Bradley’s Almanac

[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2018

Posted on July 9, 2019 at 8:16 am | 1 Comment

Well, someone’s gotta be the caboose, right? My total inability to share my annual musical-faves list in a timely manner has resulted in a single goal: To just finish it sooner than I did the year before. (*looks at last year’s post*) April 2nd. Big sigh. Not even close! But hey, at least today is closer to last year than next year. Wait, no, I passed that last week. Bigger sigh. Next year, I swear.

At last (literally), here’s my alphabetical run down of favorite long-players, and a few shorter-players, released in the long-gone calendar year of 2018. Things I loved, and still love, and will continue to love despite the constant churn of the new. I have no idea how anyone keeps up anymore, unless finding special new songs is your paid full-time gig. And if that’s the case, well, I wish you good fortune and steady health insurance.

I’ve included label links where I can, and at least one embedded song from each release, along with a streaming playlist that I spent waaaaay too much time sequencing. For the love of aural arts, don’t just listen to the streams, though… buy the stuff that strikes you as direct as you can from the artists and their labels below.

I’ve been doin’ these yearly posts for awhile, so long that stopping entirely would be both sad and silly, and here’s the proof in the form of those previous lists: 2017, 2016 & 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, & 2001. Check ’em out if you’re up for cruising my own little music-memory lane.

And if you’re still in a list-loving mood, check out these top-notch run-downs from a few far more punctual pals & peers: Kumar’s Blizznog, Sebastian’s New Artillery, the Ash Gray Proclamation, Allston Pudding, and Ben’s Noise Floor.


‘Nac Faves of 2018 – Spotify playlist


My Favorite LPs of 2018


Eric Bachmann
“No Recover”
[ on Merge Records ]

Yet another fantastic record from Mr. Bachmann that includes at least one instant, and instantly devastating, classic (“Daylight”). We’re so fortunate to have him regularly releasing solo material and touring while keeping his Archers of Loaf simmering on the backburner, ready to boil. Another recent show by that band has me hoping for more, but so long as Eric keeps putting out albums this stellar on his own, I’ll be fine.

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


Courtney Barnett
“Tell Me How You Really Feel”
[ on Mom + Pop Music ]

I remember wondering if Courtney Barnett’s 2017 team-up with Kurt Vile would result in a longer wait for her own next record, so I was psyched when another fix of pure, undiluted Courtney showed up relatively soon after. Not only was it was packed with great songs (and Barry-approved), but she’s already given us a couple more excellent singles since. The rare quality + quantity combo.

[ Stream at Soundcloud / Buy direct from Mom + Pop ]


Belly
“Dove”
[ self-funded via PledgeMusic ]

A very, very welcome recorded return from Tanya, Gail, Tom, & Chris with an LP that can sit comfortably alongside their pre-reunion discography. We here in the northeast U.S. have been spoiled with multiple live Belly shows since they got back together in 2016, and each one has been no less than a joyous event, filled with familiar songs, new gems, and good friends wearing smiling faces. I can’t imagine the special vibes they conjured not resulting in more to come, but for now I remain grateful for what we’ve had.

[ Buy it wherever you can ]


The Beths
“Future Me Hates Me”
[ on Carpark Records ]

One of last year’s new discoveries for me, and I fell for these New Zealanders very, very hard. Irresistible hooks and harmonies for days. I don’t rank my yearly faves, but if I did this one is an easy top spot contender.

[ Stream the LP on Soundcloud / Buy from Carpark ]


The Bevis Frond
“We’re Your Friends, Man”
[ on Fire Records ]

The Frond’s discography can be an overwhelming one – after all, Nick Saloman and his mates have been putting out records for more than three decades. They skipped the whole break-up/reunite thing that every other 80s/90s outfit has done and just kept on keepin’ on, regularly releasing ace LPs every couple years. This one grabbed me more than the last few, and I still can’t believe Nick & bandmate Adrian somehow ended up performing in my dang living room. If I didn’t have the photos, I’d doubt it ever happened.

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


The Breeders
“All Nerve”
[ on 4AD Records ]

Just the Breeders doing what they do so perfectly, making an album only they could make. It’s an often-off-kilter record, in the best way – more Podish than Last Splashy, with songs maybe not as immediately catchy as their quote-unquote hits, but the oddness burrows deep. Kim finally ditching that other band has reaped some major rewards.

[ Buy the album direct from 4AD ]


Buffalo Tom
“Quiet and Peace”
[ on Banquet Records ]

Another decades-old band that thankfully never bothered to break up, a local Boston-based fave that pops its head up every once in awhile to play sporadic shows and freshen up their discography. “Quite and Peace” is a worthy and welcome addition.

