Radio Free Chicago

It's Never Too Early To Get Pumped For Mittenfest!

Well, I guess now is as good a time as any to let the world know that RFC is broadening it's scope. Why? Well, as you may have noticed, the Midwest is wraught with wonderful bands that sometimes just don't make their way to Chicago. Indianapolis has such local gems as Amo Joy! and Slothpop. Cincinnati's jam packed with talent like You, You're Awesome and The Seedy Seeds. And don't even get me started on the awesomeness that's happening in the Quad Cities due to the tireless efforts of the fine folks at Daytrotter! Now, I might be biased but personally, I think my homestate of Michigan takes the top honor of "Best Local Scene in the Midwest" and there's a whole fest to help me prove my point.

Mittenfest is hitting Savoy in Ypsilanti, Michigan (That's where the cool kids hang, take my word) and features such amazing local standouts as... Fronteir Ruckus! Chris Bathgate! Lightning Love! Gun Lake! Drunken Barn Dance! Prussia! Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Jr.! And more! Anyone who's spent a while with our weekly "RFC Thinks You Should Know" series will understand that a few members of our staff are pretty excited about this lineup. Here's some audible reasons why you should be excited too...

Frontier Ruckus - Orion Town 2

Chris Bathgate - Cold Fusion (Snakes)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Vocal Chords

Single day passes to Mittenfest'll run you a mere $7 and remember: That seven dollars will get you now fewer than 15 bands on day one (Although, to be honest, it looks like day 4 is shaping up to be my personal MVP) and if you wanna make your way to Savoy for all four days of the 'fest, it'll only cost $25 for a wristband that gets you in for the whole shebang. View the full schedule of Mittenfest here and remember: Ypsi is only a few short hours from Chicago! And I know of many couches that can offer a place to crash!

 

 

Awesome Lyricists Of Our Time: Josh Ritter.

Few musicians are as wonderful as Josh Ritter. I can say this with confidence becuase I've seen Josh Ritter in concert and to put things simply, the man is a bucket of joy. I might have more respect for Ritter than I do any other man in the music industry because, as someone who spent a good chunk of her adult life going out nearly every single night to concerts, I know how tiring that lifestyle can be. Yet night after night, Ritter can be found on stage, be it stateside or across the pond, where Ritter is immensely popular, giving it his very literal all, bringing a ton of happiness to sold out audiences and doing it all with a grin on his face the whole time.

How lovely of a person Josh Ritter is is sort of beside the point however. It's my belief that Ritter very well might be the best lyricist of my generation. I'm slightly apprehensive to say this, only because there are lyricists out there that I'm sure are extremely talented that I've yet to hear but based upon who I have heard, I'm inclined to say that Ritter is tops.

Few songwriters these days can spin a tale like Ritter. Be it a love story between two scientists, engineering a bomb that could bring about the end of the world ("The Temptation of Adam") or a tragic story of love gone by the wayside ("Best Is For The Best"), Ritter is an expert story teller and I, for one, hope to one day use a Ritter lyric as a pick up line becuase how cool would that be? (I'd totally go for "If this was the cold war we could keep each other warm." because who the heck wouldn't fall for that?) Below, you'll find five examples to back up the statement "Josh Ritter might be the best lyricist of my generation." You're more than welcome to disagree with this statement but I feel as if I proved my case fairly well here.

Josh Ritter - The Temptation of Adam

We can pretend this giant missle is an old oak tree instead, and carve our names in hearts into the warhead.

Josh Ritter - Still Beating

You're half dead in the street but that just means you're half alive and your heart's still beating.

Josh Ritter - Another New World

So I said, "All I've got are my guts and my God," then I paused, "and the Annabel Lee."

Josh Ritter - Thin Blue Flame

At night, I make plans for a city laid down like the hips of a girl on the spring covered ground.

Josh Ritter - The Curse

I would love to link to one lyric from "The Curse" that singifies it's beauty but to be honest, I can't. The song is a love story between a mummy and the archeologist who excavates his tomb. If this song doesn't bring a tear to your eye, I'm sorry to break it to you but you probably have no soul. Read the lyrics in their enteirty here.

