The Best of 2005

In 2005, I saw a total of 83 music events. The most thus far. I say "music events" because festivals include several bands in one setting. I went to San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Davis, Hollywood, Indio, Los Angeles, San Diego, Philadelphia, Austin and New York City to see these shows, Expended God knows how much money, vacation time and sanity just doing these things. But, looking back, it was well worth every minute, sans a couple of bad shows. Here is a recap of what was great, what was bad and some surprising ones:

Best Shows of 2005:

1. The Arcade Fire: The Warfield, 18 September 2005
2. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Irving Plaza, New York City, 31 December 2005
3. Oasis: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, 12 September 2005
4. Bright Eyes: Berkeley Community Theatre, 15 February 2005
5. The Arcade Fire: Great American Music Hall, 12 & 13 January 2005
6. Ian Brown: Great American Music Hall, 15 March 2005
7. Kasabian: Slim's, 11 March 2005
8. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Mezzanine, 5 October 2005
9. The Arcade Fire: Stubbs BBQ, Austin, TX, 23 September 2005
10. Broken Social Scene: The Grand, 9 November 2005

Worst Shows of 2005:

1. Download Festival: Shoreline Amphitheatre, 8 October 2005
2. Call & Response: Cafe Du Nord, 12 February 2005
3. Annie, The Lovemakers & Every Move A Picture: Mighty, 1 July 2005
4. The Bravery: Cafe Du Nord, 21 January 2005
5. The Walkmen: Bimbo's, 27 February 2005
6. Stereo Total: Bimbo's, 26 May 2005
7. Earlimart: Popscene, 6 January 2005
8. Franz Ferdinand: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 6 October 2005
9. Metric: Slim's, 3 November 2005
10. Austin City Limits: Day 2 during Death Cab for Cutie, 24 September 2005

Best Local Artist Shows of 2005:

1. Tussle: Hotel Utah, 16 December 2005
2. Birdmonster: Cafe Du Nord, 28 November 2005
3. Gravy Train!!! & Hey Willpower: Cafe Du Nord, 11 June 2005
4. High on Fire: 12 Galaxies, 26 February 2005
5. Communique: Bottom of the Hill, 9 January 2005

Most Surprisingly Great Shows of 2005:
(These are shows where I wasn't expecting much, but nonetheless thoroughly enjoyed myself):

1. Tussle: Hotel Utah, 16 December 2005
2. Kasabian: Slim's, 11 March 2005
3. The Bravery & Ash: Slim's, 29 March 2005
4. LCD Soundsystem & M.I.A.: The Fillmore, 15 May 2005
5. Embrace: Popscene, 10 March 2005
6. Japan Nite USA: Studio Z, 27 March 2005
7. High on Fire: 12 Galaxies, 26 February 2005
8. David Byrne: Hollywood Bowl, 26 June 2005
9. The (International) Noise Conspiracy: Slim's, 7 December 2005
10. Joanna Newsom: Swedish American Music Hall, 25 February 2005