Radio Free Chicago

The Faint @ The Vic 8/22/08

When one ponders the genre of dance-punk, Omaha doesn't quite come to mind, but Nebraska's Saddle Creek imprint has crafted solid careers out of Conor Oberst and quintet The Faint. The group released its first record, Media, a decade ago and has since released four well-received records. 2001's Danse Macabre and 2004's Wet from Birth demonstrated the band's penchant for electro-dance and lascivious lyrics. Last month, the band self-released Fasciinatiion that has yet to live up to their previous releases. Of course, their set mainly drew from it.

Download: The Faint - "Southern Belles in London Sing"

Handsome Furs w/ Dri @ Empty Bottle 8/17/08

The moment is inevitable.  No matter how much music you have access to, some days none of it seems to evoke the slightest bit of interest. Whether due to ignorance of what else is out there, some sort of music saturation, or just some passing mood, it makes no difference as the feeling is the same. Although, within this musical malaise there are always a select few albums that seem impervious to this feeling of indifference and provide just what is needed until the spell passes. For the better part of a year for me that album has been Plague Park by the Handsome Furs.

Download: Handsome Furs - "What We Had"

Introducing Bangers & Mash...The Blog!

Yes, that's right...RFC has spawned a new subchannel, Bangers & Mash, a blog dedicated to covering the British music scene from the yankee perspective. After threatening to do so for a while, I decided to finally indulge my inner Anglophile and spawn off an entire site dedicated to hyping up the likes of Radiohead, Blur, Pulp, Spiritualized, Portishead, etc. etc. etc. Joining me in my efforts will be fellow RFC Britpop junkie Jeremy Farmer, so expect more great live pics on the new site as well. I'm still just testing the waters a bit and haven't bought an official URL yet, so for now bookmark your browsers to http://www.radiofreechicago.typepad.com/bangersandmash.

More subchannels on RFC to come in the future?? Perhaps...other ideas have been floating around, feel free to answer RFC's Open Call with any ideas or ambitions you might have on that subject as well.   

New Music 6-pack (August '08)

Download: Diseappears - "Old Friend"

lastest single from shoegaze-y local band featuring Ponys/90 Day Men guitarist Brian Case

Download: Kingsbury - "Corpse"

similar shoegaze-y vibe here from this Orlando-based band

Download: Post Honeymoon - "Get To Work On Me"

new local project from former members of New Black and Bang! Bang!

Open Call For Contributors

This August, RFC unceremoniously finished off its 4th year of Chicago music news and reviews. While no champagne bottles were corked, the milestone did spark some introspection of where the site's been and thoughts on where to take it going forward. With the anniversary coincidentally falling on the eve of the back to school season, it sparked an idea that perhaps it was time to bring in a "new class" to RFC...you know, liven things up, bring some new perspectives, new angles, new features, etc. etc.

So...calling all writers, photogs, graphic designers, hypemen, blogger stalkers, etc, if you want to cover the local music scene and help out the cause at Radio Free Chicago, we want to hear from YOU! Drop us a line at radiofreechicago(at)gmail.com with "Open Call" in the subject line and tell us what you'd like to contribute. Ideally, you'll also have some links to examples of your work...but if not, then hopefully you've got a good sales pitch. And, of course, even if you're not looking to contribute, but just have some ideas to share, we'd love to hear from you as well. Thanks!

The Duke Spirit @ Empty Bottle 8/14/08

There is something about the album Neptune, the most recent release from The Duke Spirit, that makes the "old shoe" metaphor not seem entirely out of place. The album is both comfortable and familiar but at times you hardly even notice it is on. Their live show on the other hand is just the remedy for such a marginalizing metaphor.   

Download: The Duke Spirit - "The Step and the Walk"

News and Notes: We Are Scientists, The Scaries, Madonna, John K. Samson, Mark E. Smith

///We are Scientists gave some statistical advice to members of the crowd tempted to throw bottles of urine. Perhaps they are statisticians more than scientists?

///The Scaries will be reuniting for Gainesville, Florida's The Fest! The band originally called it quits back in 2003.

///Madonna gets here Sticky & Sweet tour off the ground, including a video interlude pitting John McCain and Barak Obama against one another.

///John K. Samson (of The Weakerthans fame) has participated in the Record of the Week Club. You can stream or buy the song. Check out the club - it sounds like a really rad idea they got going.

///And tonight at Danny's, it's 4 hours of "the only band that matters"...local artist Derek Erdman returns tonight at 10p with another installment of his DJ nights dedicated to The Fall.

RFC Interview: Aesop Rock

This Saturday, underground hip-hop icon Aesop Rock will be returning to Chicago for a headlining gig with his ol' pal Rob Sonic. RFC recently caught up with the always verbose MC via email to discuss his latest tour, what he's been working on in the studio lately, and the details behind his brand new limited edition Adidas kicks. 

