Animal Collective, Avalon, 2.21.06 Avoiding misnomers and labels and subverting expectations, Animal Collective performed a mix of sounds and songs that were incredibly familiar to Boston fans in attendance. Last year at the Middle East downstairs, the foursome worked through material that would become one of the finest albums of the year, Feels, as well as a choice or two from Sung Tongs. That show was veiled in a blanket of shadows and sweat, with......

There are all sorts of celebrations going on this week. One year anniversaries, EP releases and, well, we threw in some alt-country just to spice it up a little bit. Bostonist is looking forward to to warmer weather, but until then we know where they might be heating things up on stages around the Hub. Some of the great shows you might find a pair or two of Bostonist's ears this week. Monday 2/20: The......

We live in an iTunes nation. It's easy to pull a track down to your pod for under a buck. Bostonist still longs for cover art, liner notes, and that masterwork that is a multi-track collection of songs we call an album. Listed here is our much discussed, unbiased by payola, top 25 albums of 2005. After the jump you'll find where some of us stand individually on the subject of the years best. (Apparently......

Bostonist has felt like Boston's been pretty slow lately. Sure, there are fun things to do, but when the heat index is high and the humidity's sweltering, it's easiest to just go to the beach. However, Bostonist wants to alleviate your tension by telling you about a couple of things. (And Bostonist apologizes for failing to mention the Grizzly Bear show at TT's last week: we'd "recount" it, but generally, live reviews just make you......

With a three day weekend on tap, Bostonist took a minute to give out the choicest selections (and some free tickets!!). So after enjoying the weather all day, there will be no reason to stay in at night. If your planning to drink yourself into oblivion on Monday, Bostonist salutes you. Boston metal/hardcore stalwards, Converge play Harpers Ferry on Saturday and Sunday, should be a head walking good time. On Monday, Great Scott is......