Joe Jonas on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
Robert Randolph and Chris Layton on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Far East Movement on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Mastadon on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Tuesday
Fun on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
Eric Hutchinson on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Rumer on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Fool’s Gold on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Wednesday
Heartless Bastards on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Jesse Baylin on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Tower of Power on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Bombay Bicylce Club on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Thursday
Dhani Harrison on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
K’naan and Nelly Furtado on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Redlight King on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Die Antwoord on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Young the Giant on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Friday
We Are Augustines on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Chiddy Bang on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
The Joy Formidable on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

After releasing a pair of EPs and one LP in a short four-year span, Hey Monday announced they would be going on an indefinite hiatus last December. According to Pope, the decision to stop playing as Hey Monday was partially the band’s choice and partially due to forces beyond their control. After years of constant touring, their label (Columbia Records) began to lose faith in the band, who in turn, got tired of fighting for it. Despite the band’s demise, Pope has kept her faith in music as she looks to build her solo career.

“I wanted to start fresh with something new and exciting,” says Pope during a recent interview with Boston Music Spotlight.

Having already tasted success with Hey Monday, performing as a solo act will certainly be a transition for the 22-year old singer. “With Hey Monday we became pretty successful and we would sell out our headlining tours,” says Pope. “I felt like we got to a certain level and now that I’m going solo and kinda starting fresh, I’m back to square one where I was where I was when I was 18 when I first started Hey Monday. So, it’s a little interesting in that way because I’ve toured the world and with Hey Monday we’ve gotten to do so many amazing things. Now, I feel like I’m starting all over again, which is exciting but it’s also something that’s very humbling.”

Along with her work in Hey Monday, Pope has offered her vocal talents to a slew of other pop-punk outfits. From recording sessions with the likes of Yellowcard and The Cab to live collaborations Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, We The Kings and many more, Pope has earned loads of praise from her peers. Now, she feels is the time for her to take the spotlight on her own terms.

“I just decided that I wanted to really just go for it by myself and see how it goes,” explains Pope. “I’m to a point in my life where I feel like whatever I do have to just go for it. I didn’t want it to just be a side-project, so that’s why I’m going for it full force. I’m really excited, I’m having a really good time with being more of a person instead of group of people together doing something. It was really fun and it was the best 3 ½ years of my life, well pretty much four years, and it was awesome. But now I’m ready to do my own thing and be my own artist instead of the lead singer in a band.”

The upcoming tour will be Pope’s first step in a new beginning. Fans can expect a sampling of Hey Monday material, covers and new solo work. Though no solo release is available yet, Pope does plan on recording her debut album, which would include material she has been working on for years but never felt fit into the Hey Monday sound, soon.

“I would love to release new music at least by the end of this year,” says Pope, who must first build a new team to help her record the album. “I’ve always been writing, and I’ve always written for myself”. 

Big dreams keep the solo singer motivated about her new career path and she’s got her eyes on the prize. “I’m gonna work towards the big goal, just getting massive and being able to play to thousands and thousands of people,” says Pope. “I mean that’s not gonna happen in a year, but it’s something I’m definitely going to work towards.”

Cassadee Pope will perform at the Brighton Music Hall in Allston on Wednesday, February 15. Tickets for the show are now on sale through Ticketmaster for $15.

Monday
Wale on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
Kasabian on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
The Civil Wars on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Lana Del Rey on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Speakers on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Tuesday
Mark Ronson, Erykah Badu, Zigaboo Modeliste and members of The Dap Kings on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
The Cranberries on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Robin Thicke on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Jake Owen on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
Bear Hands on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Wednesday
Yelawolf w/ Kid Rock on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Punch Brothers on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Miley Cyrus on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
The Drums on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
Walk the Moon on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Thursday
Cake on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
Monica and Brandy on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Puscifer on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Young Jeezy featuring Ne-Yo on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
Dr. Dog on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Friday
The Fray on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Sinead O’Connor on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
M83 on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Monday
Die Antwoord on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Miranda Cosgrove on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Pitbull on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Ziggy Marley, FUN on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Tuesday
Alabama Shakes on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
The Fray on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
2 Cellos on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
50 Cent on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
The Cranberries on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
Blake Shelton, Jesse Baylin on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Wednesday
Dr. Dog on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
Dierks Bentley on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Anthony Hamilton on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Far East Movement on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
of Montreal on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
Ed Sheeran on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Thursday
Graffiti6 on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
The Kills on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Estelle on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Tony Bennett on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Primus on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
Milow on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Friday
Betty Wright on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Cee-Lo Green on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Alice Smith on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Of course, we’re most excited for the game, but each year the halftime show gives us some side entertainment as we stuff our faces with more food than a Thanksgiving Day dinner. This year, Madonna has the honor of performing for the nation’s top rated audience. So, for the good or the bad, we thought we’d take a look back at the past dozen Halftime shows.

