Posted on April 2, 2018 at 10:00 am | Comments Off on [Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2017
Ah, the best laid plans and the most brutal excuses. My honest intention to get this sucker done before the new calendar year hit was derailed by a major bout of holiday pneumonia, then as December disappeared in a fevered haze and I gathered myself to finish in January… enter ye olde influenza! Such an enjoyable one-two punch. My immune system certainly isn’t going to make anyone’s “best of” list.
February was spent catching up on the day job and re-familiarizing myself with my family, and next thing you know, it’s mid-March. Then, naturally, the ‘Nac goes down for a week. As I wrap this thing up and April begins, my headphones are overflowing with music that will wind up on the 2018 edition. Good thing I’m on nobody’s deadline but my own.
So, yeah, another year long gone, another later-than-everyone-else list of musical favorites shared. Full lengthers, short players, and a few other random releases from throughout 2017. The silver lining of all that sickness was tons of idle time spent listening to neglected records, and deeper dives into the ones I loved. The list kept getting longer.
As you scroll, stream a Soundcloud playlist of songs from most of the releases below, or if you must, a longer one on Spotify, and use the provided label links to buy these records as direct as you can. Give these song makers, and the ones you love, your hard-earned dollars. #IRespectMusic
If you make it all the way through this too-long run-down (or, y’know, just skip to the end right now), you’ll find a few special giveaways I’ve gathered for random readers – the vinyl release of one of my favorite 2017 LPs, a gift certificate to a Boston-area used record shop, and an autographed copy of a truly moving book by one beloved artist about another gone too soon. So drop your name in my virtual hat and take a shot. Ya spin the wheel, ya take yer chances.
One undeniably catchy, infectious-insta-classic track surrounded by a collection of solid indie-pop songs, much like their debut LP. It may lack the ‘wow’ impact of their self-titled record, but that first breath of Canadian air was so fresh they can hardly be faulted.
Andrew Cohen adds a fruitful collaboration with pals Light Coma to his post-Silkworm discography, mixing full-band songs with a few solo jams. His SKWM/Bottomless Pit bandmate Tim Midyett continues under his Mint Mile moniker in parallel (new EP just showed up in the mail!), so even if their time of teaming up is behind them, I’m grateful their separate songs keep on coming. Getting to premiere a track from this AC&LC record was a genuine honor, and traveling out to Chicago to see them play (with Mint Mile, Out, & the Rutabega) was a personal 2017 high point.
I was embarrassingly tardy for the Julien Baker train, but wow, did I ever jump on board. This, Hhr second full-length, absolutely floored me – her open-hearted lyrics and sparse, beautiful arrangements hit me hard. There was no single song in 2017 that moved me more than “Sour Breath”, which I played over and over and over again, both in my headphones and in my head. I couldn’t make it to her most recent Boston show, and her upcoming appearance at the Boston Calling fest won’t be enough to satisfy, so I’m heading up to Vermont soon to see her play with Tancred, another fave. And I’d travel further for that team-up if I had to.
Following David Bazan’s career for so many years has been a singular, surprising joy. No, the joy itself hasn’t been a surprise, but the sonic turns he’s taken sure have been. From his full band Pedro the Lion output, his synth-based Headphones record, through his solo electric and acoustic work, and now “Care”, his most recent guitar-free solo LP, I’ve been all-in for all of it. Less than a year later and he’s back to working on Pedro the Lion songs, and I couldn’t be happier, though it does take a bit of the “what will he sound like next?” mystery out of it. Feels like we’ve gone full circle, and the thought of PtL’s scheduled Boston show has got me giddy.
previous release, expanding their sonic palette with the addition of collaborator Anthony Harmer on a variety of instruments (including the distinctive santur). It’s one of their most cohesive records, and all-the-more appreciated in that it may never have happened but for the chance re-meeting of Harmer and frontman Alasdair MacLean, and a spark of inspiration. May some special kind of spark strike again.
A banner year for each of the musical Crutchfields, with Merge releasing both Allison’s ace solo album and sister Katie’s killer Waxahatchee record (see below, of course). If they were trying to outdo each other, well, let’s call it a tie that we all won. Can barely believe I’ll be seeing Allison and her Swearin’ bandmates later this week when they open up a long-sold-out Superchunk show at the Sinclair. Wonder if they’ll do a song or two off this LP, or keep things separate? Either way, I’m walkin’ out happy.
