It's Top 10 time, one more time!
So I ran out of time last night, but wanted to finish up my Top 10 lists for 2008 with that of which I've generally been writing about all year...concerts.
So without further ado, here are my list of best shows for the year starting with #10.
#10) Gutter Twins - 3/21 @ The Roxy
- Not that I'm a huge fan of the Gutter Twins on a whole, or that into Mark Lanegan and Greg Dulli in general. The reason this makes the list is because it was the very last show at The Roxy. Kind of bittersweet to see it go, although word has it that it will eventually reopen all snazzy and new. But I saw so many shows and had so many memories in that old building that I'm still sad that it's gone.
#9) Feist - 4/18 @ Masquerade Music Park
- It's rare that you'll see me at an outdoor show and rarer still to see one make in the Top 10, but this was one special show. The weather was outstanding and even though I was surrounded by idiots, even they couldn't detract from a spectacular performance by Feist. She is something to see if you have the chance.
#8) The Hives - 5/15 @ Center Stage
- Still surprised this might've been the first time I've ever seen them, but it was well worth it. They give you 110%, as impossible as that is. They're non stop Rock in matching suits.
#7) Kingsized Holiday Jubilee - 12/13 @ Variety Playhouse
- On my first date with Rikki, I took her to a play of It's A Wonderful Life performed as a live radio broadcast (think along the lines of that Prairie Home Companion stuff), so for the anniversary of our first date I took her to the Kingsized Holiday Jubilee, another Christmas themed performance. Considering all that, you think this would've ranked higher on the list.
#6) The Sword - 5/26 @ Lenny's
- It was very late, it was very hot, but it was very, very good. The Sword always deliver. And no encore, so that's another plus.
#5) Grupo Fantasma - 7/18 @ The Earl
- Only got to see them once this year, but once was certainly enough to make the Top 5. These guys are SO good live, you just don't even know. And still about the only place you're guaranteed to see me dance.
#4) Elvis Weekend - 8/16 @ Variety Playhouse & 8/17 @ The Earl
- OK, I'm kind of cheating here as this was technically two shows. But El Vez appeared in the Kingsized show and Tongo Hiti opened up for El Vez the next night. That's like getting chocolate in your peanut butter or peanut butter in your chocolate. Either way it's a win and I'm counting them together all Reese's style.
#3) Eddie Izzard - 6/24 @ Cobb Energy Center
- So the first date anniversary didn't rank up there, but the birthday present did. Rikki is a huge fan of Mr Izzard, as am I, so for her birthday I got us tickets to his first Atlanta performance in forever. It was hilarious and I'm still stunned at how long that guy can just talk and talk and talk, without any kind of notes or prompter or anything.
#2) Black Diamond Heavies - 11/15 @ Star Bar
- They really impressed me the first time I saw them and didn't disappoint the second time I caught their show. But even though I knew what I was in for and what to expect, this last show totally blew me away. Along with Grupo and The Sword, these guys are probably one of the best live acts I've seen in a long time.
And mirroring my #1 album for the year, my concert of the year goes to...
#1) Wovenhand - 10/11 @ Drunken Unicorn
- Anyone who knows me and my deep love of 16 Horsepower would have no problem guessing this one. Especially considering it was almost 2/3 members of 16HP! Most of the rest of you probably still have no idea of who I'm talking about, but I'm cool with that. I know who they are and I got to see them again. That's plenty reason enough for it to be my top show of 2008.
PS - Even though I've decided to end the concert blog as it stands. I still plan to keep some kind of tracking of the shows I see in a year just because I want to know my own self. That means I'll still compile a best of list next year. So rest easy tonight folks, I haven't totally abandoned you.