For the past few years, I’ve used this space to foam and blather about shows coming to the area. (Mostly to Asheville, I’ll admit, although I’ve set my sights to the west now and again.) In that time, I’ve celebrated, sanctioned, venerated, deified, praised, flattered, extolled, and gotten downright moony about a number of bands that deserved greater glory. I’ve also condemned, criticized, castigated, nitpicked, insulted, lambasted, slandered, and otherwise assailed groups that didn’t live up to their hype. Opinions all, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t disagree with at least half of them.

Still, I never meant such ramblings to be taken idly, written for the pure pleasure of seeing my audio-idiosyncrasies in print. Rather, I hoped the previews would act as a sort of consumer’s guide (to steal rock critic Robert Christgau’s line), helping would-be concertgoers separate the wheat from the chaff ... or at least get an idea what they might be getting for their money. Only rarely have I reviewed a show I previewed; only rarely, that is, have I told you if I was right or wrong. It seemed more important to talk about the next thing coming than about the thing already gone.

Given that my time as the Smoky Mountain News’ resident high holy musical windbag is soon coming to an end — more on that next week — I thought it high time I look back and pick some of my favorite shows from the past few years. At first, I thought I’d shoot for a five-best or ten-best, but the selection was too difficult. Instead, I’ll just list the shows that stand out in my memory as particularly good ones — shows that affirmed my faith in live music as the most transcendent of the arts.

Lucinda Williams, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, November 2001

A lovely woe-and-romance show from the reigning queen of romance and woe.

Danny Barnes and Thee Old Codgers, Grey Eagle, March 2002

I’ve long loved Danny Barnes, and this set with the Codgers reminded me why.

Allison Moorer, Stella Blue, Fall 2002

I don’t remember much about this show except walking out astounded by her huge huge voice.

Todd Snider, Orange Peel, July 2003

A high-times free-for-all that found Snider in fine storytelling form.

The Gourds, Blue Cats (Knoxville), September 2003

One of the most electrifying shows I’ve seen in years. The crowd was primed and the Gourds delivered. I can still feel the buzz.

Barbarito Torres, Orange Peel, December 2003

Beautiful Cuban melodies from the master of the laud (Cuban lute). The band was exquisite. Torres was too.

Old Crow Medicine Show, Orange Peel, February 2004

The show that got me hooked on OCMS’ barnburnin’ folk.

Jurassic 5, Orange Peel, April 2004

Another of the most electrifying shows I’ve seen in years. I can still hear the roar.

Walter Wolfman Washington, Thibodaux Jones, August 2004

Thibodaux Jones’ Creole Kitchen is gone but not forgotten; this show from the New Orleans R&B icon was among the joint’s finest hours. (PS — Wolfman is playing Downtown After Five on Aug. 19 . . .)

They Might Be Giants, Orange Peel, August 2004

Say what you will about these button-downed quirk-rockers, this was a helluva show, with mounds of talent on display. Bonus points for surreal opener Corn Mo.

Willie Nelson, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, November 2004

One word says it all: Willie. (I also saw a great Willie show at Harrah’s in February of ‘04.)

Hector Qirko Band, Preservation Pub (Knoxville), January 2005

A roof-raiser from the Knoxville blues band that made me feel seventeen again. In a good way.

Hamell on Trial, Grey Eagle, February 2005

You didn’t listen to me the first time, but if this folk-punk troubadour ever makes it back to Asheville, do yourself a favor and take in the show. Hilarious, righteous, and real.

Tift Merritt, Orange Peel, February 2005

I don’t know why she’s not a superstar.

Bobby Bare Junior, Grey Eagle, April 2005

A reverb-and-crash-cymbal set from my new favorite country band. Dynamite.

Three Shows That Disappointed:

Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Orange Peel, 2/03),

Dwight Yoakam (Harrah’s, 9/03),

Dr. John (Orange Peel. 2/05).

Playing This Week

• Menage, Westville Pub, 6/23

• John Doyle, Grey Eagle, 6/23

• Makeout Room, Stella Blue, 6/23

• Reverend Horton Heat, Orange Peel, 6/24

• Zion Noiz, Guadalupe Café, 6/24

• Firecracker Jazz Band, Jack of the Wood, 6/24

• Jucifer, Stella Blue, 6/24

• 13 Stories, Westville Pub, 6/25

• Hooverville, Jack of the Wood, 6/25

• Jay Clifford, Grey Eagle, 6/25

• Kendra Shank, UNCA Concert on the Quad, 6/27

Three Good Words To Describe Optimum Conditions in My Beer Cooler

1. Slush

2. Slurry

3. Admixture

They Said It

“The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes — ah, that is where the art resides.”

— Artur Schnabel