BTW, have you checked out Bill Janovitz’s recently-compiled “Covers of the Weeks” collections? Do so right here. Some truly great takes to be found within.

[ Buy it straight from Banquet ]


Camp Cope
“How to Socialise & Make Friends”
[ on Run For Cover Records ]

Another Australasian band that I heard for the very first time in ’18, and it took exactly one song to jump on their train (it was this video from January, in fact). Georgia McDonald is one hell of a frontperson, she brings such a powerful voice to the current chorus of strong female songwriters, and I absolutely cannot wait to see & hear where the road ahead takes her and her band. I’m here for all of it.

[ Buy direct from Run For Cover ]


Neko Case
“Hell-On”
[ on Anti Records ]

I mean, it’s a Neko Case record. No paragraph required, right? Just click the play button on this song…

[ Buy direct from Anti ]


Clever Girls
“Luck”
[ self-released via Bandcamp ]

I felt a strong instant connection to Clever Girls, based purely on geography. Any band that comes outta my ol’ hometown, that writes songs and practices for shows in the same Burlington, Vermont environs I once did, gets extra attention when they pop up on my radar. And CGs have the songs to stay there. They even did me the kindness of playing about a block from my place last year, with an O’Brien’s set that easily measured up to the promise of the record.

[ Stream & buy direct at Bandcamp ]


E
“Negative Work”
[ on Thrill Jockey ]

The second record from this intense, angular Boston-based trio gives Thalia Zedek two appearances on my faves list: The TZ Band LP below, and this sophomore team-up with Jason Sanford (Neptune) and Gavin McCarthy (Karate). As much as I dig their recordings, E’s power best comes through in a live setting, and we’re lucky to get them fairly regularly here in town. If you get a chance to see ’em, take advantage.

[ Buy direct from Thrill Jockey ]


The Essex Green
“Hardly Electronic”
[ on Merge Records ]

I was hyper-aware of the 12-year gap between this and the previous Essex Green LP (2006 stand-out “Cannibal Sea”), both as a fan and a friend, so the wait felt extra-long. I resisted pestering them with too many questions (“How’s the recording going?! How many songs? Is Merge putting it out again?!”), and savored every little update from our Vermont-centric circle. Sure, there were times I wondered if it’d ever come out at all, until suddenly, word of a final mix… then a release date… a shared new song…and at last… a Merge package in the mail. Many joy-filled live shows have followed, proving that long wait was damn well worth it. Here’s to shorter waits ahead.

[ Buy direct from Merge ]


Field Music
“Open Here”
[ on Memphis Industries ]

The Field Music formula hasn’t changed a great deal over the last few records, and that’s the opposite of a complaint. They Brewis Brothers have it down to a science, so why mess with it?

BTW, David Brewis recently released a surprise LP under his School of Language moniker, so have at it.

[ Buy direct from Memphis Industries ]


Film School
“Bright To Death”
[ on Cobraside Records ]

I honestly figured we’d lost Film School for awhile there. After a half-decade hiatus that started in 2011, I thought they could be gone for good, so the announcement of 2016’s “June” EP (recorded with reunited previous members) was cause for cheers. Two more singles proved that lineup reunion wasn’t a one-off, and shared photos of studio time in early 2018 teased a full-length. The result, “Bright To Death”, showed up in September, and it’s a perfect balance of “Hideout”-era, pop-noise Film School with the more expansive sounds they explored on 2010’s “Fission” LP. How this band isn’t a bigger deal eludes me, but I’m so glad they’re still plugging away.

(And I’m trying not to be too bummed that their recent East Coast trip skipped right over Boston. Next time, please?)

[ Buy direct from Cobraside ]


Happy Accidents
“Everything But The Here And Now”
[ on Alcopop! Records ]

There were so many reasons I treasured the rare opportunity to travel to the UK to take part in the marvelous Indietracks Fest, and high among them were the bands I discovered sharing the lineup. London trio Happy Accidents were a standout, and I’ve been singing their praises (and their songs, um, in my car) ever since. I assumed it’d be a long while before I’d get to catch them again, if ever, so I was thrilled to see a Boston-area stop on their first-ever U.S. tour earlier this year. They were just as great in front of a small Monday-night Charlie’s crowd a mile from my house as they were in front of hundreds of fest-goers three thousand miles away.

