Best Gigs of 2008

So a tuff year on the old finances front meant a cut down on attendances, last year I think I did 53 this year a meagre 42. That said there were some great moments out in the field of duty. These are my fave 10.


1. The Kills - Manchester Academy.
Best gig of the year without a doubt. The electricity between Alison and Jamie was plugged into the national grid.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/04/kills.html


2. Ida Maria - Night & Day Manchester.

I wasn't sure about going to this gig but goddamn she is a really great performer and a stage presence to match.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/03/ida-maria.html


3. Angus & Julia Stone - Manchester Academy.
Such a great atmosphere here. A beautiful quirky stage, great people and a great band.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/05/angus-julia-stone.html


4. Fleet Foxes - Roadhouse, Manchester.
This was the first or the FF gigs of the year and certainly the best.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/06/fleet-foxes_18.html


5. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Manchester Academy.
Well if I'm honest this makes it in because of Dame Janet, that said SM was on very good form this night.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/06/janet-weiss-jicks.html


6.John & Jehn - Night & Day Manchester.
This French duo were so French it was like being in Bordeaux. John borrowed my shades for one song too.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/07/john-jehn.html


7.The Acorn - Night & Day Manchester
These were just a very good band as far as their musicianship. Front man Klausner was very good at holding and directing the band
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/10/acorn.html


8. Bon Iver - Manchester Academy.
The thing here was Justin Vernon played with a full band and really beefed up the album material.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/11/bon-iver.html


9. Wolf Parade - Ruby Lounge Manchester.
So pleased I got to see WP. Amazing that the first 2/3 rows of people here literally sang along to every song.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/11/wolf-parade.html

10. Port O'Brien - Night & Day Manchester.
They packed the stage of the N&D and played their upbeat rousing folk. A very entertaining band
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2008/11/port-obrien.html

So there you go, some good trips. As usual the Night & Day was the outstanding venue. Onto 2009 we go, though probably even less shows will be attended so I'll have to pick and choose when and where. 08 was good gig wise though.