Also, Ritter has an amazing segment on his blog called "Making A Life In Music" which is a must read for anyone trying to make their way in music industry.

Get Thyself To Schubas for Jonny Corndawg! Right Now!

Sometimes, things in life just sneak up on you. One night, you're at a dingy venue in Michigan drinking beer straight from the pitcher (No big deal, just keepin' it classy) and the next? Well, shoot, it seems that Jonny Corndawg is at Schubas! I had meant to write about the Corndawg thoroughly to prep all you lovely Chicagoans for his arrival in our fair city but it seems, with the evening upon us, I sort of dropped the ball. So you'll just have to take my advice for it: Jonny Corndawg is amazing.

Corndawg makes raunchy country music that is just as hilarious as it is infectious and he hits Schubas tonight with Futurebirds in tow. It's only ten bones at the door for the 21 plus crowd and let's face it: Ten dollars for what's sure to be an unforgettable night with the best country musician around today? Worth it. Still not convinced? Listen... To these songs!

 

Jonny Corndawg - Family Tree

Jonny Corndawg - Oversteppin'

 

Watch... Corndawg in India singing his ode to regrettable oral sex, "Silver Panty Liners"!

 

And click... This link to check out Corndawg's amazing Daytrotter session!

Now, off with you! To Schubas you go!

People Covering Songs I Love: Milow Covers 50 Cent

Alright, so maybe I don’t really “love” the original version of “Ayo Technology” by 50 Cent featuring Timbaland and the ever so sextacular Justin Timberlake; however, I do enjoy it when I go into what I like to call “Gangsta Mode”. When I go into “Gangsta Mode”, all I want to listen to is the most  disgusting and vulgar rap I can find. Fortunately, “Ayo Technology” isn’t exactly something I would expect my mother, or M-Dawg, as I like to call her, to find pleasant. I will; however, make certain that she listens to it regardless!

50 Cent- Ayo Technology (Featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland)

I’ll admit that the only reason I even know about this song is because my former roommate, (no, not Amber Valentine), played it for me one night. I was honestly surprised that she was listening to something that could actually be considered “good”, as she usually listened to strictly country and/or generic pop music. However, this particular song actually impressed me. Since making this song my latest obsession, I’ve grown very fond of Milow’s clear and quite soothing vocals. So fond, in fact, that I went and downloaded his album The Bigger Picture just to see if it was worth listening to. SPOILER ALERT: it is.

Throughout the album, Milow provides his listeners with a myriad of catchy acoustic songs accompanied by a voice that, at times, is goose bump worthy. Although I do enjoy Milow’s full length album, I must admit that his version of “Ayo Technology” is probably my favorite song that he has recorded. Everything about this track is incredibly well done and, despite the somewhat offensive lyrics, actually sounds like an original song. To be honest, had my roommate not informed me that it was a cover; I probably would have just thought that Milow has a pretty good sense of humor.

Milow - Ayo Technology

Show Preview: Tim Kasher with Darren Hanlon at Schubas Tavern, Saturday 11/20

Tim Kasher. Schuba's Tavern. I really shouldn't have to tell you anything else, well except the cost and time of the show. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. The show starts at 10 PM. One of my favorite songwriters in one of my favorite Chicago venues, I can't begin to tell you how excited I am. You know Kasher from his other bands, The Good Life and Cursive.(Cursive is set to perform in Chicago for NYE at Subterranean.) This Saturday, November 20th you will see his solo magic, along with his beautiful instrumentation.

Tim Kasher - I'm Afraid I'm Gonna Die Here

 

On October 5th Kasher released his highly anticipated solo album, The Game of Monogamy. The last time Chicago saw Kasher was for a very crowded set at Reckless Records. Schuba's Tavern is going to be almost the most perfectly intimate setting to see Kasher.  On tour with Kasher is the Australian indie/folk songwriter, Darren Hanlon. Hanlon released his fifth album, I Will Love You At All earlier this year. Much like Kasher, Hanlon's songwriting is ripe with narrative and sometimes heartbreak. He wears his heart on his sleeve and marries it with beautiful lyrics and blissful melodies. 

