2007 Year in Show

 Rawk Shows   

Time for the annual “best of” shows. I went to so many shows this year since I was pretty much living in two cities. So I am giving myself more slots than the normal 10. (These are in backwards chronological order...so latest show first. Original show reviews are linked.)

On the homefront:

Office, Tigercity and Via Audio at Casbah
Just a really good show all around. All three bands put on great sets; I got to dance my ass off and afterwards, I got up close and personal with the bands. Sounds like a perfect night at the Casbah to me.

Stars at HOB SD
Their album “In Our Bedroom After The War” is definitely on this year’s top 10. And even though I wasn’t that familiar with their other albums, the whole show was engaging, which says a lot for the material.

Tegan and Sara at Spreckels
One of my favorite show moments of the year was the totally acoustic and unplugged “Walking With A Ghost.”

Bat for Lashes at HOB Delta Room
I was a little skeptical of this band because of all the gushing love from Indie Blogger Nation. But every once in awhile, the hype can be believed and this was one of those instances.

Kings of Leon, BRMC and Manchester Orchestra at SDSU OAT
Another great lineup. I’ve seen both KOL and BRMC a gazillion times and they never fail to kill it. This was also the first time I saw Manchester Orchestra and I could not help but appreciate the rawness of their show. I had been a fan of their record, but this performance cemented my high opinion of them.

The Faint at SOMA
My love for the Faint is well known and there are times when all I can listen to is Faint 24/7. This was the first time I was all in when I went to a Faint show but it certainly won’t be the last.

Regina Spektor and Only Son at HOB SD
A stellar performance by both Only Son (with the i-pod band) and Regina solo. Even though the show was sold out, the vibe was intimate. Regina and Jack definitely made a connection to their audience.

Jack’s Mannequin at SOMA
This performance was at the end of their tour. Andrew called it his “hometown show”, which is funny since he is from the OC, but I think that says more about SD fans than the venue. Andrew is in a good space and it really shined through in this performance.

Of Montreal and The Blow at SOMA Sidestage
I had no idea that this show would amaze me away the way it did. Not only was I ecstatic to discover the joys of the Blow, I really found a new appreciation for the theatrics of what Kevin Barnes and the rest of Of Montreal could pull off.

My Morning Jacket at HOB SD
The first show of the year and definitely one for the ages. They are the kind of band that should be playing huge venues, but you’re glad you can still see them in a somewhat intimate space.

Out and about:
Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem at Starlight Theatre in KC
I was so glad I was able to catch Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem while I was in KC. The venue was awesome, I had great company and I finally got to see firsthand why everyone is gushing over these two bands.

Cat Power at Granada Theatre Dallas
Anyone who was there that night in Dallas knew that the show was a special one. I’m hoping that the recording of the show makes it out in CD form sometime in the near future.

Deftones at HOB Dallas
I broke in this venue with this show. The Deftones are one of those bands who are underappreciated. The stuff that makes it on the radio barely scratches the surface of the brilliance of Chino. Seeing them live brings it all together.

Augustana and Vega 4 at Granada Theatre Dallas
The Granada is definitely my favorite venue in Dallas. I think this show really cemented my love for the venue - I’ve seen Augustana a bunch of times in a bunch of different venues, but they really shined here. Bonus was getting to see Vega4 open - they are definitely a band to watch.

Monarchy Showcase at Gypsy Tea Room Dallas
This was a SXSW warmup featuring a ton of bands, none of which I had seen before. It was a great night to discover new music and had such an electric vibe to it because everyone was all geeked up to head to Austin.

Honorable mentions:
Brand New at HOB LV
Actually, any one of the Brand New shows could have been on this list but since I tended to just go see them, the opening acts weren’t all that.

Rilo Kiley and Grand Ole Party at SOMA
This was a great show, but it didn’t rawk my socks off, so it just gets a mention.

Jimmy Eat World at HOB SD
I love this band and they way they sound live, but they’re not that exciting to watch. Maybe if I had some eye candy it would have made it into the definitive list.

Great Northern and the Comas at Belly Up Tavern
It was great to see everyone come out and support Great Northern. They keep getting better every time I see them.

Silversun Pickups at 4th and B
This was SSPU’s year - they got a ton of exposure being out on tour with Snow Patrol. KBZT was a big part of their early success so it was rad that SSPU came down and played this show for free. A good time all around.

Alright, back later with a post of the Year End Top 10 (and more) on Alt Rock radio. And I think that may be it for the year.