2011: The run of classic rock heroes comes to a screeching halt as pop music returned to the Halftime Show thanks to the Black Eye Peas. The group, who descended from the ceiling, opened the set predictably with “I Gotta Feeling”. The rest of the set included hits “Boom Boom Pow”, “Pump It” and “Where Is The Love?”. Slash made a cameo to deliver “Sweet Child o’Mine” with Fergie, while Usher also appeared for his hit “Oh My Gosh”. Ultimately, it struggled mightily with poor acoustics but still boasted a visually stunning stage show with multiple platforms and army of dancers that glowed in the dark. Watch the show in full here.

2010: The Who, led by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend (the band’s only remaining original members), rocked a medley of classics including “Pinball Wizard”, “Baba O’Reilly”, “Who Are You”, “See Me, Feel Me” and “Won’t Get Fool Again”. The performance was pretty solid but its accompany light show that impressed us most. The show also gave us one of our favorite prop bets in history: the number of windmills completed on camera by Townshend (Video here).

2009: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band took a break from their marathon touring schedule for a stop at the big game. We wanted The Boss to do what he does best: rock. And with set of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”, “Born To Run”, “Working on a Dream” and “Glory Days” that should have come easy. But when he instructed the TV crowd to drop the guacamole dip and chicken fingers at the start of the show and someone dressed up as a referee jumped on stage and threw a flag at the end, it was just plain corny. Still, the band sounded great and who could forget his slide into the camera? (Video here).

2008: Ok, we’re not gonna lie, we’d prefer to erase everything about this Super Bowl from our mind. That being said, we did enjoy the performance from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, a true American rock band. The set kicked off with “American Girl” and continued with “I Won’t Back Down” and “Free Fallin’” (Video here) before closing with a thrilling version of “Runnin’ Down a Dream” thanks to axeman Mike Campbell (Video here).

2007: This performance by Prince proved to be a very pleasant surprise. From a stage in the shape of his logo at midfield, Prince delivered a memorable performance in the driving rain. Guitar solos were plentiful, a marching band gave an extra flair, and Prince’s interpretations of various tunes was refreshing. The biggest surprise was a cover of Foo Fighters’s “Best Of You”, but delivering “Purple Rain” in a driving rain storm proved to be the most memorable moment of the show (Video here).

2006: Performing on the largest stage ever assembled for a Super Bowl Halftime Show – which combined the U2-heart stage theme from 2002 with their iconic tongue logo – the Rolling Stones performed a solid yet unmemorable performance. Working with a five-second-tape delay, the show’s editors cut lyrics from two songs – “Start Me Up” and “Rough Justice” – because they were deemed too sexually suggestive for broadcast. Mick Jagger jokingly introduced the one song that wasn’t edited, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, as one that could have been played at Super Bowl I (Video here).

2005: What happens when your controversial halftime show stole more headlines than the game itself? You go family friendly! And what better way to that than with Sir Paul McCartney. Nobody can really complain about The Beatles’ great when they’re singing along to classics like “Live and Let Die” or “Hey Jude” (Video here and here).

2004: Does anybody even remember Jessica Simpson introducing the show or the performances by P Diddy, Nelly, and Kid Rock?. Of course not, all we remember is that infamous “wardrobe malfunction” (who ever used that term before?). The show was playing like a random iPod shuffle mix until Justin Timberlake joined Janet Jackson for “Rock Your Body”. As everyone remembers, at the end of the duet Timberlake ripped a piece of Jackson’s costume off, exposing her right breast on live television, and consequently setting off a firecracker of controversy across the world (Video here).

