So which bands did you all see live in 2003? I only managed to make it to two live performances this year, but I packed a lot into one concert this summer in Vancouver. The concert at the Plaza of Nations was a mega-indie concert featuring The Flaming Lips as the headliner, with Modest Mouse, The Starlight Mints and Liz Phair as opening acts. I'm a huge Modest Mouse fan (not literally!) but I have to say I was really disappointed by their set. Starlight Mints (another favourite) and Liz Phair were nothing to write home about, but The Flaming Lips totally blew the 20-something crowd away. Had to be one of the best concerts I've ever seen, especially in an outdoor ampitheatre. I was mere feet away from the stage for FL and MM and it was such a kick to see these indie guys up close and personal.

Unfortunately, the venue is located in an urban, residential neighbourhood and the ever-so-foxy Wayne Coyne, apologized for ending their set before he wanted to, but its part of the contract that concerts must end by 11 pm. (He pushed the encores until 11:30).

This band is such a kick to see live. I would highly recommend seeing them if they come to your city. However, I wouldn't be surprised if they start playing the big venues since they released Yoshimi. One of the most memorable moments from this concert was when I was wondering around the concert venue in the afternoon, and saw The Flaming Lips doing their sound checks. So cool to see them doing "The Test is Now Over" from Yoshimi for their sound check.

Another live highlight was the New Year's Eve concert by one of my favourite Canadian bands, 54-40. I had a great time, squished against the stage, completely unaware that my concert buddy had been removed from the concert by the Mounties for smoking a joint in the stands. Heheheh... I found him after the concert, waiting outside the coliseum. Happily, no arrests, but he was banned from coming in to see the rest of the concert. :-)

I would love to see more live performances in 2004! Got any recommendations?

Snowie