Kings of Leon reigning over Webster Hall

I have to say that 2008 was a great year for live music in New  York City.  While some smaller clubs closed or were renamed a few times, the energy and the talent I have seen on stage this year has been one of the best I remember.  Now I have seen so many shows that ranking them was quite difficult, but I at least wanted to list my top ten local music gigs of 2008, in no particular order.  So here goes:

1. Don McCloskey February 26 at Piano’s - Don always puts on a good solo show, but I especially enjoy his rarer group shows.  He has found a tight group to play with these days, and he will wow you with his unique blend of dylan-esque tunes and amusing raps.

2. NLX and Matthew Good March 25 at Highline Ballroom - I went to this show wanting to support my friend Natasha Alexandra (NLX), who played a great set at this larger venue.  But she also introduced me to Matthew Good, who plays very very rarely in the US these days, and I thank her for that.

NLX at Highline

3. Marwood and Julian Velard April 4 at Rockwood Music Hall - I never miss a Marwood show now that he has moved back to London, but this show was a special treat with New Yorker who nows lives in London Julian Velard along for the ride.  Great night of music that included these two talented and fun-loving singer-songwriters.

Marwood at Rockwood

Julian Velard at Rockwood

4. In Flight Radio April 16 CD Release at Mercury Lounge - I initially was going to list In Flight Radio’s Rockwood show, but then I recalled the rockin’ CD release show.  Definitely one of the best indie acts to see live.

5. Amy Macdonald April 30 at The Living Room - I missed Amy’s Mercury Lounge show the night before because I was going to The Verve (see below), but I am so happy to catch her more intimate show at The Living Room.  A huge sensation in Europe, you will know her name soon if you don’t already.

Amy Macdonald at Living Room

6. Bugs in the Dark CD Release May 31 at Fontana’s - Our very own Victoria just reviewed the CD that was released this night.  Bugs in the Dark are a loud, intense, guitar-thrashing rock band that is not for everyone, but they bring it every night they play, and they do rock!

7. Jaymay June 10 at at Bowery Ballroom - Jaymay has come a long way since I first saw her a few years ago.  She filled Bowery Ballroom and brought on another favorite singer, Kevin Devine, in support on a few songs.  She is a very sweet and talented singer-songwriter.

Jaymay with Kevin Devine at Bowery

8. The Reformationists and The Ramblers as part of Harris Radio’s 6th Birthday July 27 at Rockwood Music Hall - I thought Pete Harris did a great job of finding some acts I had not heard before for this showcase/celebration, but these two were my favorites of the night.

9. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist Battle of Bands at Union Pool Oct 1.  I was introduced to at least 3 if not 4 bands I would see again through this gig, most notably Black Taxi and The Royal Chains.  Check out my review of the night here.

10. Patrick Thomas CD Release October 11 at The Living Room - This was one of the most spirited shows I saw this year and definitely deserves top honors for most appreciative singer.  Check out my review of the show.

I have also seen a number of bigger band performances that really impressed me, so I wanted to list them here as well:

The Editors January 17 at Terminal 5 - I went in to this show thinking I would like a maybe few songs but was really impressed with the great show they put on.  I will definitely check them out next time they come back to the States.

The Verve April 29 at MSG - Having not heard a new song from The Verve in a very long time, I was shocked to hear they were going on tour.  They brought an energy and a stadium-rock experience that Oasis brought ten years ago (but not this year).

The Kooks June 11 at Terminal 5 - I saw The Kooks a few times this year, but I thought they really brought a great show this time around at Terminal 5.

The Kooks at Terminal 5

State Radio and Gogol Bordello June 20 at McCarren Park Pool - I went mainly for State Radio, a great politically charged rock band with a reggae tint, but Gogol Bordello really impressed me as well with their brand of gypsy punk.  Both are must-see acts.

State Radio at McCarren

Pearl Jam June 25 at MSG - Had to see them at some point in my life, and I am glad I finally did.  Even though I was in Section 425 or something (basically the roof), they still brought it and played a range of hits.

The Fratellis September 5 at Roseland Ballroom - Brought an intense energy to the stage and a frenzied crowd responded.

The Fratellis at Roseland

Kings of Leon Sept 23 at Webster Hall - Without a doubt my best concert of the year and up there in the top 5 of my lifetime.  Check out my review here.

Are there shows I missed? Did you see any of these and agree/disagree?  Chime in and leave comments! See you out there…