It seemed like this year of seeing shows was a chance to catch up on some acts that I’ve liked for a while but never got the chance to see live: Blonde Redhead, Polvo, Dinosaur Jr., Built to Spill and Smashing Pumpkins. Seemed like it was that way for a lot of people, with acts reuniting and playing albums in their entirety. I didn’t see nearly as much as I did in 2007, but I had a lot more going on this year, which made going to see shows a little more special. There’s one large venue show in there (Smashing Pumpkins), as well, which I’ve been rid of for quite a while… strange to hand your ticket to someone and have you ushered to a seat rather than standing in front of a stage the entire time, in a small club. The most fun was Julie Doiron’s show at the Communist House, I mean, People’s Center and The Simple Pleasure playing for the Advocate, at BAR. The most surprising, The Notwist and Artanker Convoy. The most shocking, Smashing Pumpkins. The least interesting, Ra Ra Riot. Sorry. Anyway, here’s the list for those keeping count:
January:
Blonde Redhead w/School of Seven Bells @ Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
February:
Ra Ra Riot w/The Simple Pleasure @ Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT
March:
The Walkmen w/Aeroplane, 1929 & TITLES @ Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
April:
The Constantines w/Jah Division @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
May:
Mates of State w/Monitor and the Merrimac, MT Bearington, Phillistines, Jr. @ Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
Islands w/The Magic, Street Carnage @ Webster Hall, New York, NY
The Simple Pleasure @ BAR, New Haven, CT
June:
Sloan @ Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY (x2)
Polvo w/Birds Of Avalon, Artanker Convoy, Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
July:
Have Fun at the Altar, Phantastic Prayer Book, The Heart Beats @ Sneaky Dee’s, Toronto, ON Canada
August = No shows? Really? I have to look back to make sure I’m not missing anything.
September:
Built to Spill w/Meat Puppets, The Drones @ Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
Dinosaur Jr. w/OM @ Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
Mount Eerie w/Julie Doiron, Calm Down, It’s Monday @ People’s Center, New Haven, CT
October:
The Notwist @ Webster Hall, New York, NY
November:
USAISAMONSTER w/Vivian Girls, Miami Nights @ BAR, New Haven, CT
Smashing Pumpkins @ Mohegan Sun Area, Uncasville, CT
December = none.