[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of… last year? Yes, of 2019.
Posted on June 30, 2020 at 9:41 am | No Comments
Hey, it’s my laughably late faves list. Even in unexceptional times, no one needs another one of these, especially one this tardy. But my coping mechanisms include distracting myself with tedious, relatively meaningless projects… like this one. I shared last year’s list in… July? Absolutely shameful. I told myself then that I’d never be that late again… so, mission accomplished, I guess? By one day. Small victories. I’m not above using a global pandemic as an excuse, or a basement flood (that happened), and I swear, I was so close to having this thing done three months ago. I mean, I’d still have been last, but not quite this last. Never again (he says, until the next time).
As usual, here’s a simple (and overlong) alphabetical list of some LPs, EPs, reissues, and web-only releases that hooked me last calendar year. I don’t rank 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 maybe later after you hastily move along.
I’ve been sharing these things for close to two decades now, and here’s the proof: 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, & 2001. If you’ve got spare reading time, don’t click on those old posts, instead hit up these more timely run-downs of last year’s high points from respected friends: Bryan’s AGP, Jay’s Blizznog, Allston Pudding’s Staff Picks & Local Faves, and Ben’s Noise Floor. Alright, on to the business. I’ve included a bit of text for some, including links if the artists have released new music in the meantime. And, y’know, given how long it’s been… odds are good. If any of this stuff grabs you, the next Bandcamp Day (on which all of their fees are waived in support of artists, and on which many bands donate their own cut to worthy causes) is this Friday, July 3rd, so maybe pick something up then if you’re able.‘Nac Faves of 2019 – Spotify playlist
My Favorite LPs of 2019
Apex Manor
¡°Heartbreak City¡±
[ on Merge Records ]
Grateful that Ross Flournoy’s long break away from music finally ended with this stellar set of songs, and that I got to see him play some of them at Merge30 in North Carolina last summer (especially since he didn’t tour the record through Boston). In September, he also released “Blueprints”, a five-song collection of outtakes & demos from the LP.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Merge ]
Sasha Bell
¡°Love Is Alright¡±
[ fan-funded & self-released ]
Sasha Bell’s (of the Essex Green/Ladybug Transistor) long-in-the-works solo album finally arrived and was very much worth the wait.
[ Stream the LP & buy direct at Bandcamp ]
Big Thief
¡°Two Hands¡±
[ on 4AD ]
Even if this album contained only the song “Not”, it would be an all-timer. But it has so much more. And wasn’t even the only good record they released last year. This year so far they’ve shared an EP of demos and a non-album track via Bandcamp.
[ Stream two songs at Bandcamp / Buy direct from 4AD ]
Chris Brokaw
¡°The End of the Night¡±
[ on VDSQ/tak:til/Glitterbeat ]
Chris’ varied sonic guises (solo-singer-songwriter/full-band-rock-action/instrumental-experimental-ambience) are all well-worth a deep dive, and last year’s release of “The End of the Night” was no exception. A few West Coast cities were even graced with performances by his stacked “End of The Night Band”, and I was damn lucky to be in Portland, OR for one of ’em. He’s since released a live recording from one of those shows, as well as a guitar-n-synth EP titled “Fecund In The Flood”, composed during the early days of The Great Pause. He’s also teased his next rock-band record, “Puritan“, which is in the can and will eventually be in our ears.
[ Stream the LP on Bandcamp / Buy direct from VDSQ ]
Business of Dreams
¡°Ripe For Anarchy¡±
[ on Slumberland ]
Another great release from the Land of Slumber. BoD has since released the digital “Well I See” EP via Bandcamp.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Slumberland ]
Chastity Belt
¡°Chastity Belt¡±
[ on Hardly Art ]
Since this release, their self-titled fourth album, Seattle’s Chastity Belt have put out a digital split single with Melbourne’s Loose Tooth. Grab that here.
[ Stream three songs at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Hardly Art ]
Christians & Lions
¡°Young Familiar¡±
[ released through Bandcamp ]
Ben Potrykus revived this long-dormant project after a decade or so, which allowed him to stretch his songwriting skills outside of the (brilliant) Bent Shapes box. Whatever form his output takes, I’m there.
