Introducing "a thousand ears" : a new music blog for the semi-masses... my friend Daniel wanted to release some of his thoughts on music in a new forum, so I teamed up with him to present "a thousand ears" a new site for music musings... so most of my new thoughts will post there. So, check it out if you want.
posted by CG @ 12:44 PM
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Everyone always has their lists of favorites. I spend a great deal of time dedicated to listening and sampling new music, if almost to an obsession. The basis for my top albums of 2008 is the number of times I went back to these albums to listen, re-listen, and listen to some more.
posted by CG @ 11:54 AM
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The best shows I attended in 2008...
posted by CG @ 1:31 PM
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I have to admit I was looking forward to his set on Sunday, after listening to The Drop to the Top, this bender of an album clocking in at just over 34 minutes, is filled with some really great pop tunes, that skip from the upbeat to the melancholic, layered over drum machine/synth symphonies, with an acoustic guitar riffing right along. His lyrics are at times creative and funny, yet maintain a very elementary subtext and structure. Overall, there is a great sense of creativity and self awareness, which proves for a very fine debut album.
On stage: Only Son kept his set short and to the point, bringing to life his songs with the help of his iPod backing band, pre-recorded backing tracks that were pumped through the Riv's sound system, as he sings and strums his acoustic guitar. In theory, the idea of being able to reproduce fuller sound without the weight of other band members and the mobility of pre-recorded mp3 tracks serving as accompaniment is definitely enticing, but in practice the majority of these attempts do the music an injustice. Such is the case with Only Son, on CD Dishel creates these little pop gems, but onstage this past Sunday, it was somewhat disappointing. The audio levels sounded a bit off, causing the backing tracks to overpower Dishel's guitar playing and causing him to push vocally as well. It made me wonder if Only Son, would benefit from the help a few friends backing him up instead or even a smaller venue. It was a valiant effort, but seemed out of place on the massive stage of the Riv; this solo artist jamming out on an acoustic guitar with an iPod on a stool and an elaborate light show happening all around him. It was almost comical, perhaps this is the future of low maintance indie rock, technology is making it easier to ditch the full band. Despite these minor qualms, Dishel proved to be an interesting performer and showing a bit of his sense of humor, ending his set with an advertisement promoting the sale of his record after the show, in a creepy voice-over announcer voice. Next time, he comes through let's hope he'll hit up one of our fine club venues and be sure check out The Drop to the Top it's worth a dedicated listen.
Check out the video for Only Son's "My Museum"!
You can sample more Only Son music on his Myspace page.
posted by CG @ 11:08 AM
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Taking (a lot of) inspiration from Michel Gondry's White Stripes video for "Fell In Love With a Girl", Fujiya & Miyagi, the new wave 70's Krautrock duo have released the video for their own personal anthem "Ankle Injuries", proving that is possible to create a catchy hook comprised of the chanting repetition of your band name. Preview more music on their Myspace page.
posted by CG @ 11:12 AM
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Lindsay is currently working on recording the follow-up album to her 2006 release Songs About Teeth,
which not only delivers what it promises "teeth songs", it is also filledwith sad and delightful tracks about desperation, hope, spines, and cannibals. At the heart and soul of this album is Lindsay's piano
playing and elegant voice (think Regina Spektor), which she is not
afraid of pushing to the limits, but with the help of some friends on cello, violin, mandolin, and drums the captivating sound of Songs About Teeth is achieved. She is armed to the teeth with an arsenal of quirky pop songs chock full of imaginative lyrics that we surely make you smile and squirm.
Here's the disturbingly, hilarious video for the catchy as hell song "64 Little White Things" Enjoy!
DOWNLOAD: Cake Bake Betty - "Samo & Grace"
-from Songs About Teeth (buy here)
posted by CG @ 11:18 AM
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Do the Buildings and Cops Make You Smile?
posted by CG @ 10:59 AM
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Show Information:
May 5th, 2007
Subterranean | 2011 W. North Ave. - Chicago, IL
Doors at 9:30PM | Show at 10PM
18+ | Tickets only $7 !!!
www.subt.net
This exciting night will include performances by Eagle*Seagull, Cake Bake Betty, The Modern Temper, & Stiletto Attack!
