As with my 2012 and 2013 Year in Review features, it’s always a challenge to reflect back on a year of music and summarize the highlights. Honestly, I don’t know if I will have have a year that beats 2013, which was an incredible one for me with a lot of travel as well. This year, I ended up attending 60-something shows, most with two or more artists, so hundreds of different sets of incredible talent and music. As such, I feel it is important to highlight the best of the best of the best, in an attempt to celebrate the year that was. You can also check out my Top 100 Concert Photos of 2014 in that separate article.
I was really fortunate to have a chance to meet (and in some cases meet again) some of my favorite artists, including Berlin, Rick Springfield, Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins), Howard Jones, Dave Wakeling (English Beat), Pet Shop Boys, Air Supply, Erasure, and Clive Farrington of When in Rome.
Obviously, lists like the one that follow below are a reflection of the author and his or her personal, subjective tastes, so all are truly about the kind of music that most moves and inspires me. I have a pretty broad taste in music, but I think what I like the most is reflected by my choices.
Top 10 Concerts of 2014
So basically, this is a very personal list based on the 61 concerts I attended in 2014. Some that otherwise would have made the list didn’t because I saw them last year as well (although some I saw last year are on the list anyway). It was a very good year for concerts, and I can honestly say that there was not a single bad or even mediocre show.
1) Pixies (Henry Miller Memorial Library | Big Sur, California | April 15, 2014)
So last year two of my three all-time favorite bands had shows that ranked #1 and #2 on my Top 10 Concerts list (Depeche Mode and Coldplay respectively). The other band in my top three favorite artists is the Pixies. Their shows at the El Rey in Los Angeles placed #7 on my 2013 list, but this year, of the two shows I attended, their special event at the Henry Miller Memorial Library takes the top spot.
I also caught the Pixies at the Fox Theater in Oakland this year, which was an awesome show, but I would have to say that of the dozens of times I’ve seen the band going back to the late 80s, the show in April at the Henry Miller Memorial Library is the best I’ve experienced.
This was my first time seeing a show at Henry Miller, and the drive along the California coast is about the most gorgeous in the world.
I didn’t realize until I was actually inside the venue (if you can even call it a venue), but I had been to the “library” before, which is a tiny old structure that is more of a gift shop today than anything else.
As a concert venue, the place is outdoor amongst the trees, on grass in front of a small platform just a few feet off the ground. About the most intimate space I can imagine for a public show, accommodating just 300 fans.
All in all, it was a brilliant affair that was perfect in every way. My friend Nick and I were right up front center, Black Francis just a foot or two in front of us and nearly eye level. Quite surreal.
Being able to see a band under such conditions is really a dream come true, and I can’t imagine any Pixies show ever besting this one. So it was definitely the concert going highlight of the year for me, hands down.
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2) Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Howard Jones, The English Beat, Katrina (“80s Rewind Music Fest 2014 / Retro Futura Tour” at Thunder Valley Casino Resort | Lincoln, California | August 31, 2014)
One of my top artists that I’d never seen live in concert and thought I never would see in concert, prior to 2014, was Thompson Twins. So I was thrilled when I heard that the Retro Futura tour (formerly Regeneration Tour) would be headlined by none other than Tom Bailey, who fronted the band.
I actually caught two stops of the tour, the first at Mountain Winery and the second at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, and I pick the latter as my second favorite show of the year.
Each featured a slightly different line up (with the show promoted by WorldOne Presents featuring English Beat instead of Midge Ure), and being a huge fan of The Beat, the second showing was the more enjoyable one for me.
Thompson Twins, Howard Jones, The English Beat, and Katrina from Katrina and The Waves… what a line-up!
And it was one of those magical shows, in addition to the line-up, and it was so much fun for me on a personal level, with my fiancée and sister joining me, and meeting Howard Jones, Tom Bailey, and Dave Wakeling after the concert.
Tom Bailey was a brilliant performer… the only thing that could have made it better is if he did some songs from Queer, which is one of the most overlooked albums of all time (love it).
Howard Jones, who co-headlined the tour the year before, was somehow even better (which is saying a lot).
As always, Dave Wakeling and his English Beat bring pure joy onto the stage. I also love Katrina’s set – another artist I never expected to see live.
A perfect show and perfect night – one I won’t forget. Hopefully we’ll see more of Tom Bailey in the future.
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3) The Asteroids Galaxy Tour (Bimbo’s 365 | San Francisco, California | October 17, 2014)
If someone told me at the start of 2014 that I’d rank a show by The Asteroids Galaxy Tour third for the year, I would have been puzzled and intrigued. This was my surprise show of the year.
I’ve enjoyed their music, but never seen them live, and was blown away. Such an incredible show.
Mette Lindberg is like an otherworldly figure on the stage, with such class and poise, but that voice…
One of those concerts that hits on all cylinders and is surprising how excellent it is on every level, I can’t wait to see them again. My highest recommendation.
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4) Reignwolf (The Independent | San Francisco, California | December 26, 2014)
I saw Reignwolf open for the Pixies in 2013, and as a result of that, named him my #1 Supporting Artist of 2013, as well as an award created especially for him in last year’s ‘Best Of’ retrospective: “Future Rock God”.
In 2014, Jordan Cook, AKA Reignwolf, spent time supporting Black Sabbath on tour, and getting recognized for his gifts and raw talents.
So it was with satisfaction that I heard he would be headlining a few of his own dates at the tail end of 2014, and I caught the one the day after Christmas at The Independent in San Francisco (which he sold out).
Certainly a fantastic way to send off 2014, being my last concert of the year, and it left me convinced that my original assessment of last year should prove true. He and his band were even better with a full show to work with, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this young talent.
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5) Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL (Fox Theater | Oakland, California | March 15, 2014)
I had Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL in this same spot for the shows at DNA Lounge last year, and he came through the Bay Area again in 2014 with a few blazing shows to remind us who the most talented artist in music is today. Fox Theater is much bigger than DNA Lounge, but he filled the place with his brilliant music.
