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Spin Me Round
ION TTUSB Turntable If you plan to purchase a turntable to play records several hours a week, you could find better models in the Technics, Sony, or Stanton lines. But if you’re looking to convert your vinyl to digital, Ion, one of the early pioneers of USB turntables, should be at the top of your […]
Hell Of A Box Set?
Not to say “told you so,” but it’s right there in my July ’07 Black Sabbath The Dio Years CD review: “The Dio Years would make more sense as a box set with remastered versions of each album.” As much as I’d like to think Rhino read my review and realized the error of its […]
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. […]
Around Hear Page 2
While there’s no denying the sincerity or songwriting talents of singer Thomas Pace, his fourth self-released album, New American Way, leaves a bit to be desired. Sweet, tuneful tracks such as “60 Seconds Wasted” and “The Damage Is Done” are just a couple of the extremely well-crafted songs here, but overall, the end product is […]
Eddie Vedder solo!
Eddie Vedder Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Thursday, August 21, 2008 It could just as easily have taken place next to a campfire, the mood was so relaxed. But there was no denying the anything-but-subdued ovation that greeted Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder was coming from an enraptured, ticket-buying audience who snatched up some 5,000 tickets in record […]
Kill Hannah live!
Kill Hannah Metro, Chicago Saturday, August 23, 2008 For whatever can be said about Kill Hannah, the group’s enthusiasm and affection for their hometown is undeniable. After years of Next Big Thing proclamations — from Billy Corgan to local radio to this magazine — their long-awaited superstar status would never arrive. Yet the outfit seem […]
Big Tune Battle recap
Red Bull “Big Tune” Beat Battle Metro, Chicago Thursday, August 21, 2008 Countless cities have held one-night beat battles, but it’s Red Bull’s Big Tune traveling competition that has aspiring hip-hop producers from across the country loading their work onto CD-Rs for a shot at national exposure.
The Faint & Jaguar Love live!
The Faint, Jaguar Love Vic Theatre, Chicago Friday, August 22, 2008 In May 2007, when last The Faint touched down in Chicago, it was a hot, sweaty affair, a hyper-charged electric tension palpable within the confines of the Metro’s second floor. In town behind Wet From Birth (Saddle Creek), the group rose above the wave […]
Nico Muhly preview
Nico Muhly Lakeshore Theater, Chicago Thursday, August 28, 2008 I once interviewed a rock guitarist who claimed he could find musical inspiration in any mundane, common, everyday sound. Nico Muhly agrees.
Jazz Festival preview
Sonny Rollins | Ornette Coleman Jazz Festival, Chicago Thursday, August 28 | Sunday, August 31, 2008 The battle of the saxes highlights the Chicago Jazz Festival this year, featuring a pair of giants in Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman.
Delta Spirit preview
Delta Spirit Schubas, Chicago Sunday, August 31, 2008 By selecting the word “spirit” for their band name, San Diego’s Delta Spirit provide a too-easy-to-bypass avenue from which dissect their sound. Their debut, Ode To Sunshine (Rounder), has a helluva lot of familiar aurae around it.
Death Vessel reviewed
Death Vessel Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us (Sub Pop) Death Vessel’s Joel Thibodeau is a) an insect, b) female, or c) a bluegrass artist. At varying points one and none are true. Appearing: Saturday, August 30th at Schubas in Chicago.
Chris Isaak live!
Chris Isaak Morton Arboretum, Lisle Saturday, August 16, 2008 Few artists are capable of tapping into a winning formula that doesn’t significantly evolve as the years progress, but colors just enough outside the lines to attract repeat customers. Enter veteran singer/songwriter Chris Isaak, the debonair crooner who’s made a killing channeling the outfits of Elvis […]
Koufax preview
Koufax Bottom Lounge, Chicago Saturday, August 23, 2008 Koufax’s fourth album, Strugglers (Doghouse), belongs to Kansas City jazz-meister Mark Southerland. Head Koufax honcho Robert Suchan at turns delivers sweaty Jack White-isms and even shares a range with What Made Milwaukee Famous’ Michael Kingcaid, but when the 10-track disc ends, it’s Southerland’s horns that will continue […]
Indigenous preview
Indigenous Martyrs’, Chicago Saturday, August 23, 2008 Indigenous frontman/guitarist Mato Nanji’s past, upbringing, and musical journey are not only interesting stories, but unusual. Too bad the same can’t be said for his band’s music.
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