Best & Worst 2008: Pop R.I.P.

R.I.P.: The “Chinese Democracy” hype

Eulogy: Year in and year out, beginning back in the early-to-mid ‘90s, we were promised that it was coming. Just a few more months, we’d be told, and Guns N’ Roses’ “Chinese Democracy” would be here. But the album seemed to become a myth, a release that existed in promotional hype only. Then suddenly – almost without warning – it was here, a few days before Thanksgiving.

Will we miss it? The better question, perhaps, is do we even care that it’s here? After more than a decade of waiting, “Chinese Democracy” made a lackluster landing on the U.S. pop charts, entering at No. 3, behind albums from Kanye West and Taylor Swift, and selling just a fraction of what GNR’s last studio efforts, “Use Your Illusion I” and “Use Your Illusion II,” sold in their first weeks. Swift, mind you, was just a couple years old when “Use Your Illusion” was released.  (Frank Micelotta / Getty Images)

R.I.P: Virgin Comics

Eulogy: Virgin Comics hit with a big splash in 2006 when Sir Richard Branson, author Deepak Chopra, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and others launched a line of comic books, many based in Indian cultural tales. The company attracted the talents of John Woo, Guy Ritchie, Nicolas Cage (with son Weston), Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, porn actress / entreprenuer Jenna Jameson and more, but was still forced to shut down its New York office and “restructure.” The company has relaunched as Liquid Comics, but it is not clear whether all of the titles will remain.

Will we miss it? With so much going on in comics (DC’s Trinity, Marvel’s Dark Reign storylines, etc.), we skip over it in the U.S., but its push abroad may get notice.  (Virgin Comics / Los Angeles Times)

R.I.P.: Heidi Montag’s fashion line

Eulogy: Taking a cue from other self-branding blonds like Paris Hilton and Lauren Conrad, MTV reality Barbie “Heidi Montag” launched a clothing line called Heidiwood. Think shiny satin short shorts and zebra print tank tops. Each item was priced between $10 and $60. And it showed. Heidiwood will be off the racks next year; parent company Anchor Blue opted not to renew Montag’s contract.

Will we miss it? The Fug Girls put it best: “Only two of the 12 items have sleeves, and just one — a pair of jeans — extends past mid-thigh.” These garments cater to a very – ahem – specific demographic. The majority of women will do just fine without.  (John Shearer / WireImage.com)

R.I.P.: Joaquin Phoenix’s acting career

Eulogy: At just 34, Joaquin Phoenix, who has already been nominated for two Oscars (for “Walk the Line” and “Gladiator”), announced that he’s throwing in the towel. “I’m not doing films anymore,” Phoenix told “Extra.” “I’m working on my music. I’m done. I’ve been through that.” If Phoenix sticks to his word, February’s “Two Lovers” will be his final film.

Will we miss it? No, but only because we don’t believe him.  (Paul Buck / EPA)

R.I.P.: Crazy Britney

Eulogy: Britney Spears has crammed a lot of insanity into the past four years. She married a friend in Vegas, annulled the wedding three days later, married backup dancer Kevin Federline while his girlfriend was pregnant, gave birth to two children, drove with her 5-month-old son on her lap, divorced Kevin, shaved her head, checked into rehab, gave a bizarre and distracted performance at the 2007 VMA show, and was hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation. Lately, however, Brit’s music and demeanor have suggested not just sanity, but stardom. According to our own Ann Powers, “Britney’s back. She actually seems to be awake this time. This is only the beginning.”

Will we miss it? Naw. Crazy Britney is fascinating and all, but hot-shot Britney is even more riveting. We’d rather watch Britney’s smoking new “Circus” video than watch her attack a paparazzo with an umbrella any day.  (Kevin Winter / AFP / Getty Images)