2003: The show kicked off with country music super-star Shania Twain delivering “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” and “Up”. No Doubt followed with their staple hit, “Just A Girl” (Video here) and the show ended in memorable fashion when Gwen Stefani joined Sting for The Police classic “Message In The Bottle” (Video here).

2002: After the misery that 2001 brought, Irish rockers U2 scored in every possible way with their halftime performance. The band brought their famed Elevation tour, which boasted a catwalk around fans to form a heart, to the Superdome. “Beautiful Day” set the tone (Video here) but it was an emotionally charged “Where The Streets Have No Name” with a scrolling tribute to 9/11 victims as their backdrop that sent shivers down the spine of many viewers (Video here). As Bono sang, “I’ll show you a place where there is no sorrow or pain,” it was just what Americans needed to hear.

2001: Produced by MTV, the “The Kings of Rock and Pop” show was just painfully awful. A funny skit by Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock started the show on a good note, but it headed south from there. Old school Aerosmith fans thought the “Bad Boys of Boston” had sold out in previous years, but this was the icing on the cake. Sharing the stage with ‘N Sync, both bands played two partial songs each before launching into a horrendous rendition of “Walk This Way” with the aid of Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. It was a sickening sight (Video here).

2000: Produced by Disney, the “Tapestry of Nations” show featured Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, and an 80-person choir with narrator Edward James Olmos. This was the last of the true major production for a halftime show. Based on the year long Millennium celebration at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, the performance also featured a full symphony orchestra, massive puppets, aerial dancers, and pyrotechnics (Video here).

Monday
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
James McCartney on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Joe Perry on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Fishbone on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Nada Surf on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
Bear Hands on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Tuesday
Girls’ Generation on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Imelda May on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Angels and Airwaves on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
J. Cole on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
Bjork on The Colbert Report (Comedy Central, 11:30 AM)
The Horrors on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Wednesday
Ringo Starr on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
The Airborne Toxic Event on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Evanescence on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Gotye on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
All American Rejects on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
We Were Promised Jetpacks on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Thursday
Evanescence on Conan (TBS, 11 PM)
Lana Del Ray on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Blake Shelton on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Korn on Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC, 12:00 AM)
Nas on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
White Denim on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

Friday
Ziggy Marley on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 PM)
Bush on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC, 11:35 PM)
Fitz & The Tantrums on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 12:35 AM)
M83 on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC, 1:35 AM)

First Night: Boston’s First Night is one of the grandest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. It boasts plenty of entertainment like artwork, dancing, ice sculptures and midnight fireworks. However, we’re most excited for the eclectic lineup of music this event brings. Of course, access to all the shows is included with a First Night Button ($18), while some select shows have premium seating available for $35. Here is this year’s lineup:

Mavis Staples at Symphony Hall: The most high profile show of First Night brings this legend back to New England after a thrilling set at the Newport Folk Festival this summer. Opening the show will be local favorites the Parkington Sisters.

Suzanne Vega at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall: Vega will be going head-to-head with Staples with a 9 o’clock performance but you won’t regret whatever choice you make.

Julian Trage Trio at the Berklee Performance Center: The Berklee alum goes back to school, performing with his jazz trio.

Liz Longley, Tubby Love & Eric Robertson at the Modern Theatre: Three more Berklee-educated artists join forces over at the Modern.

Drew O’Doherty, Ida, Cass McCombs at Boston Public Library: Catch local boy Drew O’Doherty with a couple worthy out-of-towners.

The Cover-Up Series presents The Beatles at the CityPlace/Transportation Building: Brendan Boogie’s Cover-Up takes on the greatest band of all-time as members of Oranjuly, Spirit Kid and Girlfriends pose as the Fab Four.

Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys at the Hynes Convention Center Auditorium: They’re calling their performance “An Evening of Spectacular Spectacle”. You might want to spectate.

Other Shows in Boston/Cambridge:

Lucero at the Paradise Rock Club: Tennessee’s Lucero are looking forward to 2012 since that’s when their new album Women & Work drops. See them with Movers & Shakers and Lionize for $25.