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6) Tori Amos (Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay | San Diego, California | July 24, 2014)
Tori is a favorite of mine (I traveled all the way to the Swiss Alps to catch her in 2013), and I was lucky enough to see two of her shows in 2014.
Both were very different, but I’d have to go with the one in San Diego over Oakland (the latter’s set list choices were more interesting on an intellectual level, while the former had more of my personal favorites).
The setlists (which only shared three songs between them) weren’t the only differences, with the Oakland show at Paramount Theatre showcasing a formal setting, and the show at Humphrey’s (during San Diego Comic Con no less) was literally on the water and set outside in a relaxed environment.
I found the San Diego show to be a kind of undeclared celebration of Under The Pink, which features some of my favorite Tori songs which hold some nostalgia for me.
Great energy and show – wish I could do it all again and change nothing.
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7) The Cure (Royal Albert Hall | London, England | March 29, 2014)
The Cure placed on my 2013 Top 10 Concerts as well, for their first ever concert in Hawaii.
In 2014, I flew out to London to catch their phenomenal show at the historic Royal Albert Hall (also my first show at that venue). 38 songs over two and a half hours… I think that says it all. A classic performance from one of my favorite bands.
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8) Broods & Meg Myers (The Independent | San Francisco, California | May 13, 2014)
This was another surprise for me in 2014.
I had come out for this show exclusively for the supporting artist – Meg Myers – who, like Reignwolf, I saw open for the Pixies in 2013 at one of their warm up gigs in L.A.
I was immediately impressed with Meg Myers in that first exposure, who, funny enough, reminded me of Throwing Muses (ranked in the preceding spot on this list).
So I was very interested in seeing another of her live shows in 2014, as I also ranked her song, Adelaide, as my #1 Song of The Year in 2013, so I’m a big fan of her work.
All that being said, I was not at all familiar with the headliner, Broods, when I first learned of his show. I bought their self-titled debut EP prior to the show and loved it. The brother and sister duo know how to write amazing pop songs that have a unique sound all their own, and it translates into a live show beautifully.
That night I became a huge fan of Broods (following the amazing performance by Meg Myers), so one accidental “find” in 2013 led to another in 2014. I was even inspired to catch Broods again (sans Meg Myers) again in 2014, which was another top show of the year for me.
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9) Veruca Salt (The Independent | San Francisco, California | June 26, 2014)
Another favorite I didn’t expect to see live, Veruca Salt. Maybe we are getting to the point where the 90s are having a nostalgia renaissance?
I am quite picky when it comes to 90s music, but absolutely loved Veruca Salt. Often viewed as a one-hit wonder (“Seether”), that is really selling them and their work way short. Really a terrific group.
They released two new songs in 2014, “Museum of Broken Relationships” and “It’s Holy”, and I would argue (based on their new studio recordings and their live show) that they are better today than ever.
I truly hope that they continue on, as they have proven to have a lot to offer.
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10) Pet Shop Boys (Fox Theater | Oakland, California | April 8, 2014)
I saw essentially the same show in 2013 that I did this year with the Pet Shop Boys, but the circumstances and experience could not have been more different (though on an entirely personal level).
I loved the show I saw in 2013 in San Diego – brilliant performances, sound, music, production – amazing concert.
The “Electric Tour 2014” did not differ much at all from “Electric Tour 2013”, tour I went to the latter by myself in 2013, and this time around I brought my girlfriend Shelley… who left the show with me as my fiancée…
We had been talking about becoming engaged, so with that talk, you are left with little by way of surprise and spontaneity. Well, I had a two on two meet and greet with Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, so I thought that might be interesting.
Long story short, we met the duo and I proposed to Shelley in their presence. I love their music, and thought maybe their would be some good luck instilled into our ultimate marriage if these two were somehow part of the process. They were quite fun and supportive of it all, and Neil was kind enough to even take a photo of Shelley and I together (our first engagement photo).
Aside from all that, the show was top notch, and it made for a night we (and I’m guessing they, too) will never forget.
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Top 10 Albums of 2014
2014 was a fantastic year for new music, from artists both new and established.
This is the toughest year for me for “Album of the Year”, not from lack of options, but because two were just absolutely stellar, and I’ve had the hardest time ever choosing between them.
As with 2012’s choice (The Ting Ting’s Sounds from Nowheresville) and 2013’s choice (MS MR’s debut, Secondhand Rapture), 2014 proved to be unpredictable.
This year, I would rate both Kitten’s self-titled LP and Bring Us Together from The Asteroids Galaxy Tour each 10/10.
The other surprise for me in 2014 is that a new Coldplay album came out, and I did not care for it at all (one of my favorite bands); in fact, I to date haven’t made it through the whole thing. In past years, their work would have been my #1 choice easily. I’m hoping their expected 2015 album will go in a different direction.
Many keep telling us, “the album is dead”, but I disagree. People are fickle and things come in and out of favor and fashion, but the album as a format can still be a wonderful thing, and I think a number of artists continue to prove this out.
1) The Asteroids Galaxy Tour – Bring Us Together
[ALBUM OF THE YEAR]
I honestly never really got into Danish pop group The Asteroids Galaxy Tour until this year. I knew their big hit, “Major”, from 212 (which I LOVE), but for some reason never delved deep into their catalog. So the fact that I loved their live concert at Bimbo’s in October so much (ranking as my third favorite show of the year) and found their latest album to be the best of the year is a shock to me. In my opinion, they are both the most talented and one of the most overlooked artists active today. They are the epitome of gifted and original.
Mette Lindberg’s voice is otherworldly (maybe that’s where the name of the band comes from?), both on the studio recordings and live on stage (no trickery in play). If that didn’t make the music unique enough on its own, they have such a distinct and original sound; whatever you hear from them, there’s no mistaking that it’s The Asteroids Galaxy Tour.
