I don’t know about you, but I sure did miss there being a Bandcamp Friday last month! This month’s Bandcamp Friday falls on May 1, the day before the hallowed holiday Free Comic Book Day/Comics Giveaway Day! Make sure you visit your local comic book shop! I hope to stop by my shop, The Outer Limits in Waltham, MA, where they often carry used CDs and vinyl.
But back to Bandcamp! My favorite place on the internet to buy music. Here are my latest picks:
Amazing Royal Crowns – Payback Live Now available exclusively on Bandcamp, the Crowns’ live album, recorded in 2000, is now available for purchase as a digital album. Payback Live is not on any streaming services, so make sure you snap up this live, rockabilly delight.
Lime Garden – Maybe Not Tonight I fell hard for the single and album opener “23.” Then I attended their virtual listening party (on Bandcamp) and needed to pre-order the album on midnight blue vinyl. Recommended if you like Elastica or solo Charlotte Hatherley. (I like this album so much, this is the second time I’ve picked it! When I wrote about it before, it hadn’t yet been released.)
Miss Grit – Under My UmbrellaA thrumming, gorgeous album. I listened to it multiple times in a row when I first got it. Margaret Sohn, AKA Miss Grit (they/she), has combined dreamy vocals with a trip hop sensibility. Think Chrystabell meets Massive Attack.
Die Feen – A Night at the Golden NuggetLose yourself in this cool, goth, darkwave EP from the DC-based Die Feen. It has hints of Bauhaus, Gary Numan, and The Sisters of Mercy.
Failure – Location Lost Another gem from Failure. I’m positively obsessed with the closing track “Moonlight Understands.” Paramore fans will want to take note: Hayley Williams features on “The Rising Skyline.”
Altın Gün – GaripThe Dutch/Turkish psych-groove act takes on the songs of Neşet Ertaş with their sixth studio album. It’s sultry and Arabesque. My favorite track is “Bir Nazar Eyeldim.”
Burned As Witches – Burned As WitchesAsh drummer Rick McMurray’s killer side project is doom-y and riff-tastic. Recommended for fans of Queens of the Stone Age.
Brigitte Calls Me Baby – IrreversibleBCMB’s Irreversible is filled with jangle pop that’s infectious. Sure, singer Wes Leavins sounds eerily like Morrissey. But has Morrissey ever name checked a David Lynch movie? They hooked me with: “I bought Blue Velvet on DVD | I brought it to the slumber party.” And really, Leavins sounds like Gene’s Martin Rossiter. I have room in my heart for more than one crooner. Besides, Morrissey has broken my heart.
It was really hard to narrow down my favorite albums of this past year. Here’s the cream of the crop. Stay tuned for my “Rest of the Best” list soon!
25. Billy Nomates – Metal HorseA solid release from Billy Nomates AKA Victoria Ann “Tor” Maries. Love “Dark Horse Friend,” which features Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers.
24. NewDad – Altar They’re brooding, yet there’s also a lightness. I kept thinking that they reminded me of a darker version of The Glee Club, and it turns out that they’re both from Galway!
23. Anika – AbyssHearing Anika sing, “Sometimes I know, life can just suck,” resonates with me. Recommended for fans of Broadcast and baroque pop.
Juliana Hatfield and Ed Valauskas at The Burren Backroom in Somerville, MA | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
22. Juliana Hatfield – Lightning Might StrikeJust under the wire, Hatfield’s latest indie rock album came out on December 12. I actually held off publishing this list because I was waiting to hear it. The wait was worth it. If you haven’t kept up with Hatfield’s prolific career, Lightning Might Strike is the perfect album to reconnect with. It’s a nervous breakdown with melodies and hooks for days.
21. Alison Goldfrapp – Flux My favorite dance/pop album of the year.
20. Coach Party – Caramel This album is sweet and energetic. I’m jealous of everyone who got to see the Ash/Coach Party double bill in the UK!
