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 …
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Its cool Annie, I know deep down you don’t give a shit, but yer being gracious. Check out the new Clipd Beaks, or Brian Jonestown Massacre, or Black Ryder from Australia. Yer right though, Chemicals is one song that acually says nothing. Usually, music that doesn’t really…
Jared played this on WEFT Sessions in September 2008, and in a year mistechtrophic songs I think this was my favorite of the year—this simple version of “I_Refute_Technology.mp3“ with acoustic guitar, electric bass, and two voices, it’s a good song. Musician, cover thyself!
Don’t forget about the Zmick show at Canopy Club w/ special guests Mathien. Urbana jams with some Chicago soul. You won’t wanna miss it!
if you’re heading to the Copyrights show, get there early. Facebook rvsp list is already well over the Herring’s capacity…
This thread has become somewhat played out, but I wanted to thank Joel for his comments. No concerns on the general quality/quantity of local music coverage in this zine - I simply didn’t want an uninformed reader to get the wrong impression on just how vibrant a…
Joel brings up a fantastic point in that most of the bands you’ll find bitching about not getting covered are the ones who never, EVER, bother to put in any effort when it comes to promo. There is a chip on the shoulders of so many local…
Knowing the percussionist for this collaboration personally I am a bit biased and I fully agree with the review. I’m lovin’ this record and I have the new album on it’s way as we speak.
Thanks for this great review, Annie!
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It’s been a while since we’ve seen you. I wanted to let you know that our “Hunters’ Feast” will be starting February 19th. In addition to our full dinner menu, we will offer wild boar schnitzel, roasted rabbit legs, vennison tenderloin & a variety of wild game…
Well, reader, I’m not quite sure what to say. Sounds like you and Elsinore have some issues to work out amongst yourselves. I’m just going to sit back and let that happen.
Its cool Annie, I know deep down you don’t give a shit, but yer being gracious. Check out the new Clipd Beaks, or Brian Jonestown Massacre, or Black Ryder from Australia. Yer right though, Chemicals is one song that acually says nothing. Usually, music that doesn’t really…
Who played?
I triuly enjoy being employed at the new Fat City!!!
I made these this weekend, albeit without the Pickling Spice. They are fucking tremendous. Wish I had local cukes, but alas they looked good and crispy at the store the other day. Here is more: they were ready within 12 hours. Now, I suspect they will…
No Iowa coverage?
For anyone interested in this stuff, there is aniInteresting show on tonight, Mon, Feb 8, on WILL TV, Blueprint America. about infrastructure, comparing Spanish gains in rail to American decline, with Detroit as, as usual, the basket case.
To the poster above - Your a Dead Soul. (giggle, giggle) No, really, think about it.
Jared played this on WEFT Sessions in September 2008, and in a year mistechtrophic songs I think this was my favorite of the year—this simple version of “I_Refute_Technology.mp3“ with acoustic guitar, electric bass, and two voices, it’s a good song. Musician, cover thyself!
Great job Suzanne. I really like how you sum up how George is a man stuck in his past and unwilling to explore his future. Thanks for your concise, thoughtful writing.
I’m proud to see you young girls getting out there! Wow - that takes motivation and courage. Glad to see you’re getting some press too.
Like Jason, I’ve been told by people who would know that HoG and Tang Dynasty are the most authentic Chinese food restaurants in town. One woman described HoG as “home cooking.“ Its tofu Pad Thai is perfection. Jason is also spot on that Mandarin Wok is…
Almost every issue this amendment attempts to address is merely a symptom of a much bigger, and unsurprisingly, much more difficult to solve problem: Voter apathy. You want to force term limits because voters generally don’t care enough to throw out bums who come off as…
After seeing the documentary “Food Inc.“ I may never eat meat that’s not local again, and am seriously considering the vegan option. Check it out.
I wouldn’t be too quick to discount this place simply based on its location or plastic eating utensils. I’ve been told that this place is one of the more authentic Chinese restaurants in town by a couple of different people who would know. That’s not to say…
It’s mediocre—not bad, but pretty much standard campus fare. “Plastic fork cuisine” is pretty apt. I have no experience searching for food from a vegan perspective, but for omnivores (or even vegetarians), I’d say there are at least five better Chinese and Thai places around town, maybe more.
First the Detroit Freep links. Keep term limits: http://www.freep.com/article/20100204/OPINION05/2040400/1068/OPINION/Keep-limits-Longer-time-in-office-wont-fix-state Repeal term limits: http://www.freep.com/article/20100204/OPINION05/2040403/1068/OPINION/Repeal-limits-Experience-is-not-an-evil-thing Second. I don’t have a real strong opinion on term limits, but generally think they do more harm than good. However, I have no proof of that. But, my experience, from working in government…
When I was an undergrad, I too occasionally had enough money for a cheap greasy spoon (chopstick) meal. On those occasions, I felt mildly celebratory about not boiling or microwaving my own dinner. It looks like this meal came in Styrofoam, with a plastic fork. There are…
As a relatively recent convert, I very much look forward to dining at this restaurant, and to the rest of your series! An excellent, marvelous idea…thank you!
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Well, reader, I’m not quite sure what to say. Sounds like you and Elsinore have some issues to work out amongst yourselves. I’m just going to sit back and let that happen.