Posted on April 2, 2018 at 10:00 am | Comments Off on [Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2017
Ah, the best laid plans and the most brutal excuses. My honest intention to get this sucker done before the new calendar year hit was derailed by a major bout of holiday pneumonia, then as December disappeared in a fevered haze and I gathered myself to finish in January… enter ye olde influenza! Such an enjoyable one-two punch. My immune system certainly isn’t going to make anyone’s “best of” list.
February was spent catching up on the day job and re-familiarizing myself with my family, and next thing you know, it’s mid-March. Then, naturally, the ‘Nac goes down for a week. As I wrap this thing up and April begins, my headphones are overflowing with music that will wind up on the 2018 edition. Good thing I’m on nobody’s deadline but my own.
So, yeah, another year long gone, another later-than-everyone-else list of musical favorites shared. Full lengthers, short players, and a few other random releases from throughout 2017. The silver lining of all that sickness was tons of idle time spent listening to neglected records, and deeper dives into the ones I loved. The list kept getting longer.
As you scroll, stream a Soundcloud playlist of songs from most of the releases below, or if you must, a longer one on Spotify, and use the provided label links to buy these records as direct as you can. Give these song makers, and the ones you love, your hard-earned dollars. #IRespectMusic
If you make it all the way through this too-long run-down (or, y’know, just skip to the end right now), you’ll find a few special giveaways I’ve gathered for random readers – the vinyl release of one of my favorite 2017 LPs, a gift certificate to a Boston-area used record shop, and an autographed copy of a truly moving book by one beloved artist about another gone too soon. So drop your name in my virtual hat and take a shot. Ya spin the wheel, ya take yer chances.
One undeniably catchy, infectious-insta-classic track surrounded by a collection of solid indie-pop songs, much like their debut LP. It may lack the ‘wow’ impact of their self-titled record, but that first breath of Canadian air was so fresh they can hardly be faulted.
Andrew Cohen adds a fruitful collaboration with pals Light Coma to his post-Silkworm discography, mixing full-band songs with a few solo jams. His SKWM/Bottomless Pit bandmate Tim Midyett continues under his Mint Mile moniker in parallel (new EP just showed up in the mail!), so even if their time of teaming up is behind them, I’m grateful their separate songs keep on coming. Getting to premiere a track from this AC&LC record was a genuine honor, and traveling out to Chicago to see them play (with Mint Mile, Out, & the Rutabega) was a personal 2017 high point.
I was embarrassingly tardy for the Julien Baker train, but wow, did I ever jump on board. This, Hhr second full-length, absolutely floored me – her open-hearted lyrics and sparse, beautiful arrangements hit me hard. There was no single song in 2017 that moved me more than “Sour Breath”, which I played over and over and over again, both in my headphones and in my head. I couldn’t make it to her most recent Boston show, and her upcoming appearance at the Boston Calling fest won’t be enough to satisfy, so I’m heading up to Vermont soon to see her play with Tancred, another fave. And I’d travel further for that team-up if I had to.
Following David Bazan’s career for so many years has been a singular, surprising joy. No, the joy itself hasn’t been a surprise, but the sonic turns he’s taken sure have been. From his full band Pedro the Lion output, his synth-based Headphones record, through his solo electric and acoustic work, and now “Care”, his most recent guitar-free solo LP, I’ve been all-in for all of it. Less than a year later and he’s back to working on Pedro the Lion songs, and I couldn’t be happier, though it does take a bit of the “what will he sound like next?” mystery out of it. Feels like we’ve gone full circle, and the thought of PtL’s scheduled Boston show has got me giddy.
previous release, expanding their sonic palette with the addition of collaborator Anthony Harmer on a variety of instruments (including the distinctive santur). It’s one of their most cohesive records, and all-the-more appreciated in that it may never have happened but for the chance re-meeting of Harmer and frontman Alasdair MacLean, and a spark of inspiration. May some special kind of spark strike again.
