The Beat's Year End List: Best Shows of 2007

As '07 winds down, it's a time for reflection. For me, it's a time for making lists of my favorite music-related things. An abbreviated version of this appears in this week's Go! magazine, but you can read my full top 10 below. On deck: Top Songs and Albums of the Year. Enjoy:

1. Mary J. Blige at Salinas Sports Complex: Hip-hop soul's reigning queen was supremely excellent opening up Big Week.
2. The Roots at Monterey Music Summit: Gotta love a hip-hop band that ends its set with a James Brown tribute.
3. Rakim/Ghostface Killa at The Catalyst: Two of the best MC's ever on the same bill. Brilliant!
4. Rock The Bells Tour: Wu-Tang Clan and Rage Against the Machine were cool, but the triumphant return of the mighty Public Enemy was the real reason to celebrate.
5. Mista FAB at The Catalyst: Even if Hyphy is so 2005, it was cool to watch Fabby Davis Jr. dumb out and spit some hot fiyah.
6. Rushad Eggleston and the Magic Wizard Band at Ol' Factory Cafe: Dude with the electric cello is nuts!
7. Greyskull at The Catalyst: Opening up for Atmosphere, this multi-culti crew ripped through a set with workman-like precision.
8. Novela at Moe's Alley: A couple of Alisal High grads making soulful rockabilly grooves. Say word.
9. Too Short at Club Octane: Because it's Too Short, and because I got in free without a press pass (thanks!).
10. Poison at Salinas Sports Complex: Aww, fuck it. Those guys still rock.