Best Live Shows 2006 ?


This year has started out for me with some great live music. First it was John Prine. Touring his latest (Grammy winning) album "Fair and Square" and with no hesitation to play classics from 30 years ago, this was one hell of a show. To quote Mr Prines' acceptance speech: "I didn't expect to be up here. I showed up because I got nominated. All the other nominees are sitting at home in my record collection." Great talent dosent always mean a big head.

Next was a strange visit from guitar/experimental music pioneer Robert Fripp. I expected STRANGE and thats what I got. "Words and Soundscapes". Very weird fellow I would venture to opine, but this was not unexpected. Still glad to have spent time with a man responsible for some of the greatest music to ever warp my young mind. I think he will be touring soon with the latest incarnation of King Crimson which will include Adrian Belew. I wont miss that one.

Last night was more of a surprise for me. I went to see a less known act called "Hayseed Dixie". Search their website to learn the story of Barley Scotch and the boys, how they discovered some ACDC albums and how it changed their lives up in Deer Lick Holler. Their first album is called "A Hillbilly Tribute to ACDC". All banjos, mandolins and fiddles cranking out rock favorites like you have never heard before. I suspected from the cds that they would be good, but these guys were hotter than two dollar pistols. This band was laying down some of the hottest licks, there were times I fully expected the mandolin to simply burst into flames! Anyone who has seen this band will tell you they are a blast!

Now I am looking forward to seeing one of rock/blues greatest legendary guitarists, Johnny Winter. This show will be in an old converted movie theatre where the worst seat is better than most good seats you might score at other venues. "Johnny Winter And Live" from 1970 (I think) contains blues and rock guitar that set a standard of reference for my young mind. For me he is up there with the best so this promises to be another great show at The Neighborhood Theatre.

Things are really looking up as far as live music in my area, hope everyone gets out and supports live acts when you can. Its gunna be a great year.

PS...Subdudes fans, "Behind the Levee" is out and its a good one...great live band and they are touring this year...
blkadr
OK: Hands down winner in my book. Tom Waits in Detroit Opera House. Unbelievable show; astonishing presence; great band; set list to die for. Anybody else catch him on this tour?

rustler
Steely Dan and Michael McDonald at Red Rocks -- everyone was out of their seats rockin.
World Party - Roxy Los Angeles last night

There were issues - sound mix, bass mic problems, a band that ocassionally got lost, and wear & tear on Karl Wallinger's voice, BUT...

This band is great fun: high energy, loopy kumbaya utopian lyrics, and a near-perfect set list. PLUS...

Shy of Zydeco, how often do you get a band featuring multiple soloists on:
guitar (often played with a slide)
fiddle and
button accordion

Although Wallinger rips off large chunks of other songs (mostly Beatles and Stones - at least he steals from the best!), the resulting songs have their own personality. At times, World Party sounds like certain other bands - but no other band sounds quite like World Party.

Finally, the show realy felt like a celebration. The crowd was a mix - lots of 40 years+ (not just me!) and young kids, gays and straights, a smattering of non-whites. With the feel-good lyrics and joyous music, the ecclectic crowd really responded in a way that brought a smile to my face. Certainly, it didn't hurt that Wallinger was back on stage for the first time in several years - since a near fatal health problem.

If you like high energy pop music and this tour gets to your neighborhood, you shouldn't miss it.

Regards,
Marty
Just had to check back here and see whats shows have been good to you...and mention the birthday gift my daughter gave me this year. She went on ebay to surprise me with Flaming Lips tickets for their show in Atlanta! What a great B-day present and what a great show!
Anyone who has seen them knows they put on an interesting and weird show (everyone loves to see aliens and Giant Santa). Great fun for anyone who remotely likes their music.
Now I'm looking forward to seeing the Duhks in a couple weeks. I saw them last year and now they have another great cd out. If the words fiddle and banjo dont scare you off, you might fall hard for this act out of Winnipeg. This band is one of my favorites from the last year or so
and offer a great mix of influences from bluegrass to soul to trditional to cayjun to...well just check them out.
Looks like I was correct AGAIN...GREAT YEAR FOR LIVE MUSIC!