[ Stream the album & buy direct at Bandcamp ]
Corridor
¡°Junior¡±
[ on Sub Pop ]
I have no defense for not jumping on the Corridor train until this record, but I am now fully on board. Hoping I get to catch them live… someday.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Sub Pop ]
DIIV
“Deceiver”
[ on Captured Tracks ]
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Captured Tracks ]
The Figgs
“Shady Grove”
[ on Stomper Records ]
A great Figgs (triple!) LP that measures up well against the rest of their ridiculously extensive discography (33 years = so many records). Hit their Bandcamp for some more recent additions. We’re fortunate that Mike Gent & Pete Donelly have been doing the occasional lockdown livestream, so hit up their FB pages for those, too.
[ Watch another video on YouTube / Buy direct from the band ]
Future Teens
“Breakup Season”
[ on Triple Crown ]
Future Teens have been doing some cool weekly charity giveaways over on FB, where a donation to a selected charitable cause gets you an entry, so head over there to get in on that action.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Take This To Heart ]
Guided By Voices
“Zeppelin Over China”
[ on Rockathon ]
They put out (at least) two other records last year as well, but this one hit me harder. I mean, they’re all good in their way, or at least they’ve all got some great songs. And, (gloomtown) shocker, they’ve put out more this year, while starting up the incredible “Hot Freaks” subscription service. Weekly doses of GBV straight to yer inbox. Completely worth the cost.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Rockathon ]
Halfsour
“Sticky”
[ on Fire Talk Records ]
Took me far too long to catch this Boston-based trio live, but finally seeing them at O’Brien’s last year sealed the deal. Was looking forward to more of that until, well, you know. Post-Pause, I’ll be there again.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Fire Talk ]
Hallelujah the Hills
“I’m You”
[ on Discrete Pageantry ]
In the wake of releasing one of their best records (I know, I say that about every HtH LP, but it’s true every time), the band has offered up an audio collage of demos and a live duo recording. Go snag ’em.
[ Stream & buy from Bandcamp ]
Hovvdy
“Heavy Lifter”
[ on Double Double Whammy ]
Another canceled-casualty of The Great Pause: Not getting to see Hovvdy play songs from this wonderful LP at the (obviously still closed) ONCE Somerville a few weeks back. I was out of town for last October’s Great Scott show (speaking of sadness), so that was to be my own personal make-up date. Sigh. Go grab a set of Heavy Lifter demos that the band shared back in March.
[ Stream at from Bandcamp / Buy from Double Double Whammy ]
Imperial Wax
“Gastwerk Saboteurs”
[ on Saustex Records ]
I’m a bit surprised that this record didn’t wind up on more year-end lists – it’s a corker. These guys made up the final incarnation of the Fall, and I’m very glad they kept going after the loss of MES. Great stuff, and there’s been another 2-song single released since.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Saustex ]
Jeanines
“Jeanines”
[ on Slumberland ]
More Slumberlandy-greatness, with the first full-length from this wonderful NYC-duo. So many short, sharp pop songs, and it’s shorter than some EPs (16 songs in 25 minutes!). Love it. They’ve since shared an acoustic EP on Bandcamp along with a new 4-song 7-inch on the wonderful WIAIWYA label (btw, you should hurry up and grab that – only 10 copies of the vinyl left over there!).
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Slumberland ]
Will Johnson
“Wire Mountain”
[ on Keeled Scales ]
The mighty Will Johnson, mining the depths as he does so well. Seeing him play some of these songs in our living room was a personal highlight of last year, and brought this record even closer to my heart. Will has done a few live-from-home streams during lockdown, raising funds for causes close to him. Here’s the latest one. He’s also been continuing his series of paintings of notable ballplayers, and selling the originals, so keep an eye over on Facebook for more of ’em.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Keeled Scales ]
Ladytron
“Ladytron”
[ fan-funded & self-released ]
My favorite Ladytron record, 20 years into their existence. Shame that this release was a victim of the Pledgemusic implosion, but I’m obviously grateful they eventually persevered and got this out into the world. Back in March, the band pulled together an cool little “self-isolation mixtape” over on sp*tify.
[ Stream & buy the LP at Bandcamp ]
Lost Film
“Zero Summer”
[ via Bandcamp ]
I don’t think Jimmy Hewitt has released anything I haven’t loved.
[ Stream & buy it at Bandcamp ]
Madder Rose
“To Be Beautiful”
[ on Trome Records ]
Just a little 20-year break between albums, no big deal, right? Great post-reunion LPs are no longer a huge surprise, but they sure are welcome ones. Such a joy hearing Billy Cot¨¦ & Mary Lorson record together again. MR have been in the air lately, as the answer to a mini-online-mystery, as well as a sweet cover selection by Tanya Donelly & friends. Tanya also shared the news that Madder Rose was going to play a little Belly-centric fest in Providence before the world went to hell, and I’m hopeful that’ll still come to pass someday. Add that to the long list of other things I’m hopeful for.
