Recent Articles
Spins: Neil Young
When Young Was Restless: Reissues (Reprise) Even though it may not have been evident at first, in hindsight it’s obvious that Neil Young would be Buffalo Springfield’s breakout star. It’s his songs – not Stephen Stills’ or Jim Messina’s or Richie Furay’s – that eventually transcended their era. There’s some hippie-dippy flower waving going on, […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
I Love Cover Bands
Uncle Fatty’s/The Coach House, Chicago January 25 – 31, 2010 We’re a little late getting into it, but here’s how the weekend shapes up for the end of this year’s cover-centric Winter Music Festival.
Movie preview!
American Artifact: The Rise Of American Rock Poster Art Gene Siskel Center, Chicago Saturday, January 30, 2010 Between this weekend and February 4th, the Siskel Center will be screening American Artifact: The Rise Of American Rock Poster Art, a film that praises psychedelic poster art.
Pravda Records 25th Anniversary
The Service, The Slugs, Boom Hank Abbey Pub, Chicago Friday, January 22, 2010 Though he’s never flaunted his wares like Touch And Go, Thrill Jockey, Drag City, or Bloodshot, Kenn Goodman’s Pravda Records confidently collected a reputable catalog over the past quarter-century and rightfully celebrates this Friday at the Abbey.
Joan Of Arc’s Don’t Mind Control
Empty Bottle, Chicago Friday, January 22, 2010 Even Tim Kinsella’s many detractors must admit his Joan Of Arc has been progressive. Over the years, he has been the stem of a rapidly regenerating art-rock hydra, shuttling collaborators in and out to suit his unpredictable musical ambitions. And Friday night, they all come home to roost.
Daphne Willis preview
Lincoln Hall, Chicago Wednesday, January 27, 2010 One more youngster with a voice that “belies their years” and we’ll start raiding their lockers for HGH like BALCO and Barry Bonds. Chicagoan Daphne Willis is 22, sounds 22, and writes about 22-centric things.
Andrew Belle reviewed
The Ladder (1L) Of the nickel advice we dole out to young bands, a stalwart is “if you’re going to release music, you better be able to handle people not liking it.” A lot of people might end up enjoying Andrew Belle’s The Ladder, but an equal number will look to light up message boards […]
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