Goodbye 2007

Well, what a year it’s been, etc etc… You know the score here; a full on review of the year would be good wouldn’t it? Would tie things up nicely. Actually, next week this blog is a year old – it started on Boxing Day 2006, inspired by Michael Palin’s diaries which I got for Christmas last year. So it seems it’s even more of an excuse to have a little wander down Nostalgia Avenue and review what’s been going on.

Well, as you may have guessed that’s probably not going to happen, I know that I’ll start it and then end up getting bored writing it, or run out of funny things to say, or discover that not actually that much has happened. So therefore, rather than just ramble on as normal, I thought I’d provide you with some lists for you all to enjoy. Cheers for reading this year, glad you could find the time to pop over. I’m looking forward to a great 2008. Merry Christmas.

Love
Jof




Top Five Albums of the Year

1. Under the Blacklight – Rilo Kiley - Just amazing pop songs, well written, beautifully sung and blindingly produced
2. The Redwalls – The Redwalls - Again, just classic songwriting, some incredible melodies, especially on Summer Romance and Game of Love. Stunning.
3. Easy Tiger – Ryan Adams - Rich Fee said to me he thought this was a real return to form. Took me a few listens to agree, but now I’m in love with it.
4. The Historical Conquests – Josh Ritter - A change from his folky earlier stuff, a lot dirtier and with some interesting production. Although if I’d produced it, it would have been better
5. Sky Blue Sky – Wilco - I only discovered Wilco this year, through this album. Beautifully mournful songs, polished to perfection.

Top Five Gigs of the Year

1. The Bluetones – Aldershot West End Centre, 26th April
Just an amazing gig, so small and intimate, stood right at the front and then met the band, had a drink with them on the tour bus and the performance was great, the new album is a real return to form (just missed out on the top 5 though!)
2. Johnny Arrow and the Cheap Day Returns – Cellar Bar, Bracknell, 12th June
Had to put this one in, we performed great and had a pretty decent crowd. Gets the nod over the other gigs due to I feel this was our best performance to date, and it was really hot and sweaty
3. Ryan Adams – Hammersmith Apollo, 16th November
Amazing performance, they’re such a great live band, not higher up due to the fact that we had to sit down and it was a bit quiet
4. Nine Black Alps – Reading Fez, 29th July
This would have been higher if I hadn’t been on my own :P
5. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Portsmouth Pyramids Centre – 19th July
Never heard a band so loud

Top Five Films of the Year

1. Transformers
2. Ocean’s Thirteen
3. And that’s it – I haven’t seen many films this year.

Top Five Blog Posts of the Year

1. Col’s reminisce of the day he saw someone set fire to themselves
2. Stephen Fry’s take on fame
3. Badger’s uni reminisce (I relate to this, a bit)
4. Col’s first short story
5. Dave’s best ever post

Top Five Things I’ve Discovered This Year

1. Relentless Energy Drink
2. Family Guy
3. YouPorn
4. West Wing (kinda re-discovered)
5. Sushi