Download: Aesop Rock - "None Shall Pass"

News and Notes: Yea Big + Kid Static, The Decemberists, Jack White + Alicia Keys, Atomic Sketch Event, Lollapalooza

///The Decemberists have announced plans to release a series of singles titled Always a Bridesmaid: A Singles Series, with the first installment hitting the stores on October 14th. The last of the series will be available on December 2nd. Sounds like a good Christmas/Holiday gift to me. [Thanks, NME]

///Jack White has collaborated with Alicia Keys for the recent theme of the new James Bond film, "Another Way to Die." [Thanks, Aversion]

///If you aren't busy the last Wednesday of the month (that's next Wednesday for those of you keeping track) make sure to check out the Atomic Sketch Event over at the EvilOlive (1551 W. Division). Artists get together, make art, and sell it for cheap. Anyone can participate and there is no cover.

///Chicago's own Yea Big + Kid Static were featured on the frontpage of XLR8R.com. If you missed it, no worries, you can catch it right here.

///If you want to go picnicking in Grant Park, cross August 7th - 9th of 2009 off the list of possible dates. Lollapalooza will be coming through town those days. [Thanks, Consequence of Sound]

The Ex w/ Getatchew Mekuria @ Pritzker Pavilion

One thing I am really going to miss about the summer is all the great music festivals.  Another thing is the lunchtime series Audible Architecture presented by Pitchfork Media that has been put on each Monday lunchtime. I have been to a few of these, including one touting the great Bill Callahan but this one was my favorite.  The Ex, hailing all the way from the Netherlands, plays rarely around these parts so to see them is, in and of itself, a treat.  To top it off, they brought the great Ethiopian saxophonist Getatchew Mekuria and another African dancer, Melaku, that did choreographed sparring with lead singer G.W. Sok.  Certainly, not something one should miss!   

News and Notes: Neil Young, Morrissey, Dillinger Four

///Neil Young is getting ready to head out on tour. The first leg of the tour will supported by Everest and Death Cab for Cutie, while the second half will be supported by Everest and Wilco. During the second half, on December 9th the tour will be stopping by the Allstate arena, but Wilco won't be tagging along for that visit. [Thanks, BrooklynVegan]

///Morrissey has recorded a guest DJ set for "Morning Becomes Eclectic," the popular music show on L.A.'s KCRW. Morrissey spent his time chatting with fellow Brit Nic Harcourt while spinning favorite tracks from the likes of The New York Dolls, Buzzcocks and Cockney Rejects. The recorded show will air on Friday, the 29th. [Thanks, Pfork]

///A new Dillinger Four album, Civil War, will be available on October 14th via Fat Wreck Chords. [Thanks, Aversion]

News and Notes: Damon, Verve, and Spaceman. Back again.

///Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett are back again, but not as Gorillaz. They are under the moniker Monkey, which is the corresponding music to their opera Monkey Journey to the West. Apparently I look at too much British press, because here I thought the album wasn't available until September, but here it is, stateside! A 200 gm vinyl edition?

///Another 90's British favorite, The Verve, are providing a preview stream on MySpace of their cleverly titled new album, Forth. Have a listen.... Or maybe wait and buy the album and hope that it sounds better than it does on MySpace.....

///And to keep it real and do it in three's, a little digging on Spiritualized's website provided a link to some free bootlegs and live performances.

Oneida @ The Empty Bottle 8/16/08

This was my first time seeing Oneida, who played as a five piece with both a brashness and an energy that caused ears to ring hours after they were finished. The sound was thrashy but still rhythmic and recalled the climax of an action film several times. Hailing from Brooklyn, it was easy to feel as if the band was bringing to Chicago some of NYC's edge.

News and Notes: Permanent Records B-Day, AC/DC, Ted Leo, Bread & Bottle

///Permanent Records is turning 2-years-old, which can only mean tantrums, screaming, and pounding the floor with fists (a hardcore show?). To celebrate this momentous occasion they will be throwing a party at AV Aerie on September 6th featuring Black Ladies, Three Eyed Skull, Lazer Crystal, Alla, and Cacaw.

///AC/DC is forcing Chicago fans out on a trip to the North and Cicero Wal-Mart if they want to pick up the bands latest disc Black Ice. In the form of ultimate rock 'n' roll dedication the disc will also be available via the band's website and Sam's Club starting August 28th. And they wonder why people steal music. [Thanks, Billboard]

///Ted Leo and the Pharmacists will be making their way back to Chicago after their early summer stint at Do Division Fest. You can catch them at (one of my least favorite venues) The Riv on October 17th with Against Me! [Thanks, Spacelab]

///Chicago's Bread & Bottle just finished recording their debut LP, Long Story Short, with the help of Shot Baker's bassist Nat Wright. The album includes guest vocals by Jimmy Sass Dragon and is due out "soon" via Lucky Gator and Johann's Face Records.

RIP Elvis: 1935-1977

Saturday marks the 31st anniversary of the death of the King, and to cheer up all you mourning Elvis fans (I'm looking at you 900 N. Damen) we're giving away copies of the new Elvis boxset, The Complete '68 Comeback Special. Here's what you get:

Entire recordings from the taping of the “ELVIS” TV Special – the production numbers, the two black leather stand-up shows, the two black leather sit-down shows and rehearsals. It contains 87 tracks on 4 CDs – 20 which have never been released before to the general public as well as a 32 page booklet with detailed liner notes, photos and memorabilia.

To enter, just drop a line to radiofreechicago(at)gmail.com with "Hunka Hunka Comeback Love" in the subject line. We'll draw winners at random next week...good luck!