Speaking of, dude, I sure do wish the Hood Internet would DJ a party at my house or appear in my video blog (if I had one, which I don't. But I do have a house. You see where I'm going with this?) (via).
When Chicago writer Claire Zulkey performs at the Grammys, this is how it'll go.
Hollywood and recording industry star power gathered on Monday to record an updated version of "We Are The World" with the aim to send the single's profits to Haiti Earthquake victims. Chicago angle: Jennifer Hudson, Vince Vaughn (?!?) and Kanye contributed to the track.
Speaking of Kanye West, Gil-Scot Heron's latest efforts apparently has "Flashing Lights" samples. Not sure if this is the best thing or most disappointing thing ever. But it is a good hook. (via)
CreamTeam offers insight into Minneapolis-based house music providers The Moon Goons whose digital track rarity is a legend.
If you like The National, you might like the latest from Clogs according to Stereogum.
Oh My Rockness previews the Kurt Vile show at the Empty Bottle, 2/13.
Bloodshot Records' Nan and Rob were interviewed for Philadelphia radio station WXPN's show "Start Making Cents".
Greg Kot takes a look back at Soul Train, hosted by Southsider Don Cornelius. A documentary airs on VH-1 February, 6th. Anyone else have lots of memories of the Soul Train opening as the cue that Saturday morning cartoons had ended? Check out some sweet video clips.
Familiarize Yourself blog has a recap of a sweet night with a lot of lady (bands) at Lincoln Hall last week including sets by Scotia Widows, The Maybenauts, Leslie Hunt and The Wanton Looks.
Timbaland did little to entertain fans at HOB last week.
Thanks to everyone who came out to our party last week at the Metro! We had so much fun. Here are some shots that GB Managing Editor Dave Shalliol got of White Mystery, Post Honeymoon, and Dirty Diamonds. See other Chicago music photos in our Flickr pool (and add your own!).
Ticketmaster and Live Nation are, indeed, becoming one. Splendid union? Unholy marriage? You be the judge. Here's Greg Kot's take and his interview with Jam Productions about the squeeze such a merger puts on independent ticket sellers (which doesn't mean "that guy" on the corner). Time Out has a list of venues (albeit small) that don't use Ticketmaster.
Want to get your valentine something special-izzle? Snoop Dogg is bringing his show to the Metro 2/16! Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon. Details on a special presale code in Twitter.
Set your Tivos to record Jennifer Hudson, Bob Dylan, John Legend, and others at the White House's next "In Performance at the White House" series to honor music from the civil rights movement set to air online and again on PBS in early February.
Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick spends his days pining over a Thank You note from Paul McCartney that never was.
Big Rock Candy Mountain interviews Toronto's The Speaking Tongues who prove even Canadians get the blues.
Video of Lupe Fiasco performing live over at Chicago Now.
Country Music Chicago interviews aspiring Evergreen Park native (and aspiring country music star) Katie Quick.
When we're (well, really just me) not getting in fistfights over the last pair of Hunter boots, we're often online.
You're coming to our party at the Metro tonight, right? Four bands for zero dollars if you do the right thing and bring our flyer to the door before 9pm. Details here.
Speaking of White Mystery, Greg Kot has more (very nice things) to say about them (even though he doesn't let it slip that you can get into this show for free, hrm).
Will it be Phish, Dave Mathews, or Billy Joel and Elton John performing at Wrigley this summer? (via)
Enjoy Chicago hip-hop and help Haiti earthquake victims all in one place at this upcoming show on the 31st at Reggie's.
Loud Loop Press has a list of some of the things that Chicago artists are doing to aid Haiti.
Bloodshot Records is proud to feature their "Drinking Buddies" (artists they like, but who aren't on the label) starting with Jane Baxter Miller (performing Saturday at the Hideout).
Peter Margasak has the line on the Pravda Records label reunion show at the Abbey Pub tonight.
And DeRo has the line on the expanded Lilith Fair lineup which actually has my interests piqued. It includes Loretta Lynn, Heart, and Cat Power (I'll believe it when I see her). No dates or specific city lineups set yet.
UR Chicago has the news that Vice and SubPop records have inked a collaborative deal with CNN. I expect the green room to get a whole lot filthier. [And doesn't this smack of that stellar "youth news" program "Channel One"?]
Songs:Illinois has an interesting review of Specimen Product's Little Horn Speaker. The same ones you were enjoying at all those Andrew Bird shows in 2009.
