Ep. 11: Kim Loves Panic at the Disco

Panic at the Disco

Stats

Formed: 2004

Albums: 2

Breakout Single: "The only difference between martyrdom and suicide is press coverage," 2005

Seen live? Nope.

Yup. A little bit of pop rock thrown into the mix. But I cannot deny that I love this band. I will say though that a lot of people write them off because of their (formerly) catchy beats and popularity. There's actually a great deal of interesting things happening in their songs. Their first album was their most popular. The singles faired alright on the rock charts, but they garnered a lot of attention on pop radio. If you actually listen to the songs though, you'll find there's a surprising amount of depth to the music on that album.

Their second album shifts gears. Their catchy beats are replaced with a laid back, Beatles-esque sound. And poof! Went their popularity. "Nine in the Afternoon" made a small splash, but the rest of their singles didn't even chart. The depth is still there, but the dancey packaging has been tossed away. Forgive my smugness, but I think that that only goes to show how shallow John Q. Public's ear truly is, and helps to explain why KeSha keeps topping the charts...

There have been some changes in the lineup, but the band is working on album #3, and hopes to have it out in early 2011. They've released a single since the second album, found on a film soundtrack. I think it's a mix between the sounds of their first and second albums. Here's "New Perspective."

Ep. 10: Kim Loves The Offspring

Whoops, missed a couple of days. That's okay, though. Moving on!

The Offspring

Stats

Formed: 1984

Albums: 8

Breakout Single: "Come Out and Play," 1994

Seen live? Yup!

I already liked The Offspring, but after seeing them, they were bumped up onto the favorites list. They were great live, and seeing them caused me to go rooting around through their catalogue. There's a lot of great music there.

Someone not familiar with the band would probably write them off as a schtick band. But they actually put a great deal of thought behind their music. The Offspring isn't for everyone, but it's certainly for me.

I'm opting for "Bad Habit" for today's song. If you recall my post after their concert, you might remember me mentioning the audience yell a stream of obscenities...this would be that song. This is a great song to listen to when you're driving. Listen to the lyrics!

Ep. 9: Kim Loves Muse (duh)

Muse

Stats

Formed: 1994

Albums: 5

Breakout Single (U.S.): "Time Is Running Out," 2003

Seen live? Hell yes! With a second time on the way!

You already know I love Muse. So I'll spare you the dirty details. They didn't hit U.S. airwaves until their third album (my all time favorite). I heard "Time Is Running Out" when it was circulating on Fuse, and I fell in love.

I can't wait to see them again. The first time I saw them, it was the most amazing experience. This time, I'll be on the floor, the friggin' FLOOR!!

I'll keep this one short and sweet since I've talked about Muse a lot here. I love their whole catalogue, so it's hard to choose one song to post. Let's go with this one. One of their heavier songs, it features one of my favorite guitar riffs of all time. I wanted to embed the music video, but it's disabled for all of them on youtube. Here's "Plug In Baby."

Ep. 8: Kim Loves Linkin Park

Linkin Park

Stats

Formed: 1996

Albums: 3 (#4 coming out in less than a month!)

Breakout Single: "One Step Closer," 2000

Seen live? No... :(

This one might be a little cliche...but I have to admit that I love Linkin Park. I remember the first time I heard "In the End." I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Plus, since I didn't listen to the radio very much, I didn't get it worn into the ground like the rest of the world did. Let's face it, I still think it's a pretty freakin' awesome song.

Again, we have another band that is heading in a different creative direction with their newer albums. Many fans of Hybrid Theory and Meteora have been losing interest with the newer releases. Me, I say bring it on. I like a wide range of music, which means that the new sound is still within the parameters of my tastes. Therefore...I still love it.

In fact...today's song is from their third album, Minutes to Midnight. I fell in love with this song the very first time I heard it. There's just something about the chorus...Anywho, fourth album, A Thousand Suns, is out September 14th! New single, "The Catalyst." Check it out!

Here's "Leave Out All the Rest."

Ep. 7: Kim Loves Incubus

Incubus

Stats

Formed: 1991

Albums: 6

Breakout Single: "Pardon Me," 1999

Seen live? Not yet...

Incubus is a band that I haven't fully discovered yet, but everything so far gets them a spot firmly on the favorites list. I'm really excited about delving into them more and seeing what I find. They can crank up the guitars a little bit when they want to, but they have this laid back sound. They're especially good to listen to in the summer. Hearing them, I want to sit on my little patio with a beer in hand, and just....relaaaaaax.

