful of Bangkokians vote for  a sweeping Democrat majority in the district and city council elections.
- SPIRITS
TCDC’s spooky exhibition triggers screams with its dark rooms and grotesque figures. Originally charted to end in Nov, it is extended to Jan 9 due

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JANAUARY 

- GREENDAY
The top international act of the year—14 years after their first visit.
- TRENDING: CUPCAKES
Hot on the heels of New York, Bangkok goes crazy for the petite cakes as Cream by Cafe de Tu, Cupcake Carrousel, Pandora and Hi-Tim join the fray.
- CULTURE ONE
Bangkok’s ONLY dance music festival (sorry, ZoomOut you don’t count).
- B1.2 million
The price of one GT200. By the end of January, questions are raised about the bomb detectors, which ultimately proved completely useless when finally tested properly. The army purchased over 500 units.

FEBRUARY 

- TRENDING: BEAUTY DRINKS
Packed with sugar and with no real health benefits, beauty and supplement drinks start to crowd our shelves.
- CNY+VD
Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day fall on the same day. Cuddly pink tiger anyone?
- BOAT SHOES
- Red Storm Rising
The red shirts march peacefully through Bangkok, in Thailand’s biggest demonstration ever, marking the beginning of a two-month standoff that would end in bloodshed and the destruction of parts of downtown Bangkok.

MARCH

- NAK PROK
After being banned for three years, the movie about three criminals ordaining to escape the law finally hits screens.
- 100,000
Number of people who fall ill as a result of the smog in the Northern provinces. Things got pretty bad in Bangkok, too—then again, we’re used to polluted air.
- GEEK CHIC
- THAI KICK-OFF
A new season of the local football league kicks off to big crowds and big sponsors—the dawn of a more professional Thai Premier League.
- TRANSCOOL TOKYO
Finally the BACC gets something right with this truly “cool” exhibition mixing modern Japanese artists and Thai artists influenced by Japan.
- TRENDING:WINE
Wine Connection officially opens (along with K Village, Mar 26) and, soon, queues for a table are 40-minutes long. But it’s not just Wine Connection’s sub-B1,000, retail-priced wines. Siam Winery reports its sales doubled over the past few years and Pullman’s Wine Pub continues to be packed. 2010: the year wine went mass market in Bangkok.

APRIL

- TRENDING:#bullshit /#trustworthy
With increasing political polarization comes increasing dissatisfaction with traditional media both in and outside of Thailand. That, plus an appetite for minute-by-minute coverage of the protests sends Bangkokians running to Twitter for their fix of news.
- DESCENT INTO VIOLENCE
On Apr 8, a State of Emergency is declared. On Apr 10, red shirts and the army exchange fire at Phan Fah bridge, leaving 25 dead, including one Japanese journalist and five soldiers.

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