Bradley’s Almanac

[Nac Faves] My Favorite LPs of 2014

Posted on December 31, 2014 at 9:09 pm | 3 Comments

Close the book on another year, an unsettling one that won’t be missed by too many people I know. Myself included. Burn the old calendar, hang up the new one, shoot for some fresh starts and better perspectives. Hope may have been in short supply in 2014, but new-music-as-antidote sure wasn’t, so here are the long-players that made me feel better over the past 12 months.

As in previous years, it’s 20-ish favorite full-lengths in alphabetical order, along with some honorable mentions. I’ve never been a fan of relative ranking, nor whittling down to an arbitrary number, so don’t go arguing with me – I’m not saying these are the best, I’m saying they’re my favorites. Can’t argue with that. I’ll hopefully follow this up in a few days with a run down of some EPs, 7-inches, reissues, and live shows that stood out above the rest.


(the star of The Daily Tater)

Remarkably, I believe this was the first time in 14 years of keeping track that every single album I adored was available on vinyl. Makes me very happy, that does. What didn’t change was my predictable label-loyalty: Merge, Slumberland, Polyvinyl, Teen-Beat, Captured Tracks, all represented. As they probably will be next year. If we’re lucky.


My Favorite Music of 2014


Allo Darlin’“We Come From The Same Place”
[ on Slumberland Records ]

Another shining indie pop gem from these Londoners, and the soundtrack to a couple of very special nights this year, when the band I’m in got to open the final two dates of their month-long North American tour. To hear their new songs live in two very different venues was a real treat, and something I won’t soon forget.

Stream at Bandcamp / Buy at Slumberland


Alvvaysself-titled debut LP
[ on Polyvinyl Records ]

Okay, I’m going to try real hard not to gush here, but hyperbole is hard to resist: Toronto quintet Alvvays has crafted an absolutely stunning debut, one that captures everything I love about indie pop-rock: Infectious, uplifting guitar lines intertwined with gorgeous, often melancholy vocals that hit me straight in the heart. Molly Rankin’s melodies get lodged in your brain and linger for days, and even as I write this the songs are bouncing ’round my head. Perfect production and song arrangement, a remarkable attention to sonic detail, and dynamics that never feel forced. I love everything about this record, I could go on and on and on, but I’ll pick out one moment: There’s a spot near the end of “Party Police“, the album’s 5th track, where the band drops out and Rankin slightly alters the delivery of a repeated vocal line, hitting a higher note on the word ‘could’ just before the band comes back in. With that one choice, my band-crush was sealed. I’m a fan, forever.

Archie, Marry Me” = song-of-the-year candidate.

Stream at Soundcloud / Buy at Polyvinyl


David Bazan & Passenger String Quartet“Volume 1”
[ on Undertow ]

I’ve said it many times, might as well say it again here: I’m such a sucker for strings. So it’s no surprise that stripping down some of David Bazan’s best songs and rebuilding them with beautiful arrangements from the Passenger String Quartet resulted in a record I loved. Two opportunities to see them played live (first at Barsuk’s 2013 anniversary bash in Seattle, again a few months back in Arlington, MA) only deepened that love, so here’s hoping the “Volume 1” designation means we’ll be seeing a 2nd one.


(live version from July 27, 2012 at Cathedrals: Tacoma)

Stream and purchase at Undertow


Centro-matic“Take Pride In Your Long Odds”
[ on Undertow ]

A bittersweet release, marking the end of recorded output from one of my favorite bands. These Texas gents decided to pack it in this year, recently finishing up a cross-country farewell tour with some undoubtedly emotional hometown shows. Lucky for us, one of those goodbye stops was here at Great Scott in Allston, and it was glorious. They played a few songs from this record, and they stood solidly alongside their best. Leaving the stage on the highest of high notes, they’ll be much-missed, but hey, we’ll always have the records. For that, be grateful, and keep an eye on their individual musical endeavors.

Stream at Soundcloud / Buy at Undertow


Cheatahsself-titled debut LP
[ on Wichita Recordings ]

Calling them the ‘second coming of Swervedriver’ feels reductive, especially when Swervedriver themselves are readying a resurgence in 2015, but there’s no denying that they strike many of the same distorted chords. Cheatahs hit the harder side of the shoegaze wheelhouse, more rock than reverie, and I figure there’s not a lot of gazing at their shoes on stage. I missed my chance to see them live in 2014, not gonna let that happen again in the new year.