A banner year for each of the musical Crutchfields, with Merge releasing both Allison’s ace solo album and sister Katie’s killer Waxahatchee record (see below, of course). If they were trying to outdo each other, well, let’s call it a tie that we all won. Can barely believe I’ll be seeing Allison and her Swearin’ bandmates later this week when they open up a long-sold-out Superchunk show at the Sinclair. Wonder if they’ll do a song or two off this LP, or keep things separate? Either way, I’m walkin’ out happy.
I’ll buy anything Eitzel, but this LP feels more inspired than his last few full-lengths. Really glad he made the move over to Merge and that this album seemingly got some added attention – be nice to see that relationship stick and produce a string of equally solid records. The world sure needs more Mark.
The wait for this one seemed long, but so worth it. Part of the reason it felt drawn out was that the former Sunny Day Real Estate frontman gave us a window into the creative process with his Pledgemusic campaign, and that window opened early. From conception through studio time, previews to pressing, the project took over 2 years from start to finish, resulting in a beautiful, multi-layered collection. Enigk has such a singular voice that the production needs to be epic, and the fan-funds he gathered allowed him to make that happen.
It’s been a joy to see Girlpool’s relatively speedy rise from a basement-playing pair to a Paradise-packing full band – my nervousness that they’d lose something special by fleshing out their sound with bass & drums was mostly unfounded, and this record proved it. Admittedly, I’d love to see them as a duo again someday, but as long as they keep writing their heartfelt songs and singing those perfect harmonies, I’ll keep going regardless.
I kind of feel like this one flew under too many radars, but that could just be my Stateside-perspective. I owe my appreciation of these particular Scots to my bandmates, so this is the first of their releases I’ve been able to eagerly await, as it’s been ages since their last. Thankfully, and unsurprisingly, it’s another indiepop treasure. Just wish they were playin’ Indietracks this year, as it’s the first one I get to attend (!). Maybe they’ll be hangin’ around so I can pester them to play me a song or two. After I partake of some liquid courage.
Most appreciated musical gift of the year: Elizabeth Powell’s glorious recorded return. Her band has become one of my absolute faves over the past decade, since the moment I first set ears upon 2008’s “Some Are Lakes”. Her second full-length came less than two years later, and then… nothing. She seemingly disappeared, but I never stopped waiting, hoping, and searching for word of a return. Every year I’d write one of these favorites lists and wonder when her next LP would wind up on one. So here we are, with “Life After Youth” at last. Pretty sure I played it more than any other album I bought in 2017, and was grateful for every single note.
Speaking of more-than-welcome returns, Ted came back! Well, it’s not like he left. Solo shows, duo shows (with Aimee Mann as the Both), variety shows (I seem to remember him on stage wearing only a giant diaper at some point?), just no proper TL/Rx recordings since 2010’s “The Brutalist Bricks”. That’s a long time to go without a new release, but thanks to a wealth of fan funding and a trove of gathered songs, he presented us with “The Hanged Man”. The band he assembled to deliver these new tracks (and so many older faves) was a stacked powerhouse, and I’m not sure I had more fun at a show last year than I did when they played Brighton Music Hall in September. A total blast of an evening. I expect no less when Ted & co. return for two nights in June.
In my world, a super group if ever there was one. David Bazan, his ex-PtL bandmate (and fellow faves listee) TW Walsh, Jason Martin (aka Starflyer 59), and ace drummer Trey Many (His Name Is Alive & more) got together a few times and threw together a rock-solid record that was the perfect counterbalance to Dave & TW’s decidedly-more-digital solo releases.
Just the second solo LP from this Sebadoh co-pilot since his killer 2002 debut, “In Sixes and Sevens”, an record that blew me away and set one hell of a high bar. After what feels like a lifetime ago, he damn well mighta reached it. Another crackling collection of tweaked-out, propulsive rock songs. Bad timing and poor planning meant I missed him play these tracks live, but I’m hopeful it won’t be too long until I remedy that, and that it won’t be another 15 freakin’ years until album number three.
