CMM's 10 Favorite Shows of 2018

1. Dead Boys - Bowery Electric - NYC - 1/28/18

This reformed line up of The Dead Boys has been tearing it up all over the world for the last few years and I've been happy to get to see them play a couple of times. This show was no exception as lead singer Jake Hout channeled the spirit of Stiv Bators in grand fashion while Cheetah Chrome blasted through the blistering riffs that make this band amazing. Can't wait to catch them again in 2019.

2. Desert Daze Festival (My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Mercury Rev, Kevin Morby and more) - Lake Perris California -10/12-10/14 2018

There are a lot of Festivals that offer unbelievable line ups these days but none were quite like this years Desert Daze Festival in Lake Perris California. Yes this festival was truly "STACKED" with performances from My Bloody Valentine, Sowdive, Mercury Rev, Kevin Morby, Earth and many many more. I must add that this festival had one of the most laid back feels to it which can be rare these days. Everyone was really respectful and watching the bands was comfortable while the sound and lighting were top notch.

3. Joan Of Arc - Elsewhere - NYC - 10/3/18

This show was a last minute surprise. I had not seen Joan Of Arc in about a year and a half and their latest album "1984" was one of my favorites of the year. I realized the morning of the show they were opening for mewithoutyou. Joan Of Arc performed as a three piece and the set included some amazing new material alongside some of my favorites from recent LP's. This was a really fun set to see.

4. Merzbow (at Hospital Festival) - Knockdown Center- NYC - 12/8/18

Hospital Fest was a tremendous event and I could go on and on about all of the acts that performed but I ain't gonna lie I was there to see Merzbow as I've been a fan for roughly 25 years and had never seen him perform before. His hour long set was intense, colorful and incredibly mind bending. Other highlights from his event included Jesu, Final (Justin Broadrick), and the Prurient/Power Trip collaboration.

5. "Sally Suicide" Suicide Tribute - Bowery Electric - NYC - 1/25/18

Incredible tribute evening to Alan Vega and Suicide which featured performances from Bob Bert, Cynthia Ross, Kid Congo Powers and more. The highlight for me was when The Car's Ric Ocasek joined Martin Rev for a performance of "Dream Baby Dream". A great evening indeed.

6. Turkish Delight (Reunion) - The Middle East - Cambridge MA - 7/20/18

It's not everyday that your favorite band gets back together to do a show after a 20 year hiatus but on July 20th 2018 Turkish Delight took the stage at the legendary Middle East in Cambridge MA. The band played tracks from their two albums "Tommy Bell" and "Howcha Magowcha" as well as a stunning rendition of "Damaged Goods" by Gang Of Four. They even let me join them onstage for a ripping rendition of their classic cut "Go Baby" which was a a real honor and thrill. Such an awesome time.

7. Nine Inch Nails, Jesus And Mary Chain - Kings Theater - Brooklyn NY - 10/16/18

First off Kings Theater might be the most beautiful venue in Brooklyn and one of the best places to see a large scale show. Jesus And Mary Chain put on a solid set of some of their most well known songs which was certainly an amazing way to start the evening. Then Nine Inch Nails put on one of the most breathtaking performances you will see and hear anywhere in the universe. I'm by no means a NIN fanatic but this show really floored me. The stage production, musicianship, sound an overall presentation where definitely next level.

8. Ministry - Irving Plaza - NYC - 12/6/18

Ministry put on a tremendous performance at Irving Plaza in NYC. It was amazing to hear "Stigmata", "N.W.O.", "So What" and "Just One Fix" in a live setting again. The crowd was super into it and the band played the tracks with "pinpoint accuracy". Menacing to say the least.

9. Netherlands - Brooklyn Bazaar - Brooklyn NY - 10/20/18

Simply put this band DESTROY everything in their path. The crushing guitar sound and sci-fi-psych vocals of Timo Ellis are relentless and this performance was one of the most intense I came across all year.

