This is our final edition of editors’ picks until January. We’d like to thank all of the writers whose work has been highlighted this past year for their ongoing efforts to keep the rest of us informed, entertained, and enlightened. The editorial staff wishes the entire BC community a healthy and happy new year.

MUSIC

Laura Misjak of Modern Pea Pod braves depression to fill readers in on the musical tales contained in this album from the alternative-country howlers in Music Review: Gob Iron - Death Songs for the Living.

In Music Review: Sarah McLachlan - Mirrorball - The Complete Concert, Dominick Evans pays tribute to the artist while exploring every aspect of the release.

Tim Gebhart's review of Riverside Profiles: Bill Evans walks the reader through the history of the Bill Evan's Trio as well as touching on all the highlights of the CD.

El Bicho delivers with even-handed look at the Robert Randolph & The Family Band's album Colorblind, and concludes reaching wider isn't always better.

Benjamin Cossel eloquently expresses his concerns and frustrations over the newest trend in concert photography. Read about the newest standard of only allowing a photographer to shoot during three songs, with no flash, in Three and You're Out.

In There is No Cure for Writer's Block, James Hutchinson does an excellent job of reporting the delay of the Cure's new album.

On the anniversary of John Lennon's death Ray Ellis opens up and shares his memories of the singer/songwriter and reviews The U.S. vs. John Lennon - Music from the Motion Picture.

Follow Tim Gebhart as he takes you on a walk through the history of this artist as he reviews Riverside Profiles: Chet Baker. A must read for the Jazz enthusiast.

BOOKS

Of Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry - the Untold Story of an American Legend, Jon Sobel says "Few things are more interesting than when folklore and history dovetail. This book is a valuable contribution to both studies." I share those interests, and appreciate such writing that can also unify both strands into a cohesive and articulate review.

"Dear Sir or Madam: Will you read my book?" Well, not the dryly academic The Beatles And Philosophy (Popular Culture And Philosophy). But I will read Glen Boyd's breezy and entertaining review of it.

I may not know art books, but I know what I like. In his cohesive and engrossing review of The Yellow House - Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles, Adam Jusko says the author "does a nice job of setting the scene in many ways." So does Adam's review.

I love a mystery, especially ones that weave some history into the story. Just as rewarding, though, is a book review that does the same, such as SJ Reidhead's take on Shape Shifter, which shapes up to also be an educational and anthropological treat.

Though I would recommend against the scratch 'n' sniff version, the story of a nefarious plot foiled by Fido-flatulence sounds like a must. In reading this book to her children, Roberta Rosenberg says "I was laughing so hard with each page it took me twice as long to finish the book with them as usual." Certain sisters-in-law aside, you'll also be laughing at Roberta's personal account of her familial read-alouds.