Earlier this week, Music Notes correspondent Cristina Daglas gave us her top 10 picks for best Milwaukee concerts of 2011. But since there was so much great music being played this year, we decided to bring you not one, but two “best” lists. And so, without further ado, we present the Best Shows of 2011: Kevin and Tyler edition.
SHOW OF THE YEAR
Alkaline Trio at Summerfest, July 9
This show had all the makings of being terrible. Since making some of the most influential albums of my youth – some of which I still consider to be some of my favorites – Alkaline Trio has disappointed with virtually every one of its releases this century. Opening with “In Vein” off Agony & Irony didn’t bode well for the rest of the show. But the surprising chaser of “Snake Oil Tanker” and the 18 subsequent classics, cult favorites and buried B-sides the band expertly employed gave longtime fans an unforgettable one-night trip back to the good old days. They even played “Bleeder” for Christ’s sake. The set was as solid as it was surprising. – TM
Russian Circles at Cactus Club, December 2
Bay View’s live music mecca the Cactus Club turned 15 years old in 2011, and the venue celebrated all year long with what seemed like an endless string of marquee local and national headliners. And none of these shows was bigger or more buzzed about than this month’s visit from Chicago instrumental metal outfit Russian Circles. With the help of a steadily growing indie buzz and the warm critical reception of the band’s recent release, Empros, Russian Circles was probably too big for the confines of the CC. All of which added to the overpacked, sweaty, and completely electric vibe of the whole evening, which showcased the band at its blisteringly captivating best. – KK
RUNNER-UP
Decibully at Cactus Club, April 2
After holding an undeniable place near the top of the Milwaukee music scene for a decade, folk rockers Decibully abruptly called it quits this year. In fact, the band’s end was announced during this April Cactus Club outing. And what a way to end! In a near-flawless showing, the departing bullies of decibel cycled through an array of tunes spanning the excellent 2001 release City Of Festivals, all the way to the self-titled album it would flash-release just days after the final show. You’ll be missed, Decibully. I’m glad I got to see you off. – TM
Smashing Pumpkins at Riverside Ballroom, October 13
Apparently 2011 was the year of the ’90s reunion tour, and I for one wasn’t complaining. Smashing Pumpkins’ frontman Billy Corgan decided not to get the band back together, opting instead to be the band and surround himself with young ringers. And though the formula seemed like a recipe for disaster, it turned out that the kids could play and tore through a wild set that fully spanned the impressive catalog of one of the decades most innovative and accomplished rock bands. – KK
HONORABLE MENTION
Maritime and The One AM Radio at Club Garibaldi, September 29
The mid-week show paired two Dangerbird Records label mates—Milwaukee’s own Maritime and L.A. project The One AM Radio—playing to, primarily, empty chairs. Unfortunately, only myself and (a generous estimate of) 20 others made it out to this memorable club show that saw each talented band touching on both time-tested catalog classics and new cuts. – TM
Mutemath at The Rave, September 30
One of the most underrated modern rock bands of the last five years and one of the most infectious live acts you will ever see, New Orleans-based Mutemath blew through The Rave in late September. The band focused on smaller venues in support of its latest effort, Odd Soul, making for an intensely intimate experience among the fortunate group in attendance. – KK
Young Widows at Cactus Club, May 16
Louisville rock band Young Widows shook up Cactus Club twice in 2011, including an opening slot for Russian Circles earlier this month. The first time, though, the Widows neglected stage lighting, cranked its amps to 11, and battered the unsuspecting chests of the modest Sunday night crowd with a coarse wave of volume. My ears still hurt. – TM
Rise Against at Summerfest, July 3
Every once in a while a Summerfest side stage show will present you with a moment of unforgettable bliss that the main stage acts just can’t touch. And this picture-perfect July night with Rise Against rocking hard in front of an endless sea of people and backdropped by an epic fireworks display certainly fit the bill.
Get Rad at Cactus Club, February 18
As always, Get Rad killed it. However, this shows gains mention due to a mid-set fight between an audience and the lead singer of opener Explode And Make Up. Man, that singer was a total dick. – TM
