Here is a list of the performances that really affected me this past year:
I. Bright Eyes - Chicago (Old Town School of Folk Music)- With perhaps the 10 best young multi-instrumentalists as his backup band, Bright Eyes brought his magnum opus to life...what ensued was pure magic coupled with emotion. One of those rare moments where everything feels right. The man was crying onstage people!"
II. Explosions in the Sky/...And you will know us by the Trail of Dead - Toronto (Lee's Palace) - A great double bill with Texas' finest exports. EITS put everyone in lala land, while trail of dead brought us back to earth with an intense performance, that left everyone in awe. There were instruments smashed to pieces and blood on speakers...but everyone knew they had witnessed something special. Don't mess with Texas.
III.Flaming Lips/Modest Mouse/De La Soul/Cake - Chicago (Arragon Ballroom) - A weird lineup, but The Flaming Lips on stage, with flashlights, giant spheres, people dressed in fuzzy costumes...brilliant!
IV. Do Make Say Think -Toronto(Lee's Palace)/ w/ Fly Pan Am Chicago (The Empty Bottle) - Somehow they brought their huge sounding album to a small space, and it didn't get lost. Fly Pan Am showed us how you can be indie-cool and still groove.
V.Mogwai-Toronto (Lee's Palace)- My dawg Ritchie hooked me up with tickets to this sold out show very last minute in May, and we all owe him for making the world a better place.
VI. Super Furry Animals - Toronto(Opera House) - Even Devon agrees it was a good show!
VII. The Herbaliser - Toronto (Harbourfront Centre) - The sounds of summer in the summer, surrounded by friends, warm air, and a cool breeze off the lake.
VIII.Gentleman Reg, Ellen Cherry & Others - Toronto (NXNE Festival) - The best indie music spotlight...and a pretty girl dedicated a song to me! *blush*
IX. The Beach Boys - St Joseph, Michigan - The sound of America (minus the genius of Brian Wilson) in small town America.
X.Rush -Toronto (Molson Amphitheatre) - They are still incredible musicians, and can out rock bands 1/4 of their age. Diggy Lee!
....And the Worst Concert I wasted my $5 on....
The Vines - Toronto (Tequila Lounge) - Perhaps it was my fault for believing the hype...but they staggered on the stage, with third rate musicianship, and more rock star posing than Mick Jagger. The singer just sounded like an even bigger loser when he couldn't handle the rather loud hecklers. Eric from Tchort (R.I.P) ran into me and said "Ian, these guys Suck"
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