Top 5 Concerts of 2018

This year I went to shows from almost all of my favorite genres. I got to see artists that I looked forward to witness perform live for the first time and also checked some of my favorites once again. 

It was difficult to boil them down to the best five. This year there was not a single dud in the bunch, other than the extremely disappointing one already chronicled, but even that one was more a result of terrible organization rather than the quality of the performance itself.

Most shows I went to were either extreme metal ones or electronic ones, but I also saw some prog, world music, reggae, jazz and classical. Indie rock and pop were also prominent, especially when including the sets at Fuji Rock as I did. The following are the top five.

5. Marc Robot’s Ceramic Dog at Fuji Rock Festival.

The band was there to prove a point, and that was that they are a rock group. They mentioned that their bookings come from jazz festivals mostly. In this setting, in which they shared a bill with N.E.R.D., they certainly rocked out in a set that added political references. The whole experience had a sense of urgency. A memorable one indeed.

4. Kendrick Lamar at Fuji Rock Festival.

Speaking of memorable experiences, seeing the biggest and most relevant star in the world, closing a date at a festival that didn’t book a single black headliner in 20 years, with an audience completely enthralled under the rain in the middle of the woods was something else. It helped also that Lamar delivered the goods in spades.

3. This Heat at Unit.

Another incredible sight was that of a six piece band of such caliber and legendary status at the relatively small Unit’s stage. The band only recorded two albums and one EP in its history, but the quality of this material, as it’s well documented, is off the charts. Hearing this material live and witnessing Charles Hayward in action -one of the best performers I’ve ever seen- was an amazing treat. Closing with the rarely played Hi Baku Shyo, Deceit’s closer, was the cherry on top. 

2. Sleep at Liquidroom.

Boris was the more than appropriate opener for this set. Of the many metal shows I went to Sleep’s was the one that stood out due to the otherworldly atmosphere that was conjured on stage. It’s hard to describe, but the trance moniker seems adequate. The doom quasi-jazz sound they produce is as unique as they come. Opening the set with a near 20 minutes rendition of Dopesmoker was also a plus.

1. King Crimson at Bunkamura’s Orchard Hall.   

It comes as no surprise that this eight headed monster that has wowed audiences around the world shows up at the top of the list. Experiencing this show is like watching a great movie or reading an amazing book. It’s a narrative that comes full circle at the end. Like no other concert you can attend.

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