Mellow Bravo, Township at the Middle East Downstairs: The biggest lineup outside of First Night also includes Planetoid, Cocked N Loaded and The Grinds. Tickets are $12.

Mean Creek, Kingsley Flood at the Brighton Music Hall: Three of the city’s best and brightest will ring in the New Year over in Allston with Freezepop on board as well. Tickets are $20.

The Upper Crust, Sidewalk Driver at Church: It’s the “New Year’s Eve Roque & Glam Slam”. Gene Dante and the Future Starlets start the show. Tickets are $25.

John Powhida International Airport, Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents: The 2011 Rumble Winners team up with the local soul standouts for a show that is sure to please. Rounding out the bill are the Andrea Gillis Band and The Dirty Truckers. Tickets are $15.

Ellis Paul at Club Passim: The local folk star once again welcomes the New Year in Harvard Square. Join him and Flynn for $40.

Other Shows Outside of Boston:

Thompson Square at the Showcase Live: A lot of people might be saying “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” this New Years, and you’ll hear it from this country duo. Scarletta opens the show. Tickets are $30 to $75.

Entrain at the Blue Ocean Music Hall: If First Night’s not your thing get outta town and get up to Salisbury for some great grooves. Tickets are available for $20 and $25.

Insane Clown Posse at The Palladium: Do Juggalos kiss each other at midnight? Find out for $29.50. Blaze Ya Dead Homie, The Dayton Family, DJ Clay, Mike E. Clark, and Ill E. Gal fill out the bill.

J. Geils, Jeff Pitchell, Texas Flood at the Bull Run Restaurant: The $90 admission price includes “a four-course dinner, show, champagne toast, hats, noisemakers and all the dancing you can squeeze into four hours”.

Pearl Jam: 20 – Cameron Crowe’s look into the most prolific band of the Grunge era. See behind-the-scenes footage and performances spanning the band’s two-decade career in one of the year’s most acclaimed documentaries.

Foo Fighters: Back & Forth – Another career spanning documentary that will keep you entertained for the full ride. See the Foo Fighters career merge from the ashes of Nirvana and build to one of the top rock acts today as they record their latest album, Wasting Light.

U2: From The Sky Down – In 2011, U2 returned to Hansa Studios in Berlin to discuss the making of 1991′s Achtung Baby. Directed by Academy Award winning director Davis Guggenheim, this film charts the path toward the making of their seminal album with interviews, unseen footage and more.

Kings of Leon: Talihina Sky – The Story of Kings of Leon – This film got some extra publicity after KOL were forced to cancel the rest of their North American tour this year due to Caleb Followill’s rumored drinking problem. See what’s really going on with the band with this behind-the-scenes look.

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never – If you love him you probably saw this in the theater. If you hate him then you probably didn’t. Either way, this DVD might give you a new perspective of the young star.

James Taylor and Carole King: Troubadours – The Rise of the Singer-Songwriter: Take a trip back to the early 70′s with classic performances, interviews, and bonus footage from the troubadour/singer-songwriter era with a focus on two of the genre’s best.

Bruce Springsteen: The Promise – The Making Of Darkness On The Edge Of Town – See never before seen footage of Bruce and the E Street Band making one of their most acclaimed albums in this documentary which captivated audiences at film festivals all over the world this year.

Neil Peart Taking Center Stage: Lifetime of Live Performances – For the drummer in your life. This three DVD set takes you into Neil Peart’s life as he shows fans what it’s like on tour, and gives plenty of drumming tips along the way.

Bridge School Concerts 25th Anniversary – A three-DVD set that features unique live performances from many of the phenomenal artists who’ve performed at the beloved benefit concerts over the past 25 years. The list of legends on this goes on and on with Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Pearl Jam, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, The Who, Tom Petty, Simon and Garfunkel and much more. A bonus documentary DVD includes “The Bridge School Story,” which gives a special look into this school and the services they provide children with advanced physical and communication challenges.

