As with my 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Year in Review features, this article looks back on a year of music with a summary of the highlights. This is my attempt to (subjectively) share my favorites of the year, from live shows to new songs and albums. You can also check out my Top 100 Concert Photos of 2017 in that separate article.
Obviously, the lists that follow below are a reflection of my 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. I’m sure I missed some awesome new music completely (I always do and find it right after publishing this feature).
Top 5 Concerts of 2017
These are my five favorite concerts I attended in 2017…
1) Phantogram (Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort | Reno, Nevada | 6/30/2017)
[CONCERT OF THE YEAR]
Phantogram’s Three was my favorite album of 2016, but I was out of town for all of the shows near me that year, so hadn’t had a chance to hear the new songs live until 2017. They were phenomenal, and it was at one of my favorite venues, so it was a stellar experience. The funny thing is that I did not stay for co-headliner Miike Snow as I never heard back from them on my press/photo request. So somehow Phantogram as half a show was still my favorite of 2017. They are that amazing.
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2) Midnight Oil (Fox Theater | Oakland, California | 5/27/2017)
I was a huge Midnight Oil fan back in the day, and I’d never had a chance to see them live. And I thought at this point I never would. They finally came together to do a real world tour and it was incredible to finally hear all of that wonderful music live. Exceeded all of my expectations.
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3) Oingo Boingo Dance Party (Pano Hall at Thunder Valley | Lincoln, California | 10/27/2017)
Oingo Boingo was one of my favorite bands growing up, and once I could drive a car, they became the band I most saw in concert in my teenage years (they played the Bay Area a lot). I was even at their final “Farewell” concert at Universal Amphitheatre on Halloween back in 1995. I came to terms with never seeing them live again, but that all changed this year when I finally saw Oingo Boingo Dance Party, which is basically Oingo Boingo minus Danny Elfman, but with an impressive front man on vocals. Man, this show took me back unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Can’t wait to see them again.
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4) Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie (Ironstone Amphitheatre | Murphys, California | 7/21/2017)
This show was brilliant, from the music to the performances to the production. As a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac and fan of all of the respective bandmembers, this was a really special show and tour.
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5) The Psychedelic Furs (Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium | Grass Valley, California | 7/23/2017)
Love this band, and this was the best I’ve ever seen them. So much great music. Even out of time for the last song of the encore, it just left me wanting more. Love the Furs!
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Top 5 Albums of 2017
As with my 2016 list, I’ve stripped my Top 10 Albums list down to become a Top 5 Albums list. There are more than five albums I “like”, but I was easily able to pare it down to five that I love. In recent years, favorite artists have released new albums that just didn’t connect with me. It’s all subjective, but I can’t pretend to love something that I’m not into. Honestly, in the past four or five years some of my favorite artists have released albums that I can’t even get through once. 2017 is no exception. And some are just okay… but if I’m not inspired to listen to something over and over, I can’t rate it just because I’m a fan of the artists. And that gives more props to those artists who I do highlight in the list below. And in 2017, the artists ranked 2-5 are not even artists that I listened to much prior to picking up their latest albums. So I go into all of it with an open mind.
1) Anna Nalick – At Now
[ALBUM OF THE YEAR]
I became a huge fan of Anna Nalick and her work after attending my first live show back in 2013. Really one of the best concerts I’ve ever experienced – she brings magic to the stage, honesty, and real emotion. And she is an amazing songwriter and performer.
So this is her first new album since 2011’s Broken Doll & Odds & Ends… and it’s her third brilliant work.
I really didn’t know what to expect with this album. I hoped it might measure up to her first two albums, which I absolutely love, but I tried to moderate my expectations.
At Now is a true album. It’s a real journey, and every song is showcasing Anna as an artist that continues to grow and mature.
For those familiar with her work, it carries the tradition of her bravery in singing about real things in a revealing way, and it all really transcends genre. She’s created this music that reflects her own inspirations, which is diverse.
There are quiet moments, lots of changes, power, pop, soul…
Anyway, I just love this album to death… she made the choice for picking my favorite album of 2017 very easy. I’m really looking forward to seeing her live show again, hopefully in 2018.
2) K.Flay – Every Where Is Some Where
I never paid any attention to K.Flay until 2017. I don’t listen to much that’s streaming with new music, so if I don’t find it myself, it’s like it doesn’t exist. Now I know I’ve been missing out. What a unique talent. I stumbled across K.Flay on Audiotree Live on YouTube, and I was like holy shit! Fucking amazing live performance. Anyway, the album is so good – a set of so many ideas and pioneering songs – just love it. She is definitely one I will follow going forward. Hearing her for the first time was like hearing Beasties Boys back in the day… just a totally different kind of music, but I was instantly captivated.
3) Cold War Kids – LA DIVINE
I’ve always admired Cold War Kids and their music, but this was the first album of theirs that really grabbed me, that I’ll listen to end to end and really enjoy every moment. I’m a big fan of piano in rock bands, and they’ve got it going on better than most. And I love Nathan Willet’s voice. It’s such a perfect pairing to their music. So many great songs on this albums.
