There is a feeling that you get deep inside of your gut when you see an inspiring performance by a truly great band. It serves an espresso shot of adrenaline that leaves you awake half the night debating whether or not what you just witnessed was actually real. If you’re a musician, these shows can make you re-evaluate the way you look at your instrument. In the face of all of the record label machinery and corporate bullshit, it is shows like these that can make you remember what made you truly love music in the first place.
While it would seem that the art of the live show has digressed since the days of The Who playing 3 hour sets and Nirvana obliterating their instruments, there are still many bands out there bringing fiery intensity to the stage on a nightly basis. These are bands that are so unbelievably good that you can’t help but want to scream unabashedly and make out with everyone in a 10 foot radius. Here is a list of the band’s that have particularly moved us over the past few years:
My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket frequently rips into epic sets complete with insurmountable energy and ample guitar freakouts. Their new album Evil Urges amplifies the funkier element that has always been on the cusp of their earlier work, and it translates extremely well on stage. They’re a jam band, a folk band, a southern rock band, a soul band, and a Prince cover band all rolled up into one. When we saw them at Bonnaroo they played a 3 hour set in the rain that no one wished would end.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “Wordless Chorus”
Radiohead
I’ve offered my share of Radiohead digs in the past on this blog, but there is no denying that they are one of the premier live bands in the world. There’s something infinitely majestic about watching Thom Yorke’s falsetto reach unimaginable heights as the rest of the band provides their unique soundscapes. Their new setup features some pretty crazy L.E.D. light displays that only adds to the ambiance.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “Nude”
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
Bruce and co. have been one of the best live bands in the world since 1973 and nothing has changed. Despite the band’s collective age growing by the minute, they still find the energy to knock out 2 1/2 hour sets a night. Springsteen still runs around like a 24 year old, and Max Weinberg has never sounded tighter on the drums. Watching Springsteen make a “blink and you miss it” head gesture to the band to signal for a song audible that wasn’t setlisted never ceases to amaze. Also, the band changes the set every night so there are limitless possibilities as far as song selection is concerned.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “Thunder Road (live)”
Pearl Jam
Anyone that was at this year’s Bonnaroo can attest that Pearl Jam is at the top of their game. The band played an hour over their alloted time during a set that consisted of rarities, hits, and covers. During “Better Man”, singer Eddie Vedder looked out at the crowd to see 80,000 people with lighters extended. He was visibly choked up by the scene, and then launched into a joyous version of the song. Mike McCready provides scorching guitar licks and Vedder’s voice has never sounded more like a weapon. I don’t even really like Pearl Jam’s studio output, but my God that show at Bonnaroo converted me to the gospel.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “World Wide Suicide”
!!!
The band’s name is frequently pronounced as (chk chk chk) and they might be the most energetic live band in the world. At no point in the show do they ever stop dancing to their exceedingly melodic indie dance-pop. Singer Nick Offer finds every edifice on stage and promptly leaps from it, while the rest of the band is in a constant state of motion. ADD dance rock at it’s finest.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “A New Name”
Liam Finn
The son of Crowded House great Neil Finn, Liam has inherited his father’s knack for creating a first rate melody. Joined on stage by singer E.J. Barnes, Finn frequently switches from guitar to drums during the show. There’s something truly incredible about watching Finn sing the first part of a song, loop his guitar part, and then step over to the drums to bash the holy hell out of them. The songs from his debut album I’ll Be Lightning take on a new energy during live performances compliments of his rapport with Barnes and the sheer impressiveness of his musicianship.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “Second Chance”
The Raconteurs
Despite what the rest of the band would say, this is really just Jack White and the Raconteurs. That’s not to say that Brandon Benson, Patrick Keeler, and Jack Lawrence aren’t immensely talented musicians who bring a lot to the table, it’s just that Jack White is such a magnetic figure on stage that it is impossible to take your eyes off of him. The band is insanely tight, but the real magic happens when White unleashes a flesh eating solo that threatens to behead anyone in close range.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “Steady As She Goes”
Gogol Bordello
Nothing says “fun” like a healthy does of gypsy punk! It is a testament to the power of their performances that the member’s of Gogol Bordello can get by playing music that is completely undefinable. The band turned heads at Coachella and Bonnaroo, the latter of which found half of the band jumping into the crowd to share a bottle of wine with festival goers. The energy never stops, and it might even inspire you to start dancing a jig. Or just jockeying for a sip of wine.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “Immigrant Punk”
Girl Talk
Having attended several Girl Talk shows in my day, the most enjoyable shows seem to be the ones that I barely remember. Girl Talk shows are basically the greatest party you’ve ever attended with one of the best performers at your disposal. The crowd dances so recklessly and frenetically that it’s like you’ve been thrust into a giant tornado of flesh. You might not know the person next to you when they stick their tongue down your throat, but you’re not exactly going to stop it either. Be prepared to sing along at numerous points during the show when a recognizable sample from Girl Talk’s brilliant sound collages comes across the sound system. It’s a truly unique show experience that everyone should have at some point in their lives.
