I'm really surprised that it took that long for someone to mention the Flaming Lips. I've seen em twice, once was their UFO show. There were teletubbies, naked women, Led Zeppelin covers, more confetti than you could EVER imagine in your life, and just general craziness all around.
The White Stripes are absolutely incredible live. Jack White is a fucking blowtorch on the guitar.
Beck, Ben Harper and My Morning Jacket also all put on incredible shows.
And if you've never experienced the majesty of Wilco live, then you should do yourself a favor and get to their next show near you. They have the best lineup they've ever had. Nels Cline on guitar writes the fucking craziest solos in the biz right now. Not so much crazy for their speed etc, more the technical proficiency with which he plays, and the unexpected modes he uses.
you play Guitar Hero naked... I play REAL guitar topless!
Join Date: May 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 1,838
Credits: 14,104
The Polyphonic Spree- for the fun of seeing over 20 people on stage, in colorful robes, all making music. Plus they usually have some great stage props/scenery set up.
Manu Chao- no matter what kind of music you like, Manu Chao will play something you like, and will keep you bouncing from start to finish.
Ozomatli- keeps you rocking, plus the parade at the end is always great
Keller Williams- it amazes me to watch one man, instrument by instrument, sound by sound, build an entire song. He's fun to see with a band, but I really think solo KW is really much more impressive.
The Sea of Dreams- Dec. 30 & 31, from around 9pm-4am both nights, in San Francisco. It's been going on since '01, but the last 4 years or so have been amazing and incredible. It's held in this huge building (Concourse Exhibition Center), and there is just so much to do, to look at, to listen to, all very trippy and surreal.
But in my opinion, most bands are better live.... I've probably been to over 600 shows (possibly more) in the 15 years I've been going to see live music. If I'm at a show and I feel like I could be getting pretty close to the same experience sitting at home listening to the album, then that's usually the last time I'll see that band live.
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You know when I'm down to just my socks it's time for business that's why they call them business socks.
Bruce rocked my wife and me for three hours last week in San Jose
I've always liked the guy and his music, but never considered myself a Fan with a capitol F. Now I am.