4) Portugal. The Man – Woodstock
I put “Noise Pollution (feat. Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Zoe Manville)” by Portugal. The Man in my Top 10 Songs list in 2016… but it’s on their latest album, Woodstock, released in 2017. I guess it was a preview of the greatness to come. Fucking love this album. It’s just so unique and funky, yet cohesive as an album overall. So many hot tracks. Definitely one of the best of the year.
5) Royal Blood – How Did We Get So Dark?
Like with Cold War Kids, I’ve listened to Royal Blood over the years, but it’s this latest album – their second – that really made me a fan of their work. They’ve really come into their own and have such a consistent and unique sound, which works beautifully in an album format. Love the vibe and this one is excellent songs from beginning to end.
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Top 10 Songs and Favorite 50 Songs of 2017
These are my 50 favorite songs of 2017 – either released on an album that came out during 2017 or released as a single in 2017.
The first ten are my Top 10 favorites, in order (#1 being best), 11-50 are simply listed alphabetically by song title. My only self-imposed restrictions is limiting any one artist to one song in the Top 10.
1. “Aura” by Anna Nalick
[SONG OF THE YEAR]
As with top album, there was no contest for me in choosing my favorite song of the year. Among an album of gems, this is the one that really has all of the hooks for me, where I’ll listen to it over and over. The pacing, the changes, the emotions… I just love this song so much. It’s amazing. And it’s all driven by the complexity of what Anna does with her vocals. It’s one of those rare songs where there is no “best” part of the song – it’s the entire thing. Brilliant.
2. “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
Regular readers of Rock Subculture will know that Coldplay are one of my very favorite bands, but post Mylo Xyloto, I haven’t connected with much of their music. A few songs here and there I love, but it’s not been the same for me in the past four or five years. But this collaboration with The Chainsmokers is one of those songs that bring it all back for me. Love this song. More like this, please…
3. “Love Is Mystical” by Cold War Kids
Fucking love this song. For me, this is their best to date. Really showcases all of their power, and paves a path into the future for the band. This song and album should take them to new heights. That piano, the beat, the vocals, the thrust of it all. Damn…
4. “Live in the Moment” by Portugal. The Man
This entire album is full of so many hot songs, all quite unique, so there are others that I could have put in this spot, but I think this one is my fav. So uplifting and anthemic. Love this song.
5. “Giver” by K.Flay
K.Flay has really created her own crossover style of music that just works on so many levels. Different but catchy and captivating. This one is more on the pop side, in a good way. So catchy.
6. “Lights Out” by Royal Blood
As one of my favorite albums of 2017, choosing just one song to represent was difficult with Royal Blood. This one really transcends time, as there are vibes and sounds that remind me of the past, but it’s all so new sounding all the same. This is a band who know who they are, and how to deliver it.
7. “I Dare You” by The xx
I’ve been a fan of The xx for some time, and their latest album was actually my #6 of the year, so I was a fan of most all of it. But this I think was my favorite song. Love this one.
8. “Utopia” by Austra
I’d never even heard of Austra before I started digging into 2017 music about a week ago, but love this track. If there was an hour long version of this track, I’ve have no problem listening to the whole thing. It sets a mood and is so hooky.
9. “When I Was Young” by MØ
I’ve been a fan of MØ since I shot one of her shows back in 2014, and she’s been very consistent in putting out quality work. Even in a year with no new album, she’s put out and collaborated on some great songs, though I think this is my favorite, off her EP with the same name.
10. “Believer” by Imagine Dragons
I’ve been following Imagine Dragons since first covering them in 2012, and seeing them in a tiny venue as well as a huge sports arena… I’ve always felt they needed bigger, more powerful anthem-like songs to work the giant venues, and songs like “Believer” on Evolve fit the bill exactly. Powerful music that will I think serve the masses in live shows beautifully.