[ Buy direct from Alcopop! ]


Kristin Hersh
“Possible Dust Clouds”
[ on Fire Records ]

In the fall of 1992, not long they had signed to Sub Pop (but before their debut LP had arrived) Portland, OR trio (the real) Pond finished up a UK tour opening for Throwing Muses and flew straight across the Atlantic to the sleepy little city of Burlington, Vermont. The occasion? Sub Pop’s monstrous Vermonstress festival, which took over my hometown for one ridiculously fun October weekend.

So what does this have to do with a 2018 Kristin Hersh solo record? Pond’s Chris Brady, that’s what. Back in ’92, the bass player/co-vocalist raved about touring with Kristin and her Muses, and a couple decades later the two of them teased a new trio named Outros (with 50 Foot Waves’ Rob Ahlers on drums). A promising demo track was shared, but nothing official ever became of their collaboration… until Possible Dust Clouds arrived.

My favorite Kristin solo release in ages features Brady’s unmistakable voice, singing on a few tracks that I assume were meant to be Outros songs but found their way here. These two singular songwriters working together? A dream for a longtime fan of both. Hearing Chris make music after so long is a gift, and one I hope we get again before too long.

[ Buy direct from Fire Records ]


Hop Along
“Bark Your Head Off, Dog”
[ on Saddle Creek Records ]

Frances Quinlan and her band keep hitting the high bar of their debut, writing songs that shiver, stretch, and swerve in remarkable ways while making it sound effortless. Parts that shouldn’t fit together just do, songs go places you don’t expect, and this time I was even more blown away by Mark Quinlan’s sharp, innovative drumming. So, so good.

[ Buy direct from Saddle Creek ]


Hot Snakes
“Jericho Sirens”
[ on Sub Pop Records ]

Still cranking out propulsive rock songs and pummeling live audiences like gentlemen half their ages. You’ll rarely see so much sweat on a stage. Long may they tour.

[ Buy direct from Sub Pop ]


Low
“Double Negative”
[ on Sub Pop Records ]

Did I like this record? Yes, I did. A lot. Am I going to return to it as much as I do so much of Low’s catalog? To be honest, probably not. This album is… deeply unsettling. It’s a very particular kind of weird, and very much of the time we live in. I wasn’t sure what to make of it on first listen, but it eventually burrowed its way under my skin and won me over, even more so after seeing some of the songs played live. I suppose if I’m ever feeling too comfortable, I’ll throw this on. To quote my kid from the backseat, “Dad, what the heck are we listening to? It’s freaking me out.”

[ Buy direct from Sub Pop ]


Mogwai
“KIN” Original Soundtrack
[ on Temporary Residence Records ]

I haven’t see this film, but I sure do love its soundtrack. Mogwai used this scoring opportunity to stretch a bit in a couple different directions, both poppier (the song shared below) and more spacey. Shame that this may have been overlooked by fans waiting for a ‘proper’ Mogwai LP, because to me it sure sounds like one.

[ Buy direct from Temporary Residence ]


Tony Molina
“Kill The Lights”
[ on Slumberland Records ]

It took the ever-dependable Slumberland to finally turn me onto the songwriting of Tony Molina, a guy whose name I’ve seen around for years but for some reason never heard until this LP. He puts the perfect amount of jangle in his pop, and strikes just the right balance between weight and wistfulness. “Kill The Lights” is a collection of songs that are made with care, and deserve to be listened to the same way.

Tony is about to release a follow-up of sorts, collecting a bunch of rarities as the “Songs from San Mateo County” LP on Smoking Room Records. Pre-order it here.

[ Buy direct from Slumberland ]


New Dog
“Curve of the Earth”
[ self-released via Bandcamp ]

Anar Badalov (formerly of Metal Hearts & Travels) continues to quietly release gorgeous albums as New Dog, with “Curve of the Earth” being the fourth in the six years since he started doing the solo thing. This one’s a little more muscular, but doesn’t sacrifice any of the disquieting delicacy he conjures so effortlessly. I can’t imagine any fan of Sparklehorse or the Album Leaf not finding something to love here. I’d go so far as to say this is his best record yet, but I’m sure I’ve said that about the last couple, too. And will probably say it about the next.

[ Buy direct through Bandcamp ]


Poster Children
“Grand Bargain”
[ on Lotuspool Records / funded via PledgeMusic ]

Another welcome return, longtime faves Poster Children cranked the machinery back up and unleashed a “Grand Bargain” upon us. Hooky ferociousness & smartly-delivered frustration, the PKids have lost none of their bite in the 14 years (!) since their previous record. What a joy it was to see them in the tiny confines of O’Brien’s last July.

