Live Things 2006

Here's another list... the live music I saw in 2006. Nothing I regret spending money on, but some were better than others. I think they are in order.

1. The Shins, Corner Hotel
A crowded, hot venue just after the new no smoking rules came into effect, when some people flagrantly disregarded them and others hampered my enjoyment of the song by yelling loudly in my ear. I'd see them again, provided I had a reasonable view next time.

2. Bob Evans and Josh Pyke, Northcote Social Club
I was going for the Joke Pyke part of the show (they were supported by Laura Imbruglia, which I only recently realised, having purchased her album) but the Bob Evans part was also fun. Their duet of the Beatles' Two of Us as the encore was the highlight.

3. Bic Runga, Hamer Hall
My sister asked me to come with her to see this and I found myself discovering that her music is worth the praise- mellow, jazzy. Neil Finn played in her band.

4. Lior, The Corner Hotel
Another of those 'moral support' gigs but again worth the money. An engaging performance. I borrowed the CD from my friend Bec the next day.

5. Split Enz, Rod Laver Arena
This was one of those concerts you can only see once. Neil and Tim Finn are still incredibly energetic for middle aged people and their songs are still great. The highlight was Six Months in a Leaky Boat.

6. Eskimo Joe, The Forum
Supported by Josh Pyke (always a good reason to go) and again excellent performers. The experience was somewhat diminished by the incredibly crowded venue and rude people standing in front of us in our prime seating position.

7. The Dresden Dolls, The Corner Hotel
They attract an interesting crowd. The highlight was their cover of Livin' On a Prayer which is apparently the most covered song at Australian gigs.

8. Ben Folds and the MSO, Hamer Hall
I would have paid this much money just to see him play Army with no backing orchestra (which he did) so I could sing along to it. He's always a great performer, but I think last year's show, with its extensive BF5 encore songs, was better.