This past year has been full of amazing music and great live shows. Being so passionate about music makes this time of year really exciting. I get to reflect on all the shows I’ve been to and albums I listened to…and in those moments I remember how great the past year really was. So here it is, my list of the top 5 live shows I attended with next week following up with my top 5 favourite albums of the year.
Lorde at The Danforth Music Hall
I had no idea what to expect walking into this show. I was stupid excited, consumed by the hype the song Royals created. Yes, the album was incredible for a debut from a teenager, but I didn’t have any expectations of her live show being the same. Within 30 seconds of her singing, I found I had goose bumps; completely taken aback with her impressive vocals and stage presence. She just announced another North American tour; so if you’re in Toronto on March 15th, get your butt out to the Sound Academy to see this chick.
Matthew Good at Massey Hall
I love Matthew Good, but damnit, his music has lead me to some pretty emotional places over the years. There’s something so haunting and beautiful about his voice that when matched up with the music, it creates something strong and captivating. You FEEL. I’ve always wanted to see him live, but never got the chance until recently. I always imagined seeing him perform at Massey Hall as if it’d be the perfect show. Lucky for me, this was the show I got to see.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at Osheaga 2013
I’m not the biggest Macklemore fan, however I will never deny myself of attempting to rap along to Thrift Shop. This past summer at Osheaga had a lineup of amazing artists and bands but I wasn’t going to miss Macklemore. Glad I didn’t because it was hands down one of the best performances of the weekend. Everyone in the crowd was having a blast and it was evident how genuinely grateful he was to be performing in front of such a large crowd. Not only was the show tight and full of energy, but it was also really refreshing to see someone so humble. I’ll definitely catch Macklemore again next time he’s performing in Toronto.
Alabama Shakes at Echo Park
Wow, this was such a great show. I’ve said this many times before and I’ll say it again, Brittany Howard is a powerhouse! The vocals and stage presence of this woman are really amazing; her performance demands everyone’s attention. I was a little late for this show and walking towards the venue, across the water all I saw was this woman on stage wearing a white dress with the light gleaming solely on her. In a way, that image represents everything she embodies when performing live. Never miss the opportunity to see Alabama Shakes in concert.
Mumford and Sons at Osheaga 2013
Ohhh Mumford and Sons, just the best. A couple of years ago I saw the band play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. One thing this band can do is put on an amazing performance to a huge group of people, and still make it an intimate show. They were the last to perform for the 3-day festival and I don’t think the finale to that weekend could’ve been any better. I was with my two best friends and there were lots of hugs, foot stomping, singing and dancing…it was a memory I’ll never forget. Shows like Mumford and Sons after a 3-day music festival, are those special moments that make you feel alive. The memory of having cheers, hugging, and smiling ear to ear with confetti everywhere, is one for the books.
