CMM's 17 Favorite Shows Of 2017

1. Beck - The Palladium - Los Angeles

Beck is an unbelievable showman and he pulled no punches in a set that captured all of the best moments from his discography including "Girl", "Loser", "Lost Cause" and "Devils Haircut". He also had a youth choir join him on stage which added an even more amazing element to the show. Guitarist Jason Falker shined throughout the evening and added a nice dynamic to everything as the show closed with two more classics in "Paper Tiger" and "Where It's At". Truly a performance for the ages.

2. Joan Of Arc - The Satellite - Los Angeles

A captivating performance at one of my favorite places to see a show. I love the way Joan Of Arc blends experimental sounds into more traditional song structures. The highlight for me was hearing "This Must Be The Placenta" live as it's one of my favorite songs of the last year or so. Overall an awesome night of mind bending bliss.

3. Cheetah Chrome/Dead Boys - The Whiskey - Los Angeles

This performance was crushing from beginning to end. Cheetah was on his game and lead the band through a full performance of The Dead Boys classic album "Young, Loud & Snotty". From the opening chords of "Sonic Reducer" vocalist Jake Hout was full of energy and swagger and pulled off the Stiv Bators vibe in fine form and the rest of the band were top notch as well. I was totally blown away and fully satisfied. Hope to catch this crew again soon.

4. Murder City Devils - The Teragram Ballroom - Los Angeles

An action filled night that never let up. MCD laid down all the classic cuts including "18 Wheels", "Rum To Whiskey", "Press Gang" and "Dancin' Shoes". It was a packed sweaty show, full of energy that cemented what a real rock n roll performance is all about.

5. PJ Harvey - The Fillmore - Philadelphia

Elegant, breathtaking and precise are just a couple of the words I'll use to describe this stellar performance from the legendary PJ Harvey. The set consisted of a lot of newer material which was fine by me and saw Harvey playing a lot of saxophone vs guitar. Her voice was truly beautiful and haunting as only PJ Harvey can do and her band was made up of a who's who of long time touring musicians that gave everything an almost orchestral feel to the performance at times. They did cut loose for a relentless rendition of the classic "50 FT Queenie" which left the crowd reeling as well as a stunning version of "Down By The Water".

6. Against Me, Bleached - The Norva - Norfolk, Virginia

I must have seen Against Me 20 times over the years in all types of different settings from house shows and pool parties to major festival events. This show was particularly great and probably the best time I've ever seen them. The band was seriously at the top of their game blasting through a 26 song set that included "I Was A Teenage Anarchist", "Thrash Unreal" and "Reinventing Axl Rose". They also did covers of Tom Petty and The Mountain Goats before closing the night out with long time favorites "Pints Of Guinness Make You Stronger" and "Sink, Florida, Sink". I can't say enough about how strong of a performance this was.

Opening band Bleached also put on an impressive set that included favorites "Wednesday Night Melody", "Love Spells" and "Dead In Your Head" plus Nirvana and Misfits covers that left me wanting more. Pick up their album "Welcome The Worms".

7. Washed Out - The Norva - Norfolk, Virginia

This was Washed Out's first show in several years and it was a privilege that they kicked off their tour in Norfolk in support of their incredible new album "Mister Mellow". The performance was both musically and visually stunning. I was seriously inspired by all the work that went into the art and lights as it was one of those shows that is so good you find yourself submerged in all of it and just get lost in the sound and vision of it all. Stellar in everyway.

8. Street Sects - Charlie's American Café - Norfolk Virginia

One of the most intense and "Disorienting" shows I've ever seen. This industrial/experimental/noise unit cranked the volume to the highest level and filled the room with fog to the point that the crowd really wasn't sure were they were. Add in a pulsating strobe light and you just might think you are witnessing the apocalypse right before your eyes. Certainly one of the most brilliant performances I witnessed all year.

9. Mayflower Madame - Kung Fu Necktie - Philadelphia

First off I spent 20 hours on a bus round trip to catch this show but it was sooooooo worth it. Mayflower Madame are one of my favorite bands of the last few years and it was so great to get to work with them on their album "Observed In A Dream". This was their 2nd show on their first U.S. tour and they sounded amazing. Their shimmering guitar tones and haunting rhythm section blended together great and the mind bending, psychedelic vocals filled the room perfectly. Can't wait to see them again.

