Recent Articles
The Fold interview
Future Ready Mention Chicago group The Fold in certain circles, and the band might be known for its ties to hometown ’90s punk group Showoff (Fold frontman Dan Castady was the drummer), or recognized for its underground efforts on indie label Tooth And Nail from earlier this decade. Yet it’s The Fold’s latest move no […]
The Best Of 2009
Last year was technically the end of a decade, the one beginning 2000. But the decades began with the year 1, so we won’t indulge our 10-year wrapups until January 2011. It gives us time to fully exploit our favorites from 2009, meaning albums, songs, concerts, reissues, and local bands. Stay tuned for more updates […]
Around Hear: January 2010
Local Band Reviews January 2010 There’s a lot to like in the mostly straightforward, rockin’ R&B-esque boogie a la Aerosmith/Bad Company on Blue Moon Revue‘s self-titled, eight-song CD. But when opener “Hot Flavor” launches into a totally unexpected banjo solo you really take notice and understand why BMR has become the local, opening-band-of-choice for much […]
Rise Against live!
Metro, Chicago Friday, December 18, 2009 It’s weird to think about now, but there was a time before Rise Against was one of Chicago’s biggest rock acts. Once upon a time, the group plied their trade for indie label Fat Wreck Chords, and overturned venues like Knights Of Columbus in Arlington Heights. The band’s early […]
Metric live!
Cubby Bear, Chicago Thursday, December 17, 2009 It was about 12:15 a.m. when Canadian alt-rockers Metric took the Cubby Bear stage as part of the “Q101 Twisted After-Show” — much to the surprise of a sold-out crowd that had been told 9 p.m.
Mulatu Astatke reviewed
New York – Addis – London (Strut) Fans of Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers might know Mulatu Astatke’s spy jazz for the way it soundtracked Bill Murray’s hunt.
R. Kelly reviewed
Untitled (Jive) Whatever its artistic merits, Untitled is Weird Al-proof, an utterly ridiculous R&B spoof with its creator an amalgam of Luther Vandross, Luther Campbell, and Steve Stiffler.
Michael Londra gets festive
Beyond The Star (Celt Productions) Locally based Irish native Michael Londra has taken the logical step and made a holiday album — and, like he told the Sun-Times, he doesn’t rock the house.
Cool Kids, Bun B live!
Reggie’s, Chicago Thursday, December 10, 2009 In their rise to indie-rap fame, part of The Cool Kids’ image has been about a certain swagger, topped with an air of nonchalance. But live, especially at this capacity Reggie’s show, Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks were actually having fun.
The Flaming Lips live!
Allstate Arena, Rosemont Friday, December 11, 2009 The Flaming Lips live for the moment, and the Fearless Freaks’ live shows treat each song as if it is the main event. They amplify the emotion as much as possible so that there is a more-than-usual lull between each song as if the band have to […]
The Detroit Cobras preview
Double Door, Chicago Saturday, December 19, 2009 The most recent benefit in a city- and label-wide effort to rehab Scotland Yard Gospel Choir pits Bloodshot Records’ alumni The Detroit Cobras, Dex Romweber Duo, and The Blacks together.
Gold Motel preview
Beat Kitchen, Chicago Sunday, December 20, 2009 What did you expect Greta Salpeter to do? Bake cookies? This is the anticipated debut concert from The Hush Sound’s pianist.
Bluegrass & Blues Festival preview
Congress, Chicago Saturday, December 12, 2009 Last year, the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival turned out The Avett Brothers and David Grisman. Clearly, this thing is anyone’s game.
Janis Ian preview
Wilmette Theater, Wilmette Sunday, December 13, 2009 To the casual fan, noting where Janis Ian will play this weekend might cause a snicker or scoff. “Wow, one of those soft-pop, ’70s singer/songwriters is cashing in on North Shore money for the holidays.” In a sense, you’d be right.
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