By Paul Towler

So, how was 2007 for you? Personally speaking, I think it's been a remarkably good year for music in general. If we rewind the clock to a year ago, personally, I was rather disappointed with 2006. Maybe I was missing something, and if you think so, do let me know, but I'm extremely pleased that 2007 has proved fruitful by comparison. If, like me, you were hoping for something more inspiring for 2007 than the lacklustre 'Kaiser-Monkey-Artcic-Chiefs' syndrome bankrolled by the record company majors, then boy, did we get it!

Whatever you think of Radiohead's controversial download-only album released this year, no-one can deny that the nature of it's arrival has proved to be both innovative and contentious. The on-line only release sparked feverish arguments on countless forums and blogs across the globe. I heard some people complaining about the 'bit rate' quality of the download, but come on folks, for an album that we were at liberty to legally download for free if one desired, what do you expect? Arguments aside, I feel it's reassuring to see one of the world's highest profile bands doing something challenging instead of just being content with shifting jewel-cased units through Asda.

Similar controversy surrounded new albums by Ray Davies and Prince, both released free with Sunday newspapers this year. Whilst it prompted us to question the value of music today, to be honest, I don't think it did any harm. After all, I would never have entertained the thought of owning a Prince album until now. Mind you, I thought it was rather funny to see poor old Mike Oldfield miffed at 'Tubular Bells' being given away for free with a tabloid newspaper earlier in the year. Come on Mike, do you really think people are prepared to pay for it after all this time?

As for good old-fashioned 'proper' releases, there have been some fantastic albums released in 2007. My personal favourite has been 'Neon Bible' by Arcade Fire released back in January. The Canadian septet are exceptionally good songwriters, something which, in today's superficial fashion-led musical arena, is a refreshing change! New York pranksters LCD Soundsystem have also come up trumps this year with their critically acclaimed second album 'Sound On Silver', delivering another eclectic serving of New York punk, disco, electro-beats and sharp witted poetry all mixed into one. Two major solo artists who deserve to be applauded this year in my book are pop princess Kylie Minogue and godfather of post-punk cool Edwyn Collins who have both made triumphant comebacks in 2007 after suffering serious illness. Personally speaking, I think Kylie's new glam-infused single '2 Hearts' absolutely rocks!

On a local footing, Bristol based bands Gravenhurst, Beatnik Filmstars, Forest Giants and The Experimental Pop Band have all delivered great new albums during 2007. We've even seen local legends The Blue Aeroplanes return to active service. It's a shame that problems affected both the Ashton Court Festival and St. Paul's Carnival in 2007. Let's hope these issues can be resolved for the future benefit of everyone in and around Bristol. As for Glastonbury, I guess the appalling weather witnessed at the mother-of-all festivals this year is pretty much the norm these days!

Now, whatever we may think of old bands reforming, we are doubtless all aware that revivals have become a growing trend in recent years. 2007 witnessed news surrounding two of the highest profile reformations thinkable, namely Led Zeppelin and the Sex Pistols. OK, for those of us old enough to know better, I guess our thinning comb-over Mohicans may not stand up to their former glory, but I guess such events are a perfect excuse to suppress the mid-life crisis for a weekend and rekindle the sparks of our youth.

Finally, let's spare a thought for the musical obituaries of 2007 which, of course, include Tony Wilson, Luciano Pavarotti, blues singer George Melly and Paul Fox of punk legends The Ruts.

So, as Christmas approaches, bringing with it the sobering thought of countless mediocre best-of albums, X-Factor celebrity showdowns and the ever-repeating refrain of Noddy Holder screaming 'Merry Christmas Everybody', let's hope 2008 proves to be as good for music as 2007 has been. On behalf of all the team here at Bristol Rocks, may I wish you all a very rockin' Christmas! Where's the mince pies Kevin?