Here are my favorite show’s of the year. Due to travelling, I was unable to see all the shows, but that’s life I guess.
David Byrne, Sony Centre
My favorite show of the year, with so much creativity and thought put into each piece. There is simply no other show like a David Byrne show – armed with an empty stage, a gang of dancers and musicians and a stellar light show, the show makes you appreciate what a concert can be. It helps that David Byrne utilizes his entire discography, which obviously results in joyous moments when the Talking Head tracks come on. The only sad thing was that this show was at a seated venue because people wanted to dance. Favorite show of the year.
New Order, Molson Amphitheatre
There used to be a notion that New Order was a shitty live band, but I’ve seen them twice and I have been delighted each time. They just play the hits man, and the hits are great. My only downside for this show was that they didn’t play “Ceremony”. I guess that’s just a drawback from a band that has 40 years of hits to draw from.
Meute, SXSW
A German EDM Marching band just blew everyone away at SXSW. The energy that this group generates was amazing and they literally had a real bass drop. One of my favorite surprises at SXSW and one that my friend Derek was so enthralled with he kept on seeing them in Austin
Starcrawler, SXSW
Never before have I been to a show that was equally electrifying and terrifying. Starcrawler’s Arrow De Wilde has a presence on stage is astounding for someone who has barely been in the game and the vibe she creates as she stares wildy at the stage and crowd thinking what to do next is one that I won’t forget.
Young Fathers, SXSW
Thank god for The New York Times. This show was part of a New York Times Music mag party at SXSW that also included free Shake Shack and top shelf liquor. All of this added to the intense show that Young Fathers put on, a show that came one day before their fantastic new record Cocoa Sugar came out.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Field Trip
Good bless Karen O.