Bradley’s Almanac

[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2016 (and, um, 2015 too)

Posted on January 31, 2017 at 12:27 pm | No Comments

Let’s list! While most music-centric sites try to get their faves posted by end-of-year, my goal is always to get this thing up sometime in January (made it). I listen to a ton of new music in December, and revisit early-year faves, so things never settle until the calendar turns. Should go without saying at this point (as with almost any list about anything ever) but these are not “the best”, these are “my favorites”. Albums I had time to hear and that demanded more once I did. The sounds that got me through. Because jeez, the year tried to set a high bar for brutal. And the new one is already clearing it.

Some years back, while posting yet another overdue annual musical faves wrap-up in a fast-fading February, I prefaced it with something like “… sharing this in March sure would have been embarrassing!” If that was true, imagine how I feel about punting for a whole year. Not that anyone noticed in the list flood we drown in, but yeah, I procrastinated 2015 entirely. First one I’ve missed in ages, but I’m going to remedy that now by posting a belated rundown below, alongside my 2016 faves.

So here they are, my favorite records from 2016 followed by those from 2015 – mostly long-players along with some short-players and comps. Read, explore, absorb, and click the label links to buy direct. Support those who make the music you love with your dollars, and no, streaming doesn’t count.

Stream a 32-track Soundcloud playlist of songs from most of the releases listed below.

Check out previous year-end faves lists: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001.


Favorite LPs of 2016


Eric Bachmann
“Eric Bachmann”
[ on Merge Records ]

The former Archers of Loaf frontman steps away from his Crooked Fingers moniker and offers up his strongest set of songs in years. I’ve had the pure pleasure of seeing him tour this record both solo (in my own damn livingroom) and with a full band, and each was equally magical. Cannot wait to hear what he does next.

[ Stream another track on Soundcloud / Buy direct from Merge ]


David Bazan
“Blanco”
[ on Barsuk Records ]

This LP started as a series of 7-inches in 2015, after which Bazan fleshed out his favorite tracks into this cohesive whole. Another captivating step in the sonic journey he’s been on since leaving the Pedro the Lion name behind.

[ Stream three songs on Soundcloud / Buy direct from Barsuk ]


Bent Shapes “Wolves of Want”
[ on Slumberland ]

Happiness is when one of your longtime favorite Boston-area bands hooks up with one of your all-time favorite record labels, and the recorded result is just as great as the team-up promised. Damn do I ever love this band.

[ Stream the whole LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Slumberland ]


Rob Crow’s Gloomy Place
“You’re Doomed Be Nice”
[ on Temporary Residence ]

After the worrying news that Pinback‘s Rob Crow was quitting music in 2015, seeing him return just a year later with such a strong record was a very welcome surprise.

[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Temp. Residence ]


DIIV“Is The Is Are”
[ from Captured Tracks ]

Zachary Cole and his cohorts followed up their 2012 debut with an extended record that doesn’t so much evolve their sound as refine it. That’s not a complaint – even if many DIIV songs sound the same, their original blueprint is a cut above: Sons of shoegaze with a knack for ear-grabbing guitar melodies and an energy that similarly-styled bands strive for. I could do without some of the peripheral hype and the occasional obnoxious, indie-star gossip-followers at their live shows (“Where’s Skkyyyyyyy?!” – ugh), but the record itself: Gold.

[ Stream two tracks on Soundcloud / Buy direct from Captured Tracks ]


Tanya Donelly“Swan Song Series” 3xLP/CD
[ on Laundromat Records ]

Stand-out record label American Laundromat did us all a favor by gathering, expanding, and beautifully packaging former Throwing Muses, Breeders, and (current!) Belly member Tanya Donelly’s self-released series of collaborative EPs into a triple LP collection. And what a list of collaborators: Belly bandmates Tom Gorman and Gail Greenwood, Muses bandmate David Narcizo, author Rick Moody, Robyn Hitchcock, John Wesley Harding, Fuzzy members Chris Toppin and Hilken Mancini, Bill Janovitz from Buffalo Tom, Claudia Gonson and Sam Davol of the Magnetic Fields, and many more. An all-star list if ever there was one.

[ Stream two tracks on Soundcloud / Buy direct from ALR ]


Dowsing“Okay”
[ on Asian Man Records ]

I’m relatively late to the Dowsing party – the Chicago trio has been putting out records since 2011, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I caught the track “Get Dead!” (from their first full-length) on SomaFM’s indispensable “Indie Pop Rocks” channel and fell hard. After inhaling their back catalog, I was psyched to see this excellent new record arrive last year. I’ll be around for whatever else comes.

[ Stream the “Okay” LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Asian Man ]


E“E”
[ on Thrill Jockey ]

Thalia Zedek has been making powerful music for a remarkable three decades, early on with the bands Live Skull and Uzi, then with 90s quartet Come, until settling into a steady run with the Thalia Zedek Band. It would have been easy for her to keep making great records with her eponymous combo (see below for another one), but instead she’s found herself in two additional productive projects, both very different from her own, and both f’in great. New trio E is one of ’em, and their pedigree is impressive: Thalia with Gavin McCarthy (ex-Karate) on the drum kit and Neptune’s Jason Sanford on his homemade, stringed contraption. I saw them live before I heard their stuff and was pretty well blown away. Their debut LP delivers.

