Category > Reviews
I’m never one to latch onto lyrics upon first listening to a record. Most of the time the album as a whole sonic event makes more of a lasting impression than the words. Yet, Coed Pageant’s new EP, Winter Blitz, immediately arrested me with narrative lyrics that explore the melancholia that so many of us sink into during the winter months. Each song speaks to the infecting sense of fear, doubt or uncertainty that can seem to creep in every …
Kronos Quartet are a unique presence in contemporary classical music. Having worked with everyone from Terry Riley to Nine Inch Nails, they clearly are not afraid to flout the (sometimes) stifling conventions that come with being a chamber ensemble. That sense of adventure was on display in eye-opening fashion this past Wednesday at Krannert's Foellinger Great Hall. Against a muted backdrop (it's amazing what you can do with just two lights), the group opened with the tightly-coiled "Ahyem" (written by The …
Last night The Low Anthem played a strong set at Canopy Club featuring a wandering set full of folk-inspired tunes that ranged from slow wandering love songs to raucous distorted jams. They joined us here in Champaign-Urbana while taking a break from a long tour throughout Canada in support of City and Colour. City and Colour features Dallas Green from Alexisonfire who just broke up within the year, not to mention he is Canadian himself, so this was a much smaller …
In support of her latest album, Idiot Child, Hayley Jane was the headliner for WPCD FM’s Singer Songwriter Show Wednesday at the Iron Post. The event also showcased local talents, Angie Heaton (with special guest guitarist Bob Watson) and Kevin Elliott. Jane, playing her set with what members of the audience suspected was walking pneumonia, provided fans a taste of songs from Idiot Child, just a few older favorites, and a cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” that earned her …
At first glance, there are obvious characteristics of a record called Bury Me in the Country. Anyone with an ounce of experience (or common sense, for that matter) listening to music could understand what this record might sound like. That means I'm ultimately judging the book by it's cover, right? Well, with Dastardly's new record, all of those assumptions might be correct, which doesn't necessarily mean that listening to this album will be something that you regret because you've heard records …
2011 came to a close Saturday, concluding another great year in the Champaign-Urbana music scene. Prior to this show I had only heard stories about New Year’s Eve shows in Champaign through word of mouth, so experiencing this bill of The Dirty Feathers, Elsinore and Temple of Low Men firsthand was something worth remembering. It closed the book on the year with a swagger that could only be emphasized by covering classic tunes from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. I can’t …
Live performance is the essence of music, the truest representation of a band's talent and ability. For the editors here (and many of the readers, we suspect), going to a show beats listening to the CD every time. We didn't reach a critical mass of votes for shows, so while those of you who did vote were taken into consideration, please bear in mind that this list has been somewhat editorialized. But hey, rankings are meaningless anyways, right? 5. Robyn, Diamond …
This year saw a lot of great albums released in Champaign-Urbana, which we covered yesterday. However, there's something about a song, the basic unit of a musical scene, that's far more immediate and exciting than digesting a full-length. We invite you to join us on Smile Politely Radio tonight on WEFT beginning at 5:30, where we'll be counting down the list along with interviewing New Ruins, Easter and the Mean Lids. So, without further ado, the top twenty songs of …
Another year, another year-end list. It's time to take a look at our favorite rock music from Champaign-Urbana. Last year we compiled our favorite albums with the help of our very own writers, as well as our list of top songs. From the late Jay Bennett to Common Loon, we covered what was enjoyable from an excellent 2010. We think this year is another one of those years. This year the list was made with the help of some of our …
By Jordan Schwartz I still remember the first time I saw New Ruins. It was at the Iron Post back in 2007 when they were new to town and only had one album, the still unbeatable The Sound They Make. It’s my favorite New Ruins record, though I usually like whatever album I heard first the best anyway. (And also, how come they never play anything off that album live anymore? I’m dying to hear “Attic” again. Please.) Fast forward …
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.
Most Popular Music Articles (60 days)
- 2012 Pygmalion Music Festival initial lineup
- Elsinore, Common Loon impress diverse crowd
- Tonight in Urbana: Ursula K. LeGuin
- Cursive is so cool
- Look closer: Withershins' Silver Cities
- The Overture: April 3–9
- Record Store Day 2012 in review
- BEST Music
- A breath of fresh air
- Hathaways: growth and transformation
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.
Facebook
Twitter
Full Site
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/