Bradley’s Almanac

[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2020

Posted on December 31, 2021 at 11:45 am | No Comments

No, that is not a typo. It really is supposed to say ‘2020’ up there and not ‘2021’. It’s my laughably late, overlong list of long-players I loved last year. I’d say “embarrassingly” late, but I’m way past caring about timeliness, just that it gets done before the current calendar ends. Besides, “laughably” has that whole alliteration thing going for it.

So last year was a loooong one. You know why. And I listened to a lot of music. More than ever, maybe? Comfort sounds, constantly. All the money I saved not going to shows? Bought more records, mostly mail-order, and lots of them thanks to the semi-regular Bandcamp Fridays. It really felt like too many LPs arrived then quickly disappeared straight into the ether. Without touring, the accompanying local press (if such a thing even exists anymore), and the much-missed in-person chats among music-loving pals, attention seems to move on to the next thing faster than ever. The online churn ever-increasing. Releasing an album during these times can be a scary thing (and that’s not even factoring in the ongoing vinyl-pressing delays). As always, but this year more pointedly, my faves run-down is a gentle attempt to direct some light back on some things you may have missed.


What follows is an alphabetical list of some LPs, EPs, reissues, and a few web-only releases that sustained me during 2020. A year unlike any other. I’ve never ranked the things I love, as relative positioning of art is folly, and my moods change on a whim. Hell, just whittling down this list to a reasonable length was tough enough. Obviously.

I’ve included label links for as-direct-as-possible physical purchasing if you’re so inspired (be inspired!), along with an embedded song for (almost) everything listed. I also pulled together (i.e. obsessed over the order of) a playlist, so those of you who subscribe to a certain hell-spawned streaming service can listen while you’re scrolling. Or save it for later, after you TLDR and move along.

I’ve been pulling these lists for together two decades now, and they live here: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, & 2001.

If you’ve got spare reading time, instead of those old posts, hit up these way-more-timely run-downs of last year’s high points from respected friends: Kumar’s Blizznog, Bryan’s “Proclamation Tracks” over at AGP, Allston Pudding’s Staff Picks & Local Faves, and Chris Porter’s 10 faves.

Alright, on to the business. I’ve included a bit of text for the LPs, maybe some info if the bands have released new music in the meantime (and that’s a lot of meantime). If any of it grabs you, keep an eye out for the next Bandcamp Friday (days when all of their fees are waived in support of the artists, and on which many donate their cut to worthy causes) and maybe pick up something then.

And with this done, I can officially start working on my 2021 post. Yeeesh. Thanks for reading, and may 2022 bring you only good things. Or at least fewer not-good things.


‘Nac Faves of 2020 – Spotify playlist


My Favorite LPs of 2020


Alex the Astronaut

“The Theory of Absolutely Nothing”

[ on Nettwerk Records ]

Irresistibly catchy indie-pop from Australia’s Alexandra Lynn. A debut album stuffed with single-worthy songs, and soma.fm plays at least four or five of ’em. A new song, “Growing Up”, was released last month.

[ Stream songs at Soundcloud / Buy the LP from a record store ]


Beach Bunny

“Honeymoon”

[ on Mom & Pop Music ]

Beach Bunny have just released a new holiday song, “Christmas Caller”, which you can find right here.

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


Andy Bell

“The View From Halfway Down”

[ on Sonic Cathedral ]

The Ride guitarist/co-vocalist has released a few EPs since this full-length arrived, with non-album tracks, remixes, & acoustic versions.

[ Stream & buy the LP at Bandcamp ]


The Beths

“Jump Rope Gazers”

[ on On Carpark Records ]

The Beths released an excellent live recording back in September, the perfect primer for seeing them during their U.S. tour in 2022. So very psyched for their sold-out show at the Sinclair in January.

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


Phoebe Bridgers

“Punisher”

[ on Dead Oceans ]

She’s here, she’s there, she’s every-fuckin-where. 2020 sure felt like Phoebe Bridgers’ year. Every once in awhile someone who deserves it hits the big time.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Dead Oceans ]


Califone

“Echo Mine”

[ on Jealous Butcher ]

We were very fortunate to get a preview of some of this record when Tim Rutili & company played Kay’s place in Somerville back in 2019, and it did not disappoint. His live shows are the stuff of magic.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Jealous Butcher ]


Caspian

“On Circles”

[ on Triple Crown ]

The pride of Beverly MA, remaining remarkably, consistently inspired after so many years together. Frontman Philip Jamieson recently shared a solo covers record on Bandcamp.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Triple Crown ]


Coriky

“Coriky”

[ on Dischord ]

Ian MacKaye returned in recorded form at last, in this trio alongside Amy Farina (The Evens/The Warmers) and his former Fugazi bandmate Joe Lally.

