Weekly
Superdrag reunited!
Superdrag Metro, Chicago Saturday, April 25, 2009 2009 seems to be the year of getting the band back together – coughing up reunions the world would mostly go on living without. But the reconvening of Superdrag has created excitement and stirred up some ‘90s nostalgia for fans of a certain age who are still in […]
Cameron McGill preview
Cameron McGill & What Army Schubas, Chicago Wednesday, April 29, 2009 We used to tease a former intern over her attention to Cameron McGill. At the time, the city was loaded with pretty-boy singer/songwriters, and she had simply found the latest. Now we’re at the back of the line.
Neko Case reviewed
Neko Case Middle Cyclone (Anti) If we’re to believe the star-studded action/thriller Twister (“Finger of God!”), tornados are at least semi-predictable. In that sense, Middle Cyclone makes a whole lotta sense for Neko Case. Appearing: Friday, April 25th at Chicago Theatre in Chicago.
Buraka Som Sistema reviewed
Buraka Som Sistema Black Diamond (Enchufada/Fabric) Depending on your point of view, Buraka Som Sistema are either the apex or nadir of the M.I.A.-fueled Slumdog phenomenon. Appearing: Tuesday, April 28th at Sonotheque in Chicago.
Peter, Bjorn & John preview
Peter, Bjorn & John Metro, Chicago Thursday, April 23, 2009 If you didn’t get the chance to whistle with Peter, Bjorn & John’s ubiquitous “Young Folks” in 2007, don’t worry: The silly Swedes give you an opening on this year’s Living Thing (Star Time).
Bat For Lashes review
Bat For Lashes Two Suns (Astralwerks) On Two Suns, Bat For Lashes (Natasha Khan) takes English folk and spins it on its ear, though the electro touches never help the update break its influences’ magnetism.
Ray Charles renewed
Ray Charles Genius: The Ultimate Collection (Concord) It’s possible you’re still dizzy. After all, the Backstreet Boys sang the National Anthem at the 2001 Super Bowl in Tampa and we’re still replenishing our sperm count. But apparently some little-known gospel/soul singer rendered “America, The Beautiful,” and if you’ve ever sought to complete your Backstreet shrine, […]
Junior Boys live!
Junior Boys Metro, Chicago Thursday, April 2, 2009 Ain’t no party like an indie-dance party and that’s why the indie-dance parties must be stopped.
John Wesley Harding preview
John Wesley Harding Schubas, Chicago Friday, April 10, 2009 What’s John Wesley Harding doing by returning to his stage name? After a fairly successful foray into literature under his birth name, Wesley Stace, he thinks he can just waltz back into music like we wouldn’t notice? Well, we do. Stace.
International Pop Overthrow preview
International Pop Overthrow 09 April 16 – 26, 2009 International Pop Overthrow, the globe-trotting celebration of power pop music, returns for its ninth year in Chicago. Named after a song by Material Issue, the festival kicks off with an eight-band showcase April 16th at Abbey Pub, which seems to be a favorite venue of organizer […]
Oh Happy Day reviewed
Various Artists Oh Happy Day (EMI/Vector) It’s always a shame when non-theistic people or folks of different religious persuasions let faith get in the way of enjoying gospel music. Aside from its undeniable role in the development of American pop music, its intent’s assumed purity makes for some unfettered listening, not to mention the excitingly […]
Eagles live!
Eagles Sears Centre, Hoffman Estates Thursday, March 26, 2009 I haven’t thought of the Lanky Blonde — the older sister of a high-school buddy — in a long time. But, when the Eagles of my youth, all put back together and looking rather dapper in dark suits, took to the stage Thursday night, there she […]
White Lies preview
White Lies Double Door, Chicago Friday, April 3, 2009 The British press is nearly unanimous when it comes to recent charttoppers White Lies: shamelessly derivative, lyrically unsteady, and almost certain to be as big, if not bigger than The Killers.
Gaslight Anthem preview
Gaslight Anthem, Good Old War Bottom Lounge, Chicago Friday, April 3, 2009 New Brunswick, New Jersey’s The Gaslight Anthem might be the most current retro band making the rounds these days. To listen to the band is to witness the group’s undeniable yearning for a simpler time, apparent in both their sound as well as […]
Spindrift preview
Spindrift Cobra Lounge, Chicago Friday, April 3, 2009 We haven’t seen The Legend Of God’s Gun, the 2008 movie Spindrift starred in and wrote the soundtrack for, but if it’s anything like The West, which serves as a “companion” to said soundtrack, it must be like watching Once Upon A Time In The West with […]
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