Look out, America. A Chicago rock outfit known as Smith Westerns is packing some serious heat. This garage-ish, ’70s-inspired, band of youths (all just reaching, or close to reaching, 20 years of age, but still seasoned vets in the Chicago rock club scene) are set to release their second full length LP, Dye It Blonde, … Read more
The last time we saw Smith Westerns, they were offering up a sophisticated jaunt of classic rock via their freaking awesome LP, Dye it Blonde. And seemingly following that album’s progression, “Varisty,” our first taste of their new record Soft Will, is more synth-heavy, suggesting they may be moving out of that comfortable space they so adequately built … Read more
A Speakers in Code Infomercial Speakers: Like good music? Sure. We all do. But what if I told you an album will soon be released that, while immediately accessible and familiar, has the potential to not only be immensely satisfying but to rock your freaking world? Would you like that? Audience: Yeeeeees! Speakers: Well, what if … Read more
Photo Credit: Chicago Magazine A couple of months back, we gave you a little taste of an up and coming Chicago rock outfit known as Smith Westerns. This buzzing dream/garage-y band of youths have lived up to the hype with noteworthy sets at SXSW and the Pitchfork Music Festival in 2010. As a result, Smith … Read more
Welp, it’s 2011. And today, we’re proud to say, we’re celebrating our first birthday. It’s been a very fun year for us at Speakers in Code, but we’re extremely excited about what’s in store – musically, especially – for 2011. Here are the 25 upcoming albums we’re, like, totally psyched about, coming your way in … Read more
All Photo Credit: Agatha Donkar “Hello everyone. We’re very excited to be playing for you in North Vagina. That’s funny because it sounds like Carolina…” This was the first thing uttered through a microphone Sunday night as Yuck took the stage. As far as I could tell, there was no laughter. Sunday night shows are … Read more
We know, we know. 2011 is only half empty. Or, half full, as we optimistic bloggers at Speakers in Code like to think. But the midway point of the year is always a good point to pause, gather our thoughts, make some lists, revisit early favorites, and tell you about all the songs and albums … Read more
Our favorite album of the year: Bon Iver’s Bon Iver 50 Panda Bear – Tomboy (Paw Tracks) [buy the album] 49 Nicole Atkins – Mondo Amore (Razor & Tie) [buy the album] 48 GIVERS – In Light (Glassnote) [buy the album] 47 Admiral Fallow – Boots Met My Face (Lo-Five) [buy the album] 46 The Civil Wars – … Read more
Well, friends, the end is no longer near. It’s here. The end of our Best Songs of 2011 countdown, that is. The real end comes next December, as we all know. Perhaps it’s no surprise that Bon Iver landed the number one spot with the track, “Holocene.” But, amazingly, the song and the record itself … Read more