 

Darren Hanlon opens for Tim Kasher this Saturday, November 20th at Schuba's Tavern. Show starts at 10 PM, but I recommend getting there earlier. If you're lucky you might just catch a whiskey with Kasher before the set.

Cut To The Future: A Rock and Roll Road Trip Fantasy

Note: You may have noticed that today marked Bill Baker's first appearance on Radio Free Chicago. To understand why, exactly, it is that I'm so excited to have Bill on bard here, I would like to refer you to the following story, a work of fiction punctuated by some awesome songs.

It all started with a Facebook post. My friend Bill Baker made a reference to Back to the Future and I commented, saying his trip through time would probably be more enjoyable with a short haired witty girl at his side who smoked cigarettes and perhaps a kraut rocker to round out the trio, a reference to the wonderful indie film Wristcutters: A Love Story. After he agreed that this scenario sounded more than pleasant, we dubbed the idea "Cut The Future."

Eventually, the time travel and the post-mortem trip through purgatory seemed to get lost and what transpired ended up becoming the ultimate fantasy rock and roll road trip for myself and Bill, who might be the only person who loves Okkervil River as much as I do. Despite the fact that Marty McFly and the Gogol Bordello soundtrack were scrapped, however, Bill deemed in necessary that we encounter Tom Waits on this adventure and, well, I could agree more. What's a road trip without Waits? A pretty average one, if you ask me, and while I've never met Mr. Baker in person, our lengthy internet exchanges lead me to believe that our road trip would be the furthest thing from average. Thus, what is about to follow is a narrative of sorts of a road trip that will never happen, with a rag tag group of musicians and writers in a red Honda Civic. Why a Civic? Well, because I think that was the car in Wristcutters but honestly, I'm not sure and this article really is not the type that needs fact checking.

Cut To The Future: A Rock and Roll Fantasy Roadtrip

Featuring Bill Baker, Amber Valentine, Will Sheff, Shearwater, Tom Waits, and Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan

 

Tales From the East - Lady Lamb The Beekeeper

I’m not from the Midwest. I’ve lived on the east coast for the majority of my life. But if there’s one thing I love above all else, it’s music. And that’s one thing New England and the Midwest have in common; some of the most amazing music scenes in the United States. So if you don’t mind, I’d like to give you a look into some local acts here in exchange for the wonderful bands RFC has exposed me to.

In the winter of 2007, I moved from the sprawling suburban nightmare of southern New Hampshire to the great town of Portland, Maine. I knew little to nothing about the city, other than it shared a name with the more popular Portland west and the lobster is worshiped like the cat was in ancient Egypt. Everyone knows Portland Oregon as one of the meccas of great music. And while the Vacationland equivalent may be lesser known, it has one of the tightest knit music communities you can find in all of New England. I quickly fell into the Portland routine; work by day, trudging through the slush and snow of Congress Street at night to one of the local bars for a few rounds of PBRs and Shipyards. Each Wednesday was spent at Slainte, a quaint little wine bar, for open-mic. On a cold snowy evening, a petit girl headed to the stage with guitar in hand. She couldn’t have stood much taller than 5 feet. But what came out of her mouth could not be measured.

She was Aly Spaltro or, as she is known, Lady Lamb the Beekeeper. Her voice was like an orchestrated mix of Janis Joplin and the deep soul of Billie Holiday. I have no idea where she kept this kind of voice in her tiny frame, but I didn’t care. I turned to my roommate, and in not so many words uttered “I am completely in love with this girl.” Some people need the backing of a great band to compliment their voice. But Lady Lamb needs nothing. She wouldn’t even need her guitar were it not for the way she manipulates it to carry both rhythm and percussion. That night I witnessed one of the many musicians would make my stay in Portland a memorable one. (I also think I ended up throwing up in front of Cumberland Farms and answering an adult personal from the Portland Phoenix, but that’s a tale for another time).