With Bring Us Together, there is sonic cohesion, but each song stands on it’s own as it’s own piece from different ideas, with hints of influences from all manner of genre of music, from psychedelic to big band to funk and disco and of course pop.
With eleven songs comprising the album, I find it hard to get through it front to back because they are all so awesome – as soon as one ends I want to hit ‘back’ on my player to hear it again.
I chose the title track to include in my Top 10 Songs of the year, though many could have had that honor from this work. A good portion of the song has passed by the time the main vocals kick in, but it’s all about setting the mood and tone for the entire album and building that big band, anthemic sort of sound they understand so well.
“Navigator” certainly has more of a disco/funk thing going on, and is more leisurely how it is laid out. This is one that uses the guitar and bass riffs as a baseline, and the chorus is more playful. A nice song to chill to, though it does go through some changes that illustrate their mastery over pop conventions.
“My Club” is a favorite of mine, with a bit of a psychedelic ’60s throwback foundation overpowered by more of an island sound laid over it (makes me long for a collaboration between them and Santigold). Just love this song – so unique and amazing, and so many things going on with this song.
“Get Connected” is more about the fusion of different instruments than focused on the vocals, compared with the other songs. “Choke It” is another favorite, with that funky foundation and completely different approach to the vocals. It’s this ranging experimentation, while maintaining such a consistent overall sound and vibe with the album at large that fascinated me. Such versatility.
“Hurricane” is another favorite on this album (I guess I’m getting redundant with that theme)… this is one of the most undeniably “The Asteroids Galaxy Tour” songs of the group, with all those trademark elements in play. Such a fucking amazing song.
I love “Rock the Ride” to death. Such a happy, poppy, anthemic piece, making fantastic use of horns and “space” effects, and I love how Mette delivers the vocals. She is so amazing. A real natural, and this is for sure one of their all-time best songs. Love it.
“I Am the Mountain”, is such an original piece that goes through so many changes, it’s almost like a brilliant mash up of different songs. The funny thing is, to me, one tight sequence even feels influenced (or at least reminds me of) 90s Brit Pop, but just the one little bit where she sings, “I won’t get no sleep, Now that you’re with me, I am the mountain. I won’t tell no lies, You’ve been hypnotized, I am the mountain”. One of the album highlights.
“Zombies” is another departure that maintains the consistency of the whole… while maybe veering into some early 80s territory with some of the electronic sounds.
It all closes out with “X”, which opens up sounding like they landed on some planet in a 60s sci-fi fantasy television show, and leaves us knowing it’s over but wanting more.
In any event, this work ranks in my all-time favorite albums of any year, but gives me hope that more great music will come from this group in the future.
2) Kitten – Kitten
I mentioned when reviewing her show at Cargo back in September that Chloe Chaidez’s debut album was definitely on my short list for album of the year for 2014, and honestly I would really say that I have two “#1” albums this year – Kitten and The Asteroid Galaxy Tour’s Bring Us Together.
I already went through a track-by-track commentary in my last live show review, so the following is mostly borrowed from that.
The lead track, “Like A Stranger” (and a few of the other songs on Kitten), was released on the Like A Stranger EP about a year ago, and shows a lot of growth with Chloe as an artist. Rooted in its New Wave influences, it is at the same time contemporary in its arrangement and layering of sounds.
“Sensible” has more of a modern day eletronic sound (almost like Crystal Castles), with some distorted vocals mixed in that reminded me a little of My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, but apart from those flourishes, it is a very accessible pop song with a great, relentless beat.
“Sex Drive” has a very funk vibe throughout, with more emphasis on keyboards and synth over guitars – to me it sounds like something that Prince could have collaborated on.
“I’ll Be Your Girl” and “Cathedral” are definitely signature Kitten songs, with careful mix of traditional instruments and some keyboards/synth with slight 80s influence, but more than anything they are a showcase for her vocals (which have a bit of a Siouxsie Sioux quality at times in this album).
“G#” was also on the Like A Stranger EP, and I love this song… vocally, it reminds me a bit of The Primitives and a bit of Cocteau Twins. Just one of those perfect songs that hits on all cylinders – there’s not a “good part” in the song – the whole thing beginning to end is just pure bliss. Maybe their most anthemic song.
They slow things down a bit with “Why I Wait”, and it has pacing and tone that reminds me of their older song, “Christina”.
“Devotion” shows yet more versatility for them, and to me it sounds like something that could have been on the soundtrack for Beverly Hills Cop or some other 80s action film. A very throw back sound yet modern.
Deep into the album, every song remains a gem, including “Doubt”, which reminded me of Duran Duran. Love this song – great arrangement, keyboards, and vocals. It’s like finding some long lost unreleased 80s hit…
“Cut It Out” is another very Kitten-sounding track, with lots of changes and perfect melding of melody and disparate sounds all coming together perfecting, with the beat driving it all forward.
The album overall has been thoughtfully put together, with good pacing and such song to song. “Kill The Light” is definitely a song to build to, and has some of that unexpected optimism mixed into it in the same way that can be found in songs of similar caliber by The Cure. That infectious positivity mixed into an array of feelings.
“Apples and Cigarettes” is the perfect song to close it all out. Vocally, it also reminds me a bit of “Christina”, but the stripped down arrangement really showcases Chloe’s ability to make everything catchy by how she delivers her lyrics. Beautiful stuff.
With such an amazing album to work from matched up with her singular live shows, I see only great things for Chole and Kitten in the future. Interestingly, the live shows and the studio recordings sound very different (she has a much more raw sonic sound at concerts, while the studio recordings have much more careful production).
An artist with the brightest of futures.
3) The Ting Tings – Super Critical
I became a huge fan of The Ting Tings in 2012, with their release of Sounds from Nowheresville, which I rated as my “Album of the Year” that year. In fact, I think I might be the biggest fan in the world of that album (I’ve read that even The Ting Tings themselves have conflicting feelings about it). I also rated their song, “Hit Me Down Sonny”, as my favorite song of 2012.
