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Victory Records, a label known for its jagged hardcore, seems an unlikely home for 1997. Their brand of uprising, punchy pop songs is decidedly less confrontational, while still retaining a subtle bite. New singer Alida Marroni’s sensational presence elevates On The Run as her vocals drive the lead track, “One Track Mind, Four Track Heart,” […]
The Toxic Avenger
This interview with Toxic Holocaust‘s Joel Grind took place September 3rd, the day after his newest full-length, An Overdose Of Death . . . was released. I say “his” instead of “the band’s” because Grind is the band – a one-man thrash act who, since 1999, has written, played, and recorded all Toxic material in […]
Sex, Lies, And Cassette Tapes
TASCAM CC-222SLmkII Last month we took a look at the the latest crop of turntables to hit the market for vinyl junkies, but we’re also happy to report longtime professional-audio manufacturer Tascam is keeping the cassette alive in its pro-audio and Portastudio lines. Tascam’s updated CD-and-cassette recorder, the CC-222SLmkII, includes a pitch control for both […]
He Gone
Chicago Tribune. Recent redesigns have reduced story length and page count plus relegated much of the national and world news into bite-sized briefs.
A R.A.W. Deal
Don Byczynski remembers exactly what his wife told him when he proposed gutting the entire basement of the couple’s Lake In The Hills home and converting it into a recording studio. “She said, ‘As long as I can’t hear anything, fine,” Byczynski, who goes by dB, says, seemingly still unable to believe it himself.
A Tribute To Phil Guy
The Chicago blues community lost part of its soul August 20th when guitarist/vocalist Phil Guy, 68, passed away from prostate cancer complications. Just a month earlier, Guy was onstage with other blues luminaries at the Pritzker Pavilion to watch his older brother, Buddy, receive the very first Great Performer Of Illinois Award. He was also […]
Cut Copy, The Presets
Cut Copy, The Presets Metro, Chicago Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Despite the fact The Presets weren’t so much openers for as they were co-headliners alongside Cut Copy last Wednesday night at the Metro, the group nonetheless preceded the evening’s final act. As such, there are customary roles to be acted out during the build into […]
Neko Case live!
Neko Case Hideout, Chicago Saturday, September 20, 2008 Neko Case triumphantly closed the Hideout Block Party’s Saturday lineup, returning to the watering hole that not only employed her behind the bar, but also helped propel her musical career.
Vince Gill live!
Vince Gill Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet Thursday, September 18, 2008 Even before Vince Gill took the stage at the ornate Rialto Square, it appeared the evening would be a lot more stripped back than his usual trips through auditoriums and arenas. The country/bluegrass/blue-eyed soul crooner may have had plenty of guitars stacked up, but many […]
Damien Jurado preview
Damien Jurado Schubas, Chicago Thursday, September 25, 2008 Through nine albums in 11 years, Damien Jurado has tinkered with his musical aesthetics (morose folk, jangle pop, jagged rock) while habitually creating character sketches for potential Coen Brothers films. This year’s Caught In The Trees, however, traps the screenwriter into his own plot.
Amy Macdonald preview
Amy Macdonald Subterranean, Chicago Thursday, September 25, 2008 Everything about Amy Macdonald’s This Is The Life cover art says mopey, heart-on-her-sleeve, “see me next week at Lava Joe’s Coffeehouse,” from her casual downward glance away from the camera to the acoustic guitar she leans on to the the digitally frayed picture borders. Don’t judge an […]
Helloween, Gamma Ray preview
Helloween, Gamma Ray Pearl Room, Mokena Saturday, September 27, 2008 The Helloween/Gamma Ray “Hellish Rock 2007/2008” tour won’t go down in heavy metal history with the infamous Metallica and Guns N’ Roses matchup or the American, Slayer/Megadeth/Anthrax Clash Of The Titans trek, but it’s pretty close for power metal geeks.
Mates Of State, Low Vs Diamond preview
Mates Of State, Low Vs Diamond House Of Blues, Chicago Sunday, September 28, 2008 It’s difficult to decide which is cuter: Mates Of State’s latest release, Re-arrange Us (Barsuk), or the husband-and-wife duo’s blog, “Band On The Diaper Run.”
Gemma Hayes reviewed
Gemma Hayes The Hollow Of Morning (Second Motion) Former Mercury Prize nominee Gemma Hayes remains scared of her own voice, though she can’t hide from a number of flaws on her third album. Appearing: Monday, September 29th at Schubas in Chicago.
Journey, Heart, & Cheap Trick live!
Journey, Heart, Cheap Trick First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, Tinley Park Friday, September 12, 2008 New album, new tour, new singer. Does that cycle sound familiar for those faithfully following Journey? For those living under a rock, Steve Perry is long gone, his replacement, Steve Augeri, is out after vocal damage, Jeff Scott Soto was just […]
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