Ready for the Weekend!

Thanks to AnonymousMidwest I was tipped off to this fantastic rock cover of Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness". Pure genius!

Born Ruffians Show Tonight!!!

9:00pm @ Lincoln Hall
Tickets: $12

If you're not there....you're square! :)

Chuck Can Sing?

He's been holding out on me for all this time?? Chuck star, Zachary Levi, has released his first single (in the form of a duet with Katharine McPhee) and although the music isn't exactly my cup of tea, I still have such an elevated form of respect for this guy. Acting, singing, AND looking adorable (all the time)...what a treat!





Dowload it: Katharine McPhee w/ Zachary Levi - "Terrified"

New Video - The Ghost Inside

Check out the latest video from the Broken Bells. It's one of my favorite songs from their new album and (bonus) it stars Mad Men actress, Christina Hendricks. What a combo!

Song of the Day - Nothing Better

Dear Postal Service,

I'm sorry that I fell in love with you guys in college and haven't given you much props since then, but I'm back...and I'm putting YOU back in the mix.

Download it: The Postal Service - "Nothing Better"

No Way!

Can I just say how excited I am to find out that the Netherfriends are opening for the Born Ruffians at Lincoln Hall in June? I just found out and it doesn't get much better than this.

We Were Promised Jetpacks

These guys hail from Scotland (swoon!) and while they've only been touring and releasing music since 2008 they have made a big impact in such short time. The story of their rise to fame is actually an interesting one. The band cites their friends (Frightened Rabbit) as one of their major influences so imagine their surprise when Fat Cat Records called to sign them up for a record deal. The label execs were searching on MySpace through Frightened Rabbit's friend list and came across this gem of an indie rock band. Boom...they became a big deal!

And the best news...I only have to wait until July 12 when I get to check them out at the Empty Bottle. Totally.AWESOME.

Download it: Quiet Little Voices / Moving Clocks Run Slow / Short Bursts

Song of the Day - Pistol of Fire

I feel the water
Out in the cool grass
Down in the meadows
Under the tree

It's gonna tickle
You're gonna giggle
It's gonna tickle
Pick up her feet

Download it: Kings of Leon - "Pistol of Fire"

Tapping my feet to this until I can head out of work for the weekend...HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Nick's Photos from the Shout Out Louds Show Featured on the Chicagoist ...

Check them out here!

*So proud of my boy! :)

Hidden Little Gem

You always have the highest hopes when it comes to opening acts. You want them to open your eyes (and ears) to a new sound...to something that leaves you clamoring for the door as you leave just so that you can go home and purchase their entire music catalog. Sadly, you are usually faced with an awkward group of musicians that leave you clamoring for the bar in order to avoid 30 minutes of their "ground breaking" music (i.e. music that you will never understand no matter how hard you try).

Not true with the Freelance Whales who opened for the Shout Out Louds at Lincoln Hall this past Monday. They are young, borderline 'too hip for their own good', and man, can they play a mean instrument. I was amazed at the shuffling around that took place on stage as each band member moved from instrument to instrument. There were guitars, there were xylophones, there were waterphones....oh my! Take my word for it...cruise around their website and check out a bit of their music and I think you'll see what I mean.

In the meantime, check out these great photos from the show (courtesy of the always talented Nick G.)...

Stay Tuned

It's been rumored that I may be receiving some pretty sweet photos from the Seedy Seeds/Sugar and Gold show from this past Sunday. Can't wait...because this page definitely needs a little more personality. :)

It's Disco, Baby!

First of all (on a completely unrelated music note), I just have to say how happy I am that it is finally over 70 degrees in the windy city. Gives me hope for sun dresses and drinks outside! :)

Anyhoo.......

The big news of this weekend comes in the form of a modern day disco-pop group called Sugar and Gold. Nick has managed to score a photo pass for their show at the Empty Bottle this Sunday, May 2nd and I'm tagging along for the ride. This band has undying energy (just check out any of their YouTube videos) and I'm looking forward to a rockin' dance party to round out my weekend.

Sunday, May 2nd @ 9:30pm
Sugar and Gold
The Seedy Seeds
Yoko Homo
Tickets: $8

Get out and enjoy this fantastic weather!!!

Do I Win?

This is a great little find that was discovered by Nick, but I think I've beat him to the punch by posting it first. :) We all love The xx, but this cover of their song, "VCR", by The Antlers is amazing.

Download it (for free!): The Antlers - "VCR" (The xx cover)

Is it Bedtime Yet?

This song immediately soothes me. It's beautiful...check it out!

Download it: City and Colour - "Against the Grain"

(Not) New Song - "Fluorescent Adolescent"

I put this song on and can't help but bounce around to its English pop rock beat. It's catchy and you've got to love the fact that the Arctic Monkeys don't take themselves too seriously. You may remember their first US hit, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", but since then they have adopted a lighter sound and it has been working for them...for about 7 years now. Check it out if you need a little pick me up!

Download it: Arctic Monkeys - "Fluorescent Adolescent"

Blast from the Past

Out of nowhere I just started humming Superdrag's "Sucked Out". Getting past the fact that I had no idea when I last heard that song, I looked up the video and couldn't believe my eyes when I read that the song was released in 1996. The 90's...wow! Seems so long ago, but if you grew up during that time I hope you can appreciate this post. Bringing an old one (but a good one) back!

Download it: Superdrag - "Sucked Out"

It's a Good Day

It's been 13 months and 100 posts! I've loved every minute of it and I can't wait to celebrate my next 100 posts...whenever they might occur. Thanks for sticking with me and hopefully I can grow this little project into something bigger and better. Wish me luck! :)

Boys & Girls in America

They don't stray from what originally drew me to their music...and that's exactly why I am still in love with The Hold Steady. Every year I anxiously wait for their Chicago show to be announced and I can buy my ticket knowing that I'll probably have one of the best nights of the summer. The promise of warm weather, cold beer, and a great crowd of twenty/thirty somethings shouting along to all of the lyrics is something that dreams are made of. This year will be no different and with the help of a few friendly websites (thanks Pitchfork & Stereogum!) I can get my early fix of The Hold Steady's newest album. Check it out for yourself!

Hurricane J

The Weekenders

It's Lolla Time!!!!

This morning I was greeted with the most delightful email. An email that I wait for all winter long and when it arrives I can't help but share it with anyone who is willing to listen. Yessssss....the Lollapalooza lineup was announced today! In my opinion, it just keeps getting better. Perry Farrel, you have truly outdone yourself this year!

Here are a few of the highlights...

Phoenix
Arcade Fire
The Black Keys
MGMT
Grizzly Bear
Frightened Rabbit
The Strokes
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Company of Thieves
Cymbals Eat Guitars
Matt & Kim
The xx
The Walkmen
Spoon

*Headliners - Soundgarden / Green Day / Lady Gaga

Now we sit and wait for the 3 day schedule to be released. Let the nail biting begin.

Ears Still Ringing

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things!! After a delicious dinner at Miss Cara's apartment, my boy and I headed over to the Metro to check out the Miike Snow show. We were both anxious and excited for another high energy concert (much like our first experience at the Empty Bottle). Let me tell you...we were not let down! Not only was the music fantastic, but the overall show was much improved. Better light show, more new songs, and a much bigger crowd. Well done guys, well done.

P.S. Nick's iPhone saves the day again...great pic!