Music is best when it’s live and in color
There really is something special about live music
– regardless of genre or artist’s ambition. Live music adds that
extra shimmer to what you hear on an album.
Even when it’s bad and incoherent
– at least the band is trying – every live show has some story
to tell.
In live music, nothing is perfect. Mistakes are forgotten
quickly and sometimes glorified. Nothing can replace seeing and
hearing your favorite song played in front of you by the person who
wrote it. Nothing can replace that feeling.
Music is best when it’s live and in color
There really is something special about live music – regardless of genre or artist’s ambition. Live music adds that extra shimmer to what you hear on an album.
Even when it’s bad and incoherent – at least the band is trying – every live show has some story to tell.
In live music, nothing is perfect. Mistakes are forgotten quickly and sometimes glorified. Nothing can replace seeing and hearing your favorite song played in front of you by the person who wrote it. Nothing can replace that feeling.
Luckily, in my short life I’ve had the opportunity to experience a lot of it. But the greatest thing about live music is regardless of how many bands or groups I’ve seen – I’ll always see something new and exciting. That’s why I try to see as many live shows as I can, even at a club or cafe in downtown Hollister.
Music should be a driving force for a community. It helps promote not only creativity but also passion and a sense of place. It’s been said many times but music is truly the universal language. It helps us all communicate and love all around us better.
And live music is the apex to all of that. Standing with thousands – even 10 fans of a band – who are universally happy and would be nowhere else is a wonderful and satisfying feeling.
It unites us. We are all friends enjoying the moment when that first chord is struck.
And of all the shows and concerts I’ve been to, each one has a moment I’ll never forget. But there are too many to put into this column, so I’ll have to shrink that long winding list down to five. Keep in mind this list can change depending on how this weekend’s Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, which I plan to attend, goes.
5. Bob Dylan in Torino, Italy 2007
Back in the first half of 2007, I called Torino my home while studying abroad. Walking through the downtown music store I stumbled upon this poster. On it were the words “Bob Dylan and his band” and the fact that they would be making a stop through this city. I instantly called my friends and bought six tickets.
Dylan was a family favorite for me. Every road trip and almost every musical conversation with my dad focused on Dylan. My dad loved him and it was infused into me.
The show itself was almost an afterthought – I was standing in front of this icon singing his most famous songs. And during “Like a Rolling Stone” my dad was on the phone – soaking in the famous song with me. The only regret was that he wasn’t there with me to hear it live.
4. Yeasayer at the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago 2009
Now I’ll be honest – I’m not the biggest fan of this band and of all the bands I saw at this festival this was not the best show. But it is the best moment – by far.
Last summer in Chicago it rained a lot and the rain poured throughout the weekend except for one unforgettable moment during this set.
It was fun to dance and enjoy myself in the rain with the band playing in the background but during their song “Sunrise” the sun started to peak out. It was the festivals most memorable moment because of the fan’s and the band’s reaction to the sun.
Everyone’s hands raised into the air to welcome the sun.
3. Pat Hull, Chico 2007-10
When I think of my time in Chico, whether I was in school or not, my favorite memories usually include this band. One of my oldest friends was part of this group of four playing violin and standup bass and all of their shows were the highlights of my week.
Scattered around town, Pat Hull and his band played folk songs that were both dance filled and somber. Even though they had a short supply of songs and their set list usually stayed the same or relatively similar, the band brought a great energy every night.
When each show ended, the audience would only hope for more.
2. Joanna Newsom, Oakland 2010
This is the most recent addition and the reason why this list exists. Newsom is a folk singer that uses a harp as the basis of her songs. Her voice isn’t for everyone but her shows, with the support of a six-piece band behind her, are gorgeous and truly memorable.
She weaved through all three of her albums, recreating the orchestra-like atmosphere beautifully.
It was an encore that made it memorable. Calling up the opening act, Robyn Pecknold – the lead singer of folk band Fleet Foxes – the two sang a duet cover of Kid Rock’s song “Picture.” I don’t like Kid Rock, but this song in the hands of Newsom and Pecknold was breathtaking and something I’ll never forget.
1. LCD Soundsystem, San Francisco 2010
This band doesn’t create songs that you sit and soak in – instead they are dance songs that you can’t stay still to. And dancing in unison with hundreds of others is truly an experience that would be hard to forget.
Stuffed into the small but historic Fillmore in San Francisco – it was hot and sweaty but every uncomfortable moment was worth it. The moment of the show was when the hundreds sang and dance along to “All My Friends” and to see the exuberance from the fans and band was overwhelming.
In the beginning of the show, lead singer James Murphy said they were here to allow everyone to let go. And I know I certainly did.
Connor Ramey can be reached at [email protected]. E-mail him with ideas of albums or bands to review, or information about upcoming musical performances.