Stream at Purevolume / Buy at Wichita Recordings


Craft Spells“Nausea”
[ on Captured Tracks ]

A perfectly-placed next step for Justin Paul Vallesteros and his band, retaining the layered dreaminess that makes them so entrancing while widening their sonic palette just enough to surprise. Their songs transport, especially in a live setting, and I’m so glad it’s happening again very soon: In mid-March at Great Scott.

Stream more at Soundcloud / Buy at Captured Tracks


Ex Hex“Rips”
[ on Merge Records ]

Oh, Mary Timony, please never stop. From Autoclave, to Helium, through her solo work (just her on piano, guitar, then as a duo), she’s kept on keepin’ on for a couple decades now. Her full-band, rock-n-roll return with Wild Flag kicked off an exciting chapter in her career that ended (?) all too soon, and I was worried she’d retreat and regroup. She squashed those fears quickly with a couple of exciting Soundcloud shares as newly-christened trio Ex Hex – songs that got ’em signed to Merge and on the way to this energy-infused full-length. Retro and right-now all at once, their success bodes well for a nice long run. Fingers crossed this riff-filled record is just the first salvo.

Stream another track at Soundcloud / Buy at Merge Records


Exit/Verseself-titled debut
[ on Ernest Jenning Record Co. ]

The welcome return of former Karate/Secret Stars singer/songwriter Geoff Farina to a full-band scenario, bringing along a couple of ringers on rhythm (Pete Croke of Brokeback on bass, John Dugan of Chisel on drums) to make these new songs shine. There’s a raw, undeniable classic rock feel that just clicks, resulting in a timeless set that even your dad could love (yes, my actual Dad loves it). That ain’t an insult, my Dad’s got some damn good taste.

Stream full LP at Soundcloud / Buy at Ernest Jenning Record Co.


Gold-Bears“Dalliance”
[ on Slumberland Records ]

Yet another ace Slumberland release. Exuberant, energetic jangle-pop out of Atlanta – an American answer to the Wedding Present (the album is called “Dalliance” after all) that exceeds mere homage. Had the distinct pleasure of catching these guys at the Middlesex Lounge (RIP live shows at the Middlesex, btw) over the summer, hoping I get another shot soon.

Stream at Bandcamp / Buy at Slumberland


Hallelujah the Hills“Have You Ever Done Something Evil?”
[ on Discrete Pageantry Records ]

Oh, Hallelujah the Hills, how shall I praise thee? Two years after releasing what I called “their best album to date”, these local gents went ahead and upped the ante, by a major margin. “HYEDSE?” is easily their strongest, most confident collection of songs, and given how much I’ve loved the rest, that’s saying something. Just over a year ago I drove solo down to Plymouth, MA to see ’em play an AGP charity show with Krill and Guillermo Sexo, hearing many of the songs that would end up on “HYEDSE” for the first time. It was “Pick Up An Old Phone” that stood out, making me hanker for a recorded version ASAP. In May, they damn well delivered.

[MP3] Hallelujah the Hills – “Pick Up An Old Phone
(live in Plymouth, MA 12/7/2013)

Stream at Bandcamp / Buy at Discrete Pageantry


The Luxembourg Signalself-titled debut
[ on Shelflife Records ]

Sporting an impressive pedigree (with members of Aberdeen and Trembling Blue Stars), this LA-based sextet debuted with a stellar set of Sarah-Records-inspired dreampop, hitting a wealth of right notes in the shimmer-spectrum while weaving in a welcome variety of other influences. A record that took me by surprise in the best way. Another candidate for “song of the year”: “She Love To Feel The Sun“.

Buy at Shelflife Records


The New Pornographers“Brill Bruisers”
[ on Matador Records ]

Calling this a ‘return to form’ seems silly, given I’ve found something to love about every New Pornos record, but it sure feels like a distillation of everything that makes them great. But there is definitely an abundance of energy in “Brill Bruisers” that almost begs a reevaluation of the couple LPs prior. It sounds like they’re just having fun on this album, and it’s infectious.

Buy at Matador Records


+/- {Plus/Minus}“Jumping The Tracks”
[ on Teenbeat Records ]

Released in January, and criminally overlooked in the best-of-year posts I’ve seen so far, the long-in-the-making album hooked me straight away, immediately setting a high bar for 2014 out of the gate. It stayed in my headphones for weeks, revealing its depths while waiting for another LP to dislodge it. A melding of darkness and light, both beautiful and unsettling at once, buoyed by hook-laden guitar playing and absolutely meticulous production. And, oh, that drumming. I bow down to you, Chris Deaner. If there was one record that defined the year for me, this is it, and I hope the turn of the calendar sees them playing a few more live shows.

