We were lucky enough to see a ridiculous number of amazing shows this year, so it was a daunting task to narrow it down to a top 14, but we did it anyway. Because again, I'd like to reiterate,
lists = fun. Anyway, we ended up leaving off a bunch of memorable performances (notably, the
Flaming Lips with Peaches at SXSW,
Band of Horses,
Sunset Rubdown,
Os Mutantes at the P-fork fest,
MF Doom, Cat Power's ACL taping,
Spoon, etc.) that just didn't resonate with us like these. In the end, these were the shows that stuck with us.
********************************gorilla vs. bear's favorite shows of 2006
14.
Ghostland Observatory: ACL Festival
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13.
Beck's surprise "Beck Jam": Gypsy Tearoom (Dallas, TX)
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12.
Love Is All: SXSW '06
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11.
TV on the Radio + Celebration: Gypsy Tearoom (Dallas, TX)
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10.
Beach House: Amsterdam Bar (Dallas, TX)
I had never been to the Amsterdam Bar before and, in fact, I wasn't even aware it was a venue. The fall was in full strength. The band and audience spent the night in coats with the colorful bulbs overhead creating an amazing experience. The band's chemistry was evident, and the tones of the record were well suited for keeping us warm on the brisk Texas night. (
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9.
gorilla vs. bear showcase: The Cavern (Dallas, TX)
Possibly the most memorable show on my list, for numerous reasons. We worked really hard, in retrospect, to put this thing together, and the night couldn't have been more perfect, from the amazing bands to the enthusiastic packed house. The bill was a serious fantasy and the performances only made it reality. The only thing keeping this from being much higher on the list is the fact that the whole night is sort of a blur to me at this point. (
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8.
CSS: Pitchfork Festival (Chicago, IL)
The most electric set I saw at the all-around-stellar P-fork Fest, it was nearly impossible to leave the Biz-3 tent not completely drenched in sweat (most of it your own, some of it Lovefoxxx's). From the stagediving and bizarre stage antics, CSS' performance was equal to a house party at its very peak. (
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7.
St. Vincent + Peter and the Wolf: SXSW '06
By far the most goosebump-inducing show of the year. Red's loft (of all hundred or so venues) housed the best show of the entire festival. The furniture-less apartment forced audience members to sit on the ground; it was like a campfire performance set inside. Seeing Annie live, especially in a context so intimate, will solidify anyone's interest for her music and performance style. (
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6.
Joanna Newsom: The Parish (Austin, TX)
This show was extremely different than the show we saw earlier this week in OK. Far more intimate and personal, and benefitting from the buzz of being a last-minute "secret" show, Joanna and her harp had the packed house captivated for the extent of the evening. (
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5.
Sufjan Stevens: Paramount Theater (Austin, TX)
The second night (of three) in the same week I'd seen Sufjan, and this performance topped the previous. He is such a magnetic performer; often telling stories of song origins that might be just as fictional as the songs themselves, your attention has no possiblity of being divided. And the performance of "
Majesty, Snowbird" that night was one of the best things I heard all year. (
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4.
The Polyphonic Spree: Emo's (Austin, TX)
There was a point during this performance, and I'm not exaggerating, when I thought Emo's ramshackle outside ceiling was going to collapse from the dynamic power and energy created from a band connecting with its audience. When the band launched into their soaring cover of "Lithium," the place was literally shaking from its foundation. (
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3.
Sufjan Stevens + The Raconteurs: ACL Taping
I'm not ashamed to admit that this show was about the unique experience as much as anything. In fact, I watched Sufjan's performance on PBS recently, and it wasn't nearly the grand spectacle that I remember. Perhaps I was overwhelmed with how surreal it was to see Jack White and Sufjan perform from about 10 feet away, with (multiple) cameras rolling. (
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2.
Sigur Ros: Bass Performance Hall (Fort Worth, TX)
After leaving this show, the car was quiet. At the risk of sounding cheesy, Sigur Ros inspires their audience and after leaving their show, you realize this and reflect. It's nearly frustrating how tranced you are watching this band, and it was the most thoroughly visceral musical experience of the year for me. Their massive tones ricocheted around this beautiful venue, leaving everyone in awe. (
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1.
Joanna Newsom: Meachum Auditorium (Norman, OK)
This show had a couple things working against it: it was in Oklahoma, the auditorium reminded me of my middle school auditorium, and we'd just driven 3 hours to get there. But once in our seats, all those issues quickly dissolved.
Ys took on new life as the record's beautiful orchestration was matched perfectly by the minimized 5-piece. When listening to the record, the squeaks in her voice seem like mild flaws instead of what they are -- as this show proved -- distinct, highly-controlled and intentional vocal characteristics. Again, this show was like witnessing a master work at their craft, and thankfully, share the process with you. (
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