So I am back at home in Chicago for Thanksgiving this week. I came back because Sister Hazel. They played the Chicago Lighting Festival (along with KT Tunstal and Corbin Bleu... whoever that is). So I am staying th week.
So it was in the Chicago Tribune, that the plan maybe to have second concert in Philly that would include the same idea as Lollapalooza Chicago, however, it won't have all the bands that were in Chicago. It turns out it actually hit a snag in its plan this week. C3 Presents has already announced Loallapalooza will be in Chicago for the next 4 years but that doesn't mean they don't want to expand. They are looking at Belmont Plateau in Philly for 2 or 3 weeks after the Grant Park show.
They are saying that it wouldn't be called Lollapalooza but it would follow the same model. While C3 wants to bring it to Philly... Electric Factory (Live Nation) has other plans. They want to be the one to do it.
All this is fine with me. I am not one of those people who thinks that my toes are being stepped on by having more than one show. I could care less if they do 10 shows... all I know is I will see it in Chicago... and thats fine!
The only part that actually pissed me off were some comments by Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell. The Jane's Addiction front man said, "the scariest predicament we face in the music is that commercialezation has killed off the underground scene. It used to be at Lollapalooza that the audience was full of 20,000 freaks and miscreants and outcasts. But now people look like they walked out of the Gap."
Well Mr. Farrell... what the fuck do you expect when the tickets for 3 days are approaching $200, you have every single sponsor you can think (Adidas, iTunes, AT&T, MySpace, Citi, Play Station, Bud Light, etc.) and you yourself did a song with Fergie! If the show is commercial, the fans will be commercial too. But that doesn't even matter. Since when is a music festival for some people but not others. Isn't that whats beautiful about music? Isn't music the universal art? I coulda sworn it was.
Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Boycott BP (cont)
This was in the Sun Times last week.
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Boycott BP
If BP insists on dumping more pollutants into our lake, it's time for us to stop pumping its gas into our tanks. We're calling for an all-out boycott of BP gas. Maybe then, BP will realize that hollow promises aren't good enough for customers.
Maybe then, they'll be ready "to commit" to keeping Lake Michigan clean. BP America vice chairman Stephen A. Elbert vowed Wednesday only to look into incorporating new technologies to reduce additional pollutants into the lake.
But he also stood by the company's plans to discharge 54 percent more ammonia and 35 percent more sludge particles into the lake as BP moves forward with a $3 billion expansion of its Whiting, Ind., refinery. The water is not going to be "damaged," Elbert claimed.
Environmental activists and city officials think differently, and for at least a month have been raising their objections to Indiana's decision to issue a permit to BP. Their concerns have pretty much fallen on deaf ears -- until this week when BP executives met with them to discuss more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Even if BP is working within the parameters of federal and state regulations, putting extra pollutants into our major drinking water source is an abysmal option. The lake, as Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) put it, is our
Yellowstone Park, our Grand Canyon. No one would dare mess with those national treasures. Why mess with ours?
At this point, the only clear message BP is sending is that it wants to have its cake and eat it too. BP executives want their company to be known as the greenest -- as suggested by its logo, meant to resemble a sunflower and show its commitment to the environment. But they also want to dump in our lakes. They can't have it both ways.
That's why we have to help them decide which road they'll choose by hitting their pocketbooks -- at least until Sept. 1 when they'll return to Chicago to give Emanuel and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) an update on their plans.
Starting today, we should just drive on by those green, yellow and white gas pumps. Throw the BP credit cards into the salad spinner and kiss their Wild Bean Cafe goodbye.
Vote with your feet, er, wheels, and drive to another gas station.
