Top 13 Concerts of 2005
In a year which I saw nearly 3 times as many live music performances (31) as movies in the theater (11), this was a tough list to put together. Much like my movie list though (which will probably show up sometime mid-2006), this list features a swell of repeat viewings. I managed to see many of my favorite acts multiple times this year, and my list will reflect that. My list also reflects not only the performers and performance, but the extraneous details of the show. When you get down to it, going to a live show you always want to see something spontaneous, original and unique. The list reflects that as well. So with the exposition out of the way, here we go with another list of the Top 13/Best of 2005.
13. Nada Surf at Neumo’s
I missed the second encore, but saw enough of this great trio to already make plans to see them again in 2006. Filled with all the pop gems from their last two albums, as well as a few surprises, Nada Surf is a long way from one-hit-wonder status.
12. “Odd Men Out Tour” (Ben Folds/Rufus Wainwright with Ben Lee) at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
The show was too short, and Ben & Ben failed to reunite to play “Bruised” (40% of the reasons I went), but the show was fantastic nonetheless. Folds & Rufus joining forces for the Wham classic “Careless Whisper” didn’t hurt, nor did Folds’ NWA cover, “Bitches Ain’t Shit.” I’m sure this was not a truly spontaneous performance, but the magic was there all the same.
11. Beck at the Paramount
Last time I saw Beck was with the Flaming Lips for the Sea Change tour. Things were drastically different this time around, with a larger, louder band, but Beck’s songs hold up in any environment. The highlight of the show was the brilliantly conceived and executed dinner party (if you were there, you know what I mean), where wine glass rims replaced the string arrangements on “Guess I’m Doing Fine.”
10. Mike Doughty’s Band at the Showbox
I saw Doughty & Handsome Dan earlier in the year, but had to go back when he rolled into town with the rest of the band. The “medium rock” moved a little more toward “large” and freed up the man formerly known as M. to get a little wild with some 80s covers, Kenny Rogers and a new “Firetruck” remix. Next time he’s in town, I’ll be there again.
09. Kings of Leon at Easy Street Records
I saw the Followill boys at a proper live show later in the year, but this March in-store performance is hard to top. Playing through some bum equipment and scorching hot temperatures inside the not-very-big store, Kings of Leon steamrolled through 15+ songs for a packed, enthusiastic crowd.
08. Arcade Fire at the Paramount
This performance would’ve been much higher if not for my #1, but it wins points for the band’s march offstage and out to the lobby, where they finished the show in an acoustic jam session on the stairs. Immediatley I found out they’d been doing things like this throughout the tour, but that doesn’t take away the uniqueness of the moment.
07. Ben Lee at the Crocodile
This was the first (but certainly won’t be the last) time I ever saw Ben headline a sold-out show here in Seattle. Riding the high of a well-recepted new album, Ben and his flower-power friends performed another solid show of inclusive pop anthems, even convincing the cynical crowd to sing along at the end of the show.
06. SMART Benefit featuring Dave Eggers, Sarah Vowell, Mike Doughty, Daniel Handler and Death Cab for Cutie at McCaw Hall/Bumbershoot
Here’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime events you can only find at a festival like Bumbershoot. Daniel Handler and his according played manic host, Dave Eggers read a letter “written” by a dog, Mike Doughty eschewed his promised “spoken word” for some sung ones instead and Sarah Vowell utilized the evening’s house band Death Cab to give us all an education in the history of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” At the end we were all treated to a short set from Death Cab and a big encore with all the stars for a bouncy rendition of “Hungry Like the Wolf.” All this and for a good cause, too.
05. Michael Franti & Spearhead at the Bumbrella Stage/Bumbershoot
I’ve been a fan for nearly 10 years, but have never gotten to see the band live until this year. I’ve been missing out. Much like Ben Lee, Franti creates a true sense of community and togetherness through his music, and that comes out in each performance. Iggy Pop may have headlined the final night of Bumbershoot, but it was this show that was still rocking late into the night. A fitting end to the weekend.
04. Ben Lee at Chop Suey
This show proves again why Ben is one of my all-time favorite live performers. Featuring a proposal, a great set featuring two fantastic covers and a bar-top encore, this will live in my memory for a long, long time.
03. Foozer at Key Arena
Weezer I used to like a lot, but not so much anymore. Foo Fighters I’ve always loved. Together, they only exceeded my expectations. This was my first time seeing both, but probably won’t be my last. Both of these bands broke out of the mold, with Rivers performing in the back of the general admission section on “Island in the Sun” and Grohl venturing into the crowd twice in total rock star style. I don’t go to big concerts often, but if more were like this, I might.
02. Mike Doughty at Neumo’s
It has proved to be a year where anything can happen when I attend a live show. In addition to a great “solo” set (with Handsome Dan), Mike performed four songs outside on the street before the doors opened. Luckily, I was there to see it.
01. The Arcade Fire at the Gorge/Sasquatch
The Paramount show may have been a better show, but it’s hard to top the utter joy/thrill of seeing this band for the first time. It was a strangely emotional experience. The moment the chorus rang together on “Wake Up” to start the show, I discovered my love for this band is a lot deeper than I would ever have expected the first time I heard their music. I had heard a lot of hype about their live performances, but The Arcade Fire exceeded every expectation. The fact that my first time was at one of the most incredible venues in the country only made it sweeter.