Listen on Grooveshark Lite: “Bounce That”
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Love it! Gogol Bordello, LIam Finn, and Girl Talk! I’m so glad they were in your list! And I love that Greg Gillis is eating his shirt!
Beth Condra
Good list, but Springsteen can suck my balls and you probably should have included Sigur Ros.
porque
Sigur Ros is really good. Loved what I saw at Bonnaroo. However, Springsteen most definitely does not suck balls. Yours or anyone else’s. Have you ever seen the man live? He does not have off nights.
Jack DeYoung
Thank you Jack De Young! porque is a complete tool for his/her moronic Springsteen comment. I had long since given up on Springsteen until I saw his HBO special in 2001 which inspired me to attend some of his shows in 2002 and 2003. I was absolutely floored at how amazingly great he and the E Street Band still are live. I’ve seen 3 shows on the current tour and am off to Europe next week to catch more. I’ve seen hundreds of live bands/artists over the years including many of the legends. No one is better than Springsteen live. No one.
BigStarryEyes
I’ve never understood why Springsteen is regarded so highly. He can’t sing worth a damn.
Yoda
Thanks for the backup BigStarryEyes. I saw him about a month and a half ago for the 3rd time and it was amazing.
Yoda: Neither can Dylan. So what? Springsteen puts on the most powerful, evocative show in the world. Good luck finding any twentysomething who can consistently put forth that much energy on a given night.
Jack DeYoung
Springsteen can’t sing? He’s not an opera singer, he’s has a rough voice and sings what he sings his own way.
Have you ever tried to sing “Dancing In The Dark”? It sounds low but it’s not. I bet most men can’t even hit the notes Springsteen is nailing in that recording… and certainly not with the power and energy of Springsteen.
And even if he couldn’t sing, he can write amazing songs like Dylan. Springsteen + E Street Band = The greatest arena rock band in the world.. or bar band.. if you could ever see them in a bar.
SpringsteenDefenseFund
You’re an ass
Dickle Cunny
You’re an ass
SpringsteenSucksMuchDick
Haven’t seen ‘em because I’m too old but if anyone can touch The Who
as a live act gets my vote. My guess is, none would but we will never know since I doubt anyone here has seen Moons The Who live and I haven’t seen these bands.
If Bruce Springsteen is on this list, then it’s a fucked list anyway.
jimmy jack
I am not gonna get into the Springsteen debate, but I think your missing probably the greatest live band (as voted the best live band). The sound and performance speaks for itself creating an atmosphere far surpassing anyone on your list. That band is Muse.
nobody is better live.
Abo77
I saw the Who sans Moon and they were still great. They almost made the list. When Daltrey screams during “Won’t Get Fooled Again” it still sends shivers down my spine.
Don’t say Springsteen sucks until you’ve seen him live.
Jack DeYoung
best live act is britney spears she plays a mean guitar but better than the who
boss
Springsteen has assembled the tightest band in the music industry of the past 35 years. There is no debating that. Go troll elsewhere.
BRUUUUCE
I saw The Who with Moon and thought they were easily the best Band I had seen, or would ever see live. I was wrong. Springsteen and the E. Street Band changed my ideas about what a great concert is. I can honestly say I’ve never seen another band that can hold a candle to them and I’ve seen some good ones.
Dr Zoom
I’m sorry, obviously the younger generation has no appreciation for real music. If The Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd aren’t in that top ten list, its not even worth writing. None of the bands with the exception of Pearl Jam and Bruce can even come close to The Dead or Floyd. Get real dude.
Hunter
I’m guessing that the commentators on Springsteen have never seen the man live in action. I’d say their loss ;-)
SoulBoogieAlex
Some idiots are actually questioning Springsteen being on here? Have you ever seen him live? There’s a reason that USA Today dubbed him “The Michael Jordan of Live Performers.” He’s more deserving than anyone else on this list of his live reputation. Besides, I think I’ll take the opinion of Springsteen admirers like Eddie Vedder, David Bowie, Emmylou Harris, U2, R.E.M., Arcade Fire, Johnny Cash, Sam Moore, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jack Nicholson, Martin Scorsese, etc. over some deuche like Jimmy Jack or Porque.
JRL
Why aren’t U2 in that list?! just crazy, rest is fine
Musiclover