Farewell 2010 then

All in all it was a bit of a "meh" year - kind of there, but nothing remarkable. We didn't go to that many concerts, there were no real dramas, and work was pretty dull by and large. Note to 2011: must try harder.

A few things:
* Good that we finally got a grip of ourselves this year and, after 10 years in the house replaced all the carpets in one go, which was a bit hectic but now looks great.
* Bad that I'm still on all kinds of tablets to keep myself operational (kind of) but at least the hospital discharged me after that bloody awful endoscopy exam into my stomach (never again!!!) and about a million blood tests, and three months off the booze.
* Two holidays: Zante in June was a really grim place, and it rained a lot. Note to self and others: don't go to Zante, especially not Kalamaki. Lindos in August was as gobsmackingly brilliant as always, and needless to say we've already booked for 2011.
* I bought a Big Trak and a radio controlled helicopter, both of which are amazing.
* I didn't get a drum kit. Maybe one day.
* I wrote a surprising amount of stuff, and revamped my website after about five years spent saying I was going to do it. Of my stories this year I think "Doll" and "Dominoes" are two of my favourites.
* Absolutely brilliant thing: I got back in touch with Andy Dodds, probably my best mate ever. Look out for some new songs by Scrude in 2011 - we've written some already :-)
* And Dan Corbett (BBC weather man) is still the best thing on telly. "The Trip" was the second best thing.

Gigs!

First off, the comedy ones, from least favourite to most:
4th: Lee Mack at the Lowry
A little bit disappointing. Fizzled out quite a lot.

Joint 2nd: Dara O'Brian at the Lowry, and also at the Southport Theatre
Great show this year, and two equally good performances. The Southport Theatre is a bit odd though (dodgy transvestite working in the bar) and has approximately 11 parking spaces.

1st: Jim Jefferies at the Comedy Store
So funny I ached. Just brilliant.

Did not attend:
Tim Vine at the Lowry
Had tickets, but come the day we couldn't be bothered.
Dara O'Briain at the Liverpool Empire
Went there, but as we were having a pre-show brew in Starbucks in Liverpool ONE (a precinct, basically) I was struck down by a hideous blend of vomiting and diarrhoea, so we went home and I was ill for the next four days. Horrible, really.

Now the music ones:

7th: Tindersticks at Manchester Cathedral
Lovely venue, and a favourite band of mine, but it was just a bit dull - not helped by their latest album being a bit rubbish.

6th: Biffy Clyro at Manchester Central
Great live band, but a 2-hour set was a bit much, and it did get a little dull.

5th: Florence & The Machine at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool
Lovely - if gently tatty - venue in an awful town, but the gig was great.

4th: Peter Gabriel at the O2
A magical show - Peter Gabriel performing orchestral cover versions, then orchestral versions of his own stuff - and I met him afterwards! Shame the audience were frankly rude.

3rd: Depeche Mode at the O2
Back to their best. Just excellent.

2nd: Arcade Fire at Manchester Central
The venue is pants, but their album is excellent and they are unbelievably good live.

1st: Muse at Wembley Stadium
The best live act in the world today. Almost - almost - as good as the "HAARP" show they did there, which is the best gig I've ever been to. This is now the second best I've seen.

Did not attend: Jonsi at the Academy. Couldn't be bothered.

Best other things of the year:
Favourite album: Arcade Fire - "The Suburbs". Runner-up: The National - "High Violet".

Favourite book of the year: Dan Rhodes - "Little Hands Clapping". Runner-up: James Nice - "Shadowplayers".

Here's to 2011, and hopefully more gigs, more writing, and my 40th birthday. Ugh.