Sitting down to do a top 10 list can be very hard for many reasons. As a musician, you study music, you live music, you create music and there are a million other artists that create right along side you. Even strictly as consumers, we hear music on a daily basis. From friends' CDs in their cars, to songs on the radio, to the gazillion songs on your iPod, it can seem an impossible task to pick 10 songs or albums that are "the best." However, what isn't nearly as common is seeing a band live. In my opinion, there is no better way to judge a band than to see how their music carries over to a live setting, so for my top 10 list, I will go with Top 10 Live Bands. To put any of these bands above one another would just be too hard, so the numbers are purely for categorical purposes.
10) Converge:
One of the great things about seeing this band live is that it isn't hard to catch them in a small club setting, which is where this band thrives. These guys are all great players, write smart songs, and above all that, have an energy live that just has to be experienced.
Listen to the song 'Damages' off the record 'Axe to Fall'
9) Nine Inch Nails:
There are few bands out there that can come even CLOSE to what this band is able to do live. Insane songs coupled with production elements that will make your jaw drop make these guys pretty much unstoppable live. Anyone who has seen them already knows. Anyone who hasn't needs to get a hold of the 'Beside You in Time' DVD and enjoy.
Listen to 'Don't You Know Who You Are?' off the record 'With Teeth'
8) Radiohead:
There isn't another band out there that will make a musician want to quit playing after seeing them more than Radiohead. This is a band like no other because when you watch them live, you realize that you are watching a show from guys who are beyond what anyone else is doing right now in music.
Listen to '15 Step' off the record 'In Rainbows'
7) To listen to this band on CD is to naturally wonder how they can pull off most of it live. There is no need to wonder. These guys pull anything and everything on their records off live while simultaneously putting on a show that will make the first few rows unsure of their safety. Amazing.
Listen to 'Panasonic Youth' off the record 'Miss Machine'
6) Lisa Gerrard:
Never have I seen such a simple performance draw so much emotion. She performs with only a single musician and herself with a few small set pieces, however the pure power of her voice live is enough to give you chills. One of the most moving performances you will ever see, but she only tours the U.S. about once every three to five years. Bummer.
Listen to 'Sacrifice' off the record 'Duality'
5) Every Time I Die:
These guys are just freaking good. No crazy production, no sweeping solos, just awesome songs by a band that has a "we're just gonna rip your face off" attitude live. We have had the pleasure of touring with these guys a LOT and I have to say that no matter how many times you watch this band, it doesn't get old. Again, anyone who has seen these guys live already knows this and those who haven't need to.
Listen to 'Who Invited the Russian Soldier?' off the record 'New Junk Aesthetic'
4) Sigur Ros:
This one is a little bit of a cheat because of the fact that I have never seen them. However, [the] fact that every person I know who has seen them says that it was a near-life changing event, if not one, coupled with having seen almost every recorded performance they have, plus their music being some of the most amazing ever put to tape, makes me very confident that this band needs to be on this list. Word is, this band may be broken up or if they aren't, they will be soon. If you have seen them, know you are lucky. If you have not... crap.
Listen to 'Untitled 1' off the record ()
3) Mute Math:
This band deserves a ton of credit, because they are able to adapt their show for any environment they are playing in and it is equally awesome. Whether they are playing a little stage in the hot sun at Warped tour, or are headlining their own tour in a perfect venue, their show is in all ways impressive. The hours and hours of practice these guys do before tour is very evident in every part of their show. When they headline, they are pulling off production and set ideas that rival bands who are playing in front of 10 times the people with 20 times the budget. They are simply out-doing everyone on their level... and it's fun to watch.
Listen to 'Clipping' off the record 'Armistice'
2) Coldplay:
Like this band or not, you can't deny the power they have in a live setting. Free of auto tune and raw to the point of perfection, they make you feel like you are a part of what they are doing onstage. Regardless of their popularity and size of their shows, they somehow bring an individual experience to everyone who is there.
Listen to 'Cemeteries of London' off the record 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends'
1) Flogging Molly:
Just sayin... There's never been another band that's made me, a dude that can't stand alcohol, want to grab a Guinness, take my shirt off, and circle pit like these guys (and gal). A band made up of people who just like to have a good time, it is honestly just a good time live. Foot stompin', beer drinkin', and singin' along. Get into it.
Listen to 'Drunken Lullabies' off the record 'Drunken Lullabies'
Listen to Xtreme Alt Rock Radio
1. Flogging Molly: Love this song:)
Posted at 8:08AM on Apr 8th 2010 by Matt