This being the first full year of my blog, I shall give a brief round-up of things that made it enjoyable:
1. Berlin!!!: three visits were not enough but highlights included Ladyfest, the Berlinale, and shooting two films
2. Halloween with Kleenex/Liliput in Zurich: it was delightful to meet three of this pioneering band on their home turf
3. The Gossip at the Barfly: a small gig for this red-hot band
4. Young Marble Giants--Colossal Youth and Collected Works: a timely reissue for these post-punks underlines their brilliance
5. films at festivals: Caramel, Vivere, Brand Upon the Brain and the short Le Lit Froisse were standouts
6. first listens: Las Furias, Kaputt, and Grace and Volupte Van Van are ones to watch in 2008
7. catching up with: Girl Monster and Malaria!'s back catalogue were brilliant late discoveries
8. Tate Modern: Maya Deren's films, the slides, and Doris Salcido's crack made this a great visit for all ages
9. West Ham and Leyton Orient both staying up: hurrah for East London football!
10. also seen/heard: New Young Pony Club, Bat for Lashes, Duke Spirit, Ida Maria, Electrelane (RIP), Milenasong, CSS, Normal Love, The Lives of Others