MusiCares Tribute to Neil Young – At this 2010 gala event in Los Angeles, a wide array of stars paid tribute to the legendary singer, songwriter and performer with inspired versions of some of his most memorable songs. A must have for a any Neil Young fan.

Taylor Swift: Journey To Fearless & Taylor Swift: Speak Now World Tour: Take a trip with Taylor on her 2010 world tour in “Journey to Fearless” and take in her most recent show with the another DVD, the “Speak Now World Tour”.

Other quick suggestions:

Rush: Time Machine 2011 – Live in Cleveland – For even more Neil Peart, grab this concert film from Rush’s most recent tour.

Glee: The Concert Movie – Give your Glee fan something to watch during the off season

Adele: Live At Royal Albert Hotel – Rumor has it that this girl puts on quite the performance.

Lady Gaga: The Monster Ball Tour At Madison Square Garden – For the little monster in your life. You may have caught this on HBO, now you can catch it anytime you want.

Cyndi Lauper: To Memphis With Love – See another side of Cyndi as she delves into the Blues with guest appearances by Allen Toussaint, Tracy Nelson and Jonny Lang

Billy Joel: The Last Play at Shea – The old ballpark went out in style with the Piano Man and some special guests.

Bon Jovi: Live at Madison Square Garden – Filmed 19 years to the day after the band first performed at the historic arena, this captures the Jersey boys’ last show of their Lost Highway tour.

Phish: Live in Utica 2010 – You’ll be bouncing around the room with over three hours of music from last year’s show in upstate New York.

Extreme: Take Us Alive – Boston 2009 – A look back at the Boston-bred rockers return to home in ’09.

Peter Gabriel: New Blood – Live In London – Gabriel performs with the New Blood Orchestra doing selections from his covers album Scratch My Back and songs from his catalogue.

Eddie Vedder: Water On The Road – If you can’t get enough Eddie pick up this DVD as well and see him perform songs off his Ukulele Songs album, Pearl Jam favorites and other solo work.

Rolling Stones: Some Girls Live In Texas ’78 – Get a glimpse of one of the Stones’ most revered tours. The glitz and production of their later tours is nowhere in sight for this delightfully raw performance.

Beyonce Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 – Beyonce at her best, with a taste of Destiny’s Child thrown in for good measure.

Britney Spears Live: The Femme Fatale Tour – If you couldn’t get tickets when it came around, here’s your chance to see the pop starlet’s latest tour.

Jeff Beck: Rock & Roll Party – Honoring Les Paul – One great guitarist honoring another, with help from Imelda May, Gary US Bonds, Brian Setzer and Trombone Shorty.

Emerson Lake & Palmer – 40th Anniversary Reunion Concert – See what came about when these classic progressive rockers got back together last year.

Usher: OMG Tour – Live From London – Yeah! See Mr. Raymond go big in the UK during his Spring tour.

AC/DC: Live at River Plate – This is probably going to look and sound the same as every other AC/DC show, which means it’ll be awesome.

Bad Company: Live at Wembley – The surviving members got together last year for this huge show in London.

Levon Helm Band: Ramble At the Ryman – The Band’s drummer took his Midnight Ramble to Nashville in ’08 and Buddy Miller, John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow, and others joined in.

Wilie Nelson: Live at The US Festival – See Willie in top form during this early 80s show.

Nirvana: Live at the Paramount – Smells like a great gift. See the band on the verge on greatness in this outstanding concert film.

Allman Brothers Band: Live at the Beacon Theatre – A look at the band’s yearly residence at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.

Dixie Chicks: VH1 Storytellers – Hear their songs and the stories behind them in this edition of Storytellers.

Kevin McSheffrey contributed to this feature.

From autobiographies and music history to coffee books and novels from songwriters, we got it covered. And if that’s not enough, you can always check out our previous guides (2010 and 2009) for more inspiration. Now take a look and get that shopping done.

Autobiographies

Diary of a Player – How My Musical Heroes Made a Guitar Man Out of Me by Brad Paisley:
Featuring a series of sidebar stories from a variety of country stars who have worked with Paisley over the course of his career, this memoir details his professional and personal growth as well as his intimate relationship with the guitar.

Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? – A Rock ‘n’ Roll Memoir by Steven Tyler:
Aerosmith’s frontman bares the true life of a rock star behind the riches and rehab, the fights and notoriety. Featuring an intimate encounter of Tyler’s spiritual side and his relationships with his children, this memoir gives fans a first hand look at the Bad Boys of Boston and their notorious frontman.

It’s So Easy – and Other Lies by Duff McKagan:
The founding member of Guns N’ Roses details his entire musical journey, from the day he answered a want ad from a man named “Slash” while living in his car in L.A. to the rise of one of rock and roll’s most notorious bands. And from there, to the group’s disintegration and McKagan’s brush with death due to alcoholism.

My Appetite for Destruction – Sex & Drugs & Guns N’ Roses by Steven Adler:
For another perspective of life in Guns N’ Roses, the band’s original drummer reveals all as he tells of the band’s rise to fame and how their success cost him nearly everything.

One Day It’ll All Make Sense by Common:
Common illustrates exclusive accounts of his interactions with those who shaped not only his musical career, but his life as well inlcuding fellow rappers (Tupac and Biggie) and even world leaders (Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela). Just as important is his relationship with his mother, Mahalia Ann Hines, whom he credits with much of his success.

Sweet Judy Blue Eyes – My Life in Music by Judy Collins:
Divulging the secrets behind the work that shaped folk music for an entire decade, this 360-page long glimpse into the life of Judy Collins reveals her resilience, creativity and passion as she navigated the turbulent ’60s with the likes of Joan Baez and Leonard Cohen.

Mustaine – A Heavy Metal Memoir by Dave Mustaine:
From drug addiction and abusive parents to crushing professional setbacks and experiences with the extremes of multiple religions, the story of Dave Mustaine’s life is one of the most terrifying and exhilarating tales music has to offer. The Megadeth frontman hides nothing as he accounts for every professional and personal struggle.

Red – My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar:
Hagar chronicles everything from his time with Van Halen including his controversial parting with the band to his latest ventures in the tequila business.

No Regrets by Ace Frehley:
This memoir from “The Spacemen” is sure to be a must have for any KISS fan as the guitarist tells of the band’s rise to fame, its division and why he ultimatly left the group.

Iron Man – My Journey through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath by Tony Iommi:
The Black Sabbath guitarist chronicles the band’s exhilarating highs and catastrophic lows as well as his own personal struggles with marriage and addiction.

From This Moment On by Shania Twain:
From poverty and domestic violence to heartbreaking loss and betrayal, the country superstar has overcome it all on her path to success and acceptance.

See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody by Bob Mould:
This account exposes the driving forces behind Bob Mould: the anger and passion that inspired his punk material, his struggles with his sexuality, a grueling transition from alcoholism to sobriety, the sheer persistence that led to his solo career, and even a stint as a pro wrestler.

Drinking with Strangers – Music Lessons from a Teenage Bullet Belt by Butch Walker:
Paying tribute to the influences who have shaped his life – names like Motley Crue, Elvis Presley, and Jack Daniels – Walker credits his failures as much as his accomplishments as milestones on the road to becoming a successful singer-songwriter and producer.

The Music of Silence by Andrea Bocelli:
This updated edition of Bocelli’s memoir tells the intimate tale of a man who not only has sung for popes and presidents, but who overcame blindness at an early age and discovered his extraordinary voice through Braille music sheets and the guidance of one Luciano Pavarotti.

Not Dead & Not for Sale – A Memoir by Scott Weiland:
With his well-publicized drug busts and trips to rehab included, Weiland divulges the secrets behind his life in rock and roll with Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver.

Le Freak – An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco and Destiny by Nile Rodgers:
This deeply personal glimpse into the life of one of pop’s most influential figure reveals the love, loss and joy that fueled Rodger’s song.

My Infamous Life by Mobb Deep’s Prodigy:
The rapper relays a life of riches, crime, tragedy, and his struggles with sickle-cell anemia.

Backstage Pass by Barry Fey
This narrative tells the story of one of rock and roll’s greatest concert promoters.Featuring forewords by Pete Townshend and Ozzy Osbourne and an original poem from Bono, this book is an informative read for any interested in the inner workings of the music industry.

