In the ongoing tradition of silly year-end lists, here are ten concerts I’ve attended in the past ten months that reminded me not to kill myself, or anyone else, for that matter. As I considered the list I realized that I didn’t necessarily hold some of these shows in higher regard than others, so I’ve just ordered them chronologically.

Army of Anyone @ The Bowery Ballroom, 2/1 – A great rock band for one hot minute. And exactly one hot minute.

Mastodon/Converge @ Starland Ballroom, 2/10 – Mastodon. Converge. Good.

God Forbid @ Starland Ballroom, 2/18 – Wouldn’t it be neat if the DVD of this show became Doc and Dallas Coyle’s Chinese Democracy?

Lamb of God @ Roseland Ballroom, 3/22 – One of the best metal bands of their generation, in their prime, playing a proper headlining set and just nailing it.

Down @ Roseland, 3/31 – “Hail the leaf.”

Tool @ PNC, 7/18 – I repeat: “Lasers! Heh heh. Cool! Heh heh heh. Heh heh. Lasers! Lasers! LASERS! Heh heh heh heh.”

Machine Head/Arch Enemy @ Nokia, 9/22 – I’m 99% sure the entire crowd had rabies.

Van Halen @ MSG, 11/13 – I actually don’t want my $150 back.

Chimaira @ The Blender, 11/15 - Full admission: when they played “Six,” I came a little.

The Dillinger Escape Plan @ The Blender, 12/16 – ohmyfuckingod.

-AR