Sweden’s Emil Svanängen may take his own sweet time making records, but it has never resulted in one I haven’t loved. He harnesses a special kind of magic in his songs, laying his strong yet delicate voice over carefully-constructed emotional epics. I owe a great debt to Low for bringing him and his band (with Thor!) along to open their 2008 tour. I’ve been in love with Loney Dear since the first note of that first song at the Somerville Theatre.
Ridiculously talented Swedes making noise that’s both new and nostalgic, combining elements I love (and frankly should be tired of by now) into their own goosebump-raising mixture. I love my Allston neighbors at Run for Cover for many reasons, but helping this band get their music out into the world may be the biggest one.
The New Pr0ns fully embraced their inner-ELO and ponied up some of their most infectious songs in years, including the one that incessantly soundtracked my Spring, “This Is The World Of The Theatre”, which survived a ridiculous amount of repeated listening and remains a forever fave. Those post-chorus Neko notes? Super swoon.
Any release from the Kadane brothers and their compatriots is a gift, and this new LP is no different. Another chapter in the ongoing sonic story I’ve been obsessed with since I first heard Bedhead in the early 90s. The only negatives I can ever muster are “I wish this track was longer” or “I wish there were more songs”. Complimentary complaints if ever there were.
TJO returns with a self-titled LP of authentic beauty, full of gorgeously delicate, emotionally heavy songs. It’s such a pure, natural-sounding record that using her name for the title makes perfect sense – it serves as a songwriting mission statement for everything she does so, so well.
Seems like each year there’s at least one Boston-based band I adore that makes a measurable, well-deserved jump to wider recognition, and 2017 felt like Palehound’s year. “A Place I’ll Always Go“ was a showcase of Ellen Kempner & co’s song-building talents, adding further depth to the promise shown on their 2015 debut.
How the hell did Quicksand take a 22-year break and return with an LP that sounds as cohesive and powerful as they ever were? It’s like no time passed at all. A ridiculous and remarkable accomplishment. Side note: This damn record nearly got me a speeding ticket.
These four Oxford gents comprise one of my top ten all-time bands, so their 2014 return was an unexpected, magical gift. Their post-reunion live shows met and crushed my tempered expectations, then rumors of new recordings got me all-sorts-of giddy. Maybe too giddy. While I enjoyed “Weather Diaries” enough to list it here (and it certainly outdoes their final two LPs), it didn’t quite hit the sweet spot I hoped for. Much of it is ace, and there’s at least one stone-cold Ride classic (“Cali”), but I can’t help but think it would have made an absolutely killer EP. Speaking of which, they just released a new one. And that sweet spot? Nailed it.
A mid-2016 discovery for me, thanks to my faith in the fine taste of the CMO label, though I’ve heard and dug plenty of songs involving the individual players before. These members of Obits, Edsel, Ted Leo’s band, The Cops, Nation of Ulysses, Enon & more combined to release their debut LP that year, and quickly followed it up with this even-better collection on the EJRC in 2017. A record per year is quite a precedent, gents. Might hold you to it.
Even more unexpected than Ride’s return was the resurrection of my/our beloved Slowdive. While Ride’s legacy was a tad tarnished by their last pre-breakup recordings, Slowdive went out on an incredible high note with the bliss-filled, ahead-of-its-time “Pygmalion” LP in 1995. Getting to hear live renditions of the songs on that record was something I’d never hoped to dream of, so when they came back and did just that, it left me stunned (not ashamed to say my eyes welled up during the crescendos of “Blue Skied an’ Clear”, every time). New studio recordings, too? The swirly frosting on top. The fact that they pulled together an album that can sit proudly within their existing discography, with songs that fit seamlessly into their live set, is no minor victory.
Doing my hometown proud. It’s convenient when people you know put out a record you love, since it saves you from either avoiding the topic or offering vague compliments. These four Vermonters have that rare ability to fold a bunch of styles into their songwriting while remaining unmistakably themselves. Each song on this LP sounds like a Swale song, though they don’t often sound like each other, and it all comes together as a cohesive whole. That was some Kickstarter cash well-spent.
