TOP TEN CONCERTS
Time for another list, this time the Top Ten shows of the year. The one I’m kicking myself for missing was Stevie Wonder at the Bank of America Pavilion, but I tried to catch most of the biggies this year. So here goes: (Oh, and WBOS jock John Laurenti and I both discuss our Top Tens for records and concerts in podcasts that you can call up through WBOS.com. Happy holidays!)
1. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & the E Street Band at TD Banknorth Garden. His second night there was celestial, filled with early classics like “Kitty’s Back’’ and “Candy’s Room.’’
2. NEIL YOUNG at the Orpheum. Caught the second night and was completely blown away by his acoustic set, especially, with “Cowgirl in the Sand’’ and “Journey Through the Past’’ (on solo piano). His electric set also mesmerized, but not to the extent of the acoustic one, where Neil’s soul really shone through.
3. VAN HALEN at the TD Banknorth Garden. Who knew that David Lee Roth would come back so strongly? He nearly made you forget all about the Sammy Hagar years.
4. PAULO NUTINI at the Paradise. The newcomer showed that he’s not just a teen idol with a pretty face. He is making music to justify a long career.
5. BRAD DELP TRIBUTE at the Bank of America Pavilion. Brad’s suicide was one of the year’s saddest stories, but at least his friends in the band Boston reunited on his behalf. Also nice sets by Godsmack, Extreme, and Farrenheit.
6. RYAN SHAW at the Copley Square series this summer. Ryan is bringing soul music back with a bang. And openers Eli “Paperboy’’ Reed & the True Loves were perfect for the occasion.
7. THE POLICE at Fenway Park. The Brit trio had been absent for more than 20 years, but they picked up right where they left off. Chemistry is everything.
8. WOLFMOTHER at Avalon. The Aussie hard-rockers seem the logical successors to AC/DC. Turn it up loud.
9. RATDOG at Bank of American Pavilion. Former Grateful Dead singer Bob Weir had one of his best Ratdog lineups yet, with Steve Kimock filling in the guitar chair. A psychedelic night on the harbor.
10. AUGUSTANA at TD Banknorth Garden. They played after a Celtics game this year and were anything but an anticlimax. Their song “Boston’’ is an instant classic, but they’ve got more going on than just that.
NEW YEAR’S EVE: Here are some possibilities – Soulive at the Paradise, Bang Camaro at the Hard Rock Café, Roomful of Blues and David Maxwell at the Regattabar, Superhoney at T.T. the Bear’s, and Ellis Paul at Club Passim.
CRITIC’S TIPS
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn – at the Cutler Majestic Theatre Thursday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 22. I caught the show last week and loved it. The group Solas anchors this Celtic-themed musical revue, with special guests Dougie MacLean and Aoife O’Donovan (from the band Crooked Still).
Benefit for Jeanne – at T.T. the Bear’s on Friday, Dec. 21. Bartender Jeanne Sheehy (who is fighting cancer) gets more support from the local community as the Shods, the Pills, and Jules Verdone raise money for her medical bills.
Lemonheads – at the Middle East Downstairs on Saturday, Dec. 22. Enfant terrible Evan Dando returns with his latest incarnation of the alt-rocking Lemonheads.
Wheelers and Dealers – at the Plough & Stars on Saturday, Dec. 22. Fun country/rock-roots music with a comic edge.
Sub Rosa – at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, Dec. 22. Rose Polenzani teams up with an exciting cast including Dennis Brennan, Sam Bigelow, and Dave Godowsky.
Aine Minogue – at Club Passim on Sunday, Dec. 23. The local harpist is a folk music wonder. Her concerts are often spellbinding events.
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers – at Club Passim on Thursday, Dec. 27. I’ve often thought of Kellogg as a latter-day Tom Petty. Great songs, great band, great time.
Mary Lou Lord – at the Plough & Stars on Thursday, Dec. 27. The ever-intriguing Ms. Lord returns to the Plough, where she recently did an acclaimed residency.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com.)
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