THEFT LIABLE TO PROSECUTION

Overplayed But I Love The Band

It's getting really quiet around here and my computer is about to take a nap for the weekend.  Wanted to leave you with this list of overplayed songs you hate by artists you love.  Yup, I pretty much agree.

Sigur Ros "Heima"

Now that Sigur Ros has new music out it reminded me of a DVD I've been meaning to pickup.  I'm not much for music DVD's these days but this one is awesome as it takes you throughout Iceland.  Check out the full version!

NPR First Listens

Wow, these folks have got it going on!  The Walkmen, Sigor Ros, Saint Etienne, Regina Spector, wow!  Also check out in studio with Neko Case and live concert from Spiritualized.  That's npr.org/music if you are not in the know.

Hot Chip

Hot Chip should bring down the park at Pitchfork Festival this summer.  They have a great Saturday night slot and hopefully will even wear their hoodies.

More Pitchfork Fest

In yesterday's email we learned Japandroids have now been added to Friday, which is nice to see since of the three days that's the easiest to skip all-together.  Chromatics are now playing on Saturday and look to be in an afternoon slot.

Despite the Riot Fest announcement last week I'm still counting on Pitchfork to deliver this summer's best festival, but we'll see!

Radiohead Game Music

Here is something for hardcore Radiohead fans.  Also for fans of thos early video games.  Warning: you might not be able to get this out of your head.

ACL Festival Lineup

Yes, I've been out of town for a few days.  Heck I didn't even know it was Cubs vs. Sox weekend.  Here's the ACL Lineup.  Sure looks a lot like Lollapalooza.  But of course always a good time, and the park in Austin is better than Grant Park in Chicago.

Ribfest vs Midsommarfest

The summer festival season gets busy June 8-10 with two long time favorites.  So what are you going to do, check out North Center's Ribfest or Andersonville's Midsommarfest?  Both run Friday night and Saturday & Sunday so there is definitely time for both.  

Musically Ribfest has Heartless Bastards, The Features, Spinto Band and others.  And lots of Ribs!  Midsommarfest is mostly made up of cover bands, but Expo '76 is a DJBV favorite The Right Now and Dolly Varden should not be missed.

See you there (that is at both festivals)!

Father John Misty

Here's some new music off the Sub Pop Label.  Father John Misty, ex of Fleet Foxes, mixes joy and desperation in his country-tinged songs that are a perfect setting as we move into summer.  Think a more approachable Ryan Adams and as thoughtful as Roy Orbison.

September In Chicago

And in other news, just so you all don't go and purchase tix for Riot Fest, the AV Club and the Hideout have announced a joint-party on the same weekend!  September 15 & 16 sure is going to be busy.  I'm down with Riot Fest at this point unless I'm really wowed by what the Hideout has up their sleeve.

Riot Fest 2012

I must admit I stopped getting excited for this "festival" a few years ago because of spotty talent and the best shows being played at my least favorite venue, The Congress.  But wait, 2012 Riot Fest is a real FESTIVAL and includes acts like Rise Against, Iggy & the Stooges, Elvis Costello, Descendents, Gaslight Anthem, Jesus and Mary Chain, Built to Spill and many more solid artists.  The Congress is still involved but I'll be sure to join in for the outdoor shows at Humboldt Park.

You can now get tickets and multi-day passes, so get on it!

Best New Music: Bear In Heaven

I Love You, It's Cool is one of the big follow-ups that this writer has been looking forward to and it does not disappoint.  It's more of the same dreamy layered pop, some guitars but overwhelming keyboards and vocals is what makes this a dynamic listen.  And here's a video:

Tastebuds

Music is pretty darn important to a lot of people.  It might even be right up there with looks, or higher.  Tastebuds wants to know the music you like, then they'll find people nearby that share your tastes.  Let me know if anyone tries this!

Gypsy Fly

I'm impressed that these guys do a nice job at mixing pop & metal, but maybe even more so that they were able to put together a pretty cool 30-minute concert video from their recent Double Door show.  Check out the Gypsy Fly website for a bunch of cool stuff and plenty of songs too.  

Wells-next-the-Sea

Here's some Chicago indie-folk from Wells-next-the-Sea.  Take a listen to their stuff on the website and catch them this Saturday at Beat Kitchen for their EP release show.  

Dag Juhlin

Dag doesn't really remember (and either do I) the first time we met but it was during his time with the Slugs when shows led to apartment parties which led back to shows.  Crammed living quarters, an abundance of cassette tapes, oh and beer.  Plenty of beer.

Dag keeps himself busy with bands Expo '76 & Poi Dog Pondering.  I even saw him open for Robyn Hitchcock and perform his "mostly music but some comedy" show at Schubas and other places too.  The Slugs reunion show at the Hideout was also a treat where each attendee was given an Easter egg with the name of a song inside.  Recently Dag joined the cast at Dahl.com where his "creative" services are sure to shine.

Good luck Dag!  If the Steve Dahl show really isn't your thing check out Dag's band Expo '76 and buy him & the guys a shot.

Overlooked & Underrated

Do you agree that these are some of the overlooked & underrated albums from the 1990's?  I liked these releases including Hole, Lemonheads, Belly and Placebo but don't think any were the cream of period.

Afghan Whigs Tour

Pitchfork has some Afghan Whigs summer dates and I'll gladly be seeing them at Lollapalooza.  Not many U.S. dates here so hopefully they keep going into the fall and winter.  How would you like this schedule?  07-27 Byron Bay, Australia - Splendour in the Grass - 08-03 Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza - 08-09 Oslo, Norway - Oya Festival.  Now that's logging in some miles!

Do This At The Hideout

Chicagoist tells us all about possibly the Greatest Concert Ever and the Hideout will be screening this gem Sunday May 13 at 8 p.m.  Featured acts include the Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, James Brown, the Supremes and more!

KEXP In Studio Shows

It's no secret I love KEXP.  Here's a quick link to their live studio performances that have recently included Neon Indian, Washed Out and quite a few Seattle-area bands.