I’ll buy anything Eitzel, but this LP feels more inspired than his last few full-lengths. Really glad he made the move over to Merge and that this album seemingly got some added attention – be nice to see that relationship stick and produce a string of equally solid records. The world sure needs more Mark.
The wait for this one seemed long, but so worth it. Part of the reason it felt drawn out was that the former Sunny Day Real Estate frontman gave us a window into the creative process with his Pledgemusic campaign, and that window opened early. From conception through studio time, previews to pressing, the project took over 2 years from start to finish, resulting in a beautiful, multi-layered collection. Enigk has such a singular voice that the production needs to be epic, and the fan-funds he gathered allowed him to make that happen.
It’s been a joy to see Girlpool’s relatively speedy rise from a basement-playing pair to a Paradise-packing full band – my nervousness that they’d lose something special by fleshing out their sound with bass & drums was mostly unfounded, and this record proved it. Admittedly, I’d love to see them as a duo again someday, but as long as they keep writing their heartfelt songs and singing those perfect harmonies, I’ll keep going regardless.
I kind of feel like this one flew under too many radars, but that could just be my Stateside-perspective. I owe my appreciation of these particular Scots to my bandmates, so this is the first of their releases I’ve been able to eagerly await, as it’s been ages since their last. Thankfully, and unsurprisingly, it’s another indiepop treasure. Just wish they were playin’ Indietracks this year, as it’s the first one I get to attend (!). Maybe they’ll be hangin’ around so I can pester them to play me a song or two. After I partake of some liquid courage.
Most appreciated musical gift of the year: Elizabeth Powell’s glorious recorded return. Her band has become one of my absolute faves over the past decade, since the moment I first set ears upon 2008’s “Some Are Lakes”. Her second full-length came less than two years later, and then… nothing. She seemingly disappeared, but I never stopped waiting, hoping, and searching for word of a return. Every year I’d write one of these favorites lists and wonder when her next LP would wind up on one. So here we are, with “Life After Youth” at last. Pretty sure I played it more than any other album I bought in 2017, and was grateful for every single note.
Speaking of more-than-welcome returns, Ted came back! Well, it’s not like he left. Solo shows, duo shows (with Aimee Mann as the Both), variety shows (I seem to remember him on stage wearing only a giant diaper at some point?), just no proper TL/Rx recordings since 2010’s “The Brutalist Bricks”. That’s a long time to go without a new release, but thanks to a wealth of fan funding and a trove of gathered songs, he presented us with “The Hanged Man”. The band he assembled to deliver these new tracks (and so many older faves) was a stacked powerhouse, and I’m not sure I had more fun at a show last year than I did when they played Brighton Music Hall in September. A total blast of an evening. I expect no less when Ted & co. return for two nights in June.
In my world, a super group if ever there was one. David Bazan, his ex-PtL bandmate (and fellow faves listee) TW Walsh, Jason Martin (aka Starflyer 59), and ace drummer Trey Many (His Name Is Alive & more) got together a few times and threw together a rock-solid record that was the perfect counterbalance to Dave & TW’s decidedly-more-digital solo releases.
Just the second solo LP from this Sebadoh co-pilot since his killer 2002 debut, “In Sixes and Sevens”, an record that blew me away and set one hell of a high bar. After what feels like a lifetime ago, he damn well mighta reached it. Another crackling collection of tweaked-out, propulsive rock songs. Bad timing and poor planning meant I missed him play these tracks live, but I’m hopeful it won’t be too long until I remedy that, and that it won’t be another 15 freakin’ years until album number three.
Sweden’s Emil Svanängen may take his own sweet time making records, but it has never resulted in one I haven’t loved. He harnesses a special kind of magic in his songs, laying his strong yet delicate voice over carefully-constructed emotional epics. I owe a great debt to Low for bringing him and his band (with Thor!) along to open their 2008 tour. I’ve been in love with Loney Dear since the first note of that first song at the Somerville Theatre.
Ridiculously talented Swedes making noise that’s both new and nostalgic, combining elements I love (and frankly should be tired of by now) into their own goosebump-raising mixture. I love my Allston neighbors at Run for Cover for many reasons, but helping this band get their music out into the world may be the biggest one.
