Archive for June, 2006
Local Studio Happenings
ARS STUDIOS in Alsip, Gary Cobb recorded gospel artist Jeri Little live and started mixing for an upcoming CD . . . Wicked Pussy recorded and mixed with Chris Dever . . . Greg Screen started his project with Larry Schara on controls . . . Both Steve Sunner and Lance Drake did their mastering […]
Stuck In Muck
The ratings numbers tell us people in Chicago are hearing the radio. But how many people are really listening? Chicago radio used to crackle; it used to excite, entertain, energize, influence, and order its listeners. Now it’s white noise. Today, Chicago radio is becoming to entertainment choices what the Chicago Blackhawks are to sports choices.
Don’t Call It A Comeback
It’s a fact: Vinyl will not die. Manufacturers like Crosley and TEAC are churning out new turntables for the home user, a demographic that includes baby boomers rediscovering their old records and newbies finding out what the analog fuss is all about. Our annual Record Collecting Spotlight edition of “Gear” takes a look at new […]
Multicultural Muses
Music should have no boundaries, but record labels think otherwise. The record industry constantly devises ever narrowing categories, from new soul to ska pop to indie rock. And what about the sounds that don’t fit, that defy labeling?
Local CD Reviews
Combining elements of Vaudeville, country, and classic rock in a time when every other new band on the planet either cites the Rolling Stones or Joy Division as influences, Bakelite 78 is distinctive to say the least. Armed with the unique and stylized vocals of guitarist Robert Rial and a one-of-a-kind brass section, track for […]
Around Hear 2
Page [1] With its debut EP, May You Only See Sky, (Lone) Cub & Wolf wants you to forget about recent mainstream metal and screamo and come back to the darker side. This band excels at blending most of the metal sub-genres with a little post hardcore, no doubt a holdover from some of the […]
Intonation 2
Page: [1] For the rest: The Good: Chromeo’s early set didn’t seem opportune for a retro funk, tongue-in-cheek humpbot duo, but their drunk-in-the-afternoon attitude had a lot to do with propelling Intonation’s early sets in the right direction . . . Though Mike Skinner seemed more interested in playing stand-up comedian, The Streets’ closing slot […]
American Music Festival Preview
American Music Festival FitzGerald’s, Berwyn Friday, June 30 through Monday, July 3, 2006 Yes, the annual extravaganza returns with real American celebratin’ in the Side Bar, main music room, and outside. Bring the kids (and a designated driver), or hire a babysitter and stumble on over!
The Court & Spark Preview
The Court & Spark Beat Kitchen, Chicago Saturday, July 1, 2006 Some people mock rock critics’ habits of summarizing one band by comparing it to another. They call it lazy, even irresponsible. Maybe sometimes it is, but often it’s the most direct path to making a point. But how many comparisons are too many?
Cosmic Cowboy
Gram Parsons The Complete Reprise Sessions (Rhino) Rhino uncorks a disc of alternate takes to coincide with reissues of the little understood cosmic American’s only solo albums.
Bob Sinclair Reviewed
Bob Sinclair Western Dream (Tommy Boy) What happens when hedonism and idealism collide? Well it could be this carefree dance mix, but it’s unlikely.
You Spin Me Round
DJ Spinna Intergalactic Soul (Shanachie) International DJ Spinna, who can hardly contain his underground status with Das EFX, Zero 7, Mos Def, Michael Jackson, and George Michael projects under his belt, unleashes a lissome original work.
Submarines Reviewed
Submarines Declare A New State! (Nettwerk) Ah, love. Jack Dragonetti (of Jack Drag) and Blake Hazard take us through the breakup that preceded their eventual marriage.
The Young Republic Reviewed
The Young Republic Modern Plays (self-released) Orchestral folk rockers The Young Republic are an assembly of nine Boston music school students, drawing an eerie parallel to Belle & Sebastian.
Brightblack Morning Light Reviewed
Brightblack Morning Light Brightblack Morning Light (Matador) By now the words “Devendra Banhart” are enough to drive people in one of two directions. But what if you found out there were a pair of friends of Banhart’s from the freak-folk scene who deflected all attention, and were possibly the most listenable of the genre’s sideshows?
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