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
Thursday, July 25th
GI DOUBLE
featuring Melissa Gibbs &
Andrea Gillis, along with
Dean Fisher, Elizabeth Steen,
Scott Janovitz, Chris Foley,
Charles Hansen, & Brian Sullivan
@ Warehouse XI
Thursday, July 25th
Danielle Miraglia &
Erica Mantone
with Magen, Mike, & Stud
(of the Missed Connections)
@ Medford Brewing
Thursday, July 25th
Jah Wobble (PIL)
"Metal Box: Rebuilt in Dub"
@ City Winery
Thursday-Sunday
July 25th-28th
NICE, a fest
many, many bands
@ Davis Square in Somerville
Saturday, July 27th
Red Kross
Dale Crover
@ Brighton Music Hall
Saturday, July 27th
Grub Sweat and Beers 8
NIGHT ONE
with Crowfeeder, DJ Grayskull,
Karate Steve, Loudsounds,
Morgued, Silver Screams,
Northstar the Wanderer,
Viqueen, Voidkeeper, & Waelmist
@ O'Brien's
Saturday, July 27th
Grub Sweat and Beers 8
NIGHT TWO
Bacterial Husk, Com a hole,
Cortez, Dragged By Chains,
Eyespressedin, Guhts, Kind,
Miracle Blood, Mollusk,
Philip Eno, Shadowclock,
& a special guest
@ O'Brien's
Saturday, July 27th
Tinariwen
@ the Royale
Monday, July 29th
Maserati
Unwed Sailor
@ Deep Cuts
Thursday, August 1st
The Mountain Goats
Field Medic
@ the House of Blues
Friday, August 2nd
Alex McMurray
@ the Rec Room, Belmont
Friday, August 2nd
Foreigner
Styx
John Waite
@ Xfinity Center
Saturday, August 3rd
The Operators
Dyr Faser
Future Party Band
Zowy
@ the Jungle
Saturday, August 3rd
Cheap Trick
@ MGM Music Hall
Sunday, August 4th
Arms Like Roses
Be Safe
@ Coco's Clubhouse
Monday, August 5th
DIIV
Horse Jumper of Love
Full Body 2
@ the Royale
Monday, August 5th
Robyn Hitchcock
reading from his new book
@ Porter Square Books
Monday, August 5th
Def Leppard
Journey
Heart
@ Fenway Park
Wednesday, August 7th
Green Day
Smashing Pumpkins
Rancid
The Linda Lindas
@ Fenway Park
Thursday, August 8th
Up Around the Sun (acoustic duo)
featuring Tim Keer & Jerry Hagins
@ the Rec Room, Belmont
Friday, August 9th
Robber Robber
Clifford
Prewn
@ the 4th Wall
Saturday, August 10th
The Chameleons
play "Strange Times" in full
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, August 10th
Missy Elliott
Ciara
Busta Rhymes
Timbaland
@ the Garden
Sunday, August 11th
Wild Nothing
Peel Dream Magazine
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, August 11th
Hot Franks
Way-Side Sound
The Odd-Lot
@ the Jungle
Sunday, August 11th
Iron & Wine
@ Roadrunner
Monday, August 12th
The Doobie Brothers
Steve Winwood
@ Xfinity Center
Tuesday, August 13th
Gin Blossoms
Toad the Wet Sprocket
@ the Chevalier Theatre
Thursday, August 15th
GI DOUBLE
featuring Melissa Gibbs &
Andrea Gillis, along with
Dean Fisher, Elizabeth Steen,
Scott Janovitz, Chris Foley,
Charles Hansen, & Brian Sullivan
@ Warehouse XI
Thursday, August 15th
John Powhida's
Infirmary Release Party!
