Posts tagged Chicago

Fanfarlo “Shiny Things”

How long have I been waiting for a new Fanfarlo album? Too long. The time is now!

Rooms Filled with Light drops February 27th. Oh, and they’re coming to Chicago in March. Merry Christmas, Nora!

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Cass McCombs “The Same Thing”

Few people in the world are as talented as Cass McCombs.
Which makes it everyone in Chicago’s luck day. Because Sir McCombs is playing at Lincoln Hall THIS Sunday (1/29).

Buy tickets HERE.

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Ticket Giveaway! We’ve got a pair of tickets for you and your hot date to go to The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival January 28th with a lineup that has 15 (15!) bands playing all day long, including Drive By Truckers, Joe Pug, Van Ghost, and personal fave- Dawes! For those of you who think that Chicago summers are useful for one thing and one thing only (music festivals), this is a DON’T MISS event. Music festival in the winter? Genius. We went last year and had the best time watching (among fabulous others) Grace Potter and Edward Sharpe tear up the stage all from the cozy indoors. Such an incredible Chicago event, headed by three Chicago powerhouse event organizations, they are bringing the joy of music festivals to the saddest Chicago month- January, of course. We want to be sure you don’t miss it, so we’re going to GIVE you a free pair of tickets. All you have to do is email your name to Tickets@TheFiveThreeSix.com. Obviously we’ll check that you LIKE us on Facebook and are following us on Twitter, but I’m sure you already are. And hey, like the CBB Fest’s page while you’re “checking”. Get the full lineup and details here: www.lineup.cbbfestival.com. Good luck! See you there! | N

Ticket Giveaway!

We’ve got a pair of tickets for you and your hot date to go to The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival January 28th with a lineup that has 15 (15!) bands playing all day long, including Drive By Truckers, Joe Pug, Van Ghost, and personal fave- Dawes! For those of you who think that Chicago summers are useful for one thing and one thing only (music festivals), this is a DON’T MISS event. Music festival in the winter? Genius.

We went last year and had the best time watching (among fabulous others) Grace Potter and Edward Sharpe tear up the stage all from the cozy indoors. Such an incredible Chicago event, headed by three Chicago powerhouse event organizations, they are bringing the joy of music festivals to the saddest Chicago month- January, of course.

We want to be sure you don’t miss it, so we’re going to GIVE you a free pair of tickets. All you have to do is email your name to Tickets@TheFiveThreeSix.com. Obviously we’ll check that you LIKE us on Facebook and are following us on Twitter, but I’m sure you already are.

And hey, like the CBB Fest’s page while you’re “checking”. Get the full lineup and details here: www.lineup.cbbfestival.com.

Good luck! See you there!

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Band: Noah and the Whale (supported by Nikki Lane)Venue: Lincoln Hall (2424 N. Lincoln)Date(s): Friday, 11/11 AND Saturday 11/12Proof: Video for “Waiting for My Chance to Come”Tickets: $20 here We ran out of time to make this interview work, but I wanted to HIGHLY suggest this show nonetheless. One of my favorite London bands, Noah and the Whale is playing TWO nights in Chicago, tonight and tomorrow at Lincoln Hall. I’m personally very much looking forward to seeing them, so naturally, you should be too. I’ve seen them twice this year, though both times at festivals, so I am beyond excited to see them play in one of my favorite Chicago venues. Tickets are still available for both nights, but will likely sell out any minute so get on it! You could also just read our Lollapalooza Tip Off interview with them and get the basic gist. Basically all you need to know is they are super talented, absolutely adorable and I love them. PLUS, a really sensational up-and-comer, Nikki Lane is opening. Preview her new video for “Sleep For You” here. See you there? Great. | N

Band: Noah and the Whale (supported by Nikki Lane)
Venue: Lincoln Hall (2424 N. Lincoln)
Date(s): Friday, 11/11 AND Saturday 11/12
Proof: Video for “Waiting for My Chance to Come”
Tickets: $20 here

