So, the inevitable lists appear to helpfully sum up the last twelve months.

Best gigs of 2005 (in chronological order, out of 52)

Snoop Dogg @ The Apollo
Two and a half thousand white kids having the time of their life whilst Snoop strategically wore both the City and United strips at once.
Willie Nelson @ The Apollo
I've never seen my father so escstatic, three rows away from the original outlaw.
Juliette and The Licks @ Academy 3
Pretend punk rock but Juliette Lewis does have amazing presence, although off stage she did look slightly rough.
DFA 1979 @ Academy 3
Probably my favourite band of the year, had a lot of fun after the show following JFK around trying to start conversations about vintage Gibson guitars.
Kristen Hersh @ Primavera Festival, Barcelona
Just beautiful. While extremely drunk the sight of Kristen backstage holding her young, blonde haired son in her arms made me cry.
Micah P Hinson @ Primavera Festival, Barcelona
If only arriving half way through with the bass players girlfriend, shouting "We're here!" to our men onstage.
Eagles of Death Metal @ Life Cafe
Sex rock at it's very best, was bummed out I didn't get onstage to dance. Funny time after the show teasing former Distiller Tony Bradley from a balcony, and politely refusing his invitation backstage.
Wolfmother @ The Roadhouse
Sabbath meets Led Zep meets three lovely Australian boys. Hopefully 2006 will be their year.
Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster @ Dry Bar
Sweaty, dangerous (two lone girls shoulder locked, in heels, protected the engineer's desk as the over excited crowd threatened to push it over) and amazing. People were hanging off the fucking walls. As usual the first thing all the band asked me was if I had any drugs.
Casual Saints @ Font
Similarly busy, but much less dangerous. Cheek to cheek with the band. They split shortly after, which is a bit of a shame.
The Whip @ Club Academy
Electro sex rock featuring the best ever girl drummer. I am personally going to make this band famous.
The White Stripes @ The Apollo
Much better than I ever imagined it could be. Great because it was LOUD. Felt a bit uncomfortable when Jack made Meg sit on the floor and play bongos, seems like he might be a bit of a dick.
LCD Soundsystem @ The Ritz
Another sweaty affair, perfectly homed in the cavernous jewel that it is The Ritz. Best moment was when the crowd carried the flimsy barrier off over their heads.

My Best Things of 2005 (in no particular order)

• Living alone

• Drinking frozen margaritas with my father on Beale Street, Memphis as bikers rolled by and the heat diffused into darkness.

• Being inspired by DFA1979 to take up bass guitar and being OK at it.

• Forming a band and naming it Pocket Knife. "Could you just turn down the drums? I can't hear what I'm playing!"