With August underway, below are links and embeds for the now-complete playlists of some new songs I dug during the month of July 2019: On YouTube, Spotify, & Soundcloud.
To play along with the new month, follow here, here, or here, depending on your preferred streaming platform.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BOSTON-AREA LIVE SHOW ACTION
Thursday, April 2nd
The Grownup Noise
(trio show)
@ the Square Root
Thursday, April 2nd
On Cinema Live! with
Tim Heidecker
& Gregg Turkington
@ the Wilbur
Friday, April 3rd
Patrick Watson
@ Somerville Theatre
Friday, April 3rd
Hedge
Hey I'm Outside
Ezra Cohen
& the Big City Band
Jake McKelvie
@ Ralph's Rock Diner
Friday & Saturday
April 3rd & 4th
Hayley Williams
Water From Your Eyes
@ House of Blues
Saturday, April 4th
Throwing Muses
Poison Joys
@ the Paradise
Saturday, April 4th
The Dirty Three
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, April 4th
Puscifer
Dave Hill
@ the Wang Theatre
Sunday, April 5th
Glen Hansard
@ City Winery Boston
Wednesday, April 8th
Prewn
Lane
@ Deep Cuts
Wednesday, April 8th
The Wedding Present
Mark Robinson
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, April 8th
The EARFULL series
writers reading,
songwriters performing.
with authors
Alysia Abbott & Rick Moody
and musicians
Mehmet Ali Sanlikol Trio
& The Suitcase Junket
@ the Regattabar
Wednesday, April 8th
Peter Case
Corin Ashley
@ Club Passim
Wednesday, April 8th
Mclusky
Pile
@ the Paradise
Thursday, April 9th
Jane Siberry
@ City Winery Boston
Thursday, April 9th
Stuck
Landowner
Pew Pew
@ Deep Cuts
Thursday & Friday
April 9th & 10th
Circle Jerks
Gorilla Biscuits
@ the Paradise
Friday, April 10th
Band of Horses
@ the Cabot in Beverly
Friday, April 10th
Flatwaves
Still Life Sounds
Slow Quit
Tunneling
@ O'Brien's
Friday, April 10th
TAKAAT
Major Stars
KO Queen
@ Deep Cuts
Saturday, April 11th
Sam Sample
Alejandro Meola
South Pleasant Revival
@ the Jungle
Saturday, April 11th
Will Dailey
@ the Paradise
Saturday, April 11th
DARK SPRING BOSTON
@ Sonia
Saturday, April 11th
Hot Stove Cool Music returns!
with Fountains of Wayne,
Kay Hanley, Peter Gammons,
Will Dailey, Hot Stove All-Stars,
and more!
@ the Paradise
Saturday, April 11th
A benefit for Dana Farber!
Sidewalk Driver
Silver Screams
The Wynotts
Duck & Cover
@ Faces
Saturday & Sunday
April 11th & 12th
Lily Allen
@ the Orpheum
Sunday, April 12th
Holy Fuck
@ the Rockwell
Sunday, April 12th
Club D'Elf (LP Release!)
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, April 12th
Bush
Mammoth
James and the Cold Gun
@ MGM Music Hall
Tuesday, April 14th
The Chameleons
The Veldt
@ Crystal Ballroom
Tuesday, April 14th
Fantastic Cat
@ The Middle East Up
Thursday, April 16th
Rhiannon Giddens
@ the Orpheum
Thursday, April 16th
Lena Dunham
book tour stop
@ the Wilbur
Thursday, April 16th
The Sleeveens
Adult Learners
TBA
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, April 17th
Snail Mail
Swirlies
Sharp Pins
@ Big Night Live
Friday, April 17th
Pallbearer
@ Widowmaker, Braintree
Saturday, April 18th
The Samples
@ the Cut
Saturday, April 18th
The Last Dinner Party
Florence Road
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, April 18th
Nick Offerman
"Big Woodchuck" tour
@ the Chevalier Theatre
Sunday, April 19th
Heavenly
Swansea Sound
Jeanines
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, April 19th
Tracy Bonham
Spring Residency night 3
@ the Burren Backroom
Monday, April 20th
The Antlers
Tōth
@ Brighton Music Hall
Monday, April 20th
Broncho
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, April 21st
A benefit for LUCE
Hotline TNT
How Much Art
Can't Lose
Tracey Nelson
Secondaries
@ First Parish Church, JP
Tuesday, April 21st
Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out
with this month's guests
Merrie Amsterburg,
George Danahy (Ghouls),
Mercedes Escobar,
Emily Grogan, Chris Walton,
Barrence Whitfield & Sal Baglio,
and The Paid Protesters
@ the Burren Backroom
Tuesday, April 21st
José González
Abby Sage
@ the Royale
Wednesday, April 22nd
to Wednesday, April 29th
The Independent Film Festival Boston
@ indie cinemas around town
Wednesday, April 22nd
Waxahatchee
MJ Lenderman
@ the Wang
Thursday, April 23rd
Weedeater
Conan
@ Sonia
Friday, April 24th
Tommy Stinson & friends
@ Ames Chapel, Hingham
Saturday, April 25th
Robin Pecknold
(of Fleet Foxes)
Allegra Krieger
@ Shalin Liu Performance Ctr.