The New Pr0ns fully embraced their inner-ELO and ponied up some of their most infectious songs in years, including the one that incessantly soundtracked my Spring, “This Is The World Of The Theatre”, which survived a ridiculous amount of repeated listening and remains a forever fave. Those post-chorus Neko notes? Super swoon.
Any release from the Kadane brothers and their compatriots is a gift, and this new LP is no different. Another chapter in the ongoing sonic story I’ve been obsessed with since I first heard Bedhead in the early 90s. The only negatives I can ever muster are “I wish this track was longer” or “I wish there were more songs”. Complimentary complaints if ever there were.
TJO returns with a self-titled LP of authentic beauty, full of gorgeously delicate, emotionally heavy songs. It’s such a pure, natural-sounding record that using her name for the title makes perfect sense – it serves as a songwriting mission statement for everything she does so, so well.
Seems like each year there’s at least one Boston-based band I adore that makes a measurable, well-deserved jump to wider recognition, and 2017 felt like Palehound’s year. “A Place I’ll Always Go“ was a showcase of Ellen Kempner & co’s song-building talents, adding further depth to the promise shown on their 2015 debut.
How the hell did Quicksand take a 22-year break and return with an LP that sounds as cohesive and powerful as they ever were? It’s like no time passed at all. A ridiculous and remarkable accomplishment. Side note: This damn record nearly got me a speeding ticket.
These four Oxford gents comprise one of my top ten all-time bands, so their 2014 return was an unexpected, magical gift. Their post-reunion live shows met and crushed my tempered expectations, then rumors of new recordings got me all-sorts-of giddy. Maybe too giddy. While I enjoyed “Weather Diaries” enough to list it here (and it certainly outdoes their final two LPs), it didn’t quite hit the sweet spot I hoped for. Much of it is ace, and there’s at least one stone-cold Ride classic (“Cali”), but I can’t help but think it would have made an absolutely killer EP. Speaking of which, they just released a new one. And that sweet spot? Nailed it.
A mid-2016 discovery for me, thanks to my faith in the fine taste of the CMO label, though I’ve heard and dug plenty of songs involving the individual players before. These members of Obits, Edsel, Ted Leo’s band, The Cops, Nation of Ulysses, Enon & more combined to release their debut LP that year, and quickly followed it up with this even-better collection on the EJRC in 2017. A record per year is quite a precedent, gents. Might hold you to it.
Even more unexpected than Ride’s return was the resurrection of my/our beloved Slowdive. While Ride’s legacy was a tad tarnished by their last pre-breakup recordings, Slowdive went out on an incredible high note with the bliss-filled, ahead-of-its-time “Pygmalion” LP in 1995. Getting to hear live renditions of the songs on that record was something I’d never hoped to dream of, so when they came back and did just that, it left me stunned (not ashamed to say my eyes welled up during the crescendos of “Blue Skied an’ Clear”, every time). New studio recordings, too? The swirly frosting on top. The fact that they pulled together an album that can sit proudly within their existing discography, with songs that fit seamlessly into their live set, is no minor victory.
Doing my hometown proud. It’s convenient when people you know put out a record you love, since it saves you from either avoiding the topic or offering vague compliments. These four Vermonters have that rare ability to fold a bunch of styles into their songwriting while remaining unmistakably themselves. Each song on this LP sounds like a Swale song, though they don’t often sound like each other, and it all comes together as a cohesive whole. That was some Kickstarter cash well-spent.
Timothy William Walsh’s latest LP is a triumph not just because of his songs (which are as solid as ever), but the impeccable production they’re wrapped in. He’s dialed back the guitars, using them as a tool rather than a base, and leaned more into synths and programming – yet ended up with his most soulful, natural sounding record so far. There’s a definite 70s vibe (a bit of Gary Wright, a dash of Gerry Rafferty, even a hint of early Peter Gabriel), but it’s more update than homage, avoiding nostalgic traps with meticulous ease. TW’s years of experience in mastering, mixing, and song-writing collaboration (in the Soft Drugs & Pedro the Lion) come together here effortlessly, and he’s already given us more: He recently offered up an excellent new song and accompanying video called “Born Hungry”.