[ Watch the Great Light” video on YouTube / Buy from Thrill Jockey ]


Field Music“Commontime”
[ on Memphis Industries ]

Another ace full-length from the brothers Brewis. Somehow they find the soul inside razor-sharp, precision playing. Seeing these guys perform is like watching a master-class in musicianship (and proper English manners), but there’s humanity in that technicality. Amazes me that they’re still playing places as small as Great Scott.

[ Stream a song on Soundcloud / Buy direct from Memphis Industries ]


Ghost Box Orchestra“High Plaine”
[ via Bandcamp & Evil Hoodoo ]

Doing our city proud, another solid release from this Boston-based psych-noise quintet. Powerful live shows with songs you can get lost in – epics that can both entrance and pummel you all at once. Keep it comin’, GBO.

[ Stream and buy the “High Plaine” LP at Bandcamp ]


Hallelujah the Hills
“A Band Is Something To Figure Out”
[ on Discrete Pageantry ]

Two years ago I called HtH’s previous record “their best album to date”, and that was two years after thinking that 2012’s “No One Knows What Happens Next” was their best album to date. So, yeah, take a guess what I though of their latest? Not sure how they keep upping their game, but I can probably just call whatever they release in 2018 their best ever. I’d say this is getting old, but no. No it’s not.

[ Stream and buy the album on Bandcamp ]


The James Rocket“Thrust”
[ via Bandcamp ]

Speaking of dependable, another stellar set of sharp GBV-styled rock-pop from the long-distance duo known as The James Rocket. Still frustrated that I’ve never had a chance to see their NYC-based full-band configuration on stage, but I’m holding out hope the timing works out this year.

[ Stream and buy “Thrust” on Bandcamp ]


Kristin Hersh“Wyatt at the Coyote Palace” CD/Book
[ on Omnibus Press ]

My long-standing love for all things Kristin Hersh is further deepened by her most ambitious and satisfying release in ages. That she’s able to up her game decades into her career is remarkable, and not just musically, but within the written words that have been accompanying her output. She makes her own rules, forges her own path, and I’ll be following whatever direction it takes.

[ Buy WatCP at her website / Stream songs on Soundcloud / Become a Strange Angel supporter ]


Kestrels“Kestrels”
[ on Sonic Unyon ]

Kestrels third full-length is a self-titled one, and the eponymous naming is appropriate – this record acts as a mission statement. They’ve perfected their rhythmic, powerful take on shoegaze, legitimate sons of Swervedriver and MBV but propulsive and exciting enough to rarely sound like a rehash.

[ Stream on Bandcamp / Buy from Sonic Unyon ]


Matt Pond PA“Winter Lives”
[ on 131 Records ]

This proper MPPA full-length has been a long time coming, and its release feels like a victory after some temporary renaming in the wake of drawn-out label drama. But it seems Matt, Chris, and their rotating crew of on-stage collaborators are finally free. Their recent Boston show featured perhaps the best backing band they’ve ever pulled together, and along with this record, it properly recharged my fandom. Get yourself on board by pitching in through Patreon.

[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from the band ]


Nada Surf“You Know Who You Are”
[ on Barsuk Records ]

Nada Surf just keeps on keepin’ on, dependable in their regular deliveries of melodic, ear-grabbing collections of rock-pop. No dramatic shifts in direction, but when you’ve got the formula down so well, why mess with it? They know who they are. And they’re still capable of delivering aural gems like “Rushing“. The 2012 addition of guitar-genius Doug Gillard to live shows (and the last couple LPs) certainly upped the ante, so here’s hoping he sticks around despite being pulled back into Robert Pollard’s orbit.

[ Stream a song on Soundcloud / Buy the LP from the band ]


The Needy Sons“Vis-A-Vis”
[ via Bandcamp ]

Mike Gent of the Figgs and Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom teamed up with the ace rhythm section of Ed Valauskas (The Gravel Pit/Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents) & Eric Anderson (Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents/Schnockered) for a Boston-based soopah-groop that’s been kicking around for a few years putting on killer rock-n-roll shows at area bars. A few studio recordings snuck out in 2015 through Bandcamp (see below) before they decided to put out a proper debut in the form of “Vis-A-Vis”. And proper it is. The opening track was an instant fave the first time I caught it live, so getting to hear it on demand is a regular joy.

[ Stream and buy the LP through Bandcamp ]


New Dog“Teeth Marks”
[ on Heart Of A Dog ]

Anar Badalov (ex-Metal Hearts/Travels), aka New Dog, follows up 2015’s excellent “Classic Ballroom Dances” with an even better full-length in the form of “Teeth Marks”. Both beautiful and haunting, soothing and unsettling, there’s quiet power in both the production and performance. Keep an eye on his Bandcamp page for randomly-released singles and covers (such as last August’s Running At Night).

