By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Jan 02, 2005 at 5:33 AM

{image1}Before the best movies, music and moments of 2004 slip away from us, the editors of OMC would like to acknowledge a few of the year's bests (some Milwaukee, some not). Add your own picks by using the talkback feature at the end.

Molly Snyder Edler

Movie -- "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." First of all, it reminded me for the first time since "The Cable Guy" that Jim Carrey is more than a Silly Putty face. Second, I love films such as this one that ask questions like "is ignorance bliss?" and "is it REALLY better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all?" And finally, Kate Winslet's hair color and fashion sense far surpassed anything seen on the silver screen in '04.

Concert -- David Byrne at The Pabst. At this incredible show security took an extra-long smoke break and many of us in the balcony found ourselves dancing like we were on fire in the aisles on the main floor. The set list featured a stellar selection of tunes from Byrne's illustrious career, including many Talking Heads favorites.

CD -- Bebel Gilberto. Coined the Norah Jones of bossa nova, Gilberto's self-titled CD turned my backyard into a mellow lounge with chaise chairs and crab grass almost every night this summer. Or maybe that was the mango daiquiris ... The soundtrack to "Garden State" is also a boatload of ear candy, with cuts from The Shins, Nick Drake, Coldplay and more.

TV/Book -- Haven't finished it yet, but David Sedaris' "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" is sure to place somewhere in the top trio of good reads. The last episode of "Sex and the City" was a small screen highlight -- especially the final few seconds when we finally found out after six seasons "Mr. Big's" real name. (John)

Event -- The opening of the Old Navy, Linens 'N Things and TJ Maxx in The Shops of Grand Avenue. It's not because these are my favorite retail outlets, rather it's proof that Milwaukee's Downtown is indeed going through a revitalization. Also, Kerry winning Wisconsin was a moment where I felt like -- despite inclement weather and ridiculous parking rules -- I live in the right state.

Person -- At risk of sounding like a complete arse kisser, I am going to say my bosses: Andy Tarnoff and Jeff Sherman for allowing me to set up a satellite office in my Riverwest home and type my brains out during naptimes and after Daddy comes home from his day job. You rock, guys. Also, the forces behind Mondo Brothers, Alterra Coffee, Mia Putia, Club Timbuktu, The Tool Shed and Art Bar for believing and investing in the Riverwest neighborhood.

Becky Roozen

Movie -- I don't see tons of movies, but one that really sticks out for me this year is "Man on Fire." As usual, Denzel Washington pulled off a spectacular performance in this action thriller. But shining through better than his tough-guy role is his character's attachment to the little lady already sporting a big name, Dakota Fanning. She won me over in 2001's "I Am Sam," and proved herself a star again in this film. The duo effectively created a tender story of trust amid all the action.

Concert -- I'll admit it, FM 106.1 is programmed in my car. I just love the pride and twang of country music. And the best display of this down-home genre was at Tim McGraw's Fourth of July Summerfest concert. He showed up wearing his perfectly rugged tight jeans and T-shirt and the mandatory cowboy hat. Even though this presented a show all its own, good ol' McGraw's voice swept me away. From oldies like "Don't Take the Girl" to his newest like "My Old Friend," and the Summerfesty vibe floating around, this was, without a doubt, my favorite show of the year.

CD -- Norah Jones' "Feels Like Home" was everything I expected and more. The country/bluesy combo -- along with the signature rasp in her voice -- can have me jamming in my car or drifting off to na-na land. There's just something about the rugged-but-pretty music she makes that guarantees "Feels Like Home" a spot in my CD player.

TV/Book -- Reality TV is annoyingly overtaking prime time TV. But there's one "reality show" I've been sucked into, "The Bachelor" (and "The Bachelorette"). The catfights, name-calling and in-house rivalries these women submerge themselves in is true entertainment. The crying and heartbreak of being sent home provokes a good laugh (some of these ladies are convinced he was "the one."). In any case, the drama and romance lead to an emotional proposal and a yearning for the next episode to begin. Jen's journey as "The Bachelorette" begins Jan. 10!

You would have thought that you learned all of life's lessons in Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie," but round two of lessons learned came via 2004's easy-to-read "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." It illuminates the earthly connections Eddie -- who died trying to save a little girl -- had with everyone he met, from family to strangers. A picture of Heaven and the afterlife depict the importance of those relationships and give hope to his discouraging existence. Definitely a spirit-lifter to add to the collection.

Event -- The opening of the Metro Market on Van Buren Street in August was a great event. It's no concert or significant news happening, but because of it I can now say I enjoy grocery shopping. All the amenities at this Pick 'n Save (and the fact that it's only a three-minute drive from home) actually make it fun! Even though I don't buy the lobster or fresh flowers they have for sale, the great selection of organic fruits and veggies saves me a trip to Outpost. And, it's not as expensive as some people might think; I can still use my Advantage Card and save a few bucks here and there.

