The year is almost over.  I've got to write some pieces to celebrate that fact.  Today I look back on the year's best music moments as I experienced them:

Bumbershoot 2005
This year had one of the strongest lineups I've ever borne witness to.  Seeing punk's elder statesmen days apart from each other was an event in itself, especially in light of at the time just hearing about CBGB's in life support.  How could anyone miss The New York Dolls in all their glory, even going as far as paying tribute to Johnny Thunders by playing You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory?  A couple of nights later we were graced by the presence of Elvis Costello and his heart on his sleeve, ranting about the pitfalls of the Bush administration because of Hurricane Katrina.  Well said for the newly-minted US citizen if I dare to bring it up.  The event closed with the awesome Iggy and The Stooges set almost literally bringing the stage down with the sheer volume of audience members climbing up that stage.

The New Pornographers
I've been a Johnny-come-lately with this group of stellar musicians/songwriters.  This collective started blowing me away earlier this year as I picked up Matador's reissue of their debut album.  I was listening to the leaked version of Twin Cinema many months before it's official release.  You bet your ass I also got a copy of Twin Cinema as soon as it hit the stores.  An extra bonus to all that was a limited edition 7".  They also played a couple of the most enjoyable live shows I've ever been to.

Sharon Osbourne vs Bruce Dickinson
Is this the end of Ozzfest as it is?  I really do hope so, especially if I'd take as gospel what's been mentioned about how Sabbath hasn't even changed their setlist in a while.  Bruce will always be more metal than you, Sharon!  Ask Billy Corgan.

Kanye West
I continue to both admire and hate Kanye West.  For every time he speaks about the current administration's missteps, he also shoots himself in the foot with his ego trips. Late Registration was a brilliant album co-produced by John Brion.  The latest video with that Maroon 5 vocalist was directed by Michel Gondry.  All these artistic milestones fail once we mention the whiny "mememe" attitude that shows up now and then.  Your music's shit hot, K...just not that hot.

Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah!, The Arctic Monkeys, and other blogosphere bands
I barely hear music from these bands, yet everyone who's hip and cool seems to either want to blow them or pelt them with rotten tomatoes for being popular without the credence of even touring hard or releasing a debut album.  I'm in the dark about what to think about some of these guys.  I can give them a chance.  Check with me about them in 6 months when the smoke has cleared.

Porcupine Tree At The Crocodile Cafe
This was the way to start the summer!  There's nothing like hitting a small club to see one of the biggest bands in the world.  I was even really close to the front of the stage to witness all the awesomeness.

Well, those are the biggest, most significant music events for me this year.  Who knows if next week's Sleater-Kinney show will also make this list?  Could there be a last minute entry?  You'll just have to find out about that when we all get there.