[ Stream & buy the LP at Bandcamp ]
Mammoth Penguins
“There’s No Fight We Can’t Both Win”
[ on Fika Recordings ]
When SXSW started falling apart this year, Mammoth Penguins were the first band I thought of… such a bummer that all their planning was for naught. Fingers crossed that they’ll get a chance to make up that trip next year, and that they’ll include even more tour dates (cough*boston*cough). With Emma Kupa’s recently-announced debut solo LP arriving in September, maybe she’ll even get to play some sets of her own while they’re over. There’s that optimism again. Back in March, the band released a non-album fundraising track via Bandcamp, so go grab that if you haven’t yet.
[ Stream & buy direct from Fika Recordings ]
Bob Mould
“Sunshine Rock”
[ on Merge Records ]
It’s only been 16 months since this excellent record, and Mr. Mould has already announced his next one, unveiling it with an absolute barnburner of a track. Go listen to “American Crisis” if you haven’t yet. Or just crank it again if you have. Then pre-order the upcoming “Blue Hearts” LP.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Merge ]
Moving Panoramas
“In Two”
[ on Modern Outsider ]
As if I wasn’t already going to adore this album, Leslie Sisson goes ahead and invites Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws to add perfect harmonies to what became my favorite track. Hoping another chance to see her play in person is in my eventual future, as it’s been far too long. Leslie has done a couple live sessions during lockdown, so keep an eye on the MP facebook page and her instagram in case something else pops up, and check out the band’s contribution to a recent charity comp on Bandcamp.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Modern Outsider ]
Palehound
“Black Friday”
[ on Polyvinyl ]
The third Palehound LP, and it really feels like Ellen Kempner’s band has hit a perfect stride. No matter how many times I’ve heard it, and no matter the context, this record never fails to move me. They’ve put out a couple of singles since, including “Your Boyfriend’s Gun” (with an ace Yo La Tengo cover thrown in) and the more-recent “See A Light”, so hit those links to grab ’em. Ellen’s also done a couple stunning solo-at-home sets in recent days, so keep an eye on Instagram in case there’s another.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Polyvinyl ]
Pedro the Lion
“Phoenix”
[ on Polyvinyl ]
David Bazan reignites his band name and promptly puts out a freakin’ thematic masterpiece of a record. The first in a series of LPs that he plans to write about the places he’s lived, “Phoenix” is a stunner that has set an incredibly high bar for the rest. Dave’s been very generous with his time during lockdown, playing no less than two solo sets a week over on Twitch. Stop into one of those on a Tuesday or Wednesday if your soul needs some nurturing, which it likely does.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Polyvinyl ]
Pernice Brothers
“Spread The Feeling”
[ on Ashmont Records ]
Loooong in the making, and the wait paid off handsomely. A high point in a career of high points, brothers Joe, Bob, & their collaborators (Neko Case among them this time) pulled together a poignant pop record that keeps revealing depths, many months after the first spin. And… surprise! Joe’s already got another full-length of his own out, this one a stripped-down, recorded-in-lockdown affair titled “Richard”. Go get it, and keep one eye on his Instagram page in case he decides to do another livestreamed set… the couple he recently did to mark the record’s release were truly special, and went unsaved.
[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]
Peyton Pinkerton
“Ex Tomorrow”
[ on Darla Records ]
Another relatively unheralded but no-less-excellent solo record from Peyton Pinkerton (New Radiant Storm King/Silver Jews/Pernice Bros), with his guitar playing and at-home production skills only getting more inventive & dynamic with each LP. I’m so appreciative of his continued musical output, and of Darla’s long-standing support of his releases. Keep ’em coming.
[ Stream a track at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Darla ]
Purple Mountains
“Purple Mountains”
[ on Drag City ]
Not sure I can say anything about this record that will give it justice, or that will sound anything other than trite. 2019 was a lot of things, but it’ll mostly just be the year we lost David Berman.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Drag City ]
Ride
“This Is Not A Safe Place”
[ on Wichita Recordings ]
Ride’s graceful return has been a gift from the get-go, and if their first post-reunion record was shaking off the rust, this one’s got them back up to cruising speed. Back in May, the band released a strings-and-synths version of this LP titled “Clouds In The Mirror”, with gorgeous new arrangements by P¨ºtr Aleks?nder.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Wichita ]
J Robbins
“Un-Becoming”
[ on Dischord ]
One of my last, and greatest, memories from the now-officially and tragically gone Allston venue Great Scott was seeing J. Robbins and his band of ringers play songs from this record in December, with openers Versus & Drew O’Doherty. Sigh.