The other half of 2017’s killer one-two Crutchfield combo, Katie’s record wastes no time letting you know her band’s gonna get a little loud this time out, the opening track starting in full-on rock mode with zero warning. It’s the perfect palette-cleanser, and readies you for the range of songs that follow – short, sharp slices of energetic indie-pop interspersed with moments of true, introspective beauty, all held together by her gorgeous voice and uncanny knack for melody.
Longtime area art-maker Gilmore Tamny once again showed us her sonic side with the second long player from her scrappy Somerville-based trio. Owing a clear debt to early-90s Pacific NW indie-punk, she kept the formula straight-forward – rock out with your guitar out while delivering evocative, literate lyrics as drummer Steph Melikian (Operators/GRCB) and bassist Jen Godfrey hold it down. As if a record that gives a shout out to Market Basket wasn’t going to end up on this list? I mean, come on.
Tyler Kershaw has that rare ability to write sparkling songs that sound uplifting while tackling some heavy, personal lyrical subject matter (a la Bobby Wratten of the Field Mice). His reverb-drenched guitar lines, melodies, and dynamic arrangements come together so well, and since I first heard their 2015 full-length, this band has become not just a Boston-area fave, but a fave period.
While most of Meredith Godreau’s doled-out, 10-song collection “On The Orange Mountain” was created and shared in 2016 (and made my faves list last year), it officially wrapped up last May, so I’m including it again. Lucky for us, the creating continues, as noted in a post-OtOM Patreon update: “In the past few months I have missed completing songs and making videos for you. So much so that I’ve decided to continue using Patreon to share my upcoming creations with you, not to limit my experience to just the one album.” So far we’ve heard “My Own Good”, posted in November, and hopes remain high for more this year.
[ Support GatH’s continued artistic output through Patreon ]
Compiling two solo releases from Wussy’s Lisa Walker, one first released in 2006 (when this was all recorded), and the other in 2015. A must-own for Wussy fans.
Released posthumously in mid-December, and recorded in 2015, but it’s great enough to not get lost in the end-of-year shuffle. If you missed it, here’s your heads up. Vocalist/guitarist Abe Kimball is working on a solo record, and Jesse Weiss & Theo Hartlett are working on a new project of their own with Morgan Luzzi. Meet Pet Fox.
Ex-Lockgroove members (and current twin brothers) Marty & Ryan Rex are doling out their latest aural creations in 3-month increments: One song per quarter, like clockwork (new one yesterday!). It’s a unique release style, but if the quality stays as high as the four songs they’re given us so far, I can easily take the 90-day waits. The first track they released, “Your Small Army“, stayed stuck in my head for much of the year, and that’s not a complaint. What a song, and what a way to announce yourself to the world. Keep ’em coming, boys.
Terry Malts have become one of those bands on my “I’ll buy anything they do” list, and the songs they contribute to this split 10-inch are further proof that was a wise decision. More greatness from these West Coast gents, alongside a band I wasn’t familiar with but am now glad I am. And that’s all you can ask from a split record release.
A welcome compilation of this Denton, Texas-based combo’s long-out-of-print discography (with some unreleased tracks), lovingly released in remastered, double vinyl form.
The world lost a gifted songwriter, and by all accounts a hell of a human being, when Karl Hendricks passed away in January 2017. The Comedy Minus One label rallied KH’s music-making friends and fans for this loving tribute, released just a couple of months later. The strength of the collection is a testament to his talent, and to the impact he had on everyone involved.
2018 has started ridiculously strong with great records already out from the Spook School, Superchunk, the Breeders, Buffalo Tom, Lake Ruth, Loma, Field Music, Yo La Tengo, Secretary, and a stellar EP from Ride. Soon enough we’ll be gifted with new sounds from other faves: Belly, Poster Children, Wye Oak, Wussy, and Hop Along. Not to mention recent word of the just-mastered final (sigh) Willard Grant Conspiracy album, in-progress LPs from Kristin Hersh, both solo and with her band Throwing Muses, a very hopeful update on that long-awaited next Wrens’ record, a soon-to-be-announced Eric Bachmann full-length on Merge, and news of an upcoming LP from the re-emergent Flower (!). Wonder if we’ll see one before the long-completed next Versus full-length? I’ll take ’em both, please. Also really looking forward to the first long player from Burlington, Vermont’s Clever Girls, given what I’ve heard so far.