Stream the LP (with bonus tracks) at Soundcloud / Purchase from Teenbeat Records


Real Estate“Atlas”
[ on the Domino Record Co. ]

Real Estate’s third record took more time than expected to get under my skin, certainly longer than 2011’s “Days” did. While it wasn’t immediate as its predecessor, the extra listening effort paid off, and their show at the Sinclair in March had the new songs standing solidly among the rest.

Stream songs at Soundcloud / Buy from Domino


Shellac“Dude Incredible”
[ on the Touch & Go Records ]

Another abrasive, body-rattling smack upside the skull from the Chicago’s no-bullshit trio. There’s no band on Earth like the mighty Shellac, and there’s no point in anyone else even trying. They strip away the artifice of the record-producing machine – their albums appear as if by magic, with little fanfare and less promotion, kick everyone in the ass, and that’s just it. It’s all we need. Truths are revealed, conventions are challenged, heads are banged. Try driving under the speed limit while this album shakes your car windows. It ain’t easy.

Buy from Touch & Go


Survival Knife“Loose Power”
[ on the Sub Pop Records ]

Yes, I bow down at the altar of Unwound. Have for ages. I’ve long held that their swan-song, “Leaves Turn Inside You”, is one of the greatest collections of recorded music ever released. I still feel physical pain when I look at my unused ticket for my final chance to see them: September 11th, 2001 at the Middle East, a show that was called off just after they soundchecked, as I stood outside lost and looking for something to cling to.

Survival Knife’s arrival, studio output, and recent first-ever cross-country tour has gone a long way towards healing that open wound. No, they’re not Unwound, but with two ex-members and a sonic recipe that includes tension, restraint, and glorious release, there is undeniably some common DNA. They scratch a lot of the same itches, telling their songs as sonic stories as they eschew traditional structures while throwing in some metal for good measure. You’re not going to hear a lot of verse-chorus-verse, and you’re not going to miss it. Last month I got to see them live here in Boston, and I felt whole.

Stream another track at Soundcloud / Buy from Sub Pop


Withered Hand“New Gods”
[ on the Slumberland Records ]

I’ll take Dan Willson, aka Mr. Withered Hand, however he wants to present himself: Solo or with his full band, backed by a crack collection of ace players or just him, his guitar, and his singularly unique voice. My first thought on hearing he’d teamed up with beloved Slumberland Records was “perfect”, and so it was. My long-standing wish to see him perform finally came true this year when he played with his band at Chickfactor 22 last March, though a Withered Hand solo gig remains high on my live show bucket list. 2015, perhaps?

Stream more WH songs at Soundcloud / Buy from Slumberland


Wussy“Attica”
[ on the Shake It Records ]

Cincinnati’s Wussy, a band with a wealth of great records already under their belt, could easily rest on those laurels and put out just another solid collection of songs. Instead, they released an absolute stunner. “Attica” has some of the finest work they’ve ever done, including the album opener (“Teenage Wasteland“) and the closer (“Beautiful“), each of them candidates for personal song-of-the-year. How this band continues to plug along relatively unheralded is beyond me (though the efforts of CBS Saturday Morning to help remedy that was much appreciated).

Stream/buy at Bandcamp / Buy from Shake It


Wye Oak“Shriek”
[ on the Merge Records ]

I’ll admit it, I was scared. When I first heard that Wye Oak had ditched guitars in favor of bass and keyboards for their upcoming record, I had major doubts. As a longtime fanboy, I hadn’t met a Wye Oak release I hadn’t loved, and Jenn Wasner’s guitar played no small part in that. I’m generally averse to the bleep-bloop, so the prospect of its overuse had me prepared for disappointment.

Well, whaddya know, it turns out my fears were unfounded, and I should have trusted Andy & Jenn all along. Yes, the guitar may be gone, but the songs are still there – evocative, interesting, and just plain catchy, with Jenn’s vocals sounding better than ever, and Andy astonishing with his ever-inventive drum parts and rhythmic multi-tasking. They were able to somehow embrace a whole new sonic palette, nearly reinvent themselves, and succeed in ways I didn’t expect. I don’t just love this record, I love that I love this record. Proved that even my guitar-centric mind can be rewired at my advancing age.