We ran out of time to make this interview work, but I wanted to HIGHLY suggest this show nonetheless. One of my favorite London bands, Noah and the Whale is playing TWO nights in Chicago, tonight and tomorrow at Lincoln Hall. I’m personally very much looking forward to seeing them, so naturally, you should be too. I’ve seen them twice this year, though both times at festivals, so I am beyond excited to see them play in one of my favorite Chicago venues. Tickets are still available for both nights, but will likely sell out any minute so get on it!
You could also just read our Lollapalooza Tip Off interview with them and get the basic gist. Basically all you need to know is they are super talented, absolutely adorable and I love them.

PLUS, a really sensational up-and-comer, Nikki Lane is opening. Preview her new video for “Sleep For You” here.

See you there? Great.

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Laura Marling, “Untitled” Live from Lincoln Hall, Chicago 9/22/2011

B and I have liked idolized Laura Marling for years, we love everything about her: her music, her dating history, her looks. (Seriously, hours have been spent deciding whether or not I should dye my hair Laura Marling-blonde or Laura Marling-brown.)
We saw her live for the first time last night and our love took a turn for the serious. She’s our generation’s Joni Mitchell- a perfected, whimsical story teller who dances between octaves with the ease in which most people speak. She’s funny, sweet and unrefined and humbled by every audience-echo of her lyrics or drunkenly shouted song request. She was, I think, one of the most talented people I’ve ever shared a room with.
The video above is poor quality and doesn’t even really catch the entire song, but it’s a brand-new, unrecorded piece she played sans-band and it’s really awesome. I’ve listened to her records for years, but seeing her live brought her to an unparalleled new level of talent. Go see her. And get her new album. Get all her albums. And seriously brown or blonde?

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Grieves “Blood Poetry”

Grieves is playing Chicago Monday, September 26th @ Subterranean.
New album Together/Apart is out now on Rhymesayers.

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Disappears have one available press shot. Had no choice but to cut off some faces. Apologies to the band.We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: DisappearsLollapalooza Set: Saturday, August 6th @ 12:45 PM at Bud LightProof:This official video for “Superstition,” a genuine rock hit There has to be something redeeming about being a band from a tiny little North Dakota town. Then, whenever some local music journalist who can’t think of what to write in his monthly column decides to do another “Best local bands” piece, you always make the top. When you’re from a big city such as Chicago, in a music scene constantly evolving, when that local music journalist makes this list, first of all that journalist will be someone badass like Greg Kot and second of all, you’ll be competing under sub-headlines that read things like “I guess we’ll leave Kanye out of the running for some fairness.” It’s not easy. But for The Disappears, it’s not hard. They top every list with ease, because, despite this being a big, musically-evolving city, they are one of the best. Their second album Guider out this year proved this is more ways than one. First, when one member left, he was replaced by Sonic Youth’s drummer Steve Shelley. Not too shabby of a replacement. The album was met with rave reviews, and though only a quick six songs, it’s already topping favorite album lists. Plus, I heard when it was first released that all the songs were recorded in one take. Fronted by Chicago rock veteran Brian Case, who completed our interview below in perfect Disappears-esque form, this is a band who has the most exquisite amount of 90s experience mixed with inevitable future success. Disappears is without doubt one of the best Chicago groups, and one of the best acts playing at Lolla. We love supporting the local guys playing Lollapalooza and we appreciate when they make it so freaking easy. Go see this show. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?I honestly don’t know who’s playing around the time that we are - later that night we’re playing a show with Arctic Monkeys, they’re pretty cool - I’m looking forward to seeing them play. Cubs or Sox?Neither, baseball is the worst sport for me, incredibly boring. My son likes the Sox for some reason, even though we live on the north side of the city. Describe your live act in five words:“Who is this band playing?”  “Not much talking between songs” “Whoa, this is intense bro!” What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Lower Dens - “Tea Lights” Veronica Falls - “Beachy Head” Wire - “Madman’s Honey” Cass McCombs - “Your Mother and Father” The Clean - “Are You Really On Drugs” How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?I feel ok about it, someone had to take the fall. What will you drink onstage?A bottle of Rosè What is your favorite festival memory?At the second Lollapalooza I saw Lush and Jesus and Mary Chain play, that was really great - I grew up in St. Louis and I’m pretty sure Lush never came back. I know JAMC played with Pixies a few years later but I couldn’t go so that remains the only time I’ve seen those bands. What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Heat irritation, intense thirst, possible buyer remorse 

