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
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
That article almost looks like something out of The Onion
Thanks! I’m looking forward to writing even more….
Yay! Love this! Welcome to the family!
that last photo’s a doozie, Chris. good work.
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Most Recent Comments
Did the Crave Truck get a permit to park in city metered spots and city right of way? Or did they just get a permit? The city clerk’s office seems to be a suspect here, but it’s not clear they did anything wrong. Did the Crave Truck…
High-profile whining. AKA Lobbying.
it’s quite choice. looking forward to seeing how it and its patronage grow and develop over the course of the year. could be a neat little ecosystem.
“It was at this point, before he started his business, that working with city employees should’ve raised red flags…” But they didn’t because: 1) The City Clerk’s office originally mis-interpreted the rules, or are indeed re-interpreting them. 2) Champaign’s brick-n-mortar merchants hadn’t yet started whining about The Crave Truck.
Super cool! Excellent track, Excellent band.
Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
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Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/