Music: So much better live

Kristen, Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:19:36 GMT

We saw the Dave Matthews Band at Alpine Valley for the 2nd show. Awesome, simply awesome. I am always amazed at their live show, but that particular show was really energized and they played for 3+ hours.

Music: So much better live

John, Fort Worth, TX — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:24:26 GMT

Fleet Foxes. I had not heard their music prior to the show, but had heard good things. They opened with a song with 4-part harmonies that made my hair stand on end. Their sound is vintage pop/folk/rock with a clean, pure reverb-y tone. Their lead singer has a gorgeous tenor reminiscent of Jim James of My Morning Jacket. Would definitely recommend seeing them.

Music: So much better live

Jane, Buffalo — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:33:23 GMT

Nine Inch Nails (NIN) was awesome, saw them a few weeks ago in Cleveland. It's not really my kind of music, but rather I went on a whim with a friend of mine who loves them. The show was one of the best I have ever seen and really intrigued me how they made a variety of different sounds. I am now a fan and would definitely see them again. I have always loved live music; the only concert that was better was David Gilmour, it was like a miracle when he played and I can admit I had tears.

Music: So much better live

Tim, Wallingford, CT — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:35:04 GMT

Anybody ever heard of Lettuce? I saw them at the All Good Festival in West Virginia. Great funk band with Adam Dreitch as their drummer; very Meters-esque. Also saw Sam Bush at Gathering of the Vibes - the man is talented if you like bluegrass fusion.

Music: So much better live

Michael, Buffalo, NY — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:39:25 GMT

I saw Modest Mouse in Rochester,NY this summer, and they absolutely blew me away. I'd consider myself an intermediate fan of their music, but their live performance most certainly cracked the Top 5, if not Top 3 shows that I've ever seen.

Music: So much better live

Suzanne - Austin, TX — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:09:10 GMT

My Morning Jacket and the Raconteurs on separate bills in Austin @ Stubb's were the best for me this year among many wonderful shows, e.g. Wilco, Shearwater

Music: So much better live

Adam, Philly, PA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:14:40 GMT

I saw Radiohead twice this summer. We traveled to Amsterdam and then came home to see them in Philly. Two different setlists, two incredible outdoor shows!

Music: So much better live

Stacie, Columbia SC — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:18:45 GMT

Pearl Jam was awesome this summer! I go to a lot of concerts, here are the ones that stand out: Prince (AMAZING), Bette Midler, Elton John, Duran Duran (they rocked all 4 times), Aerosmith (about 10 years ago), The Killers, Weezer, Tom Petty and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I know the whole new rage is for Katie Perry right now, but I've seen some of her songs on tv that she's sang live and it sounds horrible.

Music: So much better live

Doug, New York, NY — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:26:23 GMT

Tim from CT: LETTUCE is the hardest funkiest group around today, thanks for mentioning them. The best concert I've been to recently was Lettuce at Sullivan Hall in NYC. They burned that tiny place up. Also, Soulive with Joshua Redman was incredible. I just saw Radiohead for the first time, at San Fran's Outside Lands, and they were great live. Thom's voice is chilling, and they pull off all the weird electronic stuff very well live.

Music: So much better live

Molly Jackson, MS — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:27:31 GMT

GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY! I've now seen them 3 times, and they are amazing live. Another great band to see live are the Brazilian Girls!!!! AWESOME! Live music makes my world go round.

Music: So much better live

Les Paul Fan, Detroit, MI (but actually on the road in Iowa) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:34:22 GMT

You know what is as good as listening to live music...playing it. I play rhytmn guitar for a nationally known band and I just love to play live. You get so much energy from the crowd...Many of my bandmates would rather be in the studio, but me...I love to get on stage and play, whether it's in a packed club or on tour in an arena, the power of the crowd is what gets you through the one nighters and the mileage on the road.

Music: So much better live

Scout Albion, Ne — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:35:46 GMT

When you attach so much memory or meaning to the lyric of a song and then you get to see it performed live it does kind of become transcendent. I am one of those people that has to change the station if a song comes on that reminds me of an ex, so the opposite is true when I hear the song that I love and have fond memories affiliated with. I caught the Foo Fighters in February and they were amazing as always. Hearing Dave sing "Everlong" is something I could listen to everynight and never grow tired of. The song is amazing on its own but if you fell in love with someone and that was your own version of the "john-cusak-standing-in-the-rain-holding-the-boom-box-peter-gabriel-declaration-of-love-song" then seeing it performed live is what makes it remarkable.

Music: So much better live

Sam — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:38:41 GMT

There is a band up here in NH called Dreadnaught, they are insanely good technical musicians but they have this great comedic side to them too... it is kind of like Beethoven and Miles Davis and Dr. Demento rolled into one, and it is only at the live shows that the real humor comes out.

