Full Disclosure: I did not see Synecdoche, New York, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Pool, Frozen River, Revolutionary Road, Doubt, Role Models, The Reader, Yes Man, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Zack and Miri Make a Porno

#10 Tropic Thunder

#9 Happy Go Lucky#8 Iron Man#7 Pineapple Express#6 Milk#5 Slumdog Millionaire#4 The Dark Knight#3 WALL-E#2 The Wrestler#1 Man on WireHonorable Mention: Horton Hears a Who!, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Wackness, Shine a Light, Chop Shop, The Visitor, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Son of Rambow, Burn After Reading

Worst Movie of the Year: Funny Games

I didn’t get out much in 2008, but was still able to average at least one show a week. Hopefully I can do better in 2009.

Total Shows: 59
Total Bands: 100
Total Cost: $999.50

#10 Theresa Andersson @ Living Room (NYC) – June 17, 2008
First time seeing Theresa Andersson and was completely blown away. Amazingly talented and her music is inspiring.

#9 Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band @ Sullivan Hall (NYC) – May 3, 2008
Was disappointed in the turnout for RPBDB’s first headlining gig in NYC, but that didn’t stop them from putting on a SICK show. Jason Webley on accordion came out for the encore and had the entire crowd singing “Two Bottles of Wine”.

#8 Tim Fite @ Joe’s Pub (NYC) – January 26, 2008
A full show in the luscious confines of Joe’s Pub was the perfect way to experience Tim Fite for the first time. Music, slide-shows, storytelling…his shows are always fun.

#7 The New Mastersounds @ Sullivan Hall (NYC) – November 8, 2008
From the other side of the pond, The New Mastersounds funked the shit out of Sullivan Hall. Dionne Charles on vocals elevated their sound to another level.

#6 Ween @ McCarren Pool (Brooklyn) – July 25, 2008
Can’t beat seeing Ween on beautiful summer night.

#5 My Morning Jacket @ Radio City Music Hall (NYC) – June 20, 2008
Jim James is a damn good frontman. Strapped with a wireless guitar he was running all over RCMH. Only wish they had played a cover or two.

#4 Rashanim @ Stanton Street Shul (NYC) – April 3, 2008
I’m not even sure if there was a minyan, but Rashanim played some of the best music I heard all year in that tiny little Shul.

#3 The Felice Brothers @ Bowery Ballroom (NYC) – April 12, 2008
This was their homecoming show after a long tour and they left everything on stage. Their albums are pretty subdue, so was surprised to see so much energy live.

#2 Radiohead @ Liberty State Park (Jersey City) – August 8, 2008
Took awhile, but finally got to see Radiohead. While I’d rather see them at a indoor venue than an outdoor festival…I was still blown away. Thom Yorke and the lights on stage were mesmerizing.

#1 AC/DC @ MSG (NYC) – November 14, 2008
Now this is how you put on a RAWK show. Was a little nervous about spending so much money on the ticket ($90+), but AC/DC was worth every penny. Without a doubt the loudest show I’ve ever been too…I think my ears are still ringing.

Honorable Mention: Freaks Ball 8 @ Southpaw (Brooklyn, NY) – February 9, 2008, Levon Helm Band / Ollabelle @ Beacon Theatre (NYC) – March 8, 2008, Marco Benevento @ Rockwood Music Hall (NYC) – April 3, 2008 (Late Nite), The Dirtbombs @ Troubadour (LA) – May 17, 2008, Apollo Sunshine @ Half Moon Boat Cruise (NYC) – August 5, 2008, Andrew Bird @ Liberty State Park (Jersey City) – August 8, 2008, Bill Malchow / Alex McMurray @ Barbes (Brooklyn) – August 22, 2008 (Late Nite), Th’ Legendary Shack*Shackers @ Mercury Lounge (NYC) – October 8, 2008, JJ Grey & Mofro @ Highline Ballroom (NYC) – October 17, 2008, HeadCount Benefit @ Highline Ballroom (NYC) – November 3, 2008, Bustle In Your Hedgerow @ Knitting Factory (NYC) – December 28, 2008, Nellie McKay @ Joe’s Pub (NYC) – April 1, 2008 (Late Nite)