2010 proved to be an interesting, engaging and often rewarding year in the live arena. I guess when you add a trip to New York to everything else then there was a good chance that some spectacular highlights would come our way. Firstly, because of a certain nuptial event we watched our budget a little this year. Not quite as much live music as previous years and we forgo a fair amount of local music. But it was still a great year. The year began with excellent renewals of the Sydney Festival and also the Laneway Festival (in a great new venue). We also had some amazing acts that came our way after Splendour in the Grass. Then there was Pavement. Perhaps the greatest band of all time reformed for a glorious victory lap. I was lucky enough to see them not only in Sydney, but also in magnificent Central Park. But there was one band above all that fried my brain and conquered my heart.

1. Titus Andronicus @ Webster Hall
A night of nights. Power, passion, ecstatic beauty. In a great venue in THE city I witnessed a show I will never, ever forget. I lost my voice.

2. Pavement @ Rumsey Playfield
This was totally special as well. The kings of slackerdom made a Friday night under the stars of Central Park an amazing and unforgettable experience.

3. Pavement @ Enmore Theatre
Could have easily been 2A. They owned us this night.

4. The Avett Brothers @ The Factory
I am officially in love with Scott Avett. A night of love and eternal joy. Voices soared and we soared to dizzy heights. This band should be huge.

5. Grizzly Bear @ City Recital Hall (two nights)
I went twice and each night was a shimmering and incredible delight. Faultless and impeccable with harmonies and arrangements to die for.

6. The Decemberists @ Metro Theatre
OK, I just wiped the smile from my face about now. So much fun. Colin Meloy had us in the palm of his hand for the entire night.

7. Dirty Three @ Enmore Theatre
Warren Ellis is more then the man. He is music.

8. Frightened Rabbit @ The Factory
At last in a proper venue. They made our hearts sing.

10. Grizzly Bear @ Enmore Theatre
A triumphant return!

11. Broken Social Scene @ Rumsey Playfield
Oh yeah, then there was this night under the stars in Central Park...

12. Wilco @ The Factory
A special privilege to see them here.

13. Broken Social Scene @ Metro Theatre
2006 was untouchable, but this was still great.

14. Neko Case @ City Recital Hall
Maybe the venue wasn't perfect for her, but she nearly was.

15. Wilco @ State Theatre
I could see them live till the end of time.

16. The New Pornographers @ Manning Bar
This was pure fun!

17. Spoon @ The Forum
We should never forget just how good this band is.

18. The Dodos @ Oxford Art Factory
They make sounds that are unique and unforgettable.

19. Richmond Fontaine @ Notes Newtown
Willy Vlautin is some sort of treasure.

20. Joanna Newsom @ Sydney Opera House
We got to hear all the new songs first.