I know, I know, you're sick of Top Artists of the year lists, but this one at Hype Machine has illustrations for all 50 of its top artists of 2009!
And Pete Margasak over at The Reader finally gets his 2009 Best of list completed.
Alarm Magazine's Albums of the Week post details not only the creepy soundtrack to The Road (the movie) by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis but also the latest from Chicago jazz saxaphonist Dave Rempis.
Fake Shore Drive has 5 days of freestylin' by Chicago's own Twista.
Loud Loop Press has the skinny on what Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staples have in common. (Hint: It's her new album!) She plays Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music in early February.
Empty Bottle's farmer's market happens Saturday at noon! See what it looks like in daylight and get some leafy greens from local farmers!
Gapers Block: Transmission is honored to be the recipient of a 2009 Schubie Award for "Best Chicago Music Blog or Site". Gosh, thanks all! We're happy to be in the great company of The Walkmen (winner of "Best Headlining Band") and Art Brut (winner of Best 20th Anniversary Show, and tied for Best Supporting Band).
Here's Art Brut performing "The KKK Took My Baby Away" at Schubas:
Cham-bana's Headlights featured on Daytrotter this week.
Lady Ga Ga addresses the Chicago venue change for her 3 shows in the only medium available: Twitter.
If you'd like to be a beta tester for the forthcoming CHIRP radio, sign up online. Testing starts Sunday, 1/10/10.
Loud Loop Press wants you to keep an eye on these 10 Chicago bands in 2010. We've definitely already expressed some love there.
Bloodshot Records has extended its year-end blowout sale. They're craaaaazy with savings!
Mashable touts the rise of digital and the return of vinyl in record sales metrics.
Want new wall art? Buy Dan Gzeca's show posters on Etsy.
Download Thrill Jockey artist Radian's new tune "Git Cut Noise" [mp3] free.
Speaking of, you have until Monday 1/18 to mail a record jacket to TJ for their band Javelin to personalize. Check the details out here (about halfway down) or email orders@thrilljockey.com.
When we're not nursing a sambuca hangover, we're looking at things online. Happy New Year!
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's Mary Ralph compiled a Top 10 list of her own about her life, post-van accident. Inspiring! Please help SYGC recover by donating a bit of money to this fund.
Come out to the Hideout on Sunday for a special re-play of their annual Holiday Panto to benefit three castmembers who were left homeless and stuffless after a Christmas house fire.
Avant/Chicago lists out his favorites in Chicago music of the year.
Twitter followers can help determine Butch Walker's setlists during his January residency at Schubas.
Big Rock Candy Mountain has been counting down his top albums of the year. And what a long list! Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 following Monday after a computer mishap (Y2K?) [Update, here's the final Part 4.].
Wow, the entire staff of Permanent Records did lists of their favorite albums of 2009. Kill some time at their site (just keep scrolling), then go buy some records.
Looking for a party (or just an excuse to get away from the family)? Head over to UR Chicago's shin dig on Saturday at the Hideout. DJs and dancing can work out the kinks and the taste of old egg nog.
Looking for ways to spend that Christmas cash? Or Hanukkah gelt? Or just stimulate a little local economy? Why not head to your favorite local record store? Here's the latest goings on at Permanent Records, Laurie's Planet of Sound and Reckless Records.
In conjunction with Human Rights Day on December 10, LimeWire Store released "Live at Lime with Tom Morello." The album features Morello performing covers of The Killers' "Human" and the classic folk song "Joe Hill." Hailing from Libertyville, Morello is a longtime activist and supporter of Amnesty International. All net proceeds from the album will go to them.
An accompanying video featuring a conversation between artist and activist Henry Rollins and Morello can be viewed in 4 parts below.
When we're not frequenting our local music store and purchasing everything in sight, we read things online.
Time Out Chicago breaks down some new indie Christmas tunes just hanging out there on the interwebs (and the most disturbing ornament I've seen thus far).
Jim DeRogatis puts his Best of 2009 list out for consumption.
Check out Sunday's kids' show at Old Town School of Folk Music, including performances by a host of local talent, including Spencer Tweedy and The Blisters.
Loud Loop Press has the latest album from local experimental artist Mako Sika available for streaming.
Greg Kot has a list of great box sets just ripe for gift giving.
The Deli Chicago talks about Meah!, a punk band out of Pilsen.
If you head out to the Hideout Holiday Craft Fair the next two Tuesdays you can also score some Bloodshot Records items from their table. See the full details in the Hideout calendar.
