Transmission - Music Archives
Next Stop: A Right Good-will Draught
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
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Happy New Year! Start it off right with Tom Waits covers, a benefit show at the Hideout benefiting Holiday Panto cast members left homeless by a house fire, and a free Canasta show at Simon's.
Transmission: Memories of the Lounge Ax and Christmas Continues
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- We took a look into the past and Chicago music venue Lounge Ax.
- A review of the Chicago Afrobeat Project.
- The Year in Pop according to Pop Matters.
- Vote for your favorite for the Schubie Awards!
- Singer-Songwriter Vic Chesnutt isn't dead as rumors have said, but he is in a coma after a suicide attempt.
- Alarm Magazine puts the Russian Circles show at Lincoln Hall as its year's best.
- If you missed it in July, download What to Wear During an Orange Alert's mix of literature and music now for free.
- Avant/Chicago's Best Albums of 2009 list is up.
- Still need a Christmas music fix? Seriously, get over to Big Rock Candy Mountain before the tunes disappear like a plate of cookies.
- And what might put you over the edge on Christmas: Tom Skilling karaokes the hits.
- At Fake Shore Drive, a Christmas mixtape by The Cool Kids and Don Cannon (album pictured above).
- Greg Kot picks his choices for the top NYE concerts in Chicago.
- Also, check out Greg's picks for Top Albums of 2009 (and his top 10 moments of the decade in music).
- Looking for a party (or just an excuse to get away from the family)? Head over to UR Chicago's shin dig on Saturday at the Hideout. DJs and dancing can work out the kinks and the taste of old egg nog.
Next Stop: Visions of Unicycles, Mysteries and Furnaces
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
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- Party it up in single-wheel holiday style with Unicycle Loves You at the Empty Bottle. 10pm, $10, 1035 N. Western.
- Bring in a new year and a new album with Fiery Furnaces at Lincoln Hall.
Transmission: Bird in Review, Bronzeville Blues, and Getting a Thrill
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Andrew Bird played some kooky great shows at a local church this week.
- You can win a great prize pack courtesy of Alarm magazine and Bloodshot Records. Enter by the 21st.
- We talked about The Fold, who will hit the Metro on the 26th.
- Check out Daniel Knox's cover of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."
- Indiana's Sam Vicari recorded at the Phantom Mansion and is set to release a year later.
- Grab a free holiday tune by Bloodshot's Amy Gore.
- The Adler lets loose After Dark.
- CHIRP radio's Dustin Drase puts out his Best of 2009 list.
- The Bottle's putting extra Girl Talk NYE show tickets on sale.
- Speaking of, Jim DeRogatis breaks down what you should be doing NYE.
- Spencer Tweedy sits in on Beck's Record Club.
- The Hood Internet has started its annual list of stuff that just didn't make the cut this year with their Top Rejects of 2009.
- Local label Thrill Jockey is looking for some new interns.
- A review of the Cool Kids at Reggie's.
- Libertyville son Tom Morello (of the Killers) releases a few tracks for Amnesty International on Human Rights Day.
- Learn about the Blues in Bronzeville at the DuSable Museum.
- Check out the new album from Honest Engines or hit their live show in early January.
- Just who are The Yolks?
Next Stop: Saints, Friends and Good Cheer
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
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- They've been mixing obscure instrumentals and an approachable pop sensibility for some time now, and Sunday local group Joan of Arc takes it to the Empty Bottle.
- Need your holiday music fix? Also Sunday is Songs of Good Cheer at Old Town School of Folk Music, coming up on its 11th year of seasonal songs.
- More pop at the Empty Bottle on Monday, this time of the psychedelic variety: Netherfriends play with A Lull and Aktar Aktar.
Next Stop: Ronny's Jam, Raise (High) the Roof (Beam)
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
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- Art, music, snacks! Yeah! Come to Ronny's (2101 N. California) this Saturday night for bands Michael Michael Motorcycle, Amen & The Hell Yeahs, Pretty Boy Thorson & the Falling Angels, and Altar Eagle, and more artists than you can shake a stick at.
- Local folkies Raise High the Roof Beam bring their pretty music to Schubas next Thursday.
Transmission: The Kids Know What They Want, Indie Xmas Tunes
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
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- Time Out Chicago breaks down some new indie Christmas tunes just hanging out there on the interwebs (and the most disturbing ornament I've seen thus far).
- Chicago's Justin Roberts rocks the under-10 set, along with their parents.
- Jim DeRogatis puts his Best of 2009 list out for consumption.
- The Deli Chicago talks about Meah!, a punk band out of Pilsen.
- El Vez hits the Double Door for his Viva Christmas show tonight.
- Alarm Magazine raves over Helen Money's latest album. (We featured Helen Money in November.)
- Fake Shore Drive has an alternate version of Lupe Fiasco's "Blackout."
- The Cool Kids played Reggies on Thursday.
- If you head out to the Hideout Holiday Craft Fair the next two Tuesdays you can also score some Bloodshot Records items from their table. See the full details in the Hideout calendar.
- Steve Albini certainly knows how to give back to the community. HO HO HO
- The Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival returns to the Congress on Saturday night.
- Rhymefest puts out a new video for "Give it to Me."
- Take a step back in time and visit CYSTSFTS's Top 10 Albums of 1999.
- The Elbo Room hosted a Meeting of Important People.
- The Reader has the line on the latest hip-hop compilation to come out of...Adult Swim? Yeah, that's right.
- The latest in Smashing Pumpkins news.
- And just in time for gifting, the Reader also reviews Chicago Folk, a collection of photographs.
- The latest in former Smashing Pumpkins news.
- More Best of 2009 lists from CHIRP DJs: this week is Jenny Lizak.
- Lincoln Hall hosted a special covers benefit for abused women.
- Cream Team has the line on the growing Chicago Disco Massive.
Next Stop: Freaks and Elvises
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
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- Live music from the Silent Theatre accompanies the Chicago Cultural Center's screening of the 1923 film Freaks. Midgets, strongmen, and darkly romantic instrumentals abound next Wednesday. Free!
- ¡Feliz Navidad! Next Friday, Straitjackets bring the King and more to Double Door.
Transmission: Homolatte's LGBTI Show, RE Gift, Rock For Kids Auction
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
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Rivers Cuomo and Brian Bell of Weezer show some
Blackhawk pride at the Aragon (photo by Stephanie Griffin).
- Time Out: Chicago talks to Delicious Design League about their part in Lincoln Hall's historic first shows.
- Don't forget to get your fantastic holiday music downloads from Big Rock Candy Mountain all month.
- Songs:Illinois also does Christmas music (with a promo shot of Lauren Graham from Bad Santa that makes me shudder).
- Homolatte brings LGBTI performance to Big Chicks each month.
- Tonight's Rock for Kids music auction has hundreds of signed, one-of-a-kind items from your favorite performers.
- A preview of the Arctic Monkeys show at the Riviera 12/4.
- We reviewed Winter Gloves' show at the Empty Bottle.
- Check the Chicago Reader's RE Gift blog entries for great shopping ideas, including for that music-lover on your list (like jazz cover art or cheap turntables that play 45s and 78s)
- We got really excited, then really sad, when Field Music canceled its show at Beat Kitchen due to illness.
