A wrap-up on some of the best and worst trends Wenatchee High School experienced in 2013.

CLOTHES

WORST: UGG boots with the tops folded over

It’s one thing to wear UGGs, but folding the tops over just looks obnoxious. The only time I can see this being acceptable is if you’re in a play and you are some kind of furry animal. But otherwise, unless girls want to look like sheep, they should keep the boots the way they were meant to be worn.  Shoe companies make boots that are shorter and have a similar look to folded UGGs, but they look much better — get some.

BEST: Oversized shirts with leggings and boots

Girls were quick to pick up on this cozy outfit idea. Big sweaters with leggings and boots are a more fashionable alternative to wearing yoga pants or sweats on a lazy day. It’s easy to put together, looks cute, and keeps you cozy. Though there comes a point when leggings are just not the best option for some people, this clothing choice is adorable and undoubtedly one of the better trends of 2013.

TV SHOWS

BEST: Once Upon a Time in Wonderland

ABC took the classic story of Alice in Wonderland and mixed it with a surreal modern twist. Alice was checked into an asylum because her father thought she was crazy. She had disappeared for a long time and her family thought she was dead, when she returned they heard her retelling of what she experienced in Wonderland and decided she had gone insane. This show is ideal for those who love fairytales and fantasy. It’s an ingenious addition to the show that ABC already had called Once Upon a Time. Wonderland had been mentioned on that show but the producers decided Alice’s story would be best represented with a separate show and they were right. Once Upon a Time in Wonderland is a brilliant blend of  romance, adventure, and fantasy.

WORST: Super Fun Night

While Rebel Wilson is usually hilarious, this show has sucked all the fun out of her. By giving her an American accent, ABC has taken the focus off of the funny. It doesn’t even make sense that they would take away Wilson’s accent because there are other characters in the show with different accents and it seems like she’s worked on her accent so much that she’s lost some of the laughs in between. In addition, the premise of the show is way overdone — a bunch of nerdy, socially awkward friends who are out to prove themselves to the world. Who hasn’t heard that before? There were a few great ideas that popped up with the premieres of multiple television shows this year, but Super Fun Night wasn’t one of them.

MUSIC

BEST: Tides End-MINKS

2013 was one of the best years for music we’ve seen in a long time. With releases from Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes, STRFKR, The Dodos, and Cage the Elephant, it’s nearly impossible to choose the “best album of 2013.” Although one does stand out among the rest; and not just because of its cover art which deserves an award by itself. Minks’ synth driven, angsty indie pop album Tides End squeaks by with a photo finish victory for my best album of 2013. Shaun Kilfoyle’s airy, moody voice leads you through a world filled with nothing but raw human emotion; making you experience feelings of love, loss, and longing.

WORST: We Need Medicine-The Fratellis

Compared to their past albums, We Need Medicine by the indie rock trio hailing from Glasgow The Fratellis was a complete disappointment. While, their “Chelsea Dagger” roots are still prevalent, The Fratellis shot off down a road that is probably best left unexplored. With adding multiple brass instruments in what I understand as an attempt to add a new dimension to their sound, they completely lost me.

MOVIES

BEST: The Hobbit

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug made Tolkien fans everywhere proud of director Peter Jackson. While he did add numerous scenes that were not featured in the book, including the entire role of the “White Ork,” he made the additions flow seamlessly with the original story line. Because The Hobbit was intended to be a childrens book, the movie has a more light hearted feeling than the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There were multiple points in the movie where you couldn’t help but to laugh at the drawn out splendid action scenes that seem as if a five year old boy planned them out. All in all, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is by far my favorite movie of 2013.

WORST: Man of Steel

Geeks everywhere nearly wetted their pants in anticipation for their lifelong hero, Superman, to return to the big screen in an attempt to redeem himself after the disastrous 2006 film Superman Returns. But yet again, Superman was unable to serve justice unto his comic book series. While the special effects were top notch, the story line lacked in depth, intrigue, and quit frankly made me want to fall asleep. I honestly think the screenwriters decided to make it their goal to see how many skyscrapers they could knock down in one fight scene. Seriously, the number is astonishing.

ELECTRONICS

BEST: 8 Tracks

Internet radio has really exploded in popularity the past few years. As of 2013, it has become the preferred way for many to listen to and find new music. With a huge range of apps and websites offering similar services, “8 Tracks” emerged as a front runner this year. Available via smartphone app or website form, “8 Tracks” lets listeners select playlists created by fellow users, or build their own. These playlists are broken down into categories by artist, genre and mood. The aim is to help you find the right music for every moment. It gives listeners the power to discover songs fit for whatever the situation calls for. “8 Tracks” stood out as the easiest, most hassle-free way to discover and play tunes in 2013, no matter what you’re hankering for.

WORST: Apple’s creativity

The impact of revolutionary technology from Apple has been undeniable the past decade. But 2013 just wasn’t the tech giant’s year. It seems like every day someone else you know is added to the throng of loyal iPhone users. And this isn’t without cause—iPhones really are awesome. But the models released in the past 12 months have been rather underwhelming and lacking in innovation. Competitors made up some serious ground with their gadgets in 2013. Apple wins our highly un-coveted “Worst of 2013” award by neglecting to excite consumers with an array of unoriginal and unimpressive products.

MUSIC 

BEST: Yeezus

Upon its release this summer, Yeezus garnered reactions varying from horrified shock and bewildered disappointment to ecstatic praise and wondrous admiration. Kanye gave us the most innovative, bold, creative—and quite simply the best project of 2013. Although not nearly as lyrically adept as his past albums such as Late Registration or The College Dropout, Yeezus reigned superior through sheer passion and creativity. 2013 will forever be remembered as Yeezy season. For the umpteenth time, Lord Yeezus blessed us all with yet another divine masterpiece.

WORST: Jay-Z

Let’s get one thing straight: 2013 Jay-Z isn’t 1996 Jay-Z. He’s almost as old as my dad now and I can honestly say that I would seriously consider putting money on my father in a rap battle between the two at this point in Jay’s career. Magna Carta Holy Grail might not have been the absolute worst hip-hop album of this year, but when juxtaposed with Jay-Z’s past classics the evident devolution is appalling. The only claim to fame a few of the tracks have is the downright hilarity of their pathetic failings. “F***withmeyouknowigotit” is undoubtedly one of the worst songs I’ve ever heard by anyone—period. Magna Carta Holy Grail fails to excite, but rather acts as a nail in the coffin to one of the former great’s career. 2013 is Jay’s most lackluster, disconcerting—and hopefully last—year of making music.