So it was with great anticipation that I waited for Super Critical, their third studio album. But I did expect it to be a dramatic departure from Sounds from Nowheresville, which it is.
While I favor the 2012 album, I still absolutely love the new one. I am a huge fan of both funk and disco, and Super Critical is deeply infused with both, while still sounding unmistakably like The Ting Tings.
Super Critical still features loads of experimentation, but is more equal parts of a cohesive whole than Sounds from Nowheresville, which was all over the place in some ways. It is also quite… efficient, clocking in at just over half an hour (which actually encourages full, front to back listens).
Katie White’s vocals seem to get better and better with each new album, and Jules De Martino continues to be one of the more underrated players in music today.
Lead single “Wrong Club” is my favorite, and is the lead in an album full of layered, catchy hooks and riffs.
I think the duo have really come into their own in knowing how to craft amazing songs, and hopefully they will continue to push the envelope while making songs that are catchy and infectious. Their coming 2015 tour starting this month is currently the one I’m most looking forward to thus far this new year.
4) Pixies – Indie Cindy
I’m so happy to see that the rearrangement of the band (sans Kim Deal with others filling in on tour and in studio) has freed up one of the greatest bands of my generation to release new work.
I honestly did not expect it to be great. Good, maybe, but not great. So I was surprised its all nearly on the level of the classic work, with some of the songs as great as their greatest. Quite an achievement.
I probably would have rated this higher on my list if not for having been a compilation of three EPs already released, rather than a full new album of all new and original material to that album. But it is really more a reflection of business decisions and the anti-album market today than it is anything to do with the artistry of the work.
Indie Cindy and Bagboy are probably my favorites (though the latter was released in 2013, which is why I didn’t place it in my Top 100 Songs list).
Long live the Pixies! This album was certainly fuel for my pick for “Concert of the Year”.
5) Morrissey – World Peace Is None Of Your Business
I am still reviewing this one as I write this feature, but it is definitely Morrissey at the top of his game.
In short, it is fantastic. I know even with myself that with some artists that you’ve followed for decades that you are into the old and don’t give the new a chance, but Morrissey is better than ever with the new material.
Clocking in with 18 tracks, it is a lot of music, and illustrates that Morrissey still has a lot to say and is an unlimited reservoir of creativity. Throughout, his voice and vocals are true to his past work but maybe with even a bit more range and character. The lyrics, collectively, maybe his best ever? And the band and music is amazing. Highest recommendation.
6) Broods – Evergreen
Another surprise for me – I hadn’t heard of Broods prior to 2014.
They certainly got the “Song of the Year” award from me for “Bridges” with good reason – the brother-sister duo have more gifts and talents than they probably even realize.
That brilliant song appeared both on their self-titled EP and Evergreen, both of which were released in 2014. But I’ve already gone on and on about the greatness of that song below (and will rave about the EP a little further below).
The album. One of my favorites of the year, and it would rate higher if not for the fact that some of the songs are among my favorites of the year and a few are short of that, so it is not end-to-end as consistent for my subjective listening as a few of the other albums discussed here. If I could pick and choose from the EP and LP, I think I could take that and put it in the top three for the year.
The highlights…
“Mother & Father”… so catchy, so many changes, a few pacing shifts, brilliant use of drums and weighty, static synths, and those vocals – to die for.
“L.A.F.”… Such a unique song with great changes, and that catchy funny chorus – love it.
“Never Gonna Change”… shows that they aren’t afraid to change pace and tone, and still make something that works so well… so much talent with these two – just amazing. Love the build up and deferred chorus. Also illustrates how much talent that they have with lyrics and meaning in them. This is the song that makes me a believer in their longevity.
“Four Walls”… one you have to see live in concert. Georgia feels it.
I was lucky enough to see them live twice in 2014, once in San Francisco at The Independent and once in Sacramento at the (sadly now defunct) Assembly Music Hall.
7) Billy Idol – Kings & Queens of the Underground
This one was a real surprise for me, because frequently artist known for their 80s-era work don’t typically deliver on a full album… often there might be one or two stand out (i.e. “good” tracks), but nothing that measures up to the original favorites, and lots of filler.
Not the case with Billy Idol. I was shocked, surprised, and blown away at how awesome and consistently awesome his seventh studio album – Kings & Queens of the Underground – turned out. Great song after great song, that has the quality of his best work while leveraging the technology and advancements of today to make something that maybe couldn’t have been done quite the same back in the day.
More, there are so many stand out moments for his band and their own high caliber talents and abilities. The bulk of the songs share writing credits with Idol, Steve Stevens, and Billy Morrison.
Billy Idol is one of my all-time favorite live acts, and funny enough I’m maybe even more excited to hear some of this new music on his coming 2015 tour than the classics.
The opener, “Bitter Pill”, is one track that doesn’t really sound (to me) like any of the past work, which isn’t a bad thing – I think it reflects versatility. I guess it is more rock and roll and not New Wave or punk/post-punk at all, but kicks things off with a “on a journey” sort of vibe.
“Can’t Break Me Down” is maybe the most “Classic Billy Idol”-sounding of the lot. I love this song. It almost sounds like it was made back in the 80s and put in a time capsule. It contains all of the elements that make his music work and well as distinctive Billy Idol.
“Save Me Now”, with the synth opening and more ballad approach makes this one sound like it could have been featured in a John Hughes song (particularly The Breakfast Club, which, funny enough, Idol was the first one tapped to do the classic Simple Minds song, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”).
“One Breath Away” showcases the more sultry Billy Idol, and makes excellent use of a more stripped down intro that builds up as it progresses. Fantastic song.