And hey, Numero Group, how about following up those incredible Unwound, Codeine, & Bedhead box sets with a remastered SEAM collection? Just throwing that wish out there into the world.
After sporadic teasing that started in 2016, I’m still anxiously awaiting any news on the potential American Analog Set resurrection front. Though we did get this very promising instagram shot in December, which included the hashtag #weinthestudiodoots (!). What th’?! Have hope, will travel! Seriously. Just tell me where and when and I’m there, AmAnSet. I need you. #bringthatbeatback
Alright, you’ve nearly made it to the end of this thing, so how about some freebies for random (north american) readers? I’ve got three giveaways to choose from…
The vinyl edition of my most-appreciated recorded return of 2017: Land of Talk’s “Life After Youth”.
A $70 (!) gift certificate to used record shop Blue Bag Records in scenic Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A signed hardcover copy of “Don’t Suck, Don’t Die”, the deeply moving book that Kristin Hersh wrote about her time spent with the much-missed Vic Chesnutt.
To enter, drop an email to giveaways (at) bradleysalmanac (dot) com with “Gimme!” in the subject line, and specify what you’d like to try to win in the message (LP, book, gift certificate – you can try for all three, but only win one). Just get it to my inbox before next Monday, April 9th, 2018 at Noon EST, then I’ll select and notify the three winners that afternoon. Due to shipping costs, only enter if you’re from the US or Canada, and of course, only try for the gift certificate if you live in the Boston area, or are planning a visit.
Thanks for reading, all. If you’re still here despite my ever-slowing posting pace, it’s genuinely appreciated. Even when this place goes silent, I’m still sharing what I love over on Farcebook, so hit me up there in the meantime. Guess I should probably start working on next year’s ‘Nac faves list now, huh?
BOSTON-AREA LIVE SHOW ACTION
Tuesday, November 19th
EARFULL
Writers reading. Songwriters singing.
with authors
Joan Wickersham & Abbott Kahler
and performers
Joanne the Band & Tim Gearan
@ the Burren Back Room
Tuesday, November 19th
Modest Mouse
@ MGM Music Hall
Wednesday, November 20th
A.C. Newman (New P0rnographers)
celebrates the 20th anniversary
of his LP "The Slow Wonder"
@ City Winery
Thursday, November 21st
An Evening with John Waters
@ the Coolidge Corner Theatre
Thursday, November 21st
Horse Jumper of Love
Spencer Radcliffe & Everything
Primal Rat Screw
@ the Sinclair
Friday, November 22nd
The Smithereens
featuring vocalist Robin Wilson
@ City Winery
Friday, November 22nd
Dawes
Winnetka Bowling League
@ Roadrunner
Friday, November 22nd
Amy Helm
(full band show)
@ the Cut
Friday, November 22nd
Yoke Lore
Runnner
@ the Royale
Saturday, November 23rd
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Alan Sparhawk (of Low)
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, November 23rd
J Mascis
@ the Sinclair
Monday, November 25th
Tyler + the Names
Lupo Citta
The Spatulas
@ the Silhouette
Tuesday & Wednesday
November 26th & 27th
The English Beat
@ City Winery
Friday, November 29th
Caspian
@ the Cabot, Beverly
Saturday, November 30th
Honoring Steve Morse
All ages @ the Middle East
Sunday, December 1st
Interpol
Cave In
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, December 1st
Gillian Welch &
David Rawlings
@ the Wilbur
Wednesday, December 4th
The Ladybug Transistor
Lightheaded
Mark Robinson (Unrest/Air Miami)
@ Deep Cuts
Thursday, December 5th
Shawn Colvin
@ the Cabot, Beverly
Thursday, December 5th
The 8th Annual Allman-Betts
Family Revival featuring...
