Every year we ask our talented contributors to send us their thoughts on the past twelve months. These surveys appear untouched, and the only instruction was to answer the question however they see fit. –Dakota Arsenault, Music Editor
How long have you been with Live in Limbo and what do you do for the site?
Writing reviews since September 2017
What were your three favourite albums of 2017?
In alphabetical order (and since OKNOTOK doesn’t count):
Fast Romantics, American Love
Father John Misty, Pure Comedy
War on Drugs, A Deeper Understanding
What was the most underrated album of 2017?
Either Future Islands’ The Far Field or Foo Fighters Concrete and Gold
What was your favourite Canadian album of 2017?
The Rural Alberta Advantage, The Wild followed closely by Alvvays, Antisocialites
What were your three favourite songs of 2017?
Can’t even start with this one…
How many concerts and/or festivals did you go to in 2017?
Will end at about 110 bands, with a few repeats. Went to a day of WayHome and a day of Mo Pop in Detroit.
What were your three favourite concerts of the year?
U2 Joshua Tree Tour, Arkells/July Talk at Budweiser Stage, Father John Misty at Massey Hall (with honourable mention to Alt-J, War on Drugs and The Rural Alberta Advantage)
What was your favourite festival you attended of the year?
I loved WayHome, but Mo Pop was a fantastic experience.
What festival had the best lineup (regardless if you attended or not)?
I thought Osheaga was very strong, because of my schedule didn’t follow as closely as in other years other to notice a generally weak year in festival lineups.
What/who was the biggest musical disappointment (live or album) for you?
Didn’t see many bad shows this year. I was expecting a bit more from Borns’ show at the Horseshoe in October.
What band did you see live for the first time that really impressed you?
Wilco, Fast Romantics and Charlotte Day Wilson
What was your favourite new musical discovery of 2017?
Fast Romantics and Daniel Caesar
Who were you disappointed to miss seeing live this year?
The XX, Phoenix and Courtney Barnett/Kurt Vile
Who should we be looking out for in 2018?
Amy Shark and Daniel Caesar
Who’s going to be headlining (or at least playing) all the 2018 festivals?
I always hold out hope for Oasis, but I’ll take Arctic Monkeys
What was your favourite review, photo set or interview you did for LiL this year?
Only did one, for Benjamin Booker. Looking forward to writing more in 2018!
This year the Horseshoe Tavern celebrated its 70th birthday, do you have a fond memory or favourite all time show from the club?
My first show at the Horseshoe was Frank Turner, and you could not ask for a better performer in that room. Loud and sweaty, and his charm brings everyone together.
In your opinion, what was the biggest music story?
Gord Downie’s passing, unfortunately. Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington were also huge losses for the modern music world. (Obviously Tom Petty was a huge story but, in Canada, I think Gord was far and away the most heart-wrenching story)
On a lighter note, Liam Gallagher’s comeback combined with Noel’s new album made the last quarter of 2017. If you grew up on Oasis, you’re reveling in another golden age of Gallagher brothers beefing (and NME publishing all of it).
Is there anything else you want to say about 2017 or predict about 2018?
Looking forward to more shows!