It’s hard to get everyone in a bar to be quiet and focus on what’s on stage. Between clanking beer bottles and loud drunken conversations about why Animal Collective just plain sucks, it’s amazing how Lady Lamb can captivate a crowd. Listening to her is like throwing all your thoughts and emotions in a blender and drinking the mixture, chasing it with a cigarette. Child-like whimsy mixes with the thoughts of your first love tearing your heart out. But the taste left in your mouth can only be described as satisfying. Lyrics like “Hey stranger on the street. May I please have a piggyback ride?” make her instantly adorable. Songs like “Until I Am Bones” and “He Comes Galloping” create surreal visuals in your head that might remind you of Alice Through the Looking Glass. It’s innocent love with a twist of macabre.

Lady Lamb is not just another girl with a guitar bemoaning the days of past of loves. Leave that up to Paramore. (Question; Is Paramore still around?). She is an artist, plucking the thoughts floating above your head and constructing them into an image that somehow makes perfect sense. Lady Lamb is now moving on to greater things. A few weeks ago she started the new chapter of her life by moving to New York City. Her farewell show was an emotional night with support from other great local artists like Don Dumont, Elizabeth Taillon and Jacob Augustine. If it sounds like I am gushing, I sure as shit am. If you ever have the chance to see her live, you will understand. She is an endearing person who makes the Portland music scene (and now NYC) a presence to be proud of.

 

Show Preview: Free Energy with Hollerado at Lincoln Hall, Friday 11/19.

RFC lovers and friends are no stranger to Free Energy. On the road for what seems like forever, they're making the rounds through Chicago this Friday night at Lincoln Hall, and they're bringing Hollerado with them.

Those unaquainted with Free Energy should come out and revel in the throwback dude rock thats melting the minds and hearts of youth worldwide. Japan, China, and France are a few of the countries Free Energy has invaded as of late. We're grateful to have them back on native soil, so that we can shake our stuff properly once again.

Hollerado are Candian-born indie rock dudes who are hard at work attracting new fans from any angle they like. They're living proof that DIY is a legit road to rad, proven by their surprising viral video sucess with "Americanarama". I'm looking forward to feeding off this caffeinated rock that makes me feel like I"m back on my schoolbus in the 90's. There's a video for you below to get you a little more familiar, and head to their website for a free download. 

Free Energy- Free Energy

  

Deranged Thoughts With Amber And Sara: Brand New

I was musing via text message, as I so often do, to fellow RFC-er Sara Jacobsen about such "deep subject matter" as Insane Clown Posse and the fact that Faygo is a legitimate beverage in Michigan, where I hail from, when I realized that Sara an I were sitting on a goldmine. We, you see, are two hilarious motherfuckers, for lack of better terminology. What, we respectively wondered, would happen if you got "two hilarious motherfuckers" with many interests in common together and had them co-write an article? Thus, Deranged Thoughts With Amber and Sara was born, an every-now-and-then article that, well, is basically just a couple of girls trying desperately to talk about music and failing to stay on topic miserably. For our first Deranged Thoughts With Amber and Sara column, we decided to talk about - or try to talk about, rather - a band we both have an immense amount of respect for, Brand New. They just so happen to be a band that I, Amber Valentine, wrote a pretty kick ass editorial about for Indie College that you should probably read instead of this because... Well... What you are about to read... Well, there's nothing I can say to make anyone feel better about anything that's about to transpire. But stick with us. It might get better. But, much like that time Mark told me "not to get too drunk", I make no promises.

Deranged Thoughts With Amber and Sara

Brand New Edition

Amber: I know it's, quite simply, over dramatic but honestly, every time I experience heartbreak, all I want to do is hole myself up in my room with a fifth of Jameson and Brand New's The Devil and God Are Raging Inside of Me. Agree or disagree?

Sara: Well, of course I agree with you.  The Devil and God is by far Brand New's best album; however, if we're talking booze, (which is in my top 3 favorite things right next to bitches and kittens) I'm going to have to go with a bottle of Jack.  Normally, I'd say SoCo, but I drank too much of that my freshman year in college and now it makes me sick.