Stream another song at Soundcloud / Buy from Merge Records


The honorable mentions…
(aka “albums I listened to a ton and could easily
have made the above list depending on my mood”)

The Afghan Whigs – “Do To The Beast”, Hiss Golden Messenger – “Lateness of Dancers, Mogwai – “Rave Tapes”, Anders Parker – “There’s A Blue Bird In My Heart”, Soccer Mom – self-titled debut, Sharon Van Etten – “Are We There”, Sleepyhead – “Wild Sometimes”, Pink Avalanche – “The Luminous Heart of Nowhere”


Favorite records that I played on…

Colin Clary – “Twee Blues Vol.1”, Let’s Whisper – “As Close As We Are” 10-inch

If you’re bored and looking to surf some history, have a look at my previous year-end fave lists: 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001.

Stop back in a few days, when I’ll hopefully have a follow-up post with a few EPs, 7-inches, reissues, and live shows that I loved in 2014. If I’m not already too deep into 2015, that is.

Best to you and yours in the new year. May it bring you all you desire, or at least none of the things you don’t.

Comments

3 Responses to “[Nac Faves] My Favorite LPs of 2014”

  1. Daniel
    January 3rd, 2015 @ 1:48 am

    I always appreciate your year-end reviews. Several of your previous collections have a permanent place on my ipod. Look forward to checking these bands out, and no doubt finding some new faves of my own. All the best in the New Year!

  2. John
    January 25th, 2015 @ 9:35 pm

    Thanks really enjoyed this list! Lots of new stuff to me. Cheers and here’s to a prosperous and peaceful 2015.

  3. Steve
    January 26th, 2015 @ 9:47 am

    Hey Brad – I haven’t listened to many on your list, but I just wanted to let you know that I had exactly the same experience with exactly the same moment of the Alvvays album. Wonderful stuff.

    Take care.

    S

  • BOSTON-AREA LIVE SHOW ACTION
    Wednesday, April 30th
    Twin Tribes
    Chameleons
    Vandal Moon
    House of Harm
    @ Big Night Live

    Thursday, May 1st
    Deep Sea Diver
    Byland
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Thursday, May 1st
    Red Baraat
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Thursday, May 1st
    Sharon Van Etten
    & the Attachment Theory
    Love Spells
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, May 2nd
    Bob Mould & his band
    J. Robbins & his band
    @ the Paradise

    Friday, May 2nd
    Shoney Lamar
    Lunch Mother
    Mike Sempert
    Husbands
    @ the Loft

    Saturday, May 3th
    Cheekface
    @ The Sinclair

    Saturday, May 3rd
    BADBADNOTGOOD
    Baby Rose
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, May 4th
    Actor/writer Ed Helms
    presents his new book "SNAFU"
    @ WBUR's CitySpace

    Sunday, May 4th
    Lou Barlow
    Bobby Bare Jr.
    Acoustic Song Swap!
    @ the Rockwell

    Sunday, May 4th
    The Queers
    @ the Middle East Upstairs

    Sunday, May 4th
    Tim Hecker
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Sunday, May 4th
    AC/DC
    @ Gillette Stadium

    Monday, May 5th
    Craig Thompson
    discussing
    "Ginseng Roots: A Memoir"
    @ Cambridge Public Library

    Tuesday, May 6th
    Dave Eggers
    signing
    "The Eyes & the Impossible"
    @ Harvard Book Store

    Wednesday, May 7th
    Japanese Breakfast
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Wednesday, May 7th
    Sea Wolf (solo)
    @ the Haymarket Lounge
    @ City Winery

    Wednesday, May 7th
    Love
    Johnny Echols
    @ City Winery

    Thursday, May 8th
    Melvins
    Napalm Death
    @ the Paradise

    Thursday, May 8th
    Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, May 9th
    DEVO
    "50 Years of De-Evolution...Continued!" @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, May 10th
    The Hilken Mancini Band
    (long-awaited LP release party!)
    with The Cujo (feat. Jen Trynin) &
    Mary Lou Lord with Annabelle Lord-Patey
    @ Sonia

    Saturday, May 10th
    Lady Pills
    @ Deep Cuts

    Saturday, May 10th
    William Tyler
    @ Warehouse XI

    Saturday, May 10th
    Advance Base
    Kristin Daelyn
    Puppy Problems
    @ the Cantab Lounge

    Saturday, May 10th
    Mallrat
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Sunday, May 11th
    Worriers
    Mint Green
    @ Deep Cuts

    Sunday, May 11th
    The Queers
    @ the Middle East

    Sunday, May 11th
    Baroness
    @ the Sinclair

    Monday, May 12th
    Kendrick Lamar
    SZA
    @ Gillette Stadium

    Tuesday, May 13th
    Mamalarky
    Kennedy Mann
    @ The Rockwell

    Wednesday, May 14th
    Ministry
    My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult
    Die Krupps
    @ Roadrunner