in Rockport, MA
Saturday, April 25th
Cock Sparrer
Haywire
Lower Class Brat
Yellow Stitches
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, April 25th
Lupo Cittá
"Inverno" LP release show!
with Taxidermists
@ the Lilypad
Sunday, April 26th
Lambrini Girls
Big Special
Big Girl
@ the Paradise
Monday, April 27th
The Afghan Whigs
Mercury Rev
@ the Royale
Monday, April 27th
Fishbone
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, April 29th
Author Tom Perrotta presents
"Ghost Town: A Novel"
with Meredith Goldstein
@ the Brattle
Thursday to Sunday
April 30th to May 3rd
LCD Soundsystem
@ Roadrunner
Thursday, April 30th
Oklou
@ the Royale
Thursday, April 30th
Lloyd Cole
@ City Winery
Thursday, April 30th
through Sunday, May 3rd
The Hold Steady
celebrate 30 years of
"Boys and Girls in America"
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, April 30th
through Saturday, May 2nd
The full lineup has been shared for...
The Town and the City Festival
featuring
John Doe (from X) & David Lowery
(from Camper Van Beethoven/Cracker)
The Felice Brothers, Vundabar, Copilot,
Tanya Donelly & Chris Brokaw,
Future Teens, GA-20, Steve Wynn,
John Lanford & Friends, Kris Delmhorst,
Christana Vane, The Wolff Sisters, JVK,
Megan From Work, Tysk Tysk Task,
The Ghouls (performing Black Sabbath),
Burp. (performing the Beatles),
The Deliriants (reunion), Toluca Lake,
Western Education, Dom the Composer,
Dee Tension & the Secrets, Abby Moskow,
Stay At Home Dads, Other Brother Darryl,
The Evolutionists, Nigel Wearne, Tell,
Poorhouse Records Allstars, Krixus,
Dead Vapor, Mike's Carwash, Sinnet,
Grave Givertz, Joshua Theodore,
Losing Side, Phantom Ocean, Ron's Car,
Weatherman, Makeshift Kings,
Charming Arson, The Darlin', Make It So,
Josh McKelvie, Ruby Red, Beagle Dog,
Marcy the Baptist, Your Friends,
Jazz Criminals, Ava Sophia,
and Everly Estelle, plus comedians
Tony V, Kristin O'Brien, Jen Howell,
Jacques Lambert, & James Hamilton
along with a reading of
"Fenway Punk" by Chris Wrenn
@ many venues through Lowell, MA
Friday, May 1st
Maya Hawke
@ the Crystal Ballroom
Friday, May 1st
Tanya Donelly
& Chris Brokaw
@ First Church, Cambridge
Saturday, May 2nd
Vundabar
Copilot
free & all ages
@ Palmer St. in Lowell
Sunday, May 3rd
Good Flying Birds
Galore
Grass Widow
@ the Lilypad
Sunday, May 3rd
Rachel Lichtman presents
Programme 4's
"Make the Scene"
with guests Josh Kantor,
Jim Robeck, and the
Jib Calhoun show with
guest host Juliana Hatfield
@ the Regent Theatre
Monday, May 4th
Yumi Zouma
Ducks Ltd.
@ the Sinclair
Monday, May 4th
Harvard Bookstore presents
Gaelynn Lea in conversation
with Adrian Anantawan
and Colleen Flanagan
@ Cambridge Public Library
Tuesday, May 5th
Dry Cleaning
YHWH Nailgun
@ the Paradise
Tuesday, May 5th
The Messthetics
and James Brandon Lewis
@ City Winery Boston
Tuesday, May 5th
Gladie
Noun
@ Deep Cuts
Tuesday & Wednesday
May 5th & 6th
Joe Pernice
@ Club Passim
Wednesday, May 6th
The EARFULL series
writers reading, songwriters performing.