When we're not staving off frostbite at the bus stop, we're on the interwebs, reading about things.
Time Out: Chicago talks to Delicious Design League about their part in Lincoln Hall's historic first shows.
Don't forget to get your fantastic holiday music downloads from Big Rock Candy Mountain all month.
Songs:Illinois also does Christmas music (with a promo shot of Lauren Graham from Bad Santa that makes me shudder).
Don't forget: tonight's Rock for Kids music auction has hundreds of signed, one-of-a-kind items from your favorite performers.
Check the Chicago Reader's RE Gift blog entries for great shopping ideas, including for that music-lover on your list (like jazz cover art or cheap turntables that play 45s and 78s)
Loud Loop Press has a free track from the upcoming album by Chicago's Puerto Muerto.
What to Wear During an Orange Alert has a review of Thrill Jockey artist Javelin's latest.
Stereogum has your link to 40 minutes of Fugazi stage banter from the '90s. Sweet sweet nostalgia.
WFMU's blog has 20 minutes of Airwave available for streaming.
With no end date, it seems that UR Chicago is still taking submissions to win a pair of tickets to the NYE show at SmartBar, including sets from Hood Internet and Bald E.
The Deli Chicago is really into the new album from Skybox. (They're playing at Schubas' Tomorrow Never Knows Festival in January...tickets on sale now and make a great stocking stuffer. I'm just sayin'.)
Fake Shore Drive also has the latest track from Nikki Lynnette (who you might have seen if you stayed late at our last GB Anniversary Party at the Metro)
Get your speakers ready for Big Rock Candy Mountain's annual Holiday Music post-fest! The links get hot starting today!
When we're not panicking about what to cook on Thanksgiving, here's what we're checking out online:
Download the latest mix from Chicago's own DJ LA Jesus - "Saves the Dance Floor, Vol. 4" (for free, folks).
Permanent Records turns three this weekend, and celebrates with a party at the Hideout. (And if you can't make it, you can still celebrate with their store sale next Friday, the 27th.)
A look at the Wikipedia Files for Lupe Fiasco by WBEZ.
Alarm magazine has a review of David Bazan's latest full band tour.
Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis both weigh in on the first night of the Pixies' weekend residence at the Aragon.
Become a Facebook fan of Laurie's Planet of Sound to get (nearly) daily favorites from their staff.
CYSTSFTS has loads of album reviews up this week, including the latest from an old favorite, Left Lane Cruiser.
CHIRP has the line on sweet DJ events tonight through Thanksgiving.
Bust Magazine interviews Kid Sister (who's new album, Ultraviolet, is now in stores).
Red Threat has the line on the latest electronica from Jori Hulkkonen.
Twilight author Stephanie Meyer talks about her favorite bands at the Twilight: New Moon premiere, which include Bloodshot Records artists Ha Ha Tonka [Video]. That squealing you hear in the distance is coming from the Bloodshot HQ, I suspect.
Evanston's Ezra Furman is going to make you a special album. No really, just for you.
WFMU's Beware of the Blog talks about the latest from the Free Music Archive, including a remix contest which ends Dec. 20th.
Victim of Time blog has the line on the latest from Uzi Rash, an album that came from the "typical bedroom nutcase recording-style" and which produced Hight and Phree.
This week's Daytrotter session includes music from White Rabbits who roll into town for shows supporting The Walkmen at Schubas and Lincoln Hall next week. Free downloads!
Rogue Wave drummer Pat Spurgeon needed a kidney, right as the band was about to make it big. They made a movie about it, called D Tour. Catch it on PBS next week.
Is the Metro haunted? Ghost Lab investigates. The episode (titled "Murky Water") replays on Discovery on 11/10 or check online clips here (start with part 4).
Local blog Red Threat has the skinny on DJ Zinc and his latest EP. Is it Drum 'n Bass? Jungle Core? Grimehouse? You be the judge.
There's a disturbing trend of Best Albums of the Decade lists popping up on the interweb. And here's one more! A Top 50 to get you through Friday afternoon from the blog "Music for Kids Who Can't Read Good". (via)
CHIRP sure would like you to contact your representatives today about the Local Community Radio Act of 2009 (HR 1147).
Get your hands on a free download of a remix of Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise album, called, oddly enough, Illinoize, by Montreal-based producer Tor. More, um, oddly enough, Sufjan has a new album out all about The BQE in New York.
