Tuesday, December 19, 2006

My favorite shows of 2006

A couple of people have asked me lately what my favorite live gigs were this year. Well, tis' the season for lists, so here you go.

If I don't get to another post before the holidays, have a very Merry Christmas!

- Steve

20. Kasabian: Fine Line 10/5/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

While they may be better on record than in a live setting, hanging out with Tom and Sergio after the show in the basement of the Fine Line made this whole night so much fun.

Kasabian Website / MySpace



19. DJ Nick Warren / Michael Burian: Roxy 9/23/06, Prague, Czech Republic

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Being in Prague + great friends + great house music + Absinthe = a great time.

Nick Warren Website / MySpace
Michael Burian Website / MySpace



18. Husky Rescue: Turf Club 8/2/06, St. Paul, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

I've been addicted to their album "Country Falls" ever since...

Husky Rescue Website / MySpace



17. Muse: State Theater 7/26/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Spectacular. So very loud. So loud in fact, that my friend Ryan had to leave the show. His inner-organs are (thankfully) still intact ;)

Muse Website / MySpace



16. Phoenix: Fine Line 7/24/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

The French Strokes were awesome live. The crowd was dancing up a storm. My buddy Brody's favorite gig of the year.

Phoenix Website / MySpace



15. Beirut: Triple Rock 10/14/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Zach Condon, aka Beirut, is super-talented, as showcased by his performance at Triple Rock. I still can't believe the guy is only 19.

Beirut Website / MySpace



14. Sigur Ros: Orpheum Theatre 5/8/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Sigur Ros' final tune was the best closing tune/multimedia experience of the year. Wow.

Sigur Ros Website / MySpace



13. Silversun Pickups: 7th Street Entry 8/12/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Their album "Carnavas" is one of my favorite records of the year. They absolutely rocked live.

Silversun Pickups Website / MySpace



12. Metric: First Avenue 4/10/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

I love Emily Haines. What a show she delivered with her band Metric... looking forward to her solo-performance in 2007 at Varsity Theater already...

Metric Website / MySpace



11. Stellastarr* / The Editors: Fine Line 4/18/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow


Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

The 2nd best review on my blog this year. This show really made me love The Editors... and Amanda ;)

Stellastarr* Website / MySpace
The Editors Website / MySpace



10. Pet Shop Boys: Orpheum Theatre 10/28/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Their first show here in the Twin Cities in 15 years. Great gig, meeting Neil after the gig, classic...

Pet Shop Boys Website



09. Birdmonster / Los Abandoned / La Rocca: 400 Bar 10/24/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

One of my favorite tripe-bills of the year... Three different styles of music. Playing the crash-cymbal on-stage during Birdmonster's encore was pretty awesome too ;)

Birdmonster Website / MySpace
Los Abandoned Website / MySpace
La Rocca Website / MySpace



08. The Flaming Lips / Sonic Youth / The Magic Numbers: MN State Fair 8/24/06, St. Paul, MN

Original Post (Photo courtesy of s4xton)

Next time, more bubbles and streamers please...

Flaming Lips Website / MySpace
Sonic Youth Website / MySpace



07. Ice Cube: First Avenue 5/4/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

... straight out of Compton, a crazy motherfucker named "Ice Cube"... yes, he definitely proved it at the show.



06. The Alarmists / White Light Riot: Varsity Theater 6/9/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

My two favorite local bands on the same bill. Look for great things in the future from both of these artists.

The Alarmists MySpace
White Light Riot MySpace



05. Diplo / CSS: Varsity Theater 7/31/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow

Cansei de Ser Sexy were absolutely insane. Diplo is unbelievable live.

Diplo Website / MySpace
CSS Website / MySpace



04. Gogol Bordello: Fine Line 4/7/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Gypsy-punk rock at its best. Definitely the craziest (and sweatiest) show I saw all year.

Gogol Bordello Website / MySpace



03. Arctic Monkeys: Metro 3/18/06, Chicago, IL & Wiltern LG 6/3/06, Los Angeles, CA

Chicago: Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow
LA: Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

I was lucky enough to see these guys twice this year. They were absolutely brilliant both times. Band of the year in my book. But you knew that already...

Arctic Monkeys Website / MySpace



02. Art Brut: 7th Street Entry 3/28/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

Fantastic live experience. My favorite review on the blog this year (thanks Ryan). Lead-singer Eddie Argos is one of the funniest guys I've ever seen on stage. And yeah, "Art Brut, Top of the Pops"!

Art Brut Website / MySpace



01. The Raconteurs: First Avenue 8/3/06, Minneapolis, MN

Original Post | Flickr Photos | Flickr Slideshow | YouTube Video

When they played their cover of "Crazy", I knew this gig would be #1 of the year for me. Jack White is a genius.

The Raconteurs Website / MySpace

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome list. And good call on the Art Brut show -- that was probably one of the best performances from a rock band that I've ever seen.

solace said...

if i hadn't already seen Art Brut the year prior, and known what to expect, the show would probably be up there with me as well, but instead it was just kind of a reply of the show i saw in Barcelona.

still really good mind you

c said...

rock star! muse & raconteurs - i LOVED both live this year, too. how many shows did you go to this year i wonder?

Brody McCoy said...

Great list love the pictures, love the variety!! I'm glad you, myself, and Kyle all have a different type of layout for are concert and album lists... Where is a link to my top 10 lists??? When are we going to hit up a show????? I need to get you back on the street scene!!! Cheers Dude! -Brody

F.J. Delgado said...

that's a kickass list of shows!

I really want to see Muse, and soon.

Happy New Year!