Disappears have one available press shot. Had no choice but to cut off some faces. Apologies to the band.
We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Disappears
Lollapalooza Set: Saturday, August 6th @ 12:45 PM at Bud Light
Proof:This official video for “Superstition,” a genuine rock hit

There has to be something redeeming about being a band from a tiny little North Dakota town. Then, whenever some local music journalist who can’t think of what to write in his monthly column decides to do another “Best local bands” piece, you always make the top. When you’re from a big city such as Chicago, in a music scene constantly evolving, when that local music journalist makes this list, first of all that journalist will be someone badass like Greg Kot and second of all, you’ll be competing under sub-headlines that read things like “I guess we’ll leave Kanye out of the running for some fairness.” It’s not easy.
But for The Disappears, it’s not hard. They top every list with ease, because, despite this being a big, musically-evolving city, they are one of the best.
Their second album Guider out this year proved this is more ways than one. First, when one member left, he was replaced by Sonic Youth’s drummer Steve Shelley. Not too shabby of a replacement. The album was met with rave reviews, and though only a quick six songs, it’s already topping favorite album lists. Plus, I heard when it was first released that all the songs were recorded in one take.
Fronted by Chicago rock veteran Brian Case, who completed our interview below in perfect Disappears-esque form, this is a band who has the most exquisite amount of 90s experience mixed with inevitable future success.
Disappears is without doubt one of the best Chicago groups, and one of the best acts playing at Lolla. We love supporting the local guys playing Lollapalooza and we appreciate when they make it so freaking easy.

Go see this show.

You’re welcome,

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Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
I honestly don’t know who’s playing around the time that we are - later that night we’re playing a show with Arctic Monkeys, they’re pretty cool - I’m looking forward to seeing them play.

Cubs or Sox?
Neither, baseball is the worst sport for me, incredibly boring. My son likes the Sox for some reason, even though we live on the north side of the city.

Describe your live act in five words:
“Who is this band playing?” 
“Not much talking between songs”
“Whoa, this is intense bro!”

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Lower Dens - “Tea Lights”
Veronica Falls - “Beachy Head”
Wire - “Madman’s Honey”
Cass McCombs - “Your Mother and Father”
The Clean - “Are You Really On Drugs”

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
I feel ok about it, someone had to take the fall.

What will you drink onstage?
A bottle of Rosè

What is your favorite festival memory?
At the second Lollapalooza I saw Lush and Jesus and Mary Chain play, that was really great - I grew up in St. Louis and I’m pretty sure Lush never came back. I know JAMC played with Pixies a few years later but I couldn’t go so that remains the only time I’ve seen those bands.

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Heat irritation, intense thirst, possible buyer remorse 

Nothing like the lapse between Pitchfork and Lollapalooza to make you Chicagoans feel like your good tastes are breaking the bank. SO, out of the kindness of my precious little heart (and other things that have nothing to do with me), I bring you something that’s incredible, fun, has fabulous music and is FREE. What:The Rumble Tour, Chicago’s July show!Where: The Beauty Bar 1444 W. Chicago AvenueWhen: THIS Wednesday, July 20th @ 9 PMHow much: FREE. All you need is proof that you are 21. Who: This is the best part! Since The Rumble is so good at outdoing itself, we have our best lineup yet!Magic Key (formerly Aleks and the Drummer) Safeword (side project of Mahjongg’s Hunter Husar)Architecture (former members of Panda Riot) Impressed? I thought you might be. Get more scoop via Facebook here and invite your friends to join you! You can also RSVP to insure your spot here! You’re welcome, | N

Nothing like the lapse between Pitchfork and Lollapalooza to make you Chicagoans feel like your good tastes are breaking the bank. SO, out of the kindness of my precious little heart (and other things that have nothing to do with me), I bring you something that’s incredible, fun, has fabulous music and is FREE.