The Deli Chicago has the line on a cool event called "The Drop" at the Viaduct Theatre where bands drop off their CDs. New local music exposure ensues in coordination with WLUW. The next one is tomorrow night.
Greg Kot reviewed the Wilco shows at UIC Pavilion.
A bit of what's been going on elsewhere online this week:
A.V. Club Chicago asks Jeff Tweedy to react to comments about him on the Internet.
Big Rock Candy Mountain goes all weak in the knees over Chicago band Cococoma and their luscious pink vinyl record.
Lincoln Hall's Official Grand Opening event will be on 10/25 with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Tickets on sale now. Just $15.
The Deli Chicago has the line (and a video) from a DA reunion on Chic-a-Go Go.
More in video is on Fake Shore Drive with local hip-hop artists Kidz in the Hall on Mark Bazer's "The Interview Show" which also begs the question: Why isn't there any hip-hop at The Hideout? Or any, really?
Jim DeRogatis has the line on a fledgling band called Ideamen hitting the Beat Kitchen later this month with their newly minted album.
Loud Loop Press has it that Pelican will play an in-store show at
Reckless later in the month, but more importantly, they'll debut a new "Pelican Burger" at Kuma's. Congrats, fellas! You've arrived.
And I totally missed the recent announcement of Kid Sister's long-awaited (and awaited) debut album release. Ultravioletdrops 11/17 and you can be at her show at the House of Blues to celebrate on 11/25. Tickets $16-$18.
Femi Kuti was recently interviewed by the folks at Decider Chicago. He discussed his family, including his legendary father Fela Kuti; his infamous club, The Shrine; and more. He performs with The Positive Force tonight at the Ravinia Festival.
Give credit where credit is due out here in the wild interwebs, as my man at The T.R.O.Y. spot spotlights the jazz and soul samples of mid- to late 90s Chicago hip-hop. (T.R.O.Y. stands for They Reminisce Over You, a 1992 effort by Pete Rock and CL Smooth that is among the greatest hip-hop songs ever made.)
Posted are almost 30 instrumentals done by Chicago production luminaries on a number of classic Chicago albums. Of the samples you can listen to on the page, I highly recommend All Natural's "50 Years." Something to vibe to this Saturday afternoon.
You may had already heard that Jeff Tweedy's 13-year-old son is a a rockin' drummer when his band, The Blisters, played the kids stage at Lollapalooza two years ago, but what you may not know is that Spencer Tweedy is a proficient writer, blogger, and has his own software website/company. That's right, I said he's 13.
On his blog, he talks about all of the above, among other pre-teen musings like his Bar-Mitzvah and how he spent his birthday--with Neil Young, Pegi Young, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Jack McBrayer, Fred Armisen, and his family--oh, and filling in for Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche at Madison Square Garden. Yup, just your typical American teen...
Need some good thoughts to get your mind off the latest doomsday news cycle? Turn to Chicago blog Big Rock Candy Mountain for your very own Happy Endings Mix. As a reward to his faithful readers who've been coming back again and again for two years now to enjoy sweet classic country, blues, and folk posts, blogger Brian Reese has made a sweet mix in anticipation of a "big announcement" TBA. Enjoy tunes from the likes of Sally Timms, The Willis Brothers, Johnny Paycheck and Waylon Jennings here [mp3]. (And keep an eye on the blog for his pending announcement!)
Via the community aggregations over at Fake Shore Drive comes word of recent drops and flips from the local hip-hop scene. In recent days, the diligent and indefatigable FSD crew has passed along the following...
Rhymefest delivers a advance caveat to listeners before the release of the video for his new track "Stolen":
"First of all, dumb ass n******s that can't think past the club, the block, or fat booty b******s, DO NOT WATCH THIS! Your brain will explode. Second, self-righteous hip-hop nerds who expect to hear me go line for line in a metaphorical circus, DO NOT WATCH THIS! You will be sorely disappointed."
It gets deeper from there. Read the whole statement here. Also, catch the new leaked 'Fest tracks "In Between" and "Forces of Nature" over there.
Elsewhere, Lupe Fiasco leaks the rare track, "Gangsta (Up In Here)." Check it.
From the "Hold Me Closer, Tony Danza" Department of Misheard Lyrics comes a live clip of The Cool Kids kickin' it on the Rock The Bells tour. At first it seems everyone was reporting the new track as bearing the title "The Sound of Panties Hitting The Ground." It turns out the track is actually called "Pennies." That's p-e-n-n-i-e-s hitting the ground. But here's to wishful thinking, right.
