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
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