10. Poptone - Irving Plaza - New York City

Poptone features Bauhaus/Love & Rockets/Tones On Tail alumni Daniel Ash on vocals and guitar and Kevin Haskins on drums along with Kevin's daughter Diva Dompe on bass. I was ecstatic for this show and it did not disappoint as the band played classics from all of their previous outfits including Love And Rockets signature numbers "Mirror People" and "No Big Deal", Tones On Tail "OK, This Is The Pops" and "Go!", and Bauhaus "Slice Of Life". It was also incredible to hear their cover of The Temptations "Ball Of Confusion" as Love And Rockets covered that on their album "Express" and I've gone back to that version over and over for years. Great gig.

11. A Deer A Horse - Pando - Queer Kevin - Cat Tatt - 603 Bushwick - Brooklyn, New York

A Deer A Horse are certainly one of my favorite bands and such awesome people so it's always a great treat to get to see them. This show was literally a stacked bill as Pando, Queer Kevin, and Cat Tatt were all amazing and unique.

Besides the latest A Deer A Horse E.P. "Backswimmer" which came out on CMM, all of the other bands from this show have awesome releases out. Pando made a really cool cassette called "Everagain" that captures their jangly lo-fi indie pop perfectly, I've been blasting "Litter" by Cat Tatt for the last few months and Bass and Drums duo Queer Kevin have an amazing 7 track release out called "If I Had Known" which inspires me which each and every listen. Such an awesome show in a fun intimate setting

12. Kill Alters - Pioneer Works - Brooklyn NY

There was no shortage of energy flowing throughout Kill Alters set at Pioneer Works this past summer. Bonnie Baxter's vocal delivery and dancing certainly sent things into mind melting territory as former Black Dice member Nicos Kennedy provided psychedelic/experimental sounds that worked perfectly alongside Hisham A. Bharoocha's frantic drumming. Look this show up on youtube and you will see what I'm talking about and by all means go see them live.

13. Nihilistics, Sick Shit and more - Tompkins Square Park - New York City

Nihilisics have been going in the NYC area for decades and I hadn't seen them since my old band Façade Burned Black played Loud As Fuck Fest with them at CBGB in the early 2000's so to hear Ron Rancid and the boys and all their antics again was pretty great. Sick Shit out of Jersey were also on the bill and they played an intense blend of blistering punk and hardcore that was totally crushing. The show was in memory of the 29th annual Tompkins Square Park Police Riot and an homage to NYC political activist David Peel and also included sets from Leftover Crack, Trashy and Damn Kids.

14. Sound Of Ceres - Charlie's American Café - Norfolk Virginia

One of the must amazing shows you will see anywhere. This performance was other worldly and the sonic textures mixed with the lights and aura that Sound Of Ceres create is like nothing else. Go see this band any chance you get.

15. Psychedelic Furs - The Norva - Norfolk Virginia

One things for sure. Psychedelic Furs still have it. Richard Butler showed why he's one of the most charismatic front men of all time and the band bashed out an impressive set that echoed their 80's heyday. "Pretty In Pink", "Into Like A Train" and "Heaven" never sounded better and the crowd swooned and sang along to "Love My Way" sending people home happy and satisfied.

16. We Are The Asteroid - Charlie's American Café - Norfolk Virginia

Made up of former members of Butthole Surfers and The Pain Teens, We Are The Asteroid play intricate, cagey rock n roll that dabbles in elements of prog and arena rock. Their performance featured some of the best musicianship I witnessed all year and it was matched with plenty of attitude and energy. Don't miss them when they come through your town.