19. Steve Queralt – SwallowOf course, the bassist from Ride released a gorgeous and sublime album of soundscapes. Guest appearances by Emma Anderson (Sing-Sing/Lush) and Verity Susman (Electrelane, MEMORIALS) complete this dreamy concoction.
18. Andy Bell – pinball wandererBell is perhaps best known as the guitarist/vocalist of Ride and the bassist for a little act called Oasis. Full of Madchester beats, Andy Bell’s solo foray is groovy.
17. Maria Somerville – Luster A divine album of swirly dream pop.
16. The Cords – The CordsAbsolutely charming indie pop from Scotland.
15. Lambrini Girls – Who Let the Dogs Out Fantastic noise-punk from the UK. Be sure to check out the Peaches remix of their instant classic single “Cuntology 101.”
14. Ólafur Arnalds & Talos – A DawningAn understated and gorgeous album of ambient pop.
13. Miki Berenyi Trio – TriplaFormer front person of Lush and Piroshka delights with her latest project.
12. Saint Etienne – International Efferfescent pop tunes. Possibly one of the best albums of their storied career.
11. Black Honey – Soak Recommended for fans of Metric and Catatonia. So many great, sing-along earworm tracks like “Insulin,” “Dead,” and “Shallow.”
10. Shame – CutthroatUgh. I looooove Shame so much. They’re like a grittier Kaiser Chiefs. Their fourth album is full of vim and vigor.
9. Wolf Alice – The ClearingUpon first listen, I was a bit disappointed, as I felt Wolf Alice had gone in a different direction from their last release. But this album has grown on me, and it’s now in “Bloom Baby Bloom.” It’s full of seventies warmth while still retaining a current edge. They’ve matured and evolved.
8. Goddess – GoddessI am enamored with this project from Fay Milton of Savages. Each track features a different, dynamic vocalist. I sought it out because Ex:Re (AKA Elena Tonra of Daughter) was featured, and I ended up loving the whole album.
7. Deep Sea Diver – Billboard HeartInfectious indie rock! I’m obsessed with this album.
Matt Berninger at an in-store performance at Rough Trade in NYC | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
6. Matt Berninger – Get SunkA stunning sophomore effort from the voice of The National. After releasing his first solo album, Berninger found himself enduring a period of writer’s block. A move from Los Angeles to Connecticut and a new way of writing-scribbling on baseballs-broke the curse. And alas, we found ourselves with two new albums from The National in one year (2023), and with this beautiful, sombre meditation that is Get Sunk. Personal note: Every time I hear “Bonnet of Pins,” I feel happy because Berninger and I sang a few lines from it together at an in-store performance at Rough Trade NYC. He has such a gifted way of connecting with audiences.
Nine Inch Nails performing at TD Garden in Boston | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
5. Nine Inch Nails – TRON:ARESThis soundtrack has everything: great score work we’ve come to expect from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, a banging NIN single (“As Alive As You Need Me to Be”), and haunting pieces like “Echoes” and “I Know You Can Feel It.” Do note: “Who Wants to Live Forever?” is not a cover of the Queen song from the classic film Highlander, but rather it’s a duet with Reznor and guest vocalist Judeline.
4. Suede – AntidepressantsThis album is so good! These songs are anthemic, soaring, and speak to my soul. With lyrics like, “Oh, oh, well it’s broken music and it’s broken people | Who will save the world, oh oh save the world.” Brett Anderson just gets me.
Pulp performing at Suffolk Downs in Boston | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
3. Pulp – MoreI did, indeed, want More from Pulp. I’m glad the Sheffield Britpoppers got back together for their first album in 24 years. More, their eighth studio album, ranks up there with Different Class, His ‘n’ Hers, and This Is Hardcore, and is sort of a mix of the three.
