When I look back at all of the wonderful shows I was lucky enough to attend in 2010 it seems pretty clear that it was a great year for concerts in Seattle. From big names like Arcade Fire, Gorillaz and Muse coming to town to festivals like Bumbershoot attracting music fans young and old to see the likes of Drake, Bob Dylan and Weezer, in my book there was no better place to be than in Seattle for concerts in 2010.
With so many amazing concerts to choose from I’m surprised I somehow managed to narrow down my list of favorite concerts of the year to 15. Not surprising is that 11 of my 15 favorites were from local artists big and small. Here are my favorite shows of the year in chronological order with a one-sentece summary for each :
Shabazz Palaces at Neumos 01.08.10
One of the most hyped local hip-hip acts delivered during its public debut
Hootenanny for Haiti at the Showbox 02.28.10
Some of Seattle’s biggest stars came out for a good cause
Ear Candy Birthday Bash at Nectar 03.20.10
A birthday with Katie Kate, No-Fi Soul Rebellion, Lisa Dank and Queerbait! is a damn good birthday
Brad and friends at the Showbox 04.14.10
Why yes I would like a Mother Love Bone reunion featuring Shawn Smith on vocals.
Soundgarden at the Showbox 04.16.10
The biggest reunion of the year in a very small setting
Ear Candy’s Funofficial Bumbershoot Kickoff Party at High Dive 09.05.10
Curtains for You, Sol, Thee Emergency and Kay Kay got Bumbershoot weekend off to a great start
Alice in Chains at KeyArena 10.08.10
The biggest hometown show for AIC since its reunion was a rocking affair featuring Mastodon and Deftones
Hobosexual at Reverb Fest 10.09.10
Sometimes you instantly fall in love with a band, this was one of those times
Gorillaz at KeyArena 11.02.10
Hands down the best arena rock show of the year.
Wild Flag at the High Dive 11.05.10
Almost good enough to make me forget Sleater-Kinney, almost.
Honorable Mentions (in no order):
Arcade Fire at KeyArena 09.29.10
Better than a Big Mac but not quite as good as a Red Mill burger.
Star Anna at the Tractor 04.30.10
Star shined at a sold-out Tractor Tavern
Head Like A Kite/Brent Amaker at the Crocodile 10.22.10
Two party bands combined forces to throw a party that made City Arts Fest feel like a legit festival
Muse at KeyArena 04.02.10
When it comes to arena rock these Brits do it big, real big.
Virgin at Reverb 10.09.10
A set of baby-making boogie music complete with a guitar solo on top of the Sunset’s bar.
