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Kanye West & Jay-Z live!
Let’s get this out of the way upfront. Yes, Kanye West and Jay-Z played “N***** In Paris” eight times this past Wednesday at the United Center, the first of the duo’s two-night run at the venue. Yes, it was a bit like one of those “Family Guy” gags that go on so long it stops […]
Rocket, yea-uh!
When Def Leppard referenced all their favorite music in “Rocket,” they left out a pivotal band from the ’70s that few people ever heard. Rocket From The Tombs come to town this weeks, touting their debut album. Also around: Felix Culpa’s farewell show, Pterodactyl, Miguel, and Young Buffalo.
Cover story: Foster The People
It might not go down as the most unforgettable song of the year. But Mark Foster‘s #1 smash with his punky fizz-pop trio Foster The People, “Pumped Up Kicks,” certainly provided the soundtrack to the summer of 2011, thanks to its infectious blend of handclap percussion, bubbly bass, vocodered verses, and a sugary – but […]
Interview: Ian Schneller & Andrew Bird
Modern-art museums scare people. Maybe it’s a conservative hatred of the NEA and controversial exhibits, or a preemptive exhaustion for an afternoon to be spent doubting, That‘s art? Getting in the door is the hardest part.
IE Gift Guide 2011
Don’t go the top-40 route or an Amazon recommendation on a passe indie-rock band. Give the music lover who has nothing or everything an item to really chew on this season. It might cost ya, but the following boxsets will occupy them for years.
Hello, My Name Is J
IE: We were intrigued by the local connection to The Office Of Future Plans. J Robbins: [Laughs.] It’s Jeff Dean‘s fault that we’re a band. Dean is hard to say no to. His enthusiasm in this case was relentless.
Not your problem
Few people these days can boast of a unique kink — that moment when only you know the joke, and can savor it by repeating the words to clueless friends and colleagues. That’s what we get from Stew & The Negro Problem, the Warm, Safe & Sound benefit, Crystal Stilts, and The Knux.
Interview: Judas Priest
One Last Time Ozzy Osbourne. Kiss. The Ramones. Ministry. And, of course, Cher. It’s not a game of “one of these things is not like the other” (um, Ozzy?), but a list of artists from whom Judas Priest are straining to create some distance. Yes, the November 12th date in Hammond is part of the […]
Interview: Bill Wyman
The One Who Got Away Walking away from what some consider to be the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band might seem like a shocking and perplexing decision. But when speaking with Bill Wyman about his retirement from The Rolling Stones to form The Rhythm Kings, it was simply a matter of personal preference.
Interview: Madina Lake
After The War When one mentions Disneyland, perhaps the most immediate connotation is “The happiest place on Earth” – a location built around innocence and happiness where one can engage in childlike celebration.
Hello, My Name Is Lykke
Q&A with Lykke Li IE: People are excited about your cover of “Unchained Melody.” Lykke Li: They [Triple J Radio] called me at like 12 in the morning, and they were like, “Pick a cover!” And oh, God!
Tomorrowland
The news media constantly reminds us that, according to polls, Americans aren’t excited about the future. But are kids? Do they still get ’50s-perspective cartoons sprinkled into their daily regimen? The first week of November promises We Were Promised Jetpacks, Reckless Kelly, Cash Box Kings, The Devil Wears Prada, and Touch People.
Everyday Is Halloween: Completion
The whole point of this exercise was to find who in pop music was most consistently mindful of Halloween. And if you didn’t know where it was going, well, if you don’t know now you know.
Local Sumerians tonight!
A Sumerian Records showcase lands this weekend, featuring west-suburban Veil Of Maya. Also consider Azita’s record release (finally), Caitlin Rose, and Future Islands.










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