Top 13 Live Shows of 2006
I saw more than 30 live performances this year, and nearly all of them were excellent. Here’s the best of the best in both music and comedy. First, as usual, the ten runners-up:
Ben Harper at Sasquatch, Ben Folds at The Paramount, Gomez at Easy Street, Guster at Easy Street, Spoon at Bumbershoot
13. Ryan Adams
The Moore, April 23
Drunk and/or high, Adams still put on a compelling show, even when he couldn’t remember the words to his own songs. Though for him, showing up is a pretty big accomplishment.
12. People Talking & Singing: Sarah Vowell, Dave Eggers, John Hodgman, Smoosh, The Gothic Archies, Ben Gibbard & Colin Meloy
McCaw Hall, September 1
A great mix of NPR-approved literary and indie rock stars that also raised the most dough for 826 of any show on the Bookeaters tour.
11. Ray LaMontagne, David Ford
The Paramount, November 15
It almost hurt to listen to Ray, he was so good (and so shy). A captivating performer.
10. Jim Gaffigan
The Moore, March 3
Hot Pockets! Pale Force! A must-see live show.
9. Demetri Martin
The Showbox, November 11
Charts + graphs + drawings + jokes = funny.
8. Trapped in the Closet
Charlotte Martin Theatre, September 4
The most I laughed all year, any time, any place. Thank you R. Kelly for your masterpiece.
7. Guster, Nada Surf
The Moore, October 3
Two of the best modern pop bands for the price of one brought a fun show from start to finish.
6. The Flaming Lips
The Gorge, May 27
The icy chill and long delays from the hailstorm could not lessen the loony brilliance of The Lips and their merry troupe of santas & aliens.
5. Neko Case
The Moore, July 1
A make-up date for her hailed-out performance at Sasquatch, Neko made me almost glad for the hail. Almost.
4. Foo Fighters
The Paramount, July 11
The Foos really know how to go quiet without skimping on the sound. A fabulous show from start to finish, highlighted by a thrilling Dave Grohl solo performance of “Best of You.”
3. Gomez, Matt Pond PA, Rodrigo y Gabriela
The Moore, October 22
Beginning with the jaw-dropping guitar work of the soon-to-take-the-world-by-storm Rodrigo y Gabriela and ending with blistering set from Gomez, this was my surprise hit of the year.
2. Pearl Jam
The Gorge, July 22
The Gorge was seriously H-O-T that day and so was the band. The only downer? Two hours in line getting my tickets, making me miss the first few songs. Thank god for sanctioned bootlegs.
1. Nada Surf, Rogue Wave
The Showbox, February 2
A packed house, two great bands and good company made this my favorite show of the year. I may have to see Nada Surf every time they come to town from now on.