Many great live experiences in 2014. But one show in the end stood above all of the others. It was a band at the peak of their powers at an iconic venue. The National are now a band of true greatness. Their sombre and faultlessly beautiful music has struck a chord with quite an audience and to see them on the steps of the world famous Sydney Opera House earlier this year was a unique and unforgettable experience. I was also lucky to see live shows in Austin and Los Angeles and the Sydney Festival, Vivid and Laneway all brought their charms as well. But that one in February was impossible to top.

1. The National @ Sydney Opera House Forecourt
2. Phosphorescent @ Oxford Art Factory
3. Neko Case @ Sydney Opera House
4. Arcade Fire @ Qantas Credit Union Arena
5. Vampire Weekend @ Hordern Pavilion
6. Neutral Milk Hotel @ Hollywood Bowl
7. The War on Drugs @ Metro Theatre
8. Nick Cave @ State Theatre
9. Okkervil River @ Oxford Art Factory
10. The Avett Brothers @ Shrine Auditorium
11. Frightened Rabbit @ Metro Theatre
12. Ty Segall @ Oxford Art Factory
13. Kurt Vile @ Circus Ronaldo Tent
14. Yo La Tengo @ Sydney Opera House
15. Ty Segall @ The Mohawk
16. Cloud Nothings @ Oxford Art Factory
17. Danny Brown @ Enmore Theatre
18. Cat Power @ Circus Ronaldo Tent
19. Kurt Vile @ Paradiso Sydney Town Hall
20. Liars @ Sydney Carriageworks