I've heard that they are great live. I haven't seen them yet, but they are working on album #7, which means when they get it out, they'll be on tour. I'll hit'em up then.

The song today is the first song I heard by them, and I was hooked from the first time I heard it. It's "Talk Shows on Mute" from their fifth album. And don't ask me what rock I was living under that THAT was the first Incubus song I laid ears on. I wasn't always as musically conscious as I am now. Here's a bit of trivia for ya...the chorus is:

Come

One

Come

All

Into

Nineteen

Eighty-four

......Do you see?

Ep. 6: Kim Loves Hoobastank

I can't believe it, Episode 6 already. I hope I can keep up this pace.

Hoobastank

Stats

Genre: I give up on classifying genre. It's all various shades of alternative rock. There.

Formed: 1994

Albums: 4

Breakout Single: "Crawling in the Dark," 2001

Seen live? Nope

Yeah, I'm gonna nix trying to classify a genre for all of these bands. Most bands shift a bit as they progress, plus many play around in a few different genres anyway. There's no one on this list that isn't some form of alternative rock.

Hoobastank started out their career kinda hot and heavy, but lately, they've lightened up. Their lyrics have always been very emotional, which you can bash if you want, but sometimes, it just hits the spot. Many fans prefer the days when the 'stank had some edge, but I think my favorite album is actually their third, Every Man for Himself. It's just...nice. :) Sorry, but sometimes it's just hard to describe the emotions we get from music.

Here's one of my favorites from the aforementioned third album. It's one of the rockier songs present on the track list. I think this song is funny. So many of the songs on that album have these motivational lyrics, with themes like "be yourself" and "always move forward." Then you have this song...and it's theme is..."I WANT TO PUT MY HOO-HOO DILLY IN YOUR CHA CHA." Here's "Inside of You."

Ep. 5: Kim Loves Flyleaf

I'm having fun with this series. Sorry if it's boring you!

Flyleaf

Stats

Genre: post-grunge nu-metal, but lately it's been a little softer

Formed: 2000

Albums: 2

Breakout Single: "I'm So Sick," 2005

Seen live? Yep.

The genre here is a little more difficult to nail down. Their first album was mostly post-grunge nu-metal, but their second album was just a tiny bit softer, and Lacey cut out the screaming for Memento Mori. I don't really blame her...she's great at it, but it's hell on the vocal cords. Just days after I saw them live, they had to cancel 5 tour dates because she lost her voice. It happens.

They're a relatively young band, with their second album making it out just last November, but I love every song they've churned out so far (OK, except for this one on Memento Mori that I'm having a hard time getting into), which gets them on my favorites list. I still haven't quite decided if I want to see them or 30 Seconds to Mars...

I had a hard time choosing a song to post on here. It was between three, but...I think I'll be going with "So I Thought" from the first album. It's a beautiful ballad, and I love the harmonies at the end.

Ep. 4: Kim Loves Evanescence

Evanescence

Stats

Genre: post-grunge nu-metal

Formed: 1995

Albums: 2

Breakout Single: "Bring Me to Life," 2003

Seen live? No...but more on that later...

So far, I've labeled 3 out of four bands as post-grunge nu-metal. Maybe I do have a type. Evanescence has this dark sound, with lots of melodic guitar action. And I have to admit, I have a thing for bands with female lead vocalists. I think it's because they're easier to sing along with. Amy Lee does have an extraordinary voice. She's also a trained concert pianist, which means she knows what she's doing when she's writing music.

Talents aside, I get the feeling that Amy Lee is a little hard to work with. Evanescence has been sailing in choppy waters for the last few years. She's the only original member of the band left after 2 nearly complete turnovers, and the partings have not been on good terms. The band was even on an "indefinite" hiatus until late last year. They've been in the studio working on their third album, but progress has been recently delayed. I'm really hoping that they can get back on track, crank out that next album, and get back to touring. I'll have to make sure I catch them on this one. With their history, they might not survive very long after this album.

It's hard to pick a favorite here, but let's continue with my trend of picking singles with videos and throw this one out there. Here's "Lithium."

Ep. 3: Kim Loves Coheed and Cambria

Moving right along!

Coheed and Cambria

Stats

Genre: New Prog

Formed: 1995

Albums: 5

Breakout Single: "A Favor House Atlantic," 2004

Seen live? No, but someday...