So, mark your calendars and stay tuned for more announcements!
THE LINEUP:
EAGLE*SEAGULL (Lincoln, Nebraska)
www.eagleseagull.com | myspace
"Headed by Eli Mardock, Eagle*Seagull comes across like a composite of numerous indie sounds – perhaps most directly a unique mixture of the cache of Sub Pop's Canadian bands ( e.g, Wolf Parade, Constantines) and Saddle Creek's more chilled outfits. Yet, no band on either of those labels has much on ES. It is fairly amazing that more hasn't been heard about this phenomenal act for Lincoln. That should all change quite soon." -Exoduster
"I've already proclaimed that these swinging Lincolnites as being Nebraska's version of red-hot Canadian "It" band The Arcade Fire. Why? Could be because Eli Mardock's breathy moan resembles AF's Win Butler's, or that both bands have a penchant for jaunty non-traditional arrangements on a grand scale ("Your Beauty is a Knife I Turn on My Throat" sounds like it came straight off Funeral). Still, the comparison ain't fair. Too often E*S's debut veers headily away from AF's Bowie worship, especially on tracks like the momentous "Lock and Key," with its late-song waltz that creates a majesty uniquely its own. Ambitious, and good too." - Omaha Reader
CAKE BAKE BETTY (Chicago via Nashville)
Cake Bake Betty myspace
You'd have to get up pretty early in the morning to find an album of more alluring songs based around unusual themes than "Songs About Teeth". The musical vehicle of multi-instrumental New Jersey songwriter Lindsay Powell, Cake Bake Betty's album is an exercise in both the beautiful and the bizarre. Inspired predominantly by old mariner songs, folk classics and blues standards amongst many other influences, the tracks have an off-kilter appeal and energy which most artists would struggle to replicate. As promised in the title, the record does indeed contain songs about teeth, as well as tackling issues of cannibalism, robots and pirates and comes from the lyrical left-field in a unique and sometimes disturbing way. The songs themselves are fragile, ethereal piano-led ballads and the record also utilises mournful strings and electronic flourishes, transporting the listener to strange new worlds with a lullaby-esque appeal. - Supersweet UK
THE MODERN TEMPER (Chicago, IL)
www.themoderntemper.com | myspace
"Here's a good example of a band -- in this case, Chicago's Modern Temper -- displaying an influence without sounding anything like it. They're taking clear cues from the Dismemberment Plan, but making the source their own: the drums' pauses and gaps inject air into the track, which is dense with incandescent synth but never feels crowded, and the guitar chimes in to answer Joel Ebner's clear-eyed tenor vocal (full disclosure: Ebner is a former P-fork staffer). The arson committed by the song's protagonist amounts to the literal destruction of a faltering relationship's physical vestiges, a would-be cleansing blaze that only causes more pain. This all adds up to a relaxed, mechanized breeze of a pop song about arson that feels earthier than it probably should." - Pitchforkmedia.com
The Modern Temper - "Started a Fire"
STILETTO ATTACK! (Chicago, IL)
Stiletto Attack! myspace
"Aptly named, Stiletto Attack vocalist PJ Stiletto has one of those voices that cuts like a blade through the guitar and backing vocals of her bandmates, clear and precise, perhaps a little deadly. The mechanics of how these three ladies came together, they say, defies explanation. SA's bluesy, slightly Southern-influenced rock and roll takes cues from cultural icons — they name JonBenet Ramsey and Matt Dillion specifically — as well as other musical influences so diverse it's like they threw darts at the Billboard chart. With Stiletto Attack enabling all of their members to write music with a unique collage of styles, they have the talent to take their act beyond Chicago and the Midwest. I'd like to see them do something less acoustic — just to see the turnout when PJ ramps up the power and passion behind her voice." - Chicago Innerview
posted by CG @ 3:30 PM
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Feeling left out of the fun? Everyone you know down in Austin and you're stuck in Chicago? These can be trying times. Luckily, if you're up for the challenge there is plethora of good shows happening between now and by the time your friends get back to keep you busy and afoot. Don't let your friends have all the bragging rights.
posted by CG @ 10:22 AM
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Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co is a non-profit theatre that has been a staple of the Chicago theater scene since 1986, best known for their gritty, stellar ensemble acting and daring staging. Each year they celebrate the spirit of Woodstock with their annual Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins festival, a three-day virtually non-stop marathon of theatre, music, performance art, and spontaneity.
