My Top 5 Concerts Ever

Ben's recent post about Pearl Jam's live virtuosity got me to thinking about where they rank on my scale of concerts I've seen. So, I'm making a list following 2 rules, no festivals and and repeats (Pearl Jam in 1998 in St. Louis might be on there too). Without further ado:

1. Pearl Jam with Ben Harper, Charlotte (10/4/1996)
   This was my first Pearl Jam show, and pretty easily the best I saw. Patrick and I skipped school, drove to Charlotte and sat around for about 10 hours before the show. That wait got us a great spot at the back of the mosh pit. Ben Harper played a great mellow set that was made even better by the fact that angry political Pearl Jam showed up that night. They spoke out repetitively against Jesse Helms, and generally played a blistering set. I saw Pearl Jam about 10 times after this show, some of which were great, but in retrospect this was probably the only time I saw a truly great live band in their prime.
   
   
2. Dismemberment Plan with Ted Leo, Chapel Hill (Fall 2001)
   Dismemberment plan is the other band I've seen a ton live (around 10 shows), and unlike Pearl Jam, who was hit and miss, I don't think I ever saw a bad d-plan show. Therefor, it's somewhat strange that this show gets the nod as number 2 here not because of DP, but because of Ted Leo. He played a great, surprisingly angry, opening set, and then during the encore, he came out with a small speaker taped to his face which he used to produce massive screeching feedback while dancing on top of a keyboard. It was the only time I've seen instruments broken. It was great.
   
   
3. Archers of Loaf, Chapel Hill (Late 1995?)
   This was my first ever rock concert, and probably my best, or at least most memorable mosh pit experience. I got kicked in the head with a steel-toed boot and my glasses got broken and I had to drive home blind.
   
   
4. Wilco and Flaming Lips, New York City (12/31/2004)
   Flaming Lips are pretty damn weird. I don't know if I'd go to a concert that they headline, but the contrast between their shtick and Wilco's genuine talent was pretty amazing. Easily the most fun I've ever had on New Years eve.
   
   
5. Bishop Allen and John Vanderslice, Durham (8/12/2007) (Review)
   The most recent show on the list wasn't an according to Hoyle great rock show, but it did have two bands that I really like playing in a tiny venue. I saw John Vanderslice open for Dismemberment Plan at Cat's Cradle years ago, but I didn't recall what an amazingly nice guy he was. I went mostly for Bishop Allen, but ended up enjoying Vanderslice's set way more.