Category > Disappear in Smoke
It’s physically impossible not to like Matt Talbott, erstwhile Hum leader, current Centaur frontman, and all around handyman. Ever since the band parted ways amicably in 1999, he has remained a constant on the local scene, continuing the indie rock dream in the form of local space groove merchants Centaur, and opening a studio, Great Western Record Recorders. In his role as recordist, he’s worked with a variety of acts, most notably Hopesfall and local acts Absinthe Blind, Terminus Victor, …
| For anybody familiar with the recorded output of the Heartless Bastards, track two of their third release, The Mountain, might be something of a shock. “Could Be So Happy” sees Erika Wennerstrom — singer, guitarist, and only remaining original member of the band — take a solo acoustic spin, something a tad out of character with her recorded output to this point. To be sure, it’s followed by the hardest rocker on the record, “Early in the Morning,” the one …
I am not entirely sure why, but periodically I find myself wondering about the musical equivalents to life’s great imponderables, those truly unanswerable questions that get at the heart of invention or influence. For instance, how does someone arrive at a signature sound, whether it be vocal, instrumental, or ensemble? Is it, like most athletic achievements, a product of natural talent perfected by hard work and driven by inexorable determination; or is it more organic, an accident rather than a …
I suppose it will seem the height of irony to claim that a culture whose members spend much of their free time writhing in Guitar Hero-induced, six string-shredding ecstasy has largely turned its back on the lead guitar as a dominant force. But examine closely the reductive, even comic way in which the various music-based video games present the rock and guitar-playing enterprises and the claim begins to gain credence. An undeniable icon of the rock universe, the guitar is …
My friend, former (WEFT) Out of Our Heads co-host and current Florida State University Professor, Barry J. Faulk, put one of those "won't go away" ideas in my head last week via his response to an earlier e-mail message I had sent him regarding the death of musician John Martyn. Pithy as always, Mr. Faulk nailed the finer quality of Martyn's gift, noting the elusive yet essential distinction between mixing and fusing: To me, the most impressive thing about Martyn …
As some of you may know, I was fortunate enough to host various shows on WEFT sporadically for something like 17 or 18 years. Most recently I co-hosted (and then solo hosted after my co-hosts split) a weekly two-hour stroll through all things rock called Out of Our Heads. The reality of balancing show prep and an expanding work schedule forced me to quit a coupla three years ago, and I can honestly say the one thing I really miss …
I was at work last week when my friend and C-U rock alum, David Landis, e-mailed me the sad news that legendary Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton (left) had died at the age of 60, reportedly of a heart attack. I am not a fanatical Stooges fan, so it wasn't one of those "where were you when you heard the news" moments, but it did lead to a lengthy e-mail exchange that got me thinking about guitar playing "style" and the …
At the somewhat ripe age of 51, I pretty much question continuing my maniacal pursuit of rock music every time I venture out the door to see a show. The first 20-something to step on my feet while I cling to a venue’s back wall in a vain attempt to stay out of his or her over-eager way makes me wonder why I am not home resting my proverbially (and persistently) aching bones. As depressing as my situation is, I …
Most Recent Music Comments
What about Artists Against AIDS, Ebertfest, Beer and Chili fest…?
No Brat Pack at the Taste?? How disappointing…
A Sunny Day Shoegaze Pop - now THAT"S post-rock.
I just discovered The Low Anthem recently thanks to an NPR Tiny Desk concert podcast downloaded onto my iPod. As I am with many “folk-ish” bands, upon first listen I found them a bit boring (though overall I love folk music—weird), but am now into them like…
It sounds like i just misunderstood you, thanks for clarifying.
I was responsible for the label “drunken plague.“ I thought it was slightly amusing and might draw attention to the piece. If you were offended by that than you’re taking yourself WAY too seriously. Perhaps you would have some umbrage points if it was a feature article…
So I’ve read this through a few times, and I can’t figure out why you feel like I’m belittling anyone. Especially not all undergrads, and not even all undergrads that are currently wasted. If I were still in undergrad (not working 8-6, not working this Saturday, less…
jack, unofficial is fucking stupid. and i’m and undergrad who will start drinking pretty soon. don’t get so defensive.
Unofficial isn’t that crazy. Personally, I think a music preview can be done without passing judgement and stereotyping undergrads. That’s not helping the music scene, if that’s an intention. Saying something simple like: “If unofficial isn’t your thing, come to Mike ‘n Molly’s to see a great…
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Most Recent Comments
...and while the Illinois Marathon isn’t quite a “fest”, it takes places in the streets all over CU! okay, done now.
What about Artists Against AIDS, Ebertfest, Beer and Chili fest…?
No Brat Pack at the Taste?? How disappointing…
Nothing is as humbling as running distances. I was a Div.I athlete, and NOTHING compares to the physical & mental test running has proven to be for me…..and I love it!
Tony C… Marathons are meant to be the most painfully excruciating character building exercise you can do besides childbirth, I would imagine. After all Pheidippides died after his. But at least he did one.
Rob, don’t ever change. I lean “merryman,“ but still can’t wait to read your take after every game and that hasn’t changed one bit in recent weeks.
I ran a slow Chicago marathon with a friend as moral support. We kept passing and getting passed by fully decked out Elvis in a white jumpsuit (it was 85F) and “Hi Guy” who was wearing Crocs as footwear and waving at everyone he passed (http://higuy.com/). It…
Lena… Thanks for the story idea. I’ll add it to my list of potentials!
I like the old Rob better, but I can understand why we have the new Rob. The illini crowd turns on anyone who doesn’t toe the line. Guess that’s why the local media never asks tough questions of Weber nor have follow up questions to some of his vague mysterious answers.
The University does not subsidize the Airbus. For decades bus transportation to the airport was provided expressly for Institute of Aviation students. This service was paid for by the Institute of Aviation, not campus as a whole. Some of you may even remember the old orange or…
LOVE IT. As a high jumper -turned sprinter- turned half marathoner who gets hollered at by random folks in cars (and stumbling down green street) during the cold early C/U mornings, I can totally relate! I’m jealous of the folks who can sport a costume and still finish races…
Go Abe, go!
We just couldn’t stop them on the defensive end. They scored almost a will against us. Sigh.. NEXT YEAR! :)
Burr did make some bizarre calls that killed our momentum, but the main problem was shot selection. It’s been the same thing all season, shooting off-balance shots and long range jumpers early in the shot clock. Maybe we’ll fare better in the rematch Friday.
Just read this over at the Gazoo. Perfect ending to our underwhelming season, should it continue to go in the direction I think it will and we get an NIT invite: “Illinois wouldn’t be able to host a game in the first round of the NIT,…
A book just published gives a very useful different perspective on the “growth for growth’s sake” model and its ecological unsustainability. It is “Prosperity Without Growth: Economics for a Finite Planet” by Tim Jackson. The first chapter of the book can be downloaded via http://earthscan.co.uk/pwg . This…
Oh my God, what a horrid game.
Gris gris gumbo Ya-ya, thats how you really kick it keep kickin it, not scorcese/stones/decaprio bs
I’m trying to think of things that might make this movie somewhat redeemable. All I’ve come up with so far is the idea of remarketing it as either the prequel to Ghandi OR as Revolutionary Road 2: Frank strikes back!
A Sunny Day Shoegaze Pop - now THAT"S post-rock.
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...and while the Illinois Marathon isn’t quite a “fest”, it takes places in the streets all over CU! okay, done now.