RFC Interview with The Panda Band!
Download: The Panda Band - "Eyelashes"
RFC Podcast with Slings & Arrows Here!
Download: Slings & Arrows - "My Amelia"
Preview Dave Fischoff's The Crawl here
Download: Dave Fischoff - "Landscape Skin"
posted by CG @ 3:57 PM
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posted by CG @ 3:53 PM
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Chicago's friendly melody makers, Baby Teeth are releasing a new album tomorrow, March 13th on Lujo Records. They have an upcoming CD Release party at Schubas on March 17th. In the spirit of this celebration, they are giving away a free MP3 Only EP entitled We Live Here. Check it Out in it's entirety:
posted by CG @ 9:42 AM
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posted by CG @ 8:09 AM
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Dave Fischoff is an immensely creative composer of electronic, hip hop fused pop symphonies, armed with an arsenal of various audio clips culled from the Chicago Public Library. His inventive compositions pull influences from Boards of Canada, Postal Service with the pop sensibilities of the Beach Boys and the Girl Talk cut-n-paste method of sonic layering. His recent release The Crawl has received much deserved praise and is available now on Secretly Canadian. You can stream his whole album on his website. You can check him out live at Martyrs' on March 18th.
posted by CG @ 10:51 AM
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Can you introduce the band? How did you all get together? I see there's a new "Employee", would you like to introduce him?
That's the manager of the shop, Tony Mendoza, on drums/farfisa. Part-Time Employee Joanna Buese on bass over there. And Tom Vale, the New Guy, handles the Hot Sandwich Hot Line and any instrument that needs playing. My name is Thea. I mop.
Tony opened up his establishment asked Joanna and me to help out around The Shop in April of 2005. Before that, he played farfisa and drums simultaneously and was truly a one-man-band. With Joanna and I lending our skills and hot legs, the three-piece became Chicago's one-man-band-with-people. Tom applied for employment over the summer of 2006, and we forged ahead as Chicago's premiere band-with-people.
So, what's the deal with the Sandwich Shop? How did the idea get going and where did the name come from?
What's the deal with the Sandwich Shop? On Tuesday we sell the Bootleg Beef for half-price and the Mountain Melt is generally only $2.99 (providing the Mountain Mutton is in season.) Other than that, we tend to meld scary comedy and rock n' roll in our performances. The songs aren't necessarily intended to be big brew-ha-ha humor ha ha's, but we all have extensive backgrounds in comedy, so there's bound to be a smirk in the song here and there. We do the occasional bit between songs, emote child-like energy, and just try to have fun about it.
And thank you for mentioning the van. The name was created in one of those kind of vehicles while Tony and Joanna were in their former band, Los Shut Up with Chris Churchill. Brainstorming album names, "Let's Get Out of This Terrible Sandwich Shop" was mentioned. It got a laugh but wasn't used, so Tony pocketed the name in his his brain for later adventures.
How's the cat today?
He's a little under the weather, but thank you for asking.
For the most part, you are all active in the theatre/improv community, how do you spend your time outside the Shop?
Tony is a teacher and ensemble member at the Annoyance, and just opened a new show called "Arm Soup," which he musically directed with music. Joanna is an artist and draws wonderful sketches and performs the improvised-funny with Sirens Improv. Tom composes music with Stephanie from local Chicago band, Jupiter. I write things and play some tunes of my own under the name "Sometimes You're Pretty," and perform at the Annoyance.
Where do you find inspirations for your song? How do approach the songwriting process?
Tony and I are the main songwriters in the band. I generally pull from heartbreak and just pile on a shit ton (different from metric) of harmony so it doesn't come off as just another heartbreak song. Lyrics and music come out all at once for me. Tony's songwriting process starts as chord structures with lyrics to follow later. And change. And evolve, and change some more, until about a year later the lyrics are solidified. Tony gets his inspiration from his creative brain that tends to look at things wonderfully sideways. I don't know what that means, but his song topics range from road trips to sports stars to personal loves and hates. Oh, he writes songs about the desert a lot. A few years living in Palm Springs will have quite an effect on one's writing.