17. Rancid, Dropkick Murphys - Amphitheater At Coney Island Boardwalk - Coney Island

I had not seen Rancid play since 1995 and I'd actually never made it to Coney Island so it was a nice setting to take in the show. The band performed a collection of songs from their vast discography which happily included old cuts like "Nihilism" and "Radio" new tracks like "Ghost Of A Chance" and the fan favorites "Roots Radicals" and "Rudy Soho". It's nice to witness a band that has stayed a family for so many years and still seems to share that comradery between each other as band mates and with their audience. Dropkick Murphys put on a powerful set that kept the crowd moving throughout and they even brought a ton of people up on stage to dance and sing along at the end of their set. The show ended with both bands getting together to do a quick covers set that included songs by The Ramones, Johnny Cash, Cock Sparrer and Sham 69.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Digression Buff "Perspective" Single (digressionbuff.bandcamp.com)

Digression Buff have quickly become one of my favorite new artists. Headed by Australian musician Nick McMillan this brand new single begins with a wash of synths and heavy atmospherics before launching into an infectious rhythm full of rich melodies that's matched with a soothing vocal delivery. It's soundtrack like dynamics and underlying nuances add even more appeal to the track which also drifts into a warm breezy direction at times. Overall this is some of McMillan's best work yet and I can't wait to hear what he comes up with next. Stay tuned for more music from this one of a kind project that is truly on the rise.

faUSt "Lights Flickr" Single (www.bureau-b.com)

"Lights Flickr", the latest single from Germany krautrock band faUSt is down right psychotic sounding. The track is from their brand new album "Fresh Air" and it features the lyrics "Lights Flickr as I blink my eyes to the beat to the beat to the beat" as a frantic saxophone and sea of feedback blast over top of a thunderous beat. It's hypnotic, it's mind bending and it's absolutely beautiful. Truly inspiring work from one of the most innovative groups ever. "Fresh Air" is available today courtesy of Bureau B.

Mathew Sweet "Trick" Single (www.matthewsweet.com)

Matthew Sweet is back with a brand new album "Tomorrow Forever". Lead single "Trick" has all the key ingredients that make up an amazing Matthew Sweet song. Catchy hooks, melodic guitars and Sweet's signature vocal delivery. The song emits a glowing feeling that's absolutely perfect for spring time. The 17 track album available June 16th also features guest appearances from Gary Louris of The Jayhawks and Debbie Peterson of The Bangels. Sweet will head out on a full U.S. tour this summer that runs from July 8th through September 21st.

PJ Harvey "A Dog Called Money/I'll Be Waiting" Double A Side 7" Single (pjharvey.net)

PJ Harvey quickly follows up her latest album "The Hope Six Demolition Project" with this stunning double A-side 7" single. The atmospheric stance and inspiring drumming that moves throughout "A Dog Called Money" paints a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Harvey's voice harnesses a sense of urgency and emotion that works perfectly with the orchestral like waves that move around you and draw you in with their other worldly presence. The acoustic based "I'll Be Waiting" is written from the perspective of a child who's entire homeland has been destroyed by war. It's haunting lyrics and stripped down feel are matched by an intensity and passion like no other. The tracks are available as a 7" single that's limited to 1,000 copies and available exclusively during her current U.S. tour which runs through July 21st.

Solid Hex "PSA" E.P. (solidhex.bandcamp.com)

I'm blown away by this new E.P. from Nashville based garage rock unit Solid Hex. Led by the raspy vocals and fuzzed out guitars of Anna Wise "PSA" is full of top notch riffs and instantly memorable melodies that also feature contributions from Wise brother Rick on bass and drums. From the first chords of "When The Blood Hits The Ceiling" you know you are in for something special as it balances an uplifting feel with tons of welcomed grit and grime. "Evil Eye" has more of a subliminal groove to it that's highlighted by a menacing guitar tone and a well executed chorus while "PSA" shows off more of the bands jangling indie pop side. Things wind down with a cover of The Who's "Eminem's Front" as the duo put their own healthy spin on the classic rock staple. Simply put this is an incredible E.P. you should be checking out right now!!!

The Psychotic Monks "Silence Slowly and Madly Shines LP "

Paris based rock n roll machine The Psychotic Monks go ballistic on their crushing new album "Silence Slowly and Madly Shines". The menacing crawl of opening track "It's Gone" bursts into a collection of smashing fuzzed out guitar riffs and pounding drums that harness some of the most rugged energy I've heard in some time. "Wanna Be Damned (Punk Song)" is equally as dangerous, with it's cagey beat and bass line and relentless swagger while things slow down to a more doom like crawl on the heavy psych numbers "Sink" and "When I Feel". My personal favorite track "The Bad And The City Solution" makes great use of BIG dynamics and thunderous percussion to give it one of the best grooves you will hear anywhere. I also really enjoy the ambient, psychedelic interludes that move between songs at various points on the record. They carry a lulling feel that makes the heavier and more energetic parts of the record sound even more dramatic. The album closes out with the lush and stunningly colorful "Walk By The Wild Lands". It's a fitting ending to what is so far, one of the best albums of the year. Beautiful, relentless and psychologically challenging.

