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
Wednesday, October 15th
Modest Mouse
Built to Spill
@ MGM Music Hall
Wednesday, October 15th
Disclosure (Live)
Fcukers
Villager
@ Roadrunner
Thursday, October 16th
Moving Targets
One Fall
Spiller
@ Faces Brewing
Friday, October 17th
Makeout Palace
Tysk Tysk Task
The Ghouls
@ O'Brien's
Friday, October 17th
Bad History Month
@ Panopticon
Friday, October 17th
Peel Dream Magazine
22° Halo
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, October 17th
The Psychedelic Furs
Gary Numan
@ MGM Music Hall
Friday, October 17th
Sheila E. & the E-Train
@ City Winery Boston
Saturday, October 18th
Kingsley Flood
@ the Burren Backroom
Saturday, October 18th
Patty Griffin &
Rickie Lee Jones
@ the Chevalier
Saturday, October 18th
Jeff Tweedy
Macie Stewart
@ the Royale
Saturday & Sunday
October 18th & 19th
Left of the Charles festival
with bands & vendors
Saturday: Nemarca, Tiffy,
Viruette, Sailor Down,
& Brady Dallas Jones
Sunday: Nora Meier, Luddites,
Justin Schaefers, Spirit Ghost,
Makeout Palace, & Lady Pills
@ the Speedway, Brighton
Sunday, October 19th
Juanita & Juan
(Alice Bag & Kid Congo Powers)
Kathy Snax Band
@ Deep Cuts
Sunday, October 19th
The Chelsea Curve
Speedfossil
Cold Expectations
Happy Little Clouds
Corin Ashley
Eric Barlow
@ the Burren Backroom
Sunday, October 19th
Guerilla Toss
@ Crystal Ballroom
Sunday, October 19th
Ruston Kelly
Sam MacPherson
@ the Sinclair
Monday, October 20th
Leisure
@ the Royale
Monday, October 20th
Madi Diaz
@ the Somerville Armory
Tuesday, October 21st
Big Thief
@ MGM Music Hall
Tuesday, October 21st
Everclear
Local H
Sponge
@ Big Night Live
Wednesday, October 22nd
Mike Viola
@ the Lizard Lounge
Thursday, October 23rd
Brian Dunne
Dead Gowns
@ the Rockwell
Thursday, October 23rd
Neko Case
Des Demonas
@ The Wilbur
Thursday, October 23rd
Shudder to Think
Zwei Null Zwei
@ Sonia
Thursday, October 23rd
Belly
"King" 30th Anniversary Tour!
@ the Paradise
Thursday & Friday
October 23rd & 24th
Ali McGuirk
"Watertop" Release Shows
@ the Lizard Lounge
Friday, October 24th
Bumblebee Radio Presents:
Their 5th Anniversary
Spooky Season Showcase
with Peppermint Kicks, Beck Black,
Jennifer Tefft & the Strange, and
Smitt E. Smitty & the Fezztones
@ Crystal Ballroom
Friday, October 24th
Nervous Eaters
play with a screening of the
"Life on the Other Planet"
70s/80s Boston rock doc
@ the Regent Theatre
Friday, October 24th
Insomnies
Chris Brokaw
The Golden Dregs
Lights Out
@ Myrtle, Providence
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
October 24th, 25th, & 26th
Jonathan Richman
with Tommy Larkins
@ the Somerville Theatre
Saturday, October 25th
Tommy Stinson's
Cowboys in the Campfire
with Bob Logan
& Chris Amaral
@ Faces Brewing
Saturday, October 25th
Cheap Trick
@ Lynn Auditorium
Saturday, October 25th
Halloween show with...
Yoni Gordon (as Prince),
the Grownup Noise, Indiana Stone,
& The Naya Rockers (as REM),
Ruby Grove (as Led Zeppelin),
& Happy Little Clouds, Endation,
The Daylilies, Linnea’s Garden, &
Adi Sun (as Queens of the Stone Age)
@ the Loft, Somerville
Saturday, October 25th
Amy Rigby
House show in Dorchester
@ the Acoustic Den
Saturday, October 25th
Rufus Wainwright
@ City Winery
Saturday, October 25th
Ezra Furman
The Golden Dregs
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, October 25th
Minus The Bear
@ the House of Blues
Sunday, October 26th
Boston Musicians Celebrate
Steve Morse
with
Willie Alexander,
Leon Beal,
Chuck McDermott,
Scott Damgaard Combo,
Jesse Williams Quartet,
Danielle Miraglia,
& Woody Geissmann
@ the Regent Theatre
Sunday, October 26th
Bryan Adams
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
@ the Garden
Saturday, October 26th
Big D & the Kids Table:
A Nightmare Before Halloween
with Westbound Train,
& the JB Conspiracy
@ the Sinclair
Monday, October 27th
Laufey
Suki Waterhouse
@ TD Garden
Monday, October 27th
Autechre
Mark Broom
@ Brighton Music Hall
Wednesday, October 29th
Herbie Hancock
@ the Wang Theatre
Tuesday, October 28th
WHICH SIDE?