[ Stream and buy “Teeth Marks” at Bandcamp ]


Nocturnal Habits“New Skin For Old Children”
[ on Glacial Pace ]

What a gift. As an unabashed Unwound fanboy who believes their final LP (2001’s “Leaves Turn Inside You”) was an unqualified masterpiece, I’ll listen to anything and everything the former bandmates put out. The 2011 formation of Survival Knife supplied a satisfying fix of Justin Trosper’s songwriting, and I assumed we’d get an eventual follow-up to that band’s great 2014 debut LP, “Loose Power”. Then, outta nowhere, Nocturnal Habits is born. Not only is Justin at the helm, but his collaborators include incredible Unwound drummer Sara Lund and Melvins’ Dale Crover. As much as I love Survival Knife, “New Skin For Old Children” feels like the spiritual and sonic successor to “Leaves…”, and like I said… a gift.

[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Glacial Pace ]


Peyton Pinkerton“Rapid Cycler”
[ on Darla Records ]

Former New Radiant Storm King co-captain Peyton Pinkerton follows up his 2013 solo debut with a second stellar set of his distinctive songs, showing off some wide-ranging influences, masterful guitar skills, and deft home production skills. Without regular live gigs or a promotional machine behind him, Peyton’s output runs the risk of being criminally under-heard, so do your part to help fight crime and dig in.

Read a new interview about the LP at MassLive, and check out my 2013 chat with him here.

[ Hear song samples & buy direct from Darla Records ]


Pinkshinyultrablast“Grandfeathered”
[ on Club AC30 ]

My favorite Russian shoegaze band. Well, also the only Russian shoegaze band I know, but I can’t imagine there being a better one. Propulsive noise-pop-chaos behind ethereal, entrancing female vocals. Love this band, and hoping they make it to the States before we shut down immigration entirely. Sigh.

[ Stream some songs on Soundcloud / Buy direct from Club AC360 ]


Radio Dept.“Running Out Of Love”
[ on Labrador Records ]

For me, the long wait between Radio Dept. albums has never resulted in a let down. So far we’ve seen gaps of 3 years, then 4 years, and for this one 6 years. They’ve got such a knack for mood and melody that even shifting the balance from guitars to electronics on some songs retains their singular, identifiable sound. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that their decaying release trend doesn’t continue, and we see another record before this decade is done.

[ Stream some songs at Soundcloud / Buy direct from Labrador ]


Savak“Best of Luck In Future Endeavors”
[ on Comedy Minus One ]

I randomly heard the Savak track “Reaction” last Spring without any context whatsoever – didn’t know who was in the band, no clue where they were from, or what label they had hooked up with – and I dug it immediately. Once I got the facts, that instant love came as no surprise: Members of Obits, Ted Leo’s Pharmacists, Edsel, The Make-Up & Holy Fuck with an album on the way from ace label Comedy Minus One. To say I was positively predisposed is an understatement. The entire LP lives up to the pedigree. Stream it below for proof.

[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Comedy Minus One ]


Split Single“Metal Frames”
[ on Inside Outside Records ]

I completely missed out on Jason Narducy’s time in the band Verbow, and ashamedly his 2014 debut LP as Split Single escaped my radar as well. To me he was mostly “Bob Mould’s awesome bass player” and then the guy who had the unenviable task of filling Laura Ballance’s shoes in the live version of Superchunk (and fill them he damn well did). It was last Spring’s Pledgemusic campaign to finish up “Metal Frames” that woke me to his songwriting skills, and after inhaling his debut I jumped on board funding full-length #2. Every taste he gave of the record as it progressed blew me away – and the final result is as strong and cohesive a collection of songs as I heard all last year, start to finish. He’s no longer “that guy on bass”, but instead a guy who makes bands better in between releasing his own awesome albums. Just let me know when I can pitch in for #3.

[ Stream “Metal Frames” on Soundcloud / Buy the album direct ]


Suburban Living“Almost Paradise”
[ on 6131 Records ]

That thing where you think you’ve discovered a brand new band only to realize they’ve been around for years. Well, when I say “they”, I mean Wesley Bunch, the driving force behind Philly’s Suburban Living. He released his first songs in 2011 while based in Virginia, and the internet says I missed him and his band when they played nearby at Allston’s Great Scott in 2013. I’ve made up for that by seeing them a couple times since the 2015 release of their self-titled debut (a fave from that year – see below). That record grabbed me from the get go, and last year’s follow-up solidified my fandom. Crackling, catchy songs that mix just the right amount of 80s-pop with 90s-indie influences. Ear worms that dig in and crawl around your head long after you’ve heard ’em.

[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy it direct from 6131 Records ]


Tancred“Out of the Garden”
[ on Polyvinyl ]

As a longtime Now Now fan, I first became aware of Jess Abbott when she joined the band as a guitarist back in 2009 – making an already-great band even better. Given what an impact her playing and backing vocals had, it shouldn’t have surprised me that her own material would be so strong. This third full-length builds on the strengths of her first two: Utterly infectious indie-rock with fantastic vocals and pop hooks galore. This one feels a bit more cohesive, more fleshed-out production wise, and lyrically she’s stepped it up a notch. Reminds me of the best 90s-era alt-pop-rock combos (Tuscadero, Letters to Cleo, Veruca Salt, etc), without being any kind retread.