Person -- This one goes to the many residents of Bay View who requested a grocery store for their neighborhood and got the city another Outpost Natural Foods store. Milwaukee could use a little more organic style, and the addition of this store -- slated for 2005 -- is a perfect start. Besides, these people simply spoke up to get what they wanted (called for change instead of complaining), and it worked. We can all learn from that.

Jeff Sherman

Movie -- Omar Sharif's "Monsieur Ibrahim" came out in April and was the year's most charming film in my book, but not its best. I loved its message and simplicity. Overall, "Garden State" and "Finding Neverland" tie for the year's best movie experiences. "Garden State" may not click with the 50-plus crowd, but it was creative, fun and warm. "Finding Neverland" did big in Hollywood without being big Hollywood, if you catch my drift. It teaches persistence, entrepreneurship and creativity all in one amazingly wonderful movie. Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet were beautiful in this very entertaining film.

Concert -- Two stand out, but there were many good ones. Sarah McLachlan's "Afterglow" tour at the Bradley Center was a surprise and one of the best big production tours of the year. November's Martin Barre/Willy Porter gig at the Northern Lights Theater was also very good. Two great guitars and equally solid human beings onstage making music and having fun.

CD -- I open up to my soft side for pop rock tunes here and say that I really enjoyed Bruce Hornsby's "Halcyon Days." It's classic piano pop and vintage "the way it is" Hornsby. It's also wonderful sing-a-long music with some great collaborations. Sting sings a duet with Bruce on the lead track, "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" as well as on the title track. Elton John does the honors on "Dreamland" and Eric Clapton plays on three tracks and contributes vocals on "Candy Mountain Run." Other tunes that lasted long in the changer and on the itunes this year were Kanye West's "College Dropout" and "Feels like Home" from the ever-maturing Norah Jones. And, one more -- another shout out to Zach Braff for the great music and soundtrack from "Garden State."

TV/Book -- There is no finer network show than "Scrubs." Hands down, no contest. It will always have its skeptics and people too scared to reveal in its comedic genius, but its characters, stories and charm are so far above your typical pedestrian network crap that it makes it almost too good for commercial TV. What else is on the favorites DVR schedule? "Entourage," "Real Sports with Bryant Gumble," "Jack and Bobby" (come on give it up for the WB) and no "best of television" list is complete without "The Sopranos."

Event -- Several events stand out as important in the continual evolution of Milwaukee. Roundy's opening of its new Metro Market, 1123 N. Van Buren St., was another great sign for the Downtown neighborhoods. It's a dynamic store and as good as any grocery in the area. I'll do a blatant promotion for my wife's store, Lela, and its huge October fashion show outside on Broadway in the Third Ward. The event, attended by more than 400, showed Milwaukee's style and increased fashion sense.

Two other events of note. A summer photo exhibit at the Milwaukee County Historical Center, 910 N. Old World 3rd St., showed more than 250 images from the late '40s and the early '50s of Downtown Milwaukee. Kudos to John Angelos and his wife Marilyn Johnson for sharing these wonderful photos that helped us all to remember Milwaukee's vibrant past. Hopefully, we don't forget it and use these images to continue to create the future. Another great "event" had to be the amazing voter turnout in the area. Not one to give regular props to Waukesha, but 96 percent is amazing and Milwaukee you did pretty darn well yourselves even if the City printed 800,000 too many ballots!

Person -- Many entrepreneurs moved Milwaukee forward this year, but two stand out and both used coffee to do so. Eric Resch, founder of Stone Creek Coffee, continued to grow his roasting operation with new stores in Bay View, Glendale and soon Cedarburg. Resch is a community guy with a huge civic heart and knack for doing things the right way. Johnny V ventured into coffee this year, too, with the soon-to-open Mocha on the corner of Wisconsin and Plankinton. He's made a street his own in Plankinton and succeeded when many told him that he'd fail. Don't forget he also opened Moceans. Restaurants, many times, are catalysts for revitalization and both Resch and Vassallo were leaders in 2004.

Bobby Tanzilo

Movie -- I really liked "Sideways" for its mix of comedy and tragedy and, of course, wine snobbery. Take that merlot hounds! :-) "Monsieur Ibrahim" was charming and so was "Goodbye Lenin." I loved Giovanna Mezzogiorno in "Facing Windows" and I think "Garden State," despite trying very hard to be hip, was a great directorial debut. "Vera Drake" offered a passionate, personal take on a difficult issue and "The Motorcycle Diaries" has some of the best performances of the year.

Concert -- I liked Kasey Chambers at Potawatomi, which is a great room for music with subtlety. She's chipper, personable and at times downright melancholy. Perfect. On the opposite end of the spectrum, how come I like Gomez's records but found them completely intolerable onstage?