- Loud Loop Press has a free track from the upcoming album by Chicago's Puerto Muerto.
- A review of Big Pink/Crystal Antlers at the Empty Bottle last week.
- Last week we rounded out our Chicago Music Interns feature.
- For your favorite jam band follower: the The Jaded Reviews Guide to Hippie Watching in North America.
- Get to know Metro/SmartBar owner Joe Shanahan.
- CHIRP starts a December series of their DJs' Best of 2009 lists.
- Deals are to be had at Mr. Peabody's liquidation sale this weekend!
- Remember: Filling out the GB reader survey can win you a pair of tickets to see Jesus Lizard at the Metro on NYE.
- Get 20% off at Governor's State's Holiday Hop concert this month.
- Chicagoist has a free download of the latest from Lupe Fiasco.
- Speaking of Lupe, Matthew Santos, who you might know from Lupe's backing vocals, has an album "preview" show tonight at Lincoln Hall.
- And the Reader's Early Warning Concert Listings give you a leg up on the (ticket) competition.
- Video from last week's Leaders of the New Cool event at Fake Shore Drive.
- We gave away some Weezer cds before the boys hit Chicago for a night at the Aragon.
- Hey Champ's remix album Winner's Circle is out.
- Stereogum has your link to 40 minutes of Fugazi stage banter from the '90s. Sweet sweet nostalgia.
- The Deli Chicago is really into the new album from Skybox. (They're playing at Schubas' Tomorrow Never Knows Festival in January...tickets on sale now and make a great stocking stuffer. I'm just sayin'.)
Next Stop: The Big Pink, Winter Gloves
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
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- Tonight at the Empty Bottle, British electro-rockers The Big Pink bring the noise pop and shoegaze at 9:30pm.
- More at the Empty Bottle: Coming to us from Montreal Tuesday is Winter Gloves. Their indie rock sounds grace the stage at 9:30pm.
Transmission: Shopping for that Music-loving Someone, Record Label Sales, and Wines Inspired by Rock Bands
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
Evil Santa courtesy of Jim DeRogatis' blog. (Shudder.)
- Logan Square gets a record store! (Google map pic.)
- Creamteam.tv offers up a Chicago-helmed mix "Endless Summers, Winter Thrills" curated by Rehab.
- We previewed Adam Ashbach's latest efforts.
- Check out Califone's video for their soundtrack to their upcoming movie. Yeah, that's right. (via Deli Chicago)
- NPR provided a soundtrack for stuffing bread up a bird's hoo-hah. (Also good if you're putting together any food-themed mixtapes.)
- Jim DeRogatis has your Black Friday rock n' roll holiday gift guide. (And the Creepiest Santa Evar.)
- And oh, snap. Bloodshot's having a sale.
- Want to get heard while in ORD or MDW? Submit music to their airport music program.
- Grab a new track from Pelican at RCDLBL.
- Kid Sister and Flosstradamus rocked Thanksgiving Eve, in honor of her new album.
- Alarm Magazine gives their album picks of the week, including what was going to be a soundtrack called The Slew built around Kid Koala and Dynomite D.
- Earthless hit Reggie's on Wednesday.
- Avant/Chicago has the line on wines inspired by rock bands.
- Chicago's Galactic Inmate hung up their instruments for a few years.
- Don't forget, MTV Jams takes over Chicago today!
- Fake Shore Drive also has the latest track from Nikki Lynnette (who you might have seen if you stayed late at our last GB Anniversary Party at the Metro)
- Get your speakers ready for Big Rock Candy Mountain's annual Holiday Music post-fest! The links get hot starting today!
- Songs:Illinois has a random post from late last week: Italian Experimental Americana.
- What to Wear During an Orange Alert has a review of the latest from Boston's Truman Peyote. They head to Chicago in mid-January.
- Get this: Elvis + Blago + Columbia College. Details here (and it's <em>free</em>).
- Look at photos from Peaches' show at Metro last week by Tankboy. (And if opener Amanda Blank isn't doing American Apparel ads yet, she should be.)
Next Stop: All Tomorrow's Parties, Earthless
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Tonight for one night only, Facets Cinematheque screens All Tomorrow's Parties, the documentary that provides a glimpse into what goes into a festival that includes such luminaries as Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, and many more. 11:30pm, get your tickets here or at their box office.
- Former members of Hot Snakes, Nebula and Electric Nazarene make up trio Earthless are kind of the opposite of the punk rock some of them hail from: their jams are slowwwww, but rarely sleepy. Catch them at Reggies Wednesday at 8pm.
Transmission: Lupe's Wiki, Laurie's Fans and OK GO's Latest OMG Video
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Download the latest mix from Chicago's own DJ LA Jesus - "Saves the Dance Floor, Vol. 4" for free.
- Wikipedia Files for Lupe Fiasco by WBEZ.
- Speaking of local hip-hop of note, Radius put out his latest album Etc... this week. Catch it!
- Alarm magazine has a review of David Bazan's latest full band tour.
- We preview Saturday's show by Michele Ari, a true female frontman straight from Nashville.
- Become a Facebook fan of Laurie's Planet of Sound to get (nearly) daily favorites from their staff.
- CYSTSFTS has loads of album reviews up this week, including the latest from an old favorite, Left Lane Cruiser.
- We previewed the Owen show @ the Andrew Rafacz Gallery Thursday night.
- CHIRP has the line on sweet DJ events tonight through Thanksgiving.
- Bust Magazine interviews Kid Sister (who's new album, Ultraviolet, is now in stores).
- Yet another music fest puts down roots in Chicago, and this time, they're bringing GWAR.
- Red Threat has the line on the latest electronica from Jori Hulkkonen.
- Twilight author Stephanie Meyer talks about her favorite bands at the Twilight: New Moon premiere, which include Bloodshot Records artists Ha Ha Tonka [Video]. That squealing you hear in the distance is coming from the Bloodshot HQ, I suspect.
- The video for Charlie Deets' song "Skinny Girls with C's" doesn't have many girls in it, that's for sure.
- Evanston's Ezra Furman is going to make you a special album. No really, just for you.
- WFMU's Beware of the Blog talks about the latest from the Free Music Archive, including a remix contest which ends Dec. 20th.
- The Lust Killers aren't making any friends with their unusual method of show advertising.
- OMG what is going on with this OK GO video for their latest single "WTF"? OMG!!
- Wilco streamed a live concert from Amsterdam this week. Hope you didn't crash your work's server watching it.
- Kid Sister made her television debut on Jimmy Fallon last week. Did you get your "Right Hand Hi"?
Next Stop: Second Southside Shakedown, Musicians at Work
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Native southsiders and DJs/producers extraordinaire Ghetto Division take it to the Metro again, and they're bringing Kingdom (NY, Fool's Gold / Night Slugs / Acephale), Charlie Glitch, Rob Threezy, Rampage and more with them. First 250 people get in FREE, but get there quick -- last time the show sold out hard.
- Start off next week by brushing up on your social networking at the Musicians at Work Forum Monday evening, featuring (among others) Jim Goodrich, local musician and producer/host of the show "With a Voice Like This". Free!
Transmission: (Helen) Money Makin', Kid Sister (Almost) Drops it
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- The Hood Internet dropped their new mixtape like a mess o' gold bricks.