These guys have something really interesting going on. They've taken the concept album to a completely different level. Their albums are based around The Amory Wars, a post-apocalyptic graphic novel (and with the latest installment, an actual novel) series. The songs are sung from the points of view of the various characters in the story (two of which inspired the band's name, Coheed and Cambria Kilgannon). I haven't yet caught up on the entire story yet, as not of all the installments have been completed.

The concept is interesting enough, but I love the music, too. Claudio's voice is incredibly unique (and I'll admit, it's not for everyone). As is traditional with progressive rock, CoCa strays from typical Verse-Chorus song structure, yet the "new" part of their genre shines through with their almost poppy treatment of their songs. It's a nice hybrid that results with the sound of something both new and familiar.

"Welcome Home" is one of my favorites. Anyone who's played Rock Band will surely be familiar with it. This music video is the only one to follow the storyline of The Amory Wars. In case you're interested, "Welcome Home" is told from the point of the view of a character known only as The Writer. He has discovered his girlfriend Erica Court has been unfaithful, and this song is his fantasy of killing her for her crimes. As he holds her above an empty grave, he tells her, "Welcome home," before tossing her lying ass in there.

Ep. 2: Kim Loves Chevelle

I've made it to the second post of the series. So far, so good. If any of my readers (er...reader, singular, I s'pose...) stumbled into this post without reading the post I made between Ep. 1 and 2, kindly pop into that one. I am seeking some thoughts on the subject.

Chevelle

Stats

Genre: post-grunge nu-metal

Formed: 1995

Albums: 5

Breakout single: "The Red," 2002

Seen live? Twice!

I listed them as the same genre as Breaking Benjamin, but don't be fooled. They are hardly interchangeable. Both bands write heavy, guitar-driven songs with memorable, melodic choruses. Both bands also throw in a scream or two here and there. But that's where the similarity ends. They each leave their own fingerprint on the genre. I think Chevelle's music is a little more complex. They use dissonant chords and cryptic lyrics.

The first song I heard by Chevelle was "Send the Pain Below." I was instantly in love. I bought the album (Wonder What's Next), and it's still my favorite Chevelle album. Good thing too, because they still play more from that album live than any other album. This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) is another favorite too, both with me and live. Their fourth and fifth records are decent, but I'm not as keen on their first. Anywho, I love this band, and I'll see them every chance I get.

Here's one of my favorite songs by Chevelle. I think I've posted here before, but I deem it necessary to post it again. Here's "Well Enough Alone" from their fourth album Vena Sera.

Thinking Out Loud

The addict is at it again. Soon, I'll have a $200 check coming from my apartment complex. So naturally, I want to buy a concert ticket. I can buy one or two and still have plenty of money left over for "more important" stuff like gas and groceries.

But what do I go to? I have a ticket to see 10 Years on September 3rd, right here in Knox Vegas (that one was less than $20). Cavo's doing a free show at the same venue on September 13th (free? I'd be crazy to pass that up!). Then of course, I'm in for the long haul with Muse, all the way in Raleigh in late October.

Here are my choices:

Coheed and Cambria 8/21/10 in Asheville or 8/22/10 in Nashville. Asheville is closer, but the Nashville show is a little cheaper. I love these guys, but those shows are only about a week away. That's not a lot of notice. Plus, as much as I love CoCa, I don't know if they'll win against some of the other choices...

Paramore 8/21/10 in Nashville or 9/1/10 in Atlanta. Both cities are about the same distance away, but the Atlanta show is more expensive. There's still the issue of the August date being so close, so that might eliminate the Nashville show. Then again, the September date is just 2 days before the 10 Years show. Hmmm...

Deftones 9/7/10 in Knoxville. I'm not a hardcore Deftones fan, but they have the bonus of playing here in town. I'd save money in gas, but I wouldn't be seeing one of my top bands. But who knows, I could see them and they could jump up the list of faves?

Flyleaf 9/18/10 in Atlanta or 9/20/10 in Nashville. Nashville show is cheaper. I've seen Flyleaf live, but I didn't get to see them "right." I was with a friend who only wanted to stand in the back, away from the crowd, and listen. Annnndd...I like to get up close and personal at shows... And I love Flyleaf. This one's a major possibility, especially since tix are only $21 (in Nashville).

30 Seconds to Mars 10/11/10 in Louisville or 10/12/10 in Nashville. Nashville is about an hour closer, but the tickets for Nashville haven't gone on sale yet, so I don't know how much. Louisville is $25. I love these guys, too.

