Shut up, Billy Corgan
If there is one thing I am sick of right now, it's this:
Maybe you all heard/read about/saw the full page ads he took out in Chicago papers to pimp his new, retardedly-spaced solo album TheFutureEmbrace and to announce the reunion of formerly fantastic band the Pumpkins. Which, okay, the Smashing Pumpkins were once pretty flipping great. But - and I can't emphasize this enough - BILLY CORGAN YOU ARE NOT THE OFFICIAL FACE OF MUSIC IN CHICAGO. Okay? Because, and this might surprise you, Chicago actually has lots of good musicians who are not, in fact, Billy Corgan. I know! But it's true! And I'm not talking about Liz Phair either.
Chicago Musicians Who Deserve More Attention
1. The Redwalls
In the past year or so these four boys from the burbs have scored some serious critic wanking, garnered upteen comparisons to the Beatles, signed a Major Label Record Deal, made late night TV appearances, and even landed a spot on Lollapasnooza. And they're all, like, twelve. Catch them at the Metro on Friday in support of their brand new CD De Nova. That's whole lot of popdelicious summer sweetness for the low low price of $10.
2. The Ponys
Fierce, loud and utterly beguiling, the Ponys have been on the fun end of this city's lovestick for quite a while, and now we be spreading the love around like VD. Also, I have a total girl crush on Melissa. Another must see at the Palooze. To wit: "Let's Kill Ourselves"
3. Jon Langford
I'm not a huge fan of The Mekons but Jon Langford is a fricking legend. LEGEND. Plus, his art work is so good I could poop. I'd trade my children for this painting.
4. Chin Up Chin Up
My favorite local band right now: dreamy but catchy, charming yet rockin. Also? CUTE AS ALL HELL. I've put them up on this blog a few times before but in case you missed it or just stop paying attention whenever I talk, "Virginia Don't Drown" . Currently touring with The Ponys; playing the Bottle on July 29.
Rounding out the list: Robbie Fulks, Edith Frost, Andrew Bird, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Ruben Waters Loves You, The Dirty Things, Head of Femur, Dark Green Bottles and a boatload of other people I know I'm forgetting. Also, Mobfest all weekend!
* * * * * *
DEVELOPING!
Drinks tonight at the teeny tiny lounge with Early Josh (The Josh Formerly Known As Nerve Guy, aka Grocery Store Josh). Possible topics of conversation include: Hey, Why You Dump Me So Fast?, I've Already Dated Most of Your Friends, and Nice Basket of Junk Food, Weirdo. I'm looking forward to it.
I Just Spit Pop On My Keyboard
Best blog post EVER over on goldenfiddle right now. Pickles! HA!
Maybe you all heard/read about/saw the full page ads he took out in Chicago papers to pimp his new, retardedly-spaced solo album TheFutureEmbrace and to announce the reunion of formerly fantastic band the Pumpkins. Which, okay, the Smashing Pumpkins were once pretty flipping great. But - and I can't emphasize this enough - BILLY CORGAN YOU ARE NOT THE OFFICIAL FACE OF MUSIC IN CHICAGO. Okay? Because, and this might surprise you, Chicago actually has lots of good musicians who are not, in fact, Billy Corgan. I know! But it's true! And I'm not talking about Liz Phair either.
Chicago Musicians Who Deserve More Attention
1. The Redwalls
In the past year or so these four boys from the burbs have scored some serious critic wanking, garnered upteen comparisons to the Beatles, signed a Major Label Record Deal, made late night TV appearances, and even landed a spot on Lollapasnooza. And they're all, like, twelve. Catch them at the Metro on Friday in support of their brand new CD De Nova. That's whole lot of popdelicious summer sweetness for the low low price of $10.
2. The Ponys
Fierce, loud and utterly beguiling, the Ponys have been on the fun end of this city's lovestick for quite a while, and now we be spreading the love around like VD. Also, I have a total girl crush on Melissa. Another must see at the Palooze. To wit: "Let's Kill Ourselves"
3. Jon Langford
I'm not a huge fan of The Mekons but Jon Langford is a fricking legend. LEGEND. Plus, his art work is so good I could poop. I'd trade my children for this painting.
4. Chin Up Chin Up
My favorite local band right now: dreamy but catchy, charming yet rockin. Also? CUTE AS ALL HELL. I've put them up on this blog a few times before but in case you missed it or just stop paying attention whenever I talk, "Virginia Don't Drown" . Currently touring with The Ponys; playing the Bottle on July 29.
Rounding out the list: Robbie Fulks, Edith Frost, Andrew Bird, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Ruben Waters Loves You, The Dirty Things, Head of Femur, Dark Green Bottles and a boatload of other people I know I'm forgetting. Also, Mobfest all weekend!
DEVELOPING!
Drinks tonight at the teeny tiny lounge with Early Josh (The Josh Formerly Known As Nerve Guy, aka Grocery Store Josh). Possible topics of conversation include: Hey, Why You Dump Me So Fast?, I've Already Dated Most of Your Friends, and Nice Basket of Junk Food, Weirdo. I'm looking forward to it.
I Just Spit Pop On My Keyboard
Best blog post EVER over on goldenfiddle right now. Pickles! HA!