A Protest Music Teach-Out
A Music Series with Discussion
Hosted by James Sullivan
featuring the Paid Protesters
& a revolving cast of singers
This one features: Rick Berlin,
Will Dailey, Thea Hopkins,
Cliff Notez, Aaron Perrino,
and Chad Stokes
@ the Burren Back Room
Wednesday, October 29th
EARFULL series
"Writers reading, songwriters playing"
with authors
Tom Perrotta & Alice Hoffman
and musicians
Highway Hosiery & Adam Sherman
@ Regattabar, Cambridge
Wednesday, October 29th
Of Monsters and Men
Arny Margret
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, October 29th
The Beta Band
@ the Royale
Thursday, October 30th
Cage the Elephant
Hey, Nothing
Common People
@ MGM Music Hall
Thursday, October 30th
Thundercat
@ Roadrunner
Friday & Saturday
October 31st & November 1st
Fleshwater
Chat Pile
@ the Paradise
Saturday, November 1st
Andy Bell (of Erasure)
@ the Wilbur
Sunday, November 2nd
Fruit Bats (solo)
@ the Sinclair
Monday, November 3rd
Margaret Glaspy
Brooke Annibale
@ City Winery
Tuesday, November 4th
Dinosaur Live!
Improvised Entertainment with
Edi Patterson, Paul Scheer,
Rob Huebel, Jason Mantzoukas,
Owen Burke, Danielle Schneider,
and Mary Holland
@ the Chevalier, Medford
Wednesday, November 5th
Boris
"Pink" 20th Anniversary Tour
with Uniform
@ the Paradise
Thursday, November 6th
Matt Pond PA
@ the Fallout Shelter, Norwood
Thursday, November 6th
Colin Hay (Men at Work)
@ the Chevalier Theatre
Thursday, November 6th
Robert Plant's Saving Grace
featuring Suzi Dian
@ the Shubert Theatre
Thursday & Friday
November 6th & 7th
The Lone Bellow
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
November 6th, 7th, & 8th
Buffalo Tom's 2nd annual
"Please Come to Boston" fest
with special live performances
& guests each night
@ the Somerville Armory
Friday & Saturday
November 7th & 8th
Steve Martin & Martin Short
three shows @ the Wang
Saturday, November 8th
Luke O'Neil
"We Had It Coming"
Book Release Party
4pm @ the Sinclair
Saturday, November 8th
Cracker
with special guests
@ Abbot Hall, Marblehead
Saturday, November 8th
Howl Owl Howl
@ the Paradise
Saturday, November 8th
The Mars Volta
@ House of Blues
Sunday, November 9th
Flock of Dimes
@ the Rockwell
Sunday, November 9th
The Samples
@ City Winery
Tuesday, November 11th
Jason Bonham's
Led Zeppelin Evening
@ the House of Blues Boston
Tuesday & Wednesday
November 11th & 12th
Micky Dolenz (the Monkees)
Songs & Stories
@ City Winery
Wednesday, November 12th
Jens Lekman
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, November 13th
Janeane Garofalo
two shows
@ the Somerville Armory
Thursday, November 13th
Major Stars
Mountain Movers
Gossip Collar
@ Deep Cuts
Thursday, November 13th
Celebration of Hip-Hop with
Hall of Fame Induction of Rakim
@ Berklee Performance Center
Friday, November 14th
The Smithereens
with John Cowsill
@ City Winery
Friday, November 14th
John Fogerty
doing CCR songs
@ MGM Music Hall
Friday, November 14th
Geese
@ the Paradise
Friday, November 14th
Spiller
The Long Wait
@ the Middle East
Saturday, November 15th
Hallelujah The Hills
(20th anniversary show!)
with the return of the mighty...
Ho-Ag!
