The Flaming Lips
AsiaWorld, November 13
If we need to tell you that Wayne Coyne & Co put on the best show of 2010, there’s little we can do to help you. Even in a year that’s thrown up more top-class gigs than any other in recent times, the influential Oklahoman psych-rockers topped all else by a searing margin. In a joyous atmosphere, vibrant confetti drenched the audience, and Coyne surfed atop the crowd in a bubble, donned ridiculous laser hands, and had the audience quacking like ducks. For FL live veterans, it was confirmation that they’re one of the world’s greatest live acts. And for many FL virgins, it might just have been a life-changing experience.
 

Honorable Mention: Andrew Bird
Grappa’s Cellar, January 27
There was no more musically absorbing gig this year. A one-man band, the quietly charming baroque pop multi-instrumentalist looped his violin into weaving, mesmerising, polyphonic lines, before picking up his guitar and layering his soulful voice on top. It wasn’t a night of fireworks, but rather one of fine songwriting and sublime musicianship. 
 

Readers' Choice: Fatboy Slim
AsiaWorld-Expo, October 8
We might quibble that he’s actually a DJ, but you care not a jot – Mr Norman Cook Esquire was your weapon of choice for 2010. 

Honorable Mentions

Patrick Watson
Grappa’s Cellar, January 15. An intimate and engaging performance as the Canadian kicked off an awesome year of gigs.

Muse
AsiaWorld Arena, February 6. One of the biggest bands in the world did what they do best: stadium space rock.

OK Go!
Grappa’s Cellar, February 24. Grappa’s exploded with crazy visuals, confetti canons and the Americans’ nerd rock.
Te’ + Wang Wen Hang Out, February 27. First-rate post-rock from the Japanese noise terrorists and Dalian’s finest.

Kings of Convenience
HITEC, March 25. The Norwegian duo entranced a full house with their sweet, serene harmonies and gentle guitars.

Time Out’s Big Night Out
Grappa’s Cellar, April 24. With ten of the best local acts over eight hours, not to mention a full on stage brawl, it was a night to remember.

Caribou
Grappa’s Cellar, July 1. Daniel Victor Snaith , aka Caribou, expanded our minds, translating his psychedelic electronic productions to an enveloping live experience.

Two Door Cinema Club + Delphic
HITEC, August 10. Manchester’s Delphic got the crowd dancing but the fiendishly catchy tunes of the Northern Ireland’s Two Door Cinema Club stole the show.

Toe
Hang Out, October 20. The Japanese outfit took their contemplative post-rock to a new level.

Clockenflap Society of Clockenflap Launch
Blindspot Annex, November 20. The Charlatans, DJ Food, the sublime space and the festival atmosphere made it close to this year’s best.