“Postcards from the Past” is one of a couple songs that seems to be, thematically, about Idol and his history and his place in it. It has a synth sort of bassline that feels very New Wave and cinematic, and also does a great job building, though this one builds into a more rocking song. Great changes.
The title song is the most central focused on Idol and maybe his legacy (he also released his fascinating biography, Dancing With Myself). Not just in the lyrics, references to other artists/pop culture at large, and timeline, but the inclusion of some strings and the more seriousness with which it approaches it all. Idol waxing nostalgic.
“Eyes Wide Shut” makes me wonder if it is a titular reference to “Eyes Without A Face”? This is another one that has a slower pace, reflecting maybe a more mature Idol.
“Ghosts in My Guitar” is another song that seems to be designed with some legacy impulses, being about Johnny Cash. This one makes excellent use of some acoustic guitar.
“Nothing to Fear” is kind of a companion piece to go with the opener… a bit slower in pace and different in genre – more traditional. For sure, this album more than any before seems to be about things rather than using things as ideas for songs, if that makes sense.
“Love and Glory” is another more ballad-oriented piece, that builds into something more rocking as it goes along. It almost sounds like it has some country influence on some level, as well as classic rock and roll.
“Whiskey and Pills” just screams Steve Stevens, unleashed with his guitar and crazy effects. It also gives Idol an opportunity to throw down with a vocal style I’ve never heard from him before.
“Hollywood Promises” (a bonus track on iTunes) is a great closer, and is one that reminds me of some of his classic work in his attitude and approach, and the classic sort of riffs.
Honestly, I never expected an album like this from Billy Idol, so I am pleasantly thrilled that this was produced and released – fantastic work!
8) MØ – No Mythologies To Follow
MØ was completely new to me in 2014, and she ended up releasing one of my favorite albums, and put on a fantastic concert performance at Popscene in June that left me nearly speechless. An amazing new talent (and another Danish star, like The Asteroids Galaxy Tour).
There are soooo many brilliant songs on this album, and MØ has such a unique sound – no one else sounds anything like her. There is a bit of an 80s/New Wave aesthetic throughout, but it sounds like a work made in the ’10s… one of a handful of new artists that I see having unlimited potential.
I hear bits and things listening to this album that remind me of other greats – like a few traces of Eurythmics even.
Definitely one of the best debut albums I’ve heard, and I can’t recommend enough giving it a listen and checking out one of the live shows if you ever get a chance.
9) Tori Amos – Unrepentant Geraldines
One of a handful of artists I saw live twice in concert in 2014 (in Oakland and San Diego)… and would have seen more if I could have.
Unbelievably, her 14th (!) studio album, I’ve been following her since Little Earthquakes (her albums and live shows), but she still has “it”.
A lengthy piece with a lot of great songs, but one you have to set some time aside for, with no distractions, to full appreciate. Some real great hits on this one.
10) Information Society – _hello World
UPDATE: I missed this one in 2014 – didn’t realize it had been released until after publishing this article, so I bumped my original #10 album to put this one in, though had I found it earlier on, I would have actually ranked it much closer to the top of this list. My thoughts below are borrowed from my concert review of InSoc from January 31, 2015…
An amazing album with songs that are as great as their classics for sure (maybe even better since they have all matured as artists over many years since). It is very distinctly the work of InSoc, with the trademark sounds, samples, changes, and experimentation.
The opener, “Land of the Blind”, features a bit of an homage to “What’s On Your Mind” (at least one little snippet I hear early on), and is maybe the most classic-sounding of the lot. “The Prize” is prefaced with their clever sort of samples and such and it has a fast, frenetic pace as it ramps up. Both of these songs are very catchy and fit in well with the best of their catalog. “Where Were You” sounds almost Depeche Mode-like… there are some elements that remind me of “Personal Jesus”, but it also sounds a bit NIN in the intro, and then it takes a sharp turn into distinctly InSoc territory, and kind of weaves around back and forth for the balance of the song.
“Get Back” was released as a single in 2014, which I did find last year and ranked in my best songs of the year. I love this one as well – it really sounds like classic InSoc and makes me so glad the guys are back together and recording new music. I think that this song alone shows that they are still as good as they ever were – if not better – and it’s exciting that they are still capable of making new music in the sound and style that I and many others love to hear.
“Jonestown” is a heavily layered, anthemic sort of song that takes _hello World into different territory that feels more like it could pump up the crowd in a stadium-sized live venue. “Dancing with Strangers” has an interesting horn sound on the lead in, mixed in with an eclectic grouping of sounds which mix into a unique kind of vocal delivery by Kurt, though that switches over to more of his traditional singing as it goes along. This is maybe the most unique song on the album – much more experimental and original, but it all works beautifully. Like “Where Were You”, this one shows the band is interested in exploring different musical territories and styles, even if it means employing some real invention.
“Beautiful World” features Gerald C. Casale from Devo, which is a cover of their song. To be perfectly honest, this is the one song I didn’t care for on the album.
“Creatures of Light and Darkness” is amazing, but I’m a sucker for traditional piano sound, especially mixed into a contemporary song with powerful beats and synths. Fantastic song. Love it. More traditional song structure (though it does go through it’s own changes) and slower pace – this one works brilliantly, especially in contrast to the more pop-oriented songs on the album. “Above and Below” also slows things down a bit, and is another highlight illustrating the other side of InSoc. Beautiful song! Definitely one of their all-time best (all albums).
“Let It Burn” is definitely the most cinematic of the songs on _hello World, at least on the lead in. Like the others, it shows how intuitive the band is at layering different sounds and beats seemingly effortlessly. I would rank them among the very best from the past 30 years at doing this masterfully.
The album closes out with “Tomorrow the World”, which is a more stripped down ballad framed by strings, though of all of them, it is absolutely vocal-driven.
~
Top 5 EP of 2014
Every year the EP format becomes more and more popular, as artists find marketing albums more and more challenging. So it is becoming as much a format for new artists as old. These are my top picks for 2014.
