Columns
The Storyteller
In an era when blues records lean toward the pseudo-authentic, Keb’ Mo’s Suitcase (Epic) pretty much tells it like it is. Singer-songwriter, poet, and multi-instrumentalist Mo’ combines the traditional with the contemporary employing Dobros, mandolins, and National Steel guitars with Hammond B3’s, Latin percussion, and electric guitars to tell our stories.
Figured Out
Ice skating and recording, two things with little in common. Yeah, you can point to the dedication, hard work, and tenacity it takes to succeed in both, but the same can be said for almost anything you do in life. The fact is, the average person would probably struggle to draw many parallels between the […]
Tribune Tribulations
There’s a heavy dark cloud draping the gothic spires of Tribune Tower these days, making Chicago ground zero for one of the country’s major media sagas.
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 […]
IE Has Moved!
Please note our new Chicago office address: 657 W. Lake Street Suite A Chicago, IL 60661 Our new phone numbers are 312-930-9333 (Editorial); 312-930-9363 (Advertising).
Hello, My Name Is Ramblin’ Jack
Hello, My Name Is Ramblin’ Jack Q&A with folk legend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott IE: You were just in England with Devendra Banhart? Ramblin’ Jack Elliott: Well, I did one show with him. I wasn’t really with him; he was in one theater and I was in another theater at the same festival [All Tomorrow’s Parties]. […]
File For July
THE HARDER THEY COME Enticed by promises of free beer and taquitos, we headed to Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe for their 20th anniversary party on June 12th. Yes, it was a Monday, but Styx were there, rotating keyboard stand and all.
DVD Zone: July
SYRIANA Warner Bros. It has been this way for the past hundred years. Wars are fought over it and governments toppled because of it. Corporations rake in yearly profits that eclipse the GNP of many mid-sized nations because of it. And, until someone finds a way to make your T-bird run on jelly donut filling […]
What About Chicago?
The Blues Foundation held its annual Blues Music Awards (formerly the W.C. Handy Awards) on May 11th in Memphis. Congrats to Chicago awardees Buddy Guy (B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year), Mavis Staples (Soul Blues Female Artist Of The Year), Eddie Shaw (Instrumentalist – Horn), and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith (Instrumentalist – Drums). Hubert Sumlin, […]
Local Studio Happenings
ARS STUDIOS in Alsip, Gary Cobb recorded gospel artist Jeri Little live and started mixing for an upcoming CD . . . Wicked Pussy recorded and mixed with Chris Dever . . . Greg Screen started his project with Larry Schara on controls . . . Both Steve Sunner and Lance Drake did their mastering […]
Stuck In Muck
The ratings numbers tell us people in Chicago are hearing the radio. But how many people are really listening? Chicago radio used to crackle; it used to excite, entertain, energize, influence, and order its listeners. Now it’s white noise. Today, Chicago radio is becoming to entertainment choices what the Chicago Blackhawks are to sports choices.
Don’t Call It A Comeback
It’s a fact: Vinyl will not die. Manufacturers like Crosley and TEAC are churning out new turntables for the home user, a demographic that includes baby boomers rediscovering their old records and newbies finding out what the analog fuss is all about. Our annual Record Collecting Spotlight edition of “Gear” takes a look at new […]
Local CD Reviews
Combining elements of Vaudeville, country, and classic rock in a time when every other new band on the planet either cites the Rolling Stones or Joy Division as influences, Bakelite 78 is distinctive to say the least. Armed with the unique and stylized vocals of guitarist Robert Rial and a one-of-a-kind brass section, track for […]
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