I have been fortunate enough this year to attend dozens of gigs in Bristol. Some have been amazing, lots have been good, a few have been disappointing (in particular Ellie Goulding at the Academy last month after a great show at the Thekla in March). Here is my top-five gigs of 2010:

1) Hurts, Trinity, October 8

My favourite band of the year, who made my favourite album of the year, also played my favourite gig of the year. Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson’s gig at the Trinity was absolutely astonishing. It was modern art as much as live music with the venue absolutely perfect for them, bathing them in the black and white light they use for all their publicity shots. A particular highlight of this gig was Wonderful Life, the Manchester duo’s song about Bristol. An operatic version of Verona was also extra special.

2) Jonsi, Colston Hall, September 1

While Sigur Rós’ sound is rather melancholy at times, Jónsi’s is more joyous. Jónsi appeared on the Colston Hall stage dressed as a woodland sprite, with colourful streamers dangling from his arms. From the moment he arrived to the moment he left, replete with a red indian-style head dress, this gig was a triumph. Rarely have I seen an audience stand in such enraptured awe.

3) Bellowhead, Old Vic, November 10

Like a good-old fashioned hoedown, a Bellowhead gig is a riot of fun and stellar musicianship from start to finish. Each member of Bellowhead has musical careers of their own outside the band, but when they came together in the sumptuous surroundings of the Old Vic they mixed their individual talents into a compelling whole. This was a stonkingly good gig at a venue that is slowly beginning to realise what a wonderful place it is for live music.

4) Gorillaz, Trinity, March 22

Playing the Trinity was a chance for Gorillaz to rehearse their new material from Plastic Beach in more intimate venues before a headline show at Coachella and an unexpected headline appearance at Glastonbury. Damon Albarn said that this was a chance to “let the music live”, without the razzmatazz of visuals and guest vocalists. It was undoubtedly one of the most exciting gigs in Bristol for years.

5) Alphabeat, Fiddlers, April 29

I have lost count of the number of times I have seen Alphabeat. Okay, actually I haven’t – it’s eight, in venues across Bristol and a brilliant performance on the Park Stage at Glastonbury in 2008. This appearance at Fiddlers was a chance to gauge their new sexy look and 90s-influenced dance sound. As per usual at an Alphabeat gig, it was an exuberant riot of fun and colour. Literally amazing.

And those that just missed out on the top-five:

Jamie Cullum, Colston Hall, May 22

Fyfe Dangerfield, Thekla, September 19

Darwin Deez, Thekla, October 19

Delphic, Thekla, January 17

Divine Comedy, Anson Rooms, November 6

Hot Chip, Academy, February 23

Gotan Project, Colston Hall, May 13

Steve Mason, Fleece, October 13