with authors
Allegra Goodman & Jayne Anne Phillips
and musicians
Jason Narducy & Debo Ray
@ the Regattabar
Friday, May 8th
Jon Butcher Axis
"The Final Show"
with Johnny A
@ the Cut
Saturday, May 9th
Remember Sports
Cusp
Jake McKelvie
@ Crystal Ballroom
Saturday, May 9th
Blood Feeder
Wire Lines
Silver Screams
@ Pour Farm Tavern
Saturday, May 9th
7-11 Jesus
LP release show
@ Fifth Column
Saturday, May 9th
Somerville Porchfest
all around Somerville
Sunday, May 10th
The Cribs
@ the Sinclair
Monday, May 11th
EMF
@ City Winery
Tuesday, May 12th
Silkworm
Come
@ Crystal Ballroom
Wednesday, May 13th
Courtney Barnett
Momma
Truman Sinclair
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, May 13th
Failure
All Under Heaven
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, May 14th
Case Oats
@ Club Passim
Thursday, May 14th
The Head & the Heart
The Brudi Brothers
@ the Wang Theatre
Thursday, May 14th
(moved from March 5th)
The Joy Formidable
@ the Somerville Armory
Thursday, May 14th
Melody's Echo Chamber
@ the Royale
Friday, May 15th
Nova One (LP release show!)
Bong Wish
Winkler
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, May 15th
J Po's 60th B-Day
with Sidewalk Driver
& the Powhida Infirmary
@ the Lizard Lounge
Sunday, May 17th
Tracy Bonham
Spring Residency night 4
@ the Burren Backroom
Thursday, May 19th
Chapterhouse
she's green
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, May 19th
Brown Horse
@ O'Brien's
Tuesday & Wednesday
May 19th & 20th
Belle & Sebastian
play "Tigermilk" (19th) and
"If You're Feeling Sinister" (20th)
with
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
@ the Orpheum
Friday, May 22nd
The Sheila Divine
"The Middle Ages" LP release show!
@ Brighton Music Hall
Friday, May 22nd
The Wallflowers
@ the Cabot Theater
Friday, May 22nd
Lucinda Williams
@ the Chevalier Theatre
Friday, May 22nd
King Tuff
Mod Lang
@ the Middle East Up
Friday, May 22nd
Memorials
@ O'Brien's
Friday, May 22nd
The Black Angels
L.A. Witch
@ the Royale
Saturday, May 23th
Robber Robber
@ Deep Cuts
Sunday, May 24th
David Lee Roth
@ the House of Blues
Sunday, May 24th
Bruce Springsteen
& the E Street Band
@ TD Garden
Saturday, May 30th
Napalm Death
Acid Bath
Pig Destroyer
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, May 30th
Corinne Bailey Ray
@ Cary Hall, Lexington
Sunday, May 31st
James Blake
@ Roadrunner
Monday, June 1st
Haute & Freddy
@ the Sinclair
Monday, June 1st
Ann Wilson (Heart)
in conversation with
director Barbara Hall
presenting their documentary
"In My Voice"
@ City Winery Boston
Wednesday, June 3rd
Ryan Bingham
& the Texas Gentlemen
@ Roadrunner
Thursday, June 4th
St. Vincent
with the Boston Pops Orchestra
@ Boston Symphony Hall
Friday, June 5th
Jon Butcher
Barrence Whitfield
TJ Welch & the Wasted
@ the Middle East Downstairs
Friday, June 5th
Freddie Gibbs
Geordie Greep
@ Roadrunner
Friday, June 5th
Pete & Bas Save America
Delivery Boys
@ the Sinclair
Friday & Saturday
June 5th & 6th
They Might Be Giants
@ the House of Blues
Saturday, June 6th
Bent Shapes
Colleen Green
Beeef
@ Deep Cuts
Sunday, June 7th
Kevin Morby
Liam Kazar
@ the Royale
Sunday, June 7th
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
@ the Cabot
Wednesday, June 10th
The Avett Brothers
and Mike Patton
present AVTT/PTTN
@ the Wang
Wednesday, June 10th
Primus
Les Claypool's Frog Brigade
The Lennon Delirium
@ the Pavilion
Wednesday, June 10th
Cracker
@ the Middle East Down
Thursday, June 11th
Echo & the Bunnymen
@ Roadrunner
Thursday, June 11th
A Concert & Conversation with
Hrishikesh Hirway & Min Jin Lee
@ the Sinclair
Friday, June 12th
Killswitch Engage
Machine Head
Iron Reagan
Havok
@ Roadrunner
Friday, June 12th
Dave Matthews Band
@ the Xfinity Center
Saturday, June 13th
Pride Festival
featuring Melissa Ferrick
@ Bellforge Arts Center
Sunday, June 14th
Robyn Hitchcock
full band electric!