Actually...just writing all that out helps me narrow things down a little farther. I love CoCa, but it's bad timing. I would love to see Paramore, but that might be a little too much action in one 2 week period. That would be brutal on my bank account. Deftones will in town. Of course, I should go to that. There's one. Then it's down to Flyleaf or 30StM. I'll have over $200 saved up specifically for the Muse trip, plus whatever's in my account. But will 30StM be too close to that time for me to recover my bank account... Flyleaf will allow more time to recover, but it comes on the coattails of a concert marathon that could hurt my moneys...

Ok, so Deftones for convenience and then either Flyleaf or 30StM. I've seen Flyleaf already, though I've never seen 30StM. I take $200 check, but tix, then stash the rest for more padding to get me through September concert marathon. What the hell else am I going to spend it on? Any thoughts?

Ep. 1: Kim Loves Breaking Benjamin

Alrighty, so here goes the first installment of my shiney new series! I'm going through these in alphabetical order, so keep in mind these are not in order of how high they rank in my interests.

Breaking Benjamin

Stats

Genre: post-grunge nu-metal

Formed: 1998

Albums: 4

Breakout Single: "Polyamorous," 2002

Seen Live? No

I'm really picky about the harder bands. Oftentimes, they just don't sound special to me. Somewhere, I get lost in the manic guitars and screaming vocals. BB gets through to me though. I'm sure that you're tired of me reminding you of this, but I'm partial to melodic music. BB achieves that with digestible riffs, memorable choruses, and just the right amount of screaming. Describing their genre was a little difficult. Nu-metal is an offshoot of alternative rock that describes music that fuses different genres with metal. I typically see them classified as alternative metal, but I think nu-metal is a much better fit.

The first song I actually heard by them was "Rain." Being an acoustic ballad, it's hardly representative of their catalogue. It made me curious about the rest of their repertoire though. It's been smooth sailing ever since. Haven't seen them live yet, but some day...

And now, for your listening pleasure, here's one of my favorite songs by Breaking Benjamin, "Until the End."

Let's try this on for size...

Remember that silly little series I tried to start? Going through all the albums in my library? Yeah well...that was too big. Really? I have somewhere in the vicinity of 200 albums. Not a ridiculous amount. I've heard of many enthusiasts that have well over 500. But still, 200 is no small number. The scope of that series was just too big. I have a penchant for not finishing what I start, and beginning a series that would call for approximately 200 posts was just plain silly of me. Plus the posts were already getting so repetitive. If I bought the album, then obviously, I'm going to like it to some extent.

So I've got a new series that I want to try. It will only call for 33 posts. Much more reasonable. Instead of taking you through a tour of my library, I'm going to take you on a tour of my favorite bands.

I think a brief intro is called for. There are a couple of things that will come up as I do this. First, as I dig in to each band, they may rise and fall through the ranks. As I work my way through their catalogue, "new" songs may rise up the list, while "old" songs fall out of favor. But usually, once a band makes the favorite list, they're there to stay.

Second, I'm going to try to describe each band's genre. That's incredibly hard to do. Genre these days is a slippery notion. No band strictly adheres to any one genre. Any sound they've ever listened to and liked is amalgamated into their overall sound. Also, I'm sure that purists will disagree with some of my classifications, but that's fine. I'm sure no purist will ever stumble into this blog.

So while I put together the first installment of this new (and hopefully doable) series, here's a vid. I love the kids in this one. They're cute!

Scratch it Off!

Last night, I saw the Sick Puppies and Janus right here in Knoxville! It was a really great show! I was a little later getting there than I meant to be, but I was still as close to the stage as I was the Smashing Pumpkins, which means that I got some decent pics! Now, lemme break it down for you.

There were signs posted on the building saying that the first 200 fans to buy Sick Puppies merchandise would be stamped to get autographs after the show! So of course, my first stop was the merch table, and I got myself a Sick Puppies shirt.

The doors opened at 8, which usually means that the first band goes on at 9, but My Darkest Days actually started playing at 8:15 as people came in. I thought this was a little sad because I thought they sounded pretty decent. It's a shame they weren't able to have a larger crowd. Their first album comes out in September, and you can buy their first single on iTunes. I'm a little curious about them.

It's Alive was the second band. I was a little less impressed with them. There was one song that was okay that they played, and I've already downloaded it from iTunes. I don't think I'll check out much more from them.

