Total number of concerts for 2010: 176.
Average of seeing a show every 2 days.
Total number of reviews/photos for Amateur Chemist: 37.
Total number of contributions to OC Weekly: 85.
Total number of contributions to Stereogum: 55.
Assuming a concert lasts roughly 3.5 hours, I listened to live music for approximately 25.6 days of the year.
Highlight shows of the year by month:
January: Radiohead at the Music Box
How can you really top this show? Radiohead at the tiny Music Box? It still seems like a dream. Those lucky to be in attendance will never forget. I know I won't.
Runner up: Sonic Youth at the Fox Theater in Pomona
Thurston Moore is one of my many guitar heroes. Bonus points for seeing Mark Ibold of Pavement slaying on bass.
February: Phoenix at the Joint at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas
Phoenix continues to soar high off their album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. I thought this show would be the end of their touring cycle. I was obviously wrong as they toured relentlessly till the conclusion of the year.
Runner up: St. Vincent at the Belly Up
I didn't get the chance to catch as many shows at the Belly Up this year but this was definitely worth the drive to see Annie Clark weave her guitar magic up close and personal.
March: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the House of Blues Anaheim
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club were on fire on this particular night. I quickly regretted missing their prior shows at the Echoplex after seeing them burn down the House of Blues Anaheim.
Runner up: Paul McCartney at the Hollywood Bowl
This would be a front runner but I only shot the three songs since I didn't have a ticket to stay.
April: Pavement at the Fox Theater in Pomona
Undoubtedly the best and longest set that I witnessed of the Pavement reunion shows. It was magical.
Runner up: Coachella Sunday 2010
It was difficult to catch full sets by all the bands since I was trying to photograph every band possible but even catching three songs of Spoon, Gorillaz, Atoms for Peace, Phoenix and Pavement is still mind blowing when I think about it.
May: Hum at the Old Rock House
Hum is one of my favorite bands. I flew a few thousand miles to see Hum destroy at a small club in St. Louis. It was worth every penny and I would do it again in a second.
Runner up: The National at the Wiltern
High Violet is one of my top albums of the year. The National performed brilliantly at the Wiltern. I can still visualize them playing "Lemonworld".
June: Hum at Millennium Park
Did I mention I like Hum? I flew back two weeks later to see them in Chicago. Crazy? Yes. Worth it? Obviously.
Runner up: KROQ Weenie Roast at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
When Scott Weiland is sober, Stone Temple Pilots put on a bona fide rock show. Spoon, Silversun Pickups, Deftones and Devo were also highlights.
July: Rage Against The Machine at the Hollywood Palladium
Easily the most electric atmosphere for a show all year. I have never feared for my life more in a photopit. The world needs Rage Against The Machine to come back and show bands how it is done.
Runner up: Tool at Nokia Theater
Tool have long been one of my favorite bands since I saw them open for GWAR in 1992 at the Hollywood Palladium. Getting a photopass for Tool is on par with finding the Holy Grail. Hearing "Intolerance" gave me chills and flashbacks.
August: Silversun Pickups at the Greek Theater
A grand homecoming show for LA's favorite fuzz pedal loving band. Can't wait for their next album.
Runner up: Rush at Verizon Amphitheater
Slapping da bass! Rush rocks. You haven't seen them live if you disagree.
September: Muse at the Staples Center
Rivaling Rage Against the Machine in electricity, Muse had all of Staples Center buzzing throughout the evening.
Runner up: The Black Keys at the Hollywood Palladium
It is nice to see the Black Keys finally receive some acclaim after putting out numerous solid records. Two sold out nights at the Hollywood Palladium show they are well on their way.
October: Gorillaz at the Gibson Amphitheater
How did I end up photographing Lou Reed? I owe it all to Damon Albarn and Gorillaz. Watching Mick Jones and Paul Simonon was icing on the cake.
Runner up: Arcade Fire at the Shrine Auditorium
The Suburbs shows that Arcade Fire is up to challenge of becoming one of the bigger bands in rock today.
November: A Perfect Circle at the Avalon
Mer De Noms in its entirety. My mind was blown being able to photograph Tool and A Perfect Circle within a span of a few months.
Runner up: Weezer at the Gibson Amphitheater
The Blue Album in its entirety. One of the few albums I still remember how to play on guitar. Weezer won't stop rocking.
December: Roger Waters at the Staples Center
Captivating from start to finish with unparalleled visuals and exquisite musicianship. Hoping this is released on Blu-ray someday. Best show of 2010.
Runner up: KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Night Two
Phoenix, Broken Bells and the Black Keys all brought their best sets. KROQ Acoustic Christmas is always a nice way to wind down the year.
Thanks for reading. See you in 2011.
