Mich Music: April 2012

Friday, April 27, 2012

At the Ballet

Rory Hohenstein in Incantantions

I got to go to the Joffrey again for their Spring program, and Chicagoist has my review. I've also included some more press pics below!

I also put together a weekend round up of dance events around Chicago this weekend. In related news, how did I never know of Karole Armitage?

Fabrice Calmels & Victoria Jaiani

He actually caught her like that!

April Daly & Miguel Angel Blanco

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Ejection Flashback

I was at the game at Wrigley last night when Mike Matheny was ejected for the first time as a manager after arguing a crap call at second base (second to a blown call at home earlier in the game). (Getty photo)

Here's a bonus image I found from 2003 of then-manager Tony LaRussa holding back then-catcher Matheny who was tossed after arguing with the home plate empire in Houston. (AP photo)

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

If you have an admin, buy her (or him) lots of gifts or a meal of food. Or at least say thanks--it goes a long way.

If you are an admin, remember to smile!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Now Playing: Brigitte Bardot

The Best Of Bardot

60's French pop soundtracked our brunch this past weekend courtesy of the folks at Township. I've always loved the coyly sexy, faux innocent yé-yé sound, but never really delved into the genre until now.

See also: Zou Bisou Bisou.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Now Playing: NIИ

Nine Inch Nails - Last

Tankboy and I went to the movies the other night, and this song played during the credits, taking me waay back. I thought at first it was on The Downward Sprial, but upon Shazaming, we remembered it came from Broken, and I remembered that I owned Broken, and that I listened to it a lot.

Man, was I that angry as a teen? Or was I happy because music like this gave me a place to be angry?

Monday, April 16, 2012

Now Playing: The Naked and Famous

The Naked and Famous - A Wolf In Geek's Clothing

Great show at The Vic last night. One of their harder rocking tunes.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Home Opener

Happy Opening Day!

#12in12

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Now Playing: Cloud Nothings

Cloud Nothings - Wasted Days

Everyone's been raving about this local band lately, which I thought was weird since I reviewed their debut album (and was a fan) two years ago. Well, I finally listened to the new album, Attack on Memory, and whoa have they grown up in a hurry (yes, that's a good thing). I went back to my old review, and for once, a band turned in a direction that I saw coming. And I didn't hate my writing, which is always a plus!

Lollapamadness

The unavoidable music news in Chicago today is the announcement of Lollapalooza's 2012 lineup. Once again, I don't know if I'll actually attend, but my weekend will surely be filled with music one way or another. And once again again, Tankboy appeared on Fox to discuss the lineup:

Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, Florence Top Lollapalooza Lineup: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Now Playing: Emily Wells

Emily Wells – Passenger

Been a fan of this song live for a long time. Now it's finally on her new album, Mama, out today. Wells plays Schubas May 4th.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Now Playing: Alex Clare "Too Close"

Alex Clare - Too Close

Been trying to Shazam this song in that Internet Explorer commercial for a while now, and finally got it. The whole album is actually really good. Warning: contains dubstep, but it's this song that brought me to the realization that I actually appreciate dubstep as an ingredient, just not a whole genre.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Ten Minutes With Jamie Lono

Hey! Tankboy and I are fans of the NBC show The Voice, mostly because of the concept and judges are more refreshing and fun to watch than that other singing competition... oh, and because it's on Monday nights and we like to stay in on Mondays.

Well, I got to speak with Chicagoan-by-way-of-Vernon Hills contestant Jamie Lono who was unfortunately already eliminated in the battle round. Check out his winning blind audition cover of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" below, and then check out my interview with him for Chicagoist!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

#photoaday

I had a lot of fun following @FatMumSlim's #Febphotoaday challenge in February. And while I missed #marchphotoaday (I didnt realize this was going to be a continuous thing), I was ready to jump on #photoadayApril (besides, it's probably good to take a little break anyway). Here's a look at April's list if you want to join in; use instagram, twitter, facebook, whatever, just add the hashtag.

Here are all my Feb photos. Obviously I didn't get every day--that's why it's called a challenge, and I guess you could say I failed! But, that's not the point. It's fun to look at your daily life from a different perspective, one that challenges you to find beauty in the every day. That is the real challenge.