with the Shang Hi Los,
& The I Want You
@ the Burren Back Room
Thursday, August 15th
Jon Auer (Posies/Big Star)
live solo show
with openers The Shellye
Valauskas Experience
@ Q Division
Thursday, August 15th
Fred Armisen
@ the Wilbur
Thursday, August 15th
Andrew Bird
Amadou & Mariam
@ Tree House Brewing, Deerfield
Friday, August 16th
Me In Capris
Sailor Down
John Galm
Cape Crush
@ Deep Cuts
Saturday, August 17th
Kid Congo & the Pink Monkeybirds
Lupo Citta
Red Herrings
@ Deep Cuts
Saturday, August 17th
Daniel Romano's Outfit
Uni Boys
Carson McHone
@ Sonia
Monday, August 19th
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Geese
DJ Crenshaw
@ Suffolk Downs
Wednesday, August 21st
Alexa Rose
@ Club Passim
Wednesday, August 21st
NRBQ
@ the Cut
Thursday, August 22nd
Califone
@ a space in Somerville
Friday, August 23rd
Childish Gambino
Willow
@ the Garden
Friday, August 23rd
The Rum Bar Records
Summer Sizzler!
with Cold Expectations,
The Gypsy Moths, &
Girl With A Hawk
@ the Burren Backroom
Friday, August 23rd
Eric Bachmann
Jennifer O'Connor
@ Club Passim
Sunday, August 25th
Dweezil Zappa
The "Rox(Postroh)y" Tour
Celebrating the music of papa Frank
@ the Chevalier Theatre
Sunday, August 25th
Cracker
@ the Cut
Sunday, September 1st
The Roots
Arrested Development
Digable Planets
@ MGM Music Hall
Sunday, September 2nd
Stars
The "Set Yourself On Fire"
20th Anniversary Tour
@ the Royale
Tuesday, September 3rd
King Buzzo (Melvins)
Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle)
JD Pinkus (Melvins/Butthole Surfers)
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, September 3rd
Peter Hook & the Light
doing both the Joy Division
& New Order "Substance" LPs
@ the Paradise
Wednesday & Thursday
September 4th & 5th
Built to Spill
play "There's Nothing Wrong With Love"
in full, with cello
@ the Paradise
Thursday, September 5th
St. Vincent
@ MGM Music Hall
Friday, September 6th
Charley Bliss
@ the Royale
Friday, September 6th
Rob Zombie
Alice Cooper
Ministry
Filter
@ the Xfinity Center
Friday, September 6th
Lady Lamb
@ the Somerville Armory
Saturday, September 7th
Marika Hackman
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, September 8th
Paul Weller
@ House of Blues
Tuesday, September 10th
Weezer (performing the Blue Album)
with Dinosaur Jr.
& The Flaming Lips
@ the Garden
Wednesday, September 11th
Megadeth
Mudvayne
All That Remains
@ the Pavilion
Thursday, September 12th
Band of Horses
City and Colour
@ Treehouse Brewing, Deerfield
Thursday & Friday
September 12th & 13th
The Lemonheads
@ the Paradise
Friday, September 13th
Beabadoobee
Hovvdy
@ MGM Music Hall
Friday, September 13th
Janes Addiction
Love & Rockets
@ the Pavilion
Friday, September 13th
Squeeze
Boy George
@ the Wang Theatre
Friday, September 13th
Hoodoo Gurus
@ the Royale
Saturday, September 14th
Polaris
Blessthefall
Thousand Below
Nerv
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, September 15th
Belly
in Lowell, MA
Sunday, September 15th
Pet Fox
@ Deep Cuts
Sunday, September 15th
Badflower
Slothrust
@ the House of Blues
