Just a quick update about the Almost Acoustic Christmas. The Killers played the best set of the night, but Muse stole the show! If you have not seen this band live do yourself a favor and try and see them. There aren't many chances left in 2004, but it is a must see. This band is UNBELIEVABLE! 4 of the other bands at the show couldn't get off the Muse dick, including Taking Back Sunday, Jimmy Eat World, and Interpol! The lead singer of Jimmy Eat world saying "I look like bullshit doing a solo after Muse..." "How fucking great were they?"
I might be a bit jaded as the sound in the Universal Amphitheater is among the best in the US, but Muse sounded great. Keane did a great set that does not include any guitars, not even bass. The Shins came out ultra hyped but their set was okay. Franz Ferdinand did a great job and was one of the best acts of the night. Other than Muse, the only other band that really went off was Taking Back Sunday who tore shit up.
Modest Mouse came out and wasted about a half hour of my time, to be followed by surprise guest Gwen Stefani, gentlemen, I am a convert. Not so much for the music but she was pretty damn hot on that stage, and the entire crowd was into it.
After Gwen Stefani it was truly lights out performances. Franz Ferdinand followed by the Killers, followed by Interpol, closing with Jimmy Eat World. This was two hours of absolute beautiful live music. The Killers were just ridiculous, and have been each time I've seen them. Interpol was pure brilliance as I've suggested before, and combined a great mix of old songs and new stuff. Jimmy Eat World came out to perhaps the most ovation of the night, and proceeded to play their "greatest hits."
Okay, not as quick as I had hoped, but there is just so much I want to say about this concert. Hands down, the sound at the Universal Amphitheater is the best, as were the performances.

Muse is great. I love their early Radiohead vibe.
Posted by: Tim | December 13, 2004 at 08:39 PM