[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Polyvinyl ]


Teenage Fanclub“Here”
[ on Merge Records ]

One of those rare bands whose album releases (and live shows) are infrequent enough that they feel like true ‘events’. It seems insane that I’ve been listening to them for 25 years now, but here we are. “Here” didn’t grab me as quickly as some of their previous LPs, but it eventually set down roots that dug even deeper after seeing them live last October. The songs washed over me – I wanted that show to last forever. Come back soon, guys.

[ Watch the video for “I’m In Love / Buy direct from Merge ]


Terry Malts“Lost At The Party”
[ on Slumberland Records ]

This record hit me like a brick to the brow. It takes a lot to get a ‘wow’ out of me these days (reminder: increasingly old & jaded), but this one did it. Full of energy, powerfully angular at times but criminally catchy when it wants to be. A recording that captures the sound of goddamn band in action. I never numerically order these lists, but if I was pressured to pick an LP that defined 2016 for me, most days this would be the one.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Slumberland ]


Washer“Here Comes Washer”
[ on Exploding In Sound ]

Another worthy addition to the Exploding In Sound roster, Brooklyn duo Washer’s debut full-length delivers on the promise of their killer 2014 EP and a couple of ace split 7-inches. 14 songs in less than 30 minutes, ranging from deceptively simple to slightly more complex arrangements, they’re one of those rare duos that sound fuller than most trios, and not just on record.

[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Exploding In Sound ]


Wedding Present“Going, Going…”
[ on Scopitones ]

Unlike most other Weddoes records, this one took awhile to get into. I blame the first four tracks: A quartet of varied instrumentals. That’s an unusual choice for a band that relies on David Gedge’s distinctive vocals and rocky-relationship lyricism, but once the ‘proper’ songs kick in, it’s a corker. Some of Gedge’s strongest songs in years, so try skipping those first four after your first listen, or just put the digital version on random play. That’ll do it.

[ Stream some tracks on Soundcloud / Buy direct from the band ]


Wussy“Forever Sounds”
[ on Damnably ]

It’s no easy feat to follow up what many called your breakthrough record (2014’s “Attica!”), but Wussy proves they’ve hit a creative stride and aren’t letting up. “Forever Sounds” is just as vital an LP, equal parts urgency and beauty, and quintessentially American. Their years of experience (in the ‘business’ and on the road) yields serious dividends we’re all lucky to share in. Bostonians were spoiled last year with two amazing live shows in the span of four months. Can’t wait for the comeback.

[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Damnably ]


Wye Oak“Tween”
[ on Merge Records ]

Wye Oak further justify my ever-lasting faith by collecting a batch of songs that couldn’t find a home on a proper release, only to end up with an album that sounds more ‘proper’ than most. Cuts that could have been cast-offs are far from it, and side-by-side they show off the range they’re able to cover, from organic to the electronic, and all keepers.

[ Watch “Watching The Waiting” video on YouTube / Buy from Merge ]


Thalia Zedek Band“Eve”
[ on Thrill Jockey ]

Thalia Zedek finds herself on this list twice, and after the year she’s had, she damn well deserves it. Though TZ been spending more time in both E (see above) and Dyr Faser lately, the long-running band that carries her name feels like the unfiltered representation of her art. She’s got some of the Boston-area’s best musicians behind her to bring it to life, and they’ve been together long enough to make it seem effortless. There was a moment, last year, after seeing them play for the umpteenth time, that I just stood there in awe, realizing it was the best I’ve ever seen them on stage. And that’s saying something.

[ Stream the “Eve” LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from Thrill Jockey ]



Favorite Short-Players of 2016


Allo Darlin’“Hymn on the 45” (7-inch series)
[ via WIAIWYA ]

Big sigh. The very last we’ll ever hear from Allo Darlin’. Two songs that put the perfect bow on the gift that was their entire existence. I loved this band, I’ll keep loving this band on record, and I’ll never forget the shows. It was a true honor to open for them a couple times, something I’ll forever count as a highlight of my modest little musical career. Farewell, darlins.

[ Listen & buy digitally on Bandcamp ]


50 Foot Wave“Bath White” EP
[ on Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records ]

The second musician who finds herself on this list in two different projects, Kristin Hersh keeps funneling her more aggressive side through the power-trio that is 50 Foot Wave. I feel like they get overshadowed by her solo work and Throwing Muses output, but they’re an important aspect of her songwriting personality, offering up an entirely different kind of aural intensity.

[ Stream and buy the “Bath White” EP on Bandcamp ]


Film School“June” EP
[ self-released digitally via iTunes/Spotify/etc ]

This one came outta nowhere. I thought the San Francisco quintet had called it quits back in 2011, so news last year of a new EP was a very welcome surprise indeed. As satisfying as it was, hopes are high that it’s just a teaser for a full-length to follow.

