A pretty light year for me with work and such, but I’ll turn it around in 2010.

Shows: 63
Bands: 96
Favorite New (to me) Band: El Ten Eleven / Mucca Pazza
Venues: 38
Favorite New Venue: Brooklyn Bowl
Cost: $898

#10 The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion @ South Street Seaport (NY, NY) – 06.17.2009
I haven’t seen JSBX since the 90’s and thought only their side projects still existed (Heavy Trash, Tiny Masters of Today, etc), so was super psyched to see they were playing at the South Street Seaport for FREE!!! Great show…really brought me back. Thank You!

#9 St. Vincent / Tim Fite @ The Bell House (BK, NY) – 06.26.2009
An interesting bill that had C-Dawg written all over it. I’m a BIG Tim Fite fan and have been wanting to see St. Vincent for a long time, so can’t beat that lineup for $10 at my favorite indoor venue in Brooklyn.

#8 The Smothers Brothers @ Bergen Performing Arts Center (Englewood NJ) – 04.24.2009
If you added Lizz’s and my ages together we still would have been the youngest person in the room. This was the highlight of my B-Day Month 2009. Great music, hysterical comedy, and of course the Yo-Yo Man!

#7 The Black Keys @ Liberty State Park (Jersey, NJ) – 08.02.2009
The Black Keys made putting up with all the rain and lines and mud at the All Points Festival worth it. I have a feeling this festival might not be back next year (but hopefully I’m wrong). Most broken drum sticks I’ve ever seen…shredding for real!

#6 El Ten Eleven @ Union Hall (BK, NY) – 05.01.2009
Walked in having no idea what to expect and walked out having just got my ass kicked. Amazing music by two of the most talented musicians around.

#5 Mucca Pazza @ Knitting Factory (BK, NY) – 09.12.2009
Hands down the best Punk Marching Band you’ll ever see. Caught them by chance in Chicago and I’m HOOKED! With 30+ members strong (including cheerleaders and gym teachers), Mucca Pazza puts on one hellva party.

#4 Wilco / Yo La Tengo @ KeySpan Park (Coney Island, NY) – 07.13.2009
This was actually my first Wilco show and was blown away. Wilco is America’s Band (period).

#3 Gene Ween Band @ P.S. 29 (BK, NY) – 05.21.2009
This was one of those you had to be there in order to understand how awesome it was shows. Being at an elementary school in Brooklyn Heights where Gene Ween’s 9-10 year-old daughter attends and introduces the band as “my Dad’s other band”…seeing kids starring at Joe Russo with the same amazement I constantly have…and the BOING song was classic (http://www.youtube.com/user/tommygloans#p/a/u/0/5R9XDb66sD4). Plenty of future NYC-Freaks members in attendance…our future is looking bright. The most surreal show I’ve ever been to.

#2 Phish @ MSG (NY, NY) – 12.02.2009 – 12.04.2009
They’re BACK! So much fun doing another run of Phish at MSG. Older crowd, chill security, and tight music made this one of my favorite Phish runs ever.

#1 The Big Surprise @ Beacon Theatre (NY, NY) – 08.06.2009
I’ve never (and prolly will never again) had dead-center front-row at the Beacon (via Ticketbastard now less) so it was going to be a special show from the start. An AMAZING lineup of Old Crow Medicine Show / Dave Rawlings Machine (w/ Gillian Welch) / The Felice Brothers / Justin Townes Earle performing interlocking sets and all together. An incredible night of music.

Honorable Mention:
Andrew Bird / Dosh @ Carnegie Hall (NY, NY) – 01.28.2009
Beirut @ BAM (BK, NY) – 02.06.2009
Clutch / The Bakerton Group @ The Crazy Donkey (Farmingdale, NY) – 02.28.2009
Dan Auerbach @ Bowery Ballroom (NY, NY) – 03.03.2009
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom (NY, NY) – 03.31.2009
David Byrne @ Prospect Park Bandshell (BK, NY) – 06.06.2009
Man Man / Chandeliers @ East River Park Bandshell (NY, NY) – 07.16.2009
Siren Festival @ Coney Island (Coney Island, NY) – 07.18.2009
The Grates @ Pianos (NY, NY) – 07.29.2009
The Builders and the Butchers / Illinois @ The Bell House (BK, NY) – 07.30.2009
El Ten Eleven @ Brillobox (Pittsburgh, NY) – 11.27.2009
Freaks Ball IX @ Southpaw (BK, NY) – 01.10.2009
The Felice Brothers @ Webster Hall (NY, NY) – 04.17.2009
of Montreal / Janelle Monáe @Music Hall of Williamsburg (BK, NY) – 4.15.2009
The Roots: Presents @ Highline Ballroom (NY, NY) – 04.21.2009
C. Gibbs @ Hill Country (NY, NY) – 04.22.2009
Los Amigos Invisibles @ Prospect Park Bandshell (BK, NY) – 07.10.2009
Portugal, The Man @ Mercury Lounge (NY, NY) – 08.05.2009
Mcgowan @ Crash Mansion (NY, NY) – 09.02.2009
Bustle In Your Hedgerow @ Brooklyn Bowl (BK, NY) – 10.20.2009/12.22.2009

