The shows I saw this week were kind of disappointing, so I wanted to rehash some of the good times I’ve had over the years. Here’s a list of the ten best shows I’ve seen.
10. Poison Control Center, Schubas 2011
Amazing band playing amazing music. Actually saw them twice at Schubas this year, and they were both spectacular. You’ll get another chance when they tour again. Make sure you don’t miss them.
9. Band Of Horses, Lollapalooza 2009
As soon as we got to Grant Park and sat down (during Airborne Toxic Event’s set) I got my nose broken. I refused to leave because we wanted to see Band of Horses. They made me glad I stayed, as their set was the best that we saw that weekend.
8. Josh Ritter, Vaudeville Mews 2009
This was the second time we saw Josh Ritter at the Mews, and by far the best performance of his I’ve seen (out of 6). Played a few songs off So Runs The World Away way way way before that album was due out. His shows are always fantastic, whether solo or with the band. Can’t wait to see him again next year.
7. Titus Andronicus, Subterannean 2010
One of my favorite bands playing a venue so muggy and hot it was like a sweatlodge.
6. Golden Bloom, Michael J Epstein Memorial Library, Neutral Uke Hotel, Schubas 2011
Probably the best lineup of groups I’ve seen in a long, long time. All three bands were fantastic.
5. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Notre Dame 1994
My very first concert. Couldn’t have picked a better way to kick things off. The opener was the super-talented songwriter Pete Droge.
4. Wilco, Val Air Ballroom 2006
One of the greatest setlists ever played, including a cover of “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
3. Paul McCartney, Wells Fargo Arena 2005
Played a very long show with a ton of Beatles songs mixed in with his solo and Wings stuff. Amazing talent. Just as good as he was 40 years ago.
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Empty Bottle 2002
Before they were a huge band, this trio was playing to the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at Empty Bottle.
1. Prince, First Avenue 2007
Waited in line for about 6 hours to get tickets and almost died of heat exhaustion. Then waited another three hours after the doors opened at the venue for him to go on. Totally worth it.