Our rock critic shares his Top 10 moments

1. All things Led Zeppelin — In the days of my youth, I was one of few rock critics who championed Led Zeppelin (even Rolling Stone hated them at first). It was so good this year to see the band finally get the recognition it has long been due. The one-off reunion concert in London earlier this month was a triumph. "Mothership," a new 2-CD retrospective, is a Top 10 hit (the "deluxe edition," with a two-hour DVD of live performances, is even better). The new, two-disc DVD "special edition" of the 1976 concert film, "The Song Remains the Same," is more powerful than ever, enhanced by two previously released performances. And lead singer Robert Plant showed his enduring greatness as a vocalist with the brilliant and amazing "Raising Sand" CD, an unlikely pairing with folk/country genius Alison Krauss. It, too, is a critical and commercial success.

2. Tony Bennett at the Paramount — In a job like mine, you see many good, memorable performances. But Tony Bennett's September concert at the Paramount was one of those rare instances when I realized I was in the presence of greatness. At 81, the master of American song was impeccable. He was the essence of cool, the embodiment of eternal youth. Every song was perfect. As a music critic, it was the kind of night you live for.

3. Old guys still rock — Back when rock started in the '50s, we never dreamed rock stars would continue when their youth was gone. But we're learning that true artists never quit, musicians never stop. That lesson was brought home again and again this year with memorable concerts by Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne and especially the incomparable Neil Young. And let's not forget Merle Haggard. He may be country, but he rocked.

4. The Roots at the Showbox — This remarkable hip-hop/funk/soul/R&B band, which does not get enough recognition, was operating at peak levels at its show in February at the Showbox. Watching 10 talented, inspired musicians playing passionately in perfect sync was invigorating. The masterful drummer, leader and inspiration, who goes by the name ?uestlove, is open to all good music, so it was not surprising to hear snatches of Led Zeppelin, Leadbelly, Sly Stone and even "Mary Poppins" in the Roots' imaginative jams. ?uestlove and the band's hip-hop take on Bob Dylan's especially timely "Masters of War" was nothing short of brilliant.

5. Lily Allen at the Showbox — Discovering new artists is always a thrill, but when it's somebody as sprightly, silly, sexy and talented as Lily Allen, it's especially delightful. At her March concert at the Showbox she was frank, irreverent and irresistible, in both word and song. Backed by a tight, seven-piece reggae band (including horns), her songs were fresh, bracing, full of youthful energy and sass. She drank and smoked and flirted onstage, but it was all part of her character, her spitfire charm. Come back soon, Lily!

6. The Saturday Knights at SXSW — South by Southwest, the annual music-industry spring break in sunny Austin, Texas, every March, is always a kick. But this year's was especially memorable because one of the bands that stood out among the thousands there was Seattle's own Saturday Knights, who presented a spirited, playful, snarky set at a little club called Latitude 30. Notable in the crowd — as much for his height as his stature as America's top rock critic — was David Fricke of Rolling Stone. He didn't write about the Knights, as it turned out, but seemed to enjoy their fun, dance-inducing set, as did everyone else lucky enough to be there.

7. Arctic Monkeys at the Paramount — The show was moved from the WaMu Theater to the smaller Paramount, demonstrating that the band hasn't achieved the popularity here that it deserves. But the change of venue didn't stop the UK lads from presenting a tight, searing, impressive set that showcased their finely honed musicianship, smart lyrics and onstage authority, especially on the part of lead singer Alex Turner. The crowd loved it, breaking into wild dancing, moshing and crowd-surfing.

8. The wake for Ian Fisher at the Tractor — The sad occasion in honor of a prime figure in Seattle rock in the '80s, who died in October in Thailand of a heart attack at age 51, turned out to be an inspiring gathering of local rock veterans. Fisher could still draw a crowd — the Tractor Tavern was packed — and his former band mates and musician friends did him proud by reprising the rocking, well-crafted songs he wrote and sang as lead singer of the Cowboys. The spirit of local rock was alive that night.

9. Response to the closing of the Crocodile Cafe — The quick and surprising shutdown of the venerable, world-renowned Belltown nightspot renewed the passion and dedication of Seattle music fans. Seattle as a special place, which has been reflected in our unique music scene since the 1950s, is eroding, and the closing of the Croc brought it to a head. If the Croc's loss leads to a stronger local scene, then maybe there's a silver lining. American cities are becoming homogenized, but we can't let that happen to Seattle rock.

10. The Ventures honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum — The greatest instrumental band in rock history is from Tacoma, and the whole rock world will know that when The Ventures are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in March. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the group, which still includes its key founding members, so the timing is perfect. I remember when the only radio station in the world that played The Ventures was KJR. It seems like only yesterday.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com