Timothy William Walsh’s latest LP is a triumph not just because of his songs (which are as solid as ever), but the impeccable production they’re wrapped in. He’s dialed back the guitars, using them as a tool rather than a base, and leaned more into synths and programming – yet ended up with his most soulful, natural sounding record so far. There’s a definite 70s vibe (a bit of Gary Wright, a dash of Gerry Rafferty, even a hint of early Peter Gabriel), but it’s more update than homage, avoiding nostalgic traps with meticulous ease. TW’s years of experience in mastering, mixing, and song-writing collaboration (in the Soft Drugs & Pedro the Lion) come together here effortlessly, and he’s already given us more: He recently offered up an excellent new song and accompanying video called “Born Hungry”.
The other half of 2017’s killer one-two Crutchfield combo, Katie’s record wastes no time letting you know her band’s gonna get a little loud this time out, the opening track starting in full-on rock mode with zero warning. It’s the perfect palette-cleanser, and readies you for the range of songs that follow – short, sharp slices of energetic indie-pop interspersed with moments of true, introspective beauty, all held together by her gorgeous voice and uncanny knack for melody.
Longtime area art-maker Gilmore Tamny once again showed us her sonic side with the second long player from her scrappy Somerville-based trio. Owing a clear debt to early-90s Pacific NW indie-punk, she kept the formula straight-forward – rock out with your guitar out while delivering evocative, literate lyrics as drummer Steph Melikian (Operators/GRCB) and bassist Jen Godfrey hold it down. As if a record that gives a shout out to Market Basket wasn’t going to end up on this list? I mean, come on.
Tyler Kershaw has that rare ability to write sparkling songs that sound uplifting while tackling some heavy, personal lyrical subject matter (a la Bobby Wratten of the Field Mice). His reverb-drenched guitar lines, melodies, and dynamic arrangements come together so well, and since I first heard their 2015 full-length, this band has become not just a Boston-area fave, but a fave period.
While most of Meredith Godreau’s doled-out, 10-song collection “On The Orange Mountain” was created and shared in 2016 (and made my faves list last year), it officially wrapped up last May, so I’m including it again. Lucky for us, the creating continues, as noted in a post-OtOM Patreon update: “In the past few months I have missed completing songs and making videos for you. So much so that I’ve decided to continue using Patreon to share my upcoming creations with you, not to limit my experience to just the one album.” So far we’ve heard “My Own Good”, posted in November, and hopes remain high for more this year.
[ Support GatH’s continued artistic output through Patreon ]
Compiling two solo releases from Wussy’s Lisa Walker, one first released in 2006 (when this was all recorded), and the other in 2015. A must-own for Wussy fans.
Released posthumously in mid-December, and recorded in 2015, but it’s great enough to not get lost in the end-of-year shuffle. If you missed it, here’s your heads up. Vocalist/guitarist Abe Kimball is working on a solo record, and Jesse Weiss & Theo Hartlett are working on a new project of their own with Morgan Luzzi. Meet Pet Fox.
Ex-Lockgroove members (and current twin brothers) Marty & Ryan Rex are doling out their latest aural creations in 3-month increments: One song per quarter, like clockwork (new one yesterday!). It’s a unique release style, but if the quality stays as high as the four songs they’re given us so far, I can easily take the 90-day waits. The first track they released, “Your Small Army“, stayed stuck in my head for much of the year, and that’s not a complaint. What a song, and what a way to announce yourself to the world. Keep ’em coming, boys.
Terry Malts have become one of those bands on my “I’ll buy anything they do” list, and the songs they contribute to this split 10-inch are further proof that was a wise decision. More greatness from these West Coast gents, alongside a band I wasn’t familiar with but am now glad I am. And that’s all you can ask from a split record release.
A welcome compilation of this Denton, Texas-based combo’s long-out-of-print discography (with some unreleased tracks), lovingly released in remastered, double vinyl form.
The world lost a gifted songwriter, and by all accounts a hell of a human being, when Karl Hendricks passed away in January 2017. The Comedy Minus One label rallied KH’s music-making friends and fans for this loving tribute, released just a couple of months later. The strength of the collection is a testament to his talent, and to the impact he had on everyone involved.