[ Buy direct from the band ]


Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
“Hope Downs”
[ on Sub Pop Records ]

Maybe my favorite personal discovery of last year, RBCF do snappy Australasian-pop-rock to pure perfection. A cracking rhythm section lays the bed for the kind of sharp, clean, dual-guitar interplay that gives me headsparks. Their live set matched my high hopes, thankfully at the best-sounding venue in town, and that stand-out night at the Sinclair was absolute bliss.

RBCF has an excellent follow-up 7-inch, “In the Capital” b/w “Read My Mind”, available from Sub Pop.

[ Buy direct from Sub Pop ]


Ruler
“Winning Star Champion”
[ on Barsuk Records ]

After playing in bands for a bunch of years, Matt Batey made his recorded debut as Ruler with this insta-infectious first LP. It immediately brought to mind the initial impact of early Telekinesis, and that’s about the highest compliment I can give. Barsuk has brought us the goods once again, and I eagerly await a follow-up.

Also, how great is his Gin Blossoms cover?

[ Buy direct from Barsuk ]


Savak
“Beg Your Pardon”
[ on the Ernest Jenning Record Co. ]

Savak! I’ve got deja-deja vu, since these gents ended up on last year’s list, too. And the year before that. And they’ll probably end up on next year’s (with this forthcoming EP). I said last time that I was going to hold them to this “album per year” thing, and it seems they took me seriously. Quality meets quanity with these guys, but with their pedigree, that should come as no surprise.

[Buy direct from Ernest Jenning ]


Smokescreens
“Used To Yesterday”
[ on Slumberland Records ]

Their second full-length, but first for Slumberland, which is why this record got my ear (trust in Papa Slumber). It was their fuzzy kiwi-pop-inspired songs kept them in there. I’ve listened to this one a ton and still haven’t tired of it.

[ Buy direct from Slumberland ]


Snail Mail
“Lush”
[ on Matador Records ]

After a couple of solid EPs, Lindsey Jordan’s first full-length as Snail Mail arrived courtesy of Matador last summer and ticked all the requisite boxes for something I’d love. On its surface, sure, it’s ye olde three-piece indie rock, but it’s delivered with both delicacy and weight that belies Jordan’s (relatively) young age. Her gorgeous vocals, plaintive lyrics, standout guitar playing, and often off-kilter song structures combine to set her far above the standard singer-songwriter set. Here’s hoping she’s in it for the long haul.

[ Buy direct from Matador Records ]


Soccer Mommy
“Clean”
[ on Fat Possum Records ]

More than one online acquaintance has conflated or confused Snail Mail with Soccer Mommy… and sure, they’re victims of career-trajectory timing, kindred styles, and fairly similar pen names. Hell, they’re right next to each other in this list, so it’s tough for me to avoid mentioning one without the other here.

Sophie Allison has her own special thing going on with Soccer Mommy, though – a bit more sonic beauty, a very subtle touch of twang, more dynamic in both production and overall aesthetic. Seeing her open for Liz Phair last year was a true pleasure, as the two share not only an obvious mutual admiration but a similar starting point, with bedroom-pop demos attracting unexpected attention and proper debut LPs that brought relatively rapid acclaim. It’ll be interesting to see how or if her career trajectory aligns with Phair’s early run from here on out.

[ Buy direct from Fat Possum ]


Speedy Ortiz
“Twerp Verse”
[ on Carpark Records ]

Speedy’s third LP in five years, all released on Carpark, and I’m still going to say they’re “doing Boston proud” despite their now-tenuous local grounding. I’m loving watching this band mature, both on stage and on record. They’ve been getting a little weirder in the best way, tweaking their formula to keep things interesting, writing songs that are a bit more complex without sacrificing catchiness. I’m in for all of it.

[ Buy direct from Carpark ]


The Spook School
“Could It Be Different?”
[ on Slumberland Records ]

Sigh. Farewell and thank you to my beloved Spook School, who are in the process of singing and dancing into the musical sunset at this very moment. Saying they’re leaving us on a high note is a big ol’ understatement, as this final (*sniff*) record is my favorite, and the last time I saw them was a total blast. They’ll play their so-long shows in September, and if I was in the UK I’d be in the front row with a giant, wistful grin on my face.

[ Buy direct from Slumberland ]


Stove
“‘s Favorite Friend”
[ on Exploding In Sound Records ]

This record was a revelation. I’ve been into Steve Hartlett’s Stove for awhile now, as well as his excellent other project, the on-again-off-again-on-again rock band Ovlov, but for some reason none of his other output has floored me like this LP did. What ostensibly started years ago as a solo project has transformed into an incredibly cohesive band, and this album is the incontrovertible evidence. Lots of great ingredients in the sonic stew here, but the first influence that jumped to mind is maybe a moderately more melodic Swirlies. I love this thing first note to last, and it’s hard to say that about many full-lengthers these days.

