2008 Wrap Up - Live Shows

I only went to 17 live shows this year.  I don't feel that's enough shows for me to bother making a top ten list, so here's my top five shows of the year.  As usual, I must state that this is completely subjective, and sometimes non-musical factors were involved (mood, how much sleep I'd gotten the night before, etc.).

Top Five Shows:

Firewater at the Bottom of the Hill (Todd A.'s music has been a balm for my soul this year, and the music kept me moving despite my utter exhaustion on that particular night).

Boris instore at Amoeba (Best.  Instore.  Ever.  They played for around 90 minutes and filled the whole damn place with a wall of sludgy, melodic sound, not to mention stage fog.)

In Gowan Ring at Chateau de Jambon in San Francisco (It was a real treat to sit in a living room and snack on free food while listening to B'ee.  He played requests too!).

Raven, in San Francisco (A quarter century later, and they've still definitely got it!)

O'death & Hillstomp at The Bottom of the Hill (Long live trashcan blues and speedfolk!)

I liked all of the other shows I went to this year too.  The only real disappointment was the fact that Jae from A.P.P.L.E. completely lost her voice at their Gilman St. show. 

I'm looking forward to seeing Amebix next month, and Tyr in March.  Not to mention Paganfest 2 sometime in the new year.