8. "Punch-Drunk Love" Once again P. T. Anderson proves himself the most exciting filmmaker alive today. Here, the auteur of “Magnolia” and “Boogie Nights” plays into and defies generic conventions without making it feel forced. Read more...

I spent the last year writing columns about the fact that there wasn’t any leading voice in the arts world. There wasn’t anything for our generation to unite behind and call uniquely our own. Read more...

10. Spring Sing Spring Sing always promises a dandy time, with generally impressive performances (if you don’t count the obligatory sorority/fraternity numbers). Spring Sing 2002 had all the components of a typically good Spring Sing, but it was the guest of honor that put 2002 on this list. Read more...

5. Elvis Costello as Artist in Residence “In 2001, he found himself with a residency at UCLA, where he performed several concerts and was instrumental in teaching music during the year””“ so says All Music Guide. Read more...

8. Amon Tobin "Out from Out Where" The lead-off track is called “Back from Space” but the album shows Tobin never really left. With melded assaulting drum ‘n’ bass and dark cinematic sweeps creating a dense soundscape, this isn’t Kubrick’s vision of the unknown; it’s menacing, anarchic and human. Read more...

“Metroid Prime” Retro Studios Nintendo GameCube If you are a fan of the old “Metroid” games for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super NES and Gameboy platforms, but think that the switch to a first-person shooter can only ruin the classic gameplay, consider yourself mistaken and go buy “Metroid Prime” for GameCube right now. Read more...

The Japanese word “kyodo” has two translations: “family” and “loud children.” UCLA Kyodo Taiko, a Japanese drumming group which will perform Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. Read more...