picture by katarokkar
5. Rival Schools and Innaway
Sunday 12 October 2008
Bottom of the Hill
San Francisco, CA
This was quite a season for reunions. With My Bloody Valentine returning and The Get Up Kids coming back together, you’d would think that Slash would run to Axel with arms wide open in a field of flowers (okay maybe not). But one of the my favorite reunions this year was that of the post hardcore band Rival Schools. Having loved their debut from back in 2001 which featured some of my favorite musicians; seeing Rival Schools was kind of a big deal. Despite my high expectations, they tore it up and then some. Featuring some new tunes and a little announcement that they are recording a new album (I asked Ian, and he confirmed it), this show was particularly special to me.
picture by www.alucinante.net
4. Outside Lands Festival Day 1-3: Radiohead, Beck, Jack Johnson, Cake, Broken Social Scene, Regina Spektor, Wilco, Manu Chao, Stars, Andrew Bird, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Lupe Fiasco, dredg, Black Mountain, Goapele, and Animal Liberation Orchestra
Friday 22 August 2008 – Sunday 24 August 2008
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
This was the first concert I attended when I moved to California. This was my introduction to the audiences and atmosphere of the Northern California concert scene. I can safely say I had a wonderful time and met some pretty cool people. Oh yeah and I witnessed some pretty fantastic performances. Whether it was Andrew Bird‘s brilliant instrumentation, Radiohead‘s light show, or finally getting to see Broken Social Scene in all their glory; Outside Lands Festival did not disappoint.
picture by A Power of Facing
3. Jeremy Enigk and Damien Jurado
Saturday 31 May 2008
Great Scott
Boston, MA
Music always has a way of healing me when I’m in complete despair. Last winter, Jeremy Enigk‘s solo music helped me up, patted me on the back, and guided me on my way. So hearing him perform some of those heartfelt songs live was very special to me. What made it even more special was that fact that he played some old Sunny Day Real Estate songs that sounded simply flawless.
picture by chartno3
2. Sigur Rós and Parachutes
Friday 3 October 2008
Greek Theatre – U.C. Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
There are not many concerts these days that are as delicate and epic as a Sigur Rós show. At one minute you feel like the only person in the venue and another minute you feel connected with not only the band, but the entire audience. You feel closer to the people you’re with because you feel as if you’ve all witnessed something special and monumental. Like watching the birth of a dinosaur (I imagine). Missing a Sigur Rós show is not a choice, it’s a mistake.
picture from katarokkar
1. Far
Thursday 16 October 2008
Troubadour
Los Angeles, CA
Am I a little biased about this choice? Yeah, I guess I am. But holy shit cans of monkey poo, this show was so much more than I expected. I felt like I was 17 years old again, pushing and yelling and sweating and OH MY GOD!…sorry. Anyway, this band has always had a special place in my heart and to see them reunite after 10 years and completely slaughter the crowd was something I will always remember. I would like to thank my buddy Kimo for making this happen for me too. This was by far one of my favorite shows of all time.
Rival Schools – See What You Got
Andrew Bird – Oh No
Damien Jurado – What Were The Chances
Sigur Rós – viðrar vel til loftárása
Far – Girl