New Summer Jam?

I'm already on the lookout for this year's summer songs, and here's an early contendor:

The Honey Brothers - "Demonstration" (mp3)

I don't know about the rest of their stuff yet, but they have some other free downloads on their MySpace.  

(And yes, that is Adrian Grenier. )

Get 'Freekie' With Flight of the Conchords (plus setlist!)

Last night Tankboy and I went to see "New Zeland's fourth most popular" folk duo Flight of the Conchords.  The show was at Arie Crown, which is incredibly difficult to get to without a car, but as you can read in my review of the show, the trek was worth it.  Also check out Tankboy's pics of the evening here.  

Here is last night's complete setlist:

Too Many Dicks

Hurt Feelings

New (Stana)

Carol Brown

Jenny

I Told You I Was Freekie

Not Crying

Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros

The Most Beautiful Girl [In the Room]

New (tour)

Alby The Racist Dragon

Foux du Fafa

Epileptic Dogs

Think About It

We’re Both In Love With a Sexy Lady

Sugalumps

 

Encore:

Mutha’uckas

Bowie

Demon Woman

If you didn't get to see them last night, luckily they play again tonight.  The show is sold out, but I would recommend checking craigslist or just taking your chances and heading down to the Arie Crown--since it is so out of the way, there weren't any people peddling tickets so it would probably be pretty easy to find somebody trying to unload extras.  Between my friends and I we had four tickets that went unused last night.  Good luck!

Swimming in Music

Last night made me happy.  Nice show at a good venue.  I reviewed last night's French Kicks show for Gapers Block, which you can read here.  

Tonight, another band that makes me happy, Peter Bjorn and John!  And wouldn't you know it, I wrote a preview about their show you can read here.  Also be on the lookout for my review of opening band Chairlift coming in the next couple days to Gapers Block.  

There is even more music to come!  This weekend I will be out of town, but I managed to work another concert in there: old fave of Montreal @ The Blue Note in my alma mater town, Columbia, MO.  Drop me a line if you're going to be there!  Next week is just as busy music-wise, so there will be much more news then!  Have a good weekend everyone!  

We can finally say it

Hey Champ is playing Lollapalooza!  Along with a bunch of other bands like Jane's Addiction, Tool and Beastie Boys.  

You can see the full line-up on Lollapalooza's website, or on any one of Chicago's gazillion music blogs.  One worth reading though? DeRo's "annotated" lineup.  

Happy Record Store Day!

Support your local record store today by stopping by for the second annual Record Store Day.  Independent record stores across the nation are celebrating with in-store performances and special deals by store, including tons of stores in Chicago.  To see what stores are participating and what they are doing, check RecordStoreDay.com (or if you're in Chicago, Transmission has a great round up).  Even artists and labels are getting in on the action with limited edition releases especially for today.  It's no secret that independent record stores have been suffering financially with the big-box stores and online stores taking business (and, um, the current state of the economy), but the resurgent popularity of vinyl in the last year or so has driven some business back to these mom and pop establishments.  So take today to show your support and chat with the staff at your favorite shop.  

Myself, I'm planning on stopping by Dusty Groove and Reckless at some point today.  And check out mine and other writer's roundups of Record Store Day and what we scored or saw tomorrow on Gapers Block: Transmission.  

Phoenix Coming To Chicago

Band I'm already digging, and previously posted about not coming to Chicago, Phoenix have announced a North American tour that will stop in Chicago on June 13.  

Apparently they're catching on because I've been hearing about this band everywhere, from chatting with friends, to blog attention, to performing on SNL--where they were asked to perform a third song right into and through the credits. 

Here is the song that is garnering all the attention (and has been remixed about a zillion times) "1901"--which you can download for free at their website:

Yo Yo!

Something I need to add to my DVR list: Yo Gabba Gabba. Yes it is a children's program on Nickelodeon, but besides having some of the best musical guests (The Roots, The Ting Tings, Of Montreal, The Shins, Chromeo, Ladytron, MGMT, Mates Of State, Datarock, Hot Hot Heat, Jimmy Eat World, and Mixmaster Mike*), the show (and website**) seems like it is actually a kids show made for adults! I mean the “host” is a DJ for cyrin-out-loud! And his name is DJ Lance Rock. When you get home from a night out, it’s the perfect thing to throw on the tube and watch with some popcorn. (Microwave foods only kids, no stove, after an evening of drinking--safety first! Hey, they should do a song about that on the show!)

And now, for your viewing enjoyment, here’s Chromeo to tell you about the importance of washing your hands…




*I don’t even think that’s a complete list

**Seriously, click on the link, it’s awesome.

Workin' for the weekend...

I’m so excited for a music filled weekend!  First on the agenda tonight is Heartless Bastards at Bottom Lounge, and then it’s off to Old Oak Tap where DJ Tankboy will provide the soundtrack at his monthly gig.   

Saturday, Tom Smith (formerly of OFFICE)’s new band, Old Fake, is playing at Bottom Lounge. 

Sunday it’s The Ting Tings!  I am loving this band right now.  I did a little preview over at Gapers Block you can check out.   

Have a good weekend everyone!