The 25 Best Live Acts of 2011 - According to Paste Magazine

[headhunter]

And My Morning Jacket gets the #1 ranking!!!
Congratulations Boys!

1. My Morning Jacket
If you think that rock 'n' roll is dying, My Morning Jacket is here to forcibly eject those thoughts from your brain. An energetic live band throughout their career (remember when they all had the hair and knew how to use it?), their concerts have only gotten better. This was the year that the band reigned supreme, headlining festivals and delivering musical salvation like itinerant preachers of rock. Bruce Springsteen hasn't gone away, but Jim James has been steadily getting promoted through the ranks, looking every-more ready to take over as Boss.—Josh Jackson

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/12/the-25-best-live-acts-of-2011.html?p=5

[Penny Lane]

That's what it's all about!  ;) :) Love this.

[johnnYYac]

Maybe we'll see some increased ticket sales for December?  How are you Springsteen fans holdin' up?  Can you live with the reference and comparison?

[Fully]

Obviously, Josh Jackson is one of the converted! And he's right! 

[Seeker]

I don't agree with so much on this list, but agree with #1.

I never heard of #2 LCD Soundgarden, and they sold out Madison Square Garden in minutes?

[Fully]

I don't agree with so much on this list, but agree with #1.

I never heard of #2 LCD Soundgarden, and they sold out Madison Square Garden in minutes?

It was their farewell concert. It's LCD Soundsystem, btw. They are really quite good. Check out This is Happening cd. It isn't for everyone, but I like it.

[smhoffmann02]

Right on!   

Though, there really is only one Boss.  And for that matter, only one Jim James.

[DaFunkyPrecedent]

I don't agree with so much on this list, but agree with #1.

I never heard of #2 LCD Soundgarden, and they sold out Madison Square Garden in minutes?

you have to be kidding me...you've NEVER heard of LCD Soundsystem?  Seriously, where do you live, what publications do you read and what kind of music do you listen to?  Other than My Morning Jacket, LCD is hands down my favorite band of the last 10 years - James Murphy is the greatest front man of our generation and Pat Mahoney is one of the most talented drummers I've ever laid my eyes on.  Check em out ASAP!!

[parkervb]

Maybe we'll see some increased ticket sales for December?  How are you Springsteen fans holdin' up?  Can you live with the reference and comparison?

i was with some MMJ virgins this year and they said the way the band seems to enjoy performing with each other and enjoy playing for their fans reminded them of the Boss and E Street. 

Jim has truly become a presence on the stage and become the preeminent frontman when it comes to live shows.

[1eyed_jack]

Awesome to see MMJ at #1!

unfortunately, the list loses major credibility leaving out Wilco. Saw them last night and they are on top of their game as always and one of the best live acts i've ever seen

[zanjam]

Awesome to see MMJ at #1!

unfortunately, the list loses major credibility leaving out Wilco. Saw them last night and they are on top of their game as always and one of the best live acts i've ever seen

Just goes to show that music is such different strokes for different folks.  My friends who are MAJOR Wilco fans always say that they are just not that good live.  That said, I can't wait to see them for the first time from the first row of the balcony at the Warfield in Jan!!  I wouldn't call myself major but I think I'm solid.  I think I'm gonna likey!!

[davymac]

That's awesome! I enjoyed the video with Jim's epic rules speech haha

[TheThird]

Have any of you all seen tUnE-yArDs? Are they really that good live? In fact is their music that good in general? (I haven't really given them a chance and would like your all's opinion on them ;))

[e_wind]

I thought I hate the tune yards, but the girl is really talented and it's awesome

[Fully]

I thought I hate the tune yards, but the girl is really talented and it's awesome

My sentiments exactly. I put off listening to this band for a long time. But I really like them now. It may have been the annoying capitalization of their title that kept me from it. I regret my earlier prejudice towards them.

[bunk_moreland]

Anybody else find it ironic that Paste chose a video clip of a soundcheck to illustrate how great a band's live performances are?

[goldbondking]

Obviously they got #1 right and everybody is entitled to their opinion but Dawes made the cut? I really like their studio stuff, but I've seen them live twice and they have done NOTHING for me. Oh well. Glad to see Givers on the list since they will be at the PHJB show.

[Jahmazed]

Awesome to see MMJ at #1!

unfortunately, the list loses major credibility leaving out Wilco. Saw them last night and they are on top of their game as always and one of the best live acts i've ever seen

Just goes to show that music is such different strokes for different folks.  My friends who are MAJOR Wilco fans always say that they are just not that good live.  That said, I can't wait to see them for the first time from the first row of the balcony at the Warfield in Jan!!  I wouldn't call myself major but I think I'm solid.  I think I'm gonna likey!!

As a major Wilco fan myself I find this kind of hard hard to believe - anyone who's seen them knows Wilco KILLS it live. 

[Shug]

Awesome to see MMJ at #1!

unfortunately, the list loses major credibility leaving out Wilco. Saw them last night and they are on top of their game as always and one of the best live acts i've ever seen

Just goes to show that music is such different strokes for different folks.  My friends who are MAJOR Wilco fans always say that they are just not that good live.  That said, I can't wait to see them for the first time from the first row of the balcony at the Warfield in Jan!!  I wouldn't call myself major but I think I'm solid.  I think I'm gonna likey!!

As a major Wilco fan myself I find this kind of hard hard to believe - anyone who's seen them knows Wilco KILLS it live.

Exactly what I was thinking.  What Wilco fan would ever say they aren't good live?  For many fans, Wilco live is the only Wilco worth listening to, with the studio recordings just being mere templates for the live performances. Wilco songs come to life on stage.  The band in INCREDIBLY tight without sounding mechanical or soulless.  zanjam, I hate to say it, but don't listen to your friends who say Wilco aren't that good live, I'm utterly  perplexed why any Wilco fan would say that.  I say Wilco and MMJ are the two best live bands in rock at the moment.  You are most likely gonna love the show in Jan, especially coming off the killer 5 night stand in Chicago they just finished with crazy setlists each night.  Wilco are at the top their game right now, 1eyed jack and jahmazed are right.  Enjoy!

[Jaimoe]

Janelle Monae is too low at #5. She deserves 1 or 2.