The ink isn’t even dry on many “best of” lists from 2007, but it’s time to start looking ahead to what could develop in 2008. Last year had its ups and downs, and there’s no reason to expect anything different in this calendar year. Here are a few story lines (the good, the bad and the morbid) to keep an eye on in the coming year:

So, is that pop/country or country/pop?

I’m not particularly a fan of country music, but I’ve always been able to respect it for what it is. The question raised in years past (and sure to continue in 2008) is, well … what exactly is it?

It was well-defined and self-assured. However, the pop/country crossover of recent releases on mainstream radio has made both genres almost unrecognizable as a part of their former selves (were Michael Jackson and George Jones ever difficult to distinguish between?). It all heated up with Carrie Underwood, who won the American Idol competition and soon became a country, not pop, idol. The trend likely will continue – both industries are terrified by dwindling album and ticket sales, and are seemingly aimed at producing less genre-specific music than they are at simply pumping out mass-appealing melodies without regard for audiences. This isn’t heartbreaking to those that aren’t fans of either genre, but is nonetheless an interesting aspect of the music industry observe in ’08.

My how you’ve changed!

The Manchester, Tenn.-based acid convention otherwise known as Bonnaroo is going to be different this year. 2008 marks the first year the festival will be held on land that it owns outright after forking over $8.6 million last year for the deed.

Organizers now can provide a permanent infrastructure to improve staging, make the festival safer and reduce the stink factor for a 30 mile radius.

However, if the rumors of this summer’s headliners are true, it better be a pretty solid infrastructure. One of the most entertaining rumors to follow in the coming months will be that of a Led Zeppelin/Metallica headlining bill at Bonnaroo. And if the rumor proves true, it should be entertaining to see the fans who flock to Manchester. Anyone remember the rioting of Woodstock ’99? Think about it.

What a long, strange road it’s been to a possible Metallica headlining slot at Bonnaroo. Will regulars even recognize the festival after Summer ’08? I’d love to see Zepplin back in the States as much as anyone, but this is like throwing high-grade diesel fuel on an already burning fire.

Warm up the soapboxes

The period from 2003 to now has been a particularly embattled one in the world of politics. Where there is political embattlement, there are headlines. Where there are headlines, there are entertainers with big appetites. Give a public figure a mass audience, and they will forcefully share their opinions.

Because 2008 is an election year, it is an unavoidable truth that audiences will face starting after the major presidential candidates are announced to the world. Your favorite band’s concerts and “60 Minutes” interviews with your favorite movie stars likely will be infused with support for their favorite candidate (or at least an expression of relief that the village in Texas is getting their “idiot” back).

A word to the wise: just start getting used to it. I used to boo when a concert would turn political – not because of the opinion being expressed, but because it’s not what I’m paying for. In truth, there’s really no avoiding it.

Use it as a drink or bathroom break and let the good times roll.

Die Another Day?

My strangest and most morbid prediction for 2008 is that Britney Spears has the serious potential to join The 27 Club.

For those not in the know, The 27 Club is the entertainment phenomenon otherwise known as several iconic musicians and actors dying at age 27. Janis Joplin (overdose), Jimi Hendrix (overdose), Jim Morrison (probable overdose), Kurt Cobain (Courtney Love), Brian Jones (drowning) – all of these and many more met their maker during their 27th year. Spears will hit the mark on Dec. 2. All I’m saying is, someone should keep an eye on her come New Year’s Eve about 12 months from now.

Of course, I don’t mean to lump Spears in with Cobain, Hendrix and Mitchell in terms of artistic merit, but she has been an icon in many senses, for better or worse. Morbid, I know. But just something to consider.

FYI, I’m not wishing death on anybody, and I hope this doesn’t actually happen – but she’s not taking trips to the hospital for sugar rushes.

Waiting on pins and needles

I’m doing just this in anticipation of the new studio album from R.E.M., which is set for release in early April.

Dubbed “Accelerate,” the album features many songs the band showcased during its five-night summer run at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, as well as tracks debuted in a variety of ways over the past months.

Recorded in just 90 days and mixed in a mere 10, “Accelerate” is the first studio release since the wishy-washy 13 tracks of 2004′s “Around the Sun.”

Of course, an album isn’t complete without an accompanying tour, and it would be a great story line for 2008 if R.E.M. began with a warm-up show at the fabulous 40 Watt in Athens.

Another local point of pride? R.E.M. is set to headline South Florida’s Langerado Festival alongside The Beastie Boys and many others. If Bonnaroo has the potential to go downhill this year, Langerado has the opposite. Tickets currently are running for $184.50 and the lineup is thus far worth the drive.

- Alec Wooden is the Out & About Editor for The Red & Black.