Let me tell you guys, compiling this list was NOT easy. I think I’ve been to 70-odd shows this year..some life-changing (Moz), some uh…not so much (The Fratellis). We’ve made friends with Troubadour security, scoped out all the best back-alleys for photo ops, and charmed the hearts of many a British man. So here are my TIPPITY-TOP OF THE POPS of 07–counting downward to the best, the highest point of my year. We can only hope 2008 holds the same excellent luck…
10. Rooney and Coconut Records @ The Roxy – July 16th
What can I say, I love the Schwartzmans. I’m pretty sure this has been Jason’s only performance as Coconut Records and naturally I had to be there. Front row. With the 14 year olds.
9. Maximo Park at the House of Blues Anaheim – November 24th
This was the third time I’d seen Max-EE-mo Park this year, but their very very best performance. And this is a considerable feat, being that the House of Blues is absolutely one of my LEAST favorite venues. The entire band was fantastically energetic as all hell, and it was impossible not to feel it. The song that stuck out most in my head was the oft-overlooked “The Unshockable”, which built up to a chorus of three-part harmonizing, spastic keyboard dancing by the very fashionable Lukas Wooller and Paul Smith’s signature cheerleader-esque mid-air splits and jumps. And had it not been for the kindness of brilliant guitarist Duncan Lloyd, we would not have been there to experience it! If you haven’t heard their newest album “Our Earthly Pleasures” yet, a) shame on you, and b) GO BUY IT NOW
8. Mando Diao at the Troubadour – May 22nd
Unforgettable melodies, Swedish good looks, and the ability to turn a room full of judgmental Los Angeles music fans into screaming loonies. Mando Diao NEVER get old, and I’m surprised they aren’t that big here…their shows are pure frantic danceable pop bliss, whether they’re playing to a stadium of Japanese girls or the tiny Troubadour. I love Mando Diao. Love love love love love. Love. They still only had three albums released at this time and they played a good variety from all of them, my favorite always being Down in the Past. My only complaint is that they didn’t play long enough..they never do
7. 1990s at The Echo – August 5th
This was our first time seeing 1990s live, and it was love at first sight……..starting with Jackie’s heartfelt “thank you!!!”‘s after EVERY song (i have never met such a grateful musician). They seemed positively DELIGHTED to be playing to a crowd of approximately 40 people, and it showed in their performance. It’s impossible to see this band and not feel happy–they bounce through their songs with light-hearted joy and toothy smiles. And to think we weren’t planning to go see them at The Troubadour the very next day, where they opened for Robbers on High Street and charmed us once again.
6. Klaxons at the El Rey – July 10th
Klaxons (NO THE) bring all the Cobrasnake types to the yard but it’s worth being jabbed by Cory Kennedy’s elbows to see them. It was hard for me to decide between their performances at The Echoplex in April, the Henry Fonda in September or this one, but I believe they put on their best show here at the El Rey. I can’t wait until Klaxons really polish up their live act, but they are still my favorite new band of the year (even though I started listening to them in 2006). They are truly magickwithouttears. Ooo-ee-ooo-ee-oo-ee-oo-ee-ooo-aaaaaaahhhh
5. Patrick Wolf at the Troubadour – May 16th
There is absolutely nothing bad to say about the insanely talented pretty glittery 9 foot tall P-wolf. Top moment of the night? Hands down, “TRISTAN”. Wow. He writhed around on stage and be-glittered the entire front row. I think my mouth was agape the entire night at his fabulosity. Not to mention his on-stage banter is hilarious and insightful at the same time. We met him a few weeks later and he was so kind!
4. The Hives at the Avalon – November 7th
I am SO glad they’re back! They blew me away in 2004 and I impatiently waited for them to return ever since, and they did not disappoint. Again, a crappy venue but The Hives could play in my basement and be incredible. Usually I don’t trust any of Spin Magazine’s opinions, but I believe they once called The Hives “the best live band ever”? Sure, that may be a stretch but when you see them you can definitely see why they make that claim. Pelle struts around on stage like a Swedish Mick Jagger and has the entire audience in the palm of the hand from start to finish. Warning: Hives shows are NOT for the weak. You WILL be crushed and beaten the entire night, especially when you’re front row, and especially when Pelle decides to walk on the audience’s heads like he’s Jesus. Worth every bruise. The new album is A++++ and it was released on my birthday (November 13th) so it is extra special.
3. The Cribs at The Troubadour – July 24th
Another band you need to see live to truly appreciate. After playing a mind-blowing in-store at Amoeba they took over The Troub and despite sickness (Gary) and drunkenness (Ryan), they played one of the best shows I’ve EVER seen. This is the band whose gigs put people in the hospital in the UK…naturally my expectations were high. I am counting the minutes until they play here again, April 4th.
2. Morrissey at the Hollywood Palladium – October 13th
10 days of hardly eating, hardly sleeping, putting myself in danger of getting fired, and Kristeen Young’s dreadful screeching led up to this. Injured feet, torn clothing and the feeling of victory as I snatched a piece of his shirt away from the crazy girl standing next to me. Moz’s last night at the Palladium ended in a way that was almost too cheesy to be real, being driven away up El Centro as adoring (obsessive) fans chased his car and “First of the Gang to Die” was being blasted from car stereos. Oh god I’m getting nostalgic..
He is the best person on earth. And if you don’t know this, then what dooo yooo-oouu knowwwww?
1. Morrissey at the Hollywood Palladium – October 5th
He sang “Everyday is like Sunday” right into me and Brianna’s faces. Enough said? Enough said.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Ben Kweller at the Wiltern
Scissors For Lefty at everywhere in California
CSS at the Henry Fonda
Razorlight at the El Rey
Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
Beck at the Explx
Art Brut at the Key Club
Mellowdrone at The Echo
Ima Robot at The Roxy
***All pictures are by ME, except Moz and Maximo Park.