I feel like everyone overdoes the SoCo early on in life. I've had my fill of SoCo and plus, if you order it at the bar, you look like a pussy. That's just a fact. Jack makes you look bad ass, so congratulations on that. Jameson, I feel, makes you look classy. At least I think so. So god only knows why I'm ordering it. I really ought to change things up and start ordering Canadian Club to match my real life class level. Hey, remember when you said "If you look up classy in the dictionary, there's probably pictures of you in varying states of sobriety making out with strangers in corn fields and rat infested back alleys"?

I do remember that!  Remember that time we went and saw Kevin Devine and I made you order me a Jack and coke?  That was a swell time. On a different note, the beverage I just ordered at Denny's tasted like straight whiskey.

DENNY'S SERVES WHISKEY NOW?!

 

  I have no idea!  It was some bright blue beverage!  It was beautiful and tasted like heaven!  (Heaven tastes like whiskey, obviously). It was actually awful... Not even gonna lie.

Well, bright blue tends to not equal greatness, so far as beverages are concerned. I mean, unless we're talking blue raspberry kool-aid and possibly Bombay Sapphire. I mean, I'm not a gin fan but so far as gin's go, that's the way to do it.

You can never go wrong with kool-aid.  It's one of very few drinks I can think of where the color and the flavor are one and the same!  I like that in a beverage!

Once, I interviewed Miniature Tigers. Remember, it was before the DeKalb show we went to? Well, at one point, Charles Brand apologized to me for having to interview them because he knew at the time that I was going to have to wade through an hour plus of bullshit transcription to get an even halfway cohesive interview out of that clusterfuck. I feel like that's what's happening here. Weren't we supposed to talk about Brand New or something?

Brand New - Millstone

Direct Your Attention to Distractions

Distractions has been spreading its lounge sounds around Chicago the past couple years, primarily in the underground circuit, delivering eccentric live performances in various DIY venues. I only came across the act last summer, when it played a cramped attic space in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. And I was an instant fan. The band has a distinctly Chicago sound, an ominous atmosphere of dreamy, moody melodies, jazz-influenced instrumentation, deep vocals, and deeper lyrics - surf music for the beach bums of murky Lake Michigan’s shore. So it’s especially heartwarming to find that the band, after knuckling down and recording some new material, is beginning to garner some much deserved attention.

Distractions released their self-titled debut on cassette format back in May through local cassette label Plus Tapes. It made a huge splash in the blogosphere, especially the single “All I want,” and since then the band has been riding the wave. They signed with Infinite Best Records this summer and took their first tour, trekking the east coast and Canada. The band will be re-releasing the remixed, remastered debut album on 12” vinyl through Infinite Best in January 2011. But in the mean time, they’re dropping a 7" single, due out December 7 through Twosyllable Records.

The 7” single will feature “We Were Better Off in the Rain,” a track taken from the debut release. It combines shimmery, delayed guitar with warm rhythms and a dreampop melody.  Dulcet vocals ooh in the distant background, contrasting with the somber, baritone vocals of lead man Tom Owens who croons “Even if I try to let you win, I always find a way to make you lose.... Weather’s something that you cannot change.” The 7” will also feature a b-side track not taken from the debut album “I Need a Reason.”

While the 7” won’t be released for a few more weeks, keep your ears open for a listen of “I Need A Reason” over at Twosyllable's site, as well as word of the full-length vinyl release at Distractions’ MySpace. You can also catch them live at one of their two upcoming Empty Bottle performances: they open for Bird Names November 27 and open for Sleeping in the Aviary January 10.

Distractions - We Were Better Off In The Rain

 

RFC Wants You To Go See Andrew Jackson Jihad Tomorrow!

If I could live out the rest of my life only speaking to people in song lyrics, I'd be okay with that. And if I could live out the rest of my life only speaking to people in the song lyrics of one particular artist, I would choose for that artist to be Andrew Jackson Jihad.