Monday, September 16th
Spoon
Phantogram
@ MGM Music Hall
Monday, September 15th &
Sunday, September 17th
Pearl Jam
@ Fenway Park
Monday, September 18th
PJ Harvey
@ MGM Music Hall @ Fenway
Monday, September 18th
Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band
@ the Chevalier Theatre
Saturday, September 21st
The Rat Reunion: Celebrating The
50th Anniversary of The Rathskeller
@ the Bellforge Arts Center
Sunday, September 22nd
Sisters of Mercy
Blaqk Audio
@ MGM Music Hall
Monday, September 23rd
X
the farewell tour
@ the Wilbur
Monday, September 23rd
Electric Light Orchestra
The "Over and Out" Tour
@ the TD Garden
Tuesday, September 24th
Idles
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, September 25th
Deerhoof
@ the Somerville Armory
Wednesday, September 25th
The Hives
@ Roadrunner
Thursday, September 26th
The Armed
HO99O9
Kumo 99
DJ Haram
@ the Royale
Wednesday, September 27th
Laura Cantrell
@ Club Passim
Saturday, September 28th
Queens of the Stone Age
The Kills
@ MGM Music Hall
Saturday, September 28th
Eddie Japan
Lovina Falls
Rozy and the Crisis
@ Faces Brewing
Saturday, September 28th
Basement
Narrow Head
Ovlov
Snooper
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, September 29th
Hotline TNT
Disq
@ the Crystal Ballroom
Sunday, September 29th
Soul Coughing
@ Roadrunner
Monday, September 30th
The Softies
Jeanines
Zowy
@ Crystal Ballroom
Monday, September 30th
Death From Above 1979
Teen Mortgage
@ The Sinclair
Monday, September 30th
Brittany Howard
Michael Kiwanuka
Yasmin Williams
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, October 2nd
Chromeo & the Midnight
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, October 2nd
The Psychedlic Furs
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Frankie Rose
@ the Orpheum
Thursday, October 3rd
Graham Nash
Judy Collins
@ the Shubert Theater
Thursday, October 3rd
The Lemon Twigs
@ Crystal Ballroom
Thursday, October 3rd
The Get Up Kids
"Something To Write Home About"
25th anniversary tour
with Smoking Popes
@ Big Night Live
Thursday & Friday
October 3rd & 4th
Sofi Tukker
@ Roadrunner
Friday, October 4th
Sting (trio)
@ MGM Music Hall
Friday, October 4th
Loveless
Beauty School Dropout
Julia Wolf
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, October 5th
Everclear
Marcy Playground
Jimmie's Chicken Shack
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, October 5th
Duster
@ the House of Blues
Saturday, October 5th
Nada Surf
Office Dog
@ the Paradise
Saturday, October 5th
Neko Case
@ the Chevalier Theatre
Sunday, October 6th
Lupe Fiasco
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, October 9th
Los Lobos
@ the Cut
Thursday, October 10th
The Bevis Frond
@ the Crystal Ballroom
Thursday, October 10th
Low Cut Connie
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, October 10th
Johnny Marr
James
@ the Orpheum
Friday, October 11th
Chinese Football
@ the Rockwell
Friday, October 11th
Yard Act
@ the Sinclair
Friday, October 11th
Billie Eilish
@ the Garden
Sunday, October 13th
Fontaines D.C.