Monday, August 06, 2007
BOYCOTT BP
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savelakemichigan/
Friday, July 27, 2007
Lollapalooza 2007 Study Guide
FRIDAY
HYPE AT SXSW ALERT
The Fratellis (11:45-12:30)
Indie/lo fi
This band was talked about big at SXSW. Not quite like Mika or Amy Winehouse but they got a lot of hype. They seem to be rising quickly through ranks of the different size venues.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Indie kids
Pop punk fans
Younger crowd
You Will Like It If:
You like Whitestar, The Strokes, Jet, The Vines
If Wolfmother is too hard trio for you
Pros: fun show
Cons: semi annoying
Download This:
Flathead (you know this from the new iTunes adds)
Chelsea Dagger
BOYCOTT THIS BAND!!!! ALERT
The band is good. The band is really good. The manager is a prick. He led me on like he was going to sign with Rock Ridge Music, before he decided to insult me, my business and my business model. He talks down to people even in doing business. I will not be going to see this band. Hopefully none of you will either.
NEXT BIG THING? ALERT
Ghostland Observatory (12:30-1:30)
Electo/Indie
Talk of the music industry/fans that follow bands under the radar. A lot of writers and industry schmoes think this could be the next band to break out. They are where the Cold War Kids were a year ago. Another band who got big hype at SXSW this year.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Indie kids
Hispters
Dance music fans
You Will Like It If:
You wanna see the possible next big thing
You wanna dance right away at Lollapalooza
Pros: Could be the next big thing
Cons: The show is really early for a relatively unknown
Download This:
Sad Sad City
SOUL ALERT
Soulive (12:30-1:30)
Jazz/instrumental
Former members of Supergrub and Ben Kenney’s Division group. Press doesn’t love them, they aren’t overly hip but they are really good. They have worked with everyone form Anthony Hamilton to Goapele to Incubus.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Fans of Stax, Booker T & The M.G.s
Hippies
You Will Like It If:
You like instrumentals
You like Robert Randolph
Pros: amazing musicians
Cons: can get a little slow
Download This:
Joyful Girl
Crosstown Traffic (Hendrix Cover)
BLUES ALERT
Charlie Musselwhite (2:15-3:00)
Blues
This guy is a the lead singer and harmonica player for a blue quartet from the Mississippi Delta. He is amazing. I went to see him a little over year ago and had a blast.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Harmonica Fans
Blues Fans
Hippies
You Will Like It If:
You like vocals from the Sopranos Theme (not him but deep like that)
You like old men
You like the blues brothers
Pros: amazing musicians
Cons: not the most exciting show
Download This:
Black Water
MY FAVORITE NEW BAND
Silversun Pickups (5:00-6:00)
Indie/alternative
This is my favorite new band. They use a lot of distortion and the singer is a dude… but sounds like a girl. They use both hard rock sounds and indie alternative sounds at the same time. This is one of the bands I am most excited to see the whole weekend. Very abstract lyrics but still really cool.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Indie kids
Hipsters
Hard rock kids
Grey’s Anatomy Fans (Lazy Eye was in an episode)
Conan O’brien Fans (Conan is such a big fan they have been on 4 times since September)
You Will Like It If:
You like distortion
You like guys who sing like girls
You like Metric or Smashing Pumpkins
You like mid-90s style college rock
Pros: very fun show, awesome record
Cons: singers voice isn’t as good live and gets a little screamy at times
Download This:
Future Foe Scenarios
Well Thought Out Twinkles
Lazy Eye
Melatonin
Checkered Floor
I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT THIS BAND
Satellite Party (6:30-7:30)
Dance Rock
I don’t really know much about this band other that Perry Ferrell (formerly of Jane’s Addiction and runs Lollapalooza is the singer). His vocals are great the music is very simple dance beats.
Who Does This Appeal To?
Dance kids
Indie Hipsters
You Will Like It If:
You like 80s music
You like music that’s weird to be weird
Pros: Perry Ferrell
Cons: Fergie sings in one of the songs
LCD Soundsystem (7:30-8:30)
Dance Rock/techno
I have seen this band a whole bunch… it’s a blast. The last time I saw them was a year and a half ago and no one watched the stage, the whole club danced. You have heard some of these songs with out realizing it.
Who Does This Appeal To?
