pop culture, reviewed

8.  David Mead at Jammin’ Java.  It’s a shame that there were only, like, fifteen people there, because he was amazing. 

7. Marah at Iota.  This was way back at the beginning of the year, but it was a fun, fun, loud, fun show.  (They played two nights in September but I only saw them when they were here in January.)  They should be more famous. 

6. Tift Merritt at the Birchmere.  We have seen Tift Merritt twice now and she always surprises — she puts on a much more powerful live show than you might expect just from listening to her albums (which are also good). 

5.  Arctic Monkeys at the 9:30 Club.  This was probably the most crowded that I have ever seen the 9:30 Club, and the crowd was so young that I felt middle-aged.  (It didn’t help that the band looked like they could go to high school with my cousin Ben.)  Sometimes I just really, really like a super-loud rock concert, though, and this was that.

4.  Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins at the Birchmere.   We also saw Jenny Lewis at the 9:30 Club this year, but the Birchmere performance was better.  I think it’s probably just because the Birchmere is such a great venue — great sound, a quiet and respectful crowd.  I have seen several people play at the Birchmere that I have also seen at other places, and  the Birchmere show is always better.   And regarding Jenny Lewis — girlfriend has a voice that will stop you in your tracks. 

3.  Bruce Springsteen at Nissan Pavilion.  We were thisclose to Bruce!  Thisclose!

2.  Justin Timberlake at the 9:30 Club.  Do I need to remind you again that the show was so good that, afterward,  I bought a $40 Hanes black tank top just because it said “Justin Timberlake” on it?   It was that good.

1.  Ryan Adams and the Cardinals playing as Cold Roses, Inc., at the Bowery Ballroom.  You’re surprised?  Look, I saw him seven times this year.  Just be glad I only put him on the list once.  The Bowery show, though, was the ultimate.