Devon Allman, Duane Betts,
Sierra Hull, Luther Dickinson,
Cody Dickinson, Jimmy Hall,
Anders Osborne, Larry McCray,
Lindsay Lou, Jackie Greene, G. Love,
Lamar Williams, Jr., Alex Orbison,
Robert Randolph, & Sierra Green
@ the Orpheum
Friday, December 6th
Jason Narducy
@ an Allston living room
Friday, December 6th
BASIC
(Chris Forsyth, Douglas McCombs,
& Mikel Patrick Avery)
Chris Brokaw Rock Band
@ the Middle East Upstairs
Friday, December 6th
Mike Viola
The Figgs
@ the Somerville Armory
Friday, December 6th
Past Life Crisis
The Zip-Ups
Lonely Leesa & the Lost Cowboys
Looking For Rocks
@ the Jungle
Friday, December 6th
BEAT plays the music
of 80s King Crimson
featuring Adrian Belew, Steve Vai,
Tony Levin, & Danny Carey
@ the Lynn Auditorium
Saturday, December 7th
Ted Leo & Aimee Mann's
The Christmas Show!
with Paul F. Tompkins,
Nellie McKay, Josh Gondelman,
& "other fun stuff"
@ the Cabot, Beverly, MA
Sunday, December 8th
Footballhead
New Age Thief
@ Warehouse XI
Monday, December 9th
Joyce Manor celebrating
10 years of 'Never Hungover Again'
with Algnernon Cadwallader
& the Ergs
@ the Royale
Thursday, December 12th
Squirrel Nut Zipper
@ the Cabot, Beverly, MA
Thursday, December 12th
Wednesday (solo)
Cryogeyser (solo)
@ the Somerville Armory
Thursday, December 12th
The Jesus Lizard
Pile
@ Roadrunner
Friday, December 13th
Suki Waterhouse
Bully
@ Roadrunner
Saturday & Sunday
December 14th & 15th
They Might Be Giants
@ the Orpheum
Sunday, December 15th
Tiny Moving Parts
Action/Adventure
Greywind
@ the Crystal Ballroom
Friday, December 20th
MK Naomi
Sun Urchins
Arto Vaun
@ Deep Cuts
Saturday, December 21st
The Del Fuegos
Holiday Shows!
2 shows @ City Winery
Friday, December 27th
Will Dailey
full album performance
@ the Burren
Tuesday, December 31st
Aerosmith (farewell tour)
with the Black Crowes
@ TD Garden
Saturday, January 4th
The Sheila Divine
Baabes
Teardrops
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, January 16th
Kal Marks
Paper Lady
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, January 17th
Speedy Ortiz
Grass Is Green
& a surprise guest
@ the Somerville Armory
Sunday, January 19th
Cracker
@ the Middle East
Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday
January 19th, 20th, & 21st
Robert Glasper
two shows each day
@ City Winery
Tuesday, January 21st
This Is Lorelei
Youbet
@ the Rockwell
Saturday, January 25th
Stereo MC's
@ the Sinclair
Friday, January 31st
Half Waif
See You At The Maypole
@ the Somerville Armory
Friday, January 31st
Jamie XX
@ Roadrunner
Friday, January 31st
Frank Black & his band
play "Teenager of the Year"
@ the House of Blues
Saturday, February 1st
Stuart Murdoch
(Belle & Sebastian)
"Nobody's Empire" book tour
@ the Rockwell
Saturday & Sunday
February 1st & 2nd
The Bowery Presents &
Run For Cover Records
present "Something In The Way"
with
Slowdive, Balance & Composure,
Soccer Mommy, American Football,
Fiddlehead, Mannequin Pussy,
Militarie Gun, Sweet Pill, Anxious,
One Step Closer, Ovlov, Glare,
Enumclaw, Sadurn, Gouge Away,
Mini Trees, Great Grandpa, Dazy,
Wishy, My Fictions, Women in Peril,
& more TBA
@ Roadrunner
Tuesday, February 4th
Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains)
Filter
@ the House of Blues
Friday, February 7th
Rubblebucket
Hannah Mohan
@ Big Night Live
Monday, February 10th
Tim Heidecker
DJ Douggpound
@ the Royale
Tuesday, February 11th
Lauren Mayberry (Chvrches)
@ the Royale
Thursday, February 13th
Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)