Janus was great! I'll definitely be picking up their album! The crowd was into them overall, but "Eyesore" was great. The whole crowd screamed "LIGHTS OUT! WAKE UP! STAY CALM! DECIDE! REACH UP! STAND OR BE AN EYESORE!" I recorded a clip of it, but I'll only post one clip here (you'll see).

Finally! The Sick Puppies! They were so great! It's really difficult to have that much presence when it's only a 3-piece band, but damn, they showed up! Shim talked to the crowd a lot, especially about their history. It was really neat hearing how the different songs played into their journey. And Emma! The Silversun Pickups and the Smashing Pumpkins both had female bass players that just kinda stood there, but Emma flew around that stage and head-banged more than a lotta guys out there. On top of that, she was good. Her fingers could move! It was just such a good show! I hope they come back, cause I would definitely see them again!

They apparently didn't meet their 200 purchases, because they just let anyone line up to meet and get autographs after the show. Damn! I thought I would be special! Haha. All three of them signed my shirt, and I was a little dumbstruck when I met them. All I managed to say was that it was a hell of a show and for them to please come back...lame, yes?

Originally, on my 50 Things to Die Before I Die, the item was to get a CD signed by the artist, but I think I can change that to getting any merch signed by the band. I have a Sick Puppies shirt signed by all three members of the Sick Puppies! How awesome is that?!

This again?

I'm sure that everyone has a few subjects that just...interest them. Something that they give their time to, love to talk about, love to learn about, etc. They are the subjects that once you get a person onto them, you can't get them off of it. I stumbled across someone's post about that recently. It spoke of how sometimes when we find ourselves in our niche subjects, we become snobby know-it-alls. I believe that's fairly accurate. I try not to be so insufferable when I'm on my soapbox. I try to realize that not everyone has invested so much time in my particular hobbies, and that no one else really cares what I have to say on the matter. I try to, anyway...

So what are my chosen topics? One is drink mixing. I've done lots of studying and researching. I have a well-stocked liquor cabinet, and my fair share of serving equipment. I have no desire to actually work in a bar, but I enjoy immensely bartending for my own parties with my friends. Sometimes, I get a little know-it-ally on the subject.

I've been eking out a living lately at a pet store. There, I've learned a great deal about pet care, especially training and nutrition. While I'm hardly an expert on the subject, I definitely know a bit more than the average pet owner. Sometimes...I get a little obstinate on that topic as well (especially the nutrition bit).

Then of course, there's music. Unlike my other niches, a little more opinion is involved in this one. I think I do fairly well at keeping on open mind in regards to this one. The feelings that we get from listening to music are ours and ours alone. Just because a song doesn't "do it" for you, doesn't mean that it's a bad song. Someone else out there likes it. As high as my tolerance is in this field though, I do have a major pet peeve. I utterly cringe when I hear someone describe a band as "bad," "terrible," "mediocre," etc. How can you possibly judge? I think it's possible to say that a band isn't doing anything new. That's measurable. But even if a band is treading around in well-worn territory, someone out there appreciates that and likes the sound that they're producing. I find myself getting outright angry when I hear people talk like that. Not because they don't share my taste in music, but because I feel like they're trolling over anyone who doesn't share their taste in music. I bite my tongue in these instances, due to the fact that I know that not many others share this particular view.

Sorry...this topic is sitting a little fresh in mind.

Oh, the possibilities...

Knoxville's getting some serious action. If you've been reading, then you'll know that I'm going to see the Sick Puppies and Janus this Monday (can't wait! Plus, I found someone to go with me!). I have a ticket to see 10 Years on September 3rd. Then of course, there's my Muse ticket for October 26th (though that one is all the way in Raleigh). But check out the upcoming announced shows for K-town:

September 7th: Deftones (considering that one)

September 13th: Cavo with American Bang (free show! I'm there!)

September 19th: As I Lay Dying w/ All That Remains (not really my style)

September 22nd: Nonpoint (not really my style either)

September 30th: Slayer w/ Megadeth and Anthrax (Again, not my thing, but I think that's pretty cool)

October 26th: 311 (same night as the Muse concert...)

November 9th: Social Distortion

I think that's pretty sweet. The Deftones show is up in the air, I'm definitely going to Cavo. The others...I probably won't hit. I would if I had disposable income, but come on...who the hell has disposable income these days? I would LOVE to go to the 311 show, but seeing as how it's the same night as Muse...oh well! Muse always wins! Besides, I've seen 311 before, and I'm sure the experience was probably better in a huge amphitheater than in the antique-y Tennessee Theater anyway.