    Thursday, May 15th
    Pet Symmetry
    Pony
    Jimmy Montague
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Friday, May 16th
    The FUs
    Silver Screams
    Deprogrammer Cult
    The Angry-LAs
    @ Koto, Salem

    Saturday, May 17th
    Chris Brokaw (LP release!)
    Beth Kaplan
    Kathy Snax
    @ Streetcar in JP

    Saturday, May 17th
    Califone (full band)
    Dead Gowns
    @ the Rockwell

    Saturday, May 17th
    Sunflower Bean
    @ Deep Cuts

    Saturday, May 17th
    Superheaven
    Glare
    Spy
    Prize Horse
    @ the Royale

    Saturday, May 17th
    Amyl & the Sniffers
    Sheer Mag
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday & Sunday
    May 17th & 18th
    Amy Poehler & Tina Fey
    @ the Wang

    Sunday, May 18th
    Plight
    Bedroom Eyes
    The Dreamtoday
    Louder Joy (members of
    Taxpayer & Mean Creek)
    @ O'Brien's

    Monday, May 19th
    Joan Shelley
    @ Club Passim

    Monday, May 19th
    Model/Actriz
    AFK
    @ Deep Cuts

    Monday, May 20th
    Bimbo
    Slo-Anne
    Thought Partner
    @ Deep Cuts

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    May 20th & 21st
    Hamilton Leithauser
    (of the Walkmen)
    & Johanna Samuels
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, May 22nd
    Slide Away Presents:
    Swirlies
    Mark Robinson
    Her New Knife
    Beach-O (film)
    @ the Paradise

    Thursday, May 22nd
    Peter Bjorn and John
    "Writers Block" album tour
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, May 22nd
    Alison Bechdel
    (graphic novelist)
    presents "Spent"
    @ the Brattle

    Saturday, May 24th
    The Wedding Present
    "Bizarro" 35th Anniversary Tour
    with The Tubs
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
    May 23rd, 24th, & 25th
    Boston Calling Music Festival
    @ the Harvard Athletic Complex

    Saturday, May 24th
    Gibby Haynes & the
    Paul Green Rock Academy
    perform the music of
    The Butthole Surfers
    @ the Middle East Down

    Sunday, May 25th
    Volume
    @ the Middle East Up

    Wednesday, May 28th
    Scott Thompson
    (of Kids in the Hall)
    is Buddy Cole
    @ City Winery Boston

    Wednesday, May 28th
    Barry Manilow
    "the last Boston concert"
    @ the Garden

    Thursday, May 29th
    Annie Dirusso
    Squirrel Flower
    @ the Paradise

    Friday, May 30th
    Thalia Zedek Band
    record release show!
    with Vivid Bloom
    & Harsh Foxing
    @ O'Brien's

    Friday, May 30th
    Florist
    Allegra Krieger
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Friday, May 30th
    Orbit
    Eldridge Rodriguez
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, May 30th
    Teddy Swims
    @ Suffolk Downs

    Friday, May 30th
    OK GO
    @ the Royale

    Friday, May 30th
    Tennis
    Billie Marten
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, May 30th
    Bloc Party
    (performing "Silent Alarm" & more)
    with Blonde Redhead
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, May 31st
    Jet
    Band of Skulls
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, June 1st
    Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
    @ Roadrunner

    Tuesday, June 3rd
    Halsey
    Alvvays
    @ Xfinity Center

    Tuesday, June 3rd
    EARFULL Series
    Writers reading. Songwriters singing.
    with authors
    Nicole Graev Lipson
    & Jennifer Haigh
    and musicians
    Ava Valianti
    & Naseem Khuri
    @ Branch Line

    Wednesday, June 4th
    Young Widows
    Rid of Me
    Kal Marks
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Thursday, June 5th
    Screeching Weasel
    @ the Regent Theatre

    Thursday, June 5th
    Dean Wareham
    Escape-Ism
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, June 6th
    Aimee Mann
    Jonathan Coulton
    @ the Wilbur

    Friday, June 6th
    Jack's Mannequin
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, June 6th
    Sleigh Bells
    @ the Paradise

    Friday, June 6th
    The Ocean Blue
    playing their self-titled LP
    and their "Cerulean" LP
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Saturday, June 7th
    Dutch Interior
    @ Warehouse XI

