My favorite shows of 2007

I went to a lot of good shows this past year, so instead of a top albums list (which would look similar to everyone else's on the planet), I thought I'd share with you guys my top 5 favorite shows of 2007:

5. Arcade Fire & LCD Soundsystem @ LC Pavilion, Columbus OH 10-5-07
What can I say? These are two bands that garner the infamous "Great on record, but you gotta see them live, man" status. I would have to agree. James Murphy is chubby, nervous and has a heck of a better voice than I imagined, and Arcade Fire plays like they're having the most fun ever singing about death and religion. This would have been higher on the list if more people danced during LCD Soundsystem.

4. The Mekons @ Lafayette Brewing Co., Lafayette IN 10-13-07
One their 30th anniversary tour, the Mekons set out for intimate venues playing a (gasp) acoustic set of their pub rock classics. It turned out to be one of the most entertaining, lively shows I have ever endured while seated. The night was made complete by the appearance of the one and only Will Oldham, who was on hand to sing (and dance) on a few Mekons songs.

3. The Hold Steady & Art Brut @ Newport Music Hall, Columbus OH 10-27-07 & Palladium, Dallas TX 11-14-07
Two of my favorite live bands join forces for a tour so epic, I had to see it twice. Seeing the Hold Steady live is like seeing all your uncles get drunk and play Thin Lizzy and Springsteen covers, which is actually a very, very good thing. Art Brut will make you smile, even if you don't want to. Columbus show gets points for having the best crowd (a lot of jolly drunks that liked to dance), while the Dallas show gets points for having better performances.

2. The Pipettes @ Beachland Tavern, Cleveland OH 11-20-07
3 gorgeous British girls playing 60's girl-group throwback pop songs in a venue the size of a dive bar? MAMA PAJAMA!!!! The only downside: a lot of creepy dads were there.

1. Sonic Youth performing Daydream Nation @ Pitchfork Music Festival, Chicago IL 7-13-07
I can't speak for anyone in the back, but from where I was standing (about 10 feet in front of Thurston Moore), it was heavenly. Thurston, Kim, Lee, and Steve churned out Daydream Nation in it's entirety like it was 1988 all over again. The crowd surrounding me unified in ecstatic joy for the entire show. This may have actually been my favorite show of all time. Bonus: After playing Daydream Nation, Pavement classic Mark Ibold joined the band for some Rather Ripped jams, inciting (in the words of Thurston Moore) "pogo city".

I would love to hear you guys' faves as well.