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


E

“Complications”

[ on Silver Rocket ]

Thalia Zedek (Come, Uzi, Live Skull), Jason Sanford (Neptune), and Gavin McCarthy (Karate) gave us their second killer full-length.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Silver Rocket ]


Flower

“None Is (But Once Was)”

[ on Ernest Jenning ]

The news of Flower’s return was such a welcome surprise after 30 (!) years, and this record crushed the lofty expectations I had for it. Just crammed full of great songs, and the pandemic deprived most of us a chance to see the live versions. Was really hoping to make it to their cancelled dates with Sebadoh. Alas.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Ernest Jenning ]


Fontaines D.C.

“A Hero’s Death”

[ on Partisan Records ]

The remarkable sophomore record from this Dublin quintet. The band served up on of the best full-show lockdown livestreams of last year when they played Brixton Academy in late November, and also shared an excellent set recorded in Dublin as well.

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


Kyle Forester

“Hearts In Gardens”

[ on ‘Tis So Referent Records ]

Kyle Forester (Crystal Stilts/Ladybug Transistor/Woods) gave us his second solo record, and has since shared an excellent, laid back cover of Leiber/Stoller’s “Poison Ivy” (popularized by the Coasters in the late-50s).

[ Stream & buy the LP via Bandcamp ]


Guided By Voices

“Mirrored Aztec”

[ on Rockathon Records ]

I could have put two or three other GBV-related releases on this list (not to mention the ‘hot freaks’ subscription series, mentioned below), but I’ll settle on my fave of the bunch. Pollard is just a never-ending fountain of sonic joy.

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


Hum

“Inlet”

[ on Earth Analog Records/Polyvinyl ]

This album appeared out of nowhere and absolutely blew my mind. I had no idea that a new Hum record was even in the works, so there was no lead-up, no anticipation, just a simple “here it is” from the band. Amazing.

The sudden loss of their incredible drummer, Bryan St. Pere, not long after its release, was just crushing. One of my favorite players, and it’s an understatement to say I was looking forward to seeing him smashing out these songs on a stage someday. Such a huge loss in a year of losses.

[ Stream & buy digitally at Bandcamp / Buy vinyl from Polyvinyl ]


Jetstream Pony

“Jetstream Pony”

[ on Shelflife (US) ]

After a string of singles & EPs, Jetstream Pony’s wonderful debut full-length arrived last year. Just a couple weeks ago they shared a six-song follow-up EP, “Misplaced Words”.

[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]


Will Johnson

“El Capitan”

[ on Keeled Scales ]

Another ace solo LP from Will Johnson, who can write no wrongs in my book. The recent reunion show (and plans for more) by his band Centro-matic has me positively giddy.

[ Stream & buy at at Bandcamp / Grab vinyl from Keeled Scales ]


Kestrels

“Dream or Don’t Dream”

[ on Darla Records ]

Cross one off the wishlist: I finally got a chance to see Kestrels play live when they came down from Halifax for some dates opening for Mr. Bob Mould, including here at the Paradise in Boston. One of my first indoor, all-masked, crammed-crowd experiences since this whole shitshow started, so yeah, it was weird. And yet, it ruled.

[ Buy direct from Darla ]


Kiwi Jr.

“Football Money”

[ on Mint Records ]

It’s been long enough since this Toronto quartet released “Football Money”, their debut record, in January 2020, that they’ve already released the full-length follow-up, “Cooler Returns”. That arrived in January 2021, so does that mean we’ll get a third next month? I’ll take it.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Mint Records ]


Knot

“Knot”

[ on Exploding In Sound ]

Knot, filling the hole left by Krill’s absence. I’ll follow Jonah Furman & his bandmates wherever they go.

[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy direct from EiS ]


Emma Kupa

“It Will Come Easier”

[ on Fika Recordings ]

Emma’s first solo full-length, after many years of making music in bands I utterly adore (Standard Fare, Mammoth Penguins, Suggested Friends). It’s been my absolute honor to have recorded some songs with her, and hopes are high that you’ll get to hear them before too much longer 🙂

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


Land of Talk

“Indistinct Conversations”

[ on Saddle Creek ]

So grateful that Elizabeth Powell’s musical return in 2017 (with the excellent “Life After Youth” LP) has seen her stick around for more. “Indistinct Conversations” contained what may be my most-listened to track of 2020 in the gorgeous “Compelled“. She and her LoT bandmates have recently gifted us with another EP, “Calming Night Partner“.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Saddle Creek ]


Lo Tom

“LP2”

[ self-released via Bandcamp ]

The second (and final?) LP from this veritable supergroup of a band, and it’s an absolutely unabashed arena rock record. Trey Many, Jason Martin, TW Walsh, & David Bazan. Giant riffs, shimmering keys, powerful drums… immaculate production that just begs to be played loud. Shame we’ll probably never get to see these songs played from a stage. Who wants to start a Lo Tom cover band?