2018 has started ridiculously strong with great records already out from the Spook School, Superchunk, the Breeders, Buffalo Tom, Lake Ruth, Loma, Field Music, Yo La Tengo, Secretary, and a stellar EP from Ride. Soon enough we’ll be gifted with new sounds from other faves: Belly, Poster Children, Wye Oak, Wussy, and Hop Along. Not to mention recent word of the just-mastered final (sigh) Willard Grant Conspiracy album, in-progress LPs from Kristin Hersh, both solo and with her band Throwing Muses, a very hopeful update on that long-awaited next Wrens’ record, a soon-to-be-announced Eric Bachmann full-length on Merge, and news of an upcoming LP from the re-emergent Flower (!). Wonder if we’ll see one before the long-completed next Versus full-length? I’ll take ’em both, please. Also really looking forward to the first long player from Burlington, Vermont’s Clever Girls, given what I’ve heard so far.
And hey, Numero Group, how about following up those incredible Unwound, Codeine, & Bedhead box sets with a remastered SEAM collection? Just throwing that wish out there into the world.
After sporadic teasing that started in 2016, I’m still anxiously awaiting any news on the potential American Analog Set resurrection front. Though we did get this very promising instagram shot in December, which included the hashtag #weinthestudiodoots (!). What th’?! Have hope, will travel! Seriously. Just tell me where and when and I’m there, AmAnSet. I need you. #bringthatbeatback
Alright, you’ve nearly made it to the end of this thing, so how about some freebies for random (north american) readers? I’ve got three giveaways to choose from…
The vinyl edition of my most-appreciated recorded return of 2017: Land of Talk’s “Life After Youth”.
A $70 (!) gift certificate to used record shop Blue Bag Records in scenic Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A signed hardcover copy of “Don’t Suck, Don’t Die”, the deeply moving book that Kristin Hersh wrote about her time spent with the much-missed Vic Chesnutt.
To enter, drop an email to giveaways (at) bradleysalmanac (dot) com with “Gimme!” in the subject line, and specify what you’d like to try to win in the message (LP, book, gift certificate – you can try for all three, but only win one). Just get it to my inbox before next Monday, April 9th, 2018 at Noon EST, then I’ll select and notify the three winners that afternoon. Due to shipping costs, only enter if you’re from the US or Canada, and of course, only try for the gift certificate if you live in the Boston area, or are planning a visit.
Thanks for reading, all. If you’re still here despite my ever-slowing posting pace, it’s genuinely appreciated. Even when this place goes silent, I’m still sharing what I love over on Farcebook, so hit me up there in the meantime. Guess I should probably start working on next year’s ‘Nac faves list now, huh?
BOSTON-AREA LIVE SHOW ACTION
Tuesday, June 28th
Juliana Hatfield
@ the Burren
Thursday, June 30th
The Besnard Lakes
@ O'Brien's
Saturday, July 2nd
Steely Dan
The Doobie Brothers
Aimee Mann
@ the Xfinity Center
Tuesday, July 5th
Curtail
@ Faces Brewing, Malden
Wednesday, July 6th
Karate
Helms
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, July 7th
Karate
Martha's Vineyard Ferries
@ the Sinclair
Friday, July 8th
Town Meeting
Air Traffic Controller
@ Brighton Music Hall
Friday, July 8th
Camp Cope
@ the Paradise
Saturday, July 9th
RUMSTOCK!
with Muck & the Mires,
The Shang Hi Los,
The Gypsy Moths,
& the Dogmatics
6pm @ ONCE @ Boynton Yards
Saturday, July 9th
Kid Gulliver
@ the Jungle
Saturday, July 9th
Will Dailey
@ City Winery Boston
Sunday, July 10th
Brian Wilson
Chicago
@ the Xfinity Center
Tuesday, July 12th
The Psychedelic Furs
X
@ House of Blues
Friday, July 15th
Bikini Kill
Alice Bag
@ the Wang
Saturday, July 16th
Circle Jerks
7SECONDS
Negative Approach
@ the House of Blues
Sunday, July 17th
Ex-Hyena (LP release!)