Dance kids
Indie hipsters
You Will Like It If:
You like to dance
If you like bands but also like Daft Punk and Bob Sinclair
Pros: Shows are a blast
Cons: don’t know if it will translate well outdoors
Download This:
Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
Yr Citys A Sucker
SATURDAY
HILARIOUS BAND ALERT (Chas: The Epitome of Luna Duna Fluna People)
I’m From
Twee Choir
For those of you who don’t know what Twee is, think of Polyphonic Spree. Even better think of the old Coca Cola commercial with all the people singing “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony!” Its the happiest form of music. So happy that its hilarious. There are 20 some odd people in this band.
Who Does This Appeal To?
Hipsters (the non brooding kind)
People who like to dress like they are 40 years older than they are
You Will Like It If:
You can listen without taking it seriously and just enjoy the hilariousness
Pros: its fun
Cons: its embarrassing
Download This:
We’re From Barcelona
CANADIAN INDIE ALERT
Indie/Garage/Pop Punk
This is a good band. They are a lot like a lot of the hip indie lo fi stuff that is out there right now. They don’t try to be cool, they actually celebrate their nerdiness, especially the guy who does shout vocals and plays the keys. This band has been in the music businesses radar for a while especially after CMJ and SXSW this year. I tried signing them but they graciously declined.
Who Does This Appeal To?
Indie kids
Canadians
Maybe some emo types
You Will Like It If:
You like to know bands that no one knows
Pros: songs are quick and fun
Cons: literally end suddenly, too suddenly
Download This:
Nature Of The Experiments
Your English Is Good
CANADIAN INDIE THAT I AM TRYING TO SIGN ALERT
Sam Roberts Band (2:15-300)
Indie/Classic Rock
This band is excellent. They combine the singer songwriter sound with 70’s style rock. They used to just be called Sam Roberts but they added ‘Band’ because he kept getting booked on singer songwriter tours a la Ike Reilly’s initial problem. I am in the process of trying to sign this band and I will likely watch their show with their manager but still in the crowd. I encourage you to join they are awesome.
Who Does This Appeal Too?
Canadians
Indie kids
Girls who like rock music
Classic rock fans
You Will Like It If:
You like guitars
You wanna see what I am trying to sign
Pros: great musicians, catchy songs
Cons: Show is only 45 minutes
Download This:
An American Draft Dodger In
Mystified, Heavey
Brother Down (a fan favorite)
Mind Flood (usually the last song he plays, bet you cant stand still during the second half)
Bridge to Nowhere
CURRENT KINGS OF THE INDIE WORLD ALERT
Cold War Kids (3:30-4:30)
Indie with blues and soul influences
I tried signing these guys about a year and half ago and they graciously declined. They got the money they were looking for and they deserve it. Lisa and I went to see them on our second date. We have watched them rise from playing in front of 100 people (opening for SoundTeam) to selling out 1,500 person venues easily to opening for MUSE at
Who Does This Appeal To?
Indie kids
Blues fans
People who love a good show
You Will Like It If?
You like original sounds
You like non instruments used in songs (Pelegrino Bottle used in
Pros: The signer spends a lot of time behing a piano, so the guitar and bassist really put on a show
Cons: Honestly… none this is a great band
Download This:
Hang Me Out To Dry (you may know this song but live its great)
We Used To Vacation (amazing lyrics about his alcoholic father)
Red Wine, Success
Hospital Beds
Tell Me In The Morning
QUEEN OF INDIE FOLLOW UP ALERT
Indie
She is currently the face for female indie music. While Amy Winehouse is getting the press (that
Who Does This Appeal To?
Indie girls
Hipsters
You Will Like It If:
You like the piano music
You like break up songs
Pros: Good songwriter
Cons: She plays at the same time as The Hold Steady
Download This:
Fidelity
On The Radio
MIDWESTERN BAR ROCK ALERT
The Hold Steady (5:30-6:30)
Indie/Bar Rock
This band is kinda cool in its own way. It sounds like a normal indie bar rock band, but its not. The singer… doesn’t really sing. He kinda just tells stories. He sounds a lot like your friend at the bar who has had too much to drink and is telling you about an encounter he had with the underbelly of society. They sing about people and situations that would make Ike Reilly proud. Whiskey soaked blues/punk.