- We talked to Chicago cello rock star Helen Money (aka Alison Chesley) about her latest album In Tune.
- Nice piece on Experimental Sound on Film at the Reader's Crickets blog.
- Tankboy reviews the long long long awaited Kid Sister album Ultraviolet which hits store shelves 11/17.
- R. Kelly's back. And he wants to get you pregnant.
- Lissie came to town last night with a little indie country sound.
- Kill Hannah's trailer and equipment was stolen. The trailer was recovered Thursday. No word yet on the equipment.
- Lupe Fiasco hits the small screen.
- One of our writers was beat down by the swine flu. Happily, it was after she saw a super Chromeo show at the Congress, and now she's on the mend.
- Oh My Rockness has the line on the newest ukelele sounds to hit Chicago in the form of tUnE-YaRds.
- Schubas' Tomorrow Never Knows festival dates announced. There's at least one thing to look forward to this winter.
- The Meat Puppets hit Schubas this weekend (we gave out some tickets), and King Sparrow opens.
- The White Rabbits hit Schubas and Lincoln Hall this week opening for Walkmen.
- A rundown of upcoming Scotland Yard Gospel Choir benefit shows.
- A review of Basement Jaxx at the Congress.
- Get some local soul with The Streets on Fire at Cal's.
- Songs:Illinois breaks its "no videos" rule with a new one from Caroline Herring.
- If you're really into Crooked Vultures, you can stream their new album online before it releases on Tuesday (Greg Kot reviewed it already).
- Hit Ronny's for some Percolator Friday night.
- Head to Enemy on Saturday for some experimental sounds.
- Also on Saturday, MTV Jams hits Chicago.
- Speaking of which, does anyone else miss the old Yo! MTV Raps?
Next Stop: Reeds and Hollows
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Sneak out of work early today and head to Corbett vs. Dempsey on the third floor of the Dusty Groove Building (1120 North Ashland Avenue) for a performance by Swiss reed player Hans Koch, who comes to Chicago as part of the Umbrella Music Festival.
- Redheaded, garage-rockin' brother-sister combo White Mystery headline at the Empty Bottle Monday for the poppy-with-a-garage-edge Hollows record release show. More information here.
Transmission: Chicago Music Interns, Wilco's Loft, and Weezer's Snuggie
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
Jeff Tweedy performs with Wilco at Lollapalooza 2008 (photo by Robert Loerzel)
- Get your own Weezer Snuggie! (Now with more Weezer!)
- Lollapalooza wants you to suggest bands for 2010's festival.
- Rogue Wave drummer Pat Spurgeon needed a kidney, right as the band was about to make it big. They made a movie about it, called D Tour. Catch it on PBS next week.
- Lillith Fair returns. (Cue: "I Will Remember You")
- Love The Hood Internet? Show it with a shirt!
- We chatted with a crop of Chicago music industry interns.
- Is the Metro haunted? Ghost Lab investigates. The episode (titled "Murky Water") replays on Discovery on 11/10 or check online clips here (start with part 4).
- A tour of Wilco's loft. No, you can't live there.
- Local blog Red Threat has the skinny on DJ Zinc and his latest EP. Is it Drum 'n Bass? Jungle Core? Grimehouse? You be the judge.
- Local bands: Want to open for Ronson on New Year's Eve?
- CHIRP sure would like you to contact your representatives today about the Local Community Radio Act of 2009 (HR 1147).
- Win tickets to Led Zepplin cover band Heartbreaker.
- Get your hands on a free download of a remix of Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise album, called, oddly enough, Illinoize, by Montreal-based producer Tor. Oddly enough, Sufjan has a new album out all about The BQE in New York.
- Billy Corgan was interviewed by the David Lynch Foundation.
- Get your jazz on at the annual Umbrella Music Festival this weekend.
- Top sellers at Gramaphone Records last week.
- And have you bought your copy of the Tao of Wu yet? Do you think your Wu-Tang sword can defeat me?
Transmission: Dead Man's Bones and Billy Corgan's Puppet Show
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
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Dead Man's Bones at Schubas (Photo by Andy Keil)
- The Hood Internet posted its 300th mashup track: Biz Markee vs Phoenix vs Classixx. And they announce their next mixtape will drop 11/4.
- Bloodshot Records' artist Jon Langford's album All the Fame of Lofty Deeds is getting the theatrical treatment starting 11/12.
- Is Kanye Dead? Twitter tries to tell us so.
- We reviewed Dead Man's Bones show at Schubas last week.
- The Reader's Crickets blog has the line on Sepultura's Igor Cavalera's new dance music gig: Mix Hell. (Comes with a free download!)
- We gave away some Basement Jaxx tickets. Check them out next week.
- DeRo's annual roundup of local Halloween shows.
- And oh yeah, guess who's coming back to Soldier Field this summer?
- A review of Hawksey Workman's show at Schubas.
- In case your head's in a hole, that Michael Jackson tour movie came out. Greg Kot liked it.
- Plus, Greg's list of Halloween mixtape favorites.
- UR Magazine also has free Halloween mixtapes for download like this latest one from Moneypenny.
- A preview of a flute performance this past week at the Velvet Lounge by ICE's director Claire Chase.
- What to Wear During an Orange Alert talks about the Top 10 Albums of the Decade.
- Try an 8bit Halloween, if that's your thing.
- A review of Drummer at Schubas last weekend.
- WFMU's Beware of the Blog resurfaces to bring us 6 great downloads from the interwebs.
- Billy Corgan's Gothageddon puppet show.
Next Stop: 8Bit Halloween, Roky Erickson, Drink and Rock for Kids
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Two Halloween shows of a very different ilk: Game Boy-maestro Josh Davis, aka Bit Shifter, performs at Ai Lounge. If bleeps and bloops are for the kids, take it old school with psychedelic rocker Roky Erickson at the Bottom Lounge.
- If your sugar high hasn't worn off by next Thursday, non-profit Rock for Kids shows how you can help provide free year-round music education for children in need at the LaSalle Power Co. Awesome raffle prizes and more.
Next Stop: Music from Iceland, Witches Ain't Sh*t
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Start off Halloween early next Wednesday with Flosstradamus and Thunderhorse at the Bottom Lounge. Witches Ain't Shit 4 also includes performances by Black Holes, Capcom and Huggies Supreme, and it all begins at 8pm. More information here.
- If something calmer and tweeish is more your cup of tea that night, head north and west for a band from a lot further north: Sindri Már Sigfússon's solo project Sin Fang Bous plays at Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N. Kedzie), opening for fellow countrymen Múm.
Transmission: Pitchfork the Restaurant (no relation) & Remember Lounge Ax?
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
Wilco at the UIC Pavilion. Photo by Zoran Orlic. Courtesy of Wilco.
- Pitchfork, the restaurant opens this week. Nothing to do with the music site, but bring on the jokes!
- Perry Farrell and his wife Etty go on about what they love about Chicago. Answer: steak, fish, and art.
- Remember Lounge Ax? The Chicago History Museum wants your mementos and memories.
- Gapers Block profiled Chicago netlabel Rock Proper.
- Download a track put together by The Cool Kids and Hey Champ. Two Chicago groups just rife with buzz.
- The Fake Fictions are calling it quits next month.
