OffBeat’s contributing writes and columnists, like most music fans, are not shy about expressing their musical opinions. Their quandary was being asked to name one—and only one—musical performance of 2001 that they considered the year’s best. No honorable mentions, no runners-up. Our writers groaned, griped and in the end, delivered the goods.

2-03-01, Roy “Boogie Boy” Perkins, Circle Bar: As if it wasn’t enough to have the honor of introducing him after a 30 year...