Archive for January, 2006
The Subdudes CD Review
The Subdudes
Behind The Levee
(Back Porch)
New Orleans, schmew orleans: Keb’ Mo’ makes his production debut behind roots band’s fifth.
Anthrax live
Anthrax
House Of Blues, Chicago
Friday, January 13, 2006
Of the Big Four bands that ruled metal in the ’80s and into the early ’90s, Anthrax were always the easiest to forget. The band didn’t have the songwriting of Metallica, the evil of Slayer, or the chops of Megadeth. They’re kind of like the Almond Joy of the [...]
James Brown live
James Brown
House Of Blues, Chicago
Thursday, January 12, 2006
James Brown is 72 (or 77, depending on whom you believe). That’s a fierce contrast to the James Brown of ‘72. Back then he was peaking both musically and chemically, shouldering “I’m Black and I’m proud” while transcribing the sounds in his head that were the evolutionary strains [...]
Syn live
The Syn
Martyrs’, Chicago
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Progressive rock has experienced a revival of sorts, from the bombastic nature of The Mars Volta to the dreamy etherealness of Elbow to the reckless randomness of Porcupine Tree. But long before these relative newcomers landed on anyone’s radar, the movement developed throughout the late 1960s and into the early [...]
Bound Stems preview
Bound Stems
Empty Bottle, Chicago
Friday, January 20, 2006
Despite occasionally getting lost in Bound Stems’ varied song structure, the intricate complexity and diverse arrangements showcase a brim musical forte of ambitious experimentation.
The Sound Of Help
Gary Schepers is apparently a well-liked person within the Chicago music community. At least that’s what we gather from the amount of support local bands and venues have been willing to give the local soundman/musician to help fight his battle with Type 2 diabetes.
Two For Tuesday
Nelly
Sweatsuit
(Universal)
Universal does what it should have in the first place, condensing Nelly’s Sweat and Suit albums into a conventional, single-disc release.
Dancin’ On His Grave
The Notorious B.I.G.
Duets: The Final Chapter
(Bad Boy)
The essence of the word “duet” is duo, Latin for “two.” Some songs on this Duets involve as many as six vocalists.
Kiss The Prime Minister With That Mouth?
Holy Fuck
Holy Fuck
(Dependent)
In a lot of ways, Holy Fuck’s debut album begs to be attacked. Ignore the stupid name, and focus instead on the we’re-so-indie-it-hurts decision to forgo making electronic music with the genre’s usual high-end technology, and use live drums and kitschy, toy store keyboards and percussion. Be sure to stamp “Made In Toronto” [...]
Isn’t He Lovely
Randevyn
Soltrain
(Sin J/Solville)
Backup soul man releases Wonder-full debut.
Ying Yang, Thank You Mam
Ying Yang Twins
U.S.A. Still United
(TVT)
Jesters of the Court-A-Crunk milk U.S.A. yet again. Might as well.
Tricked Out
Trick-Trick
The People Vs.
(Motown)
D-Town MC was unhappy about his December 27th release date; he’s lucky Motown Records went ahead with this stillborn album.
3 Friends Memorial
3 Friends Memorial
Metro, Chicago
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Family and friends of Chicago musicians Michael Dahlquist, John Glick, and Doug Meis have put together this memorial/benefit and add some closure to their senseless deaths.
Tomorrow Never Knows preview
Tomorrow Never Knows
Schubas, Chicago
January 12 to 15, 2006
Loyola’s college station, WLUW 88.7 FM, reprises its annual Schubas fest with headliners Kevin Tihista, Manishevitz, Chin Up Chin Up, and Magnolia Electric Co.
David Allan Coe Preview
David Allan Coe
Joe’s, Chicago
Friday, January 13, 2006
David Allan Coe’s first run-in with the law happened when he was only nine, and the result was allegedly an immediate trip to reform school. As the legend goes, Coe spent the better part of the next 20 years of his life in some sort of correctinal facility, including [...]
