10s on the 10s - August 2010

Live Acts

Being as I have yet to see some of my favorite artists live (Muse, Radiohead) or live as a headliner (Sonic Youth), this list is clearly not a defining list. That said, after witnessing another great Primus show and expecting to see Social D dominate tonight, I thought it was time to list my favorite live acts through the years.

10 - Henry Clay People

Easily the surprise winner at the Airborne Toxic Event show I went to last year. They may be making this list based on the simple suggestion that I'm having difficulty remembering many of the other past bands that took me by surprise to the point I ended up buying into the bands longterm.

9 - The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

I've never been a huge Jon Spencer fan, but as an entertainer, he's got the act down to a science.

8 - Gogol Bordello

Mock me if you must, but this was a lasting impression. Not often I start texting people during the show to tell them about a band they've never heard before kicking ass on stage.

7 - J Mascis

Somehow I've managed to miss Dinosaur, Jr several times. But when I saw J Mascis & Mike Watt performing in a little club in Iowa City years ago, it was easily one of the best shows I'd seen at the time. Of course with a legend on the 6 string and a legend on the 4 string, you'd have to think it'd be something to remember.

6 - Twilight Singers

I think the only thing that could have vaulted the lone Twilight Singers show I've seen into my top 5 would have been an appearance from Mark Lanegan. Even still, it was a fantastic show.

5 - Murder City Devils

In terms of quantity of shows seen, MCD ranks #2 behind only one artist - you'll find out who later. And these punk shows are/were great. I do miss the use of fire on the keyboards that would singe your eyebrows if you stood too close though.

4 - Nirvana

My first big show. Enough said.

3 - Primus

My pick of the litter from the show last night (clip is not from the exact show). Primus is fantastic live, especially if you know what you're getting yourself into.

2 - Dropkick Murphys

Really, how can a band who invites people up to the stage damn near every night not be among the better live bands.

drumroll please

1 - Pearl Jam

Yes, I've seen them 8 times. At one time, that was an amazing number. Sadly, that number has been stagnant for 7 years or so and could very well remain so if they continue to put out blah albums with songs that are growing closer to Goo Goo Dolls territory than real rock.

until next month keep reading if you have any suggestions for a Top 10 list, email them to me.