[ Stream & buy direct at Bandcamp ]


The Luxembourg Signal

“The Long Now”

[ on Shelflife ]

My brain keeps thinking that the Luxembourg Signal is a “new” band, and suddenly they’re on their 3rd full-length in 7 years. Time is weird! Each record is ace in its own way, but this one feels like my fave of them all. Psyched to see they’re working on new songs.

[ Stream & buy the LP at Bandcamp ]


Mamalarky

“Mamalarky”

[ on Fire Talk ]

The excellent debut LP from this Atlanta-via-Austin-via-LA quartet, which followed a series of singles and a 2018 EP. In the handful of bands who released great records in 2020 that I’ve actually been able to see perform its songs in front of me, they may be the most appreciated (see also: Slow Pulp).

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Fire Talk ]


Mint Mile

“Ambertron”

[ on Comedy Minus One ]

I figure as long as Tim Midyett (Silkworm/Bottomless Pit) keeps making records, they’ll keep ending up on these lists.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from C-1 ]


Jason Molina

“Eight Gates”

[ on Secretly Canadian ]

“Eight Gates” is the final collection of solo studio material that JM recorded before his passing. Eight years gone. Never forgotten.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Secretly Canadian ]


Mourn

“Self Worth”

[ on Captured Tracks ]

The Spanish band’s first record as a trio after parting ways with their original drummer, and my personal favorite so far. Absolutely cannot wait until I get a chance to see them on a stage.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Captured Tracks ]


Nada Surf

“Never Not Together”

[ on Barsuk Records ]

Another set of heart-on-sleeve songs from Caws & company, one that took a little longer than I expected to resonate with me, but once it did, it got in deep. “Just Wait” has become one of my all-time Nada Surf faves. The band has since released a companion collection called “Cycle Through” that includes outtakes & alternate versions.

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


New Dog

“The Songs of Townes Van Zandt”

[ self-released via Bandcamp ]

Former Metal Hearts/Travels co-founder (and now former-Bostonian) Anar Badalov continues his solo output as New Dog with this super-limited 10-inch of TVZ covers. His latest project is ARANANAR, a collaboration with Adam “Aran” Nenadál that they call “a collection of odes and laments to the borderlands of the Czech Republic”. Their debut full-length arrives in just a few days, and you can listen to three tracks over at Bandcamp.

[ Listen & buy at Bandcamp ]


Oceanator

“Things I Never Said”

[ on Polyvinyl ]

Elise Okusami’s stunning debut, and seeing her band is high on my list of future hopes. I got shut out of their recent stop at the Paradise, opening for Slaughter Beach, Dog & Jeff Rosenstock (sold out so fast!), but fingers crossed a headlining show happens nearby in 2022. Y’know, virus willing.

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


Gary Olson

“Gary Olson”

[ on Tapete Records ]

Ladybug Transistor founder, Marlborough Farms studio chief, and traveling trumpeteer Gary Olson’s very first solo record, concocted partly at his own Brooklyn space and partly in Norway. He has since released a stand-alone digital single, “A House in Provence”, which hopefully portends another LP not too far down the road.

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


Peel Dream Magazine

“Agitprop Arena”

[ on Slumberland Records ]

There’s a like a 90% chance that any new Slumberland release will end up on this list. Such is Papa Slumber’s sky-high batting average. PDM’s second full-length flaunts its influences openly, but what perfect influences they are.

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


Joe Pernice

“Richard”

[ on Ashmont Records ]

One of two full-lengths this prolific Pernice brother released in 2020 (the other being an inspired Barry Manilow tribute), and its arrival coincided with some semi-regular Instagram live streams. Hearing him play these songs in that setting so often really allowed them to burrow down deep. Up next from JP is another Pernice Brothers full-length in 2022.

[ Stream & buy the LP via Bandcamp ]


Pilkington

“Pilkington”

[ self-released via Bandcamp ]

Pop-rock perfection from Philly’s finest. A series of stellar singles heralded this self-titled debut LP, and did it ever measure up. Not just right up my alley, but a dead-on, 10-pin takedown.

[ Stream & buy via Bandcamp ]


Porridge Radio

“Every Bad”

[ on Secretly Canadian ]

I’d been regrettably unaware of Porridge Radio until this record, so “Every Bad” was a revelation. Dana Margolin & company have since released three singles, and most recently, a Sub Pop 7-inch with Wolf Parade & Shins covers.