[ Buy direct from Exploding In Sound ]


Superchunk
“What A Time To Be Alive”
[ on Merge Records ]

Ah, the mighty Superchunk. Still going strong, still putting out ace LPs whenever the mood hits them, and their records always seem to show up at just the right time. This one was bolstered by some top-notch guests, including Katie Crutchfield, David Bazan, Sabrina Ellis, and Stephin Merritt. Talk about bringing in the ringers. The album may be better for it, but the songs were there either way

BTW, have you heard the just-released acoustic version of their classic “Foolish” LP? It’s Superchunk AF.

[ Buy direct from Merge ]


Thalia Zedek Band
“Fighting Season”
[ on Thrill Jockey Records ]

Thalia’s second appearance on this list has her fronting her eponymous rock band for what I’m pretty sure is my all-time fave TZB LP. At least until the next one. I have the location-based good fortune of seeing her play a lot, so hearing many of these tracks live before their release proved how much they’d stick with me, and how well the recording would capture her killer band’s on-stage sound. The release party for the record was a personal 2018 highlight.

[ Buy direct from Thrill Jockey ]


Willard Grant Conspiracy
“Untethered”
[ on Loose Music ]

This nearly-finished record was lovingly completed by Robert Fisher’s close collaborators in the aftermath of his passing in early 2017, and released by his longtime UK label Loose Music last year. It stands as beautiful memorial to a man who impacted all who knew him, either personally or musically. If you’re a WGC fan, you’re probably not a passive one… when you heard Robert’s remarkable voice and way around a song, you were likely all in. It took a village of musicians to help him bring his work to the world over the years, and the loss of their leader is a loss for all.

[ Buy direct from Loose Music ]


Wussy
“What Heaven Is Like”
[ on Damnably Records ]

Another excellent addition to the Wussy discography, with the unmistakable voices & songwriting styles of Lisa Walker & Chuck Cleaver combining in all the best ways. “Gloria” is a an absolute stunner, and my anticipation to see it played live has only grown after the band put post-album shows on hold in the wake of some health issues. They’re back this summer as a (drummerless) touring trio, and coming through town again soon. Cannot wait. I volunteer as tribute! I mean, as drummer. For a song or two? I’m kidding. Kinda.

[ Buy direct from Damnably ]


Wye Oak
“The Louder I Call The Faster It Runs”
[ on Merge Records ]

The ever-deepening discography of Jenn Wasner & Andy Stack continues to incorporate slight stylistic shifts while retaining whatever makes them so perfectly Wye Oak. Their accumlated songwriting and production experience has made each consecutive record even more rewarding with repeat listens, and their increased solo output and collaborations have given us even more to love.

Speaking of which, pre-order Andy’s upcoming full-length solo debut as Joyero from Merge, and grab Jenn’s latest Flock of Dimes 7-inch (a split with Madeline Kenney) from Carpark.

[ Buy direct from Merge ]


Yo La Tengo
“There’s A Riot Going On”
[ on Matador Records ]

Not exactly Yo La Tengo’s most cohesive record, but I’m not sure it was meant to be. Album-release interviews spoke of new music cobbled together from practice space tape ideas, of soundtrack-ish snippets repurposed to create full songs. YLT usually covers many stylistic bases on their records, but there’s nothing I’d call a straight-up rock n’ roll song here, and it’s completely free of any patented Ira Kaplan guitar-freakouts. The Jersey trio ended up with one of their most laid-back, most beautiful LPs this time around, and it hit me just right.

[ Buy direct from Matador ]


Young Jesus
“The Whole Thing Is Just There”
[ on Saddle Creek ]

Young Jesus was also new to me last year, though they shouldn’t have been – a quick email search shows I got my first promo note about them more than 7 years ago, ahead of their debut record. Maybe I wasn’t ready for them back then, but this new one hit me like a brick to the brain. Six songs totaling just under an hour, one of which is the 20-minute powerfully hypnotic closer, “Gulf”, a song I figured I’d never see played live.

I was wrong, and the band provided me with one of my favorite on-stage moments of 2018 when, after just a couple songs at Great Scott, frontman John Rossiter said “This will be our last one…”. My momentarily bummed-out brain thought “Last song?! Well, it had better be Gulf.” And so it was. Absolutely epic.

And a hat tip to the music supervisor for Netflix’s The OA, who used both “Gulf” and album-opener “Deterritory” in the latest season. Just perfect.