@ Brighton Music Hall
Sunday, June 14th
Kiefer Sutherland
with Rocco Deluca
@ the Wilbur
Tuesday, June 16th
Bleachers
Hovvdy
@ MGM Music Hall
Wednesday, June 17th
Rotsam
Henry Soloman
@ the Sinclair
Thursday & Friday
June 18th & 19th
Pedro the Lion
(duo house shows)
in Allston & Cambridge
Friday, June 19th
The Breeders
@ the Cabot
Saturday, June 20th
Young the Giant
Cold War Kids
Almost Monday
@ the Pavilion
Saturday, June 20th
Sidewalk Driver
Black Helicopter
Miskatonic
@ the Middle East Up
Saturday, June 20th
Sidewalk Driver
Black Helicopter
Miskatonik
@ the Middle East Upstairs
Saturday, June 20th
Jimmy Eat World
"Bleed American" 25th Anniversary
Thrice
Girls Against Boys
@ MGM Music Hall
Sunday, June 21st
The Samples
@ City Winery
Monday, June 22nd
Mumford & Sons
Lord Huron
Dylan Gossett
@ Fenway Park
Tuesday, June 23rd
Wolfmother
@ House of Blues
Thursday, June 23rd
John C. Reilly
is Mr. Romantic
@ the Emerson Colonial Theatre
Wednesday, June 24th
The Church
The Singles Tour
(rescheduled from 8/1/25)
@ Somerville Theatre
Wednesday, June 24th
of Montreal
Boyhood
Cormae
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, June 24th
Sammy Hagar & his band
Rick Springfield
@ the Xfinity Center
Thursday, June 25th
Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band
Elizabeth Moen
@ the Sinclair
Friday, June 26th
Souled American
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, June 26th
Deer Tick
@ the Royale
Friday, June 26th
Greg Mendez
Scarlet Rae
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, June 27th
Silver Screams
Still Sedated
Past Life Crisis
matinee @ the Jungle
Saturday, June 27th
The Human League
Soft Cell
Alison Moyet
@ the Wang
Saturday, June 27th
Jesca Hoop
@ City Winery
Sunday, June 28th
Weird Nightmare
@ Deep Cuts
Monday, June 29th
Santana
The Doobie Brothers
@ the Xfinity Center
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday
June 29th, 30th, & July 1st
Lyle Lovett
@ City Winery Boston
Tuesday, June 30th
Tortoise
Basic
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, June 30th
Steve Earle
@ Groton Hill Music Center
Tuesday, June 30th
The Bug Club
@ Deep Cuts
Tuesday & Wednesday
June 30th & July 1st
Goose
@ the Pavilion
Thursday, July 2nd
Godsmack
Stone Temple Pilots
Dorothy
@ the Xfinity Center
Friday, July 3rd
Widowspeak
@ the Somerville Armory
Sunday, July 5th
The Spatulas
Major Stars
Tyler & the Names
@ the Lilypad
Tuesday, July 7th
Black Country, New Road
Horsegirl
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, July 8th
Buck Meek
Kisser
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, July 8th
American Football
Ian Sweet
@ the Royale
Wednesday, July 8th
Lionel Richie
Earth, Wind & Fire
@ the TD Garden
Thursday, July 9th
Stewart Copeland
spoken word tour
@ City Winery Boston
Friday, July 10th
Sarah McLachlan
Allison Russell
@ the Pavilion
Friday, July 10th
Shakira
@ the TD Garden
Saturday, July 11th
Pussycat Dolls
Lil' Kim
Mya
@ Xfinity Center
Saturday, July 11th
Poppy
Landmvrks
Thousand Below
@ Roadrunner
Saturday, July 11th
Noah Kahan
@ Fenway Park
Tuesday, July 14th
Joe Jackson
@ the Chevalier
Wednesday, July 15th
Judy Collins
with
Richard Thompson
& Elles Bailey
@ Cape Cod Melody Tent
Wednesday, July 15th
Benson Boone
@ the TD Garden
Thursday, July 16th
Judy Collins
with
Richard Thompson
& Elles Bailey
@ South Shore Music Circus
Friday, July 17th
The Guess Who
@ the Pavilion
Saturday, July 18th
Muse
Bloc Party
The Temper Trap
@ Xfinity Center
Sunday, July 19th
Todd Rundgren
@ the Cabot
Tuesday, July 21st
Billy Strings
@ Agganis Arena
Tuesday, July 21st
Cola
Parking
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday & Wednesday
July 21st & 22nd
Billy Strings
@ Agganis Arena
Wednesday, July 22nd
Allah-Las
