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Island Connection
With just 90 miles between them, the Caribbean’s two most musically prolific islands, Cuba and Jamaica, aren’t far apart. Both have spawned major musical genres that leap over language and geographical barriers, influencing music and fans the world over. Cuban mambo and son underscore countless rhythms from salsa to highlife. Jamaican reggae and ska turns […]
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).
Cover Story: Ministry
Ministry Allied Forces According to his publicist, legendary Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen wasn’t up for doing a lot of interviews to promote his new album and summer tour. But Illinois Entertainer? He wanted to talk to us. That was worrisome. Appearing: 7/1-2 at House Of Blues (329 N. Dearborn) in Chicago.
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]. […]
Scott H. Biram feature
Scott H. Biram Road Tested There’s a point during “18 Wheeler Fever,” one of 14 songs on Scott H. Biram’s new record, Graveyard Shift (Bloodshot), where the Texan admits “Well it’s been sung about a thousand times/that old song about a truck driver’s life.” Appearing: 7/21 at Abbey Pub (3420 W. Grace) in Chicago.
Rhymefest feature
Rhymefest Keeps His Head Up Rhymefest is no ass-kisser. In addition to having come up in the formerly overlooked Chicago market, his refusal to bow to anyone in the music industry is largely why it has taken this animated MC so long to get heard. It also explains why he has been fired from most […]
The Futureheads Feature
The Futureheads Born A’Sunder At first glance, every musician residing in Sunderland, England is in one of three bands: The Futureheads, Field Music, and Maximo Park. (Actually, it isn’t true, and Sunderland has veritable pop music pedigree up there in the shadows of Newcastle, including Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry and Eurythmic Dave Stewart). But, as […]
Tim O’Reagan feature
Tim O’Reagan Full Frontal Despite their personnel issues and disabling encounters with the vast and varied exigencies of the record industry, The Jayhawks produced, both live and on record, perhaps the most consistently fine pop music of their era (with or without Mark Olson).
Redding Feature
Redding Little Big Men It’s shockingly easy to record and distribute music in this digital age, but it’s still like finding a needle in a haystack to come across music that is worth a listen. Even more difficult is finding a band who can make devoted fans out of those listeners.
Record Collecting Spotlight
BUILDING A BETTER RECORD COLLECTION Music is being released at an extraordinary rate nowadays. Besides the onslaught of new material (lagging sales haven’t met a decline in product for labels) there is also the constant barrage of re-releases for music fans to contend with. It’s hard to keep up. With that in mind, IE raided […]
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 […]
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