J. has since done a couple FB solo-from-home livestreams, and has shared some songs over on Bandcamp, including the biting “Dear Leader” a few weeks back.[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Dischord ]
seBADoh
“Act Surprised”
[ on Dangerbird Records ]
Yup, another solid Sebadoh record. Lou B. has been doing fairly frequent livestreams on his Instagram, and naturally throwing in some of his Sebadoh songs (and even a Jason number or two – petty cool to hear Lou’s voice on those). Sebadoh had a bunch of Spring live dates set before, y’know, so it remains to be seen if those will get rebooked before the next Dinosaur Jr. album-tour-cycle begins. We shall see.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Dangerbird ]
Secret Shame
“Dark Synthetics”
[ self-released through Bandcamp ]
I owe the entirety of my relatively new appreciation of this band to a fest that never happened (you know why). Boston’s own Dark Spring Festival was scheduled to take place back in April, and when they started sharing the lineup late last year, Secret Shame stood out when this record grabbed me immediately. Check out a new two-song single the band released in early June, and add an eventual Boston-area show (or, better yet, an entire rebooking of the DSF) to my long list of post-pandemic hopes.
[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]
Starflyer 59
“Young In My Head”
[ on Tooth & Nail ]
Jason Martin keeps plugging along, quietly putting out some of the most rock-solid records of his very long run. He’s already got another excellent EP out (“Miami”), and his band Lo Tom (with TW Walsh, Trey Many, & David Bazan) has their second record finished and ready to go. Cannot wait.
[ Buy digitally from Tooth & Nail ]
Swervedriver
“Future Ruins”
[ on Dangerbird Records ]
Yet another band who went away for a long while and came back without skipping a beat. Their second great post-reunion record proves the first was no fluke, and that there was lots of gas left in their Mustang’s tank.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Dangerbird ]
Tallies
“Tallies”
[ on Kanine Records ]
A stunner of a debut full-length from this Toronto outfit. The band’s Sarah & Dylan have done a couple of lockdown livestreams, and you can watch one of ’em here.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Kanine Records ]
Telekinesis
“Effluxion”
[ on Merge Records ]
Seeing Michael Learner play a bunch of these songs with his band at MRG30 last summer was not just a treat, but maybe the first time I’ve seen him perform his own stuff with a drummer that was not himself. I dug it, but I do so love his drumming. Speaking of which, he plays on Ben Gibbard’s recently released single, “Proxima”.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Merge ]
Tennis System
“Lovesick”
[ on Label ]
On May 1st, Tennis System followed up this great record with the pre-order of the super-limited, vinyl-only “Fuck Everything Else” EP, which arrives in July. It promptly sold out. And I missed it. Rats. I love limited-release, physical-only shit like this, except when I get shut out. Fingers crossed I’ll still get to hear their cover of “Space Age Love Song” somehow.
[ Stream the LP at Graveface’s Bandcamp ]
Unwed Sailor
“Heavy Age”
[ self-released ]
Somehow, and shamefully, Unwed Sailor fandom eluded me until last year, and I’ve been trying to make up for it since. They’ve been around for ages, so I have zero excuses for missing out until this fantastic LP. And they’ve just put out another excellent record that’s already on my eventual list of 2020 faves. Grab “Look Alive” here.
[ Stream & buy the LP at Bandcamp ]
Versus
“Ex Voto”
[ on Ernest Jenning Record Co. ]
One of my all-time favorite bands releases a long-awaited record that not only doesn’t disappoint, but damn well excels. My anticipation for this thing lasted years, we drove down to the Brooklyn release show, drove again to western MA for another live dose, and did my part to finally get them a Boston show. I was, as they say, all in. I feel like their recorded and performing presence helped musically define my 2019, and that’s a truly wonderful thing. Thank you, Versus.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from EJRC ]
Westkust
“Westkust”
[ on Run For Cover Records ]
More top-notch-melodic-noise-rock from Sweden, brought to me by a label whose headquarters I can almost see from my house. Westkust’s second record is a dreamy doozy, and if they ever end up playing the U.S., I’m so there.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from RFC ]
Young Guv
“GUV I” & “GUV II”
[ on Run For Cover Records ]
Another ace RFC-released project, the solo moniker of Toronto native (and Fucked Up guitarist) Ben Cook, and yeah, I’m cheating a little by combining two albums into one fave. They’re both chocked full of indie-pop-perfection, with almost too much irresistibly catchy, jangly goodness. Check out a recently-released live LP over on Bandcamp.
