Perhaps we have Coachella to thank for the eclectic bands that made Tucson a stop on their tours this year. Choosing the best concerts of the year proved a difficult undertaking with such impressive choices, but a few student concert enthusiasts helped narrow down the favorites to be remembered.
Kid Cudi (Sept. 5)
After earning two Grammy nominations in 2010 for his single “Day ‘n’ Nite,” Kid Cudi continued his success in the world of hip-hop with his new album Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon that combines two unlikely music styles: rap and instrumental. The outdoor AVA Ampitheater at Casino Del Sol made the night’s atmosphere all the more electric as Tyler, The Creator and Logic opened the show. Tucson was Kid Cudi’s first stop on his tour, and he impressed screaming fans here by appearing on stage in a gray spacesuit.
Young the Giant (Feb. 11)
Known well for songs off its self-titled 2011 debut album such as “My Body” and “Cough Syrup,” the rock ‘n’ roll music of Young the Giant made for an impressive set. Dylan Martin, a graduate student of optical sciences, said that while the audience responded to more of the band’s older music, it played a good mix of both old and new.
“They were incredible entertainers and performers,” Martin said.
“They played a completely clean set. Each song wove into the next one smoothly. My favorite song they played from their new album is ‘Camera.’ It’s a cool song, and they played it flawlessly.”
Pentatonix (Feb. 27)
This a cappella group sold out every date on its two-month tour after its win on the third season of NBC’s a capella competition “The Sing-Off.” The group transforms popular songs such as “Say Something” and “Somebody That I Used To Know” with a capella covers. Its passion and talent place this quintet on the list.
Neutral Milk Hotel (April 18)
Though Jeff Mangum has kept his voice in the indie music world with solo shows, this past year Neutral Milk Hotel played together as part of its reunion tour for the first time in over 10 years. Eric New, a graduate student in applied mathematics, said Neutral Milk Hotel’s engaged playing and sing-along aspect made this show his favorite of the year.
“Certain songs demand to be played live,” New said. “They opened with ‘Two-Headed Boy’ and ended with ‘Two-Headed Boy, Part 2.’ When they played ‘Two-Headed Boy, Part 2,’ that was the second most emotional experience I’ve felt live, the first being Sigur Rós.”
Grouplove (April 24)
The upbeat, stand-up-and-dance quality of its music places this band’s show on the list. Danielle Hamre, a pre-physiology freshman, praised the bubbly nature of Grouplove’s music.
“I want to say seeing Grouplove live was life-chang
ing, but that sounds a bit dramatic,” Hamre said. “Just watching them perform made me want to become a better artist myself. They were so enthusiastic and anyone could sense how much they love what they do. Their performance was electrifying, and I can’t wait to be able to see them again. I have many favorite songs by Grouplove, but Hannah Hooper’s vocal performance in ‘Slow’ was hauntingly beautiful.”