[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Secretly Canadian ]


Pure X

“Pure X”

[ on Fire Talk Records ]

Somehow a six year gap between records turned Pure X from a band I kinda like into a band I absolutely love. This self-titled LP, their fourth, completely clicked for me. They followed it up a few months later with “Rare Ecstasy: 2009-2019”, a collection of b-sides, demos, & covers.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Fire Talk ]


Shell of a Shell

“Away Team”

[ on Exploding In Sound ]

Another killer release from Exploding In Sound, a fantastic full-length that follows SoaS’s 2018 debut EP. And yes, another band I would probably have seen a couple times by now in the alternate universe where the world is not a touring band’s total nightmare.

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


Slaughter Beach, Dog

“At the Moonbase”

[ on Lame-O Records ]

A little late to the SBD boat, which is weird because I dug Modern Baseball, but glad to finally be on board. Next time they come to town, I’m buyin’ my tickets early.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Lame-O ]


Slow Pulp

“Moveys”

[ on Winspear Records ]

I had the pure pleasure of seeing Slow Pulp a few weeks back, and it’s been a very, very long time since I’ve experienced such a complete love-fest between audience & band. Just absolute joy from the crowd, myself included, and singer/guitarist Emily Massey’s constant on-stage smiling showed that she felt it all. The band has released a couple of singles since “Moveys” (their first full-length), an original called “Shadow”, and a studio recording of their show-closing Sum 41 cover.

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


Smokescreens

“A Strange Dream”

[ on Slumberland Records ]

Like I said above, if it’s on Slumberland, it’s probably on here. Produced by the Clean’s David Kilgour, Smokescreens’ third full long-player is jangle-pop at its finest. There are moments when I believe album-closer “I Love Only You” is my favorite song of the year.

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


Squirrel Flower

“I Was Born Swimming”

[ on Polyvinyl ]

Even if she’s no longer living in Boston, I’d still like to pretend she’s ours, just as a point of absolute pride. “I Was Born Swimming” is such a fully-realized debut full-length, and she’s already released another great one with “Planet (i)”, which arrived on Polyvinyl in June. She’s also got a new EP showing up in late January.

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


Suburban Living

“How To Be Human”

[ on EggHunt Records ]

Wesley Bunch’s third album, and his most electro-leaning record yet. The guitars are still very much there, the knack for shimmering melodies remains, but the production has jumped up a notch. He’s found that retro-futuristic sweet spot that bands like M83 mine so well.

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


Supermilk

“Death Is The Best Thing For You Now”

[ on Keroleen Records ]

I can pinpoint the exact moment I discovered, and got completely hooked on, Jake Popyura’s Supermilk: A live-streamed virtual release party that Happy Accidents hosted for their latest (last?) LP. Jake was one of their guests, and about halfway through his solo version of “Agony Anne“, he had me. He’s already got another ace full-length out, “Four by Three”, that arrived over the summer.

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


Throwing Muses

“Sun Racket”

[ on Fire Records ]

The fact that Throwing Muses are still releasing records this good after 30-something years is both surprising and completely not surprising at the same time.

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


The Very Most

“Needs Help”

[ on on Lost Sound Tapes> and Kocliko Records ]

Of all the Very Most releases that indiepop-lifer Jeremy Jensen has given us, this one is my very mostest favorite. Joined by a crack team of golden-voiced guest vocalists, it plays like the most cohesive pop mixtape you’ve ever heard.

[ Stream at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Lost Sound or Kocliko ]


Young Jesus

“Welcome to Conceptual Beach”

[ on Saddle Creek ]

After their 2018 “The Whole Thing Was Just There” LP put them on my radar, and their live set later that year (opening for Ian Sweet at Great Scott/RIP) utterly blew me away, I can’t hear new Young Jesus without picturing the songs coming at me from a stage. Spending so much time with this record and not getting that in-person payoff is a promise unfulfilled.

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Saddle Creek ]


A Few Favorite 2020 EPs & Singles


Barrels

“Barrels” EP

[ on Arctic Rodeo Recordings ]

[ Stream the EP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Arctic Rodeo ]


Brief Candles

“Tape Deck” single

[ via Bandcamp ]

[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]


The Loyal Seas

“Strange Mornings in the Garden” debut 7-inch

[ on American Laundromat ]

[ Sold out at ALR, but full-length coming in 2022 ]


Peel Dream Magazine

“Moral Panics” EP

[ on Slumberland Records ]

[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Slumberland ]


Seablite

“High-Rise Mannequins” EP

[ on Emotional Response ]

[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy from Emotional Response ]


Slow Soak

“Freedom From Happiness” EP

[ on Waterfall of Colours ]

