Editor's Note: Having spent hours perusing the Heard Mentality archives for a Concert Year in Review feature running in the print issue that streets Friday, I compiled a Top 10 list of the coolest shows to come through Orange County in 2009. Here's No. 1. I caught No Doubt perform in Tampa, Fla., in June but totally would've rather witnessed these hot homecoming dates in Irvine.  

Andrew Youssef

No Doubt at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Irvine, August 1

There were huge expectations for the first of No Doubt's four sold-out homecoming shows but the beloved Orange County band rose to the occasion--and then some. Feeding off tremendous crowd energy, No Doubt rocked hits from their nearly two decade-long career, performing with the zeal of an act truly grateful for the global success that started right here. Despite plenty of on-stage fun and audience interaction, the focus remained on the music, which sounded as fresh and ebullient as it did when the band launched an OC ska-punk revolution with their 1995 disc Tragic Kingdom.

Click to read entire review.

Click to read earlier Top 10 Orange County Concerts of 2009 entries.

Click for Top 10 Orange County Concerts 2009 slideshow. 

Editor's Note: Having spent hours perusing the Heard Mentality archives for a Concert Year in Review feature running in the print issue that streets Friday, I compiled a Top 10 list of the coolest shows to come through Orange County in 2009. Here's No. 2, the first major concert I covered after landing here.

Andrew Youssef

Editor's Note: Having spent hours perusing the Heard Mentality archives for a Concert Year in Review feature running in the print issue that streets Jan. 1, I compiled a Top 10 list of the coolest shows to come through Orange County in 2009. I'm posting one per day for the rest of the year.

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Jeff Tweedy replaced his typical frown and snark with smiles, cajoled fans to sing along and even fell to the floor while playing his guitar amongst flashing cameras, lit iPhones and the outstretched arms of overjoyed attendees. Although Wilco has always been known for their solid shows, the band meshed particularly well with a diverse setlist that spanned their acclaimed 15-year career.

Click to read entire review.

Editor's Note: Having spent hours perusing the Heard Mentality archives for a Concert Year in Review feature running in the print issue that streets Jan. 1, I compiled a Top 10 list of the coolest shows to come through Orange County in 2009. I'm posting one per day for the rest of the year.

Jay-Z worked the crowd masterfully, thrusting his mic into the darkness so attendees could finish his lyrics, capping flows a capella, and splitting each side of the arena into a roof-rattling shouting competition. After a solid hour of hits, Jay-Z crushed with a final run of classics that included "Hard Knock Life," "Money Ain't a Thang", "Can I Get a...." and a pulverizing "99 Problems."

Click to read entire review.

Click to read earlier Top 10 Orange County Concerts of 2009 entries.