Saw this in today’s Red Eye – Metromix November Concert Guide by Matt Pais. I’ve looked at their monthly guide a couple of times over the course of the last few months and have always found something interesting. You can check out the bands on MySpace, and then decide what shows you want to go to. Pretty useful, as I find myself increasingly pressed to find good sources of new music (especially local).
If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out. Marlon covering “Apologize” by One Republic:
All told, 2/3 of SoulFix was at the fest for all three days (I outlasted all and did all 3 days, Mitch Friday & Saturday, Marlon just Saturday; most importantly, we all got to see Tool). This year, Mitch had done some IT/Network work for the fest, so he totally hooked up the VIP tickets. The VIP tickets got us access to two tents, one at the north end and one at the south end. The south end was WAY better than the north end; larger, better views of the stages. Also included with your VIP package was all food and liquor. Yep. Only thing was, they wouldn’t let you take any drinks with you out of the VIP areas, which I guess makes sense, cuz otherwise you’d be carrying out 20 beers for all your friends.
Tool, Jane’s, Thievery Corporation, Ida Maria, Snoop, Rise Against
Living Things I describe as such: a nod to the Ramones+Brian May+tight pants+Ampeg bass cabinets=solid American rock ‘n’ roll.
Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode. And also, Gomez, which brings me to:
Gomez is frat rock. Which made me think: how does one define frat rock? My friend and I came up with this description: Mediocre music, with lyrics that are easy enough for trixie girls to “get.” It’s not overly engaging, so it allows you to stand around and bullshit, while pounding 8-10 Miller Lites.
Also, one of the Gomez dudes played a shaker app or something on his iPhone. To quote my mysterious friend, “Play a real instrument, not a phone.”
“The problem is YOU’RE not drunk enough.”
“I think I’m gonna take 2 showers when I get home.”
“Whippets, only 5 bucks guys.”
“Why are they getting off here? Stupid bitches.”
“I can’t hear you, Mom.”
“I wonder if the carpet matches the puuuuubes.”
Overall, a great time, and kudos to the promoters for a very well-run show.
Tim Jahn has featured our song “Divide” on his website beyondthepedway.com. It’s a great website that strives to bring Chicago’s many talented creative media companies to light. This week’s interview is with Natiiv Arts & Media. Thanks, Tim!
We got a last-minute show at Bottom Lounge this Thursday. Show time is 9pm, cover TBD. Part of the Flabby Hoffman show. Come on out for some recession-busting rock!!
Yo! Check out the band The Felix Culpa. They’re from Rockford. They rock!!
They’ve got a free EP available for download.
I mean, c’mon! Really?? It’s still around?
I caught some of Chris Payne’s Local 101 the other day and heard a band called The Frantic. Not my thing, man. They’re embarking upon a Hot Topic tour. Prolly blow up and get huge. Maybe get on a tour with Sum 41, if they’re lucky. There’s another band on Local 101’s myspace page named 3rd Time’s A Charm. Looks like they’ve got a Hot Topic appearance as well. Seriously guys? Blink 182 meant that much to you? You had to form a band?
Fall Out Boy, I suppose I could give you. Smart, catchy, snarky songs. Super-slick production thanks to ProTools. But DAMMIT if they (and a host of other bands) haven’t spawned an entire generation of ass-hat wannabe bands.
Is pop-punk this generation’s hair metal? The sort of thing that you completely immerse yourself in while growing up, then look at 15 years later and feel a little embarassed? Hair metal at least didn’t really pull any punches — the eye makeup, the tight pants, the cocaine — you knew it was all flash. Maybe that’s what skate shoes, lip piercings and comic book t-shirts are supposed to be — today’s pop clown outfit.
Anyways, I’ll see you all at the EXO concert on August 2nd…
Download the original audio file here.