Cover Story: Billy Corgan

It’s Only Just Begun

If the adage holds true – that “rich is the examined life” – then it’s about time for society, as a whole, to grab its pipe and slippers, curl up in its comfiest recliner, and have a long, hard thoughtful stare into the ice-cold mirror. Chances are, Snow White’s unforgiving Maleficent might [...]

Joe Pug interview

Messenger Service

Joe Pug doesn’t want you to poach his music from illicit Web sites; rather he wants to give it to you . . . for free. And he hopes you’ll share it with others. Simply e-mail the Chicago-based singer/songwriter or sign up for his mailing list to receive sampler CDs meant for your personal [...]

Four Tet interview

In The Moment

Talking with Kieran Hebden in the dawn of 2010, it’s evident that the electronic producer known as Four Tet is doing exactly what he wants to with his music and life. Throughout our conversation, this Londoner sounds genuinely enthusiastic about his work and doesn’t talk about “what if” scenarios or dwell on what [...]

Justin Townes Earle interview

Mainlining Chicago

Coming off a meteoric two years – starting with 2008’s stellar, honky-tonkin’ debut, The Good Life (Bloodshot), followed quickly in 2009 by the much more urban-indie Midnight At The Movies and earning both a new/emerging artist Americana Music Award and GQ fashion spread in the process – Justin Townes Earle is at home in [...]

Hello, My Name Is Don

Q&A With Don Jamieson

IE: “That Metal Show” – how did you get dragged into it?
Don Jamieson: They didn’t have to drag me! I’ve been trying to get on TV for 13 years. Basically, Jim [Florentine], Eddie [Trunk], and I are best buddies.
Appearing: Friday, February 10th to 12th at Zanie’s (1548 N. Wells) in Chicago.

Spins: Neil Young

When Young Was Restless: Reissues
(Reprise)

Even though it may not have been evident at first, in hindsight it’s obvious that Neil Young would be Buffalo Springfield’s breakout star. It’s his songs – not Stephen Stills’ or Jim Messina’s or Richie Furay’s – that eventually transcended their era. There’s some hippie-dippy flower waving going on, especially in [...]

ChicagoGirlsRock.com presents Dame-Nation Feb 20th
La Roux live!

La Roux live!

Lincoln Hall, Chicago
Monday, February 1, 2010

You could be excused for thinking there might be some sense of, if not outrage, mild resentment following the completion of La Roux’s set Monday night at Lincoln Hall. The event served as the make-up date for a previously canceled concert in October and, judging by the obviously infatuated devotees [...]

File: February 2010

File: February 2010

Fallen: Can’t Get Up

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when old age becomes a source of amusement, but the thrash-metal community caught quite a jolt when the frontman of its charter member, Slayer, had to cancel a megatour because of back problems. (If only it had been a hip.) If it had been one of Dave [...]

Around Hear: February 2010

Around Hear: February 2010

Local Band Reviews

“Break Little Branches,” one of the five tracks on Arboreal by the Chicago/Austin, Texas-based band Box Of Baby Birds, sounds like one of the more introspective and meandering songs by Red Red Meat. The folk-rock offerings, penned by Gary Calhoun James, are delicate compositions that rely on hushed vocals augmented by guitar, keys, [...]

Caught In A Mosh: February 2010

Caught In A Mosh: February 2010

The First Great Album Of 2010

It’s become an unspoken rule that we, music writers and critics, must crown such an album within the first 59 days of the new year. You can squeeze one in before the new year? Fantastic! I’m fairly sure scribes who cover any of the arts are guilty as well, but [...]

Sweet Home: February 2010

Sweet Home: February 2010

At The Threshold

There was a time when Grammy-winning, blues harp master Sugar Blue believed there were only certain types of music appropriate for a blues musician to play. He came up listening to and being molded by icons like Memphis Slim, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Junior Wells. By the time he was in his [...]

Media: February 2010

Media: February 2010

Satellite Of Love

Late last year I got fed up with mechanics and bought my first-ever new car. It came with satellite radio, and in no time I was hooked — even though it didn’t get Howard Stern.

Digital Divide: February 2010

Digital Divide: February 2010

Hey, look! The column’s called something different now. Why? Well, we decided it was time to begin a serious relationship with the 21st century, thanks for asking.

Gear: February 2010

Gear: February 2010

Gibson
Keb’ Mo’ Blues Master Guitar

It’s really profitable, so Gibson continues to add to its limited-edition guitar roster with the acoustic Keb’ Mo’ Blues Master model, honoring the multiple Grammy winner. Taking its cues from vintage Gibsons from the 1920s and ’30s, the guitar is a flat-top acoustic made in the tradition of the sought-after, [...]

Concerts For Haiti

Concerts For Haiti

Viaduct, Chicago/
Durty Nellie’s, Palatine
January 30-31, 2010

Catastrophes are like elections in that most people participate once, if minimally, then begin creating distance. Some local musicians are here to call those folks out.