Music: So much better live

Beverly--- Watsonville, CA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:43:26 GMT

We just saw Toad the Wet Sprocket at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA. It's a fabulous venue on a mountain top overlooking Silicon Valley, the breeze was warm, the stars were out, and the band, reunited for this tour, were in awesome voice and good humor. It's been over a week and I still can hear the guitar reverb off of the old winery building....

Music: So much better live

T, Brownsburg, IN — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:51:22 GMT

Rush. That's all that needs to be said.

Music: So much better live

moeron42, dallas, tx — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:01 GMT

moe. phish the dead allmans widespread panic...no studio album could do these guys justice

Music: So much better live

Bill, Orlando FL — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:32 GMT

Tom Waits FINALLY came around on tour this last summer and put on one heck of a show. The night was sometimes jazz, sometimes blues, sometimes spoken word, sometimes intimate piano bar, but woven through it all was that wonderfully creepy otherwordly vibe that defines the man's music. Lots of banter with the crowd, too, and I tell ya, that guy could have done standup had he not gone into music.

Music: So much better live

Jenn, San Diego, California — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:06:19 GMT

I saw Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies at The House of Blues in San Diego. They put on a great show, and sang a lot of songs, and the lead singer belted every one with the energy of the first song. Seeing a crowd form a mosh pit and crowd surf to Somewhere Over the Rainbow makes you feel like there is hope for the world.

Music: So much better live

cArrie, Allen park, MI — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:08:41 GMT

Two shows did this to me. The Swell Season (from the movie "Once") and John Butler Trio. The Swell Season was moving, soft, and melodic. JBT always makes me dance and think and come away with a sense of something bigger than myself. (and this after seeing 15 shows this summer)

Music: So much better live

Live Music Lover, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:10:26 GMT

No Age at the Pitchfork Festival - who knew two people could produce so much sound!

Music: So much better live

Bill, Atlanta — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:12:14 GMT

Saw Pondering Judd in New Hampshire this summer. Roots rock and seemingly only localy known but they deserve a wider following. Another roots/country live performer who hits it out of the park is the Zack Brown band. Both have varied singers, great musicianship and audiences that follow them around and know all the songs and words.

Music: So much better live

rockgirl, nj — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:21:50 GMT

I am a classic rock girl mostly, but my last show was Bruce, there is nothing like a live Bruce show...I have seen the Stones (multiple times), Bon Jovi (multiple times), Meatloaf, Tom Petty, Def Leppard (multiple times), the Beach Boys, Billy Squire, Molly Hatchet, Charlie Daniels, and more... live shows with all that is included, your tipsy concert goer, your sitting in the seat stiff as board person, all of this is so much a part of the show you just can't beat live music, even some of the expert cover bands out there are great....

Music: So much better live

Jacquie Winner, Sicklerville, NJ — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:22:16 GMT

I saw the Allman Brothers Band play Red Rocks last Saturday, August 30, 2008. The show was stellar both musically and visually, totally encompassing the magic that is Red Rocks. They may have been around for almost 40 years, but the Brothers prove that they just keep getting better with age...the biggest plus of all is the close network fanbase that the Brothers have, we are the luckiest group of people on earth!

Vive La Allman Brothers Band - the best damn band in the land!!

Music: So much better live

Lee Ann, gadsden, al — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:23:19 GMT

I saw the Allman Brothers Band @ Red Rocks in Denver, CO Saturday August 30th....one of the best concerts I have ever been to....just unreal....if you have the chance to see them you won't regret it!!!

Music: So much better live

M, Moses Lake, WA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:26:47 GMT

T, you're right on the money.

RUSH, at the Gorge in George, Washington. When the sunset backscatters off the bluffs and the mighty Columbia, and the notes rise through the shimmering summer air...

"Emotional feedback on a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price ---Almost free..."

The incredible lightshow was just the icing on the cake. These guys are the original showmen, and the legend lives on.

Music: So much better live

Tony, Lake Worth, FL — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:01:23 GMT

One word: TOOL.

Music: So much better live

Chris (Memphis, Tenn.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:01:38 GMT

Dave Matthews Band (with Willie Nelson) Aug. 2 at AutoZone Park in Memphis. It was about 120 degrees on the field, but DMB still rocked a set that was about 2 1/2 hours. I've seen DMB in a small bar in Oxford, Miss., in Texas Stadium and everywhere in between. But this was probably the best show I've seen. Their cover of The Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House" was amazing.