@ the Cabot, Beverly
Saturday, February 15th
Travis
@ the Royale
Monday & Tuesday
February 17th & 18th
Jack White
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, February 22nd
Father John Misty
Destroyer
@ MGM Music Hall
Sunday, February 23rd
Jenny Owens Young
@ Club Passim
Thursday, February 27th
Pom Pom Squad
Caroline Kingsbury
@ the Sinclair
Friday, February 28th
The Bevis Frond
@ the Crystal Ballroom
Friday, March 7th
Michael Shannon, Jason Narducy,
& friends mark the 40th anniversary of
R.E.M.'s "Fables of the Reconstruction"
(and more) with opener Dave Hill
@ the Royale
Monday, March 10th
Kim Deal
@ the Wilbur
Friday, March 14th
Dropkick Murphys
Menzingers
Kilograms
Saturday, March 15th
Hovvdy
Video Age
@ the Middle East Downstairs
Saturday, March 15th
Dream Theater
40th Anniversary Tour
@ the Wang
Saturday, March 15th
Dropkick Murphys
Menzingers
Teenage Bottlerocket
@ MGM Music Hall
Sunday, March 16th
Dropkick Murphys
Bouncing Souls
Hot Water Music
Rebuilder
@ MGM Music Hall
Monday, March 17th
Dropkick Murphys
Bouncing Souls
Hot Water Music
Cody Nilson
@ House of Blues
Wednesday, March 19th
Quicksand
@ the Paradise
Thursday, March 20th
Neil Degrasse Tyson
@ the Wilbur
Sunday, March 23rd
Ida & Tsunami!
the Coin-Flip tour!
@ Crystal Ballroom
Thursday, March 27th
José González
@ the Cabot in Beverly
Saturday, March 29th
Maya Hawke
Katy Kirby
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, March 30th
The Hard Quartet
Sharp Pins
@ the Paradise
Saturday, April 5th
Snow Patrol
@ MGM Music Hall
Saturday, April 5th
Franz Ferdinand
@ the Orpheum
Tuesday, April 8th
Deftones
The Mars Volta
Fleshwater
@ TD Garden
Wednesday, April 9th
Kylie Minogue
@ the Garden
Thursday, April 10th
FACS
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, April 11th
Mogwai
@ the Paradise
Saturday, April 12th
Franz Ferdinand
@ the Orpheum
Sunday, April 13th
EXTC
(Terry Chambers & friends)
@ City Winery
Sunday, April 13th
Heart
@ Agganis Arena
Tuesday, April 15th
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
St. Vincent
@ Agganis Arena
Thursday, April 17th
Mercury Rev
@ Brighton Music Hall
Friday, April 18th
Mount Eerie
Hana Stretton
@ the Sinclair
Friday, April 18th
Bright Eyes
Cursive
@ House of Blues
Sunday, April 20th
Gang of Four
"The Long Goodbye" farewell tour
playing "Entertainment!" & more
@ the Crystal Ballroom
Wednesday, April 23rd
Dweezil Zappa
@ the Cabot, Beverly, MA
Wednesday, April 23rd
The Linda Lindas
Pinkshift
@ the Paradise
Friday & Saturday
April 25th & 26th
The Town and the City Festival!
@ various venues in Lowell
Saturday, May 17th
Amyl & the Sniffers
Sheer Mag
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, May 24th
The Wedding Present
"Bizarro" 35th Anniversary Tour
with The Tubs
@ the Sinclair
Friday, May 30th
Teddy Swims
@ Suffolk Downs
Friday, June 6th
The Ocean Blue
playing their self-titled LP
and their "Cerulean" LP
@ the Somerville Armory
Tuesday & Wednesday
June 10th & 11th
Queens of the Stone Age
@ MGM Music Hall
Monday, July 7th
OMD
@ House of Blues
Tuesday, July 15th
Weird Al Yankovic
@ the Wang
Friday & Saturday
July 18th & 19th
PIXIES
performing "Bossanova"
& "Trompe Le Monde" (18th)
and a set of classics (19th)
with Kurt Vile & the Violators
@ MGM Music Hall
Monday, July 21st
Ghost
@ TD Garden
Saturday, July 26th
Rod Stewart
Cheap Trick
@ the Xfinity Center
Tuesday, July 29th
Goo Goo Dolls
Dashboard Confessional
@ the Pavilion
Sunday, September 7th
My Chemical Romance
Idles
@ Fenway Park