Just imagine! If someone asked me to introduce myself, I could tell them "I'm a ladykiller and you're a pretty lady and that means I'm gonna kill you." (Why? Well, because "that's just what ladykillers do!") And don't forget conversation starters such as "Fuck white people", "I like laughing at retards", and the confessional "When I was a little a boy, I fed my mother a bottle of whiskey while she was pregnant unbeknownst to her." Sure, I'm probably screwed in sexier situations but I think the hilarity that would ensue would be well worth the trade.

If you don't know who Andrew Jackson Jihad is... Well, that's a damn shame. To asist you in your quest, I am going to give you three reasons why you NEED to go see Arizona's premire folk punk duo at Bucket O' Blood Books & Record (2307 N. Milwaukee) tomorrow at 8 p.m.

1.If you haven't expereienced a full room of energetic hipsters, punks, and outcasts screaming "Do you remember me? I killed your family and now I am going to kill you too.", you haven't lived.

2. They will never take themselves too seriously. This is evidenced by the fact that they have their own pillowcase with their angelic, bearded faces on it. Also, their blog is called "Andrew Jerkson Jerkwad."

3. As a slight counterpoint to the above statement, Andrew Jackon Jihad is far from being a kitschy, one dimensional band. On their past two releases (Only God Can Judge Me and Can't Maintain), the band has taken a turn for the more serious all the while retaining their oddball appeal. Personally, I find newer, darker tracks that deal with morality and heartbreak ("Love In The Time Of The Human Papiloma Virus", "Darkest Heart") to be some of the best work the duo's churned out to date.

If you're still not convinced, click below to listen to some choice AJJ cuts or just go to their website and dig into the veritable Andrew Jackson Jihad Shmorgasborg of free shit the guys have put up for your kind perusal!

Andrew Jackson Jihad - Bad Bad Things

Andrew Jackson Jihad - Jesus Saves

 

Tonight! Shearwater at Lincoln Hall!

I don't live in Chicago. That fact is stated here and there on RFC and it might be a little bit of a travesty for Radio Free, um, Chicago's editor in chief to live in Michigan but, in my defense, I did live in Chicago when I started writing for RFC and maybe one day I'll live in Chicago again (Note: That's a lie. I'll probably never move back). During my tenure in Chicago, I had the extreme pleasure of experiencing a moment that was so perfect, whenever I think of my last summer spent in the city, it's the first thing to pop into my head.

Shewarwater. Playing in Millennium Park. Anyone familiar with Shearwater's ethereal, otherworldly sound will know why seeing the outfit, lead by former Okkervil River member Jonathan "Dreamboat" Meiburg, will understand why it is that Ptrizker Pavilion made for such a perfect setting for the Texans.If it were up to me, Shearwater would always play in atypical, outdoor venues (Or old church-type buildings, see below) but I understand why that can't be. So, tonight, Meiburg, Thor, and company will be at the place next best suited in Chicago for the band's dramatic, haunting sound: Lincoln Hall.

I've made no secret about my love of Lincoln Hall. It's by far my favorite venue in the city: Atmosphere. Sound. Staff. Drinks. Food. Everything about Lincoln Hall is perfect. Seriously. If I could live there, I would. But unfortunately, I don't think they'll let me kip out in the balcony. (Note: If you allow me to sleep in you, Lincoln Hall, I swear I'll help cook some tots.) And for a band that possesses a sounds as gorgeous and menacingly beautiful as Shearwater, I can't think of a better place for them play. Mark these words: They will sound amazing. So amazing that you might cry.

Shearwater - Castaways

Tickets are fourteen bones for the eighteen and overcrowd. If you're going, please tell Meiburg that I'm "saving myself for him and only him" (He probably won't be too creeped out!) and if you're still on the fence, take a look-see at this:

 

Note: Check out the following (nsfw) link to see some amazing tips on how to survive touring in a band via Nordic god-slash-Shearwater drummer Thor Harris!

RFC Thinks You Should Know... Sad Brad Smith.

 To an extent, I realize that all RFC Thinks You Should Know columns are love letters to little known musicians. What you're about to read, however, goes one step above and beyond that. It isn't just a partial love letter but a full blown confession of sheer adoration, a chronicle of my brief but wonderful relationship with a man who goes by Sad Brad Smith.

