Victorian Horror's best show of 2009 is...

This year was tough. I was torn between choosing a big epic show like Moz or Depeche Mode, or a smaller show. If I based this on spectacle, showmanship, and my embarrassing fan-girly reaction, then Moz or Depeche Mode would've been the winner. However, I thought I'd follow last year's tradition of giving it to a newer band... so without further ado, the winner is:

THE HORRORS AT THE DOUBLE DOOR
Their blue-ribbon performance pushed them over the edge. It wasn't a big show, there weren't any flashy lights or video screens, but they really impressed me more than any other band this year.

Best Show of 2009: The Top 6

I swear I'm not that old...even though I have Morrissey, Depeche Mode, and Pixies in my final 6. The Horrors take up two spots, so I guess you can see where this is going. Have I mentioned I love The Horrors?
Depeche Mode made the cut, even though someone has enlightened me to the fact that Dave Gahan looks like "The Situation" from MTV's magnum opus "Jersey Shore". This realization has either ruined Depeche Mode for me forever, or made me like old man "Situ" more than I should. Hmm.

The list's in chronological order again...

1. Morrissey, Aragon Ballroom, 4/4/09
Tuxedo Morrissey.
Shirtless Morrissey.
Morrissey.
Enough said.

This song made me tear up for serious.

2. The Horrors, Metro, 5/9/09
God, I love them. I've said it before and I'll say it again. This was an opening slot for The Kills, but The Horrors are a hard act to follow.


3. Depeche Mode at Lollapalooza '09
The best "big" show of the year. I went in expecting to be entertained, but I was blown away. Singlehandedly keeping the waistcoat (vest) industry in business (along with Ellen), Gahan and the boys put on a show of epic proportions. Could it have been better? Only if they'd played Everything Counts.


4. Grizzly Bear/ Beach House, Metro, 9/27/09
Both of these bands have become fast favorites, especially Beach House. Another tough act to follow. Especially nice was Victoria joining in for her bit on Two Weeks. I saw GB at Pitchfork this year too, but it was so much better this time 'round. This video is of Beach House doing Heart Of Chambers


5. The Horrors, Double Door, 10/11/09
Yeah? So what? I think both Horrors' shows deserve to be in the top 6. By the time I saw them in October they'd come into their own. I really felt like I was witnessing the start of something huge for them. Primary Colours is not only my favorite album of the year, but this song, Sea Within A Sea, is my favorite track of the year too! It was totally my summer jam.


6. Pixies, Aragon Ballroom, 11/19/09
Pixies are one of those bands that seemed to come through Chicago quite a lot in the 2000's. I'd always taken this for granted, but this time I actually went to see them... and I'm so glad I did. They're so damn professional, sound so cohesive, and draw such a diverse crowd. A really top show. The crowd singalong to Hey was a highlight.

Victorian Horror Best Show Of 2009: The Contenders

Here's the pared down list in chronological order. This year's going to be a tough one, so many epic legends like Moz, Primal Scream, Pixies, and Depeche Mode. Also, there are a few new favorites (The Horrors). A few didn't make the cut (sorry Dead Man's Bones) but all of these were brilliant. Click on the text of each contender for the original posts, including videos and photos.




Antony And The Johnsons, The Vic, 2/12/09







Primal Scream, Metro, 3/22/09







Friendly Fires, Double Door, 4/3/09







Morrissey, Aragon Ballroom, 4/4/09







The Horrors, Metro, 5/9/09







Doves, The Vic, 5/29/09







M83, Pitchfork Music Festival 2009







Depeche Mode, Lollapalooza 2009







Grizzly Bear/Beach House, Metro, 9/27/09







The Horrors, Double Door, 10/11/09







Pixies, Aragon Ballroom, 11/19/09







Arctic Monkeys, The Riviera, 12/6/09