ARTICLE BY CHARLOTTE MOSS
As 2008 nears its end, I took some time to remember five of my personal concert highlights of the year. Most took place right here in Los Angeles, but sometimes I had to do a bit of traveling; luckily, the live shows made the trip all the more worth it. There are likely some glaring omissions compared to your list (what, no Radiohead at the Hollywood Bowl?), but as with most music lovers, it’s hard to be at more than one place, er, concert, on any given night.
The Verve @ Pearl Palms Theatre: After the release of the stellar Urban Hymns, Verve fans certainly wanted more from the U.K. band. The fact that the follow-up, Forth, came a decade later made this reunion show all the more memorable. Richard Ashcroft and company performed several classics, including the hit single “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” knowing that fans had been waiting long enough to hear these songs live. It was worth the wait.
Portishead @ Mayan: Perhaps the reunion of the year, Portishead made headlines with its Coachella headlining slot and new album, the impressive and powerful Third. Beth Gibbons, Adrian Utley and Geoff Barrow treated fan club members to a special, intimate show at the Mayan in Downtown, and the only downside was that more couldn’t have seen this performance. There’s still hope Portishead will have a U.S. tour next year, right?
Jarvis Cocker @ Pitchfork Music Festival: Sure, there were a lot of bands performing at the Pitchfork Music Festival, but Jarvis, though not the main act, was the definite show stealer. He peppered his show with his trademark wit and biting social commentary, introducing “Cunts Are Still Running the World” with a talk about the then-upcoming presidential election and educating the audience, the boys in particular, about sex in “Girls Like It Too.” Not only a talented musician, Jarvis is a true performer. So what about that Pulp reunion? OK, we’ll settle for the new solo album. But hopefully there will be a U.S. tour with a Los Angeles date.
R.E.M. @ Hollywood Bowl: Considered the “comeback record” for R.E.M., Accelerate did exactly that, propelling the long-standing band back into the spotlight and earning critical praise in the process, something that has been lacking in recent albums. This pre-summer show presented R.E.M. as the well-respected veterans of college rock as well as a still-relevant band of today. It didn’t hurt that the openers of the show were The National and Modest Mouse.
Travis @ Troubadour: What is it about Travis that makes me so happy? The band’s carefree, child-like optimism is even more contagious in an intimate venue, as with this last-minute, surprise show at the Troubadour. Singing along with fellow fans to the Man Who classics is like karaoke with fellow mates. And, if for nothing else, pogoing to “Why Does It Always Rain On Me” always gives me a thrill.
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