[ Stream the entire “June” EP on Soundcloud ]


Lush“Blind Spot” EP
[ self-released ]

While seminal shoegazers Ride and Slowdive reunited and stuck around with the promise of new music, Lush reformed and immediately gave us an EP of new material that featured on their now-finished comeback tour. And unlike their sister-bands, they’ve already headed back into the sunset, calling it quits once again in the wake of bassist Phil King’s exit from the band. The reunion was short, but very, very sweet, and this EP was a welcome part of it.

[ Watch the Out of Control” video / Buy the EP from the band ]


Mint Mile“The Bliss Point” EP
[ on Comedy Minus One (vinyl) & digitally via Bandcamp ]

In the wake of Bottomless Pit‘s self-imposed hiatus in 2014, co-frontmen (and ex-Silkworm guys) Andy Cohen and Tim Midyett have thankfully kept on with the music-making separately – Cohen with fellow BP member Brian Orchard in Light Coma (new LP soon on CMO), and Midyett under the moniker Mint Mile. Having combined my 2015 & 2016 faves into this single post, you’ll see both Mint Mile 12-inches listed: 2015’s debut EP (“In Season and Ripe”) below, and the sophomore set, last year’s “The Bliss Point” EP. So far, I’m digging this whole “one EP per year” plan, especially when they’re as solid as these first two, and when each includes contributions from TM’s pool of talented musician-friends. Wouldn’t turn down a full-length, though.

[ Stream the EP on Bandcamp / Buy both EPs from Comedy Minus One ]



Favorite Compilations/Tributes of 2016


“Constant and True – a Tribute to the Songs of Rose Melberg”
[ via February Records ]

My art-crush on Rose Melberg is unending, and her voice, whether solo or in a band, has been a steady presence in my life for 20-something years. So I’m smack dab in the middle of the target market for a tribute album, even if it didn’t have some of my favorite people playing on it. Which this one does. My pals in the Smittens and the wonderful Emma Kupa (Mammoth Penguins/ex-Standard Fare) are among a stellar lineup of artists paying homage to all things Rose. Interpretations of her solo songs, Softies songs, Go Sailor songs, Tiger Trap songs… just about every base is covered here with care, respect, and with one of her favorite subjects, love.

[ Stream and buy the tribute on Bandcamp ]


“Say Yes! A Tribute To Elliott Smith”
[ via American Laundromat ]

We’re over 13 years removed from the sudden loss of Elliott Smith and it still hurts like it happened yesterday. It was tough to listen to his songs for awhile afterwards, and I still can’t do so without deep sadness. This beautiful tribute does his memory and unmatched talent justice – respectful interpretations of some of his best work by an impressive lineup, some straightforward, some less so, all presented in an immaculately-designed package. I bristled a bit when I heard an Elliott tribute was on the way, but then I heard it was from American Laundromat, and knew it would be done just right.

[ Stream the LP on Soundcloud / Buy direct from ALR ]


“Continental Drift”
[ via Slumberland / Fortuna POP! ]

Two top-notch labels team-up for a 4-band, 8-song mini-LP that is remarkable in its quality and cohesiveness. This is no mere “label sampler” – the exclusive tracks could easily have lived on any of these artists’ own full-lengths. If you’re unfamiliar with any or all of those involved, take a listen and find yerself some new faves.

[ Stream three tracks on Soundcloud / Buy direct from Slumberland ]



Favorite “Works In Progress” of 2016


Gregory and the Hawk“On the Orange Mountain”
[ via Patreon ]

Meredith Godreau is Gregory and the Hawk, and her latest work is being created and shared in a truly unique way: Outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, one song at a time, recorded live on video and released monthly. She’s up to eight songs so far, with two more to go, and each offering is more moving than the last. A truly special way of releasing an ‘album’, and following along has been pure pleasure. Join in at the link below.

[ Follow and support GatH’s journey on Patreon ]

And for the record, my favorite music from the year 2015. These are without commentary, otherwise I’d end up finishing this sometime in 2018…


Favorite LPs of 2015


Courtney Barnett
“Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit”
[ on Mom and Pop Music ]

[ Stream her songs on Soundcloud / Buy the LP from Mom and Pop ]


Beach Slang
“The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us”
[ on Polyvinyl Records ]

[ Stream at Bandcamp / Buy from Polyvinyl ]


Built To Spill“Untethered Moon”
[ on Warner Bros. Music ]

[ Stream on YouTube / Buy from Amazon ]


Caspian“Dust and Disquiet”
[ on Triple Crown Records ]

[ Stream and buy on Bandcamp / Buy through Hello Merch ]


The Fireworks“Switch Me On”
[ on Shelflife Records ]

[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp / Buy at Buy from Shelflife ]


Funeral Advantage“Body Is Dead”
[ on Native Sound / Disposable America ]

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy from Native Sound ]


Hop Along“Painted Shut”
[ on Saddle Creek ]

[ Stream songs at Bandcamp / Buy from Saddle Creek ]


Knife Pleats“Hat Bark Beach”
[ on Lost Sound Tapes ]

