From the moment I smeared roll-on glitter onto the apples of my cheeks and pulled on my homemade puffy paint *NSYNC tank top, I knew I was hooked-I’m a junkie for live shows.

It was during my pre-teen years-before I had the ability to distinguish real music from complete crap-when I discovered that first rush of adrenaline as the lights dimmed and five men came out thrusting their sweaty bodies and crotches in my general direction. My dad was with me at the time, and as I started crying and screaming hysterically when I thought J.C. Chasez had glanced in my general direction, he just glanced down at me shaking his head, “What is wrong with you?”

And so began my greatest addiction and greatest pitfall when it comes to blowing money. Thankfully, my music taste has evolved, going from *NSYNC to the dreadful Dave Matthews Band era (with my own “hippie” dreads included) to now. And out of the many shows I’ve been to, I’ve always been asked which shows were the best. So here’s the rundown:

Do Make Say Think: When this Canadian instrumental post-rock band came onstage at Metro-all 10 of them-to play their jazzy, experimental songs, I was left dumbstruck. Their 20-minute arrangement of “Goodbye Enemy Airship” had me sold; I have never seen anyone play with the same amount of intensity that DMST had-this was the best show. Ever.

Battles: I’ll admit, I’ve seen this band three times. Between Pitchfork two years ago and Lollapalooza last year, their show at Metro was especially awesome. After an introduction by White Williams, Born Ruffians and Caribou, midnight rolled in and Battles finally made their appearance, opening with “Atlas.” It was one hot, sweaty night of dancing and accidentally groping other people. Who knew laptop generated math-rock music could get people so hot and bothered?

Bob Dylan: Actually, no. This show was the worst thing I’ve ever seen. If it wasn’t for Eric Clapton making a surprise appearance, this would be the biggest waste of $60 ever. I couldn’t understand a single word he was saying, and the show was at a county fair that smelled like cow crap. But still, I feel obligated to mention it just because it’s Bob Dylan.

Fleet Foxes: Combining folk music, flannel-wearing mountain men and glorious beards is always a guarantee for a good time. Soooo good.

Radiohead: Oh, Thom. I love your spastic ways. When they played my favorite Radiohead song of all time, “Pyramid Song,” I just about died. And I have to mention Lollapalooza 2008 when the fireworks went off during “Everything in its Right Place.”

The Black Keys: Only in Akron, Ohio, of course. Though this included being smashed up against a sweaty dude with back hair-it’s also important to note his salami cologne.

Grizzly Bear: “The Knife.” Sweet tidy bowl Jesus skipping on blue toilet water.