Blood Handsome
Secret Mutilator
Adi Sun
DJ Dan-E-Pants
@ State Park
Wednesday, July 20th
Emma Swift
@ Atwood's
Thursday, July 21st
Elf Power
E.R. Jurken
@ Crystal Ballroom
Friday, July 22nd
Beach House
Mary Lattimore
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, July 23rd
Valleyheart (album release)
A Will Away
@ the Somerville Armory
Saturday, July 23rd
The Cult
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Zola Jesus
@ the Pavilion
Saturday, July 23rd
Warpaint
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, July 26th
Haunted Summer
@ O'Brien's
Tuesday & Wednesday
July 26th & 27th
Mitski
The Weather Station
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, July 27th
Tim Heidecker
@ the Wilbur
Wednesday, July 27th
Elton John
@ Gillette Stadium
Wednesday, July 27th
Nada Surf
@ the Beachcomber
Thursday, July 28th
Christian Lee Hutson
Another Michael
@ Cafe 939
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
July 28th, 29th, & 30th
NICE, a fest
with Speedy Ortiz, Future Teens,
Colleen Green, House of Harm,
Lady Pills, Hallelujah The Hills,
Bat House, Maneka, shallow pools,
and many, many more
@ the Rockwell & Crystal Ballroom
in Davis Square, Somerville
Friday, July 29th
The Black Keys
Band of Horses
@ the Xfinity Center
Saturday, July 30th
Aaron & the Lord
@ Atwood's
Saturday, July 30th
The Figgs
@ the Beachcomber, Wellfleet
Saturday & Sunday
July 30th & 31st
Hop Along
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, July 31st
Hiss Golden Messenger
@ Hale Farm, Beverly
Tuesday, August 2nd
Norah Jones
Regina Spektor
@ the Pavilion
Wednesday, August 3rd
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, August 3rd
Fleet Foxes
@ the Pavilion
Thursday, August 4th
Chvrches
@ Roadrunner
Friday, August 5th
Rip Room
Lupo Citta
Adult Learners
Random Ideas
@ the Jungle
Saturday, August 6th
mewithoutyou
@ the Paradise
Saturday, August 6th
The Loyal Seas
(Tanya Donelly &
Brian Sullivan)
@ City Winery Boston
Saturday, August 6th
Tugboat Annie
Drew O'Doherty
@ the Lilypad
Sunday, August 7th
Horsegirl
Dummy
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, August 7th
Lost 80's Live
with Flock of Seagulls,
Missing Persons, Naked Eyes,
Stacey Q, Tommy Tutone, and
Annabella’s Bow Wow Wow
@ the Indian Ranch
in Webster, MA
Thursday, August 11th
Will Butler
@ the Sinclair
Friday, August 12th
Rise Against
The Used
Senses Fail
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, August 13th
Joyce Manor
Citizen
Prince Daddy & the Hyena
PHONY
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, August 13th
Here and There Festival
with Courtney Barnett,
Lucy Dacus, Men I Trust
Faye Webster, The Beths
Bartees Strange, & Hana Vu
@ Mass MoCA
Sunday, August 14th
Blondie
The Damned
@ the Pavilion
Monday, August 15th
Elvis Costello & the Imposters
Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets
@ the Pavilion
Monday, August 15th
Franz Ferdinand
@ the House of Blues
Tuesday, August 16th
Goo Goo Dolls
@ Some Bank Pavilion
Tuesday, August 16th
Peter Hook & the Light
Playing Joy Division's
"Closer" & "Unknown Pleasures"
@ the Paradise
Wednesday, August 17th
Puppy Problems
@ O'Brien's
Wednesday, August 17th
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Footings
Charlie Chronopoulos
@ Mill No. 5 in Lowell
Thursday, August 18th
Horse Jumper of Love
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, August 18th
Sharon Van Etten
Julien Baker
Angel Olsen
Spencer
@ the Pavilion
Saturday, August 20th
Richard Mirsky (record release!)
