I’m pretty sure I saw more music in 2011 than in any year past, and I’m frankly amazed. There was the summer of festivals, including Lollapalooza and Summerfest with its pretty decent lineup. I had the privilege of tagging along with the Mindpool crew for all 11 days, interviewing musicians. Of course, there were countless club shows throughout the city as well as a considerable amount of time logged at Turner, the Pabst and the Riverside. It’s been a treat spending a few days thinking through the year in music because, for me, a concert is about so much more than sound quality and set lists. It’s about the experience. These are the 10 Milwaukee shows that stand out (with one nearby Wisconsin exception).
# 10: The Strokes / PJ20
9/4/11, Alpine Valley
When Pearl Jam announced its two-day festival, I quickly said no for myriad reasons. When I saw The Strokes on the bill, I wavered but went back to no. Then a free ticket and a ride landed in my lap for the second night. Hello, Alpine Valley! I was definitely more stoked for The Strokes, and despite the massive size of the venue, greatly enjoyed the performance. And even though I hadn’t taken in a Pearl Jam album by choice since high school, I nostalgically sung along, pretty happy to be there. If nothing else, it will always be a great memory. Photo courtesy of thestrokes.com
#9: TV on the Radio
9/1/11, Pabst Theater
Four words: “Staring at the Sun.” Four more: It was crazy awesome.
#8: The Dodos
6/5/11, Turner Hall
Naturally, I love seeing bands in comfortably packed venues. A crowd’s energy is contagious, directly affecting those on stage. But sometimes there’s something nice about a quieter show for a band you love. This was the case for The Dodos. Like a bubble on the brink of bursting, I waited for “Don’t Try and Hide It” and happily sung (screamed?) my way through it upon its arrival. Photo courtesy of dodosmusic.net
#7: Beirut
11/30/11, Turner Hall
This was definitely the first time I rocked out that hard to horns. Lots of horns. It made me think I should have stuck with the French horn all those years ago, but alas, I didn’t. Thank goodness the dudes of Beirut did. I’ve never seen a show quite like this. One of the more energetic Turner crowds I was a part of all year, Beirut definitely received the warmest of Milwaukee welcomes.
#6: The Black Keys with Florence and the Machine
7/6/11, Marcus Amphitheater
No one can deny Florence’s pipes and The Black Keys’ ability to rock, but could they make it work in the Marcus Amphitheater? The answer is yes. Florence twirled about, broadcasting that powerful voice throughout the packed house. And The Black Keys lit up the stage with an awesome little light show and a generous helping of tracks off 2010 hit Brothers. Photo by Andrea Bartley.
#5: White Rabbits
12/3/11, Cactus Club
There’s something fabulously intoxicating about the White Rabbits. They’ve been a favorite for years, having seen them in Missouri, Washington, D.C., and good ol’ MKE back in 2009. Then, as my preshow Q&A demonstrates, they kind of disappeared. Well, now they’re back, and they’re mixing things up. Lead man duties have seemingly shifted to Stephen, a new album is on the way, and their sound (though still remaining pleasantly drum heavy) is … maturing? Refining? Perhaps it’s too early to tell. But first impressions of the new material were solid. And they still made room for favorites off Fort Nightly and It’s Frightening. Is there anything more fab than hearing Stephen belt “Percussion Gun” while pounding away on the keys? I’m going to go with no.
#4: Milagres
10/5/11, Club Garibaldi
Deep down everyone likes a nice little claim to fame. It might not have the same ring to it as say running into Cee Lo Green at 2 a.m. in Chicago (yes, that happened; have a photo to prove it), but this Milagres show could one day carry claim status. The Brooklyn five-piece is one worth watching, Glowing Mouth is a wonderful album, and the live show backs it beautifully.
#3: Bon Iver
7/22/11, Riverside Theater
What is there to say that hasn’t been said? The Bon Iver rehearsal July 20 was one of the cooler musical events I’ve ever witnessed. There’s something fascinating about seeing a band perform its whole set before a small audience to then turn around two nights later and play it for a sold-out show and crazy excited crowd. Photo by Cristina Daglas.
#2: Kanye West
6/30/11, Marcus Amphitheater
The first time I saw Kanye (Lollapalooza 2006), it was a snooze fest. Five years later, Mr. West impressed. I mean, holy crap, could this have been more fabulous? This is Summerfest we’re talking about, the place where so many good bands put on absolutely terrible shows. And yet, I distinctly remember uttering post performance, “That might have been one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.” Ever.
#1: The Rural Alberta Advantage
3/23/11, Mad Planet
I didn’t think The Rural Alberta Advantage could top the last time I saw them. It was 2009, and I was living in New York. The night began at a Vanity Fair party and ended with RAA at a small Manhattan venue. It was fantastic. This March evening was no different (minus the fancy mag party, of course). Mad Planet was packed, and RAA was just as I remembered, if not a touch more polished. Having Departing as well as Hometowns to play from, the set was diverse, memorable and even a touch haunting (that voice!). Bringing the Milwaukee experience into harmony with that NYC evening, RAA closed with “The Deadroads.” Sigh.
