Instead of ranking the top concerts of the year in order I've decided to list the ten shows that made the biggest impression followed by every other concert I've seen in '06. Forgot about what you just read for a second because it's not 100% accurate. Sleater Kinney was hands down the best show of the year. That being said, I saw a lot of concerts in '06. Most were enjoyable, some were awful and a handful were off the charts fantastic. The ten concerts below made the biggest impact for various reasons. Sleater Kinney was a juggernaut on stage delivering the best performance of the year. It might just be the best performance I've ever seen, it was that good. Spencer Krug of Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown was able to maintain his zealot like intensity all four times I saw him perform. Wolfmother proved they were an amazing live act regardless of your disdain for their sound. Wu-Tang and Ghostface showed everyone that the Wu still has something left on their fastball by delivering passionate and soulful performances. Will Sheff of Okkervil River provided the most earnest and heartfelt performance of the year. Rakim, Sonic Youth and Pearl Jam showed how to age gracefully and still maintain an intense and lively show. And last but not least, TV On The Radio backed up their press by offering a stripped down hard rocking performance which revealed even more layers of their sound. Overall I had a great year hitting up dozens and dozens of shows and I hope to bring even more photos and re-caps of your (my) favorite bands in the new year. Here's the list...
Sleater Kinney @ Webster Hall 8/02/06
Sleater Kinney was hands down the best concert of 2006. The ladies played a ferocious set in a 100 degree Webster Hall. Don't mistake their performance for a Rolling Stonesesque one-last-lap-around-the-block-victory-tour-taking-bows-and-kissing-babies performance. Sleater Kinney approached their last New York show like a prize fighter. They came out swinging early and didn't stop punching until the crowd was damn near ready to pass out. They performed as if their legacy depended on it, trying to prove their worth and fighting against irrelevance. It made for a compelling and memorable performance.
See my original Review: Sleater Kinney @ Webster Hall 8/02/06
More Photos: Sleater Kinney @ Webster Hall 8/02/06
Video: Dig Me out
Sunset Rubdown @ Bowery Ballroom 9/24/06
From my original review:
I don't know if it's the magic of the Bowery Ballroom or the fact that the band has gelled since their Mercury Lounge shows. Whatever the reason, Sunset Rubdown sounded more concise then any Krug led band I've seen this past year. Krug opened with a new song similar to Winged/Wicked Things and then rolled right into Stadiums And Shrines II. Speaking of Winged/Wicked Things, the crowd was treated to a dead on version of the song that was recorded for a Daytrotter session. Winged/Wicked Things sounded better than any song played all night and makes you wonder why it didn't make the album? The first half of the set was out of control amazing. I was waiting for an ebb in the flow but the energy kept building and the ebb never materialized. The band played pretty much everything off of 'Shut Up I Am Dreaming', as well as an "old song, re-worked" according to Krug. The band closed the first set with crowd favorite, I'm Dreaming of Places Where Lovers Have Wings. Then came back out for an encore and performed a haunting version of The Empty Threats of Little Lords.
See my original Review: Sunset Rubdown @ Bowery Ballroom 9/24/06
More Photos: Sunset Rubdown @ Bowery Ballroom 9/24/06
Videos: Three Colors
TV On The Radio @ Irving Plaza 10/18/06
From my original review:
During Blues From Down Here, Tunde, delivered the intense line "pull the pin, drop it in, let it wash away" with a steely gaze. Later on in the set, I Was A Lover and New Health Rock, provided a powerful one-two punch that had Irving Plaza on its knees. Wolf Like Me played as the thundering and marauding rock and roll song it was meant to be. During Let The Devil In, the band brought out Grizzly Bear and friends to dance around, conjure up the devil, and transform the song into a spiritual hymn. TV On The Radio put everyone on notice that they're the best rock and roll band around.
See my original Review: TV On The Radio @ Irving Plaza 10/18/06
More Photos: TV On The Radio @ Irving Plaza 10/18/06
Rakim @ BB Kings 11/25/06
From my original review:
Speaking of crowd control, Rakim had it covered from step one. He stalked the stage like a bull, fully aware of his lyrical power and legendary status. He made the crowd beg for his hits, which they willingly did. When Rakim quieted down, the crowd followed suit waiting for Rakim to speak. As the show carried on Rakim became more comfortable, even changing his sneakers mid-set. The crowd caught the bug, loosened up, and from then on it was a full fledged love fest. Rakim signed autographs and even gave me pound. He could have asked everyone very nicely to hand over their wallets and people would have obliged.