1) Broods – Broods
[EP OF THE YEAR]
As mentioned in my album rankings above, Broods saw the release of their debut, self-titled EP as well as their first studio album in 2014. While I picked “Bridges” as my song of the year, it actually appears on both the EP and the album.
With six songs, only “Bridges” and “Never Gonna Change” appear on Evergreen – the rest are original to the EP, and in my opinion some of their very best songs.
Definitely the EP of the year, and I think I love the EP more than the album, if I were forced to choose between the two.
2) Meg Myers – Make A Shadow
I’m a big fan of Meg Myers (and picked her “Adalaide” as my “Song of the Year” last year and “Go” is in my “Top 10 Songs” this year), and this is an amazing EP. She just gets better and better, and this EP is end to end brilliance.
Saw her with Broods at The Independent in May.
3) Down and Outlaws – Backwards from the Dead
I just saw Down and Outlaws for the first time with my last show of 2014, as they opened for Reignwolf. They are one of those rare bands who you can get into deeply on first listen. A special brand of catchy rock and roll (and one of those few rock bands where the bass really stands out).
Six songs, all great – the future holds a lot of promise for this band.
4) Little Boots – Business Pleasure
I became a big fan of Little Boots in 2013 after catching one of her live shows, and this new EP came out in recent months and marks a slight change in direction for her. A truly gifted musician, I’m hoping that this is merely a sign of more output from her in 2015.
5) MisterWives – Reflections
A great new band with a catchy/hooky sound, all held together with Mandy’s voice. Every song on Reflections is awesome. Was lucky to catch them in concert at Cargo in October.
Top 10 Songs and Favorite 100 Songs of 2014
These are my 100 favorite songs of 2013 – either released on an album that came out during 2013 or released as a single in 2013.
The first 10 are my Top 10 favorites, in order (#1 being best), 11-100 are simply listed alphabetically by song title.
1. “Bridges” by Broods
[SONG OF THE YEAR]
So this song came out of nowhere for me (well, I guess most songs do, don’t they?). I had no idea who Broods was, and hearing this song, I instantly fell in love with it. According to iTunes, I’ve listened to it hundreds of times (in my defense, I spent over 300 hours just driving to and from concerts in 2014).
Anyway, this is just one of those perfect, perfect songs, and I could listen to it on endless rotation and never get sick of it.
It’s place in 2014 as my favorite song is certainly cemented, as I don’t have another song that I even considered – this was without dispute my favorite as soon as I heard it.
The gentle, slow opening… the building beat… that voice! The layers upon layers, while keeping it somewhat lo fi (in spirit at least). The simple yet effective synths. The quiet moments. The changes.
Perfect song.
2. “Bring Us Together” by The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
My favorite song off my favorite album of the year. It’s kind of a summary of the whole album and reflects it’s greatness with it’s unique sound, experimentation, catchy elements, and the unmistakeable voice of Mette Lindberg.
3. “Apples and Cigarettes” by Kitten
I would have picked G# off the new album as my favorite, but it previously appeared on 2012’s Cut It Out EP. Regardless, this one still rates as one of my very favorite songs from 2014. It’s such a different side of Chloe (a side you don’t see live)… she has such a beautiful and versatile voice, and I think that this slow number really serves as a showcase (and it’s such an amazing song).
4. “The Museum Of Broken Relationships” by Veruca Salt
Maybe the best song ever done by Veruca Salt, which is a remarkable achievement. Perfect guitar riff, changes, and build-up. So, so catchy – I can’t wait to see what they come up with in 2015. Welcome back.
5. “Black Out Days” by Phantogram
I love this band, and this song represents why – so different and cool. Sounds like nothing that has ever come before it. And a joy to watch live.
6. “Wrong Club” by The Ting Tings
This song is all about the new character of the new album, with large doses of disco and funk. It suits them perfectly.
7. “Go” by Meg Myers
Meg had my vote for “Song of the Year” in 2013 with her song, Adelaide. With her new EP, there were several songs vying for this position, but the speedy “Go” is what I ultimately decided to go with. It is a bit of a departure from some of her more soul wrenching pieces, but still has that Cobain-eque vibe and underpinnings.
8. “Fire Rides” by MØ
Another artist with a lot of material to choose from for this list… I think this is a fantastic one. Such a complex song but with a slow burn and lots of changes. Brilliant.
9. “Beautiful Master” by The Lovemakers
The Lovemakers returned in 2014, after a long absence from the music scene as a group. They came back not just with a few blazing live shows, but an all-new song co-written by the legendary Chris Stein (founder and guitarist with Blondie), “Beautiful Master”.
As a huge fan of New Wave, this song presses all of my buttons and makes me very excited for what is still to come from this band.
10. “Girls Talk” by Garbage
There was so much amazing new music in 2014, this last spot on my Top 10 List was the hardest to fill, because whatever I picked left everything else in the collective 100+ below in no particular ranking.
Garbage brought some of the best concerts in recent years with their comeback and new album, Not Your Kind of People. They released a couple of new songs in 2014, and I absolutely love “Girls Talk”. Pure Garbage, but in many ways different from anything that they’ve done before. If this is a hint of what will be coming in 2015, I’m certain their next album will rank highly with me. I can’t wait!