- Greg Kot reviewed the Wilco shows at UIC Pavilion.
- The Dodos played the Bottom Lounge this week.
- Songs:Illinois previewed Michigan band Orpheum Bell.
- Andrew Bird announced a set of intimate shows in December at the Fourth Presbyterian Church.
- Live Music Blog has some interesting things to say about Web 2.0 and music blogs.
- We did our own review of Cococoma's latest album.
- Nashville artist Will Hoge plays the Double Door tonight.
- The Old Town School of Folk Music hosts Laurence Juber (of Wings fame) for a Martin Guitar Clinic. FREE 10/27.
- Chromeo starts off your Halloween weekend right at the Congress next week, along with Crystal Castles and Boyz Noise.
- A screening of You Weren't There: A History of Chicago Punk 1977-1984 takes place this Saturday at the Portage Theatre. The DVD releases next week!
- We reviewed Sharon Van Etten at the Double Door last week.
Next Stop: DoDo, CoCo, Kraak & Smaak
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Far from extinct or obsolete, going the way of The DoDos Monday means hook-happy indie-rock at Bottom Lounge (1375 W. Lake). Ruby Suns also play.
- Local punks CoCoComa, The Yolks and Headache City join not-local Sonic Chicken 4 Wednesday for poundingly good times at The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave).
- Go north and a little west of Sonic Chicken 4 and you get the home country of the delightfully named Kraak & Smaak, not one, not two, but three electronic artists. The play Subterranean next Thursday at 9pm.
Transmission: God Answers Your Jam Band Prayers and Someone's Getting a Burger Named After Them
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
The Dead Milkmen (Photo by Brian Leli)
- A.V. Club Chicago asks Jeff Tweedy to react to comments about him on the Internet.
- Big Rock Candy Mountain goes all weak in the knees over Chicago band Cococoma and their luscious pink vinyl record.
- We sat down with Alex Perkolup of prog rock band Cheer-Accident. They play tonight at Reggie's.
- The Deli Chicago has the line (and a video) from a DA reunion on Chic-a-Go Go.
- More in video is on Fake Shore Drive with local hip-hop artists Kidz in the Hall on Mark Bazer's "The Interview Show" which also begs the question: Why isn't there any hip-hop at The Hideout? Or any, really?
- Sharon Van Etten hits the Double Door Saturday night.
- Jim DeRogatis has the line on a fledgling band called Ideamen hitting the Beat Kitchen later this month with their newly minted album.
- A look back at last Friday's Riot Fest shows by Butthole Surfers and The Dead Milkmen and Murder City Devils.
- And hey, Riot Fest got a birthday cake from Bleeding Heart Bakery. That's sweet.
- Live Music Blog has the line straight from God on Phish. Phew!
- The Chicago Public Library announced the winners of its Sound Off contest and announce a concert on 10/22.
- Loud Loop Press has it that Pelican will play an in-store show at Reckless later in the month, but more importantly, they'll debut a new "Pelican Burger" at Kuma's. Congrats, fellas! You've arrived.
- We reviewed the Jonathan Coulton show at Park West last weekend.
- A special Halloween benefit concert for Scotland Yard Gospel Choir is on deck at Subterranean. And the Hideout also offered up a slot on Nov. 12th for another benefit show featuring The 1900s
and Brighton MA.
Next Stop: Belle of the TV Ball, Cheer-Accident on the South Side
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- It was good enough for 90210, and maybe you'll like it too: Nashville-based, sometimes-Chicagoan singer/songwriter Andrew Belle brings his "smart pop" to Evanston's SPACE next Tuesday, opening for Jer Coons. All ages, get your tickets here.
- Indie-prog-rockers Cheer-Accident play Reggie's a week from today, and bring an October Surprise: per their website, "we now have several shows scheduled wherein we will be performing lots of new songs (alongside old songs that we've only whipped out maybe two or three times ever)." Arriver and Three Cheers for One Dead Man open. More information here.
Transmission: Kylie Triumphs, Riot Fest Arrives
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
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Kylie Minogue at UIC Pavilion
- Despite last-minute venue changes, Kylie Minogue's Chicago show proves a success.
- Please keep Scotland Yard Gospel Choir in your thoughts, and see how you can help them out after their van accident a few weeks ago. There's now a list of instruments up on the Bloodshot site that the band lost in the crash. Donate however you can!
- Riot Fest goes on all weekend long. Check our feature from last week to see where to get your riot on.
- Haymarket Riot plays Bottom Lounge tonight.
- Hood Internet brings it with Lauryn Hill vs Deadmau5.
- The Bottle announces a supersized Girl Talk NYE show: at the Congress.
- Flash Mob!
- Kid Koala got all scratchity at the Abbey.
- Read an interview with Baaba Maal, then go see him for free this weekend at the Cultural Center.
- Speaking of, WBEZ interviewed the man behind the Chicago Cultural Center's free music concerts.
- Schubas' new venue Lincoln Hall puts tickets on sale. First up: Mike Doughty next Friday the 16th.
- We reviewed Marilyn's Dress at the Gorilla Tango Theatre. Catch them Saturdays till Oct. 17th.
- Pitchfork wrapped up their Top 200 Albums of the 2000s. Noted: All but two of the top ten came out in the first three years of the decade. Hmm.
- Head to the Liars Club tonight for the 1-year anniversary party for Front 312 and hear some sweet local DJ sets.
Transmission: Country Shakedown, Serious Trax, Gaga Riot
Editor & Publisher of GapersBlock.com
Follow on:
- Peter Margasek runs down highlights of the Country Music Festival.
- Local DJ crew Ghetto Division announces their second Southside Shakedown featuring Fool's Gold's Kingdom. Considering their first 18+ party at the Metro hit capacity, bet on another packed room.
- Big Rock Candy Mountain introduces us to Serious Sam Barrett.
- Fake Shore Drive collected hip hop responses to the death of student Derrion Albert.
- Greg Kot kinda digs Mariah Carey's latest.
- Trax Records celebrates 25 years this weekend.
- Lady Gaga and Kanye West parted ways on their planned tour.
- Riot Fest hits town next week; Stephanie Griffin breaks down why you should care in our Transmission preview. I know I care because one of my favorite bands is reuniting:
Next Stop: No Olympics, But We Still Have Music
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Silvie's ongoing Ukulele Cabaret takes a Halloween theme Saturday with "Uke Horrifica". Bring your ukulele renditions of ghosts, goblins, or whatever spooks you out. 9pm, Silvie's Lounge (1902 W. Irving Park). More details here.
- Free Tortoise show Sunday at Reckless Records celebrating their first album in five years, Beacons of Ancestorship. 5pm, 1532 N. Milwaukee. I would get there early.
Next Stop: Extra Extra Golden, Speak Softly
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- It's a one-two punch of Nairobi's Extra Golden this weekend as they bring beautiful, danceable sounds to the Hideout. Endless Boogie opens. Saturday and Sunday at 9pm. 1354 W Wabansia Ave, tickets $12.
- Sing softly with many influences: kinda alt-country, kinda grunge, kinda poppy, altogether pretty Soft Speaker make their way to the Hideout next Friday, along with A Lull and Darling.