See my original Review: Rakim @ BB Kings 11/25/06
More Photos: Rakim @ BB Kings 11/25/06
Videos: Follow The Leader, Paid In Full, Microphone Fiend
Okkervil River @ Bowery Ballroom 10/14/06
From my original review:
The sound was great, Sheff''s voice was superb, and the band was tight in all aspects. All forces were pulling in one direction, and that direction led to a memorable show. Highlights of the night were The President's Dead, Last Love Song For Now and Kansas City. Before Kansas City, Sheff announced this was the last time they would play the song live. What a shame, because the last half of the song had the Bowery Ballroom bouncing with excitement. The intensity and sense of urgency was present from beginning to end...
See my original Review: Okkervil River @ Bowery Ballroom 10/14/06
More Photos: Okkervil River @ Bowery Ballroom 10/14/06
Ghostface Killah @ Nokia Theatre 4/22/06
Ghostface could do no wrong in '06. Even with the sound system fighting him all night, Ghost still managed to connect with the crowd. The only downside was the entire Theodore Unit screaming Ghost's lines over him. So pipe down next time Shawn Wiggs and let the master take it home.
More Photos: Ghostface Killah @ Nokia Theatre 4/22/06
Wolfmother @ Bowery Ballroom 4/11/06
Love 'em or hate 'em, you can't deny Wolfmother's prowess as a live act. When you listen to Joker And The Thief you think it's impossible for Wolfmother to pull it off live. Not so. Not only do they pull it off live, they manage to make it sound more brash, pompous and balls to wall then you can imagine. Not to shabby. If you're in to throwing devil horns, guitar solos, huge afros, pilfered riffs and a good time, check out Wolfmother. If not, you can hang out at home and spin a White Stripes or Black Sabbath album. Either way it's a win-win.
More Photos: Wolfmother @ Bowery Ballroom 4/11/06
Sonic Youth @ McCarren Pool 8/12/06
From my original review:
On night two Sonic Youth continued to roll along. They played Teen Age Riot right off the bat, riling up the crowd, and producing one of the highlights of the weekend. Check out the Teen Age Riot video I youtubed. The set-list was even more 'Rather Ripped' heavy with the exception of Eric's Trip and 100%. The one song which exceeded my expectations live was Turquoise Boy. Thurston Moore hijacked the song around the three minute mark giving it more muscle. Due to...curfew restrictions Sonic Youth wasn't given an opportunity to stretch out their wings and produce an epic show. Regardless, for two days Sonic Youth's mastery was clearly on display for all of Brooklyn to see.
See my original Review: Sonic Youth @ McCarren Pool 8/12/06
More Photos: Sonic Youth @ McCarren Pool 8/12/06
More Photos: Sonic Youth @ McCarren Pool 8/11/06
Video: Teen Age Riot, The World Looks Red
Wu Tang Clan @ Webster Hall 8/18/06
From my original review:
After a long wait Wu-Tang finally hit the stage. Each member came out separately to one of his solo hits. It was a Wu-Tang roll call with Method Man and Ghostface being the last two out. After each member got their minute in the spotlight they went straight into Method Man, and never looked back. Over the two nights they played everything off of '36 Chambers' except, Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber and Clan in da Front. On night two they almost ran through every song on '36 chambers'.
See my original Review: Wu-Tang Clan @ Webster Hall 8/18/06
More Photos: Wu-Tang Clan @ Webster Hall 8/18/06
More Photos: Wu-Tang Clan @ Webster Hall 8/17/06
Videos: Method Man, Triumph Part 1 and Part 2, Bring Da Ruckus, Mystery of Chessboxin'
Pearl Jam @ Verizon Center 5/30/06
I don't know what I can say about Pearl Jam to combat your preconceived notions. I've seen them live so many times I've lost count. Their live show continues to blow me away and their consistency and dedication to their fans remains strong after all these years. Even if you don't like the band or their more recent material, I recommend checking them out live at least once.