Top 100 Songs of 2014 (Actually, 111 Songs…)
I intended to make a Top 100 Songs of 2014 list, and started with about 200 songs, and at the point I narrowed it down to 111, I couldn’t find anything more to delete. Listed alphabetically below, and including my Top 10 Songs of 2014 from above (also mixed in alphabetically).
| Name | Artist | Album |
| A Sky Full of Stars | Coldplay | Ghost Stories |
| All This Could Be Yours | Cold War Kids | Hold My Home |
| ANOTHERLOVE | Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL | PLECTRUMELECTRUM |
| Apples and Cigarettes | Kitten | Kitten |
| Archie, Marry Me | Alvvays | Alvvays |
| ART OFFICIAL CAGE | Prince | ART OFFICIAL AGE |
| Backwards from the Dead | Down and Outlaws | Backwards from the Dead – EP |
| Badlands | Smoke Season | Hot Coals Cold Souls – EP |
| Beautiful Master | The Lovemakers | Beautiful Master – Single |
| Beggin For Thread | Banks | Goddess |
| Black Out Days | Phantogram | Voices |
| Blue Eyed Hexe | Pixies | Indie Cindy |
| Boom Clap | Charli XCX | SUCKER |
| Bridges | Broods | Evergreen |
| Bring Us Together | The Asteroids Galaxy Tour | Bring Us Together |
| Burning Off | Down and Outlaws | Backwards from the Dead – EP |
| Can’t Break Me Down | Billy Idol | Kings & Queens of the Underground |
| Can’t Remember To Forget You (feat. Rihanna) | Shakira | Can’t Remember To Forget You (feat. Rihanna) |
| Cathedral | Kitten | Kitten |
| Caught Up | Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas | Secret Evil |
| Choke It | The Asteroids Galaxy Tour | Bring Us Together |
| City Lights | The Soft White Sixties | Get Right. |
| Cult of Love | Dum Dum Girls | Too True |
| Dangerous (feat. Joywave) | Big Data | Dangerous (feat. Joywave) – Single |
| Desire | Meg Myers | Make A Shadow EP |
| Disco//Very | Warpaint | Warpaint |
| Do It Again | Röyksopp & Robyn | Do It Again |
| Do It Again | The Ting Tings | Super Critical |
| Don’t Wanna Dance | MØ | No Mythologies to Follow |
| Doubt | Kitten | Kitten |
| Easy Money | Johnny Marr | Playland |
| Eez-Eh | Kasabian | 48:13 |
| Enigma (Radio Version) | Muse | Enigma – Single |
| Fall In Love | Phantogram | Voices |
| Fancy (feat. Charli XCX) | Iggy Azalea | The New Classic |
| Fever | The Black Keys | Turn Blue |
| Figure It Out | Royal Blood | Royal Blood |
| Fire Rides | MØ | No Mythologies to Follow |
| Four Walls | Broods | Evergreen |
| FUNKNROLL | Prince | ART OFFICIAL AGE |
| G# | Kitten | Kitten |
| Get Back | Information Society | Get Back |
| Girls Talk | Garbage | Girls Talk – Single |
| Glass | Young & Sick | Young & Sick |
| Go | Meg Myers | Make A Shadow EP |
| Got to My Head | WATERS | It All Might Be OK – EP |
| Hideaway | Kiesza | Hideaway – Single |
| Howling At the Moon | Phantogram | Voices |
| Hurricane | The Asteroids Galaxy Tour | Bring Us Together |
| I Feel Everything | WATERS | It All Might Be OK – EP |
| I’ll Be Your Girl | Kitten | Kitten |
| In the Dark | Cathedrals | Cathedrals EP |
| Innocence Lost (feat. Tinashe) | Erik Hassle | Somebody’s Party – EP |
| Istanbul | Morrissey | World Peace Is None of Your Busines |
| Kings & Queens of the Underground | Billy Idol | Kings & Queens of the Underground |
| L.A.F | Broods | Evergreen |
| Lazaretto | Jack White | Lazaretto |
| Let Me In | Grouplove | The Fault In Our Stars |
| Let You Down | Fritz Montana | Scaredy Cat |
| Like A Stranger | Kitten | Kitten |
| Lonely Sunday | Reignwolf | Lonely Sunday – Single |
| Magdalena 318 | Pixies | Indie Cindy |
| Maiden | MØ | No Mythologies to Follow |
| Make A Shadow | Meg Myers | Make A Shadow EP |
| Mother & Father | Broods | Evergreen |
| My Club | The Asteroids Galaxy Tour | Bring Us Together |
| My Silver Lining | First Aid Kit | Stay Gold |
| Navigator | The Asteroids Galaxy Tour | Bring Us Together |
| Neal Cassady Drops Dead | Morrissey | World Peace Is None of Your Busines |
| Never Gonna Change | Broods | Broods – EP |
| No Mythologies to Follow | MØ | No Mythologies to Follow |
| No Tomorrow | Ceasefire | No Tomorrow – Single |
| Nothing But Trouble | Phantogram | Voices |
| Now You’re Gone | The Trims | Vida – EP |
| Only Love | The Ting Tings | Super Critical |
| Opaque | Smoke Season | Hot Coals Cold Souls – EP |
| Pathetic | Erik Hassle | Somebody’s Party – EP |
| PLECTRUMELECTRUM | Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL | PLECTRUMELECTRUM |
| Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea) | Ariana Grande | Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea) – Single |
| Promise | Tori Amos | Unrepentant Geraldines |
| Red Eyes | The War on Drugs | Lost in the Dream |
| Reflections | MisterWives | Reflections – EP |
| Rimbaud Eyes | Dum Dum Girls | Too True |
| Rock the Ride | The Asteroids Galaxy Tour | Bring Us Together |
| Rockets and Jets | Hospitality | Trouble |
| Save Me Now | Billy Idol | Kings & Queens of the Underground |
| Save My Soul | Ray Goren | Save My Soul – EP |
| Seasons (Waiting On You) | Future Islands | Singles |
| Sex Drive | Kitten | Kitten |
| Sleep Baby Sleep | Broods | Broods – EP |
| Slow Love | MØ | No Mythologies to Follow |
| Sucker | Charli XCX | SUCKER |
| Super Critical | The Ting Tings | Super Critical |
| Take Me to Church | Hozier | Hozier |
| Taking You There | Broods | Broods – EP |
| Taste It | Little Boots | Business Pleasure – EP |
| The Crystal Ballroom | U2 | Songs of Innocence |
| The Day You Died | Phantogram | Voices |
| THE GOLD STANDARD | Prince | ART OFFICIAL AGE |
| The Morning After | Meg Myers | Make A Shadow EP |
| The Museum Of Broken Relationships | Veruca Salt | The Museum Of Broken Relationships – Single |
| The Writing’s On the Wall | OK Go | Upside Out – EP |
| Took a Ride | Down and Outlaws | Backwards from the Dead – EP |
| Trouble’s Lament | Tori Amos | Unrepentant Geraldines |
| Two Weeks | FKA twigs | LP1 |
| Up to the Light | The Soft White Sixties | Get Right. |
| Uptight Downtown | La Roux | Trouble in Paradise |
| Walk This Way | MØ | No Mythologies to Follow |
| Wrong Club | The Ting Tings | Super Critical |
Full Rock Subculture Journal 2014 Concert Review Listing
Thursday, January 16th
X
The Casbah in San Diego, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, January 17th
Johnette Napolitano (of Concrete Blonde)
The Griffin in San Diego, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, January 24th
Berlin Featuring Terri Nunn
Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, January 30th
Ash
Popscene at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, February 4th
Frankie Rose
Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Wednesday, February 5th
The Pack A.D.