September looks pretty busy, and I'm sure that October will fill in as it approaches. So far, 2010 has turned out to be a pretty good year for concerts! What will 2011 hold in store?

Finally, Some New Linkin Park

I love Linkin Park. Criticize that if you want, but I love all three of their albums. However, many Linkin Park fans were disappointed with the third album. It began to move away from their rapcore roots, and into softer territory. I loved it though. As I've said before, it's completely natural for bands to evolve their sound over time. That may carry the band away from the sounds that you may like, but come on. If they just made your favorite album over and over again, wouldn't that just be boring?

LP's fourth album, A Thousand Suns hits stores (physical and digital) this September, but their first single from said album was released yesterday. It's not on youtube just yet, but you can find it on iTunes if you'd like to take a peek. "The Catalyst" is very different from anything that has appeared on their earlier albums. It's very electronic, switching to a softer piano style a few minutes in. If this indicates what the rest of the album will sound like, I think it could lead them away from large portion of their fanbase though. I don't have a problem with that. I hate to think of bands as writing with a particular style just to cater to their fans. It's important to appreciate your fans, but you should write the music you feel. I really think that's what they're doing by moving in this direction. They're maturing and evolving.

You've probably guessed from my posts that I have a pretty diverse taste in music. I love Hybrid Theory and Meteora, with their screams, raps, and distorted guitars, but I certainly don't mind the new move into the realm of electronic rock. I'm totally excited about the upcoming album, and I'll be picking it up the first day.

Top 5 Experiences

That great blog idea that I told you about a post or two ago has finally come into fruition. Ok, so you might not think it's that great. But I do, and I right this stuff, and that's all that matters.

I want to post my top 5 concert experiences. I wrote out a list of all the actual shows that I've been, too. Then just started crossing off the list. I won't go into detail, but I will list a particularly spectacular moment that stands out in my memory. I found out something interesting though. My top 5 are also my most recent experiences. At first, I wondered if that was because they were foremost in my mind. But after lots of thought, I determined that no, it's simply because things just keep getting better and better (when it comes to the shows, at least).

5. 311/The Offspring in Atlanta, GA 7/17/2010

Most Memorable Moment: Turning around to see the hundreds of lighters twinkling in the dark across the lawn. With the music all around and that gorgeous sight before me, all I could do was hold this big goofy grin on my face. A close second for the MMM would be hearing several thousand people scream "You stupid dumbshit goddam MOTHERFUCKER."

4. Halestorm/Adelitas Way in Knoxville, TN 7/7/2010

Most Memorable Moment: When Lizzy screamed the high note in "Innocence." The crowd knows it's coming, and you can hear everyone shut up for that split second before in anticipation, then all at once everyone erupts into cheers when she nails it perfectly. It gets me every time. Close second would be when they come out on stage, Lizzy sings the chorus of "It's Not You" solo and really drawn out. It's the perfect setup for what's about to come.

3. Smashing Pumpkins in Knoxville, TN 7/23/2010

Most Memorable Moment: The final lines of "Tonight Tonight." I've loved that song for so long, and there was nothing like hearing you're favorite lyrics live and with hundreds of people singing along: "The indescribable moments of your life/the impossible is possible tonight/Believe in me as I believe in you tonight." Close second is the first time they hit the chorus of "Bullet with Butterfly Wings." You haven't lived until you've jumped up and down, rubbing up against a hundred hot and sweaty people screaming "DESPITE ALL MY RAGE, I AM STILL JUST A RAT IN A CAGE."

2. Three Days Grace/Chevelle/Adelitas Way in Knoxville, TN 4/13/10

Most Memorable Moment: The whole concert. After much thinking, I can't isolate a single moment. But when there are three bands playing, and you're a fan of all three bands, plus you know all the words to every song they play...it just all comes together into one amazing night.

1. Muse in Nashville, TN 3/15/10

Really? Did you think it would be anything else? It was my first time seeing my favorite band. The feeling I had during every song was so intense. That was one night I truly wished would never end. But heeeeyyy...I get to repeat the experience this October! I can't wait!!

So that's that. As I keep going to shows, I'll update it if anything changes. The upcoming 10 Years show could be a very promising contender for the Top 5.