More Photos: Pearl Jam @ Verizon Center 5/30/06
The Best of the Rest.
So close to greatness.
Broken Social Scene @ Webster Hall 1/26/06
The Ponys @ Bowery Ballroom 4/04/06
Wolf Parade @ Webster Hall 4/10/06 Photos : Video of Hadji getting down on the theremin.
The National @ Webster Hall 5/21/06 Photos
Broken Social Scene @ Prospect Park 7/06/06 Photo
The Roots @ Webster Hall 8/14/06 Photos
Sonic Youth @ McCarren Pool 8/11/06 Photos : Video The World Looks Red
Wu-Tang Clan @ Webster Hall 8/17/06 Photos
The Evangelicals @ Bowery Ballroom 9/08/06 Photo 1, Photo 2
Asobi Seksu @ Bowery Ballroom 9/08/06 Photos
The Danielson Familie @ Hammerstein Ballroom 9/25/06 Photos
Viva Voce @ Bowery Ballroom 10/12/06
Grizzly Bear @ Irving Plaza 10/18/06 Photos
Mudhoney @ Knitting Factory 11/18/06 Photos : Video Suck You Dry, Video two
Styles P @ BB Kings 11/25/06 Photos : Video Wild Out
Every other time I saw Pearl Jam this year
Not bad, not bad at all.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Bowery Ballroom 2/24/06 Photos
Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Bowery Ballroom 2/25/06
The Strokes @ Hammerstein Ballroom 3/03/06 Photos
Art Brut @ Bowery ballroom 4/04/06 Photos
Wolf Parade @ Webster Hall 4/09/06 Photos
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Bowery Ballroom 4/14/06 Photos
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Bowery Ballroom 4/15/06 Photos
Slick Rick @ Nokia Theatre 4/22/06 Photos
Baby Dayliner @ Webster Hall 5/21/06
Sunset Rubdown @ Mercury Lounge 5/24/06 Photos
Ryan Adams @ Bowery Ballroom 6/24/06 Photos : Video Cold Roses
Voxtrot @ Prospect Park 6/30/06
Siren Festival: Dirty on Purpose/Tapes N Tapes/The Cribs/Serena Maneesh/Art Brut/Scissor Sisters @ Coney Island 7/15/06 Photos
Fiona Apple @ Central Park 7/26/06
Bloc Party @ McCarren Pool 7/29/06 Photos
Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ McCarren Pool 8/11/06 Photos Video Cheated Hearts
The Pharcyde @ Webster Hall 8/14/06
Boris @ North Six 9/11/06 Photos : Video
Flaming Lips @ Hammerstein Ballroom 9/25/06 Photos : Video Yeah Yeah Yeah Song, Vein of Stars
Be Your Own Pet @ Bowery Ballroom 9/28/06 Photos
Elvis Perkins in Dearland @ Bowery Ballroom 10/14/06 Photos
Could have been better.
Arctic Monkeys @ Webster Hall 3/25/06 Photos : Video Fake Tales of San Francisco
Papoose @ Nokia Theatre 4/22/06 Photo
Band of Horses @ Bowery Ballroom 6/15/06 Photos
Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ McCarren Pool 8/12/06 Photos
Lord Jamar @ Webster Hall 8/18/06 Photo
Frank Black @ Southpaw 8/19/06 Photos
Get me out of this venue.
Animal Collective @ Webster Hall 3/23/06 Photos
French Kicks @ Webster Hall 4/10/06
Rhymefest @ Webster Hall 8/17/06 Photo 1, Photo 2
Black Lips @ Bowery Ballroom 9/28/06 Photos
Silversun Pickups @ Bowery Ballroom 10/12/06 Photos
Modest Mouse @ Bowery Ballroom 11/18/06 Photos : Video Johnny Marr and David Cross
Give The world full of loves! The Great Loves will be giving back to Human!
Posted by: MBT | April 06, 2011 at 04:31 AM
superb posts. Mind sharing how you get the info for blog posts
Posted by: Cosplay Wigs | April 06, 2011 at 10:43 PM