I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp:
The Christian singer’s memoir chronicles his life from growing up in Indiana and his struggles as a teen, to his love for his first wife Melissa and her untimely passing, to his growing music ministry and re-found hope and love in his wife Adrienne.

Music History and More

I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution by Craig Marks and Rob Tannenbaum:
Chronicling the first ten years of the cultural revolution that was MTV, this book features hundreds of interviews with artists, directors, VJs, and television and music executives who had a hand in shaping the music channel. This is a must-read for any MTV fan with a wish to revisit the days when MTV actually aired music videos.

Everybody Loves Our Town – An Oral History of Grunge byMark Yarm:
Yarm recaptures the essence of the grunge era, from the release of Deep Six to the worldwide success of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, through the words of the musicians themselves in a compilation of over 250 interviews. Between basement parties in Seattle, the grunge frenzy that seized the entire Pacific Northwest and the deaths of grunge legends Kurt Cobain and Layne Stacey, Yarm excludes nothing in this book that marks the twentieth anniversary of Nirvana’s seminal album Nevermind.

Fire and Rain – The Lost Story of 1970 by David Browne:
Browne weaves together the stories behind four landmark albums of 1970: The Beatles’ Let It Be, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young’s Deja Vu, Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water and James Taylor’s Sweet Baby James. This book reveals the well-known and more subtle links between these works and the artists who made them, and places them within the context of 1970′s Kent State shooting, Apollo 13 crisis, and other crucial events that shaped the turbulent transition from the ’60s to the ’70s.

Far and Away – A Prize Every Time by Neil Pert:
This latest book from the legendary drummer of Rush combines his love for music and the open road. Featuring 22 chapters, this travelogue captures Peart as a drummer, biker, husband and father. Complete with full-color photos, this is a prize for both Rush fans and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

George Harrison: Living in the Material World by Olivia Harrison and Mark Holborn:
Delving into George Harrison’s personal archive of photographs, diaries, letters, and memorabilia, Olivia Harrison delivers a comprehensive biography of her late husband,  spanning his childhood in Liverpool, accomplishments with the Beatles, and time as an independent musician. Featuring photos taken by George himself and stories by his close friends, including Eric Clapton, Terry Gilliam and Paul McCartney among others, this book is the ultimate tribute to the “quiet” Beatle.

Ticket Masters: The Rise of the Concert Industry and How the Public Got Scalped by Dean Budnick and Josh Baron:
Budnick and Baron detail the intricate relationships between artists, promoters, ticketing agents, and the public, and how companies like Ticketmaster and Live Nation have shaped the industry.

Trust Me, I’m Dr. Ozzy – Advice from Rock’s Ultimate Survivor by Ozzy Osbourne:
Not many rock stars can boast of several near-death experiences, 40 years of drug abuse, and extreme hypochondria – let alone having their full DNA mapped out. This collection of columns from The Sunday Times of London, shows Ozzy digging into his wealth of experience and abundant wit to answers readers’ questions with survival stories and advice.

For you Coffee Table

Pearl Jam: 20:
Published along with Cameron Crowe’s documentary film and soundtrack of the same name, this book marks the 20th anniversary of Pearl Jam’s debut album Ten. Featuring behind-the-scenes action, rare memorabilia, personal notes and tour photographs that the band hid from the media for so long, this chronicle assembled by Jonathan Cohen and Mark Wilkerson is a must-have for any diehard Pearl Jam fan.

Aerosmith: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Boston Bad Boys by Richard Bienstock:
The first complete illustrated history of what many have called rock and roll’s best American band is finally here. Stuffed with backstage photographs and passes, gig posters, picture sleeves, ticket stubs and more, this detailed documentation of the band’s rise, fall, and rebirth by Richard Bienstock is the ultimate addition to any Aerosmith collection.

40 Years of Queen by Harry Doherty:
Marking the 40th anniversary of Queen’s inception, this comprehensive history of the band features over 200 photos – some never-before-published – and a foreword by Brian May and Roger Taylor.

