My Favorite Concerts of 2006

Im gonna take a stab at another best of listing today, and now that its December, its a bit easier to justify, but just barely. This post will run through my favorite concerts that I was able to attend this year, and there were plenty of good ones. Ill also be doing a post with just my favorite concert photos as well.

Wilco
#1 – Wilco @ The Ryman – Nashville
Besides my bias towards Wilco, its pretty tough to beat seeing them live. Add to that the fact that this show was at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. And also that it just happened to be St. Patrick’s day. Needless to say, this show was incredible, you can read the full review I wrote here.

#2 – Silversun Pickups- @ The Vougue – Indianapolis
Going into this gig I had only a small amount of Silversun Pickups knowledge to go on. At this time in the year the album,Carnavas , was already getting rave reviews from many, but I just hadnt taken the time to dig into the record yet. This show changed that quite a bit, you can see my review via this link.

#3 – Heartless Bastards @ The Southgate House in Cincinnati
When the hometown kids do good, the locals recognize it and jump on the bandwagon. That is just what we got for this show at one of Cincinnati’s finest, The Heartless Bastards had their CD release show for All This Time, and Southgate was jam packed. Best crowd I was a part of this year.

Sigur
#4 – Sigur Ros – Taft Theatre
Seeing Sigur Ros in concert is an amazing experience. Ill say right now that pretty much without fail, if I see a SR show, its gonna make the top 10 list if I do one of these at the end of that given year. This was my second time seeing the band, and while not quite as memorable as the first go round, an excellent performance. My review can be found here.

#5 – Band of Horses @ Alchemize in Cincinnati
This was probably the best of many shows I saw at Alchemize over the course of 2006. This one took place in the old building, and although I missed Band of Horses returning to break in the new Alchemize, id be surprised if they were able to best this gig. For my thoughts at that time, go here.

#6 – Fiery Furnaces @ Desdemona Festival in Cincinnati
I like the Fiery Furnaces, they make music I dig for the most part. I had never seen them live though, and I had never been put under the spell of one Eleanor Friedberger either. I mean, even this photo can put you into her trance if you arent careful. One of the best sets of the inaugural Desdemona Festival.

Lytle

#7 – Jason Lytle @York St Cafe in Cincinnati
Grandaddy is one of my favorite bands, through the ups and the downs Ive always been a big fan. So when I heard about this solo set with Jason I had to be there. And despite him have a rough case of stagefright and an obviously under informed and noisy crowd, it was a great experience. I get the feeling this wont be duplicated much. However, Jason did do a WOXY Lounge Act the next day. Here are more of my thoughts on the show.

#8 – Joseph Arthur @ 20th Century Theatre in Cincinnati
I was admittedly late to this show and wasnt expecting too much. I had been to the 2oth Century in the past and the venue itself just isnt one of my favorites in town. However, on this night, Joseph Arthur could have been performing anywhere and it would have been amazing. When the “encore” last over an hour, I knew it was a good night. Check out my writeup from the show here.

#9 – Bell Orchestre @ Music Now Festival Cincinnati
I was at this show for the Arcade Fire sideshow alone, three members of the indie rock giants are a part of Bell Orchestre as well and thats all I needed to hear to show up. But what I got was something that really made me forget that initial connection and respect the talent and emotion of the band. My thoughts on the show can be found here, as a part of my review of the entire Music Now Fest.

Roddy
#10 – J Roddy@ Alchemize – Cincinnati
A bit of a bias here, since this was the first official Each Note Secure showcase. But when some guys from one of the other bands performing that night said that seeing J Roddy Walston and the Business perfom was a “life changing” experience. And that he had never seen a better rock show, I think it deserves to crack this list.