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from RFC ]
A Few Favorite Singles,
Short-Players, & Web-Only
Releases from 2019
Funeral Advantage
“Nectarine” EP
[ on Sleep Well Records ]
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct Sleep Well ]
Makthaverskan
“Demands” 7-inch
[ on Run For Cover Records ]
[ Stream the single at Bandcamp / Buy direct from RFC ]
Andy Partridge & Robyn Hitchcock
“Planet England” EP
[ on Ape House ]
[ Stream the EP via YouTube / Buy direct from Ape House ]
+/- {Plus/Minus}
“Summer 2019 Extended Play”
[ on Ernest Jenning Record Co. ]
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from EJRC ]
Versus
“Ex Nihilo” EP
[ on Ernest Jenning Record Co. ]
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from EJRC ]
Some Favorite Re-Issues
& Assorted Randomness
Released In 2019
Gregory and the Hawk
“Texas Collectious” song series
[ via Patreon ]
[ Support GatH through Patreon ]
Bill Janovitz
“Covers of the Weeks”
10th Anniversary Collections
(Volume I-IV)
[ self-released ]
[ Download over at Bill’s website ]
Mourn
“Mixtape” compilation LP
[ on Subterfuge (Spain only) ]
[ Stream side A at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Subterfuge ]
Replacements
“Dead Man’s Pop” box set
[ on Rhino ]
[ Buy direct from Rhino ]
Rodan
“The Hat Factory ’93” LP
[ on Quarterstick Records ]
[ Stream & buy at Bandcamp ]
Silkworm
“In The West” LP remaster/reissue
[ on Comedy Minus One ]
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy direct from CMO ]
Springfields
“Singles 1986-1991” reissue
[ on Slumberland Records ]
[ Stream the LP at Bandcamp / Buy straight from Slumberland ]
Stereolab
Catalog Reissue/Remaster Series
[ on Duophonic ]
[ Stream the LPs at Bandcamp / Buy direct from Duophonic ]
Withered Hand
“Ten Years” EP
[ on Fika/wiaiwya ]
[ Stream at Bandcamp / Buy from Fika Recordings or wiaiwya ]
And that, as they say, is all he wrote. Support your favorite artists, now more than ever. And try not to let the bastards get you down.
Comments
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
Jason Narducy
(Split Single, Superchunk,
Verboten, Bob Mould Band)
@ Q Division
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
Wesley Stace's
CABINET OF WONDERS
with Willie Loco Alexander,
Michael Arthur, Tanya Donelly,
Matthew Caws (Nada Surf),
Dave Hill, James Parker,
Patrick Stickles (Titus Andronicus),
& Ryan Walsh (Hallelujah the Hills)
@ City Winery
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
Nnamd?
@ 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
Rachael Yamagata
Anya Marina
@ the Somerville Armory
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
Bad History Month
@ Panopticon
Friday, October 17th
Peel Dream Magazine
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, October 17th
The Psychedelic Furs
Gary Numan
@ MGM Musis Hall
Friday, October 17th
Sheila E. & the E-Train
@ City Winery Boston
Saturday, October 18th
Kingsley Flood
@ the Burren Backroom
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)
Kathy Snax Band
@ Deep Cuts
Sunday, October 19th
The Chelsea Curve
Speedfossil
Cold Expectations
Happy Little Clouds
Corin Ashley
Eric Barlow
@ the Burren Backroom
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
Brian Dunne
Dead Gowns
@ the Rockwell
Thursday, October 23rd
Neko Case
Des Demonas
@ The Wilbur
Thursday, October 23rd
Shudder to Think
Zwei Null Zwei
@ 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, October 24th
Insomnies
Chris Brokaw
The Golden Dregs
Lights Out
@ Myrtle, Providence
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
Halloween show with...
Yoni Gordon (as Prince),
the Grownup Noise, Indiana Stone,
& The Naya Rockers (as REM),
Ruby Grove (as Led Zeppelin),
& Happy Little Clouds, Endation,
The Daylilies, Linnea¡¯s Garden, &
Adi Sun (as Queens of the Stone Age)
@ the Loft, Somerville
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
Tuesday, October 28th
WHICH SIDE?