Ash | Photo courtesy of Ash
2. Ash – Ad AstraA power pop opus is how I described the ninth studio album from Ash in my full review.
Shirley Manson of Garbage at Roadrunner in Boston | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
1. Garbage – Let All That We Imagine Be Light Garbage’s eighth album picks up where No Gods No Masters left off, and is, dare I say, optimistic? The whole album sounds fantastic. The quartet, led by the indomitable Shirley Manson, is not going down without a fight. For example, a portion of the lyrics to “Chinese Fire Horse”: “You say my time is over. Over, over. That I have gotten old. So old. That I no longer do it for you. And my face now leaves you cold … And I should just retire. Retire, retire. Just a fucking minute. Who you talking to?”
Bandcamp Friday returns on August 1, from midnight to midnight (Pacific Time). That means Bandcamp waives their revenue share and more of your money goes directly to musicians! So Friday is the day to support artists by buying music and merch on Bandcamp! Here are some of my picks.
Goddess – Goddess This impactful collaboration between Savages’ drummer Fay Milton and ten feminine/non-binary artists is quickly becoming one of my favorites of this year. It’s got a haunting song from Elena Tonra (Ex:Re/Daughter), a dreamy one from Izzy Bee Philips (Black Honey), and commanding tracks from Salvia and Harriet Rock.
Anika – Abyss Driving rock with a hints of grunge mix well with Anika’s English/German accented vocals. Recommended for fans of Flood-produced PJ Harvey.
Deep Sea Diver – BillboardHeartThis indie rock opus swirls. I’m obsessed with the tracks “Let Me Go,” which features Grammy award winner Madison Cunningham, and “What Do I Know.”
Pulp – More Pulp is back with their first album in 24 years and they’re still frisky! Jarvis Cocker and co. have created another brilliant album with a Britpop heart. Make sure you get your tickets to see them on tour this fall. In Boston, they are hitting The Stage at Suffolk Downs on Saturday, September 13.
Lambrini Girls – Who Let the Dogs Out Thrumming punk rock from Brighton, England. How can I not love a band with a song called “Cuntology 101”?
Julian Baker & TORRES – Send a Prayer My WayTunes that tug at the heartstrings with a dash of twang.
Winter Gardens – “Anthropocene” This fantastic synth wave/shoegaze single is such a tease. I want a full-length album from this UK outfit!
Andy Bell – Pinball WandererShimmering dream pop plus some groovy Madchester-sounding tunes from Ride’s Andy Bell. Includes a heavenly cover of The Passions’ “I’m In Love with a German Film Star” featuring Dot Allison and Michael Rother. It’s on one of my favorite labels-Sonic Cathedral.
Saint Etienne – The NightSomehow, I missed this chill album when it came out in December of last year. It’s a shift for the band, moving to a more ambient, atmospheric vibe.
Travels With Brindle | Photo by Vintage Girl Studios
Travels With Brindle – No. 1 In HeavenStarring Travels With Brindle This fully-licensed Sparks covers album takes the original Giorgio Moroder-produced disco gems and gives them a lovely, twee second life. Recommended for fans of The Magnetic Fields.
Various Artists – Los Angeles RisingNick Cave, PJ Harvey, Jarvis Cocker, and others have donated previously unreleased tracks for this fundraising compilation to aid those affected by the Los Angeles fires.
Die Feen – Dinner & Drinks & DessertsAddictive dark wave with a touch of new wave on Die Feen’s latest two tracks.
SPC ECO – Hello The prolific Dean Garcia (Curve) and his daughter, Rose Berlin, have manifested another electronic opus with gorgeous layered synths.
Chalk – Conditions IIII am obsessed with Chalk. As I said in my “Favorite Music of 2024” list, Chalk would’ve fit in perfectly on Wax Tracks in the ‘90s. They’ve released another EP of thrumming industrial rock. I’m dying to see them live.
Is it too late to still be looking back on 2022 on January 12? I rung in the new year with my second case of Shingles, so I’m going to just go ahead with this listing of my favorite concerts of 2022!
