Music
Jay-Z -- American Gangster\nKanye West -- Graduation\nLCD Soundsystem -- Sound of Silver\nThe National -- Boxer\nRadiohead -- In Rainbows\nThe Shins -- Wincing the Night Away\nSay Anything -- In Defense of the Genre \nBruce Springsteen -- Magic\nOf Montreal -- Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
Say Anything -- In Defense of the Genre
This 27-track emo opus displays why Say Anything is one of the best bands in the genre they're here to defend. Max Bemis' extremely odd-ball yet personal lyrics will make you laugh and make you cry, while the diversity of the songs presents something for everyone. After chugging through its 90-minute running time, you'll be in agreement with Bemis when he sings, "This is fucking ecstasy." -- Cory Barker
The National -- Boxer
In 2007, Ohio-by-way-of-Brooklyn five-piece band The National made the leap from sleeper-success to indie's A-list via Boxer, a masterful album that combines sweeping grandeur with haunting sadness. With a mini orchestra (arranged by The Clogs' Padma Newsome) supporting the band's anthemic rock, vocalist Matt Berninger's downcast baritone spins twilight tales of love and decline worthy of soundtracking the end of the world -- or, at least, a really bad hangover. -- Brian McFillen
Kanye West -- Graduation\nKanye West gets an A+ for the final installment of his college-themed trilogy. He collaborates with everyone from T-Pain to Coldplay's Chris Martin. He also shows no limitations in sampling, as he uses French electro-pop duo Daft Punk's music in his hit "Stronger." Graduation is not only one of the most creative hip-hop albums of late, but also one of the most enjoyable and catchy. -- Stefania Marghitu
Radiohead -- In Rainbows\nRadiohead's return, mostly written and tweaked in concert, envelops the listener on all registers. The record rocks with jam-heavy tunes stretching across every Radiohead identity, from folksy to electro-punk. Off-kilter rhythm drives the album with jagged twists, which lends extra potency to Thom Yorke's wailing demented love stories. The year's best album and you can get it for free online? Talk about a merry Christmas. -- Peter Chen
Jay-Z -- American Gangster\nJay-Z's best post-Blueprint album was inspired by Ridley Scott's film of the same name, but don't call it a soundtrack. Eliminating most of the bitches 'n' money talk that peppered his last three studio albums, Hova revisits his roots and offers up an album that marries Reasonable Doubt's genuine street cred with Blueprint's stunning beats and lyrical skill. -- John Barnett
Movies
"Hot Fuzz"\n"Bourne Ultimatum"\n"Knocked Up"\n"Grindhouse"\n"Superbad"\n"Away from Her" \n"Zodiac"\n"Darjeeling Limited"\n"La Vie en Rose"\n"No Country For Old Men"
"Zodiac"
In a time when most "award-worthy" films are released near the holiday season, one of 2007's best came out back in March. "Zodiac" isn't the most exciting film of the year, but the atmosphere created by David Fincher enthralls you in the case of the Zodiac killer that began in the late '60s. At times, the film makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, but that's what makes it so good. \n-- Cory Barker
"Away from Her"\n"Disease movies" tend to be mushy trash, but "Away from Her" looks at Alzheimer's without sentimentality. Director Sarah Polley takes two veteran actors (a radiant Julie Christie as the rapidly forgetting wife and Gordon Pinsent as the forgotten husband) and crafts a perfect gem of a movie, which earns its tears with stunning performances and stark visuals. A small, easily missed film now on DVD, "Away from Her" deserves contemplation, ringing with as much honesty as any film I've ever seen. -- Peter Chen
"La Vie en Rose"\n"La Vie en Rose" is the story of Edith Piaf, the French songstress who swept the world with her longing voice in the middle of the 20th century. The film is a beautiful portrayal of her life, which is just as tragic as the ballads she sang. Much like the 2004 film "Ray," the movie makes its viewer really understand the complexities behind the artist. -- Stefania Marghitu
"Grindhouse"\nRobert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's dual ode to b-movie heaven transcends schlock territory and, complete with glorious fake trailers, is the most cathartic cinematic experience of the year. Rodriguez's "Planet Terror" is hellish fun, but Tarantino's "Death Proof" is something more. In marrying the slasher and auto-fetish genres, Tarantino once again fashions his own cinematic micro-universe, and the result is unforgettable. -- John Barnett
"No Country For Old Men"\nThe Coen brothers' finest work since "Fargo," they construct a masterpiece with their fine acting, incredible camera work and an awesomely entertaining story. It is a nonstop hunt with no surrender, with Javier Barden being perhaps the finest villain since Hannibal Lecter. Beyond the surface of a fantastic thriller, there is an even greater underlining theme to the story that is especially resonant for our generation. -- Wes Jakacki