What:The Rumble Tour, Chicago’s July show!
Where: The Beauty Bar 1444 W. Chicago Avenue
When: THIS Wednesday, July 20th @ 9 PM
How much: FREE. All you need is proof that you are 21.
Who: This is the best part! Since The Rumble is so good at outdoing itself, we have our best lineup yet!
Magic Key (formerly Aleks and the Drummer)
Safeword (side project of Mahjongg’s Hunter Husar)
Architecture (former members of Panda Riot)

Impressed? I thought you might be.

Get more scoop via Facebook here and invite your friends to join you!
You can also RSVP to insure your spot here!

You’re welcome,

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Photo Credit: Emily Dyan Ibarra We’re previewing the best + brightest Lollapalooza acts. Get the scoop here! Artist: Portugal. The ManLollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 5:00 PM at SonyProof: This 13-minute video combines two of In The Mountain In The Cloud’s most delightful tracks, “Sleep Forever” and “Got It All (This Can’t Be Living Now)” It feels like the perfect time to talk about another favorite Lollapalooza act, Portugal, The Man, because I’ve just finished listening to their new album In the Mountain In The Cloud (you can too via Paste here), which is due out July 19th. This album joins five other albums released since 2006 but we all know quantity does not equal quality, especially in music. However, this is a band that is just as talented as they are busy. Their drippy, dreamy rock sound led by lead singer John Gourley leaves little to be desired. They are a sweet, easy treat to listen to in almost any setting and also put on an unbelievable live show. Their set at Bonnaroo was spectacular: the kind of show that even in 100 degree heat (with minor sound issues), you feel like you could happily watch another five hours of it. Gourley is often cited as the enigmatic front man, but it’s really the honest on stage connection and charm of the entire group that makes this band so special. Though a recognizable name, Portugal. The Man hasn’t quite reached the amount of indie success their music garners. They are the type of group that I’m often surprised to learn people don’t know much about. But then again, people do seem to know a lot about girls who are 16 & Pregnant so perhaps Portugal. The Man is just doing something right. Either way, if you are going to be at Lollapalooza, this is a set not to miss. It’s inevitable that this lingering middle lane success will explode to world domination soon enough and it very likely may happen with next week’s release. And as always, I only ask one thing in return for this generous sharing of my fabulous music tastes: money. Access my paypal account here. Just kidding. Apparently that’s of “poor taste”. So just email me a compliment or something. Stream the album from the link above, be sure to watch the beautiful posted video and check my interview with drummer Jason Sechrist below. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?I am excited to see Ween, Phantogram, and Lykke Li  Cubs or Sox?Honestly I am into The Bulls,  Basketball is our game. But if I had to say it i would pick Sox because you can color in part of the O and make it say sex. Describe your live act in five words:Who, What, When, Where, Why?    What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Dandy Warhols ”Sleep,” DJ Shadow Blood ”On The Motorway,” AIR ”Universal Traveler,” The Knife From ”Off To On,” Pixies ”River Euphrates“  How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Response:  www.coasttocoastam.com  What will you drink onstage?Water with a vitamin packet inside, and hopefully an ice cold beer next to it.  I hear Duvel is the beer on tap at this thing…?  What is your favorite festival memory?Bonnaroo 2009,  We had our show in That tent and the sky dropped and the thunder and lightning moved in over the festival on everyone, some people took shelter from the storm there and we plugged in and went for it.  What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Anxiety, Understanding, Community.  

Photo Credit: Emily Dyan Ibarra

We’re previewing the best + brightest Lollapalooza acts. Get the scoop here!