CD -- Heartbeat's reissue of the classic Studio One sides by Burning Spear -- "Creation Rebel" -- is brilliant and Rounder also finally issued Alan Lomax's recordings made in Piemonte in 1954 as part of its "Italian Treasury" series. The disc was long awaited ... by me, at least. I loved Carmen Consoli's "Un Sorso in Piu," an "unplugged" session for Italian MTV. Her version of "In Bianco e Nero," about her mother, is heartbreaking. A Girl Called Eddy's self-titled debut full-length is a great rainy-day record, with nods to Bacharach, Everything But the Girl and Chrissie Hynde. Athlete's "Vehicles & Animals" is addictive for its ability to make acoustic guitars and Coldplay-like vocals sound dance-y and cool. I also have been rocking the Eastern Lane, Hope For The States and I Am Kloot discs, as well as the most recent Superbus disc, "Aeromusical," which is, I know, two years old now. OK, I'll stop.

TV/Book -- I have a love/hate relationship with a few "reality" shows (although I'm not sure whose reality these reflect, exactly): "The Apprentice," "Extreme Home Makeover" and "America's Next Top Model." And although I've always despised James Spader, I love him and Shatner in "Boston Legal." Of, course "The Simpsons," in the end, is still the only show that matters. I've been reading pretty focused non-fiction books lately (for example, "Citta Giardino," about the post-war housing boom in Turin, and "The Lost World of Italian-American Radicalism"), so it's hard to recommend any unless your interests lie where mine do, so I'll just recommend turning off the TV and reading any book. Or, if you have kids, read one with them.

Event -- Volunteering at our neighborhood homes tour, where I met cheerful neighbor after cheerful neighbor and was reminded that if people come together they can effect change in their own neighborhoods and have a good time doing it, too. And, while it may be construed as a pat on my own back (but I hope not), I was thrilled to be able to help make a success of "Una Storia Segreta: When Italian Americans Were Enemy Aliens" at the Milwaukee County Historical Society in spring.

Person -- The loss of A. David Schwartz is one that not only affects me personally, but affects the city, which has lost a free spirited booklover who was determined to keep ideas flowing in a bookselling climate that is being squelched by corporate giants. Luckily for us, he left his bookshop in similarly capable and determined hands. But we'll miss him anyway.

Andy Tarnoff

Movie -- My favorite film of the year was "Fahrenheit 911," though it seems wrong to pick a documentary as best movie of the year. I suppose that also rules out the awesome "Super Size Me." So I'll agree with Molly and pick "Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind." I've always said that I like Jim Carrey when he's not being a spaz, and this was the movie. The film felt like a nightmare in some respects and was riveting from beginning to end. Silly as it was, I also loved "Team America: World Police." Dirtiest puppet sex scene ever.

Concert -- The Pixies at the Milwaukee Theatre were great. After a long layoff, they rocked just as hard as I remembered. At several points during the November show, I closed my eyes and could swear I was sitting in my bedroom, listening to "Doolittle" in 1990. Runner-up goes to the Cake show at The Pabst Theater. They would've earned first place in my book, if not for their surly and insulting attitude toward the crowd.

CD -- I think I only bought one CD this year for myself, Cake's "Pressure Chief." I liked it for the same reason many people wouldn't like it: it sounded like all their other works. Sometimes, I'm not looking for a band to get too creative. Cake just keeps on keepin' on.

TV/Book -- I just love FOX's "Arrested Development." Now in its second season, Jason Bateman et. al., are funnier and push the envelope further. It's sophisticated humor, and it falls on the same day as my other favorite show, "The Simpsons" (of course). I also enjoyed HBO's "Carnivale." Spooky, dark and sometimes confusing, its cinematography makes the show. And it looks even better in HD. For books, I liked Steve Martin's, "Shop Girl." I know it wasn't written in 2004, but that's when I read it. Martin is just as funny in print as he is on the big screen, and he's even more witty as an author.

Event -- Is it tacky to say my Nov. 20 wedding at the Grain Exchange Room? Fine, then I'm tacky. Being surrounded by 135 of my closest family and friends was an amazing way to publicly celebrate the love and the union between my new wife and me. And I'm still giggling about the table full of bobblehead dolls we had fashioned in our likenesses. Runner-up: the birth of my Godson, Elijah Simon Laber. Sorry for all the personal references, folks.

Person -- OK, I'm gonna get even tackier with this choice: Brett Favre. I know I picked him last year, and I know he doesn't even live in Milwaukee, and I know I'd laugh at some other writer who would choose #4. But as I watch every Packers game, I'm reminded that our time with Brett at the helm is running short. Because of him, every winter Sunday, win or lose, is at least interesting. Much has been written about the off-the-field adversity he's faced, and while that's impressive, I'm talking about what Favre brings to the Pack on the field. Brett has provided me with many years of championship-caliber football, and while I'm technically a bigger Brewers fan than a Packers fan, Favre makes it easy to get swept up in Packers Pride every season. Runner up: Howard Dean, for reminding Democrats why we're different than Republicans. Honorable mention: John Kerry, for hopefully reminding Democrats that next time we nominate another wishy-washy, boring candidate, we're gonna lose again.