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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
