I keep going on about this band, but The Hold Steady are incredible live.
The Arcade Fire are very good
The Decemberists are also great
I spot a trend.
Muse aren't bad, but they aren't up with the above three
Any better suggestions?
ravings
1
jackirons
Galactic has always put on the best live show IMO....
Their new album has a hip hop vibe to it, and i was a bit worried how it would mesh with their new orleans funk sound when i saw them live last month. The show was awesome, Charlie Tuna from Jurassic 5 tore it up, but i still would of been happier if they would of dropped a few of the Mced songs for a some classic instrumentals.
Stanton Moore is still the best drummer in music today.
2
ravings
Drummers are difficult.
David Narscisso (Throwing Muses) was the one that really stood out for we when I was sound engineering. One night, I turned to a co-engineer, just amazed, and said "Is he doing 16ths?". Simple kit, Kick, snare, hat, rack, floor and splash. But just amazing with a pair of sticks, and easy to mic.
4
invincible_gamera
The best live band I've seen in the past five years was The Thermals. I saw them blind on a friend's recommendation and the energy on stage is just insane.
6
shy_guest
This year I have liked
Steve Earle with wife Alison Moorer
Michelle Shocked accompanied by Erin McKeown
Peter Case
Of course these were all small acoustic venues before audiences of between 50 and 500. But then I hate gigs in stadiums.
7
ellefoxx
I was most recently blown away by two completely different acts, Queens Of The Stone Age and Jason Isbell (ex Drive-By Truckers). Both completely on top of their game at the moment. And yes, Wilco as always.
There's so much on at the moment I'm trying not go get gig fatigue.
For example in a 6 day period in Dublin next month I'm seeing: Sat - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Sun - Iron & Wine, Mon - Dinosaur Jnr, Tues - The Hold Steady, Wed - The National, Thurs - Battles. Phew!
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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