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Local CD Reviews
“Around Hear” is a monthly feature where a stable of IE writers review albums sent to us by local musicians. If you are interested in having your CD (must have a minimum of three songs) reviewed and are Illinois-based, mail it and any other media materials to 657 A W. Lake St., Chicago IL, 60661. […]
TV On The Radio live!
TV On The Radio Riviera, Chicago Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Shortly before the end of TV On The Radio’s Wednesday-night stint, the group’s show became too expansive to merely be contained on the Riviera’s stage. For “Let The Devil In,” the band was joined by a slew of accompanying musicians, including percussionists wielding maracas, extra […]
King Khan & The BBQ Show preview
King Khan & The BBQ Show Bottom Lounge, Chicago Friday, October 31, 2008 Who knows why it happens, but every few years a simple garage rock band captures the (indie) zeitgeist, begging us not to retreat to our flaccid existences.
Conor Oberst preview
Conor Oberst Vic Theatre, Chicago Friday, October 31, 2008 Saturday, November 1, 2008 Conor Oberst and Bright Eyes have been synonymous since the former stopped releasing solo albums in his mid-teens. Now a grizzled 28-year-old, Oberst closets the band name and reveals the two aren’t as conveniently entwined as shorthand might hope.
The Takeover UK preview
The Takeover UK Beat Kitchen, Chicago Sunday, November 2, 2008 It’s a bit jarring to discover that quartet The Takeover UK don’t actually reside in some far-off, across-the-pond location. These young fellas grew up right here in the U.S. of A. Pittsburgh to be exact.
The Stolen Minks preview
The Stolen Minks Darkroom, Chicago Sunday, November 2, 2008 I put The Stolen Minks’ High Kicks (New Romance For Kids) into the CD player to listen while perusing the band’s press interviews, liner notes (nonexistent), and other “important materials” us rock critics use to judge a band’s worth, but a funny thing happened: By the […]
Uh Huh Her preview
Uh Huh Her Park West, Chicago Monday, November 3, 2008 Riot grrrls use caution — same to you, jaunty post punk supporters. Cable TV subscribers? Come on down!
The Showdown reviewed
The Showdown Back Breaker (Solid State) Nashville’s The Showdown are a metal band. Just ask ’em. In the one-sheet for Backbreaker (Solid State) “metal” is used 10 times. Appearing: Thursday, October 30th at Metro in Chicago.
Frida Hyvönen reviewed
Frida Hyvönen Silence Is Wild (Secretly Canadian) One gets the sense Swedish musician Frida Hyvönen assumes some sort of entitlement with the way she treats her material. She’s gonna try everything, ready or not. Appearing: Monday, November 3rd at Lakeshore Theater in Chicago.
Blessed By A Broken Heart reviewed
Blessed By A Broken Heart Pedal To The Metal (Century Media) Pedal To The Metal might be the year’s oddest record. Camaro-gunnin’ ’80s hard rock (check out album cover) combined with breakdown-adoring metalcore and and synthesizer-lovin’, er, sythnesizers.
Maxwell live!
Maxwell Chicago Theatre, Chicago Saturday, October 18, 2008 “I can’t tell you how special it is not to have to put out an album, but to still see you all here,” Maxwell shouted to those gathered at the Chicago Theatre during his first trip through town in seven years. “It’s just me meeting my people […]
Abigail Williams preview
Abigail Williams Doug’s Rockhouse, Aurora Thursday, October 23, 2008 Think American Black Metal (or black metal in general, really) and a few things come to mind: one-man bands, graveyard promo photos, unreadable logos, ridiculous corpsepaint, kvlt dudes on their parents’ computer talking shit about Nachtmystium, and horrible-sounding record production.
Lykke Li preview
Lykke Li Empty Bottle, Chicago Saturday, October 25, 2008 It would be devious to downplay the disparity between Lykke Li’s concerts and albums. The difference cannot be overstated.
Of Montreal preview
Of Montreal Riviera, Chicago Tuesday, October 27, 2008 Of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes explores every corner of his sexuality on Skeletal Lamping (Polyvinyl), named for the nocturnal hunting practice of flooding hiding places with light.
IE Needs An Intern!
Intern Wanted! Chicago-based music monthly Illinois Entertainer seeks an editorial intern for immediate opening. Candidate must be passionate about all forms of pop music and have a feel for the local scene and industry. A background in journalism is a must, as is a grasp of the written language and a desire to hone your […]
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