1. Regina Spektor

Even though the Perth Convention Centre is an unusual location for a pop concert, it was a thought that dissipated as soon as Regina began her show. Accompanied by a cellist and a drummer, Regina and her piano were given so much space musically that her performance was mesmerising; her powerful voice hitting all the right notes all night with no trickery or wall of noise to hide behind. Her renditions of 'Laughing With', 'Better', 'Samson' and 'Folding Chair' had so much character and spark purely because she is an interpreter of songs. I defy a single concertgoer to have walked away unmoved. This was a performance so stark it was little more than the most basic of stage lighting, no real 'costume' or backdrop, and as an audience we were left to feel like a bunch of us had gathered to hear her sing us some of her songs, which is essentially what it was. By virtue of her being one of the most amazing vocalists of her generation, the performance didn't need to be anything more than it was.

2. Delta Spirit

Having only released their second album a few months before, Delta Spirit were not destined to be one of the headliners at One Movement, but they were almost my entire reason for going. Until I found out that The Trews (see below) would also be on the bill, I was keen to see Ben Kweller and a few other acts, but Delta Sprit was the one I would wait patiently at the front of the stage for. Their particular brand of melodic, garage rock was an interesting antithesis for Grinspoon who were about to hit the mainstage and even Kweller himself sat cross-legged side of stage to catch this performance, even meekly joining in at one point. With a focus on pounding rhythms and Matt Vasquez's unique vocal, the show was a tornado of noise that felt as if it was almost out of control but always pulled back from the brink for songs such as 'Trashcan', 'White Table' and 'People C'Mon' before it all came to an ear-splitting, stage-trashing crescendo.

3. The Trews

I was lucky enough to see The Trews twice in two days when they performed a showcase in Perth for the One Movement Festival. A Canadian band almost completely unknown outside their home country, the lads from The Trews were gracious when I met them, and a little bemused that this weird Australian and his mate Tim Milroy (who they decided was going to be called 'Eric' for the rest of theweekend) were so excited about seeing them perform in a carpark at 12.30 at night to a crowd of maybe 20 people. They appeared on the main stage at One Movement the next day, but for me, the performance in an alley behind Amplifier that night was my favourite of the two; partly because they asked me what I'd like to hear and so played 'Sweetness' off the Den of Thieves album purely because I asked for it, and partly because they played their hearts out for the pure joy of it.

4. Powderfinger

I had never seen the semi-legendary Powderfinger before 2010, the year they would announce their breakup, so it was interesting that I would get to see them twice, first at Big Day Out and then again for their 'Sunsets' Farewell Tour. Their Big Day Out show was excellent and everything I had expected from them with a setlist made up predominantly of their biggest hits with a few tracks from their final studio album, 'Golden Rule'. The Farewell show was an amazing experience, despite the fact that the setlist had changed little from the BDO show, but mostly because the vibe in the crowd was so strong. Singing along with every song, we were acutely aware that we were watching the last hurrah of a great band who had decided to call it a day before they oustayed their welcome, which is admirable. Walking away from the venue we were able to take home a live recording of the night's performance on double CD. Amazing things we can do with technology these days...

5. Muse

This was going to be a tough call from the UK three-piece, I had seen them twice before - once, with a small gathering of maybe 300 people at Metropolis City on the tour accompanying their first album 'Showbiz', and then again at Supreme Court Gardens for their world-conquering 'Black Holes and Revelations'. The headline spot at Big Day Out could have easily been the least captivating of these three shows and in a way, it was. Even so, it was still more dynamic, more histrionic, energetic and towering than just about anything I've seen all year. Making the most of the stage, the visuals that accompanied the show were phenomenal and despite the fact that much of the show is cleverly synched with audio backings, the overall effect is one that even U2 would have trouble surpassing. Even Jill, who is not a fan of Muse had to admit that it was an amazing performance both musically and visually. Tracks from the latest album 'The Resistance' were greeted warmly, but it was 'Knights of Cydonia' that proved that the torch had well and truly been passed on to Matt Bellamy; the entire audience was with him from the first notes til the last, including me.

6. Devendra Banhart

In a darkened hall far away from Big Day Out's main stage, perhaps 100 people (including several members of Powderfinger) turned out to see the diminuitive Devendra Banhart. For those of us that chose this over whatever other acts were conflicting on the bill at that point, we were treated to nothing less than a rambunctious, throaty salsa-inspired sing-along with Banhart as bandleader and mascot. Appearing as a kind of mini- Frank Zappa, his infectious joie de vivre had the audience attempting his snake-like dance moves and singing along whether we knew the words or not. Although by regular standard his set was short, he used the time he had to make sure that everyone left that creaking shed looking for something that could top it. Not Lily Allen, not Dizzee Rascal. It was going to take more than that to outdo this freaky hippie dynamo.

7. Colin Hay

The former Men At Work lead singer has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the last few years, thanks largely to Zach Braff who has placed his songs both in 'Scrubs' and his indie pic 'Garden State'. Backed by a full band (including his whirling dervish wife) the intimate crowd that gathered at The Fly By Night Club were treated to a selection of Colin's most memorable songs from the last 30 years (and yes, he did play 'Down Under') but the highlights for me were some of the lesser known songs and listening to his soft Scottish brogue as he recalled tales from a life and career on the road. Seeming slightly weary but still capable of being lost in the music, he gathered us close, spoke to us as if we were friends and song to us with that ageless, distinct voice soaring, as if heartbreak and joy can be experienced simultaneously.

8. Them Crooked Vultures

This feels like a whole year ago, and it very nearly is; Clay and I saw The Crooked Vultures at Challenge Stadium back in January. I don't get a chance to see a lot of live music with my buddy Clay, being that he is a family man these days, he's more likely to see a Wiggles show than the Big Day Out. However, the opportunity to see John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) performing their amazing, textured (then) new album live was too good to pass up. Even though they seem like a reasonably unlikely 'supergroup', TCV are an exceptional live act, perhaps low on showmanship but muscular and impressive musicianship more than makes up for it. Augmented by the brilliant Alain Johannes (Eleven) on second guitar, watching JPJ, Dave and Josh interact on songs like Bandoliers, Scumbag Blues and New Fang was an absolute joy.

9. The Polyphonic Spree

Considering that at any one time there are between 18 and 25 members of the Spree, getting them to Perth must be a difficult proposition. They missed the WA leg of the Big Day Out tour several years ago and I was not going to miss this show, held in the grounds of the Fremantle Arts Centre. Led by the endlessly chirpy Tim DeLaughter, the Polyphonic Spree barrelled through a collection of their most popular and uplifting tunes, with the added bonus of a selection of inspired covers including a remarkable version of the Rolling Stones 'She's A Rainbow'. The crowd danced and sang along, most (including Jill and I) decked out in the faux North American Indian feather headdresses and flashing light bracelets handed out free and when the Spree appeared for their encore wandering through the crowd in their familiar choir cassocks we all felt as if we really could be members of the band if we wanted.

10. Paul Kelly

Seeing as it only took place at the Astor Theatre last Thursday, this one is pretty fresh in my mind. Performing the A-Z shows over the course of four nights, Jill and I chose to see night 2 assuming (correctly) that he would perform 'How To Make Gravy' which would prove to be the highlight it promised to be. Beginning with 'Foggy Highway' and ending with 'Leaps and Bounds', Paul Kelly was ably assisted by nephew Dan Kelly and this was very much a two man show. He peppered the performance with amusing anecdotes that proved once again that he is one of Australia's greatest musical storytellers. This gig was also notable for the best piece of merchandise available; The Paul Kelly - How To Make Gravy Tea Towel.