[ Buy direct from Saddle Creek ]



A few favorite singles, short-players,
& web-only releases of 2018


Lou Barlow
“Love Intervene” single
[ on Joyful Noise Recordings ]

One of Loobie’s strongest singles in ages. Really looking forward to Joyful Noise’s new “Lou Barlow Artist Enabler Club” subscription thingee.

[ Buy direct from Joyful Noise ]


David Bazan & Sean Lane
“Rare Coins” EP
[ on 15 Passenger Records ]

A split EP with a few new Bazan tracks, including the killer “Opposite Soul” (below). I think this was his last batch of solo songs released before his (ridiculously great) Pedro the Lion relaunch.

[ Buy direct from 15 Passenger ]


boygenius
“Stay Down” EP
[ on Matador Records ]

Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, & Lucy Dacus. A magical team up, a remarkable debut EP, and one of the best shows I saw in 2018.

[ Buy direct from Matador ]


Cinerama / The Wedding Present
“White Riot / “The Name of the Game” single
[ on WIAIWYA Records ]

I’m a sucker for David Gedge & company doing covers. A recently-announced Weddoes single bodes well for a possible new LP on the way. Fingers crossed.

[ Buy direct from WIAIWYA ]


Mike Gent
“Last Friday of the Month” singles series
[ self-released via Bandcamp ]

Mike Gent (of the Figgs/Gentlemen/Needy Sons) cranked out solid monthly singles all year long over on Bandcamp. Head on over there, and catch him solo or with the Figgs when and if you get the chance.

[ Buy direct over on Bandcamp ]


Girl Ray
“The Way We Came Back” single
[ on Moshi Moshi Music ]

My other favorite discovery at last year’s Indietracks Fest, the truly wonderful Girl Ray. I fully absorbed their 2017 debut LP, “Earl Grey”, and absolutely cannot wait to hear its full-length follow-up.

[ Buy direct through Bandcamp ]


Gregory and the Hawk
“Texan Collection” song series
[ via Patreon ]

Meredith Godreau follows up her Patreon-funded “On the Orange Mountain” series of songs with another chapter titled “Texan Collection”. It’s more sporadic, but I’ll take whatever I can get, so long as she keeps it coming.

[ Support GatH through Patreon ]

Mint Mile
“Heartroller” EP
[ on Comedy Minus One Records ]

Tim Midyett (Silkworm/Bottomless Pit) releases his third excellent EP in a row under the Mint Mile moniker, and I’m giddy at the news that he/they will have a double album, titled “Ambertron”, out sometime this year. YES.

[ Buy direct from Comedy Minus One ]


Soft Skies, Inc.
quarterly song releases
[ via Bandcamp ]

They easily made last year’s list, and more songs in 2018 meant they’d end up on this one, too. You can head to Bandcamp to hear them all, or you can finally hit up Spotify as well. Here, I made you a playlist.

[ Listen & buy digitally on Bandcamp ]


Superchunk
“Our Work Is Done” charity 7-inch
[ on Merge Records ]

.
My favorite in Superchunk’s series of limited charity singles, with some artwork variants auctioned off for worthy causes. These things sell out pretty fast, but you can still listen to and buy the digital versions.

[ Sold out, but listen at Merge ]

And that’s a wrap. I am now officially unblocked and unburdened. I’ll leave you with this…

When the final runner crossed the finish line at this year’s Boston Marathon, she was quoted as saying:

The time will never matter. It’s the fact that I finished.

Comments

One Response to “[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2018”

  1. Mike Flynn
    July 9th, 2019 @ 1:04 pm

    Thanks for this.

  • BOSTON-AREA LIVE SHOW ACTION
    Tuesday, September 19th
    Teenage Wrist
    Spiritual Cramp
    Trauma Ray
    @ Sonia

    Tuesday, September 19th
    The Brian Jonestown Massacre
    Today Junior
    @ the Royale

    Tuesday, September 19th
    Boris
    Melvins
    @ the Paradise

    Tuesday, September 19th
    Gorillaz
    with
    Kaytranada,
    Lil Yachty,
    and Remi Wolf
    @ Fenway Park

    Tuesday, September 19th
    Death From Above 1979
    @ the Middle East Downstairs

    Wednesday, September 20th
    Zildjian 400th Anniversary Concert
    @ Roadrunner

    Wednesday, September 20th
    OSEES
    @ the Royale

    Wednesday, September 20th
    Death Grips
    @ House of Blues

    Wednesday, September 20th
    Kurt Vile
    @ Tree House Brewing, Deerfield

    Thursday, September 21st
    The Gravel Pit
    The Mommyheads
    Eggstone (Per Sunding
    + the Mommyheads)
    @ the Lizard Lounge