[ Stream at on Bandcamp / Buy at Lost Sound ]


Krill“A Distant Fist Unclenching”
[ on Exploding In Sound ]

[ Stream at Bandcamp / Buy at Exploding In Sound ]


Low“Ones and Sixes”
[ on Sub Pop ]

[ Stream on YouTube / Buy from Sub Pop ]


Mac McCaughan“Non-Believers”
[ on Merge Records ]

[ Stream songs on Soundcloud / Buy from Merge ]


Moonsocket“Eurydice”
[ on Noyes Records ]

[ Stream at Impose Magazine / Buy from Noyes Records ]


Palehound“Dry Food”
[ on Exploding In Sound ]

[ Stream at Bandcamp / Buy from Exploding In Sound ]


Philosophical Zombie
“Loneliness Is Blue And Not Blue”
[ on Killer Wail Records ]

[ Stream & buy on Bandcamp ]


Speedy Ortiz“Foil Deer”
[ on Carpark Records ]

[ Stream at Bandcamp / Buy from Carpark ]


The Spook School“Try To Be Hopeful”

[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]


Stove“Is Stupider”
[ on Exploding In Sound ]

[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]


Suburban Living“Suburban Living”
[ on Papercup Music ]

[ Stream a couple songs & buy from Papercup Music ]


Swervedriver“I Wasn’t Born to Lose You”

[ Stream a song at Soundcloud / Buy at the band’s website ]



Favorite Short-Players of 2015


David Bazan“Bazan Monthly: Volume 2” (7-inch series)
[ via Undertow ]

Long-since sold out, but many were included in reworked
form on his latest record, “Blanco”
, one of my faves of 2016.


Mint Mile“In Season & Ripe” 12″ EP
[ on Comedy Minus One ]

[ Stream at Bandcamp / Buy via Bandcamp or Comedy Minus One ]


Needy Sonsdigital singles
[ self-released through Bandcamp ]

These songs were released digitally throughout the year, and
were later reworked to become part of their full-length debut
(see above – one of my faves from 2016).

I’m giddy about what 2017 promises: Planned & potential new recordings/shows from Ride, Slowdive, Buffalo Tom, Versus, Jeremy Enigk, Will Johnson, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The New Pornographers, The Wrens (at last!), The New Year, Overseas, the resurrections of both Land of Talk (!!) and Flower (?!), and incredibly, rumblings of activity from the much-missed American Analog Set (!!!!). Oh, my heart.

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  • Handy links

  • BOSTON-AREA LIVE SHOW ACTION
    Monday, March 20th
    Bruce Springsteen
    & the E Street Band
    @ TD Garden

    Tuesday, March 21st
    EARFULL - words & music
    from author Lauren Acampora,
    composer Mason Darin with guest
    Jeanie Stahl, writer/director
    John Sayles, and musician Lizje
    @ the Burren Backroom

    Saturday, March 25th
    Bird Streets (duo show)
    @ the Village Social Club
    inside Garrison House, Brookline

    Saturday, March 25th
    Yoni Gorden's
    "Courtship"Record Release show!
    with Kathy Snax and visuals
    by Alison Tanenhaus & Vidumami
    @ Boston Funk, Beach St.

    Saturday, March 25th
    Addie
    Chris Normann
    Thumber
    @ EXIT Galleries

    Sunday, March 26th
    Andy Cohen
    (Silkworm/Bottomless Pit)
    Chris Brokaw
    @ an Allston living room

    Tuesday, March 28th
    Sunset Rubdown
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Tuesday, March 28th
    The Residents
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, March 30th
    Will Johnson
    @ an Allston living room

    Thursday, March 30th
    The Murder Capital
    Pet Fox
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, March 31st
    The Church
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, March 31st
    Jukebox The Ghost
    @ the Royale

    Sunday, April 2nd
    Robyn Hitchcock
    Kelley Stoltz
    @ City Winery

    Monday, April 3rd
    Tennis
    Kate Bollinger
    @ the House of Blues

    Tuesday, April 4th
    Jason Narducy (Split Single,
    Superchunk, Bob Mould Band)
    with a string section
    live in Somerville
    @ A Curated World

    Thursday, April 6th
    Rick Berlin w/Orchestra Luna,
    Berlin Airlift, & Nickel & Dime Band,
    with guests The Sheila Divine,
    Hallelujah the Hills, & Nervous Eaters
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Thursday, April 6th
    Jake McKelvie &
    the Countertops
    with Thalia Zedek
    @ Notch Brewing, Brighton

    Thursday, April 6th
    Caroline Rose
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, April 7th
    Laura Stevenson
    "Wheel" 10th Anniversary
    Kayleigh Goldsworthy
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, April 8th
    Dear Nora
    (Katy Davidson solo)
    @ Gallery 263

    Saturday, April 8th
    Sleaford Mods
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, April 8th
    Emma Ruth Rundle
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Sunday, April 9th
    Bikini Kill
    @ Roadrunner

    Thursday, April 13th
    Andrew Bird
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Thursday, April 13th
    Jake McKelvie &
    the Countertops
    with Dutch Tulips
    @ Notch Brewing, Brighton