Transmission: Looking Back in the Mirror at Medusa's, Billy Waves Hello, Bird in a Museum
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- A venue you might remember: Medusa's.
- Last.fm brings its scrobbles to WXRT. The mainlining of internet playlists might prove interesting.
- Thrill Jockey artists Extra Golden rocks the Hideout this weekend, not once, but twice.
- Passion Pit plays LSA 9/30 for free (kinda)!
- Billy waves hello [video] from the studio (via).
- Little Shop of Horrors comes alive at the Hideout in October!
- What are your favorite artists current favorite five tunes?
- Don't forget to enter your Chicago-themed song to the Chicago Public Library's Sound Off contest. We told you earlier, so stop putting it off already. Entries due Monday 9/28.
- Get a dose of Americana, including Bloodshot artist Wayne Hancock, at the No Depression Indie Roots Music Podcast.
- Speaking of Bloodshot: here's a thank you note from Rob and Nan. (And photos from the Hideout Block Party are now posted.)
- Gerritt Wittmer plays experimental music tonight at Metal Shaker.
- Andrew Bird played a great gig at the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute Museum.
- Greg Kot interviews The Boss, and has a lot to say on Springsteen's recent "Born to Run" concert in Chicago.
- Ida Maria cancels gig at Metro Sunday after throwing a bit of a fit in Boston.
Next Stop: Antlers, Holly, and a Sycamore
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- It's a forest of sweet, ambient sound and delicate yet powerful vocals Monday night at Subterranean when The Antlers and Holly Miranda step up to form an evocative double bill. Tickets $10.
- David Daniell (of San Agustin) and Douglas McCombs (of Tortoise) celebrate the release of their collaborative album "Sycamore" next Thursday at the Hideout, along with the drummers from the album and special guest Jack Rose. Tickets here.
Transmission: That Thing Kanye Did, the Heart of SPACE
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
Bad Veins, reviewed on Gapers Block Transmission
- You might have heard that Kanye got up at an awards show and made an ass of himself...again. Tearful (heartfelt?) apologies, conspiracy theories, and internet memes sprung up like weeds. The Prez even weighed in (off the record).
- Gapers Block looks north to Evanston and the intriguing venue SPACE.
- Chip in and help CHIRP!
- Stone's Throw music and Intelligentsia's Ethiopium coffee = great combination!
- The nearly week-long Chicago World Music Festival gets underway this weekend. Mindful Metropolis thinks it's the bees knees!
- Ronnie James Dio: Doo-Wop singer? True! Holy Diver!
- Download Kid Sister's "Right Hand Hi" (Kingdom Remix) from RCRD LBL free.
- Celebrate Chicago's hip-hop scene and Vote for the Truth.
- The Giving Tree's latest album was carbon-neutral from start to finish.
- Smashing Pumpkins are giving it away, one song at a time.
- If you missed the Bloodshot Beer-B-Q and Hideout Block Party last weekend, you can at least listen to Alejandro Escovedo's whole set online for free.
- The Hood Internet (Interview) in Paste mag.
Next Stop: A Teenaged Record Label, A Chaperone, A Split
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Bloodshot Records is old enough to get their permit Saturday, and they're partying it up at the Hideout with music from 12-10pm, a Kidz Area, Sand Belt Racing, a boozy spelling bee, and food and drink. Your $10 ticket benefits Rock for Kids and 826 Chicago.
- Speaking of youngsters: local bands The Split and Lynxwail bring their sweet, guitar-laden harmonies to Martyrs' (3855 N Lincoln Ave) Tuesday.
- Chaperone's at-times soft, meandering country sounds come to Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont Ave.) Wednesday, along with along with Any Day Parade and All Rattle and Dust.
Transmission: Bloodshot's Quincinera, Billy Corgan's Soul and You Weren't There
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Bloodshot rocks Wabansia at the Hideout tomorrow. Noon - 10pm. Greg Kot interviewed label owners Rob and Nan on the occasion of their 15th birthday.
- Kinetic Stereokids pimp a new video.
- The Chicago punk documentary "You Weren't There" is finally due out next month!
- Billy Corgan's got soul. Maybe not that kind, but sole nonetheless.
- San Francisco's Mi Ami sign to Thrill Jockey Records.
- More (fantastic) Pop Punk Junk at CYSTSFTS.
- The Pygmalion Festival sets up shop downstate.
- Andrew Bird takes flight later this month at the Art Institute.
- Download and doodle in your own Indie Rock Coloring Book.
- An interview with Essex Chanel.
- Download a remix of PB&J's latest album -- revisioned as a hip-hop album featuring the likes of our own Rhymefest? My word.
- The Reader has a line on Michael Jackson's earliest known recording.
- Alarm Magazine peruses some extraordinary records.
- The Smith Westerns have a new live video for their song "Be My Girl."
- Barstool Mountain returns with new drinking songs to whet your whistle.
- There's still time to get your Chicago-inspired song into the Chicago Public Library's contest.
Next Stop: Titus Andronicus, Reggie's Turns Two, and Have We Told You About Our Party?
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- New Jersey indie rockers Titus Andronicus hit the Bottom Lounge Monday, bringing what's sure to be a loud and lively show.
- Reggie's Rock Club is two, and they're celebrating! Head down to the South Side favorite Tuesday for the New Duncan Imperials, Dorian Taj, the ZUT ALORS, Hot Cha Cha, the Armed Forces, The Bitter Wigs, Counterpunch, Mr. Blotto, Black Angus, and a surprise guest TBA. 2109 South State Street, 21+.
- They may be two, but we're in elementary school and we're throwing a party too: Gapers Block takes over the Metro Friday, along with Nikki Lynette, The Hood Internet, Blane Fonda (featuring ex-members of The Sapiens) and Panda Riot. Photo booth by IDM Photography, a found imagery slideshows by Big Happy Funhouse and Square America, and various giveaways. More fun than you can shake a stick at, and it's free before 9:30pm See you there!
Transmission: Party time, Parking Meter Monsters and Free Jazz
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Come to our party! Now with an awesome poster by Dan Grzeca! Tonight, head to 3730 N. Clark St. for our killer lineup featuring Nikki Lynette, The Hood Internet, Blane Fonda (featuring ex-members of The Sapiens) and Panda Riot. We have some other fun stuff planned, including a photo booth by IDM Photography, a found imagery slideshows by Big Happy Funhouse and Square America, giveaways and more! FREE before 9:30pm, just $6 after.
- Rock out and win fabulous prizes, courtesy of Chicago Public Library.
- Johnny Marr interviewed by Daily Mail (via Glorious Noise Records)
- Numero Group has a really sweet Light on the South Side book and 2LP set available now. Dang. Pretty. And some limited-edtion trading cards if you're strapped for cash.
- A pleasant video (though not if you get easily motion sick) of Calexico performing "Victor Jara's Hands" quite literally while on the road. Man, if only all road trips had this kind of soundtrack.
- Getting really close to Bloodshot Records' 15th Anniversary Beer-B-Q at the Hideout (psst, it's next Saturday, the 12th).
- Make your own electric guitar.
- Riot Fest West postponed. Riot Fest Chicago still going strong.
- Jazz Fest! For once it's not rainy and cold! The Reader also previews via podcast.
- Get your booty shaking. Possibly in public. Possibly near Fergie.
