Spins
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.
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, […]
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 […]
Say Hi reviewed
Say Hi Oohs & Aahs (Barsuk) No more vampires and only 40 percent of the old band name. Say Hi seem to be saying buh-bye. Appearing: Friday, April 3rd at Beat Kitchen in Chicago.
The Drones reviewed
The Drones Havilah (ATP/R) The Drones are certainly banking on educated (or adventurous) music fans to look at their name in conjunction with their label (All Tomorrow’s Parties) and not care whether they’re a Velvet Underground rip-off. Appearing: Tuesday, April 7th at Schubas in Chicago.
Bell Orchestre reviewed
Bell Orchestre As Seen Through Windows (Arts & Crafts) Step right up, step right up! Gather ’round and see if you can guess what the new Bell Orchestre albums sounds like! Need a clue? The band are from Montreal! They’ve toured with The Arcade Fire! It was recorded at John McEntire’s Soma Electronic, here in […]
Serpentcult reviewed
Serpentcult Weight Of Light (Rise Above) Rise Above Records released Blood Ceremony’s self-titled debut late last year and promised anybody who would listen a female-fronted version of Black Sabbath. What we really got was a female-fronted version of Jethro Tull. Far less cool. The label comes substantially closer with Serpentcult.
Mazes reviewed
Mazes Mazes (Parasol) This side-project from the South Side’s 1900s should naturally feel lonely without most of the members present. Appearing: Thursday, March 12th at Schubas in Chicago.
Susan Werner reviewed
Susan Werner Classics (Sleeve Dog) Adult-alternative singer-songwriter Susan Werner manages something unintended on her latest album. A collection of covers, some of what she calls Classics are nearly proven to be anything but. Appearing: Saturday, March 7th at Old Town School Of Folk Music.
The Low Anthem review
The Low Anthem Oh My God, Charlie Darwin (self-released) All three of Rhode Island’s musicians joined forces three years ago, and after two albums containing a sweeping overview of Western civ, record three lands in time for Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday. Appearing: Saturday, February 28th at Martyrs’ in Chicago.
Aidan Moffat reviewed
Aidan Moffat + The Best Ofs How To Get To Heaven From Scotland (Chemikal Underground) There was really nowhere for the droning, life-is-lost ache of Arab Strap to go. Aidan Moffat has accordingly hijacked his own sound and heaved it back into pop convention.
Vetiver reviewed
Vetiver Tight Knit (Sub Pop) There’s great temptation to disparage Devendra Banhart while exalting Andy Cabic, especially as one’s direction seems increasingly right while the other appears so temporary.
Sinatra reviewed . . . again
Frank Sinatra Seduction: Sinatra Sings Of Love/From The Heart (Reprise/Legacy) Whaddya know? Frank Sinatra sang some love songs. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, competing factions of his catalog have compilations ready.
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