    Friday, April 14th
    U.S. Girls
    Jane Inc.
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, April 14th
    Radio Compass
    @ Faces Brewing, Malden

    Friday, April 14th
    Widowspeak
    Duster
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, April 15th
    Raw Bell
    Unmade Bed
    The Mystery
    @ the Jungle

    Saturday, April 15th
    Harris
    Sidewalk Driver
    Stars Like Ours
    Aaron and the Lord
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Sunday, April 16th
    Codeine
    Barbara Manning
    @ the Sinclair

    Sunday, April 16th
    Peter Case
    Ben de la Cour
    @ Atwood's Tavern

    Sunday, April 16th
    Dead Can Dance
    @ the Wang

    Wednesday, April 19th
    Sloan
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Thursday, April 20th
    Black Flag
    @ the Middle East Down

    Thursday, April 20th
    Jake McKelvie &
    the Countertops
    with Puppy Problems
    and Slim Volume
    @ Notch Brewing, Brighton

    Friday, April 21st
    Boyscott
    Nova One
    Lady Pills
    @ the Lilypad

    Friday, April 21st
    The Feelies
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, April 21st
    Fruit Bats
    @ the Royale

    Saturday, April 22nd
    Nora O'Connor
    special intimate solo show
    @ in Somerville

    Saturday, April 22nd
    Joywave
    Elliot Lee
    @ the Royale

    Saturday, April 22nd
    Unknown Mortal Orchestra
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, April 23rd
    Skinny Puppy
    @ House of Blues

    Sunday, April 23rd
    M83
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, April 24th
    Stay In Nothing
    Wavier Wire
    Indoor Friends
    The Dream Today
    @ the Silhouette Lounge

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    April 25th & 26th
    Built to Spill
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, April 26th
    Andy Shauf
    @ the Royale
    Thursday, April 27th
    Jake McKelvie &
    the Countertops
    with Andy Cohen (of
    Silkworm & Bottomless Pit)
    and Ezra Cohen &
    the Big City Band
    @ Notch Brewing, Brighton

    Friday & Saturday
    April 28th & 29th
    The Town & the City Festival
    with so many artists, including...
    Buffalo Tom, Ted Leo, John Doe Trio,
    Vapors of Morphine, Rhett Miller,
    Pile, Dave Herlihy (O Positive),
    Robin Lane, Justine & the Unclean,
    and many, many more
    @ lots of walkable Lowell, MA venues

    Saturday, April 29th
    Screaming Females
    Iron Chic
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Saturday, April 29th
    Lucius
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, April 30th
    John Vanderslice
    intimate solo show
    @ somewhere in Somerville

    Sunday, April 30th
    Placebo
    Deap Vally
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, May 1st
    Mill Pond Falls
    Norris The Terrible
    Modern Day Idols
    Jim Healey
    @ the Silhouette

    Monday, May 1st
    Pedro The Lion
    performing
    "It's Hard To Find A Friend"
    and "Control" in full
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, May 3rd
    The Natural Lines
    (ex-Matt Pond PA)
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, May 5th
    Fever Ray
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, May 6th
    DARK SPRING BOSTON
    @ the Middle East Down

    Saturday, May 6th
    Cathedral Ceilings
    Hilken Mancini Band
    Lupo Citta
    @ the Midway

    Saturday, May 6th
    Muna
    Nova Twins
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, May 6th
    David Cross
    Sean Patton
    @ the Wilbur

    Sunday, May 7th
    Meg Baird
    Damon & Naomi
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Sunday, May 7th
    Goth Babe
    flipturn
    Yoke Lore
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, May 7th
    Pixies
    Franz Ferdinand
    Bully
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Wednesday, May 10th
    Natalie Merchant
    @ the Emerson Colonial

    Thursday, May 11th
    Chisel
    Hilken Mancini Band
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, May 11th
    Graham Nash
    @ the Cabot, Beverly

    Friday, May 12th
    The Lemon Twigs
    Josephine Network
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, May 13th
    The Hold Steady
    Dinosaur Jr.
    Come
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, May 15th
    Radio Compass
    @ Charlie's Kitchen

    Monday, May 15th
    The New Pornographers
    Wild Pink
    @ the Royale

    Wednesday, May 17th
    Feist
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Thursday, May 18th
    The Pernice Brothers
    perform "Overcome By Happiness"
    (with a string section!)
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
    May 19th, 20th, & 21st
    Taylor Swift
    Phoebe Bridgers
    Gayle
    @ Gillette Stadium

    Sunday, May 21st
    Blink 182
    Turnstile
    @ the Garden

    Wednesday, May 24th
    Beach Bunny
    Pup
    Pool Kids
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, May 29th
    An Attendant Ana
    Adult Learners
    Hands and Knees
    @ O'Brien's

    Tuesday, May 30th
    Frank Turner
    The Interrupters
    Laura Jane Grace
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, May 30th
    Crowded House
    @ the Wang