Kid Gulliver
Chris Brokaw
@ the Cantab Lounge
Saturday, August 20th
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
Damon & Naomi
@ the Brattle
Saturday, August 20th
In Between Days Festival
with Manchester Orchestra
Hippo Campus, Tennis,
The Blue Stones, Kevin Devine,
Sidney Gish, Blac Rabbit, & Catbite
@ Veterans Memorial Stadium, Quincy
Sunday, August 21st
The Decemberists
Brigid Mae Power
@ Roadrunner
Monday, August 22nd
Comedy Bang! Bang!
with Scott Aukerman,
Paul F Tompkins, & more
@ the Chevalier
Monday, August 22nd
Los Campesinos!
Proper
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, August 24th
The Fixx
@ the Wilbur
Friday, August 26th
Korn
Evanescence
@ Xfinity Center
Friday, August 26th
Sleigh Bells
@ the Paradise
Saturday, August 27th
The Shins
(playing "Oh, Inverted World")
& Joseph
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, August 27th
Aoife O'Donovan
Hiss Golden Messenger
@ Lowell Summer Music Series
@ Boarding House Park
Saturday, August 27th
Glacier
@ ONCE @ Boynton Yards
Saturday, August 27th
Local Natives
@ House of Blues
Wednesday, August 31st
Built to Spill
@ the Paradise
Friday, September 2nd
The Mountain Goats
@ the Wilbur
Saturday, September 3rd
Boris
Nothing
@ the Paradise
Sunday, September 4th
The Ocean Blue
@ City Winery
Wednesday, September 7th
Neko Case
Sean Rowe
@ Emerson Colonial Theatre
Saturday, September 10th
She & Him
(Brian Wilson tribute)
@ House of Blues
Saturday, September 10th
Crowded House
@ the Wang
Saturday, September 10th
Red Hot Chili Peppers
St. Vincent
Thundercat
@ Fenway Park
Monday, September 12th
Courtney Barnett
@ House of Blues Boston
Monday, September 12th
Ghost
Mastodon
Spiritbox
@ Roadrunner
Tuesday, September 13th
Phoenix
Porches
@ Roadrunner
Tuesday, September 13th
Bauhaus
@ MGM Music Hall
Tuesday, September 14th
Porcupine Tree
@ MGM Music Hall
Tuesday, September 14th
Arlo Parks
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, September 15th
Clutch
Quicksand
Helmet
JD Pinkus
@ House of Blues
Thursday & Friday
September 15th & 16th
They Might Be Giants
'Flood' 30th anniversary
@ the Royale
Thursday & Friday
September 15th & 16th
Vundabar
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, September 17th
The Afghan Whigs
@ the Paradise
Saturday, September 17th
Roxy Music
@ the Garden
Saturday, September 17th
Idles
Injury Reserve
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, September 18th
The Dream Syndicate
40th Anniversary Tour
playing "The Days of Wine & Roses"
& more @ the Crystal Ballroom
Saturday, September 18th
Julia Jacklin
Kara Jackson
@ the Paradise
Saturday, September 18th
Heaven 17
@ City Winery
Monday, September 19th
Echo & the Bunnymen
@ the House of Blues
Monday, September 19th
Girlpool
@ the Paradise
Monday, September 19th
Southern Culture on the Skids
@ the Middle East
Monday, September 19th
New Order
Pet Shop Boys
@ Some Bank Pavilion
Tuesday, September 20th
Sports Team
@ the Middle East Upstairs
Tuesday, September 20th
Spiritualized
@ the Royale
Wednesday, September 21st
Echo & the Bunnymen
@ the House of Blues
Wednesday, September 21st
OSEES
Bronze
@ the Royale
Thursday, September 22nd
The National
@ Roadrunner
Friday, September 23rd
Soulside
Verbal Assault
Bed Maker
Wrong War
@ ONCE @ the Armory
Saturday, September 24th
The Get Up Kids
play "Four Minute Mile"
& Sparta
@ Brighton Music Hall
Saturday, September 24th
Supersuckers
@ the Middle East
Sunday, September 25th
Come
Home Despot
@ the Middle East Upstairs
Sunday, September 25th
Amyl and the Sniffers
@ Big Night Live
Monday, September 26th