Artist: Portugal. The Man
Lollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 5:00 PM at Sony
Proof: This 13-minute video combines two of In The Mountain In The Cloud’s most delightful tracks, “Sleep Forever” and “Got It All (This Can’t Be Living Now)”

It feels like the perfect time to talk about another favorite Lollapalooza act, Portugal, The Man, because I’ve just finished listening to their new album In the Mountain In The Cloud (you can too via Paste here), which is due out July 19th. This album joins five other albums released since 2006 but we all know quantity does not equal quality, especially in music.
However, this is a band that is just as talented as they are busy. Their drippy, dreamy rock sound led by lead singer John Gourley leaves little to be desired. They are a sweet, easy treat to listen to in almost any setting and also put on an unbelievable live show. Their set at Bonnaroo was spectacular: the kind of show that even in 100 degree heat (with minor sound issues), you feel like you could happily watch another five hours of it. Gourley is often cited as the enigmatic front man, but it’s really the honest on stage connection and charm of the entire group that makes this band so special.
Though a recognizable name, Portugal. The Man hasn’t quite reached the amount of indie success their music garners. They are the type of group that I’m often surprised to learn people don’t know much about. But then again, people do seem to know a lot about girls who are 16 & Pregnant so perhaps Portugal. The Man is just doing something right. Either way, if you are going to be at Lollapalooza, this is a set not to miss. It’s inevitable that this lingering middle lane success will explode to world domination soon enough and it very likely may happen with next week’s release. And as always, I only ask one thing in return for this generous sharing of my fabulous music tastes: money. Access my paypal account here.
Just kidding. Apparently that’s of “poor taste”. So just email me a compliment or something.
Stream the album from the link above, be sure to watch the beautiful posted video and check my interview with drummer Jason Sechrist below.

You’re welcome,

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Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
I am excited to see Ween, Phantogram, and Lykke Li 

Cubs or Sox?
Honestly I am into The Bulls,  Basketball is our game. But if I had to say it i would pick Sox because you can color in part of the O and make it say sex.

Describe your live act in five words:
Who, What, When, Where, Why?   

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Dandy Warhols ”Sleep,” DJ Shadow Blood ”On The Motorway,” AIR ”Universal Traveler,” The Knife From ”Off To On,” Pixies ”River Euphrates“ 

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Response:  www.coasttocoastam.com
 
What will you drink onstage?
Water with a vitamin packet inside, and hopefully an ice cold beer next to it.  I hear Duvel is the beer on tap at this thing…? 

What is your favorite festival memory?
Bonnaroo 2009,  We had our show in That tent and the sky dropped and the thunder and lightning moved in over the festival on everyone, some people took shelter from the storm there and we plugged in and went for it. 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Anxiety, Understanding, Community.  

The Rumble Chicago’s June show is right around the corner and it’s the best lineup yet! Three bands I’ve been wanting to see live for awhile now and leave it to The Rumble to get them all in one fabulous place for me FOR FREE! When: Wednesday, June 22nd @ 9 PMWhere: (NEW LOCATION!) The Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago AvenueCost: FREE! Just RSVP here www.therumblechicago.eventbrite.comLineup: Yawn, The Distractions and Campfires I am so excited about this lineup and cannot wait! Plus, find me a cooler Chicago venue than the Beauty Bar, I dare you. See you all there! | N

The Rumble Chicago’s June show is right around the corner and it’s the best lineup yet! Three bands I’ve been wanting to see live for awhile now and leave it to The Rumble to get them all in one fabulous place for me FOR FREE!

When: Wednesday, June 22nd @ 9 PM
Where: (NEW LOCATION!) The Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Avenue
Cost: FREE! Just RSVP here www.therumblechicago.eventbrite.com
Lineup: Yawn, The Distractions and Campfires

I am so excited about this lineup and cannot wait! Plus, find me a cooler Chicago venue than the Beauty Bar, I dare you.
See you all there!

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