I discovered Smith when he was opening for Tristen at Schubas last month. I didn't make the show itself due to the fact that I'm keeping a watchful eye over the Chicago scene from atop a roost in Ann Arbor, Michigan these days but while previewing the show, I saw Tristen would be with Villagers and a man I'd never heard of... Sad Bad Smith, naturally. I was intrigued by Smith's name alone and upon seeing a picture of Smith, my interest was very much piqued. Morose men with acoustic guitars and facial hair are, after all, are my forte. Upon a bit more "internet stalking" (or, as I like to call it, "research"), I discovered that Sad Brad Smith was a Chicago local who, for some ungodly reason, I'd never taken note of until now. It seemed like a travesty. Dude was clearly right up my alley! Yet somehow, we'd never crossed paths.

All things considered, I felt pretty positively about Smith before hearing his music, having high expectations for the man, and a quick sweep of the internet found me legally (A-Wink!) snagging a copy of a song Smith had done for that Clooney Oscar vehicle, Up In The Air.

Sad Brad Smith - Help Yourself

I didn't have to hear much of "Help Yourself" to realize that a burgeoning love affair coming between Smith and myself was encroaching. Musically, Smith goes past being "a dude with facial hair and a guitar", adding beautiful oddities that keep his songs multi-faceted, a cut above your average fella in folk. And lyrically? I can't help but feel as though Smith is a kindred spirit of sorts to me. (Because he's singing about things I feel! Cool!)

Sad Brad Smith - Baby, I'm so Sad

Smith, it seems, is building his career on the juxtaposition of accessible indie folk and heartwrenchingly bummer lyrics. As someone who has made a life out of the juxtaposition of her own inner turmoil and the happy face she puts on around her friends, family, and strangers, this is something I appreciate and feel like most people can relate to, even if it's ever so slightly. I mean, every indie kid loves a good sad song and as "Sad" is in Brad Smith's stage moniker, you know he's got more than a few of those sad songs up his sleeves. That theory of mine that was confirmed big time when I procured Smith's LP, Love Is Not What You Need.

Don't Be Dumb, Like John Vanderslice!

This, friends, is the cautionary tale of Amber Valentine. Simply put, I'm looking out for you and quite frankly, I don't want you to end up like me. You see, for years despite knowing who John Vanderslice was, I pretty much ignored his presence. There was no reason for this. For some reason, I just never really got around to listening to him. I mean, I had my preconcieved notions about what Vanderslice sounded like but I'd never actually heard him. In my head, I imagined another run of the mill, sadsack guy with a guitar and an achin' heart. Ends up that I was totally wrong.

Vanderslice composes deft pop tunes that are lush and accessible and, to put things in layman's terms, pretty awesome. He's in the same vein as multi-instrumentalists like Sufjan Stevens and the beloved Jon Brion and one could not be further from "another sadsack guy with a guitar and an achin' heart" than Vanderslice is.

Earlier this year, Vanderslice released a free six song EP on his website and I'm here to tell you to give it a shot. You literally have nothing to lose. After all, it's free! Don't be like me, kids. Hop on the Vanderslice train!

John Vanderslice - Thule Fog

John Vanderslice - I'll Never Live Up To You

Show Preview- The Dresden Dolls at The Vic 11/17

At last, the adored "punk cabaret" team returns to the road! For those living in a well-equipped bomb shelter for the last decade, The Dresden Dolls are a genre all their own, taking cabaret-style performances to a rock show stage. Long live the drama. A tenth anniversary tour of sorts, the pair have taken to the road just in time to celebrate the birth of the band in 2000. Ripping the envelope wide open, The Dresden Dolls have been lauded as pioneers for risk taking both musically and in their performances. I personally dig The Dresden Dolls' seemingly endless charitable efforts coming in the form of both benefit shows and album releases. They're the embodiment of using one's popularity for a good cause. My camera and I cannot wait to catch this action at The Vic this Wednesday night. Mucca Pazza opens, show is at 8:00.  Tickets on sale here.

 

Dresden Dolls - My Alcoholic Friends