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Local CD Reviews
With a name like Arrogant, one would rightfully expect an MC with a much more cocky demeanor than this smooth-talking South Sider. On The Misconception he kicks an abundance of accessibly raunchy raps (e.g. “Bring It Back” and “Spread Ya Legz”) over an assortment of crunky arrangements. If anything, Arrogant definitely has commercial appeal. Just […]
Around Hear Page 2
Page [1] Rapper Marz may have been born and raised in the hostile streets of Croatia, but on his new album, Against All Odds, he divulges more in his respect for gangstas and his love for dough than his childhood struggle. Perhaps the aptly-titled “Thug Vibe” best describes his sound. With a never-ending arsenal of […]
Melissa Etheridge Live!
Melissa Etheridge Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Thursday, July 20, 2006 Chances are Melissa Etheridge wouldn’t have had any trouble selling tickets to three nights at the Auditorium Theatre on her own, though it’s safe to say she found additional leverage from the Gay Games being in town last week. “You have a very gay city at […]
The Sword Live!
The Sword Subterranean, Chicago Monday, July 24, 2006 A funny thing happened after The Sword finished their second song Monday night: An audience member, standing toward the front of a packed Subterranean crowd, yelled “Black Sabbath” loud enough for everyone to hear. Sword frontman/guitarist J.D. Cronise smiled as he quipped, “No. We’re The Sword.”
DeVotchKa Live!
DeVotchKa Subterranean, Chicago Friday, July 21, 2006 When a band arrives onstage bearing a Christmas light-bedecked tuba played by a woman, you know you’re in for a good time.
Ane Brun, The Wood Brothers Preview
Ane Brun, The Wood Brothers Park West, Chicago Friday, July 28, 2006 The biggest Scandinavian singer-songstress you never heard and one half of Medeski, Martin & Wood on the same stage!
Early Man, Bad Wizard Preview
Early Man, Bad Wizard Subterranean, Chicago Tuesday, August 1, 2006 Early Man nearly weren’t going to be part of this package for the Chicago stop. A complete van breakdown left them stranded in Texas for three days and the rest of their tour in question. But, thanks to a gun-toting, beer-guzzling local (not enough room […]
Warped Tour Preview
Vans Warped Tour First Midwest Ampitheatre Sunday, July 30, 2006 Next month’s Lollapalooza features an amazing (overwhelming?) 130 bands in three days. The Vans Warped Tour says big fucking deal.
Honeytribe Preview
Honeytribe Porter’s, Crystal Lake Saturday, July 29, 2006 Devon Allman, scion of Gregg, is most definitely his father’s son.
Phoenix Preview
Phoenix Double Door, Chicago Friday, July 28, 2006 Transforming from Air’s understudies to a French pop band who don’t need to have the “French” part underscored, Phoenix’s transformation turned them into album-of-the-year candidates.
Tim Lee/Grant Lee-Buffalo Preview
Grant Lee-Buffalo Schubas, Chicago Tuesday, August 1, 2006 As a member of college rock also-rans The Windbreakers, Tim Lee (7/28, Martyrs’) fought the good fight. Grant-Lee Phillips’ (8/1, Schubas) Grant Lee Buffalo had a modicum more of acceptance, but likewise couldn’t crack the mainstream. Those days long gone, the road never leaves them.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers Preview
George Thorogood & The Destroyers House Of Blues, Chicago Sunday, July 30, 2006 The book was closed on George Thorogood long ago. So why does he continue to release albums? B-b-b-b-b-bad!
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Mock ‘Em
IF YOU CAN’T BEAT ‘EM, MOCK ‘EM Rockapalooza at the Arcada Theatre: Call it the Lollapalooza of tribute bands.
Spoon Reviewed
Spoon Telephono/Soft Effects (Merge) Spoon’s place in indie rock lore was secured by their third and fourth albums. From here on — no matter if they license everything to McDonald’s or go completely off the deep end — they will be regarded as royalty. Originally released by Matador Records, Telephono and Soft Effects are being […]
The Gersch Reviewed
The Gersch The Gersch (Tortuga) Mainly a footnote now Cliff Meyer has found success as Red Sparowes and ISIS, this collection of recordings as The Gersch sorts through his past.
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