[ Stream it on Spotify / Buy direct from Waterfall of Colors ]


Wye Oak with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus

“No Horizon” EP

[ on Merge Records ]

[ Stream it at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Merge ]


Some Favorite 2020 Re-Issues


The Lucksmiths

“A Good Kind of Nervous”

reissue/first time on vinyl

[ on Lost & Lonesome ]

[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Lost & Lonesome ]


New Order

“Power, Corruption, & Lies”

Definitive Edition Box Set

[ on Rhino ]

[ Buy direct from Rhino or from the band ]


Pale Saints

“The Comforts of Madness”

30th anniversary vinyl release

[ on 4AD ]

[ Buy direct from 4AD ]

Replacements

“Please To Meet Me”

Deluxe Edition reissue

[ on Rhino ]

[ Buy direct from Rhino ]

Jonathan Richman

“I, Jonathan”

reissue/first time on vinyl

[ on Craft Recordings ]

[ Buy direct from Craft Recordings ]


Elliott Smith

“Elliott Smith”

Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition

[ on Kill Rock Stars ]

[ Buy direct from KRS ]


Yo La Tengo

“Electr-O-Pura”

25th Anniversary vinyl reissue

[ on Matador Records ]

[ Buy direct from Matador ]


A Few Favorite 2020
Digital-Only Releases


Guided By Voices

“Hot Freaks” weekly subscription club

[ from Rockathon ]


Tanya Donelly

“Sunday Series” digital singles

[ via Bandcamp ]


Heathers

“Goodbye For Now” digital LP

[ via Bandcamp ]


Plus/Minus

“6.19.20” digital EP

[ via Bandcamp ]


And there it is. Consider my bloggers-block officially behind me. Support your favorite artists, now more than ever. And try not to let the bastards get you down.

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    Friday, September 19th
    Weekly Free Residency with
    Hilken Mancini & Melissa Gibbs
    & guests, this week featuring...
    Andrea Gillis & Marc Pinansky
    @ Notch Brewing Brighton

    Friday, September 19th
    Soccer Mommy
    Dummy
    @ House of Blues

    Friday, September 19th
    Sharp Pins
    @ the Lilypad

    Friday, September 19th
    George Thorogood
    & the Destroyers
    @ Lynn Auditorium

    Friday, September 19th
    Russian Circles
    Blackwater Holylight
    @ the Royale

    Friday & Saturday
    September 19th & 20th
    Boston Fuzzstival 2025
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Saturday, September 20th
    Silver Screams
    Sonic Bomb
    Linnea's Garden
    @ Koto Salem

    Saturday, September 20th
    Weakened Friends
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, September 20th
    Turnstile
    Mannequin Pussy
    SPEED
    Jane Remover
    @ Suffolk Downs

    Saturday, September 20th
    Morrissey
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, September 20th
    Wolf Alice
    @ House of Blues

    Saturday, September 20th
    Silver Screams
    Sonic Bomb
    Linnea's Garden
    @ Koto Salem

    Sunday, September 21st
    Sebadoh
    @ the Middle East Downstairs

    Sunday, September 21st
    Laura Stevenson
    @ the Sinclair

    Sunday, September 21st
    Marina
    Mallrat
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, September 21st
    Múm
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Sunday, September 21st
    Nation of Language
    Greet Death
    @ the Royale

    Sunday, September 21st
    Shonen Knife
    @ Sonia

    Monday, September 22nd
    Elvis Costello & the Imposters
    "Radio Soul!" tour
    with Charlie Sexton
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, September 23rd
    Foxwarren
    Allegra Krieger
    @ the Sinclair

    Tuesday, September 23rd
    The Minus 5
    The Baseball Project
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Tuesday, September 23rd
    Jonathan Coulton
    @ City Winery

    Tuesday, September 23rd
    Viagra Boys
    @ Roadrunner

    Wednesday, September 24th
    The Beaches
    Debbii Dawson
    @ Roadrunner

    Wednesday, September 24th
    EARFULL series
    "Writers reading, songwriters playing"
    with authors
    Brock Clarke & Marianne Leone
    and musicians
    Meg Toohey & The Grownup Noise
    @ Regattabar, Cambridge

    Thursday, September 25th
    Cowboy Junkies
    @ the Shubert Theatre

    Thursday, September 25th
    The Cribs
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, September 25th
    Junior Varsity
    @ the Rockwell

    Thursday, September 25th
    Iggy Pop
    Sex Pistols
    The Molotovs
    @ Suffolk Downs

    Thursday through Sunday
    Sept. 25th, 26th, 27th, & 28th
    John Mulaney
    "Mister Whatever" tour
    @ the Wang Theatre

