11 cool whatevers of 2011

Various things in completely random order:

New (to me) discoveries:
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way / Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears - Tell 'em What Your Name Is & Scandalous and insane Gospel discovery: Isaiah Owens - You Without Sin Cast the First Stone

Good R'n'R Reads:
Patti Smith - Just Kids / Sonic Transmissions - Tim Mitchell / There's Something About Jonathan - Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers - Tim Mitchell / Diary of a Rock'n'Roll Star - Ian Hunter

Guitar of the year (that I bought in 2011):
Epiphone 5102TE

Best Local restaurant (if you have some money to spare for an exceptional experience):
Botero

Best Las Vegas bands (that we've seen, which I admit has not been all that many):
Tinglerz - amazing garage/punk'n'roll (and damn nice guys)/ The Las Vegas Nines (ultra cool instrumental rock ala Booker T & the MGs)

Best Live Shows by out of town bands
Love Me Nots Dec 10, 2011 headlining the Double Down Saloon/ The Loons Oct 17, 2011 at Las Vegas Country Saloon, opening for the Flamin' Groovies

Best new(ish) r'n'r band:
Jim Jones Revue / Burning Your House Down

Best Blues DVD:
The American Folk/Blues Festival - The British Tours 1963-1966

Coolest Gallery in Las Vegas:
Gamma Gamma Gallery

Hippest new place to hang and play in Las Vegas:
Motor City Cafe

Most fun I've had in years (thanks Mel & Lenny!)
The Swamp Gospel

Happy New Year and let's see what 2012 brings!