Top ten lists can be tough!  Especially this past year, 2019, when I can’t think of a single show that was not a good one. So, for lack of space, here are a few of those shows that stuck with me.  Some, like Jawbox’s reunion show at Baltimore’s Metro Gallery were not only amazing but were special (even historic!).  Without further ado, here is a list of some of my favorite of the past year.

Club 603

So, I’m cheating a bit here, but the top spot has to go to not just one performance but Baltimore’s best hidden treasure, Club 603. Scott and Jean Vieth have been putting on house show for a few years now, going on 100 shows, but I think this year may have turned up the heat! I’ve witnessed the legendary Alejandro Escovedo, Jason Narducy (Bob Mould Band/Superchunk/Verbow), Wussy, Mark Eitzel (American Music Club), Isreal Nash, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and the David Wax Museum all in 2019, though they’ve hosted so many more, including full band performances of David Bazan and Craig Finn and the Uptown Controllers.

Jawbox at the Metro Gallery

Barring a couple of one-off shows a few years back, Jawbox hasn’t toured in 22 years, and, holy cow, was their surprise warm up show at Baltimore’s Metro Gallery a blast!  One that’ll be close to my heart.

Billy Idol at the Lincoln Theatre

It’s not every day that you get a call out of the blue asking, “Hey, wanna cover Billy Idol?”  I still remember boppin’ along to “White Wedding” and “Dancing With Myself” as a kid and he along with Steve Stevens he put on a brilliant evening of music and storytelling.

Mary Prankster at the Ottobar

I had missed out on Mary Prankster’s last Pranksgiving a couple of years back, but with a smashing new album under her arm she put on one of the most energetic performances I’ve seen this year. 

Dr. Dog / Shakey Graves at the Anthem

It’s no secret that I love Dr. Dog, but I hadn’t seen Shakey Graves before their packed dual headlining show at the Anthem.  And it was like having Christmas and my birthday all at the same time!  Two completely different sets but both completely awesome.

Idles at the Metro Gallery

This past year if there was one band that was on my list to catch it was Idles. And I not only got to witness one of the best bands ever (this is no hyperbole) once but twice… and in the same week! They’ve since performed at a sold out 9:30 Club, but their show at the Metro Gallery in the Spring was life changing.

Carseat Headrest at Rams Head Live

I’ve seen Carseat Headrest a few times now, but their expanded sound (incorporating members of the band Naked Giants) along with an astounding light show makes for one of the best shows you’ll see.

John Maus at the Ottobar

From pure reputation I had gone to see John Maus perform at the Ottobar and was blown away! Just a man, a mic, and music via prerecorded sound systems, but way way more than that. A cathartic experience unlike anything I’ve seen.

David Wax Museum at the Creative Alliance

I had seen David Wax and Suz Slezak, the duo who make up the David Wax Museum a number of times before, but I think their show at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore may have been the first time I had seen them with a full band, and it was so much fun! Dave, Suz, and the band have a way to draw the audience in, and with brand new songs from one of my favorite albums of the year this was one tasty recipe for great music.

Black Pumas at WTMD’s First Thursday

So, this is both to highlight WTMD’s fantastic First Thursdays series of free concerts and one of the best performances I’ve seen over the ones I’d seen this past year. Black Pumas, who have since gone on to put out one of the best records of the year – garnering Grammy nominations along the way – put on one of the best shows this year, and not only that, they did it in the rain, in between lightning storms. I can’t wait to see them again!

Honorable Mention: Jeff Tweedy at the Lincoln Theatre

Wilco has been a mainstay in this house for the past 20 years, but this year I had the fortune to see not only Wilco but Jeff Tweedy solo at the Lincoln Theatre. Through one brilliant tune after another, Jeff was funny, warm, and put on one heck of a show, playing stuff from his solo albums, Golden Smog, and Wilco.