Carly Rae Jepsen
Empress Of
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, September 28th
Pavement
The Goon Sax
@ the Wang
Thursday, September 29th
Japanese Breakfast
Yo La Tengo
@ Roadrunner
Friday, September 30th
The B-52s (farewell tour)
KC & the Sunshine Band
@ MGM Music Hall
Saturday, October 1st
The Mars Volta
@ MGM Music Hall
Saturday, October 1st
Kid Gulliver
@ the Jungle
Saturday, October 1st
Death Cab For Cutie
Low
@ Some Bank Pavilion
Sunday, October 2nd
Cigarettes After Sex
@ the House of Blues
Monday, October 3rd
Sunny Day Real Estate
The Appleseed Cast
@ the House of Blues
Monday, October 3rd
The Killers
Johnny Marr
@ the Garden
Tuesday, October 4th
Stereolab
Deradoorian
@ Roadrunner
Tuesday, October 4th
The Gaslight Anthem
Jeff Rosenstock
@ MGM Music Hall
Thursday, October 6th
Fontaines D.C.
@ the House of Blues
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
October 7th, 8th, & 9th
"As Summer Into Autumn Slips"
3 days of music featuring...
Day 1: Surprise Me Mr. Davis,
Marco Benevento Trio, & William Tyler
Day 2: The Slip, WOLF! (featuring
Scott Metzger), & William Tyler
Day 3: The Slip, Club d'Elf,
& William Tyler
@ Soundcheck Studios, Pembroke
Saturday, October 8th
Billy Bragg
Alice Phoebe Lou
@ the Wilbur
Sunday, October 9th
L7
30th Anniversary of
"Bricks Are Heavy" tour
@ Big Night Live
Tuesday, October 11th
Gorillaz
EarthGang
@ TD Garden
Friday, October 14th
The Black Angels
The Vacant Lots
@ the Paradise
Sunday, October 16th
Smashing Pumpkins
Janes Addiction
Poppy
@ the Garden
Monday, October 17th
House of Love
@ Brighton Music Hall
Thursday, October 20th
June of 44
@ the Middle East Down
Saturday, October 22nd
Slothrust
Weakened Friends
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, October 23rd
Illuminati Hotties
Enumclaw
Olivia Barton
@ the Sinclair
Monday, October 24th
Kevin Morby
Coco
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, October 25th
Metric
@ the House of Blues
Tuesday & Wednesday
October 25th & 26th
Calexico
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, October 30th
Pile
@ Crystal Ballroom
Sunday, October 30th
Kurt Vile & the Violators
Come
@ the Royale
Wednesday, November 2nd
Two Door Cinema Club
Day Wave
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, November 5th
Let's Eat Grandma
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, November 6th
Soccer Mommy
Lightning Bug
@ House of Blues
Tuesday, November 8th
Russian Circles
Rezn
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, November 8th
Arcade Fire
Beck
@ MGM Fenway Music Hall
Tuesday & Wednesday
November 8th & 9th
Alex G
Hatchie
@ the Paradise
Wednesday, November 9th
Field Medic
Sadurn
@ Cafe 939
Monday, November 14th
Bartees Strange
Pom Pom Squad
Spring Silver
No They Hate Change
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, November 15th
The Menzingers
play "On The Impossible Past"
Touché Amoré
Screaming Females
@ the Paradise
Wednesday, November 16th
The Smile
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, November 16th
The Chills
@ City Winery Boston
Friday, November 18th
Alvvays
Slow Pulp
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, November 19th
Turnstile
Snail Mail
@ Roadrunner
Monday, November 21st
Preoccupations
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, November 30th
Mclusky
@ the Sinclair
Friday, December 9th
Patrick Watson
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, December 17th
Foals
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, April 16th, 2023
Dead Can Dance
@ the Wang
