Top 15 New York Concerts 2008

Well, I suppose it is time for a Top 10–or 15–list, right? Let’s start with my Top 15 New York concerts from 2008. Of course, these are only culled from concerts that I attended so I’m sure everyone has their own list. Post yours in the comments!

Runner-Up. Man Man and Yeasayer at Brooklyn Masonic Temple on 4/11. I couldn’t leave this show off my list because it really was a great night. Man Man were entertaining and energetic as always and Yeasayer showed what a tour de force they really are.

15. Shearwater at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 10/21. This was part of the Brooklynvegan CMJ showcase, which also featured Emmy the Great, Ponytail, Passion Pit, and others, but Shearwater stood out for me with their use of unorthodox instruments, especially by very entertaining band member Thor.

14. St. Vincent at Castle Clinton on 7/10. This was part of River to River’s free summer concert series and the setting was perfect for St. Vincent’s beautiful yet quirky lyrics. Watching the sunset over the water as Annie Clark’s voice rose above the city was wondrous.

13. Toumani Diabate @ Other Music on 1/30. Getting to see the premiere kora (21-string African harp-lute) in the world in the tiny confines of Other Music was magical. That this was one of my first few dates with my boyfriend didn’t hurt either…

12. Hot Chip at Terminal 5 on 4/12. One of my favorite bands in terms of albums AND performances, I knew this would be a great night. Even though Terminal 5 is huge, Hot Chip had everyone dancing like they just didn’t care, which can be pretty rare in NYC.

11. Gnarls Barkley and Santogold at Highline Ballroom on 4/10. Cee-lo and Danger Mouse played this one-off show before starting their tour for their album Odd Couple. The two were at the top of their game even though this was more of a rehearsal and the crowd danced their butts off. And (then) newcomer Santogold was excellent, bringing two badass dancers with her to liven things up.

10. Passion Pit at Glasslands on 12/5. Cambridge’s five young sons  that make up Passion Pit are enthusiastic and adorable and play hip-shaking music that makes you want to go out and conquer the world. Seeing them in this tiny club before they release their full-length and go on tour at bigger venues next year was a real treat.

9. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings at Beacon Theater on 2/15. My first time (but definitely not the last) seeing R&B diva Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings was one of the most fun nights I’ve ever had. Jones’ voice is a powerhouse and the Dap King’s grooves are spectacular. Make it your business to see them next year.

8. Baltimore Round Robin Eyes Night at (le) Poisson Rouge on 10/17. The first night of this two-night extravaganza was one of the most unique concert-going experiences I have ever had. With 13 bands playing one after the other on 4 stages set up around the room, there were many highlights. The best being Beach House, closely followed by Jana Hunter, the Creepers, and Teeth Mountain. While Feet Night was great too, there was something about Eyes Night that really impressed me.

7. Max Richter at (le) Poisson Rouge on 7/30. Seeing this legendary composer from the UK was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. His music is so affecting and powerful and it made my first time at (le) Poisson Rouge an incredible one.

6. El Guincho at (le) Poisson Rouge on 12/2. After having El Guincho cancel all of his U.S. summer tour dates I was on pins and needles when I walked into (le) Poisson Rouge five months later. Hoping for the best but totally unsure, I was gratified when he stepped onstage and launched into a great set. Joyful and adorable, his energy was palpable and it was impossible not to have a good time.

5. Magnetic Fields at Town Hall on 2/22. One of my favorite bands of all time, it was doubtful that I wouldn’t love this concert. And I did, of course. Watching Stephen Merritt is entertaining enough, but with the rest of the band onstage as well it was amazing. they played a variety of new and old songs, which provided some very special treats.

4. Hercules & Love Affair at Studio B on 5/17. The New York-area band’s first real show was crowded and started late. But it didn’t matter, once the group started playing the dancing broke out all was good. No, great. And although Antony wasn’t there to sing, Nomi provided an excellent substitute–and her dress was fabulous!

3. Shugo Tokumaru at Mercury Lounge on 9/23. Seeing this Japanese pop star play his U.S. debut at the tiny Mercury Lounge was truly a remarkable experience. Although he barely speaks English, it didn’t matter as soon as his backing band (made up of member of Beirut, the National, and So Percussion) started playing Shugo seemed at home onstage. Later in the year he had the privilege of opening for Magnetic Fields.

2. Kid Sister/A-Trak/Cool Kids with surprise appearance by Kanye West at the Museum of Natural History on 1/25. Even without Kanye West showing up, this Flavorpill event was still a great show with Chicago representing. Cool Kids were super fun, A-Trak had great beats, and Kid Sister was awesome. But when Kanye showed up all hell broke loose–in a good way.

1. Radiohead and Girl Talk at All Points West Festival on Liberty Island on 8/8. Yes, this is techinically two sets, but it was at one festival so it counts! Girl Talk managed to command an entire field of people, which is no easy feat when only armed with a laptop. He did it by having dancers onstage throwing out great party favors and of course, playing his signature mashups that make such a great dancing soundtrack. Radiohead…are just on another level. They are so tight, so perfect, so talented, so musical, it is almost unreal. Seeing them with the Statue of Liberty in the background was just the ultimate New York concert experience.

All Images: Devorah Klein