2018 is now in the rear view mirror (or as us Pearl Jam fans prefer rearviewmirror) but before I say Hey Nineteen, here’s some photos and words – with the benefit of some time to digest – about a couple of my fave experiences from the latest trip around the sun: specifically crossing paths with Belly and Buffalo Tom.

As the below photo proves, not only did I used to sport hair on my head but I’ve been an enthusiastic fan of Tanya Donelly for decades. As no less a personage (personage?) than Bill Janovitz has pointed out; she’s founded 3 seminal bands in Throwing Muses, The Breeders, and Belly.

2018 strangely, although wonderfully, saw both The Breeders (with a Deal Deal MacPherson and Wiggs lineup) as well as Belly reactivate. In May it was a delight to host a powwow and session with Belly for WFUV on the stage of the Rockwood Music Hall. Then in August they invaded the Music Hall of Williamsburg for a pair of triumphant shows. Here’s a bonus flashback to when I crossed paths with Tanya four years ago.

Gail Greenwood has been shining more brightly than ever before and I appreciated that having Greenwood and Donelly on the same stage is an embarrassment of riches. When you add the Gorman brothers (Thomas and Chris) and all seeming to remember what a rewarding combination this is, you’ve got an irresistible force. Dove, their first album since 1995 was a highlight of 2018 and a worthy follow up to the group’s nineties releases. Dove features the immaculate and shimmering Shiny One single.

As with Belly, a Boston connection and a long standing appreciation for their music and how they go about their business set the stage for a wicked good hang with Buffalo Tom. Bill Janovitz, Chris Colbourn, and Tom Maginnis released their first album in 7 years called Quiet and Peace and hit the road behind it.

First Bill and Chris played a duo show at Housing Works and we penciled in an interview for next time Buffalo Tom was in New York. When a conflict at WFUV foiled the plan, I volunteered to make a road trip to my ancestral home of Massachusetts and conduct the interview with session near the band-members’ actual homes.

I was able to pull this off as my pal Owen Curtin is intimately involved in The Bridge Studio which brought back some fond memories for BT as its the same space as the old Fort Apache studio where they recorded decades ago. It also represented the fulfillment of a rock n roll fantasy as I got to drink some whiskey with the the fellows and enjoy the most intimate of performances. They released a video in November for their song Overtime which you can watch below.

Tom and Chris at the same session in February.