Lady Gaga X Terry Richardson:
This photobook assembled by acclaimed photographer Terry Richardson captures an entire year of Lady Gaga in photos. Following Gaga from Lollapalooza, her rally in Portland, Maine, the Thierry Mugler show in Paris and over 30 Monster Ball tour dates, Richardson snapped over 100,000 pictures to capture every aspect of pop’s most peculiar star.

Novels from Songwriters

Paper Angels by Jimmy Wayne:
Kevin Morrell is a diligent businessman struggling to revive his marketing firm when he happens across a Salvation Army project that leads him to Thomas Brandt, an orphaned fifteen-year-old struggling to find God amid the loss of his family. The two are brought together to experience the true meaning of Christmas in this fiction work by country star Jimmy Wayne.

I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive by Steve Earle:
Doc Ebersole, a disgraced doctor who has long lost his medical license, struggles with more than just a morphine addiction as he continues an illegitimate practice to support himself and his habit; he is haunted by the ghost of Hank Williams, as Doc was one of the last to see the country legend alive and is even suspected of delivering the morphine dose that killed him. But when a young woman named Graciela, who inexplicably transforms everyone she meets for the better, approaches him for help, Doc has a chance to amend his wrongs in this redemption story by legendary singer-songwriter Steve Earle.

Bright’s Passage by Josh Ritter:
Recently returned from the trenches and battlefields of France, WWI veteran Henry Bright is struck by tragedy with the death of his young wife. With only his newborn son – who he is unsure how to take care of – and a mysterious angel who protected him during the war, Bright flees across the fire-ravaged countryside of West Virginia in an attempt to escape his malicious in-laws in this novel by singer-songwriter Josh Ritter.

MacLean Cadman contributed to this feature.

Band Name: Mr. Dream

Band Members:
Adam Moerder: Guitar, Vocals
Matt Morello: Bass, Vocals
Nick Sylvester: Drums

Albums:
Trash Hit (2011)

Website:
www.mrdreamland.us

How did you form/start?

We met at a Jay Reatard concert in 2008. All of us were taken with this idea of writing short, fast, catchy punk songs. None of us knew how to play our instruments very well.

Finish the sentence, someone would like your band if they like…

…big dumb rock songs performed by semi-competent musicians.

What song of yours should people listen to first and why?

“Scarred For Life” is a good place to start. We like the song because it has a good balance of prettiness and ugliness.

Walk us through your songwriting process.

We tend to shit things out. Meaning, we all independently come up with hundreds and hundreds of riffs or melody fragments or drum beats with the hope that one of them will stick in rehearsal. Nobody gets too precious about one idea or another.

Tell us a little bit about your latest album.

Trash Hit is our debut LP. It’s definitely a rock album. The range of songs – noisy but catchy, no one song sounds too much like another – tend to remind people of early Pixies albums.

What has your most memorable moment as a band been?

Right now we’re on tour with Mister Heavenly, which is a supergroup of Ryan Kattner (Man Man), Nick Thorburn (Islands) and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse). We really love these guys and this tour has definitely been the most memorable moment, in the loosest sense of the word “moment”.

What has been the hardest part of building your name onto the national level?

It costs a lot of money to pay for good reviews. You wouldn’t believe how much money we’ve had to fork over to music critics for four stars here, a extra decimal point there.

Who are the best bands from your hometown that we might not know about?

Yvette. Fort Lean. Sleepies. The Men.

What band would you most like to open for?

White Zombie.

Who is your all-time favorite Boston band?

I feel like this is a trick question. I pretty much have to say Dropkick Murphys or we get our asses kicked, right?

What are your thoughts on playing Boston?

We played Paradise with Sleigh Bells in May. It was a fun night. People are excited to give things a chance around here. Adam and I lived in Cambridge for four years and both of us have super fond memories of seeing awesome shows at T.T.’s and the Middle East, along with a handful of weird noise shows that our friend Zach Baron used to put on. I saw an outrageous Les Savy Fav show at the Roxy almost nine years ago, and vaguely recall Tim Harrington climbing a 20-foot stack of loudspeakers.

What can people expect from your live show and why should our readers catch your next stop in Boston?

People can expect 25 minutes of live rock music and 5 to 10 minutes of hastily prepared Boston sports-related banter.