    Friday, September 26th
    Weekly Free Residency with
    Hilken Mancini & Melissa Gibbs
    & guests, this week featuring...
    Jen Trynin & Magen Tracy
    @ Notch Brewing Brighton

    Friday, September 26th
    The Front Bottoms
    Sincere Engineer
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday, September 26th
    Lorde
    Blood Orange
    The Japanese House
    @ TD Garden

    Friday, September 26th
    Stereolab
    The Memorials
    @ the Royale

    Saturday, September 27th
    Car Seat Headrest
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Saturday, September 27th
    Rolo Tomassi
    @ the Rockwell

    Saturday, September 27th
    X
    Los Lobos
    @ the Shubert Theatre

    Sunday, September 28th
    An Evening with author
    Samin Nosrat discussing
    her cookbook "Good Things"
    with Hrishikesh Hirway
    @ Emerson Colonial Theatre

    Tuesday, October 28th
    Future Teens
    ADJY
    Maura Weaver
    @ Deep Cuts

    Sunday, September 28th
    The Tubs
    Foyer Red
    @ Deep Cuts

    Wednesday, October 29th
    Of Monsters and Men
    Arny Margret
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, September 29th
    Melvins
    Red Kross
    @ Fete in Providence

    Tuesday, September 30th
    Murray Hill
    @ City Winery

    Wednesday, October 1st
    Tropical F*ck Storm
    Mark Robinson
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Wednesday, October 1st
    Bad Suns
    Yot Club
    @ the Royale

    Thursday, October 2nd
    Amy Millan (Stars/BSS)
    @ the Middle East

    Thursday, October 2nd
    DEVO
    The B-52s
    Lene Lovich Band
    @ the Xfinity Center

    Thursday, October 2nd
    Elbow
    @ Roadrunner

    Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
    October 2nd, 3rd, & 4th
    David Byrne
    @ the Wang

    Friday, October 3rd
    Home Is Where
    Forests
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, October 3rd
    Weekly Free Residency with
    Hilken Mancini & Melissa Gibbs
    & guests, this week featuring...
    Mike Gent
    @ Notch Brewing Brighton

    Friday & Saturday
    October 3rd & 4th
    Bobcat Goldthwait
    @ the Comedy Studio

    Saturday & Sunday
    October 4th & 5th
    An Inconceivable Evening
    with Cary Elwes
    & a screening of
    The Princess Bride
    @ the Wilbur

    Monday, October 6th
    Swans
    Little Annie
    Paul Wallfisch
    @ the Paradise

    Monday, October 6th
    Yusuf/Cat Stevens
    "An Evening Of Tales,
    Tunes And Other Mysteries"
    Book Tour show
    @ the Wang Theatre

    Friday, November 7th
    Minibeast
    @ Deep Cuts

    Wednesday, October 8th
    Anamanaguchi
    Ovlov
    @ the Royale

    Wednesday, October 8th
    Queens of the Stone Age
    (acoustic show)
    @ the Wang

    Wednesday, October 8th
    High-Vis
    Crush Your Soul
    Cold Gawd
    @ the Paradise

    Wednesday, October 8th
    Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
    'Howl' 20th Anniversary Tour
    with Humanist
    @ House of Blues

    Wednesday, October 8th
    Water From Your Eyes
    Her New Knife
    Editrix
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, October 8th
    The Murder Capital
    @ Sonia

    Thursday, October 9th
    Team Dresch
    Vitapup
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Thursday, October 9th
    The Rapture
    @ House of Blues

    Thursday, October 9th
    Violent Femmes
    @ the Chevalier Theatre

    Friday, October 10th
    Weekly Free Residency with
    Hilken Mancini & Melissa Gibbs
    & guests, this week featuring...
    David Fredette
    @ Notch Brewing Brighton

    Friday, October 10th
    AFI
    TR/ST @ the House of Blues

    Friday, October 10th
    Jukebox the Ghost
    Boys Go To Jupiter
    @ the Royale

    Friday, October 10th
    Destroyer
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, October 11th
    The Cult
    "Death Cult In America" Tour
    with Patriarchy
    @ the Orpheum

    Saturday, October 11th
    Real Estate
    "Atlas" Anniversary Tour
    Trace Mountains
    @ the Royale

    Saturday, October 11th
    Pile
    Nnamdï
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, October 11th
    Kneecap
    @ the House of Blues

    Sunday, October 12th
    Pete & Bas
    @ the Crystal Ballroom

    Sunday, October 12th
    The Miki Berenyi Trio
    (that's Miki from Lush)
    Gina Birch
    The Unreasonables
    @ the Sinclair

    Monday, October 13th
    The Sword
    @ the Paradise

    Monday, October 13th
    My Morning Jacket
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, October 14th
    Grandaddy
    celebrating the 25th anniversary
    of "The Sophtware Slump"
    with Greg Freeman
    @ the Royale