6 Records CMM Wants You To Know

Dungeon Pipes "Skype Dreams" E.P. (dungeonpipes.bandcamp.com)

Hailing from Halifax Nova Scotia ambient drone artist Dungeon Pipes latest E.P. is nothing short of a a sonic mind bender. Broken into three parts "Skype Dreams I" embraces the haunting atmosphere of classic horror films from the 70's and 80's as there's a looming psychotic undertone throughout the piece. "Skype Dreams II" builds on more relaxing tones that offer a lulling comfort as the sounds flow through your ears in an almost liquid like way. "Skype Dreams III" is a cinematic trance inducing drone that could have easily been part of the soundtrack to the film Baraka. It's uplifting feeling certainly sets an optimistic mood. One of the top ambient releases I've heard in sometime.

Exiles "Kill The Lights" Single (exilesband.bandcamp.com)

Excellent new single from Exiles out of New York City. The vocals are strong, powerful and beautiful. Add a touch of shimmering ethereal guitar backed by an on point rhythm section and you have an impressive piece of dream pop magic. This is the type of track you'll have on repeat for days on end as it adds a much needed hint of Spring we could all use on these bitterly cold winter days.

Jen Hingley "Autonomy" LP (jenhingley.bandcamp.com)

Jen Hingley makes some major waves on her debut album "Autonomy". Handling all the vocal, guitar, bass and drum duties as well as production herself, Jen has created 11 pop songs drenched in heavy guitar fuzz and noise. Think Throwing Muses and Liz Phair meets Guided By Voices and Ween with a touch of PJ Harvey type darkness. Tracks like "There's No One Left" and "Solo" have an underlying doomy dirge to go with their upbeat tempos. While "Frozen Again" and Restart" give positive nods to Smashing Pumpkins, you'll also be floored by "Wrong Way" with it's sick Melvins like feel that's unbelievably crushing. "Autonomy" is an excellent collection of no frills rock n roll that puts a modern spin on classic 90's alternative swag.

Odd Limbs "Shadow Drops" Single (oddlimbs.bandcamp.com)

Man!!! This is quite a snarling blast of psychedelic pop mayhem. Surf guitar textures carry the straight forward psych laced verses that give way to furious bursts of Birthday Party'ish chaos. Makes me think what it be like if The Doors collaborated with Syd Barrett for a Sun Ra tribute album. A top notch song indeed and an excellent preview of their upcoming album. I can't wait to hear more!!!

Pauwels "Elina" LP (pauwels.bandcamp.com)

Pauwels create aggressive, gorgeously eerie and truly frightening sounds while maintaining an incredible sense of musicianship that is technical and precise. The foundation is set by a pair of drummers who's astonishing rhythms remind me of experimental legends Crash Worship. The guitars carry a very cagey presence with tons of sustain and distortion that shifts back and forth from mean sounding riffs to more math rock driven jazz type runs. There's also a lot of mysterious sounds throughout many of the songs. "Wig" ends with what can only be described as what sounds like a large robot set for self destruct mode while "Bogey" ends with a psychedelic symphonic feel. "Ouspenski" reminds me of listening to John Zorns Naked City while taking a field trip to a local funhouse. Heavy, well crafted and intense.

Urban Grey "A Line Through The Fall And The Sky" (urban-grey.bandcamp.com)

Debut E.P. from this post punk snyth-rock outfit based in The Netherlands. Four moody tracks in the vein of early Cure, Joy Division and Suicide. "After The Storm" is the most upbeat of the four showing off a catchy guitar line matched with dance inducing drum machine swing. "Risk Taking" is a bit more melancholy, embracing a somber feel while riding out a memorable melody. "Under Your Charm" and "Weathered Statue" have that "10:15 Saturday Night" type vibe that I love. A recommended addition for fans of gloom and doom.