My Favorite Posts of 2021
These are the posts that I most enjoyed writing and hew closest to my Platonic ideal for Opus’ content.
I published 168 posts on Opus in 2021, or roughly one post every 2.17 days. (By contrast, I published 181 posts in 2020.) As always, my guiding principle continues to be to write for myself, first and foremost.
In other words, I try to write only about the things I want to write about, and clickbait and hot takes be damned. It’s a policy I’ve had for over two decades, and as I celebrate my 25th(!) anniversary of blogging (blogiversary?), it’s one I’m not going to change any time soon.
The following is a list of my favorite posts from 2021. These aren’t necessarily the site’s most popular or “viral” posts (and to be fair, I think I’ve only ever had one truly viral post, back in 2010). Rather, these are the posts that I most enjoyed writing and hew closest to my Platonic ideal for Opus’ content.
My Favorite Songs of 2020: epic45, Fine China, Khruangbin, Makeup and Vanity Set, Spectres, Unleash the Archers & More
26 songs that provided me with moments of beauty, serenity, hope — and yes, maybe even a little fun.
The Paradox Men by Charles L. Harness (Review)
A blend of hard science, historical philosophy, and “B” movie escapades that’s by turns fascinating, fun, and frustrating.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Makes the Galaxy a Much Bigger Place
This successful video game uses what’s familiar about Star Wars to show us new things in a galaxy far, far away.
Elizabeth Hargrave’s Wingspan Lets Your Tabletop Take Flight
This engrossing game uses nature-themed rules and beautiful artwork to inspire curiosity about our feathered friends.
Cornerstone Festival Photos
These photos are a tribute to both the Festival itself and the many bands that played its various stages.
Making Sense of Carman’s Cultural Legacy
The popular CCM singer’s music shaped the artistic and political imaginations of countless Christians, for good and ill.
What does WandaVision owe Westview?
WandaVision’s finale may have done right by Wanda Maximoff, but what about her former neighbors?
40 Years of Faith: The Cure’s Melancholy Masterpiece Still Rings True
Even after four decades, The Cure’s third album remains one of their most powerful and poignant releases.
Tales by Morella’s Forest (Review)
After three decades, the long-lost album from Ronnie and Jason Martin’s (Joy Electric, Starflyer 59) first band has finally been released.
Netflix’s High on the Hog: A Delightful, Sobering Look at African American History, Cuisine (Review)
Stephen Satterfield uncovers hidden aspects of American history while showing off some amazing cuisine.
The Octagon by Eric Karson (Review)
Because sometimes, you just need to watch Chuck Norris fight a bunch of ninjas.
Zillion: Burning Night by Mizuho Nishikubo (Review)
Influenced by Walter Hill’s “Streets of Fire,” this OVA is a prime example of cheesy ’80s sci-fi/action anime.
The Next Generation’s “Relics” Is a Delightful, Poignant Rumination on Time and Aging
What could’ve been some cheesy service turned out to be one of Star Trek’s best and most human episodes.
The One Ring’s Second Edition Promises a Faithful Tabletop Rendition of Tolkien’s Middle-earth
Free League Publishing’s upcoming role-playing game captures the spirit of Tolkien in its design and gameplay.
Ty Seidule’s Robert E. Lee and Me Is a Searing Indictment of the Confederate Icon (Review)
Blending personal memoir and history, Ty Seidule seeks to understand his veneration of the traitorous Confederate general.
Sayonara, Evangelion
Hideaki Anno’s “Rebuild of Evangelion” ends the iconic anime series with one final apocalypse.
Did Facebook deplatform my church?
Or, reflecting on my recent Facebook experience in light of the latest “Big Tech” controversy.
It’s True: Safari 15’s Tabs Really Do Suck
Safari 15’s new tab design isn’t just unnecessary. It also creates a more confusing user experience.
Exploring the Depths of The River of Appearance, vidnaObmana’s Ambient Masterpiece
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of my favorite ambient albums, I wrote about each one of its beautiful songs.
Halo Mythology 101
The popular first-person shooter series is built atop some surprisingly deep and complex lore. Let’s break it down.
Apple TV’s Foundation is certainly ambitious. But is it any good?
The adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi classic attempts to bring epic space opera to Apple’s streaming service.
Halo’s Master Chief Campaigns Ranked, From Worst to Best
In preparation for Halo Infinite, I played through the previous Halo games to see where they succeed — and fail.
Fellow Web Devs: Let’s Get Reacquainted with the “Rule of Least Power”
What’s the best way to build a website?
Bathe in Black Light by Desiderii Marginis (Review)
The latest from Johan Levin’s long-running dark ambient project is a harrowing, exhilarating journey through desolate places.
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