[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Nac Faves of 2018 – Spotify playlist

My Favorite LPs of 2018

Eric Bachmann
��No Recover��
[ on Merge Records ]

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

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

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

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

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

Belly
“Dove”
[ self-funded via PledgeMusic ]

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

[ Buy it wherever you can ]

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

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

[ Stream the LP on Soundcloud / Buy from Carpark ]

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

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

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

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

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

[ Buy the album direct from 4AD ]

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

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

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

[ Buy it straight from Banquet ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Run For Cover ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Anti ]

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

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

[ Stream & buy direct at Bandcamp ]

E
“Negative Work”
[ on Thrill Jockey ]

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

[ Buy direct from Thrill Jockey ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Merge ]

Field Music
��Open Here��
[ on Memphis Industries ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Memphis Industries ]

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

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

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

[ Buy direct from Cobraside ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Alcopop! ]

Kristin Hersh
��Possible Dust Clouds��
[ on Fire Records ]

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

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

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

[ Buy direct from Fire Records ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Saddle Creek ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Sub Pop ]

Low
“Double Negative��
[ on Sub Pop Records ]

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

[ Buy direct from Sub Pop ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Temporary Residence ]

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

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

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

[ Buy direct from Slumberland ]

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

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

[ Buy direct through Bandcamp ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from the band ]

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

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

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

[ Buy direct from Sub Pop ]

Ruler
“Winning Star Champion”
[ on Barsuk Records ]

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

Also, how great is his Gin Blossoms cover?

[ Buy direct from Barsuk ]

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

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

[Buy direct from Ernest Jenning ]

Smokescreens
“Used To Yesterday”
[ on Slumberland Records ]

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

[ Buy direct from Slumberland ]

Snail Mail
“Lush”
[ on Matador Records ]

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

[ Buy direct from Matador Records ]

Soccer Mommy
“Clean”
[ on Fat Possum Records ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Fat Possum ]

Speedy Ortiz
“Twerp Verse”
[ on Carpark Records ]

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

[ Buy direct from Carpark ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Slumberland ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Exploding In Sound ]

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

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

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

[ Buy direct from Merge ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Thrill Jockey ]

Willard Grant Conspiracy
“Untethered”
[ on Loose Music ]

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

[ Buy direct from Loose Music ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Damnably ]

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

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

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

[ Buy direct from Merge ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Matador ]

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

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

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

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

[ Buy direct from Saddle Creek ]

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

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

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

[ Buy direct from Joyful Noise ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from 15 Passenger ]

boygenius
“Stay Down” EP
[ on Matador Records ]

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

[ Buy direct from Matador ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from WIAIWYA ]

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

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

[ Buy direct over on Bandcamp ]

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

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

[ Buy direct through Bandcamp ]

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

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

[ Support GatH through Patreon ]

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

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

[ Buy direct from Comedy Minus One ]

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

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

[ Listen & buy digitally on Bandcamp ]

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

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

[ Sold out, but listen at Merge ]

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

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

“The time will never matter. It��s the fact that I finished.”

Category: annual faves

Comments

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

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

Thanks for this.

BOSTON-AREA LIVE SHOW ACTION

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

��

Bradley’s Almanac

[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2018

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Bradley’s Almanac

[Nac Faves] My Favorite Music of 2018

Comments

Handy links

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

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