2008...Never Say Never

By Jim Shearer on 12/30/2008

Ironically, Metallica released a single in 2008 called "The Day That Never Comes."

(left: Oh the memories of '08.)

But in many ways, 2008 was "The Day That Did Come," even for the band mentioned above, who released a back-to-form album, Death Magnetic, which included 8-minute songs, guitar solos, and the return of the old Metallica logo (surfaces of high school desks beware).

For those who have ever uttered the word "never," 2008 was a year for them to eat their words:

Guns N' Roses will never release Chinese Democracy. Really? Believe it or not, in 2008 they actually did, and it seemed like the perfect time to do so--the balance of apathy, anticipation, and high/low expectations was just right. Critics were ready to slam the album (as some did), but I think many were just happy to see Axl Rose back, with or without Slash and Duff.

There'll never be a black president. Hmm, interesting, in about a month we're going to swear one into the White House. President-Elect Barack Obama went 15-rounds with Hilary Clinton in the Democratic Primaries before beating John McCain by TKO in the Presidential election.

Never say never.

Over the last decade, indie music fans chuckled whenever they heard Wayne Coyne talk about the holiday movie that he was working on in his backyard. Yeah right, Christmas on Mars will never see the light of day. Guess what? Not only was it released this year, but the Flaming Lips also put together a mega-deluxe edition of Christmas On Mars (which includes trading cards, stickers, a soundtrack, a t-shirt, and some popcorn), just in time for Christmas...on Earth.

Eight gold medals in one Olympics? That's never going to happen. Wrong again, Michael Phelps swam to eight gold medal victories this summer in eight different events--that's more than any human being has ever won at one Olympic Games. Even if you're sick of seeing his face on television commercials, you gotta respect his unprecedented achievement. (I don't think I could tie my shoes eight times in a row.)

Never thought you'd see Zack De La Rocha release a solo album or side-project? Think again. Since 2000, we've been waiting for De Le Rocha's solo album to drop, an effort that (apparently) features production from Trent Reznor, ?uestlove, and DJ Shadow. Because De La Rocha is a perfectionist extraordinaire, the album has been put on hold, and some speculate whether it will ever be released. This year, in a move somewhat surprising for a perfectionist, De La Rocha--supplying keyboard riffs and vocals--teamed up with former Mars Volta drummer, Joe Theodore, to form the group One Day As A Lion. They even released a 5-song EP--that's five more songs than some people thought they'd ever see from a non-Rage Against The Machine, De La Rocha project.

Never say never.

Gas will never be cheap again. How's $1.30 per gallon sound to you?

O.J. will never go to jail. Guess where he'll be spending the holidays (and the next few years)?

Never thought a moose-hunting-mother-of-five could be an election and one heart attack away from being the most powerful person in the world?

Never say never.

Never thought the fastest race ever run by a human being could also include a 15-meter, self-congratulatory dance celebration (from a guy named after a lightning bolt)?

Never thought billion dollar corporations could rack up debt like a 15-year old girl going on a spending spree with her parent's credit card?

Never thought you'd see a better Joker than Jack Nicholson?

Never thought an ex-stripper named after the devil would win an academy award for her very first screenplay (a story about a pregnant teenager with a penchant for witty slang)?

Never thought you'd see the last game at Yankee Stadium?

Never thought you'd see Brett Favre play football again?

Never thought you'd see Britney Spears with a full head of hair and her career back on track?

Never thought you'd see Trent Reznor giving away Nine Inch Nails albums away for free?

Never thought you'd see CBGB's turn into an upscale clothing boutique?

Never thought you'd see Chinese Democracy? How about democracy in China?

Never say never, there's always 2009...