Brad Matthew

Chicago street fests are abundant during the summer months.   Over the past weekend, Wicker Park Fest took place a few blocks from my place.  I wasn’t too thrilled with this years line-up, but was thankfully exposed to a few new acts that caught my ear.

Photo: Wallo Villacorta

Bishop Allen
Brooklyn’s Bishop Allen, despite technical difficulties, played an endearing set of quarky indie pop.  Band conductors Christian Rudd and Justin Rice, lead the way with some playful harmonies and adding a little ukulele into the mix.

Bishop Allen’s Myspace

Photo: Wallo Villacorta

The 1900’s
Theses folks (all 7 of them) have been staples in the Chicago street fest scene over the past few years and I seem to just miss there set.  Not this time and gratefully so!  The 1900’s set was a revival the classic psychedelic 60’s pop in the spirit of Fleetwood Mac and The Mamas and Papas.

The 1900’s Myspace

Kings of Leon are offering “Crawl”, off their highly anticipated fourth album, Only By The Night, for free download on their web site. The full album comes out September 23rd. Along with the free download, the Kings also posted a new video of “Home Movies”, which gives some insight of the recording of the album, as well as a clip from another new song. WIth “Crawl” leaning towards their classic roots rock sound, the song on the video sounds a bit more on the pop side. Regardless of their possible “Boy Band” status, the new songs sound fucking great and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this album.

Kings of Leon - “Crawl”

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

After much contemplation, I have decided to attend all 3 days of Lollapalooza this year. Here are my 5 Must See Acts.

1. Radiohead (Day 1 - 8PM - AT&T State)
Need I explain why this is the top act to see? No.

2. The Raconteurs (Day 1 - 6:15PM - Bud Light Stage)
Although I may miss their set to ensure myself a nice view of the Radiohead set, these guys kill. I caught their Lolla set a few years back and they blew everyone out of the water. Jack White is golden.

3. The Whigs (Day 3 - 1:15PM - MySpace Stage)
I have probably seen this band more than any other band over the last few years and for good reason. Their set is nothing short of ferocious and will surely leave you with a big fat lip. “Power trio” is an understatement of the potency of these 3 fellows.

4. The National (Day 3 - 7:15PM - PlayStation 3 Stage)
Boxer was one of my favorite albums of 2007. I have yet see these guys live and have heard through the grape vine that their live show is pretty stellar.

The National - “Fake Empire”

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

5. Ha Ha Tonka (Day 3 - 11:15AM - BMI Stage)
Rise and shine Sunday morning with some bloody marys and a side of Ha Ha Tonka! A good dose of HHT is a great way to get the blood moving in the AM. Bring your stomping feet and a smile.

Also, go see..
Dr. Dog, The Black Keys, Toadies, Wilco, MGMT, Broken Social Scene, Mark Ronson, Chromeo

The Sapiens will be bringing their Motown dance punk to the lengendary Metro this Friday, July 25 at 9PM. Admission is FREE before 9:30PM and $5 after, so get there early! This show will mark the release of their mini EP Rind. You can check out the the title track below. Enjoy!

The Sapiens - “Rind”

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Visit any music lovers bedroom and you most likely will be confronted by walls covered with posters.  Quite often these posters consist of cheesy band promo pics with a large logo orchestrated over the band’s feet. Luckily this isn’t always the case, though I have fallen guilty of these ill contrived posters and walls I speak of. While visiting a friend the other night, I was reminded of the amazing screen printed posters that grace Chicago’s venues.  Below are a few of the Chicago’s bestest screen printers, who’s work you have surely seen around town.  

Spike Press
Printing posters since 2001, Spike Press has done work for everyone from JAM Productions and Schubas to the likes of The National and Leo Burnett. John Solimine’s work can be seen gracing the the halls of legendary Chicago venue, Metro.

Screwball Press
Steve Walters has been mentor/inspiration to some of the top screen printers, including Bob Hartzell, Kristen Thiele and Chicago favorite Jay Ryan (see poster below). LIke his disciples, Walter’s work serves to Chicago’s indie rock scene.

The Bird Machine
Walter’s deciple, Jay Ryan, started printing posters for his friend’s band, as well as his own, dianogah. Ryan’s work can be spotted everywhere from Chicago’s Empty Bottle to Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK.

Ozarkian footstompers, Ha Ha Tonka, recently made a stop into Daytrotter. Not only will you get treated to some song notes from the band, but a history lesson on the origins of Pabst Blue Ribon. Thanks Daytrotter! For a quick taste of the session, check out “St. Nick On The Fourth In A Fervor” below, or for the whole shebang, head on over to Daytrotter. Also, be sure to check out Ha Ha Tonka at Lollapalooza, Sunday August 3, bright and early at 11:15am on the BMI Stage.

St. Nick On The Fourth In A Fervor (Daytrotter) - Ha Ha Tonka

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.