I got bored last night so I put this list together. I had to cut out a couple that I absolutely loved, and it pained me to do it. Appologies go out to The Features, Thunderbirds Are Now!, Out Hud, Locksley, Clem Snide, Marbles, Dressy Bessy, Elf Power and dozens more. However, this is a rough list of the shows I enjoyed the most during 2005.

10. Architecture in Helsinki – Newport, KY (South Gate House)
I went to this show with one of my friends who’s more of a Jack Johnson fan and even she had a blast. Architecture in Helsinki are one of the most spirited, engauging bands still touring today. Their Randy Newman and Roxy Music covers were particularly appreciated.

9. VHS or Beta – Lexington, KY (The Dame)
Louisville heros brought the funk to The Dame and rocked a packed house. I had to stand behind the stage (part of the way I get into the Dame when I’m only 19), but it was fantastic even from that vantage point. This photo is from their encore when girls kept jumping up on the stage. While that was awesome, the highlight still has to be their thrilling performance of ‘Night on Fire.’

8. Q and Not U – Louisville, KY (Brown Theater)
We came for Interpol, but were blown away by Q and Not U. They were everything an opening band should be: talkative, energetic, and most importantly – happy to be there. Not only did they cover a nice Fatback song that I hadn’t heard before, but they stuck around in the lobby and talked to anyone who wanted to chat (Interpol ran to their bus)

7. New Pornographers – Newport, KY (Southgate House)
I’m going to completely omit the mishap with Neko Case, myself and my camera and skip straight to the show. Their setlist was nearly flawless. Great balance of new/old material arranged in just the right way. Also, let’s face it; they’ve got the best pop songs going.

6. Andrew Bird – Chicago, IL (Intonation Music Festival)
I had pretty low expectations for Andrew Bird. After all, it was just him and a drummer. But he won me over in less than one song. I particularly remember being impressed with ‘Action/Adventure.’ Go see this man in concert.

5. Death From Above 1979 – Chicago, IL (Intonation Music Festival)
If DFA1979 isn’t as high as it should be on the list, it’s probably because I was being kicked in the head during their set. You’d think that a crowd of thousands of hipsters would be calm and chill for most of the night – but noooo. However, I can understand the frenzy. DFA are the most energetic and wild band I’ve ever had the pleasure to see.

4. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – Louisville, KY (Headliners)
Ah…Ted Leo. This show was fantastic. Ted’s probably the best showman/frontman currently working today. He had a good banter going with the crowd and picked a great setlist.

3. We Are Scientists – Louisville, KY (Jillians)
I have a bad habit of getting really worked up in anticipation about a show, and then being seriously let down (ie: Sufjan). Strangely enough, not only did We Are Scientists live up to my hopes, but they exceeded them. This trio from Brooklyn are pretty straght ahead as far as performance goes, but they do it with such passion and energy that it’s nothing short of terrific (don’t judge them on their Letterman appearance). Also, it doesn’t hurt that all the girls love Keith.

2. The Decemberists – Newport, KY / The Decemberists – Louisville, KY (Southgate House / Headliners)
These are lumped together for two reasons: 1) they’d be numbers two and three 2) they took place less than 24 hours from each other. I’m convinced that the Decemberists might be the best live act out there in the indie world (this might change after I see Of Montreal), and these concerts proved it. Their show is less like an amateur performance and more like a carefully crafted skit. Highlights included covers of Moz (Lville), the Smiths and DCFC (Newport). Also, I’m pretty sure that hearing ‘YABB/California One’ live means I can die happily.

1. The Apples in stereo – Lexington, KY (Busters)
I could write volumes on this show. They didn’t necessarily outperform every other band on this list, but the entire night was one of the best that I had last year. When I found out the Apples were playing a free show at a bar in Lexington, I called the venue and begged them to let me come in and watch the show. They asked me to come in and talked to them; I did and they said I could come in if I was quiet. Then, not only did Robert remember me from the almost six months earlier, but he gave me permission to tape their show. But the best thing about the night was the fact that they played seven new songs and two classics (‘The Rainbow’ and ‘Strawberryfire’). Also, because I’d told him how much I loved it when he played it at a solo show, Robert dedicated the song ‘Skyway’ to me. Ah… I should be getting permission from Robert soon to upload the video and you’ll be able to see what I’m talking about.

2005 was amazing, but 2006 is shaping up to be every bit as good. We’re barely a week into the year and I’ve already made plans to see Page France (tomorrow at The Dame), Of Montreal (SGH in Feb), and Andrew Bird twice (Lville and Lexington in Feb). Here’s to a great year!

Continue reading the Top 10 Shows (I went to) in 05