- "Fake Gold" remixed by Chicago's Only Children -- who also lit up the interwebs when they remixed Hey Champ's "Cold Dust Girl". (Follow Only Children's tweets here.)
- I do enjoy things that are old timey, and this Malcolm Holcombe track, "For the Mission Baby", on Songs:Illinois blog is just lovely.
- "What if a band played cheeky '60s tinged lounge rock and was fronted by a cross-dressing Joan Crawford look-a-like?" Well, they play tonight at Schubas.
Next Stop: D. Rider, Robbert Bobbert
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Made up of Todd Rittmann of the US Maple and other local veteran musicians, D. Rider's unique cavalcade of sound comes to the Bottom Lounge (1375 W Lake St.) Saturday, 9pm, along with circus marching band Mucca Pazza and Reds and Blue.
- Contrary to popular belief and an admittedly large wealth of evidence suggesting otherwise (trust me, I used to work at a "baby headquarters" that will remain anonymous), kid's music doesn't have to be saccharine and terrible. It can even be good. Robbert Bobbert (also known as Robert Schneider of the Apples in Stereo) proves this Monday with his poppy tunes, performing at Jay Pritzker Pavillion at 6:30pm. Free!
Transmission: Party with Us, Pop Punk Junk, and a Eulogy for a Fine Cat
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Gapers Block turned six this year, and much as is the tradition for that age, we're throwing a big ass party at the Metro next Friday, 9/4 with four musical acts (Nikki Lynette, The Hood Internet, Blane Fonda [featuring ex-members of The Sapiens] and Panda Riot), giveaways, a slideshow of found images, a photo booth and a whole lot more. $6 after 9:30pm, before that, get in free.
- Chicago Rocked the '90s, and James was there. Help him write a book about it.
- Can You See the Sunset from the Southside posts Vol. 4 of a Pop Punk Junk compilation.
- Bloodshot Records 15th Anniversary Beer-B-Q comes to Chicago on the 12th with a full day of music at the Hideout. Check out what it was like to hear Justin Townes Earle at the Madison party last weekend at their website. Free download.
- Buy these monsters! (Benefiting Rock for Kids)
- Peter Margasak has the line on a free online preview of the music you'll hear at Labor Day weekend's Chicago Jazz Fest.
- Yep, Pearl Jam rocked the Windy City.
- The local adaptation of High Fidelity into stage musical would be something that the characters of said record store-set novel would openly mock.
- Cream Team has a sweet mix of alternate mixes available for download by Chicago's DJ Weaponry.
- At Stereogum: old folks review Radiohead.
- Songs:Illinois lets you in on a smoove bass line by Jeb Loy Nichols' latest single "Country Music Disco".
- The Reader's Fall Arts Guide is out. What to do when it's cool and rainy...oh wait, that was summer, too.
- I'm still stunned that ScarJo can sing. Her new album with Pete Yorn is coming out soon.
- RIP Radley. The Empty Bottle loses its wonderful house cat to old age.
Next Stop: Ghostly Anniversary and the Solillaquists Of Sound
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Ghostly International, a record label whose motto states "Of Art and Artifice since 1999", celebrates its 10th anniversary at the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave.) Friday night at 9pm. Tycho, Solvent, Kill Memory Crash, Dark Party and DJ Mike Servito perform. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
- This Saturday, local hip hop extraordinaires Contriband and Kick Bricks State of Mind open for Orlando, Florida's Solillaquists of Sound at Subterranean (2011 W. North Ave), 9:30pm. Tickets are $10.
Transmission: Rock for Kids Music Mixer, Chi-Jazz Train
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Tonight, get your butts to SmartBar (below the Metro) for the annual Rock for Kids Music Mixer! All sorts of amazing local musicians and music industry folk (as well as bloggers, like Gapers Block: Transmission's staff) made unique mixes you can bid on. All the funds go to provide music programs for at-risk youth!
- This Sunday afternoon, hop on a very special CTA train -- the "Chi-Jazz El Train" -- to hear live music as you bop around town thanks to the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
- On the other hand, is jazz dying?
- R.Kelly's back in the news. For music, no less.
- Pearl Jam rocks the United Center this weekend, and you can watch a documentary about their forthcoming new album on MySpace.
- If you're thinking about the requisite summer jam by one Will Smith, The Hood Internet want you to think about it a little differently.
- Get your experimental music somewhere else. Lampo loses its home.
- Some dude got arrested after punching a police horse after Lollapalooza crowds left the park on the 9th.
- United Breaks Guitars (take 2)
- WBEZ's Eight Forty-Eight program weighs in on the "performance tax" that radio stations pay to play music.
- Califone breaks into film.
- Big Rock Candy Mountain blog has the word on my you should care that Jim Dickinson died over the weekend. Trust me, you care.
- In case you didn't get that free Radiohead track they released on Monday. Get on it.
- Turn Around. Bright Eyes. (via)
- Seven crimes to consider before turning to music piracy.
Next Stop: Mucca Pazza, Summer and Sidewalk Sales, Rocking and Reading
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- I like them so much they're getting a second mention: the self-described circus punk marching band menagerie known as Mucca Pazza plays tonight at the Jackhammer (6406 N. Clark), of all places (or maybe not?), with the New Wave-esque Detholz!. 9pm, tickets $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
- Two, two, two sales this Saturday, one new and one not: Dusty Groove's Sidewalk Sale and the Old Town School of Folk Music's annual Summer Sale.
- Local music journalist and book author Jessica Hopper reads from The Girls' Guide to Rocking, a text designed to appeal to anyone curious about starting a band. Takes place at the Oak Park Public Library (834 Lake St.), 7pm. Free.
Transmission: Life post-Lollapalooza
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
Lollapalooza crowd, Saturday night. (Photo by Anne holub)
- We went to Grant Park, we went home, we went back for more. Lollapalooza's ripples are still being felt around the interwebs (including ticket sales for 2010's fest). Gapers Block reflected on the good times. Chicagoist has the line on all the setlists from the weekend. I'm rather surprised this Flickr group only has 25 members (so far).
- Parrot heads, land sharks, and your mom doing jello shots. All are welcome in the Jimmy Buffett concert parking lot.
- Sidewalk Sale Saturday at Dusty Groove!
- Friday and Saturday: Summer sale at Old Town School of Folk Music!
- Punk rock marching band spectacle Mucca Pazza hits the gay bar Jackhammer with Detholz! tonight.
- Thrill Jockey artists The Fiery Furnaces are going all pro-health care reform at their shows in August.
- Help former Q101 show host James VanOsdol write a book on Chicago music by donating some green.
- Jim and Greg of Sound Opinions get animated.
- Collaborative music project Barstool Mountain is alive again! Remember them? They brought you the Top 100 Drinking Songs just a couple of years ago. *Hic*
- Bloodshot artist Justin Townes Earle recorded a live set on WXPN.
- Loud Loop Press has it that Kanye is going to release a Spike Jones-directed short film.
- Avant/Chicago had a post a while back I wish I'd seen earlier: 30 sites for free legal music on the web.
- Stereogum has a premiere of Amy Millan (Stars, Broken Social Scene) covering Death Cab for Cutie's "I Will Follow You Into the Dark".
- Juggalos!
