Recent Articles
Joanna Review
Joanna This Crazy Life (Geffen) Philly-cum-Broadway starlet Joanna — just Joanna — wants you to focus on her “vocal talent.” And so does Geffen.
Hit The Switch Review
Hit The Switch Domestic Tranquility & Social Justice (Nitro) Concise SoCal punks Hit The Switch are quick at the controls on latest album.
Daughters Review
Daughters Hell Songs (Hydra Head) It’s a shame “extreme” has been co-opted by ESPN, Mountain Dew, and other mainstream entities, because the word really goes for bands like Rhode Island’s Daughters.
Lollapalooza Live Review!
Lollapalooza Grant Park, Chicago August 4, 5, and 6, 2006 In its second year as a Chicago-based, standalone festival, Lollapalooza was a rousing success for nearly all involved. What appeared at first to be a logistical nightmare (the mile distance between the two main stages) proved to be no more than a sweaty inconvenience on […]
The Wreckers Live!
The Wreckers Joe’s, Chicago Monday, August 7, 2006 I wasn’t aware this show was acoustic until I arrived at Joe’s and saw the room half full of tables taking up the usual standing room. It was a welcome surprise, though, since The Wreckers’ record is an organic, country-tinted slice of Americana, obviously written on acoustic […]
Transition Preview
Transition Congress Theatre, Chicago Thursday, August 10, 2006 Transition’s new CD, Get There, is produced by Mike Herrera. Who’s that? Christian pop punkers will tell you he’s the bassist/vocalist from MxPx.
Califone Preview
Califone The Hideout, Chicago Sunday, August 13, 2006 In anticipation — burning anticipation, since it’s two months off — of the forthcoming Roots & Crowns (Thrill Jockey), Chicago’s Califone headline Wabansia House.
Hawthorne Heights Sue Victory Records
Hawthorne Heights Sue Victory Records Alleging “overly aggressive, unethical, and illegal schemes and tactics” enacted on the band’s unwitting behalf, rock band Hawthorne Heights are suing Chicago punk label Victory Records and owner Tony Brummel to terminate their contract and collect unspecified damages.
Heartland Turns 30!
Heartland Turns 30! Heartland Café, the iconic Rogers Park restaurant/live music venue, turns 30-years old this week. We say it doesn’t look a day past 21.
Gin Blossoms Reviewed
Gin Blossoms Major Lodge Victory (Hybrid) It probably isn’t possible to judge the Gin Blossoms without invoking their history, especially if they’re repeating it.
Blood Meridian Reviewed
Blood Meridian Kick Up The Dust (V2) You can’t keep a good Black Mountain man down.
Lola Ray Reviewed
Lola Ray Liars (Benevolent/226/Red Ink) Brooklyn’s Lola Ray pull a Longwave on their sophomore album.
Bernard Fanning Reviewed
Bernard Fanning Tea & Sympathy (Lost Highway) Former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning sits on the front porch for his solo debut.
The Delgados Reviewed
The Delgados The Complete BBC Peel Sessions (Transdreamer) The Delgados will ultimately be remembered more for their contributions to ’90s Scottish indie infrastructure than their music, unjust as it might be.
Comets On Fire Reviewed
Comets On Fire Avatar (Sub Pop) A barrage of dope-greased guitar licks isn’t usually enough for Santa Cruz’s dirt merchants. But things are a little controlled this time.
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