Who Does This Appeal To?
Guys who would rather drink at a bar like the Murphy’s than a bar like the one at Sofitel.
People from
You Will Like It If:
You like Ike Reilly
Jack Daniels
Pros: Fun
Cons: He doesn’t really sing, plays at the same time as Regina Spektor
Download This:
Your Little Hoodrat Friend
Hornets! Hornets!
GREY’S ANATOMY ALERT
Snow Patrol (6:30-7:30)
I don’t know a ton about this band other than what Kim plays here at my office. I do know that every single music blog in the world talks about how much the show Grey’s Anatomy loves this band. In my opinion it makes sense why. They make dramatic songs not too dissimilar from Tavis or Coldplay. I also know that Abbye is a fan of some of their songs, and I only know that from away messages haha. Though this band leans that way,
Who Does This Appeal To?
Fans of alternative pop
Fans of softer rock
You Will Like It If:
Travis, Coldplay, Grey’s Anatomy, Gin Blossoms, Nick Drake
Pros: Great song writers
Cons: Don’t know how exciting their show will be
Download This:
Open Your Eyes
Chasing Cars
INDIE ICON ALERT
Spoon (7:30- 8:30)
Indie/
These guys have been a big name in the indie world for almost 15 years. They have likely influenced several of the bands that will be playing at Lollapalooza. They have a a great sound made up of part indie alt with some brit sounding lyrics. I have never seen them but have a great live show reputation.
Who Does This Appeal To?
Indie kids
Fans of live music
You Will Like It If:
You like Lollapalooza
Pros: influential song writers, good live
Cons: they released an album this week so I don’t know the music to help
Download This:
I Tune My Camera On
They Never Got You
The Way We Get By
The Underdog
LOLLAPALOOZA’S BIGEST IMPORT ALERT
MUSE (8:30-10)
Indie/hard rock/theatrical rock
As far as record sales and ticket sales go, this is
Who Does This Appeal To?
Indie kids
Hard rock kids
Maybe some emo kids
You Will Like It If:
You like older/harder Radiohead
You like MRNORTH’s harder stuff
A less emo version of My Chemical Romance
Download This:
Time Is Running Out
Stockholm Syndrome
Hysteria
Thoughts of a Dying Atheist
SUNDAY
CELEBRITY BAND ALERT
Juliette & The Licks (11:30-12:15)
Rock/indie punk
I don’t know anything about this band other than Juliette Lewis is the lead singer.
ROCK RIDGE MUSIC ALERT
MRNORTH (12:30-1:15)
Rock/hard rock/pop rock/theatrical rock
Well, as many of you know, this is my favorite band that I work with… they are also some very good friends of mine. They are super talented and are great songwriters. There is nothing more to say or I will be gushing like we are talking about Abbye’s principal at her Sheppard graduation… hhahaha.
Who Does This Appeal To:
People who like me
Fans of well written music
Fans of pop rock
You will like it if:
You like Jeff Buckley, Incubus, U2, Radiohead, MUSE
Pros: great songs, great show
Cons: SHOW IS TOO EARLY AND TOO SHORT!!!
Download This: Purchase This:
Let Me In (great pop rock song)
Start From A (most incubus-esque track)
Wastin’ (the story of a man who drinks too much)
Silver Mouth (anit- Bush track)
Player (catchiest new song)
So Many Things (this albums single)
Sleeping Dogs (ballad)
Waking The Dead (hard rock song)
For The Cheater & The Cheated (first song they wrote after Colin broke up with his girl)
HYPE ALERT
Amy Winehouse (2:15-3:15)
Soul/r&b
She looks like and indie rock chick… but she sounds like a soul throwback. I saw her at SXSW and she came out so drunk that she barely played… I don’t know much else about her.
