2008 Live

This year, we probably saw less live music than years past... partially due to my accident, partially due to not enough good tours coming through Minneapolis. As it was, we roadtripped several times to Chicago and once to Austin for shows.

Some particularly noteworthy nights:
King Crimson, Park West Chicago. Two nights. Very few of my friends understood why I went, but they would have had they been there. I saw the second and third of three shows, each very different but both powerful. As these may be the last King Crimson shows due to the increasing reticence of Robert Fripp to appear in public and/or engage the business of touring, I'm glad I was there.
The Pogues, Riviera Theater Chicago. The classic lineup from "If I Should Fall...". Shane McGowan looked as if he could be blown over by a sneeze, Philip Chevron was still obviously recovering from his illness, but they were MIGHTY and life-affirming and tear-generating and magical.
Wilco, Stubb's Ampitheater Austin. A particularly comfortable Austin night, with Tweedy and the band in top form and lots of humor. Fantastic sound.
Calexico, Fine Line Minneapolis. This may be tied with Wilco for show of the year. What a great, great band. Openers The Acorn were excellent as well, and will be big if they can stay on the path.
New Pornographers, Walker Arts Minneapolis. Even without Neko they rocked.
David Byrne, State Minneapolis. Amazing integration of dance with music, killer band. This show was NOT sold out. Shame on Minneapolis.
The New Standards, Dakota Minneapolis. My favorite local band.
Nachito Herrera Big Band, also at the Dakota. Playing his Cubanismo charts with some out-of-town help. A blast.

BIggest regrets (missed shows): Shelby Lynne, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in Chicago the night after my accident.

I'm forgetting some other great shows but these stand out.

UPDATE: see the next post for a few words on The New Standards Holiday Show.

Bring on 2009.