Best Concerts of 2008

I saw 31 concerts this year. This is more than most people see in a lifetime, so I have compiled a list of the 10 best I saw this year.

1.We the Kings, The Cab, Valencia, Charlotte Sometimes Iowa City, April.  Tops in part because talking at the bar with Charlotte until 1.30 was awesome, in part because Valencia's "Mick" merch guy was awesome, and in part because The Cab and We the Kings we amazing.  WTK played a cover of "Sweetest Girl" by Wyclef and kept referring to the lead singer as a "ginger". I only wished I had gotten my camera by then...
2.Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Thrice, Gaslight Anthem - Maplewood, November. This would be the top spot if not for the venues poor sound system and people wanting to trash more than rock out. Every band was amazing except Alkaline Trio and I was hoping to hear a couple of songs.  Plus daytrip with Seth was a lot of fun. So was being in the second row of almost 4000 people.
3.The Faint, Shy Child, ???? Des Moines, July. Shy Child was good, but I didn't know many songs. The faint was killer, minus that whole waiting until midnight for them to start. And they played a song from Media...they never do that.  I was again up front, by Dapose. I also enjoyed that this was my 7th tour kickoff show.
4. Breathe Caroline, Brokencyde, The Morning Of Iowa City, October.  Probably the most chaotic show I have seen all year. This was the end of their tour, and at one point all the bands got on stage and were joined by about 20 fans...I have video of it, we definitely broke code.  Brokencyde was alright, but they were cool guys and gave me stuff for free. Breathe Carolina was more awesome, I was just bummed I couldn't go on tour over break with them (since they decided to not tour). And hearing Josh from Spin Cycle refer to Jessica as Sexica was funny too.
5.Saosin, Armor for Sleep, The Bled, Meriwether Des Moines, February.  When I left this show, my lungs hurt.  Not like running in the cold, like the actual cartilage...it was awesome. Too bad the bled sucked. I screamed my heart out for Saosin and Armor for Sleep.  There is something about a hardcore show that heals the soul, and after the previous year I needed it.
6.Cobra Starship, We The Kings, Delux Iowa City, Flood Time.  I was worried I might not be able to get back from the show, but decided to go anyway.  Delux had some of the best banter ever, WTK killed it... again.  And Gabe rapped Travie's parts because there was and I quote "a fucking natural catastrophe" although him almost stealing my camera when he leaned on me for support was less cool.
7.Metro Station, Forever The Sickest Kids, The Cab, Danger Radio Des Moines, May. This one was weird because a month later "Shake It" blew up. Danger Radio was iffy but it was like their 5th show ever so whatever. Everyone else was good, Alex (the Cab) even reached out to a girl in the crowd during "Take My Hand". Might have been higher, but Mason was sick, and it took me two sets to get up front, who leaves the front for the headliner? Plan ahead and if it's too hot don't go up to start with.
8.The Faint, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head Minneapolis, November. Went on a whim and it was worth it. Same as above with the faint, but the venue sucked hardcore.
9. Panic At The Disco, The Hush Sound, Phantom Planet, Motion City Soundtrack West Des Moines, May. Honda Civic Tour. Thanks to that whole Small Towns/Danny thing, I was able to get backstage without a ticket. It was a lot more fun hanging with MCS now that Justin is not a raging alcoholic. Phantom Planet was lame, but everyone else was worth it.  And seeing Ryan (of PATD) do coke was fantastic, except when security deleted everything on my camera.  Just because I don't do drugs and was laughing hysterically taking pictures doesn't give you a right to be a Johnny-No-Fun dude.
10. The Hush Sound, The Cab, Steel Train, Morning Light Des Moines, June? So the Cab made it up here three times (hint?) Probably the most mellow show I saw all year (except Owen, but we was drunk).  I forgot my camera though, so that sucked.

As for next year? I already have plans for 4 in January, 3 in February, and 1 each in March, April and May. Should be a good time.