It would be easy to be snarky right now when talking about Activision; their IP battle with former Infinity Ward and now Respawn Studios heads West and Zampella, disappointing sales in the "Hero" franchise across the board and a general concern from the gaming community about the future of it's flagship franchise – Call of Duty – leave the publisher open for any and all kinds of sarcastic comment, dig and/or other negative remark. Sure, I could join in that "fun" as well, but I don't like kicking dogs when they are down and make no mistake: Activision is hurting.

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The last ten years of the pillows' career have been like a game of "Chutes & Ladders," filled with many ups (Thank you my twilight, MY FOOT, PIED PIPER) and some downs (PENALTY LIFE, Good Dreams, Ooparts). Here we are within the 21st year of their lengthy and legendary careers, and a new album from Sawao Yamanaka, Yoshiaki Manabe and Shinichiro Sato has landed in our hands for our eager ears. This LP is Horn Again, an album that proves once again why the pillows are the best rock band from Japan.

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Many highs and lows in the music world, but a great amount of artists this year had their shiniest moments thanks to their risks and successful undertakings. Let's take a look at this year's best and brightest albums, starting from number twenty and ending in this section at eleven.

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When it comes to The50Kaitenz their mixture of punk rock and comedy is no match for any band, so when it first heard that the Osaka trio was teaming up with cult favorite director Noboru Iguchi (The Machine Girl, Robogeisha) the pairing sounded like a match made in Heaven. Like a blend of The Three Stooges, Help! and Detroit Metal City both the director and its stars manage to create one heck of a funny blend of comedy and punk rock with Rock 'N' Roll Magic.

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The happiest musical duo returns with their third album, and while Matt & Kim may not branch too far out from their usual motif their songs still manage to put a smile on even the biggest scrooge.

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