Download This:
Rehab
ICON ALERT
Iggy & The Stooges (4:15- 5:15)
Punk/hard rock
He is one of the most influential artiest ever. The Stooges were more or less the first punk band. When they came out they were just considered a rock band of course we know better than this now. Lisa and I saw him live about 3 months ago… the energy is so high he sounded so great you would never guess he was 60!
Who Does This Appeal To?
Classic rock fans
Punk fans
Musical icons
You Will Like It If:
You like a great showman… he doesn’t stop moving
Pros: high energy, super fun
Cons: at the same time as Kings of Leon (cruelest overlap of the year)
Download This:
1969 (Iggy discusses being 21 and bored)
I Wanna Be Your Dog (Iggy makes a drunken booty call)
Search & Destroy (his most famous song)
Raw Power
My Idea Of Fun (written through GW’s eyes
End Of Christianity
No Fun
ARE THEY REALLY ON DURING THE STOOGES ALERT
Kings of
Southern rock/bluesy rock/indie rock
This is one of my favorite new bands. They are whiskey soaked southerners who are all brothers (and one cousin). Their dad (and uncle) is a Pentecostal Minister. Of course with that type of house hold they all turned in to substance abusing, man whores and that’s what every single one of their songs is about. Literally. They are fun as long as you can get past how different his singing voice is, some people can’t.
Who Does This Appeal To?
Indie kids
Younger crowd
Indie girls
Southern rock fans
You Will Like It If:
You like to Jack Daniels
You like to dance, in a more rock/country way than the electronic stuff
You like Hold Steady, Silversun Pickups
Pros: Fun show, wise ass lyrics
Cons: at the same time as Iggy & The Stooges (cruelest overlap of the year)
Download This:
Milk (Abbye and My jame from
Molly’s Chamber (you will recognize if from a Jetta commercial a couple years ago)
Soft (song about a struggle he is having after getting too drunk and bringing a girl home)
The Bucket
Taper Jean Girl (aka Lisa Romoff haha)
Slow Night, So Long
King Of the Rodeo
Trani (same idea as the Kinks- Lola)
Knocked Up (not as whiskey soaked new song influenced from being on the road with U2 and Pearl Jam for the past year)
BEST UNDER THE RADAR SONG OF THE FIRST HALF OF 2007
Peter Bjorn & John (5:00-6:00)
Indie pop/electric
I don’t have much to say other than they have the best song of the first half of 2007.
Who Does This Appeal To:
Indie kids
Hipsters
Emo kids
You Will Like It If:
You like Serge Gainsbourg and Bridget Bardot’s Bonnie & Clyde
Pro: great song
Con: possible one hit wonder
Download This:
Young Folks (song about a guy and girl who just are in love and care only about eachother)
FUN DANCE BAND ALERT
!!! (5:15-6:15)
Indie dance music
The bands is pronounced (chk chk chk). I have seen them before for an explanation see Day 1 LCD Soundsytem.
Who Does This Appeal To:
Dance kids
Gay guys
You Will Like It If:
You literally wanna dance like you are at a club for an hour straight
Pros: way fun
Cons: gets redundant
Download This:
Me And Giuliani Down By The Schoolyard (this song is dedicated stupid and insulting law that Giuliani made outlawing dancing in bars unless the bar buys a cabaret license.)
BEST SONG OF 2006 ALERT
TV on the Radio (7:15- 8:00)
Indie rock/trip hop/electric
This band is def a one hit wonder. I am not a fan of their record but they have a definite hit that was the best indie song of 2006. The band is a bunch of black dudes and they do have some trip hop sounds but this def not the Roots, this is a rock band. David Bowie has been known to help them on stage before as well.
Who Does This Appeal To?
Indie kids
You Will Like It If:
You liked most of the things at Lollapalooza, especially Cold War Kids, Silversun Pickups, Peter Bjorn & John
Pros: supposed to put on a great show
Cons: on song noticeably stronger than the rest
Download This:
Wolf Like Me (song about a man who at night turns into a warewolf and he explains to a girl that she has it in her too)
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