Taylor's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006

« Crazy Christmas Mix: Strange Bedfellows | Front Page | Links »

Taylor's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006Taylor's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006

From my best estimates, I saw over 175 bands this year, so it was a bit tougher than usual to narrow the field. Here's the best of the best:

10. Man Man @ Common Grounds (Gainesville, FL)

Everything I imagined (and more). (photo by gtdmouse)

9. Les Savy Fav @ Moma (New York City)

Short Version: I'm not even that big of a fan of their music, but LSF's shows are INSANE. Long Version: My review. (photo by lonnehendrix)
Check out more photos of the incredible night.

8. Sia @ SXSW (Austin, TX)

I fell in love with her single Breathe Me a few months prior and was looking forward to this show (a lot of people were). What a voice. And her shy, thankful manner was really endearing. (photo by mauralyn)

7. Erykah Badu @ SXSW (Austin, TX)

I only showed up for this show because it was rumored that Fiona Apple was supposed to show up and duet with Erykah. Fiona never showed but Erykah lit things up with her soul & funk music and got the whole place dancing. (photo by yi)

6. Annuals @ Common Grounds (Gainesville, FL)

I wasn't even that into the Annuals (I tend to avoid hype) till I saw their show live. Their music and energy made this one of the best.

5. Architecture in Helsinki @ CMJ / Irving Plaza (New York City)

Incredible pop music. It also didn't hurt that I had a press pass and was sitting on the side of the stage the whole time. So close in fact, that I heard Cameron whisper to his bandmates that he had to play a different song at the end because he didn't remember the glockenspiel part!

4. Ben Harper @ Florida Theater (Jacksonville, FL)

I've loved Ben Harper for 6 years now, and finally got around to seeing him live. We showed up late, but still were treated to a really long show. Ben and his band are incredible.

3. Hurra Torpedo @ Fox & Hound (Austin, TX)

I know you can't tell they play music from the photo, but this show was one of the most entertaining (yet still musically enjoyable) shows I've ever, ever, ever been witness to. Watch this video to get an idea.

2. CJ Boyd @ Coffee Connection (Daytona Beach, FL)

It was my #1 album of 2006, and this show was SO amazing. I almost didn't go because there were conflicting dates on his myspace and label page and the venue wouldn't answer their phone. Mark called the contact number on his website (expecting a booking guy) and got CJ, who had a flat tire in Miami, but was on his way. Mark and I were the only people there (besides the owners) and he played a THREE hour set just for us (11pm-2am), intersparsed with random conversations and backstories of the songs. Afterward we grabbed pizza together and chatted about music. What a seredipitious night. (photo by Mark)

1. Mountain Goats @ 40 Watt (Athens, GA)

I knew this would be the highlight of Athens Popfest, but I had no idea it'd blow me away that much. Coincidentally it's also the show I can re-live forever.