Headphones On

The Changes/The French Kicks @ RibFest - Chicago
I saw the Changes several times this year and while I champion them every time they take a stage, I thought this show at a random street fest was the epitome of their live sets. Everything was aligned and they never sounded better. The random homeless people dancing in front of the stage only made it better.

Metric @ Cedar Street - SxSW
I've seen Metric dozens of times over the years and I'm sure they've NEVER phoned in a show, EVER. But somehow in a tiny courtyard full of obsessive music fans and journalists, they left me completely awed of the musical force they have become over the years. This was the most in-tune with each other (and the crowd) I have EVER see them on stage.

Tahiti 80 @ Double Door - Chicago
Tahiti 80 has been on my list of "Need To See Before I Die" bands for years... and they didn't disappoint me in the slightest. Full on French dance beats have never struck my ears with such joy.

Mew @ Double Door - Chicago
Another long time coming... and after the show at Metro a few weeks before I didn't know if they could put together a better live show. Even after complaining that the sound at Double Door isn't in stereo I think they blew away everyone in the room with the waves of guitar and vocal harmonies.

The Clientele @ Abbey Pub - Chicago
Every show the Clientele play is magical (at least every one I've ever seen) but the addition of a new violin player and the upbeat harmonies of the new songs blew my mind.

Magic Numbers/Metric @ Stubb's BBQ - SxSW
As I wrote in my SxSW writeup... 5000 people screaming along with Emily "I fought the war but the war won. Stop for the love of god." How two of my favorite bands of the past five years ended up on the same bill at SxSW astounds me but an all round great night.

Pet Shop Boys @ Chicago Theater - Chicago
Fifteen years I waited to see Neil and Chris. Fifteen years. There were tears.

The Brunettes @ Red Eyed Fly - SxSW
Finally the show I knew the Brunettes could put on! Shame it happened so late in the game at SxSW but great that it finally happened.

Martin Carr @ Union Hall - Brooklyn
Great venue. Great friends. Great big Liverpudlian guitarist. Great memories.

Voxtrot/Field Music @ Emo's - SxSW
Ramesh bounced, we sang along, Peter & David did their switch up drumming thing and the kids all swooned.

Midlake @ Lollapalooza - Chicago
The first band of the festival raised the bar so high that NO ONE else I saw all weekend could touch them.

Jose Gonzalez @ Eternal - SxSW
It's awe inspiring what one man can do with a guitar. I'm sure I've said it before but the dynamicism of Jose live cannot be matched on record.

Entertaining in other ways:
Touch @ Go 25th Anniversary Party @ Hideout - Chicago
Amy Millan @ Park West - Chicago
Voxtrot/Matt Pond PA/ TV On The Radio @ Prospect Park - Brooklyn
Flight of the Conchords @ NZ Day Party - SxSW
The Chalets @ Soho Lounge - SxSW
Lily Allen @ PopScene - San Francisco
Giant Drag @ French Legation Museum - SxSW
Scritti Politti @ Double Door - Chicago