In case you hadn't glanced over the magazine racks in the past month, Kid Sis Melisa's one of URB magazine's "Girls of Summer."
"We're documenting artists and featuring them in ways we've never been able to," says Pitchfork founder Ryan Schreiber. "Pitchfork.tv is really an extension of the kinds of features we've been doing on Pitchfork for years—it's a new way to see these artists and get to know them better as people."
In addition to regular music videos, Pitchfork.tv will air full-length feature films, vintage concerts, and music DVDs free of charge, sharing a different feature every week. The channel will also include interviews with bands on the road and in the studio. For a dash of Beatles/U2 charisma, the channel is featuring "Don't Look Down", a series of New York and Chicago shows performed entirely on rooftops. The channel is set for a soft release on April 7th.
en·core [ŏn'kôr'] n. 1. A demand by an audience for an additional performance, usually expressed by applause.
There was a time not long ago when anyone who regularly attended concerts was treated to encores all of the time, whether they wanted one (or two) or not. Set lists were/are written with line breaks to indicate the end of a set and the beginning of a planned encore. (Let's not even get into the set lists crafted to note when a band banters with the crowd.) The definition became hazy as audiences foresaw encores when roadies would tweak gear in the dark. The thrill of spontaneity eroded as nearly every band would leave at least one good song for an inevitable encore. Although, the strategy famously backfired for Janis Joplin at the 1968 Stax/Volt Yuletide Thing when she kept "Piece of My Heart" and "Ball and Chain" for an encore that was thwarted by a lukewarm audience.
The raucous applause that should induce encores became tepid and the act was mechanical. But recently the encore has been given stingy treatment by some headlining acts. Over Wilco's five-night Riviera residency last month, Jeff Tweedy made some comments disparaging expected encores, such as "When we're done, we don't wanna come back." Once those shows ended, the house lights and a pop song would come on while everyone justifiably went bananas to show their appreciation and ask for one more. (This request was usually honored.) Around that same time, Super Furry Animals took a stonewalling approach at Metro by holding signs that read "Resist Phony Encores" and not returning to the stage. And these are bands putting on shows that'd warrant real encores from adoring crowds. So why does the latest flavor-of-the-month leave the one song that the blogs love until after the smoke break at the 40-minute point? It should be a privilege instead of a right to be asked to play more. If performers continue to spurn every encore, perhaps they will begin to mean something again when truly deserved by the artist and the audience.
Chicago-based musician and producer extraordinaire Steve Albini gets some attention on 37signals' blog Monday for his descriptions of how his studio works -- along with his classic anti-record industry rant, "The Problem with Music." Albini then popped into the comments to add some further thoughts.
If you're looking for something to do today while you're "working", or just want to make a non-barking dogs Christmas mix to take to the in-laws, check out one of our favorite Chicago music blogger's annual traditions — it's the Big Rock Candy Mountain Christmas song posts! Since Thanksgiving, blogger Brian Reese has been pulling together great Country and Western classic Christmas tunes on his site, and has also been contributing to a sister site: Barstool Mountain which has been posting it's own favorite alcohol-fueled Christmas tunes. They're only live for a few days, but you can enjoy the promised "extra special" posts from now until the 25th.
One word of warning: there are occasional vintage images of scantily clad women on the blogs, so if you've got a boss who tends to sneak up on you, it might not be work safe.
-Can You see The Sunset From The South Side? threw together a "hot" Chicago Marathon Mix. If you can stand Ben Lee, followed by Glen Fry and then Archer Prewit this is a mix you might like.
-Audioversity has a lengthy review and sample mp3 from Chicago AfroBeat Project's new release (A) Move To Silent Unrest.
-Seattle's KEXP (KEXP Blog) did the live remote broadcast thing from Chicago's Engine Studio's all last week. They brought in a couple local bands to play live. Here are the highlights:
A lovely little blast from the past, courtesy of the Lovely Little Girl himself, Greg Jacobson (and YouTube) ... 11 (!!!) year-old footage from venerable Chicago public-access kids-and-hipsters dance show Chic-A-Go-Go, featuring "live" musical mayhem from the Scissor Girls (featuring Azita, now better known in her current singer-songwriter incarnation).
Tribune music critic Greg Kot joins the blogging world with Turn it Up. So far, it's notes from the underground SXSW and a piece on Jon Brion — and not a hyperlink to be found — but here's hoping he stretches out as he gets used to the medium. I mean come on, Greg, it's not that different from the Sound Opinions forum.
