TOP TEN LIVE ACTS (YOU HAVE EVER SEEEEEN)
Instead of live acts, I'd rather do shows, in no particular order:
Radiohead
Indianapolis, 2008
Can't say enough about them than what has already been said. The fact that it was outdoors on a beautiful August night and everything clicked was also a big positive.
Shiner, Aina, The Capitol City Dusters
Champaign, 2002
Sadly, the second and last time that I would get to see Shiner before they would break up. Aina was a good rock band, but I remember little else about them. I became a fan of the Dusters, who are/were a Dischord group out of D.C. I still play the album I bought from their merch table from time to time, but I haven't actively kept up with them in over a half a decade.
The Flaming Lips, The Sun
Champaign, 2003
Never seen the Lips live in concert? Then you must. The most fun I've ever had at a show hands down. And they played my favorite songs (Race For the Prize, Lightning Strikes the Postman, etc.). The Sun were supposed to be the next big thing. They played their entire first EP that night, which also meant they played the best stuff they recorded. I wonder what they're up to now.
Girls Against Boys, Pele, French Kicks
Chicago, 2002
Good fun overall. I was a big GVSB fan at the time, and they played a number of my favorites. They really read my mind that night. Pele is a great instrumental band and I became a fan of French Kicks that night (their singer also drummed!). That is until they came to Champaign the next year and their frontman turned out to be a total dick.
Metallica
Champaign, 1992
Ah, my first concert. I remember very little, except these guys played what had to have been a three-hour set. Rumor has it that they are responsible for this giant crack that sat, untreated, in the Assembly Hall dome for a near ten-year stretch of time. Look for the Assembly Hall marquee near the beginning of the 'Wherever I May Roam' video. I was there!
The Life and Times, Russian Circles
Champaign, 2006
I've seen TLAT many times, but this one is my fave. Russian Circles are a great instrumental outing and are always great in person. Well, both of these bands are. If you live in the Midwest then you probably have the opportunity to check either one of them out every now and again. My advice would be to do so.
Bouncing Souls, Avail, The Unseen
Chicago, 2004
Okay, the Unseen sucked, but they're not why I came out. Avail was great fun and Bouncing Souls played a really good set (East Coast, Fuck You!).
The Number 12 Looks Like You, HORSE the Band
Champaign, 2007
I had a great time at this one. Both bands were a lot of fun, and I got really drunk and slam-danced. Something I usually don't do. I could have ranked this one below the Eels show from 2003, but I got so hammered at that one that I remember almost nothing.
Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle
Indianapolis, 2000
The complete NIN package was quite the experience live. Even as a casual fan of their music, I knew most of the songs. What I didn't I became a fan of. I was in general admission, and I'm glad that I taped my nipple piercings up before the show.
Tool
Chicago, 2001
I actually saw them twice in 2001, but this concert was two days after the release of Lateralus. Though time has strained my interest in this band, I still hold this show in high regard. The fact that it was the first-time I had ever seen them, coupled with the intimate setting (they were playing the Riviera) made this show enjoyable. I saw them later that year at the Rosemont Horizon, at it wasn't the same for me.
Honorable mentions:
Living Colour, Champaign, 2003 Good while it lasted, but cut short to make room for the DJ. Blah.
Fear Before the March of Flames, Russian Circles, Chicago, 2007 Would have been better if Fear Before weren't touring their third album.
The Life and Times, Centaur, Ume, Chicago, 2005 Great lineup. Actually, it should break the top ten. I prefer HUM to Centaur, though.
HUM, Shooter Jennings, Champaign, 2005 Because it's fucking HUM! SJ played a great set, but I didn't know much about them then.
Make Believe, Champaign, 2006 Tim Kinsella is a riot. Catch one of his two-hundred bands if you get the chance.
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