Have no doubt about it, Jen Taylor know how to rock. As OutInCanberra’s resident music critic, it’s odd not to find her out a few nights a week taking in the sweetest sounds in Canberra’s live music scene. We asked Jen what here favourite moments were for 2014 – not necessarily the best gigs, but those moments – sometimes fleeting – where the moment becomes magical. You can read the first half of her list here.

So, in her own words, here are Jen’s Top Ten for 2014.

5. The hip-hop festival of 360
– UC Refectory, September.

This was a particularly big night, with Australian and international acts featured at the packed out UC Refectory. Pez (AUS) and Hopsin (US) were the stand-out support acts of the night, both with very different attributes. 360 was the definite main attraction of the night, with his steely stare and his intense attitude juxtaposed with his fun demeanour and enjoyable set. The cameo appearance from Gossling was an enjoyable addition. This was certainly a big night for hip-hop fans.

4. Free Music for Rich Kids
– You Are Here Festival, March.

Remember that arts festival that happens every year in Canberra called You Are Here? A lot of people seem to miss it. Well this year it featured a very special night which saw four locations scattered across Canberra city host an array of local bands.

Music was played at Gorman House, Ainslie Place, The You Are Here HQ near the Merry-go-round, and The Money Bin in Braddon. It ended under the stars with Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens serenading us in front of the fountain in Ainslie Place.

3. The ever-talented Neil Finn
– Canberra Theatre, March.

Perhaps this is slightly biased, but everything Neil Finn does is perfect, and he certainly pulled out all stops in this show. Touring with a talented band made up in majority of his own family, he played songs from his latest album, as well as bringing out some Crowded House and Split Enz favourites. Support act Joshua James was also something a bit special.

2. Festival madness with Groovin’ The Moo
– University of Canberra, April.

It would be foolish not to mention the yearly celebration that is GTM. There was an abundance of animal onesies and people with fake flowers in their hair, but with Acts like Robert Delong, Architecture in Helsinki and Disclosure, this was certainly a highlight for Canberra music… as it is every year. Keep them coming!

1. The Chris Cheney, Phil Jamison, Tim Rogers and Josh Pyke Supergroup performs the Beatles’ White Album
– Canberra Theatre Centre, July.

Really, things don’t get much better than this. When four of the most wonderful Australian musicians get together and play the music of one of the all-time best bands, you know you’re witnessing something special. Five years on from the first and only other time they toured the show, it was just as incredible.

The songs were expertly matched to skills and personalities: Chris Cheney had the grungy songs laden with guitar solos, Josh Pyke had the acoustic crooner songs, Tim Rogers took all the light-hearted ones, and Phil Jameson sang all the beautifully quirky songs. Maybe in five years we’ll be lucky enough to experience it again.
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That pretty much wraps up 2014. Bring on 2015, there are plenty more good times to come!