With so many mp3 blogs in existence and new ones popping up every day it's hard to figure out how and why the mainstream press selects one to be crowned king for a day. But that's just what the Wall Street Journal did for Audiversity the other day. It must be combination of luck, timing and talent that gets a particular blog noticed. I don't know about the first two, but Audiversity certainly has that last category covered.
Audioversity is the project of two Music Directors and a record store clerk. The local connection is Michael Ardaiolo, WLUW's music director and host of the WLUW radio show Audiversity: The Radio Show!The Wall Street Journal article (subscription needed) got it wrong when they said Audiversity features rare music. In fact, they cover pretty run of the mill new releases, but the extent, thoroughness and quality of the coverage is what sets them apart. I think in this new media age the term "content is king" will once again rule and sites like Audiversity that showcase excellent writing will somehow rise to the top.
Local DJ's E6 and Matt Roan have setup a low key blog (warning: super confusing video) highlighting their respective underground finds. I've seen Matt Roan spin a couple times now and come away highly impressed - he works a solid blend of new/old school mashes, 80s dance, and mainstream hiphop into a pretty frenetic set. E6 will be spinning at SmartBar on February 25th, while Matt Roan continues his every-other-Saturday residency at Tuman's Alcohol Abuse Center this weekend.
We're looking for a little help here at Gapers Block, Transmission included. Check out the details over in Detour and let us hear from you!
Bonus: along with our spiffy redesigned page, we've added a new way for you to get involved in Transmission with our Flickr group. Join up and post your pics of Chicago musical happenings.
Brian, a Chicagoan who runs the music blog Big Rock Candy Mountain, has just recently undertaken a huge project: making a list of the Greatest Drinking Songs Of All Time, as submitted by you the drinker...er...music-lover. Represent, Chicago! Check out the details here and get him your votes by March 17th. He'll reward us all by posting the top 50 (or 100, or whatever it takes) when he gathers them up. [Update!] He's also looking for a few more judges. Details here.
I'm a sucker for a good cover song, and one of the best sources for them on the web happens to be right here in Chicago. Copy, Right? is an mp3blog whose "only goal is to share my love/hate relationship with cover songs and to turn readers on to artists of whom they might not have otherwise been aware." Liza's collection is wide and deep, enabling her to do a round-up of Adam Ant covers one week and a random selection of international acts the next. Keep up and you'll have a mix CD of your favorites in no time.
Sadly, indie music paper/blog The Crutch was put to rest at the end of September. But the good news is editor Chad Cheatham is now a contributor to Monte's Gauntlet, a sort of meta-review site that doesn't so much aggregate reviews as it does rate them, cutting through the BS and giving you a critical perspective on the critics. And they give you links to "found" mp3s of each artist around the web so you can judge for yourself.
If you headed down to the Cobra Lounge last night to try to get in to the not exactly secret Naked Raygun show, you were likely denied. Chicagoist's Tankboy laments on his blog and his Myspace page about not getting in (and the volume of bitter emails he's been getting) because the show was made "guest list only" and nobody who wasn't a "friend of Cobra" got in. Well, there's always RiotFest.
Add to Pete Margasek's blog Post No Bills the Reader Music Writers' Crickets. The Reader's third blog features posts from Miles Raymer, Monica Kendrick and Bob Mehr, musing on everything from a drug bust at a music festival in Lawrence, Kansas, to the ubiquity of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy." Woo.
Welcome to the wonderful world of music blogs, Metro! The big ole Chicago venue has announced that it's got it's own blog rolling on the front page of its website. The blog's got some nice artist Q&A, mp3s, and a peek behind the scenes at the Metro staff plus the occassional bit o' gossip. If you've got a music blog out there that we should be checking out, just let us know at inbox {at} gapersblock.com.
The tunnel musicians of Chicago can be heard amid the roar of trains. Depending who you ask, there are only four performance-permitted stops: Jackson and Lake on the Red Line, and Jackson and Washington on the Blue. Some will tell you about these four. Some will tell you there are only three. I'll tell you what time already has: where there are people, there is music.
I recently spent three nights walking through the tunnels for a closer listen. These are the sounds, and the people I heard.
Transmission is the music section of Gapers Block. It aims to highlight Chicago music in its many varied forms, as well as cover touring acts performing in the city.
Editor: Anne Holub, ash@gapersblock.com
Transmission staff inbox: transmission@gapersblock.com