Been Stellar
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, October 13th
Wesley Stace
@ Club Passim
Sunday, October 13th
OMD
@ the House of Blues
Monday, October 14th
Tigers Jaw
@ the Royale
Tuesday, October 15th
Air
playing "Moon Safari
@ MGM Music Hall
Wednesday, October 16th
Illuminati Hotties
Daffo
@ The Sinclair
Wednesday, October 16th
Empress Of
@ the Paradise
Wednesday, October 16th
Orville Peck
Nikki Lane
Vincent Neil Emerson
@ MGM Music Hall
Wednesday & Thursday
October 16th & 17th
Nick Lowe with
Los Straitjackets
@ Brighton Music Hall
Thursday, October 17th
Tanukichan
@ the Middle East Downstairs
Thursday, October 17th
Maggie Rogers
Ryan Beatty
@ the Garden
Saturday, October 19th
John Douglas
(of Trashcan Sinatras
@ City Winery
Saturday, October 19th
The The
@ the Orpheum
Saturday, October 19th
Rival Schools
Webbed Wing
Hollow Suns
Twowayradio
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, October 19th
Todd Rundgren
@ the Lynn Auditorium
Monday, October 21st
Boris
Starcrawler
@ the Paradise
Tuesday, October 22nd
MJ Lenderman & the Wind
Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band
@ the Royale
Wednesday, October 23rd
OSEES
@ the Royale
Wednesday, October 23rd
Massive Attack
DJ Milo
@ Roadrunner
Friday, October 25th
Moving Targets
The Long Wait
Spiller
@ the Middle East Up
Saturday, October 26th
Fog Lake
Foxes in Fiction
@ the Lilypad
Saturday, October 26th
Cyndi Lauper
farewell tour
@ MGM Music Hall
Sunday, October 27th
Foxing
@ the Sinclair
Monday & Tuesday
October 28th & 29th
Clairo
Alice Phoebe Lou
@ Roadrunner
Tuesday, October 29th
Robyn Hitchcock
Imogen Clark
@ City Winery
Wednesday, October 30th
André 3000:
New Blue Sun Live In Concert
@ the Wang
Wednesday, October 30th
The Go! Team
@ the Sinclair
Friday, November 1st
The Dresden Dolls
Gogol Bordello
Johnny Manchild
& the Poor Bastards
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, November 2nd
The Dresden Dolls
Gogol Bordello
Emperor Norton's
Stationary Marching Band
@ Roadrunner
Friday through Sunday
November 1st - 3rd
Buffalo Tom's
"Please Come To Boston" minifestival
@ the Somerville Armory
Sunday, November 3rd
The Juliana Hatfield Three
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, November 3rd
Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn
@ the ICA
Wednesday, November 6th
Cursive
Gladie
@ Crystal Ballroom
Wednesday, November 6th
The Wallflowers
@ the Wilbur
Saturday, November 9th
TRAITRS
Dead Leaf Echo
Gretchen Shae & The Middle Eight
@ the Middle East Upstairs
Sunday, November 10th
David Cross
Sean Patton
@ the Royale
Sunday, November 10th
Slow Pulp
Free Range
@ the Paradise
Tuesday & Wednesday
November 12th & 13th
Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief)
@ the Shubert Theatre
Friday, November 15th
Hallelujah the Hills perform
"I'm You" in it's entirety
with
Upper Wilds & Sidebody
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, November 15th
Ratboys
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, November 16th
Tokyo Police Club (the final tour)
@ the Paradise
Sunday, November 17th
Chat Pile
Mamaleek
Trainlodge
@ the Sinclair
Friday, November 22nd
Dawes
Winnetka Bowling League
@ Roadrunner
Friday, November 22nd
Amy Helm
(full band show)
@ the Cut
Friday, November 22nd
Yoke Lore
Runnner
@ the Royale
Saturday, November 23rd
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Alan Sparhawk (of Low)
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, November 23rd
J Mascis
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, December 1st
Gillian Welch &
David Rawlings
@ the Wilbur
Friday, December 6th
BEAT plays the music
of 80s King Crimson
featuring Adrian Belew, Steve Vai,
Tony Levin, & Danny Carey
@ the Lynn Auditorium
Thursday, December 12th
The Jesus Lizard
@ Roadrunner
Friday, December 13th
Suki Waterhouse
Bully
@ Roadrunner
Sunday, December 15th
Tiny Moving Parts
Action/Adventure
Greywind
@ the Crystal Ballroom
Tuesday, December 31st
Aerosmith (farewell tour)
with the Black Crowes
@ TD Garden
Friday, January 31st
Frank Black & his band
play "Teenager of the Year"
@ the House of Blues
Saturday, February 15th
Travis
@ the Royale
Thursday, March 20th
Neil Degrasse Tyson
@ the Wilbur