@ the Crystal Ballroom
Thursday & Friday
July 23rd & 24th
Smoking Popes
35th Anniversary Tour
with Radiator Hospital
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, July 24th
Man Man
Death Valley Girls
@ the Sinclair
Friday, July 24th
Passion Pit
@ the House of Blues
Sunday, July 26th
Men At Work
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Shonen Knife
@ South Shore Music Circus
Monday, July 27th
Metric
Broken Social Scene
Stars
@ MGM Music Hall
Thursday, July 30th
Tomahawk
Melvins
@ House of Blues
Friday, July 31st
Tori Amos
@ the Pavilion
Friday & Saturday
July 31st & August 1st
Phish
@ Fenway Park
Sunday, August 2nd
Dan Deacon
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, August 5th
Buddy Guy
@ Lynn Auditorium
Wednesday, August 5th
Franz Ferdinand
@ House of Blues
Thursday to Sunday
August 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th
SOMERGLOOM
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, August 7th
Iron & Wine
@ Boarding House Park, Lowell
Saturday, August 8th
Cheater Slicks
Lupo Città
Puke Pisstols
@ The Middle East Up
Saturday, August 8th
Bruce Hornsby
& the Noisemakers
@ the Cabot
Saturday, August 8th
Hilary Duff
@ Xfinity Center
Thursday, August 13th
Deep Purple
Kansas
Jefferson Starship
@ the Xfinity Center
Friday, August 14th
Blues Traveler
Gin Blossoms
Spin Doctors
@ the Pavilion
Saturday, August 15th
BoDeans
@ the Cabot
Sunday, August 16th
Dogstar
@ House of Blues
Thursday, August 20th
Indigo Girls
@ the Chevalier
Tuesday, September 1st
Arlo Parks
@ the Royale
Thursday, September 3rd
Robyn
Avalon Emerson & the Charm
@ Agganis Arena
Friday, September 4th
Peter Hook & the Light
play New Order's "Get Ready"
@ House of Blues
Friday, September 4th
Lily Allen
@ MGM Music Hall
Saturday, September 5th
Violent Femmes
@ Cape Cod Melody Tent
Sunday, September 6th
Violent Femmes
@ South Shore Music Circus
Tuesday, September 8th
John Fogerty
Steve Winwood
@ the Pavilion
Wednesday, September 9th
Social Distortion
Descendents
The Chats
@ Roadrunner
September 10th
Babymetal
Halestorm
Violent Vira
@ the Xfinity Center
Saturday & Monday
September 12th & 14th
Rush
@ TD Garden
Saturday, September 12th
Devotchka
plays "Little Miss Sunshine"
@ the Sinclair
Wednesday, September 12th
Wu-Tang Clan
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
@ the Xfinity Center
Sunday, September 13th
Rufus Wainwright
@ City Winery
Monday, September 14th
Aldous Harding
@ the Sinclair
Monday, September 21st
Cabarat Voltaire
@ the Wilbur
Tuesday, September 22nd
Bikini Kill
@ Roadrunner
Wednesday, September 23rd
Armand Hammer
@ the Somerville Armory
Wednesday, September 23rd
UB40
@ the Wilbur
Thursday, September 24th
The Pretty Reckless
@ House of Blues
Sunday, September 27th
Weezer
The Shins
Silversun Pickups
@ TD Garden
Monday, Sept. 28th
The Sex Pistols
with Frank Carter
@ the Royale
Tuesday, September 29th
Two Door Cinema Club
STRFKR
Friendly Fires
@ MGM Music Hall
Thursday, October 1st
Gorillaz
Little Simz
Deltron 3030
@ TD Garden
Saturday, October 3rd
Public Image Ltd.
@ the Paradise
Thursday, October 8th
White Denim
Arc Iris
@ Deep Cuts
Friday & Saturday
October 9th & 10th
Superdrag
@ Brighton Music Hall
Saturday, October 10th
Outlander in Concert
Music by Bear McCreary
@ the Shubert Theatre
Tuesday, October 13th
Sturgill Simpson
@ TD Garden
Saturday, October 17th
Sugar
J. Robbins
@ Roadrunner
Friday, October 23rd
Bruce Cockburn
Livingston Taylor
@ the Chevalier Theatre
Saturday, October 24th
Jesse Wells
Hudson Freeman
@ Roadrunner
Thursday, November 5th
Air Supply
@ the Chevalier
Saturday, November 7th
Fruit Bats
@ the Royale
Monday, November 9th
Hiss Golden Messenger
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, November 12th
Die Spitz
@ the Paradise
.