Help Save Live Experimental Music in Chicago

Chicago's premiere presenters of experimental sounds, Lampo, are looking to raise money via a campaign on Facebook. Become a fan, vote and donate here. 

Get on the List: Cunninlynguists @ SubT, Field Music @ Beat Kitchen

Today we've got your Saturday night hook-up with a chance to win free passes for either Cunninlynguists headlining a 17+ show at Subterranean or Field Music headlining a 17+ show at Beat Kitchen. Just drop us a line at radiofreechicago(at)gmail.com with "Saturday Tix" in the subject line and your show preference in the body for your chance to get on the list with a +1. Good luck!

Get on the List: Arctic Monkeys @ The Riv

Today on RFC we've got your hook-up for free admission to see Arctic Monkeys next Sunday at The Riviera. Just drop us a line at radiofreechicago(at)gmail.com with "I Look Good on the Dancefloor" in the subject line by this Friday for your chance to get on the list with a +1. Good luck! 

Arctic Monkeys - "You Know I'm No Good"

Flashback Friday: We Got a Ticket to Ride

Artsy Oxford, UK quartet, Ride had some damn good shoegaze chops on its early Smile E.P. which showcased the band's thundering drums, screeching guitars and charming English vocals. The band certainly won over Creation records in 1990 while it pushed the pedals to the max on its air pump guitar jams. Smile had the heart of the Jesus & Mary Chain and the musical soul and fad of the Stone Roses and My Bloody Valentine. Ride went on to release four albums in a span of six years before its official break-up in 1996. Some critics expected them to save Brit rock but their longevity and even creativity was short-lived after it's first two albums. Here are a few smokin' numbers from their Smile EP, including the dynomite-pop sizzler, "Like A Daydream," the ulta-scratchy cat's meow jam on "Chelsea Girl" and the chill bass-driven bomb, "Drive Blind."

Chelsea Girl

Drive Blind

Like A Daydream

Buy Nothing Day Sharpens Its Claws

In response to the "Black Friday" retail madness that has come to embody the Thanksgiving holiday experience every bit as much as the Turkey dinner itself, for the last 20 years Kalle Lasn and the Adbusters Media Foundation have attempted to counter the rampant blind consumerism with Buy Nothing Day. However, this year, Lasn and the Adbusters crew have decided kick things up a notch with what they're calling a "Wildcat General Strike." It seems they're worried that their anti-holiday is in danger is "losing its edge," and it's time to "reanimate it with new intensity, purpose and scale." Here's the synopsis: 

We want you to not only stop buying for 24 hours, but to shut off your lights, televisions and other nonessential appliances. We want you to park your car, turn off your phones and log off of your computer for the day. We’re calling for a Ramadan-like fast. From sunrise to sunset we’ll abstain en masse, not only from holiday shopping, but from all the temptations of our five-planet lifestyles.

Taking a break from phones, computers and cars sure sounds like a lot more enjoyable way to spend a day off than fighting lines at a mall to me, why not give it a shot? Of course, a whole day without "nonessential appliances" would also mean no iPods or home stereos. Have you ever went a 24 hour fast from prerecorded music? I don't think I have, but I'm rather intrigued by the notion. Might be a great excuse to dig out that acoustic guitar in the closet or dust off the piano and devote a day to practicing some chords and learning new songs!

RFC TV: Califone - "Funeral Singers"

califone - funeral singers from Califone on Vimeo.

Get on the List: Black Friday Door Buster Savings

Today on RFC we're giving you real door buster savings this Black Friday Buy Nothing Day by hooking you up with a chance to get on the list for your choice of two post-holiday indie rock shows: Sam Roberts headlining a 17+ show at  Subterranean or The Ataris headlining a 17+ show at Beat Kitchen.  Just drop us a line at radiofreechicago(at)gmail.com with "Black Friday Madness" in the subject line and your show preference in the body for your chance to get on the list with a +1. Good luck!