2007 Year End Survey | Caleb Daniloff

One of my few pet peeves about VPR is the high number of commentators that come from the "gentrified Alzheimer's clan" with their curmudgeonly views on life. That's why I like Caleb Daniloff (on the right with fellow surveyista Philip Baruth). As a VPR commentator, the freelance writer from Middlebury regularly brought a contemporary view of life in the Green Mountains. Rather than waxing on about how "things just aren't the same anymore", Daniloff would speak to the anxiety and joy of being a blogger or about taking in Bill Clinton's address at Middlebury.

A few of Daniloff's commentaries are archived here.

Unfortunately, Daniloff's last few commentaries dealt with his move from Vermont to Boston where he now resides. However, we thought we'd bring him back to tap his thoughts on the year in music.

1) What was your favorite song of 2007?

Nettie Moore (Bob Dylan)

Bob Dylan | Nettie Moore | Buy


2) What was your favorite album of 2007?

Modern Times (Bob Dylan)

3) What was your favorite concert of 2007?

Bob Dylan at the Pines Theater in Florence, Mass., last June. We lucked into front row center seats at the refreshingly low-tech (the security guards were scrawny twenty-somethings who sat on folding chairs in the corners) 2,000-seat outdoor venue. The stage was so low we could have rested our feet on the wooden planks. Dylan was maybe ten feet away, you could see the whites of his eyes. Attached is a stellar re-working of Shelter From The Storm from that evening as well as the always-great It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding).

Bob Dylan | Shelter From the Storm (live at Pines Theater)

Bob Dylan | It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) (live at Pines Theater)


4) What was your favorite thing about 2007?

Exploring life outside my comfort zone

5) What are your best wishes for 2008?

The return of awe and wonder