Now that we've entered the 11th month, I'm starting to reflect on the year that was. 2009 is going down as one of the best years for live music. Some of my highlights include Depeche Mode, Project Pitchfork, Funker Vogt, The Cure in Vegas, Hocico in Denver and Thom Yorke with Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) in L.A.

At each show, I visit the merch table and negotiate whether I should drink beer and commemorate the show with a sticker or patch, or if I should skip the drinks altogether and embrace the opportunity to replenish my wardrobe. Once those band shirts start to fade, they become sleepwear.

Getting a new band tee, tote, hat or hoodie is more than just a souvenir from a night with the band. It's taking on the responsibility of being a billboard for said band, or for some, a way of saying "I'm cool because I went to this show!"

Bands have become more creative in my time of concert going. Once there were only T-shirts in men's sizes. Then came the girlie shirts and beaters.

Nowadays, I can forgo shopping for underwear elsewear because many merch tables carry panties -- thongs and bootie shorts -- that I can wear when I ... Hmm, there's not really an appropriate time for me to rock out with my billboard out.

Are panties a big seller for bands? I can see a fanboy getting his girlfriend a pair. Last week I learned that teenage girls are squealing to get Robert Pattinson's face on their "Twilight" panties. Yuck.

So, since I have seen many creative items on merch tables (Enduser simply had a baggie with pills in it), I went in search of more.

I purchased an Ah Cama-Sotz slipmat in Germany. Wilco and Radiohead have reuseable water bottles. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club sold iPod skins, leggings and lighters. Eagles of Death Metal have sweatbands. Matchbox Twenty sold USB bracelets. Stereolab has sold yo-yos, umbrellas and coasters. I saw a skate deck at the Combichrist show. Weezer has assorted colors of Snuggies on their Web site. Vans have launched special edition shoes for bands like Pixies and Iron Maiden. Kiss once had Kiss Kasket (Dimebag Darrell was buried in one).

The concept of one-stop shopping, while getting a show at the same time is genius. I hope bands will continue to stock their mobile store like any other retailer.

I'm in need of a winter scarf, gloves and sweaters. I don't wear belt buckles, but I would wear earrings, barrettes, rings and necklaces. Socks are great too. The only thing I won't buy from a band is the underthings. That's just begging me to take of my clothes in public.

Amy Spencer is the editor of In This Week. Reach her at aspencer@inthisweek.com or 801.257.8822.