New England First Night Options

Ever since 2009 when Mission of Burma and Buffalo Tom played the Orpheum, Boston's First Night has had a layer of cool to it. Since then, First Night celebrations have included blog favorites like Mavis Staples, Yo La Tengo, The Magnetic Fields, Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys, and more. This year... not so much. I know their budget is drastically lower this year, but when every single Boston area blog I read has no idea who any of these bands, and most seem to be provided by Berklee, it's not really enough to get us to head into town. Luckily, there are still some If It's Too Loud... approved options in and around Boston to make getting a sitter and staying up far too late worth it.

Hallelujah the Hills, Great Scott, Allston, MA
Hallelujah the Hills were fantastic when I saw them at this year's Harvard Square Mayfair, and that was playing mid-afternoon on a makeshift stage in front of a beer tent that seemed to be more interested in listening to the in between bands playlist of No Doubt and Third Eye Blind. Seeing them on New Year's Eve in a tiny club? Sounds just about perfect. If you like your roots music loud and raucous instead of singer-songewritery, this may be your best bet. 
Hallelujah the Hills, The Barbazons, and Milk. $15. Tickets here.

Andrew W.K., Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
I've never quite gotten the whole Andrew W.K. thing, but most people I know seem to love him. Maybe seeing him live would get me over the hump into obsession. New Year's Eve sounds like the perfect date to see a guy who does nothing but party anthems. Plus, he'll be doing the entire album of I Get Wet. 
Andrew W.K., Tigerman Whoah, Vundabar. $33. Tickets here.

Photo by Ken Sears

Rubblebucket, Gateway City Live, Holyoke, MA
Sure, Holyoke is pretty much nowhere near Boston, but the trip out will be worth it for this show. Rubblebucket blew me away this year at Green River Festival with their psychedelic version of indie dance music. I can't even imagine what they'll pull out for New Year's. I'm fully expecting special guests, aliens, balloons, and more confetti than I ever thought possible. Plus, And the Kids are opening. They're another solid choice, and I've been near obsessed with them since I saw them opening for Sallie Ford last year. This might be the pick of the year for me.
Rubblebucket, And the Kids, Mal Devisa. $25. Tickets here.