    Thursday, September 21st
    Bully
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, September 22nd
    Live Skull
    Thalia Zedek Band
    @ the Midway

    Friday, September 22nd
    Minibeast
    Valley of Weights
    Strange Pains
    @ Faces Brewing

    Friday, September 22nd
    Jawbreaker
    Joyce Manor
    Grumpster
    @ MGM Fenway

    Friday, September 22nd
    Fiddlehead
    Never Ending Game
    Praise
    Anklebiter
    Downtalker
    @ the Royale

    Friday, September 22nd
    Wire Lines
    Silver Screams
    Oak, Fallen
    @ The Square Root

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

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

    Saturday, September 23rd
    Field Day
    @ the Jungle

    Saturday, September 23rd
    Stevie Nicks
    Billy Joel
    @ Gillette

    Sunday, September 24th
    The Breeders
    Screaming Females
    @ the House of Blues

    Monday, September 25th
    Steve Mason (Beta Band)
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Monday, September 25th
    Slowdive
    @ House of Blues Boston

    Monday & Tuesday
    September 25th & 26th
    boygenius
    Palehound
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, September 26th
    Dead Boys
    Nervous Eaters
    The Plimsouls
    @ the Middle East

    Tuesday, September 26th
    Old 97's
    John Hollier
    @ the Royale

    Tuesday, September 26th
    Ben Folds
    @ the Wilbur

    Wednesday, September 27th
    Yes
    @ Lynn Auditorium

    Wednesday, September 27th
    Ratboys
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Wednesday, September 27th
    Royal Blood
    Bad Nerves
    @ Roadrunner

    Wednesday & Thursday
    September 27th & 28th
    Broken Social Scene
    "You Forgot It In People"
    20th anniversary show
    @ the Royale

    Thursday, September 28th
    Ratboys
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Saturday, September 30th
    Boyscott
    @ Deep Cuts

    Sunday, October 1st
    Explosions In The Sky
    Pet Fox
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, October 2nd
    Neil Gaiman
    @ the Emerson Colonial

    Tuesday, October 3rd
    Field Medic
    Olivia Barton
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, October 5th
    Belly
    @ the Paradise

    Friday, October 6th
    Thalia Zedek (solo)
    Tyler & the Names
    @ the Lizard Lounge

    Friday, October 6th
    "A Night for Justine: Tribute
    Concert For Justine Covault"
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, October 6th
    Kingsley Flood
    The Shang Hi Los
    @ the Burren

    Friday, October 6th
    Garrison
    Orangeisland
    Pilot to Gunner
    @ the Middle East Upstairs

    Saturday, October 7th
    Agent Orange
    Spice Pistols
    @ the Middle East

    Tuesday, October 10th
    The Good Life
    "Album Of The Year"
    anniversary tour
    @ Deep Cuts

    Tuesday, October 10th
    Nick Cave with
    Colin Greenwood (Radiohead)
    on bass
    @ the Wang

    Wednesday, October 11th
    Young Fathers
    @ the Royale

    Wednesday, October 11th
    Nick Cave
    Book Signing
    12pm @ Harvard Book Store

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

    Thursday, October 12th
    Drop Nineteens
    Greg Mendez
    @ the Paradise

    Friday, October 13th
    Minibeast
    @ the Middle East Up

    Friday, October 13th
    Violent Femmes
    performing their debut LP
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, October 14th
    The Walkmen
    Rostam
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, October 15th
    Chris Farren
    Mo Troper
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Sunday, October 15th
    Thundercat
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Sunday, October 15th
    Queen
    @ the Garden

    Monday, October 16th
    Chromeo
    Ric Wilson
    @ Roadrunner

    Tuesday, October 17th
    A Giant Dog
    @ the Middle East

    Tuesday, October 17th
    The Chats
    Cosmic Psychos
    Schizophonics
    Gymshorts
    @ House of Blues

    Wednesday, October 18th
    Palehound
    Empath
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, October 18th
    Christine and the Queens
    @ House of Blues

    Thursday, October 19th
    The State:
    The Breakin' Hearts &
    Dippin' Balls Tour
    @ the Chevalier, Medford

    Friday, October 20th
    Ruby Rose Fox
    @ the Rec Room, Belmont

    Friday, October 20th
    Faye Webster
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, October 20th
    Lewsberg
    Chris Brokaw
    Minibeast
    @ the Middle East

    Saturday, October 21st
    A. Savage (Parquet Courts)
    Annie Hart
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Saturday, October 21st
    Lucinda Williams
    @ the Orpheum