Brick & Mortar Music Hall in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, February 13th
Imagine Dragons: Into The Night Tour
SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, February 20th
Phantogram
Fox Theater in Oakland, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, February 21st
Pixies
Fox Theater in Oakland, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, February 28th
Throwing Muses
Kanbar Hall at Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, March 13th
Rick Springfield
Yoshi’s in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, March 15th
Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL
Fox Theater in Oakland, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, March 29th
The Cure
Royal Albert Hall in London, England
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, April 8th
Pet Shop Boys
Fox Theater in Oakland, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Monday, April 14th
MS MR
The Fillmore in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, April 15th
Pixies
Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Monday, April 28th
Boy George
The Fillmore in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, May 9th
Sheena Easton Sings James Bond
Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, California
Tuesday, May 13th
Broods and Meg Myers
The Independent in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Wednesday, May 14th
James Blunt
The Fillmore in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, May 31st
Luscious Jackson
The Independent in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, June 3rd
MØ with Erik Hassle
Popscene at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, June 14th
V101’s Summer Jam (Keith Sweat, Tony! Toni! Tone! and Salt-N-Pepa)
Thunder Valley Outdoor Amphitheater in Lincoln, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, June 24th
Sarah McLachlan
Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s in Stateline, Nevada
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, June 26th
Veruca Salt
The Independent in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, June 27th
The Bangles
City Winery in Napa, California
Wednesday, July 2nd
Huey Lewis and The News
Marin County Fair in San Rafael, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, July 10th
The Lovemakers
Popscene at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, July 11th
New Order
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Sunday, July 13th
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band
City National Civic in San Jose, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, July 15th
OK Go
Assembly Music Hall in Sacramento, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, July 18th
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
California State Fair in Sacramento, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, July 19th
Replay America (The Go-Go’s, Martha Davis and The Motels, Patty Smyth and Scandal, and Naked Eyes)
Thunder Valley Outdoor Amphitheater in Lincoln, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Monday, July 21st
Tori Amos
Paramount Theater in Oakland, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Wednesday, July 23rd – Sunday, July 27th
Comic-Con International 2014: San Diego
San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California
– See Full Coverage at Our Sister Site, The Original Prop Blog
Thursday, July 24th
Tori Amos
Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay in San Diego, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Monday, July 28th
Foreigner
The Mountain Winery Amphitheatre in Saratoga, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Wednesday, July 30th
Journey and Steve Miller Band
Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s in Stateline, Nevada
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Wednesday, August 13th
Berlin
City Winery in Napa, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, August 23rd
The Zombies
South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, August 28th
Broods
The Assembly Music Hall in Sacramento, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, August 29th
Eagles
Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s in Stateline, Nevada
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, August 30th
Retro Futura Tour 2014 (Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Howard Jones, Ultravox’s Midge Ure, China Crisis, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves) / #Gener80s
The Mountain Winery Amphitheatre in Saratoga, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Sunday, August 31st
Retro Futura Tour 2014 (Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Howard Jones, English Beat, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves) / #Gener80s
Thunder Valley Outdoor Amphitheater in Lincoln, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, September 4th
Kitten
Cargo at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, Nevada
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, September 6th
Huey Lewis and The News
The Mountain Winery Amphitheatre in Saratoga, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, September 13th
Air Supply
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa in Lake Tahoe, Nevada
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, September 13th
Big Block Party (Morris Day and The Time, Guy, Sheila E., and Doug E. Fresh)
Thunder Valley Outdoor Amphitheater in Lincoln, California
– tour info here
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, September 16th
Heart
The Mountain Winery Amphitheatre in Saratoga, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Sunday, September 21st
Better Than Ezra
House of Blues in Anaheim, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, September 23th
Tears for Fears
The Wiltern in Los Angeles, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Wednesday, October 15th
The Melvins
The Assembly in Sacramento, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Thursday, October 16th
Hall & Oates
The Mountain Winery Amphitheatre in Saratoga, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, October 17th
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Bimbo’s 365 in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, October 24th
KNPB Presents Cargo Live: MisterWives, Crash Kings, Soft White Sixties, Moondog Matinee
Cargo at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, Nevada
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Tuesday, October 28th
The Airborne Toxic Event
Ace of Spaces in Sacramento, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, October 31st
Erasure: The Violet Flame Tour
The Pearl Concert Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, November 22nd
Peter Hook & The Light
Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Monday, November 24th
Fleetwood Mac: On With The Show
Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, December 5th
Berlin
The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Saturday, December 6th
Clive Farrington from When In Rome
Hogue Barmichaels in Newport Beach, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Friday, December 26th
Reignwolf
The Independent in San Francisco, California
– READ FULL CONCERT REVIEW
Jason DeBord
(916) 813-1797
[email protected]