Best of 2008 Picks -- David Kidney

Movie of the year...Sweeney Todd (runner up was Persepolis) these were the only 2 movies that came out all year that I was interested in buying on DVD. Iron Man was sure entertaining, and Son of Rambow was a dandy little film, -concert of the year...

No question Lindsey Buckingham at Hamilton Place, intimate, passionate, loud, experimental, hummable, poppy, virtuosic and just plain fun. Although...JD Souther at Hugh's Room was intimate and warm, James Hill's ukulele show was startlingly good, Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at Massey Hall, Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, David Lindley ...I don't think I saw a bad show this year. The worst moment was when some jerk threw a water bottle and hit Steve Earle in the chest!

Best DVD reissue has to be Alexander Korda's The Thief of Bagdad -- I love this movie and the DVD transfer and extras are fabulous! -best CD reissue is Dennis Wilson's Pacific Ocean Blue. 2 discs, extraordinary. The unsung musical genius of the Beach Boys!

Best CD just way too many to mention...Lindsey Buckingham's Gift of Screws, Jackson Browne's Time the Conqueror, Rodney Crowell's Sex & Gasoline, BB King's One Kind Favor, biggest disappointment? Ron Sexsmith Exit Strategy of the Soul

Best book qas Janis Ian's autobio Society's Child -- a compelling read that forced me to reconsider her whole career. Ian Rankin's Doors Open was also excellent. A great year all in all.