    Friday & Saturday
    October 20th & 21st
    Jonathan Richman
    with Tommy Larkins
    @ Somerville Theatre

    Saturday & Sunday
    October 21st & 22nd
    Gregory Alan Isakov
    The Milk Carton Kids
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, October 22nd
    Milly
    @ O'Brien's

    Monday, October 23rd
    Pile
    @ the Sinclair

    Tuesday, October 24th
    Squirrel Flower
    Truth Club
    Knifeplay
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Tuesday, October 24th
    M. Ward
    @ the Sinclair

    Tuesday, October 24th
    My Morning Jacket
    @ Roadrunner

    Thursday, October 26th
    Hiss Golden Messenger
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, October 26th
    The Zombies
    @ the Cabot

    Thursday, October 26th
    Mudhoney
    Hooveriii
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Saturday, October 28th
    Spencer Krug
    @ Deep Cuts

    Saturday, October 28th
    Jethro Tull
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Monday, October 30th
    Porno For Pyros
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, October 31st
    Depeche Mode
    DIIV
    @ the Garden

    Wednesday, November 1st
    Nick Lowe & Los Straightjackets
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Wednesday, November 1st
    The Hives
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, November 2nd
    Henry Winkler
    @ First Parish Church

    Friday, November 3rd
    Runnner
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Friday, November 3rd
    Slow Pulp
    Babehoven
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
    November 3rd, 4th, & 5th
    Bob Dylan
    @ the Orpheum

    Saturday, November 4th
    Quicksand
    playing their "Slip" LP
    @ the Royale

    Saturday, November 4th
    Blonde Redhead
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

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

    Monday, November 6th
    Yeah Yeah Yeahs
    Sasami
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Monday, November 6th
    Judge John Hodgman
    @ the Wilbur

    Monday, November 6th
    Into It. Over It.
    (playing "Intersections")
    Kevin Devine
    Queen of Jeans
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Tuesday, November 7th
    Lucero
    Jason Boland & the Stragglers
    @ Big Night Live

    Wednesday, November 8th
    Rosie Tucker
    @ Rockwood Music Hall

    Wednesday, November 8th
    Codeine
    Barbara Manning
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, November 10th
    The Menzingers
    Microwave
    Cloud Nothings
    Rodeo Boys
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, November 10th
    Couch
    @ Royale

    Saturday, November 11th
    Dexys (Midnight Runners)
    @ the Emerson Colonial Theatre

    Sunday, November 12th
    Slaughter Beach, Dog
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, November 12th
    The 1975
    @ the Garden

    Wednesday, November 15th
    Future Teens
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Wednesday, November 15th
    Tool
    @ the Garden

    Thursday, November 16th
    Slaughter Beach, Dog
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday & Saturday
    November 17th & 18th
    Letters To Cleo
    celebrating the 30th anniversary
    of their "Aurora Gory Alice" LP
    with the Gigolo Aunts
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday & Sunday
    November 18th & 19th
    The Hotelier
    & Foxing
    @ the Sinclair

    Sunday, November 19th
    Men I Trust
    Tops
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, November 20th
    Beach Fossils
    Turnover
    @ House of Blues

    Tuesday, November 21st
    Liz Phair
    Blondshell
    @ Roadrunner

    Wednesday, November 22nd
    The Sheila Divine
    Orbit
    Dirty Bangs
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Tuesday, November 28th
    Deafheaven
    Touche Amore
    @ Roadrunner

    Tuesday, November 28th
    Baroness
    @ the Royale

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

    Friday, December 1st
    Allman Betts Family Revival
    @ the Orpheum

    Saturday, December 2nd
    Buffalo Tom
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, December 2nd
    The Hammer Party
    Black Helicopter
    Spiller
    George Tsiaras
    @ the Midway

    Tuesday, December 5th
    Pussy Riot
    Thick
    @ the Paradise

    Tuesday, December 5th
    Eric Andre
    @ the House of Blues

    Tuesday, December 5th
    Bar Italia
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Thursday, December 7th
    Wesley Stace
    @ the Charles River Museum

    Tuesday, December 12th
    Dogstar
    (Keanu Reeves' band)
    @ the Paradise

    Friday, December 15th
    Hallelujah the Hills
    Eldridge Rodriguez
    Aaron & the Lord
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, December 16th
    A John Waters Christmas
    @ Berklee Performance Center

    Sunday & Monday
    March 24th & 25th
    The Magnetic Fields
    perform "69 Love Songs"
    over two nights
    @ Roadrunner

    Wednesday, May 1st
    Ty Segall
    @ the Royale