    Wednesday, May 31th
    Sisters of Mercy
    @ Big Night Live

    Wednesday, May 31th
    Fenne Lily
    Christian Lee Hutson
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, June 2nd
    The Album Leaf
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Friday, June 2nd
    Bruce Cockburn
    @ the Cabot, Beverly

    Saturday, June 3rd
    AJJ
    Oceanator
    Gladie
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, June 8th
    Pixies
    Franz Ferdinand
    Bully
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Friday, June 9th
    Tina Fey & Amy Poehler
    "Restless Leg Tour"
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, June 10th
    Bryan Adams
    Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
    @ TD Garden

    Friday & Saturday
    June 16th & 17th
    Chris Smither
    @ Club Passim

    Friday, June 16th
    Steve Lacy
    James Blake
    Toro y Moi
    Fousheé
    @ the Stage @ Suffolk Downs

    Saturday, June 17th
    LCD Soundsystem
    Jamie xx
    Idles
    L'Rain
    @ the Stage @ Suffolk Downs

    Sunday, June 18th
    boygenius
    Clairo
    Dijon
    Bartees Strange
    @ the Stage @ Suffolk Downs

    Sunday, June 18th
    The Cure
    The Twilight Sad
    @ Xfinity Center

    Wednesday, June 21st
    Wednesday
    Tenci
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, June 22nd
    Tiny Habits
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, June 24th
    Teen Suicide
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, July 1st
    Sparks
    @ the Wilbur

    Saturday, July 15th
    Jenny Lewis
    Cass McCombs
    Hayden Pedigo
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, July 15th
    Counting Crows
    Dashboard Confessional
    Frank Turner
    @ the Pavilion

    Saturday, July 15th
    Noel Gallagher's
    High Flying Birds
    with Garbage
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Sunday, July 16th
    Braid
    "Frame & Canvas"
    25th Anniversary Tour
    with guests
    @ the Sinclair

    Sunday, July 16th
    First Aid Kit
    The Weather Station
    @ Roadrunner

    Tuesday, July 18th
    Panda Bear & Sonic Boom
    with Braxe + Falcon
    @ the Paradise

    Tuesday, July 18th
    Cake
    @ the Pavilion

    Monday & Tuesday
    July 24th & 25th
    Le Tigre
    @ the Royale

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    July 25th & 26th
    Billy Strings
    @ the Pavilion

    Thursday, July 27th
    Jason Isbell and
    the 400 Unit
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, August 5th
    Mellow Bravo
    Cask Mouse
    Hayley Thompson-King
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, August 5th
    Foreigner
    Loverboy
    @ Xfinity Center

    Friday, August 11th
    Band of Horses
    The Revivalists
    @ the Pavilion

    Friday, August 11th
    Glen Hansard &
    Marketa Irglova
    (of the Swell Season)
    @ the Wang

    Saturday, August 19th
    Sigur Ros
    with an orchestra
    @ the Wang

    Saturday & Sunday
    August 19th & 20th
    In Between Days Festival
    with
    Modest Mouse, Lord Huron, Metric,
    Trampled By Turtles, Sunny Day Real
    Estate, Cautious Clay, Yoke Lore,
    Blitzen Trapper, Allison Ponthier,
    Illiterate Light, Slothrust,
    Miko Marks, Weakened Friends,
    shallow pools, Kat Wright,
    Fantastic Cat, Dwight & Nicole,
    Paper Tigers, Dutch Tulips,
    Carissa Johnson, Mint Green,
    Gypsy Moths, & Sweet Petunia
    @ Veterans Memorial Stadium, Quincy

    Thursday, August 24th
    Jimmy Eat World
    Manchester Orchestra
    Middle Kids
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Thursday, August 24th
    Bruce Springsteen
    & the E Street Band
    @ Gillette Stadium

    Friday, August 25th
    Alex G
    Alvvays
    @ the Pavilion

    Sunday, September 3rd
    The Offspring
    A Simple Plan
    Sum 41
    @ the Xfinity Center

    Tuesday, September 5th
    Beck
    Phoenix
    Weyes Blood
    Sir Chloe
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Wednesday, September 6th
    Duran Duran
    Nile Rodgers & Chic
    Bastille
    @ TD Garden

    Tuesday & Wednesday September 12th & 13th
    Death Cab For Cutie
    The Postal Service
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Thursday, September 14th
    Peter Gabriel
    @ the Garden

    Wednesday, September 20th
    OSEES
    @ the Royale

    Wednesday, September 20th
    Death Grips
    @ House of Blues

    Friday, September 22nd
    Tegan & Sara
    Carlie Hanson
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, September 22nd
    Lady Lamb
    celebrates 10 years
    of "Ripely Pine"
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, October 11th
    The Mission UK
    The Chamelons
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Monday, October 23rd
    Pile
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, October 26th
    Mudhoney
    Hooveriii
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Tuesday, October 31st
    Depeche Mode
    @ the Garden

    Saturday, November 4th
    Amyl and the Sniffers
    Die Spitz
    @ Roadrunner

    Thursday, November 30th
    Nation of Language
    Miss Grit
    @ the Sinclair