My Year In Concerts
Probably my best year yet as far as going to shows go. There's a few
bands I missed that I wanted to see (Streetlight Manifesto, Mischief
Brew, Mountain Goats, Lagwagon off the top of my head) but for the
most part I think I did alright. |
| 1 |  | Joyce Manor
Joyce Manor
Saw these 3 times this year (once opening for AJJ, twice headlining) and always a
fun time. The third time they played in a bakery, not many people there, and it was
nice to just stand around and watch and not get obliterated in the pit for a change.
Also really nice guys. Smoked a joint with the guitarist and drummer before the
bakery show, good times. |
| 2 |  | Algernon Cadwallader
Parrot Flies
Too bad these guys broke up, glad I got to see them twice before it happened. Both
times opening for Joyce Manor. |
| 3 |  | Andrew Jackson Jihad
Knife Man
These guys put on an awesome show and the setlist was great as well. |
| 4 |  | The Menzingers
On the Impossible Past
Love these guys. Shows are always the best when you know all the words. For me,
anyway. |
| 5 |  | GZA
Liquid Swords
I've never been to a hip-hop show before but no fucking way I'd miss GZA play Liquid
Swords in its entirety. He did a lot of Wu tracks too, and his verse on Raekwon's
"Guillotine (Swordz)", also ODB's son came out and did "Shimmy Shimmy Ya". Blunts
circulating, just a great time. |
| 6 |  | Killer Mike
R.A.P. Music
Opened for GZA. Got the crowd really into it, was impressed by him. At one point had
everyone yelling ?Fuck Ronald Regean? in unison. |
| 7 |  | The Tallest Man on Earth
There's No Leaving Now
2nd time seeing this amazing man, and as expected it was no less than fantastic. This
time it was in a seated theatre as opposed to the little crowded venue I saw him 2 years
ago in. Nice to see him getting more exposure, I knew as soon as heard The Wild Hunt
back then he wouldn't be playing those little venues much longer. |
| 8 |  | Strand of Oaks
Pope Killdragon
I?ve never heard of him until I found out he was opening for TMOE. He's got an
amazing voice. His albums are great as well. |
| 9 |  | John K. Samson
Provincial
Samson?s one of my favorite songwriters and I always try to make it out to see him
when he?s around. This time he was with his Provincial Band (including Shotgun Jimmie
and the drummer of the Constantines). Highlights of the show include a sweet cover of
Jawbreaker?s ?The Boat Dreams from the Hill? and when I handed John my tallboy to
raise a toast during ?Elegy for Gump Worsley?, and he took a sip after. A great moment
for me. |
| 10 |  | Shotgun Jimmie
Transistor Sister
Played a solo set before playing with John. Really underrated singer/songwriter. |
| 11 |  | The Tragically Hip
Fully Completely
Me and some buddies went down to Niagara on the Lake for Canada Day Weekend
to see The Hip along with Death Cab, New Pornographers and Rural Alberta
Advantage at an outdoor festival type thing. Had a really great time. |
| 12 |  | Death Cab for Cutie
Transatlanticism
I was surprised when I found Death Cab was opening for The Hip. Was never a
massive fan but I do like a number of their songs and enjoyed their set. |
| 13 |  | The New Pornographers
Twin Cinema
Never got too into these guys but played 'Use It' and 'Sing Me Spanish Techno'
and those are great tunes. |
| 14 |  | The Rural Alberta Advantage
Hometowns
Third time seeing these guys, really an amazing live band. Gord Downie of The Hip
came out to sing 'Stamp' with them, it was awesome. |
| 15 |  | Descendents
Milo Goes to College
Riot Fest. Never thought I?d actually see these guys live. By the time they got on
(they were last) I was dead tired but I still watched the whole set and they were
great for being old dudes. |
| 16 |  | NOFX
Punk in Drublic
Riot Fest.I?ve heard that NOFX is hit and miss live, but they played a great set with
lots of classic songs. I decided to join the pit for this, immediately regretted that
decision then after several minutes managed to squeeze out, couldn?t find anybody I
was with and watched the set by myself. Stilled ruled. |
| 17 |  | Fucked Up
Hidden World
Riot Fest. I hung back for this set. Never really got into these guys though I do listen
to some songs from Hidden World now and then, namely David Comes to Life. Still
haven't heard the new one. |
| 18 |  | Hot Water Music
Exister
Riot Fest. One of my favorite bands. Second time seeing them. This time their set
was a lot shorter and Exister-heavy, also Chuck?s vocals are really going, but still, its
HWM can?t really complain. |
| 19 |  | Less Than Jake
Hello Rockview
Riot Fest. Not really a big ltj fan. I was getting food for most of their set. Heard a
few songs I recognized though. |
| 20 |  | The Lawrence Arms
Oh! Calcutta!
Riot Fest. Another one of my favorite bands who I?ve been wanting to see for
years. Played a great set and Brendan was pretty amusing on stage. And they
played Intransit which made me very happy. |
| 21 |  | Andrew W.K.
I Get Wet
Riot Fest. This guy was on stage when I got to Riot Fest. Just by himself, really
getting into it. I would never make a conscious effort to listen to this guy?s music
but he?s definitely entertaining. |
| 22 |  | The Sidekicks
Awkward Breeds
One of my favorite bands I discovered this year. This was a really great show. Small
venue, right up front, singing along. Ideal. |
| 23 |  | Dinosaur Jr
I Bet On Sky
Saw them their 1st of 3 nights in a row in Toronto. Kinda getting old saying "great
show" at this point but it was....a great show. Lots of classics and some good new
songs. |
| 24 |  | Propagandhi
Failed States
This was a last minute decision. Me and my buddy didn't have tickets and it was sold
out, and we almost didn?t get in. Finally found some (damn expensive) scalpers, but
fuck it, so worth it. |
| 25 |  | The Jealous Sound
A Gentle Reminder
I would have loved to see Knapsack back in the day and this is the closest I?d ever
get. They played great set, and even did ?Cold Enough to Break?. |
| 26 |  | Daytrader
Twelve Years
Opened for Jealous Sound. I was kinda surprised that no one seemed into their set, like
at all. There was me, my buddy and like 2 other guys standing up front and then every
else way back. I thought they played great. I told them so after. Too bad they broke up
not long after this. |
| 27 |  | Cheap Girls
Giant Orange
Love these guys. I kinda got a bit too drunk and had to fight myself from going
comatose during the set, but still had a good time. Nice guys too, Cheap Girls. |
| 28 |  | The Front Bottoms
Slow Dance To Soft Rock
Opened for Cheap Girls, and I guess these guys drew the crowd. Seems a lot of
people left after them. They sounded good, but I?m not too big on them. |
| 29 |  | Polar Bear Club
Chasing Hamburg
Played after the Menzingers. I only caught a few songs then had to leave though. |
| 30 |  | Kind of Like Spitting
In the Red
I heard of KOLS before but seeing him made me delve into his discography. Was a
good decision. Played before AJJ and Joyce Manor |
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