Who influences you musically or otherwise?
"Thrill Cam"-Era David Letterman, Beach Boys, Elvis, Danzig/The Misfits, Steve Martin, The Breeders...I'm sure we listed something on dumb Myspace that answers this question.
What are the future plans for the Sandwich shop? Anything you'd like to accomplish this year?
We're mixing our new, full-length album that's being recorded by the wonderful Greg Norman. We'll be putting that out this summer-ish as well as doing a few weekend Invasions of Rock to neighboring cities. We'd also like to put out a split 7" this year with our label mates, The Bitter Tears. We'll be on the A side. Or the B side. It depends on which side you listen to first.
What can the Bandwidth audience expect from your set on Thursday?
Energy, a guitar solo, some stupid comedy, and colorful costumes.
Who are you listening to right now?
I'd say The Bitter Tears is a staple in all of our lives and musical practices.
Download: Let's Get Out of This Terrible Sandwich Shop - "Hatchet"
Download: Let's Get Out of This Terrible Sandwich Shop - "Bye You"
posted by CG @ 9:17 AM
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So, Rivulets is basically your solo creations with guest artists, who are
you playing with these days? What will be your upcoming setup on the 22nd?
It varies on where we're playing or what kind of record I want to
make, but on the 22nd it will be me on vocals and acoustic guitar, Michael
Anderson (Drekka, Turn Pale) on electric guitar, and Nathan Vollmar (Vollmar, Half-Handed Cloud) on drums.
You've worked with many different people in the past, have there been
any collaborations that you found especially fruitful?
I know it sounds corny, but all of them. I choose collaborators
because I already have an admiration and respect for what they're
doing, so getting to work with them and learn from how they approach
my songs is fruitful.
How do you spend the better half of your days when you are not playing music?
I watch a lot of movies. I walk a few miles a day.
You Are My Home is wonderful collection of moving and somber compositions for the forlorn. Did any thing inpsire you in making this album?
Yes. It's all in the songs. (Listen to samples from You Are My Home)
On the record, I enjoy hearing the sound of your fingers sliding on the strings between chords, especially prevalent on the opening track "Glass Houses", was it's presence intentional?
I really don't know how people mic acoustic guitars without getting
that sound. I guess they don't, they have a pickup installed and plug
it in. That's just how it sounds when someone plays a guitar. Maybe
other people would try to clean it up, but it never seemed to me like
a sound to be avoided.
I think that's why it stood out me, the fact that some artists try to clean it up or use a pick up, when playing acoustic. Hearing it on your recording added another dimension for me, it felt visceral and appropriate to your sound.
How was it recording with Bob Weston?
Recording with Bob was one of the best weeks of my life. He's just a
great guy, and he knows his stuff. He would continually come up with
these parts "Oh yeah, last night after you left I put down this bass
line..." that would be exactly what I had in mind, but he'd be there
before I ever said it.
How do you approach the songwriting process?
I don't really think I approach it. It just sort of jumps on me and needs to be done.
Who influences you musically and otherwise?
Man, everybody and everything... There's no way to answer this question.
What can the Bandwidth audience expect from your set on Thursday?
Some rivulets songs. We'll be happy to be there.
You've spent some quality time in Chicago. What is you favorite part
about Chicago? Anything you miss?
There are so many vegetarian food options. I miss Rogers Park, where it was
quieter but still the city. Actually, the area around the Subterranean
too, I lived there while recording "you are my home" and it's crazy
but was a good distraction at the time.
Finally, who are you listening to these days?
The Complete Verve Studio Master Takes by Billie Holiday. It's the
later years. I like her voice best then, and they were giving her
good songs to sing. It's 6 CDs of the best singer singing the best
songs with the best musicians. It's flawless.
I have that box set as well, it is perfection. Thanks for your time, Nathan!
Also, be sure to tune into a special radio preview of Rivulets when they hit the WNUR studio for a live on-air "Airplay" Session on 2/22 at 4PM! Tune into 89.3FM or listen on the web at www.wnur.org!!
DOWNLOAD: Rivulets - "Cutter" (Debridement LP)
posted by CG @ 1:36 AM
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