Halloween is once again upon us. Yes, it’s that time of year where “grizzly ghouls from every tomb are closing in to seal your doom.” RIP, MJ. Sometimes, though, it’s not the music video zombies or the ax-wielding goalies that raise the hairs on our arms and tingle our spines. Very often, we are fully … Read more
Chikita Violenta is a unique band with an intensely crafted sound that was once unheard of in their native Mexico, and even criticized due to the lack of Spanish lyrics. But despite the English naysayers, they’ve become one of Mexico’s biggest indie acts, praised simultaneously for their compelling songwriting and all-consuming live performances. Chikita will … Read more
If you’re Canadian, can sing, and you’re an awesome songwriter, there’s a great chance I’ll probably love you. Luckily for me, Meaghan Smith fits that bill. Her cover of “Here Comes Your Man,” which can be found on the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack, and was produced by T-Bone Burnett, had me from the first … Read more
When a band goes on tour with the Pixies, you must pay attention! Imaginary Cities (a Winnipeg, Canada pop duo) and their song Ride This Out has been my anthem so far in the first few moments of the new year. It’s everything a jam of the day should be, quick, catchy, and leaving you … Read more
Boston-born, LA-based trio the Crash Kings rock hard without guitars, basing their keyed up sound on the clavinet. Brothers Mike and Tony Beliveau craft crushers like “Mountain Man,” a #1 hit on alternative radio, as well as beautiful ballads like “My Love” that should appeal to listeners across the wide musical spectrum. It wasn’t until I … Read more
Photo by Agatha Donkar There’s bands on the RiotFest Chicago — in its 9th year — that everyone is going to see; you don’t need me to tell you about them. Pixies, The Dismemberment Plan, Bob Mould, Public Enemy, Blondie. The Replacements. (And frankly, if you’re not going to RF to see the Replacements, we … Read more
Whenever a band gets back together to record their first album in 16 years, fans are unfortunately met with that odd sensation of both instant excitement and palpable trepidation. Will it be good? Will it suck? Will I be forced to burn that t-shirt I’ve been wearing since 1994? Then…the wait begins. It’s happened multiple times for … Read more
I’m not quite sure if The Dude would abide, but the below video appears to be audio of FIDLAR’s “Gimme Something,” laid down over some awesome live footage of a Creedence show. And somehow, it’s a freaking match made in heaven, giving a nostalgic visual punch to a song that could have been recorded in … 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
“I don’t see myself as a singer that plays piano,” says Danish singer-songwriter Agnes Obel. “It always feels weird when people refer to me as a singer, because to me being a singer is secondary to the music. The songs and the melodies are the most important to me. But I’m not sure what you … Read more