snow patrol > madonna

i know there are going to be many of you who disagree, but last night's Snow Patrol concert at the O2 is in my top 5...and Madonna's not in that privaledged list. as great and showy and dancy as Madge is, the fact of the matter is that she lip synchs and is great because of the show around her music. but to me, a real good show isn't the performance, it's the music. so who is in my top 5? you're going to be surprised by some (i think) and others, if you know me well enough, will just make you nod your head and say 'ya, i can see that'. they appear in no particular order.

Chantel Kreviazuk - at the Jack Singer with just Chantel and her piano. When she sang surrounded, it was amazingly beautiful. someone actually recorded her singing it recently when she was there in April 08. i saw her in 97 (i think) and jann arden came out and sang it with her.

Pearl Jam - i'm still in love with eddie. especially when he walked out on stage with 2 big rock trads and claimed it as one of his favourite things about canada. the first time i heard betterman was live...and its the best way to hear it.

snow patrol - yes, he sang chasing cars, or more like, we sang it to him and he got a touch overwhelmed. it was a beautiful thing. i even got over the fact that they didn't sing it's beginning to get to me because they ended with you're all that i have. but here's another fave - chocolate.

ani difranco - the only way to understand loving ani difranco is to see her live. nothing beats her singing gravel. watch her fingers play...she is amazing. no guitar picks for this chic

depeche mode - the violator tour...there are no words. that was 1990 and its still in my top 5. enjoy the silence ended it...and it was ended well.

and in case your wondering...bryan adams, circa 1991 at COP, last song Summer of 69 (of course), it had been threatening to rain all day and when that first chord of the last song started, the heavens let loose. it couldn't have been timed better. that's what got bumped from my top 5.