Casey Affleck
This year, the underrated Affleck was the best part of a summer blockbuster (Ocean’s 13), topped Brad Pitt’s most accomplished onscreen performance (The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford) and established himself as a leading man (Gone Baby Gone).
Babyshambles Shotters Nation (Astralwerks) / The Libertines Time For Heroes: The Best Of The Libertines (Rough Trade)
Anyone who’s avoided Pete Doherty’s music because of his frequent, often pathetic brushes with the law has missed out on some of the best stuff coming out of England during the past decade.
A Dirty Carnival
This under-the-radar Korean gangster flick is among the best films I’ve seen in 2007.
Dennis Kucinich
He has no shot at his party’s nomination, but it’s nice see the only Democratic presidential candidate who voted against the Iraq War finally get his message of peace out to the mainstream.
Ben Lee Sings Against Me! New Wave (www.ben-lee.com)
Not every one of these songs works, but who cares? I wish more artists would cover other bands’ albums and make them available as free downloads.
Organic beer
If you think it doesn’t taste better than regular beer, it’s time for a taste-bud transplant. My favorite brands: Bison, Butte Creek, Eel River and Fish Tale.
Frank Rich
The New York Times columnist’s weekly dismantling of the Bush administration is a thing of beauty.
Bruce Springsteen “Girls In Their Summer Clothes” and “Your Own Worst Enemy” from Magic (Columbia)
Who knew the Boss sounding like Stephin Merritt would be a good thing?
Various Artists Drive XV: A Tribute To Automatic For The People (Stereogum)
The Wrens, the Veils, Dr. Dog, Rogue Wave, Dappled Cities, Shout Out Louds, Figurines and others interpret one of last decade’s finest albums.
Robert Wyatt Comicopera (Domino)
There’s a term that refers to people’s ability to recognize something while being unable to describe it: elephant test. I recognize that Comicopera is brilliant, though I’m unable to describe it.
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