    Saturday, June 7th
    Lily Seabird
    Hemlock
    @ the Lilypad

    Saturday, June 7th
    Toby Tantrum
    Sun Urchins
    Yoni Gordon
    Lunch Mother
    @ the Loft, Somerville

    Monday, June 9th
    Head North
    Good June
    Trash Sun
    Fun City Fan Club
    @ Warehouse XI

    Monday, June 9th
    Billy Corgan and
    the Machines of God
    @ the Paradise

    Tuesday, June 10th
    EARFULL Series
    Writers reading. Songwriters singing.
    with authors
    Ben Shattuck
    & Tova Mirvis
    and musicians
    Chris Harford
    & TAS Band Trio
    @ Branch Line

    Tuesday, June 10th
    Heart Attack Man
    The Dirty Nil
    Carpool
    Dear Seattle
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    June 10th & 11th
    Queens of the Stone Age
    The Kills
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday
    June 10th, 12th, & 13th
    Paul Simon
    @ the Wang

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    June 10th & 11th
    Queens of the Stone Age
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Wednesday, June 11th
    Turnover
    "Peripheral Vision" tour
    with Balance & Composure
    & Citizen
    @ the House of Blues

    Thursday, June 12th
    Clutch
    @ Lynn Auditorium

    Saturday, June 14th
    Shawn Colvin
    Rodney Crowell
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Sunday, June 15th
    Simple Minds
    Soft Cell
    Modern English
    @ Xfinity Center

    Sunday, June 15th
    Karate
    @ The Sinclair

    Tuesday, June 17th
    EARFULL Series
    Writers reading. Songwriters singing.
    with authors
    Michael Farris Smith
    & Ernest Thompson
    and musicians
    Michael Farris Smith
    & Samantha Farrell
    @ Branch Line

    Thursday, June 19th
    Tanya Donelly & friends
    with Danielle Miraglia
    @ the Burren Back Room

    Thursday, June 19th
    Blondshell
    Daffo
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, June 19th
    This Will Destroy You
    Jesse Beaman
    @ Sonia

    Saturday, June 21st
    BRADLEY'S ALMANAC
    (that's me) presents...
    SAVAK
    Lupo Citta
    The Whimbrels
    Andy Cohen (of Silkworm)
    @ O'Brien's

    Saturday, Jun 21st
    Hallelujah the Hills
    DECK release show
    with Bongwish and
    Choo Choo La Rouge
    @ Deep Cuts

    Sunday, Jun 22nd
    Todd Rundgren
    @ Cary Memorial Hall, Lexington

    Tuesday, June 24th
    EARFULL Series
    Writers reading. Songwriters singing.
    with authors
    Jessica Berger Gross
    & Jessica Shattuck
    and musicians
    Tenzin Chopak
    & The Starlings
    @ Branch Line

    Saturday, June 21st
    Outloud Music Festival
    with Kim Petras, Trixie Mattel (DJ set),
    Flo Milli, Rebecca Black, G Flip,
    Frankie Grande, Oompa, Hannah Rad,
    Big Body Kweeng, MATH3CA
    @ Suffolk Downs

    Wednesday, June 25th
    Deerhoof
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Wednesday, June 25th
    BABYMETAL
    Black Veil Brides
    Bloodywood
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Thursday, June 26th
    Faster Pussycat
    The Supersuckers
    The Rumours
    The Lonely Ones
    @ Koto in Lowell

    Thursday, June 26th
    Benmont Tench
    @ City Winery Boston

    Thursday, June 26th
    Counting Crows
    The Gaslight Anthem
    @MGM Music Hall

    Friday, June 27th
    Khruangbin
    John Carroll Kirby
    @ Suffolk Downs

    Saturday, June 28th
    Friendship
    2nd Grade
    @ Deep Cuts

    Saturday, June 28th
    Godspeed You! Black Emperor
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, June 28th
    Tree
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Sunday, June 29th
    Preoccupations
    @ the Middle East

    Tuesday, July 1st
    Julie Doiron
    Caged Animals
    @ the Middle East

    Sunday, July 6th
    Greg Norton & Büddies
    Celebrate 40 Years of Hüsker Dü
    @ Faces Brewing

    Monday, July 7th
    OMD
    @ House of Blues

    Tuesday, July 8th
    Lifeguard
    @ Deep Cuts

    Thursday, July 10th
    Wavves
    Beach Goons
    chokecherry
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, July 11th
    Winona Fighter
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, July 11th
    Cap'n Jazz
    Coffin Prick
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, July 11th
    Wu-Tang Clan (final tour)
    with Run the Jewels
    @ the Garden