| THE TOP 10 | |||
| 1 | Aura | Anna Nalick | At Now |
| 2 | Something Just Like This | The Chainsmokers & Coldplay | Memories…Do Not Open |
| 3 | Love Is Mystical | Cold War Kids | LA DIVINE |
| 4 | Live in the Moment | Portugal. The Man | Woodstock |
| 5 | Giver | K.Flay | Every Where Is Some Where |
| 6 | Lights Out | Royal Blood | How Did We Get So Dark? |
| 7 | I Dare You | The xx | I See You |
| 8 | Utopia | Austra | Future Politics |
| 9 | When I Was Young | MØ | When I Was Young – EP |
| 10 | Believer | Imagine Dragons | Evolve |
| SONGS 11-50 (in alphabetical order) | |||
| Apocalypse | Cigarettes After Sex | Cigarettes After Sex | |
| At Now | Anna Nalick | At Now | |
| Beautifully Unconventional | Wolf Alice | Visions of a Life | |
| Black Wave | K.Flay | Every Where Is Some Where | |
| Blood in the Cut | K.Flay | Every Where Is Some Where | |
| Burn and Fade | Anna Nalick | At Now | |
| Don’t Delete the Kisses | Wolf Alice | Visions of a Life | |
| Drive Him Home | Anna Nalick | At Now | |
| Feel It Still | Portugal. The Man | Woodstock | |
| Fresh | Tired Lion | Dumb Days | |
| High | Sir Sly | Don’t You Worry, Honey | |
| High Enough | K.Flay | Every Where Is Some Where | |
| Hook, Line & Sinker | Royal Blood | How Did We Get So Dark? | |
| How Did We Get So Dark? | Royal Blood | How Did We Get So Dark? | |
| I Don’t Know Why | Imagine Dragons | Evolve | |
| I Only Lie When I Love You | Royal Blood | How Did We Get So Dark? | |
| Imperfection | Evanescence | Synthesis | |
| It’s a Trip! | Joywave | Content | |
| Jacky’s Only Happy When She’s Up on the Stage | Morrissey | Low In High School | |
| Less Than | Nine Inch Nails | Add Violence – EP | |
| Little Thing Gone Wild | Black Rebel Motorcycle Club | Wrong Creatures | |
| Los Ageless | St. Vincent | MASSEDUCTION | |
| Machine | MisterWives | Connect the Dots | |
| Miracles (Someone Special) | Coldplay & Big Sean | Kaleidoscope – EP | |
| My Love, I’d Do Anything for You | Morrissey | Low In High School | |
| On Hold | The xx | I See You | |
| On My Way (feat. Leah Haywood) | Bunt | On My Way (feat. Leah Haywood) – Single | |
| Ordinary Idols | Cold War Kids | LA DIVINE | |
| Out of Tune Piano | MisterWives | Connect the Dots | |
| Part of the Night | Cold War Kids | LA DIVINE | |
| Savage | Lights | Skin&Earth | |
| So Tied Up (feat. Bishop Briggs) | Cold War Kids | LA DIVINE | |
| The Man | The Killers | Wonderful Wonderful | |
| The Sky Is a Neighborhood | Foo Fighters | Concrete and Gold | |
| Throwing Lines | Kelly Lee Owens | Kelly Lee Owens | |
| Tidal Wave | Portugal. The Man | Woodstock | |
| Wall of Glass | Liam Gallagher | As You Were | |
| Whatever It Takes | Imagine Dragons | Evolve | |
| Where’s the Revolution | Depeche Mode | Spirit | |
| Wolves | Smoke Season | Wolves – Single |
Full Rock Subculture Journal 2017 Concert Review Listing
January 2017
–
February 2017
Sunday, February 19th
Book of Love
DNA Lounge in San Francisco, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
March 2017
–
April 2017
Friday, April 21st
Kiss
Grand Sierra Resort Theatre in Reno, Nevada
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
May 2017
Saturday, May 13th
Notes & Words Benefiting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Fox Theater in Oakland, California
– Click Here for Event Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Saturday, May 27th
Midnight Oil
Fox Theater in Oakland, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
June 2017
Saturday, June 10th
Boston with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Saturday, June 17th
John Mellencamp
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Sunday, June 18th
Moody Blues
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Sunday, June 25th
Jason Mraz
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Friday, June 30th
Phantogram
Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
July 2017
Saturday, July 8th
Jason DeBord Photo Art Exhibition Reception
Kennedy Gallery in Sacramento, California
Thursday, July 20th
Comic Con International: San Diego
San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California
– Click Here for Coverage on Sister Website The Original Prop Blog
Friday, July 21st
Lindsey Buckingham & Christine McVie
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Sunday, July 23rd
The Psychedelic Furs with Robyn Hitchcock
The Center for The Arts in Grass Valley, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Monday, July 24th
Matchbox Twenty & Counting Crows
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
August 2017
Saturday, August 5th
Soulfest ’17: The O’Jays, Morris Day & The Time, S.O.S. Band, GQ
Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Sunday, August 13th
Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Saturday, August 18th
Willie Nelson
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
Saturday, August 26th
iHeart 80s Birthday Bash (Boy George, A Flock of Seagulls, The Romantics, Farrington + Mann, Tiffany, Animotion, Tommy Tutone, Nu Shooz)
SAP Center in San Jose, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
September 2017
Sunday, September 3rd
101.5 K-Hits Rewind Fest ’17 – Lost 80’s Live (featuring Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, Berlin, Wang Chung, Missing Persons, Cutting Crew, Pretty Poison, Naked Eyes, and The Flirts)
Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
Saturday, September 9th
George Benson and Kenny G
Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys, California
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
October 2017
Friday, October 27th
Oingo Boingo Dance Party
Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California
– Click Here for Full Concert Review & Concert Photography
November 2017
–
December 2017
Friday, December 15th
Evanescence – Synthesis Live with Orchestra
Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada
– Click Here for Concert/Tour Preview
Jason DeBord
(916) 813-1797
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