    Wednesday, October 15th
    Modest Mouse
    Built to Spill
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Wednesday, October 15th
    Disclosure (Live)
    Fcukers
    Villager
    @ Roadrunner

    Thursday, October 16th
    Moving Targets
    One Fall
    Spiller
    @ Faces Brewing

    Friday, October 17th
    Peel Dream Magazine
    @ Deep Cuts

    Friday, October 17th
    The Psychedelic Furs
    Gary Numan
    @ MGM Musis Hall

    Saturday, October 18th
    Patty Griffin &
    Rickie Lee Jones
    @ the Chevalier

    Saturday, October 18th
    AL BARILE DAY!
    (bands announced soon)
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, October 18th
    Jeff Tweedy
    Macie Stewart
    @ the Royale

    Sunday, October 19th
    Juanita & Juan
    (Alice Bag & Kid Congo Powers)
    @ Deep Cuts

    Sunday, October 19th
    Guerilla Toss
    @ Crystal Ballroom

    Sunday, October 19th
    Ruston Kelly
    Sam MacPherson
    @ the Sinclair

    Monday, October 20th
    Leisure
    @ the Royale

    Monday, October 20th
    Madi Diaz
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Tuesday, October 21st
    Big Thief
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Tuesday, October 21st
    Everclear
    Local H
    Sponge
    @ Big Night Live

    Wednesday, October 22nd
    Mike Viola
    @ the Lizard Lounge

    Thursday, October 23rd
    Neko Case
    Des Demonas
    @ The Wilbur

    Thursday, October 23rd
    Shudder to Think
    @ Sonia

    Thursday, October 23rd
    Belly
    "King" 30th Anniversary Tour!
    @ the Paradise

    Thursday & Friday
    October 23rd & 24th
    Ali McGuirk
    "Watertop" Release Shows
    @ the Lizard Lounge

    Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
    October 24th, 25th, & 26th
    Jonathan Richman
    with Tommy Larkins
    @ the Somerville Theatre

    Saturday, October 25th
    Cheap Trick
    @ Lynn Auditorium

    Saturday, October 25th
    Amy Rigby
    House show in Dorchester
    @ the Acoustic Den

    Saturday, October 25th
    Rufus Wainwright
    @ City Winery

    Saturday, October 25th
    Ezra Furman
    The Golden Dregs
    @ the Sinclair

    Saturday, October 25th
    Minus The Bear
    @ the House of Blues

    Sunday, October 26th
    Bryan Adam
    Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
    @ the Garden

    Saturday, October 26th
    Big D & the Kids Table:
    A Nightmare Before Halloween
    with Westbound Train,
    & the JB Conspiracy
    @ the Sinclair

    Monday, October 27th
    Laufey
    Suki Waterhouse
    @ TD Garden

    Monday, October 27th
    Autechre
    Mark Broom
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Wednesday, October 29th
    Herbie Hancock
    @ the Wang Theatre

    Wednesday, October 29th
    EARFULL series
    "Writers reading, songwriters playing"
    @ Regattabar, Cambridge

    Wednesday, October 29th
    The Beta Band
    @ the Royale

    Thursday, October 30th
    Cage the Elephant
    Hey, Nothing
    Common People
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Thursday, October 30th
    Thundercat
    @ Roadrunner

    Friday & Saturday
    October 31st & November 1st
    Fleshwater
    Chat Pile
    @ the Paradise

    Saturday, November 1st
    Andy Bell (of Erasure)
    @ the Wilbur

    Sunday, November 2nd
    Fruit Bats (solo)
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, November 5th
    Boris
    "Pink" 20th Anniversary Tour
    with Uniform
    @ the Paradise

    Thursday, November 6th
    Colin Hay (Men at Work)
    @ the Chevalier Theatre

    Thursday, November 6th
    Robert Plant's Saving Grace
    featuring Suzi Dian
    @ the Shubert Theatre

    Thursday & Friday
    November 6th & 7th
    The Lone Bellow
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
    November 6th, 7th, & 8th
    Buffalo Tom's 2nd annual
    "Please Come to Boston" fest
    with special live performances
    & guests each night
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Friday & Saturday
    November 7th & 8th
    Steve Martin & Martin Short
    three shows @ the Wang

    Saturday, November 8th
    Cracker
    with special guests
    @ Abbot Hall, Marblehead

    Saturday, November 8th
    The Mars Volta
    @ House of Blues

    Sunday, November 9th
    Flock of Dimes
    @ the Rockwell

    Sunday, November 9th
    The Samples
    @ City Winery

    Tuesday, November 11th
    Jason Bonham's
    Led Zeppelin Evening
    @ the House of Blues Boston

