EMA Smashes the Lights
Music Hall of Williamsburg, March 16

After a tremendous debut album in 2011 and a few headline-making CMJ Music Marathon shows, Erika M. Anderson, also known as EMA, took it up a notch with a hell-raising show at the MHOW earlier this year. During her rendition of the lyrical masterpiece “California,” Anderson took the glass light bulbs that ornately decorated the stage and smashed them on the ground. The music lurched, the glass shattered and EMA cemented herself as one of today’s most exciting live acts.

Alison Brie is on Fire
Le Poisson Rouge, April 7

Television and music fandom collided when The Girls, led by actress Alison Brie from the much-beloved series “Community,” made their New York City debut at Le Poisson Rouge. Backed by alt-country band Jones Street Station, Brie and fellow actresses Julianna Guill and Cyrina Fiallo powered through a set of covers, highlighted by a smoky rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.”

Jack White Resurrects His Stripes
Webster Hall, April 27

After the White Stripes officially broke up last year, many feared they would never get to hear the band’s music live again. That’s what made Jack White’s intimate show at Webster Hall so incredible. When the opening riff of “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” shot through the venue, spines shivered, tears were shed and the spirit of the White Stripes was once again alive and well in our fair city.

Metric Goes Acoustic
Music Hall of Williamsburg, June 13

As a live band, Metric has an interesting and enviable dilemma. Even though they are known for playing electro-rock — a genre they play with a fantastic, full-throttle feeling live — their show became transcendental when guitarist Jimmy Shaw switched his electric for an acoustic, and lead singer Emily Haines tenderly sang a stripped-down version of “Gimme Sympathy.” The crowd soon joined in with full force and supplied Metric all the electricity they needed.

The Mountain Goats Hail Satan
Music Hall of Williamsburg, Oct. 14

“The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton” by The Mountain Goats may have the best ever song title, but, as proven at the band’s second of four shows in New York City, it also may be the best ever live song. Lead singer John Darnielle stood beaming behind his keyboard as he led a chant of “Hail Satan” so gloriously happy that even Mitt Romney would have sung along.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Dec.11 print edition. Josh Johnson is music editor. Email him at [email protected].