10. Men I Trust - Charlies American Cafe - Norfolk Virginia - 3/19/18

It was great to see Men I Trust in one of my favorite intimate venues. The band played a lot of songs from their recent album "Headroom" and their infectious bass lines and in the pocket drumming had the crowd dancing along while Emma's vocals sounded as beautiful as you can imagine.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

A Violet Pine "Gloves Out" Single (avioletpine.bandcamp.com)

A Violet Pine are one my favorite new bands out of Italy and their new single "Gloves Out" is straight up incredible. The band build both aggressive and atmospheric guitar tones around an infectious beat and thunderous bass line. Giuseppe Procida's hypnotic voice draws you in further with it's dark, cinematic presence. The blasts of electronic percussion and experimental tones only add to the brilliance of the song. A top track from an amazing band. Can't wait for the new album due out in the Fall of this year.

Baby Honey "Full" B/W "Love Bludger" Single (babyhoney.bandcamp.com)

Two beautiful songs from this new project out of Perth Australia. Both tracks feature the swirling guitar sounds of Matthew Clayton alongside Rebecca Williams captivating voice. "Full" is an uptempo piece submerged in underwater sounding tones and lavish textures. It's certainly got a pleasant uplifting feel to it that's highly enjoyable. "Love Bludger" has more intricate guitar playing and a bit more of a straight forward riff while the vocals continue to shine through. A promising debut for fans of "Isn't Anything" era MBV, The Swrilies and Loop.

Dazeys "Good Fortune" E.P. (dazeys.bandcamp.com)

Very impressive debut from this Nevada City California band. Fueled by the incredible dual vocal harmonies of Gracie Schatz and Kelly Patton "Good Fortune" is made up of seven surf pop/garage rock tracks released just in time for Summer. The lo-fi guitar tones and laid back percussion serve the songs well. Stand out tracks "Ridein' The Tide" and "Bummer Summer" echo the spirits of classic groups like The Shangri-Las and The Paris Sisters. "Mother Of Pentacles" has a more modern indie rock twist to it with aggressive guitars that add a hint of feedback and distortion while "Star Walkin'" is more of a straight up folk number. The variations between each of the tracks really compliment one another well. Truly delightful on all levels.

Savage Cut "I Can Kill You With My Brain" B/W "Take It" Single (savagecut1.bandcamp.com)

Hailing from Scotland, Savage Cut offer up a unique brand of experimental rock n roll madness. "I Can Kill You With My Brain" is full of haunting samples and angular guitar riffs backed by a pounding rhythm section. It's a very numbing track that reminds me of a lost song from the "Doom Generation" Soundtrack. "Take It" begins with a chilling round of feedback that breaks into a driving beat and syncopated guitar riff. It's got a vibe that falls someplace between Ministry, Negativeland and ZZ Top. There's an underlying sinister element to it all that really draws me in and led to repeated listening. Highly recommended indeed.

Sleepercub EP 1 (sleepercub.bandcamp.com)

Sleepercub make warm and soothing soundscapes that send you into other worldly like territory throughout this five song debut E.P. After setting the pace with an intriguing introduction the band dive into "Rain Through" which is a heart felt dream pop piece full of lavish male/female vocal harmonies. "Those Lights" harnesses a collection of ambient tones that are both rich and comforting. "Most Of Me" features a vibrant pulsating drum machine alongside some classic analog synthesizer flair. The E.P. is capped off with the epic sounds of "My Hands, Your Shape" which returns you safely home after a thought provoking musical journey. Overall a delightful listening experience that's both beautiful and inspiring.

Tonewood Sky "Thoughts Within" E.P. (tonewoodsky.bandcamp.com)

Musician Alex Murphy began making music as Tonewood Sky last year. His debut E.P. "Thoughts Within" features some top notch guitar based instrumentals that are just plain fun to listen to. "Forever In A Day" has a jovial vibe to it and I love the phaser effect he uses on the guitars throughout the track. "Lost For Words" is more delicate and spaced out. It reminds me a little of the Ace Frehley instrumental "Fractured Mirror". Not so much in the tone or notes but in it's overall ambient presence. The addition of a piano on "Endless Oceans" adds a really nice touch to the piece and accompany the cagey guitar bends well, while "City Of Snow" showcases the pure musicianship of Murphy. It's a moody, technical piece that blurs the lines between ambient soundscapes and math rock. "Sundown" closes out the E.P. and add's some elements of jazz to the mix with it's melancholy electric piano sounds and shuffling beat. "Thoughts Within" is an amazing collection of work that leaves me wondering what will come next from the evolving musical world of Tonewood Sky.