#10 American Regular – Mcgowan (Mcgowan)

#9 I Told You I Was Freaky – Flight of the Conchords (Sub Pop)

#8 Merriweather Post Pavilion – Animal Collective (Domino)

#7 No One’s First, and You’re Next – Modest Mouse (Sony)

#6 The House That Dirt Built – The Heavy (Counter)

#5 11:11 – Rodrigo y Gabriela (ATO/Red)

#4 Horehound – The Dead Weather (WEA/Reprise)

#3 Wilco (The Album) – Wilco (Nonesuch)

#2 Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! – Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears (Lost Highway)

#1 Keep It Hid – Dan Auerbach (Nonesuch)

Honorable Mention: March of The Zapotec and Realpeople Holland – Beirut, Dark Was the Night – Various Artists, Noble Beast – Andrew Bird, Post-Nothing – Japandroids, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum – Kasabian, Technicolor Health – Harlem Shakes, Actor – St. Vincent, Hold Time – M. Ward, What Will We Be – Devendra Banhart, Strict Joy – The Swell Season, Strange Cousins from the West – Clutch, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix, Those Darlins – Those Darlins, Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures, Cosmic Egg – Wolfmother, Summer of Fear – Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand

I didn’t get out much in 2008, but was still able to average at least one show a week. Hopefully I can do better in 2009.

Total Shows: 59
Total Bands: 100
Total Cost: $999.50

#10 Theresa Andersson @ Living Room (NYC) – June 17, 2008
First time seeing Theresa Andersson and was completely blown away. Amazingly talented and her music is inspiring.

#9 Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band @ Sullivan Hall (NYC) – May 3, 2008
Was disappointed in the turnout for RPBDB’s first headlining gig in NYC, but that didn’t stop them from putting on a SICK show. Jason Webley on accordion came out for the encore and had the entire crowd singing “Two Bottles of Wine”.

#8 Tim Fite @ Joe’s Pub (NYC) – January 26, 2008
A full show in the luscious confines of Joe’s Pub was the perfect way to experience Tim Fite for the first time. Music, slide-shows, storytelling…his shows are always fun.

#7 The New Mastersounds @ Sullivan Hall (NYC) – November 8, 2008
From the other side of the pond, The New Mastersounds funked the shit out of Sullivan Hall. Dionne Charles on vocals elevated their sound to another level.

#6 Ween @ McCarren Pool (Brooklyn) – July 25, 2008
Can’t beat seeing Ween on beautiful summer night.

#5 My Morning Jacket @ Radio City Music Hall (NYC) – June 20, 2008
Jim James is a damn good frontman. Strapped with a wireless guitar he was running all over RCMH. Only wish they had played a cover or two.

#4 Rashanim @ Stanton Street Shul (NYC) – April 3, 2008
I’m not even sure if there was a minyan, but Rashanim played some of the best music I heard all year in that tiny little Shul.

#3 The Felice Brothers @ Bowery Ballroom (NYC) – April 12, 2008
This was their homecoming show after a long tour and they left everything on stage. Their albums are pretty subdue, so was surprised to see so much energy live.

#2 Radiohead @ Liberty State Park (Jersey City) – August 8, 2008
Took awhile, but finally got to see Radiohead. While I’d rather see them at a indoor venue than an outdoor festival…I was still blown away. Thom Yorke and the lights on stage were mesmerizing.

#1 AC/DC @ MSG (NYC) – November 14, 2008
Now this is how you put on a RAWK show. Was a little nervous about spending so much money on the ticket ($90+), but AC/DC was worth every penny. Without a doubt the loudest show I’ve ever been too…I think my ears are still ringing.

Honorable Mention: Freaks Ball 8 @ Southpaw (Brooklyn, NY) – February 9, 2008, Levon Helm Band / Ollabelle @ Beacon Theatre (NYC) – March 8, 2008, Marco Benevento @ Rockwood Music Hall (NYC) – April 3, 2008 (Late Nite), The Dirtbombs @ Troubadour (LA) – May 17, 2008, Apollo Sunshine @ Half Moon Boat Cruise (NYC) – August 5, 2008, Andrew Bird @ Liberty State Park (Jersey City) – August 8, 2008, Bill Malchow / Alex McMurray @ Barbes (Brooklyn) – August 22, 2008 (Late Nite), Th’ Legendary Shack*Shackers @ Mercury Lounge (NYC) – October 8, 2008, JJ Grey & Mofro @ Highline Ballroom (NYC) – October 17, 2008, HeadCount Benefit @ Highline Ballroom (NYC) – November 3, 2008, Bustle In Your Hedgerow @ Knitting Factory (NYC) – December 28, 2008, Nellie McKay @ Joe’s Pub (NYC) – April 1, 2008 (Late Nite)

Happy Holidays!