A Protest Music Teach-Out
A Music Series with Discussion
Hosted by James Sullivan
featuring the Paid Protesters
& a revolving cast of singers
This one features: Rick Berlin,
Will Dailey, Thea Hopkins,
Cliff Notez, Aaron Perrino,
and Chad Stokes
@ the Burren Back Room
Wednesday, October 29th
EARFULL series
"Writers reading, songwriters playing"
with authors
Tom Perrotta & Alice Hoffman
and musicians
Highway Hosiery & Adam Sherman
@ Regattabar, Cambridge
Wednesday, October 29th
Of Monsters and Men
Arny Margret
@ Roadrunner
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
Tuesday, November 4th
Dinosaur Live!
Improvised Entertainment with
Edi Patterson, Paul Scheer,
Rob Huebel, Jason Mantzoukas,
Owen Burke, Danielle Schneider,
and Mary Holland
@ the Chevalier, Medford
Wednesday, November 5th
Boris
"Pink" 20th Anniversary Tour
with Uniform
@ the Paradise
Thursday, November 6th
Matt Pond PA
@ the Fallout Shelter, Norwood
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
Thursday, November 13th
Major Stars
Mountain Movers
Gossip Collar
@ Deep Cuts
Thursday, November 13th
Celebration of Hip-Hop with
Hall of Fame Induction of Rakim
@ Berklee Performance Center
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
Die Spitz
@ the Sinclair
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
Thursday, November 20th
Sarah McLachlan
@ the Orpheum
Thursday, November 20th
SOM
Hiroe
Girih
Bedroom Eyes
@ Deep Cuts
Friday, November 21st
Queensr?che
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
Saturday, November 29th
Vundabar
@ the Sinclair
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
Friday, December 5th
STL GLD
House Party
with Bad Rabbits
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, December 6th
The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo
Christmas Show featuring
Paul F. Tompkins, Nellie McKay,
& Josh Gondelman
@ the Chevalier Theatre
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
Thursday, December 11th
The Ladybug Transistor
@ Deep Cuts
Saturday, December 13th
Paula Poundstone
@ the Mosesian Center, Watertown
Saturday, December 13th
Will Dailey
@ the Paradise
Saturday, December 13th
Converge's SADDEST DAY Fest
with Touch¨¦ Amor¨¦, 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
Saturday, December 13th
J. Robbins Band plays
Burning Airlines
@ Deep Cuts
Sunday, December 14th
Cursive
AJJ
@ Brighton Music Hall
Monday, December 15th
Algernon Cadwallader
@ the Sinclair
Saturday, December 20th
The Del Fuegos
Early & Late shows
@ City Winery
Sunday, December 21st
Samantha Fish
Cedric Burnside
Jon Spencer
@ the Wilbur
Saturday, December 27th
John Oliver
@ MGM Music Hall
Sunday, December 28th
The Felice Brothers
Charlotte Cornfield
@ the Sinclair
Monday & Tuesday
December 29th & 30th
The Disco Biscuits
Monday @ the Sinclair
Tuesday @ the Royale
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Cate Le Bon
@ the Sinclair
Thursday, January 15th
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
"Piano & Voice" performance
@ the MFA Boston
Monday, January 19th
Shame
@ Brighton Music Hall
Thursday, January 27th
The Residents
Eskimo Live! Tour
@ Brighton Music Hall
Saturday & Sunday
January 31st & February 1st
Something In The Way Fest 2026
with Explosions In The Sky,
Sunny Day Real Estate, Citizen,
Tigers Jaw, The Hotelier, Momma,
Angel Dust, February, First Day Back,
Glitterer, Glixen, Gollylagging, Guv,
Graham Hunt, Horse Jumper of Love,
How Much Art, No Warning, Pelican,
Park National, Pool Kids, Sheer Mag,
Wicca Phase Springs Eternal,
and Teen Suicide
@ Roadrunner
February 13th
Nine Inch Nails
@ TD Garden
Friday, February 20th
Marissa Nadler
@ the Somerville Armory
February 28th
Ratboys
Florry
@ the Sinclair
Tuesday, March 3rd
Spiritual Cramp
@ the Sinclair
Monday, March 23rd
Westerman
@ the Sinclair
Sunday, March 29th
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
@ Sanders Theatre
Wednesday, April 1st
Wednesday (the band)
@ the Royale
Thursday, April 2nd
On Cinema Live! with
Tim Heidecker
& Gregg Turkington
@ the Wilbur
Friday, April 3rd
Patrick Watson
@ Somerville Theatre
Thursday, April 16th
Rhiannon Giddens
@ the Orpheum
Thursday, May 14th
Melody's Echo Chamber
@ the Royale
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