Next Stop: Lolla, Lolla Aftershows, Not Lolla At All
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Friday through Sunday, our own Lollapalooza celebrates its fifth year with headliners Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode, and much more. Get your tickets here, or try your luck here.
- Aftershows abound: Lykke Li, Delta Spirit, Kid Cudi and Amanda Blank, Kaskade, to name a few.
- Like strange new sounds and the equipment used to make them? Check out the 2nd Annual Experimental Garage Sale Saturday at the Experimental Sound Studio, 5925 N. Ravenswood. From 12-8pm, browse lo-fi electronic kits and synths, handmade contact microphones, piles of Casio keyboards and who knows what else.
Transmission: La La Pah Loose Ah
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- It does seem like all the Chicago music blogs are talking about at the moment is Lollapalooza's return to Grant Park this weekend. We sure did all week long at Gapers Block: Transmission. Venus highlights some of the ladies at Lolla. WBEZ's blog brought back the council of hipsters (and invited over Steve Albini and Ald. Burt Natarus) to discuss the issues at hand. Time Out: Chicago did the thing (and gave us a cool board game to play between sets [PDF]). Chicagoist also did the thing including some tips for a fun time. Jim DeRogatis has his favorites. As did Greg Kot.
- In "Not at Lollapalooza" News: MCA is recovering from his surgery.
- Mayor Daley wants us all to know about the song "Birthday Sex" (oh, and when the new school year starts, too). Some folks aren't amused.
- Schubas announced its soon-to-be-completed new venue: Lincoln Hall.
- If you buy a digital sampler, you'll reserve your spot at the upcoming Bloodshot Records Beer-B-Q at the Hideout. Win Win!
- Deciphering the symbols made some folks pee their pants over a special upcoming show at the Metro on Sunday. (Too bad the ticketing website also went a little crazy Thursday morning, likely thanks to a super DDOS attack on the interwebs.)
- The Deli Chicago posted a blog entry on local group Mr. Russia's invitation for you, the reader, to download their latest EP for free.
- Live Nation has expanded it's "bargain" Wednesday tickets to include smaller venues. (I've etched those quotes into the sky with my fingernails, btw.)
- Phish are coming (back) to Chicago (again) this summer to play at Toyota Park on Tuesday night. Tickets are plentiful. You can geek out over at Live Music Blog for some Phish-related recaps from the tour so far.
- Speaking of Toyota Park, the Phish concert is bookended by not one but two Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band shows at the stadium Sunday and again on the 15th.
Next Stop: Hollywood Holt, Girls Rock and Ukuleles
Editor & Publisher of GapersBlock.com
Follow on:
- The Lollapalooza pre-parties have already begun: Hollywood Holt and Hey Champ rock out at Sonotheque tonight.
- The Hideout is the place to be this Saturday if you dig female musicians. Girls Rock! Chicago is hosting an all-ages show and BBQ today at The Hideout featuring local favorites 8 Inch Betsy, Lemmy Caution, Glass Bricks, Youth Dekay and the Degenerettes from Baltimore. It's an all-ages show, so bring the kids!
Ukulele Cabaret, an evening of uke-centric performances, happens tonight at Silvie's Lounge (1902 W. Irving Park Road) at 9pm. Tonight's theme is "The Ukers Wild", which means that interested parties are invited to bring three songs on any theme of their choosing. Should be interesting.
Transmission: Bird Tix Gone in 30 Seconds, Bloodshot BBQ and Zombies
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Andrew Bird is playing a special Rock for Kids benefit show at Schubas in August, but unless you were extremely quick on the click, you didn't score tickets. No fear: you can bid on some up for auction at the Rock for Kids auction site -- but you better act quick, the auction ends today.
- WBEZ's Natalie Moore interviewed Rhymefest about his new video and his participation in the "Jobs or Else" protest on the South Side.
- Speaking of NPR, Fresh Air's Ken Tucker reviewed the Fiery Furnaces' new album Going Away (Thrill Jockey) this past week. TJ is also offering a limited-time free download of the song "The End is Near" on their website currently. And you can enter a contest via WNYC to create a video for said song.
- The Hideout Block Party this year will be a one-day celebration in the form of Bloodshot Records' Beer-B-Q honoring their 15 years bringing music to the people's ears. The lineup was officially announced this week.
- Thursday, August 6, come run 3.2 miles for charity at the Elvis is Alive 5K. An all-Elvis revue performs following the race, and hey, there's beer. A head-to-toe Elvis costume gets you an advantage at the starting line.
- Girls Rock Chicago is putting on a camp kick-off show and BBQ at the Hideout Saturday afternoon. Local bands and camp bands will perform.
- Alarm magazine has some opinions on some new albums out there, including the latest from local MacArthur genius John Zorn.
- One last look at the people at Pitchfork.
- Fake Shore Drive gushes over up-and-coming local MC YP (plus, offers YP's new album for a limited-time download).
- Strap your hands across my engines! The Boss is playing Born to Run in its entirety at the United Center September 20th. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 11am via Ticketmaster ($65-$98).
- Get your Lollapalooza iPhone app while it's hot.
- Chicago music blog Loud Loop Press introduces us to a lesser-known Chicago band Rosaline (who's taking music biz advice from one Billy Corgan).
- Zombies!
Next Stop: Poppy Octopus, Edible Audible, Dead Weather
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Austin-based The Octopus Project bring their experimental collection of twee, poppy, occasionally guitar driven sounds to The Bottom Lounge this Saturday. 1375 W. Lake St. Tickets are $10 ($13 day of show). 8pm. 18+. To read up on the band prior to the show, go here.
- This Monday's Edible Audible Picnic celebrates the 7th annual Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month with a local line-up that includes: All Natural, Primeridian, Ang 13, Urbanized Music, Pugs Atomz, FM Supreme, AquaMoon, Kuumba Lynx, The Opus, GQ Tha Teacha, DJ Man-O-Wax and Stick & Move Dance Crew. Millenium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, noon, free.
- Jack White (The White Stripes); Alison Mosshart (The Kills); Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs); and Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) make up The Dead Weather, who play at The Vic next Wednesday, 7/29. 7:30pm, get your tickets here.
Transmission: The Pitchfork That Was, No Beastie for You
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Remember last weekend when Pitchfork happened? No? Well, in Gapers Block we recapped it in words and pictures (along with artist interviews over the weekend). So did Time Out Chicago. So did Chicagoist. So did The Decider (with video). And WBEZ's blog has a series of video recaps and interviews, including a pretty nasty one investigating the equally nasty porta-john situation.
- Beastie Boys pulled out of Lollapalooza and their Chicago show at the Congress and pushed back the release of their new album because MCA has cancer. Here's hoping for a full and speedy recovery, Adam (and a swift return to Chicago)! Yeah Yeah Yeahs are announced as the replacement not 24-hours later. Scalpers cry.
- Thax Douglas isn't dead. But he is pissed you're not talking about his book.
- Time Out Chicago wants you to avoid the dreaded club disease (i.e. tinnitus, you dirty bird) and sport some fly new accessories with Ladybuds -- earrings with earplugs attached. Because going deaf is so 1993.
- Wilco's playing UIC Pavilion in October.
- Jack White's new band The Dead Weather hits the Vic next week.