Click HERE to download…

#10 “Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto” (James Brown)#9 “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” (David Bowie & Bing Crosby)#8 “Overture/A Holly Jolly Christmas” (Burl Ives)#7 “Happy Holiday (Beef Wellington Remix)” (Bing Crosby)#6 “It’s Christmas Time” (SNL Cast)#5 “Christmas Is About The Presence” (God’s Pottery)#4 “I Believe In Father Christmas” (Emerson, Lake & Palmer)#3 “Christmas In Hollis” (Run-D.M.C.)#2 “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (The Plastic Ono Band w/ The Harlem Community Choir)#1 “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” (Bruce Springsteen)

Click HERE to Download the Top Ten
Click HERE to Download the Honorable Mention

#10 “Folsom Prison Blues” – Everlast – Love, War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford (2008)
#9 “Black Ice” – AC/DC – Black Ice (2008)
#8 “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” – She & Him – Volume One (2008)
#7 “See Fernando” – Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue (2008)
#6 “Nothing Too Much Just out of Sight” – The Fireman w/ Paul McCartney – Electric Arguments (2008)
#5 “My Medicine” – Snoop Dogg w/ Willie Nelson & Everlast – Ego Trippin’ (2008)
#4 “Come On” – The Panderers – Hotshot’s Boy (2008)
#3 “Fools” – The Dodos – Visiter (2008)
#2 “Right Hand on My Heart” – The Whigs – Mission Control (2008)
#1 “I’m Amazed” – My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges (2008)

Honorable Mention: “Consoler of the Lonely” – The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely (2008), “Where’s The Music” – Medeski Martin & Wood – Let’s Go Everywhere (2008), “Stormy High” – Black Mountain – In The Future (2008), “Sometimes You Just Want To” – Louis XIV – Slick Dogs and Ponies (2008), “Molasses” – The Hush Sound – Goodbye Blues (2008), “You Get So Lucky” – Adam Green – Sixes & Sevens (2008), “Sultan” – What Made Milwaukee Famous – What Doesn’t Kill Us (2008), “The Real Morning Party” – Marco Benevento – Invisible Baby (2008), “Shut Up and Let Me Go” – The Ting Tings – We Started Nothing (2008), “Strange Times” – The Black Keys – Attack & Release (2008)

Clinic is coming back to NYC! Their N.American tour (21 shows in 24 days) will start and end in NYC. No word on when tickets go onsale. Here is my review from their show last March.May 8 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, New York
May 9 – Paradise – Boston, Massachusetts

The third song is from the new Medeski Martin & Wood kid’s album called Let’s Go Everywhere (available on Rhapsody) that came out this week. I really like it, but am curious what the kids think.

Click HERE to download…

1. “Devil’s Train” – The Lab Rats – Half Full Ashtrays, Half Empty Glasses (2006)
2. “Foundations” – Kate Nash – Made Of Bricks (2008)
3. “Where’s The Music” – Medeski Martin & Wood – Let’s Go Everywhere (2008)
4. “Hippie Priest Bum Out” – LCD Soundsystem – 45:33 (2007)
5. “Johnny, Are You Queer?” – Pink Steel – Out At The Devil (2007)

Look for C-Dawg’s World to return in 2008. In the meantime, enjoy this Jew boy’s favorite Xmas songs.

Click HERE to download…

1. “Overture And A Holly Jolly Christmas” – Burl Ives – Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters (2003)
2. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” – Bruce Springsteen – Live @ C.W. Post College – Greenvale, NY (12-12-75)
3. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon & Yoko Ono – Lennon
4. “Christmas In Hollis” – Run-D.M.C. – A Very Special Christmas (1987)
5. “Happy Holiday (Beef Wellington Remix)” – Bing Crosby – Christmas Remixed – Holiday Classics Re-Grooved (2003)
6. “It’s Christmas Time” – SNL Cast
7. “Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth” – David Bowie & Bing Crosby (1977)
8. “Christmas Is About The Presence” – God’s Pottery – Live From KRock (2004)
9. “I Believe In Father Christmas” – Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Works, Vol. 2 (1978)
10. “Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto” – James Brown – 20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection: James Brown (2003)