Music: So much better live

John, Raleigh, NC — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:21:00 GMT

Eddie Vedder solo tour. I saw him the second night in Washington D.C. at the Warner Theatre. Stripped down show with Eddie playing guitar, banjo, mandolin and ukelele. Liam Finn (Son of Neil Finn from Crowded House fame) opened for Eddie and he too was extraordinary. Amazing show & amazing venue.

One thing I have realized over time. I will go see almost anyone live. There is always...ALWAYS something interesting to see/hear/experience...

Music: So much better live

PDW, Chicago — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:29:01 GMT

The Music Builds Tour (Jars of Clay, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Switchfoot, and Third Day) in Chicago at the end of August. Four incredible bands that ended the night all on stage jamming to "When Love Comes to Town" by U2...

Music: So much better live

orangebox, Virginia — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:32:32 GMT

um.................the entire lineup of Jamcruise 6!!!!!

Can't wait until we set sail for #7 ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Music: So much better live

KC - Thomaston, Connecticut — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:11:11 GMT

Nine Inch Nails (NIN) I am an avid fan and yes therefore slightly biased, but to be honest this past show I saw at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT was probably the best I've seen of his (Trent Reznor) career. Flawless perfessionalism has kept this band going since 1989 both in the studio and definitely live!

Music: So much better live

Carol B, Washington DC — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:11:49 GMT

There is nothing in the world like being right there in the room where the magic is made. And the greatest part is that no two performances are the same - even the same band, playing the same song, in the same city will result in something unique and special. There is just nothing like live music.

Music: So much better live

Rick, Stockton, CA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:14:12 GMT

Yes, (and I mean the band Yes! as well) live is usually better, but when you get a bit older (like me) having an excellent audio system can give you goosebumps and tears (if that's what you want) every time you listen to it. I figure 20 concerts' worth (about $2000) can give you excellent sound for many years. And I don't mean Bose!

Music: So much better live

Mike G, Boston, MA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:19:39 GMT

Indigenous at Harper's Ferry (Boston) last weekend.
Wow.

Music: So much better live

Matt, Memphis, Tenn. — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:22:39 GMT

Dave Matthews/Willie Nelson in Memphis was great, despite the scorching temperatures. Chris (above) is right, the Burnin' Down the House and Sledgehammer covers were unexpected and awesome.

Music: So much better live

Kevin Noonan, Wilmington, Del. — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:28:10 GMT

I saw the Allman Brothers Band in Camden, N.J., recently and after 40 years these guys are still the best live band in the business. They combine old warriors like Gregg Allman with newer stars like Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes and Oteil Burbage. No flash, but plenty of substance. Do yourself a favor and check them out some time.

Music: So much better live

David, Dallas, TX — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:39:54 GMT

Scream the Prayer tour in July was amazing! The best concert I've ever been to. Ten Christian metal bands played. I had an awesome time moshing and going absolutely nuts.

Music: So much better live

Jack Armstrong Kennewick wa. — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:47:32 GMT

James otto the otto show was out of this world. No wonder they call him the biggest voice in country music. He sings country soul like no other!

Music: So much better live

Nick, Ohio — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:06:28 GMT

I have not seen LETTUCE live but gave some of their music a listen to. I TRIED to like them but I found a "sameness" to their tunes. Excellent musicianship for sure. But they try too hard to be Tower of Power and totally miss that mark. Maybe live might be a different story though.

Music: So much better live

Mike , Telford PA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:09:39 GMT

Pearl Jam in Philly 2 nights in a row. The weather was great and the music even better.

Music: So much better live

Kathleen, Twin Cities, MN — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:00:22 GMT

Steve Winwood, Susan Tedeschi and Rusted Root. Man, if you get a chance, see rusted Root live. I like my live CDs much better than the CDs that have the original recordings,

Music: So much better live

mel, green bay, wi — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:15:57 GMT

the concert that blew me away the most was not this summer, but last - i saw dave matthews at alpine valley on their 2nd night. it was my first dave experience and it was phenomenal!! ive been to a lot of concerts, but that was the most amazing, beautiful show i have ever been to. the way they can stretch a 4 minute song into a 20 minute jam that u dont get tired of is unebelievable.

Music: So much better live

william the bloody, knoxville — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:01:15 GMT

This summer the absolute best conerts I have been to were 1)Nine Inch Nails:Knoxville TN, I've seen NIN live 3 times now and this was visually and musically the best that they have done. Trent keeps one upping himself at every tour. 2) Pearl Jam : Columbia SC, Seen them twice even if PJ makes with a mediocre set the crowd is so freakin into it that you don't care, and the band delivers the songs so well that you don't care either. You are having too much fun!