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    November 11th & 12th
    Micky Dolenz (the Monkees)
    Songs & Stories
    @ City Winery

    Wednesday, November 12th
    Jens Lekman
    @ the Sinclair

    Thursday, November 13th
    Janeane Garofalo
    two shows
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Friday, November 14th
    The Smithereens
    with John Cowsill
    @ City Winery

    Friday, November 14th
    John Fogerty
    doing CCR songs
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Friday, November 14th
    Geese
    @ the Paradise

    Friday, November 14th
    Spiller
    The Long Wait
    @ the Middle East

    Saturday, November 15th
    Hallelujah The Hills
    (20th anniversary show!)
    with the return of the mighty...
    Ho-Ag! @ Deep Cuts

    Saturday, November 15th
    Beach Fossils
    @ the Paradise

    Sunday, November 16th
    The Faint
    Hercules & Love Affair
    @ the Royale

    Sunday, November 16th
    Black Flag
    (Ginn & the kids)
    @ Taffeta in Lowell

    Monday, November 17th
    Tom Morello & Friends
    (electric full band show)
    @ the Paradise

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    November 18th & 19th
    The Barr Brothers
    Land of Talk
    @ the Sinclair

    Wednesday, November 19th
    EARFULL series
    "Writers reading, songwriters playing"
    @ Regattabar, Cambridge

    Wednesday, November 19th
    Author Joe Hill
    presenting 'King Sorrow'
    @ Brookline Booksmith

    Thursday, November 20th
    Weakened Friends
    @ the Sinclair

    Friday, November 21st
    Queensrÿche
    Accept
    @ Somerville Theatre

    Friday & Saturday
    November 21st & 22nd
    Letters to Cleo
    The Cavedogs
    @ the Paradise Rock Club

    Saturday, November 22nd
    Couch
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, November 23rd
    Story of the Year
    Senses Fail
    Armor for Sleep
    @ Roadrunner

    Monday, November 24th
    Stevie Nicks
    @ TD Garden

    Monday, November 24th
    Bar Italia
    Lifeguard
    @ the Paradise

    Monday, November 24th
    Patti Smith
    Horses 50th Anniversary Tour
    @ the Orpheum

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    November 25th & 26th
    The English Beat
    @ City Winery

    Wednesday, November 26th
    The Lemonheads
    @ The Wilbur

    Saturday, November 29th
    Portugal. The Man
    @ Roadrunner

    Sunday, November 30th
    Caspian
    Aisha Burns
    @ Sonia

    Monday, December 1st
    (second show added)
    The Beths
    Phoebe Rings
    @ the Royale

    Friday, December 5th
    The Besnard Lakes
    @ Deep Cuts

    December 6th
    Sorry
    @ the Middle East Up

    Tuesday, December 9th
    They Are Gutting A Body Of Water
    Hooky
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Wednesday, December 10th
    EARFULL series
    "Writers reading, songwriters playing"
    @ Regattabar, Cambridge

    Saturday, December 13th
    Paula Poundstone
    @ the Mosesian Center, Watertown

    Saturday, December 13th
    Converge's SADDEST DAY Fest
    with Touché Amoré, Coalesce,
    The Hope Conspiracy, Soul Glo,
    Year of the Knife, Stress Positions,
    Wormwood, and more
    @ Roadrunner

    Saturday, December 13th
    A John Waters Christmas
    @ Berklee Performance Center

    Sunday, December 14th
    Cursive
    AJJ
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Monday, December 15th
    Algernon Cadwallader
    @ the Sinclair

    Sunday, December 21st
    Samantha Fish
    Cedric Burnside
    Jon Spencer
    @ the Wilbur

    Saturday, December 27th
    John Oliver
    @ MGM Music Hall

    Monday & Tuesday
    December 29th & 30th
    The Disco Biscuits
    Monday @ the Sinclair
    Tuesday @ the Royale

    Thursday, January 15th, 2026
    Cate Le Bon
    @ the Sinclair

    Monday, January 19th
    Shame
    @ Brighton Music Hall

    Friday, February 20th
    Marissa Nadler
    @ the Somerville Armory

    Tuesday, March 3rd
    Spiritual Cramp
    @ the Sinclair

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    May 19th & 20th
    Belle and Sebastian
    play "Tigermilk" (19th) and
    "If You're Feeling Sinister" (20th)
    @ the Orpheum

    Wednesday, June 26th
    The Church
    The Singles Tour
    (rescheduled from 8/1/25)
    @ Somerville Theatre

    Friday, September 4th
    Peter Hook & the Light
    play New Order's "Get Ready"
    @ House of Blues