5. Metric and Secret Machines at the House of Blues in Boston on October 25. I know my ears and soul were deprived most egregiously during Covid, but I’ve seen Metric several times since 2005 and I think they’ve never sounded better. Opener Secret Machines were a shoegaze/space rock treat! I hadn’t seen them in ages.
Pet Shop Boys at the Leader Bank Pavilion on September 19/Photo by Amy Lordan
4. Pet Shop Boys, New Order, and Paul Oakenfold at the Leader Bank Pavilion on September 19. This show was originally scheduled for 2020, then 2021, then (third time’s the charm!) 2022. This was an outrageously good performance by the always amazing Pet Shop Boys. We did get a little wet while we sheltered in place under the tent during a strong thunderstorm after the legendary New Order. And when I say “we,” I mean my husband and … my brother! My brother rarely goes to shows anymore, but he’s the best big brother ever because he took me to see New Order in 1993. That was when Peter Hook was still on bass, and quite honestly, best part of New Order live. Don’t get me wrong: I looooove New Order, but they’ve never been the best live band and they end up paling in comparison to the theatrical PSB.
The National at Roadrunner on September 22/Photo by Amy Lordan
3. The National at Roadrunner on September 22. I have a huge crush on The National. Singer Matt Berninger’s melancholy and wit suits me perfectly. My first time seeing The National was at Mass MoCA with my bookseller dream girl Lisa (AKA Tigger Girl). I’m guessing that show will always hold a special place in my heart. But this was my first show at the new Roadrunner and I was impressed. The venue is pretty decent from a disabled person’s point of view. I did have issues getting into the bathroom after the show because the line went down the stairs and I needed to use the ramp. Miracle of Boston/The National fans/gender neutral bathrooms: people at the top of the stairs let me in line! Of course I still had to wait for someone without visible impairments use the handicapped stall while I braced myself with my rollator (Hey! Maybe they have invisible disabilities. I do!). The ADA section is down front, stage right. I couldn’t see the excellent brass section from our angle, but the view of the rest of the band was incomparable. Heads up: email Roadrunner to request ADA seating in advance.
2. Itzy at MGM Music Hall in Boston on November 10. This was so close to being my number one show of 2022! See that “YouTube Story” above that I made? It has over 120K views and 19.2K likes on Instagram. Itzy is so fun and popular! Right, Midzi? (That’s what Itzy fans are called). I loved this night of K-Pop confection because it was my nephew’s first concert! I’m such a cool aunt. We even went to El Jefe’s for tacos after.
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at the Wang Theatre at the Boch Center on March 22/Photo by Amy Lordan
1. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at the Wang Theatre at the Boch Center on March 22. This was my return show. I hadn’t been to a concert since Local H and Soul Asylum in February of 2020. Nick Cave is one of my top five favorite artists and possibly my most beloved lyricist (I do still have a soft spot for that Morrissey fella, plus Jarvis Cocker, Stephin Merritt, Emma Anderson/Miki Berenyi of Lush, Robert Smith, … wait this is getting too long!) Anyhow, I wept and tried to not steam up my glasses with my N95 mask while Cave and Ellis broke my heart wide open. Here’s the thing: being disabled can suck, but music is transcendant.
I only went to eleven shows total last year. I missed Blood Red Shoes, The Darkness, and Suede/Manic Street Preachers because I was too sick to leave the house. I won’t be going to another show until after flu season because I’m immunocompromised. At every show I attended, I wore an N95 mask. I use various mobility aides because of the degenerative illness that I have (Ehlers Danlos syndrome. I’ve been vaccinated five times against Covid. I got my flu shot as I do every year. I’m due for my pneumonia vaccine in the fall. Because my immune system is so crappy, I have to really measure how important a concert is. When I recently got bronchial RSV with asthma flare, I was out of work for four weeks. I love to live vicariously through others’ concert photos (I’m looking at you jtourtellot, djangiec, eep_97, and Matt Lambert! Keep up the good work!)
Pop Culture Omnivore 