Autumn Souvenir

As the years pass, my show attendance continues to ebb. 2012 was probably my lightest year of concert-going since 1990, when I'm pretty sure I only saw four shows (Def Leppard (2x), Genesis and Neil Young. How about that for a mix of terrible and awesome?) . Of the few tangible pursuits of 2013, attending more shows makes the short list. That said, I did see a few memorable shows this past year, and here are the ones that stuck out: Runners Up : Wilco / Berkeley Theater, Berkeley, CA / September 21 Following a lackluster show in Brooklyn earlier in the year, for the first time in nearly two decades, I worried that my interest in Wilco's live show was beginning to wane. Before a surprisingly thin crowd (probably 80% full, but light by Wilco standards), the band put on a fantastic show. Much to my delight, they played a blistering version of "Laminated Cat," a song I'd been waiting to hear for a decade. Add in a run of "Handshake Drugs," "Wishful...

- Go to Mexico - Complete that 1/2 marathon - Move to the South Bay - Give more to charity - Attend the Solid Sound Festival - Get to 180 - Give more - Read more books

The Re-Election of Barack Obama President Obama is the leader I've always longed for. His re-election was the highlight of my year. Discovering Rodriguez I'd had one of his records for a few years, but it was the documentary Searching for Sugar Man that led me to the story of Rodriguez. Wilco Now over 18 years in, my favorite band ever, continues to move me like no other. Aung San Suu Kyi Seeing her speak in person will remain a moving memory for life.

Memories & Birds : Kenny Roby Simple Song : The Shins Down In My Hometown : The Flatlanders New Multitudes : Farrar, Johnson, Parker & Yames Working Titles : Damien Jurado Decoration Day (Live) : Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit I Want a Pair of Cowboy Boots : Jens Lekman The House That Heaven Built : Japanroids Not a Day Goes By : Bap Kennedy Hold On : Alabama Shakes Land of Hope and Dreams : Bruce Springsteen My Sweet Lord (Demo) : George Harrison Duquesne Whistle : Bob Dylan Hoping Machine :  Farrar, Johnson, Parker & Yames Why : Josh Ritter Be At Peace With Yourself : Bill Fay

Without a thorough review of all purchases, here's what I've got: 1 Bruce Springsteen : Wrecking Ball 2 Bap Kennedy : The Sailor's Revenge 3 Farrar, Johnson, Parker & Yames : New Multitudes 4 Bill Fay : Life Is People 5 Japanroids : Celebration Rock 6 Damien Jurado : Maraqopa 7 Chuck Prophet : Temple Beautiful 8 The Flatlanders : The Odessa Tapes 9 Bob Dylan : Tempest 10 Lightships : Electric Cables