@ Deep Cuts
Saturday, November 15th
Beach Fossils
@ the Paradise
Sunday, November 16th
The Faint
Hercules & Love Affair
@ the Royale
Sunday, November 16th
Die Spitz
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, November 16th
Black Flag
(Ginn & the kids)
@ Taffeta in Lowell
Monday, November 17th
Tom Morello & Friends
(electric full band show)
@ the Paradise
Tuesday & Wednesday
November 18th & 19th
The Barr Brothers
Land of Talk
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, November 19th
EARFULL series
"Writers reading, songwriters playing"
@ Regattabar, Cambridge
Wednesday, November 19th
Author Joe Hill
presenting 'King Sorrow'
@ Brookline Booksmith
Thursday, November 20th
Weakened Friends
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, November 20th
Sarah McLachlan
@ the Orpheum
Thursday, November 20th
SOM
Hiroe
Girih
Bedroom Eyes
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, November 21st
Queensrÿche
Accept
@ Somerville Theatre
Friday & Saturday
November 21st & 22nd
Letters to Cleo
The Cavedogs
@ the Paradise Rock Club
Saturday, November 22nd
Couch
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, November 23rd
Story of the Year
Senses Fail
Armor for Sleep
@ Roadrunner
Monday, November 24th
Stevie Nicks
@ TD Garden
Monday, November 24th
Bar Italia
Lifeguard
@ the Paradise
Monday, November 24th
Patti Smith
Horses 50th Anniversary Tour
@ the Orpheum
Tuesday & Wednesday
November 25th & 26th
The English Beat
@ City Winery
Wednesday, November 26th
The Lemonheads
@ The Wilbur
Saturday, November 29th
Portugal. The Man
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, November 29th
Vundabar
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, November 30th
Caspian
Aisha Burns
@ Sonia
Monday, December 1st
(second show added)
The Beths
Phoebe Rings
@ the Royale
Friday, December 5th
The Besnard Lakes
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, December 5th
STL GLD
House Party
with Bad Rabbits
@ the Sinclair
Friday, December 5th
The Bug Club
Spirit Ghost
Dinos
Joy Boys
@ O'Brien's
Saturday, December 6th
The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo
Christmas Show featuring
Paul F. Tompkins, Nellie McKay,
& Josh Gondelman
@ the Chevalier Theatre
December 6th
Sorry
@ the Middle East Up
Tuesday, December 9th
They Are Gutting A Body Of Water
Hooky
@ the Somerville Armory
Wednesday, December 10th
EARFULL series
"Writers reading, songwriters playing"
@ Regattabar, Cambridge
Thursday, December 11th
The Ladybug Transistor
Giant Day
Gold Dust
@ Deep Cuts
Saturday, December 13th
Paula Poundstone
@ the Mosesian Center, Watertown
Saturday, December 13th
Will Dailey
@ the Paradise
Saturday, December 13th
Converge's SADDEST DAY Fest
with Touché Amoré, Coalesce,
The Hope Conspiracy, Soul Glo,
Year of the Knife, Stress Positions,
Wormwood, and more
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, December 13th
A John Waters Christmas
@ Berklee Performance Center
Saturday, December 13th
J. Robbins Band plays
Burning Airlines
@ Deep Cuts
Sunday, December 14th
Cursive
AJJ
@ Brighton Music Hall
Monday, December 15th
Algernon Cadwallader
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, December 17th
Patti Smith
Book Tour Stop
@ the Chevalier
Saturday, December 20th
The Del Fuegos
Early & Late shows
@ City Winery
Sunday, December 21st
Samantha Fish
Cedric Burnside
Jon Spencer
@ the Wilbur
Saturday, December 27th
John Oliver
@ MGM Music Hall
Sunday, December 28th
The Felice Brothers
Charlotte Cornfield
@ the Sinclair
Monday & Tuesday
December 29th & 30th
The Disco Biscuits
Monday @ the Sinclair
Tuesday @ the Royale
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
Bishop Allen
Mates of State
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, January 15th
Cate Le Bon
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, January 15th
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
"Piano & Voice" performance
@ the MFA Boston
Monday, January 19th
Shame
@ Brighton Music Hall
Thursday, January 27th
The Residents
Eskimo Live! Tour
@ Brighton Music Hall
Saturday & Sunday
January 31st & February 1st
Something In The Way Fest 2026
with Explosions In The Sky,
Sunny Day Real Estate, Citizen,
Tigers Jaw, The Hotelier, Momma,
Angel Dust, February, First Day Back,
Glitterer, Glixen, Gollylagging, Guv,
Graham Hunt, Horse Jumper of Love,
How Much Art, No Warning, Pelican,
Park National, Pool Kids, Sheer Mag,
Wicca Phase Springs Eternal,
and Teen Suicide
@ Roadrunner
February 13th
Nine Inch Nails
@ TD Garden
Friday, February 20th
Marissa Nadler
@ the Somerville Armory
Saturday, February 21st
Margo Price
@ the Royale
February 28th
Ratboys
Florry
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, March 3rd
Spiritual Cramp
@ the Sinclair
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
March 13th, 14th, & 15th
Dropkick Murphys
@ MGM Music Hall
Tuesday, March 17th
Dropkick Murphys
@ House of Blues
Thursday, March 19th
Julianna Barwick
& Mary Lattimore
@ the Somerville Armory
Friday, March 20th
The Hives
The Chats
@ House of Blues
Saturday, March 21st
Joyce Manor
Militarie Gun
Teen Mortgage
Combat
@ House of Blues
Monday, March 23rd
Westerman
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, March 26th
The Format
Piebald
Adult Mom
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, March 29th
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
@ Sanders Theatre
Wednesday, April 1st
Wednesday (the band)
@ the Royale
Thursday, April 2nd
On Cinema Live! with
Tim Heidecker
& Gregg Turkington
@ the Wilbur
Friday, April 3rd
Patrick Watson
@ Somerville Theatre
Thursday, April 16th
Rhiannon Giddens
@ the Orpheum
Sunday, April 19th
Heavenly
Swansea Sound
Jeanines
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, May 14th
Melody's Echo Chamber
@ the Royale
Tuesday & Wednesday
May 19th & 20th
Belle and Sebastian
play "Tigermilk" (19th) and
"If You're Feeling Sinister" (20th)
@ the Orpheum
Wednesday, June 26th
The Church
The Singles Tour
(rescheduled from 8/1/25)
@ Somerville Theatre
Friday, September 4th
Peter Hook & the Light
play New Order's "Get Ready"
@ House of Blues