- Download a new Kid Sister track "Right Hand Hi" at Chicagoist (still no word on her ever-shifting album release date).
- Detroit-area DailyBeatz blog interviews Darren Spitzer of Chicago band The Changes.
- Music, film and radio combine forces to present a special screening of The Beatles' 1964 movie "A Hard Day's Night" at the Music Box Theatre Tuesday the 28th. WBEZ's Sound Opinions music critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot host.
- Local punk garage duo White Mystery celebrates their new single release (Hozac) at Permanent Records tonight at 6pm.
Next Stop: Decks and the City, Bombazo, and Yes, Pitchfork
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Friday through Sunday, Pitchfork Music Festival rocks Union Park with 40 of the country's independent bands and artists. There are currently only a few Friday passes left, but there's still Craigslist for would-be Saturday and Sunday ticket holders.
- Enjoy fashion, art, dancing, gambling and the smooth sounds of DJ Intel and Maker of the Comeups, and do something good Friday at Decks and the City. Event takes place on the campus of St Ignatius Prep at 1076 W. Roosevelt Road. Tickets and more information available here. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
- Chicago SummerDance in the Parks keeps it hot next Wednesday with free Puerto Rican bomba dance lessons in Humboldt Park Boathouse. Music by AfriCaribe, Grupo Yuba, and Nuestro Tambo. Lessons start at 6pm.
Transmission: I'm Still not Going to Jinx the Weather this Weekend by Talking About It
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- There's many a way to preview a indie music fest, and nearly every blog in Chicago is taking a stab at it in order to cover this weekend's near sold-out Pitchfork Music Festival. The WBEZ blog put together the ancient "council of hipsters" to debate the great quandaries of the weekend; Chicagoist farmed out the duties to the readers, er, festival-goers themselves; Gapers Block of course did a preview of our favorite picks (and we'll have continuing coverage, too); and the Reader has an online preview and a handy pullout guide in their print edition.
- Head over to Darkroom tonight for a post-Pitchfork show by the Hood Internet, Life During Wartime and BBU billed as "DICKFORK" (all caps not my idea). Get in for free by showing your Pitchfork wristband/ticket stub or by RSVP-ing here and arriving before 11pm. Otherwise, it's just $5. (21+)
- Stream a workweek mixtape via Asthmatic Kitty records created by Yeasayer drummer JayTram and Roberto C. Lange (aka Helado Negro).
- Bloodshot Records got approval on their iPhone App.
- Schubas is cleaning out the store room and has loads of "classic" t-shirts for sale online.
- Speaking of shirts, who's going to create the Threadless t-shirt bingo cards for Pitchfork? Or who's gonna update the Hipster Bingo for summer '09?
- Former Smashing Pumpkins bassist D'Arcy called in to Q101 last week to gab.
- Reminded recently of a lovely song "Lake Michigan" by Rogue Wave and a sweet lil video of an acoustic performance last summer. (You can also hear it via Rogue Wave's Daytrotter session last January.)
- Dude, the Pixies are coming back to Chicago to perform their album Doolittle, which is turning 20 this year.
- Jon Langford performing Shel Silverstein's "Boy Named Sue", via Time Out Chicago.
- I'm not sure what it says about Cheap Trick (or Chicago Public Radio), but the Chicago-loving band performed live on Eight Forty-Eight Thursday morning. (Honestly, I still love "Surrender.") They perform tonight at the Midwest Bank Amphitheater along with Def Leppard and Poison.
Next Stop: Folk & Roots, Sound and Fury, Free Flatbear
Rose came to Chicago by way of San Francisco and St. Paul, pursued higher education, and has been here ever since. Edits Slowdown, the Gapers Block calendar.
Follow on:
- Come on down to Welles Park (Lincoln and Montrose) for the 12th annual Folk & Roots Festival, courtesy of the Old Town School of Folk Music. Runs Saturday and Sunday, 12-9:30pm. See their website for more information and a full line-up.
- Metal, industrial, noise and more: The Human Quena Orchestra, Anatomy of Habit, Locrian and Pharmakon play Monday as part of the Empty Bottle's Free Monday series. 9pm, free.
- Another free show: Jentri Colello of the Madison-based folk act Flatbear plays the Double Door free of charge this Tuesday. 8:30pm. 1572 N. Milwaukee, 21+. Also playing: Jeremy Kenn & The False Starts, Jon Drake & The Shakes, and Sure Fire Groove.
Transmission: What are you doing inside? Waiting for more MJ coverage?
A Southern gal, I arrived in Chicago on somewhat of a whim in 2003 and was charmed instantly.
Follow on:
- Bloodshot Records is rolling out its 15-year anniversary swag including pocket bottle coolies and insulated six-pack carriers.
- The Old Town School of Folk Music wants to be your music resource -- but they need your help. Their new site, Old Time Chicago, is in need of writers to create reviews, event listings and musician information.
- Into hearing music...outside? Crazy, I know. This weekend's Folk & Roots Festival, presented by the aforementioned Old Town School, brings the honky tonk into the bright light of day in Welles Park. Peter Margasak previews the fest (which unfortunately is suffering the same budgetary woes of, well, all of us this year) over in the Reader's Post No Bills blog. Jim DeRogatis is a tad more optimistic about this consistently laid-back and "family-friendly" festival in Lincoln Square.
- The downside to hanging around large festivals, or even those great free outdoors shows is the waiting game. Transmisson writers give you their picks for the best music-themed books to fill the gap between sets this summer.
- Former punk musician Eric Mueller muses on his recently acquired unicycle skills, and his wife's eminent labor. That's one interesting combo in his blog Can You See the Sunset from the South Side. [Update! Congrats on the very recent birth of Eric's second daughter.]
- Mannequin Men play tonight at the Metro, and as of press time there were still tickets left. The Reader's Crickets blog reviews their new album, out via download or vinyl only on local label Flameshovel this week Lose Your Illusion, Too and throws in a nod to the band's recent cassette release also (out via Plustapes in limited quantities).
- Which reminds me, hear about that 13-year-old kid who used a walkman for a week and didn't know that you had to turn the tape over?
- I missed this Wednesday's inaugural edition of Veggie Bingo at the Hideout, but you can bet I'll get there next week to enjoy hot dogs, local food delights, and "all-star team of callers."
- Need some happiness betwixt your earbuds that can only come from an Indonesian pop sextet influenced by movies from the '70s? I can't help you. Nah, I'm just kidding. Download the EP Senja Menggila by White Shoes & The Couples Company for free. Hat tip to Minty Fresh.
- As if you could miss it this week, there was plenty of Michael Jackson memorial coverage on the old interwebs. Certainly no definitive list, a few highlights you might have missed include: Jim DeRogatis live-blogged the event at the Staples Center on the 7th, Miles Raymer brought an essay to light by a Northwestern professor that addresses the question of MJ's dark side, Fake Shore Drive uploaded a special Michael Jackson Tribute mix, and a Jackson impersonator shared his grief with WBEZ.
- And with nearly nothing to do with Chicago music, but everything to do with the current Tour de France and pioneers of electronic music, local blog Resident Advisor posts a video from Kraftwerk's recent show at the Manchester Velodrome. They quite awesomely incorporate live cyclists into the performance of "Tour de France".