It's the time of year when every newspaper and magazine in the known universe wheels out its "Best of 2007" list. In lieu of doing exactly the same thing, I decided to compare the culturati's lists of things I should have read, watched, listened to and worn with my actual choices. We rarely agreed.
BOOKS
I should have been reading: Man Gone Down, by Michael Thomas: "This first novel explores the personal histories behind four desperate days in a black writer's life." (The New York Times Best Books of 2007)
I actually read: The Janissary Tree, by Jason Goodwin. This superbly entertaining mystery set in the Ottoman Empire is Goodwin's first novel and the debut outing of the detective Yashim Togalu. Debonair and cultivated, Yashim just happens to be a eunuch. He's also an excellent cook, but I don't think that particular talent is related to his misfortune.
MOVIES
I should have seen: 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days. "Greeted with universal approval from the critics, an exceptional, masterful piece of film-making that combines social realism, political comment and nail-biting tension" (The Times, 100 Best Films of 2007)
I actually saw: The Lives of Others. By far my favourite film of the year, this masterpiece set in East Berlin before the fall of the Wall has it all: love, loyalty, betrayal, suspense, political sophistication and terrific, heart-stirring music.
MUSIC
I should have bought: M.I.A - Kala. "The Sri
Lankan-born U.K. rapper's inspirations run all over the globe, with
a Day-Glo sensibility rooted in the Native Tongues hip-hop of the
Jungle Brothers and De La Soul, but with the political rage of
Public Enemy." (Rolling Stone, The Top 50 Albums of 2007)
I actually bought: Stacey Kent - Breakfast on the Morning Tram. One of the finest jazz singers of our time interpreting lyrics by the novelist Kazuo Ishiguro: what's not to like? (Oh, and like anybody else with a soul, I got into Amy Winehouse, too.)
FASHION
I should have worn: Tim Hamilton. "Nominated for the CFDA's 2007 Swarovski Award for new talent, Hamilton is well on his way to becoming America's next great menswear guru." (Refinery 29, Best New Designers of 2007)
I actually wore: Made-to-measure suits from obscure Paris tailors. Shoes by Edward Green, StefanoBi and Santoni. Shirts from Thomas Pink and Eglé Bespoke. Spectacles from Oliver Peoples. Various items from Paul Smith and Agnès B. And surprisingly nice wool trousers from Benetton.
PRODUCT
I should have acquired: An iPhone. "Choosing the product of the year is usually a tricky business...Not in 2007, when there was only ever one serious candidate - Apple's iPhone." (International Herald Tribune)
I actually got: A Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic watch. I'm also in love with the Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pen that the Branded Female bought me for Christmas. Beautiful.
In fact, all this consumerism is making me feel queasy. I'm off for a walk around the city. One of the very best things to do, on any day of any year.