Music: So much better live

Meg, Tampa, FL — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:51:33 GMT

TOOL. Most talented band. Saw them a few years ago @ The Gorge in George, WA. The venue is beautiful and the campground was an excellent experience. Tool fans are a different kind altogether. I saw signs on my way from Seattle, HOURS away from the concert, that said stuff like "100 Miles to TOOL!" I wish I could relive that day.

Music: So much better live

Amber, San Antonio, TX — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:16:27 GMT

I had the chance to see Flogging Molly live @ Stubb's in Austin. It was one of the best sold out shows I'd ever been to.

Music: So much better live

Adam, Hartford, CT — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:48:20 GMT

The Black Keys in Boston were awesome (as they always are), !!! at Camp Bisco blew my mind, Left Lane Cruiser at Cafe Nine in New Haven, I've never seen such a small place rocked that hard.

Music: So much better live

Craig, Oklahoma City, OK — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:10:49 GMT

While I do like a good concert, I have to disagree with your statement that it's the only art form that happens without a degree of separation. Have you never been to live theatre? When seeing a show, you know that nobody outside the audience will EVER see the exact same performance. There is a certain spontaneity about it, and witnessing the live performances can be invigorating. Live theatre is available to everyone with the range from community theatres to Broadway.
Live theatre and live concerts share the same type of electricity that comes with an audience, the venue and the sheer unknown of live performances.

Music: So much better live

Phil, DC brit ex-pat — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:08:23 GMT

The Levon Helm Band in Baltimore. Awesome music with great musicians. Larry Campbell is outstanding. Also caught Eric Clapton in NY and that was an experience. Both concerts gave me goose bumps but trying to sing along when Levon did The Weight proved impossible. Going again next week, can't wait.

Music: So much better live

Brad Noel — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:21:06 GMT

I'm 45. Seen Bruce, the Allmans, Al Green. Nothing compares to the My Morning Jacket shows I have seen of late. In Louisville three weeks ago, they played a solid 3 hour and ten minute set that was truly a rock-n-roll experience. 10,000+ folks left with smiling faces at the end. That folks is what a live show should be. If you get a chance, go see MMJ. Your jaw will drop and you'll feel alive again.

Music: So much better live

Greg, West Grove, PA — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:59:49 GMT

Most recenty, R.E.M. put on an incredible show in Philly. Best live show of all time has to be Prince. The BoDeans continually put on great rockin' live shows. I make it a point to see them multiple times a year.

Music: So much better live

Pat D., Corsica, SD — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:43:23 GMT

i saw Kiss in Sturgis, SD. they played a set from Alive and then came back to play an 1 1/2 hour encore. i know that they have not changed much in 35 years but they still rocked to 50,000 plus considering that kelli Pickler and Kid Rock were about 6 miles away at another campground. i do not think that their light show or pyro has changed since day one but who cares. what did suck is that Peter and Ace are no longer with the band but Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer do a fantastic job. some other that i think are good live are Toby Keith, Big & Rich w/The Musiq Mafia and Garth Brooks put on a hell of show when he was onstage.

Music: So much better live

Live Music Fan, Portland, ME — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:47:36 GMT

Loving the Lettuce love! I saw them this spring (as well as Soulive, they share band members) and will go see them as often as I can! To the guy who said they're trying to be Tower of Power, they are not trying to be anything other than who they are. I am lucky enough to know a member (as well as a guest on the new album) they just love to play and Rage!

Dicky Barrett (lead of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, who I saw 2x this year!) always said if you can't kick it live you shouldn't kick it at all(paraphrasing obviously). I usually see at least 1 live show a week (yay for having a thriving local music scene!) Coming up....Flogging Molly and later this month NKOTB (shut up, it's my childhood and I'll celebrate it if I want to!).

Music: So much better live

Trina G., San Clemente, CA — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:13:28 GMT

Nothing better than music in the live. It's almost gotten tothe point that it's an addiction to be able to watch the sounds, the technique and the passion in the music come alive in front of me. I've lost track of how many shows I've seen already this year.

And Tim from Wallingford, CT...I saw Lettuce at The Key Club in Los Angeles earlier this year: they owned the room. Black, white, middle-aged, 20-somethings, music elite, surfer dudes, fashionable and casual, those guys know no boundaries. Lettuce is fierce!

Music: So much better live

Jackie Airhart, California, MD — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:21:46 GMT

I agree with cArrie. The Swell Season/ The Frames was an awesome concert. I've been to quite a few and it is definitely the top so far. The Swell Season is soft, melodic, and moving. The Frames can be that way...but they are much heavier rockers. The cool thing is that they have the same frontman, Glen Hansard, and he can go from quietly whispering to screaming in one song. The movie he did with Marketa Irglova, Once, is my favorite film. It's the movie that has the song that won the Oscar for best song in a film at the last Oscars.