    Tuesday, July 15th
    Weird Al Yankovic
    @ the Wang

    Tuesday, July 15th
    Daryl Hall
    Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze)
    @ Lowell Memorial Auditorium

    Wednesday, July 16th
    Shakey Graves
    Hovvdy
    @ the House of Blues Boston

    Wednesday, July 16th
    Tripping Daisy
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Wednesday, July 16th
    Mekons
    Johnny Dowd
    @ City Winery

    Thursday, July 17th
    Cyndi Lauper's
    Farewell Tour
    with Jake Wesley Rogers
    @ Xfinity Center

    Thursday & Friday
    July 17th & 18th
    The Lumineers
    Young the Giant (on the 17th)
    St. Vincent (on the 18th)
    Hippo Campus
    @ Fenway Park

    Friday, July 18th
    Samantha Crain
    @ Warehouse XI

    Friday, July 18th
    Dinosaur Jr.
    Snail Mail
    Easy Action
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday & Saturday
    July 18th & 19th
    PIXIES
    performing "Bossanova"
    & "Trompe Le Monde" (18th)
    with Momma opening
    and a set of classics (19th)
    with Kurt Vile & the Violators
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, July 19th
    Michael McColgan
    & the Bomb Squad
    with Badterms and
    Nick & the Adversaries
    @ the Middle East

    Saturday, July 19th
    Bad Moves (farewell tour)
    Theo Grizol (of Nana Grizol)
    @ Deep Cuts

    Saturday, July 19th &
    Friday, September 5th
    Men I Trust
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, July 20th
    Thus Love
    Lahnah
    @ O'Brien's

    Monday, July 21st
    Ghost
    @ TD Garden

    Wednesday, July 23rd
    Ben Folds & a Piano
    @ Shalin Liu, Rockport

    Thursday, July 24th
    Kesha
    Rose Gray
    @ the Xfinity Center

    Saturday, July 26th
    Toto
    Christopher Cross
    Men At Work
    @ Leader Bank Pavilion

    Saturday, July 26th
    Rod Stewart
    Cheap Trick
    @ the Xfinity Center

    Tuesday, July 29th
    Goo Goo Dolls
    Dashboard Confessional
    @ the Pavilion

    Wednesday, July 30th
    TV on the Radio
    @ Roadrunner

    Wednesday, July 30th
    The "Happy Together" Tour
    featuring The Turtles,
    Jay & the Americans,
    Little Anthony, Mark Lindsay
    (of Paul Revere & the Raiders),
    The Vogues, & the Cowsills
    @ Lynn Auditorium

    Wednesday, July 30th
    The Offspring
    Jimmy Eat World
    New Found Glory
    @ Xfinity Center

    Thursday, July 31st
    New Bob Turks
    The Drowns
    Static Friction
    @ Sonia

    Friday, August 1st
    LOST 80's LIVE
    with A Flock of Seagulls,
    Big Country, General Public,
    The Vapors, Belouis Some,
    The Icicle Works, China Crisis,
    Josie Cotton, Polecats,
    and more
    @ the Wang

    Friday, August 1st The Church @ the Somerville Theatre
    Saturday, August 2nd
    Pantera
    Amon Amarth
    @ Great Woods

    Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
    August 7th, 8th, & 9th
    Somergloom V festival
    in Somerville

    Friday, August 8th
    Stevie Nicks
    @ TD Garden

    Tuesday, August 12th
    John Moreland
    Jared Hart
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, August 13th
    Clipping.
    @ The Sinclair

    Wednesday, August 13th
    Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets
    @ The Center for Arts, Natick

    Friday, August 15th
    The Doobie Brothers
    The Coral Reefer Band
    @ Xfinity Center

    Saturday, August 16th
    The Black Keys
    Gary Clark Jr.
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, August 16th
    Architects
    Erra
    Holy Water
    @ House of Blues

    Saturday, August 16th
    Toad the Wet Sprocket
    KT Tunstall
    Six Pence None the Richer
    @ the Chevalier Theatre

    Saturday, August 23rd
    Tugboat Annie
    Vic Firecracker
    Forevers
    @ the Burren Back Room

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    August 26th & 27th
    James Taylor
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Friday, August 29th
    Nine Inch Nails
    @ the Garden

    Saturday, August 30th
    Coheed & Cambria
    Taking Back Sunday
    Foxing
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, Sept. 6th
    The 13th Annual JP Music Festival!
    @ Pinebank Field in JP

    Saturday, Sept. 6th
    Slow Crush
    Faetooth
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday & Sunday
    September 6th & 7th
    "Seisiún: a two-day Irish
    music & cultural gathering"
    6th: Dropkick Murphys,
    the Hold Steady, Stiff Little Fingers,
    The Scratch, The Rumjacks,
    Holy Locuts, & more
    7th: The Pogues, The Waterboys,
    Cardinals, Just Mustard,
    Lisa O'Neill, Mairead,
    John Francis Flynn, & more
    @ the Stage at Suffolk Downs

    Sunday, September 7th
    The Outlaw Music Festival
    10th Anniversary Tour
    @ the Xfinity Center

    Sunday, September 7th
    Rilo Kiley
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Sunday, September 7th
    My Chemical Romance
    Idles
    @ Fenway Park

    Tuesday, September 9th
    Mac DeMarco
    @ Roadrunner

    Thursday, Sept. 11th
    Sparks
    @ Berklee Performance Center

    Thursday, September 11th
    Bruce Dickinson
    (Iron Maiden)
    @ the House of Blues

    Friday, September 12th
    Superchunk
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, September 12th
    The Brian's Jonestown Massacre
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, September 12th
    Ethel Cain
    9million
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, September 12th
    Supergrass
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Friday, September 12th
    Saturday, September 13th
    Black Moth Super Rainbow
    Ricky Eat Acid
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, September 13th
    Pulp
    @ Suffolk Downs

    Sunday, Sept 14th
    Alabama Shakes
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Monday, September 15th
    PUP
    Jeff Rosenstock
    Ekko Astral
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, September 15th
    Steve Winwood
    @ The Cabot

    Wednesday, September 17th
    Alison Krauss & Union Station
    Willie Watson
    @ the Pavilion

    Thursday, September 18th
    Garbage
    Starcrawler
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, September 19th
    George Thorogood
    & the Destroyers
    @ Lynn Auditorium

    Sunday, September 21st
    Sebadoh
    @ the Middle East Downstairs

    Sunday, September 21st
    Shonen Knife
    @ Sonia

    Monday, September 22nd
    Elvis Costello & the Imposters
    "Radio Soul!" tour
    with Charlie Sexton
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, September 23rd
    The Minus 5
    The Baseball Project
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Tuesday, September 23rd
    Viagra Boys
    @ Roadrunner

    Thursday through Sunday
    Sept. 25th, 26th, 27th, & 28th
    John Mulaney
    "Mister Whatever" tour
    @ the Wang Theatre

    Friday, September 26th
    Stereolab
    The Memorials
    @ the Royale

    Saturday, September 27th
    Car Seat Headrest
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Thursday, October 2nd
    Elbow
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday & Sunday
    October 4th & 5th
    An Inconceivable Evening
    with Cary Elwes
    & a screening of
    The Princess Bride
    @ the Wilbur

    Monday, October 6th
    Swans
    @ the Paradise

    Wednesday, October 8th
    Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
    'Howl' 20th Anniversary Tour
    with Humanist
    @ House of Blues

    Wednesday, October 8th
    The Murder Capital
    @ Sonia

    Friday, October 10th
    Destroyer
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, October 11th
    Kneecap
    @ the House of Blues

    Sunday, October 12th
    The Miki Berenyi Trio
    (that's Miki from Lush)
    Gina Birch
    The Unreasonables
    @ the Sinclair

    Monday, October 13th
    My Morning Jacket
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, October 21st
    Everclear
    Local H
    Sponge
    @ Big Night Live

    Thursday, October 23rd
    Neko Case
    Des Demonas
    @ The Wilbur

    Thursday, October 23rd
    Belly
    "King" 30th Anniversary Tour!
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, October 25th
    Rufus Wainwright
    @ City Winery

    Saturday, October 25th
    Minus The Bear
    @ the House of Blues

    Monday, October 27th
    Autechre
    Mark Broom
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Wednesday, October 29th
    Herbie Hancock
    @ the Wang Theatre

    Wednesday, October 29th
    The Beta Band
    @ the Royale

    Friday & Saturday
    November 7th & 8th
    Steve Martin & Martin Short
    three shows @ the Wang

    Saturday, November 8th
    The Mars Volta
    @ House of Blues

    Thursday, November 13th
    Janeane Garofalo
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Saturday, November 22nd
    Couch
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, November 24th
    Patti Smith
    Horses 50th Anniversary Tour
    @ the Orpheum