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Stream or Download: Soundgarden @ Aragon Ballroom 11/9/96

I have to admit, I hadn't listened to Soundgarden in a long time. Then, as if all worked out in advance, I recently saw that they were returning to Chicago in 2013 and within about an hour, this live show recorded in Chicago during their 90s heyday just kind of fell into my lap. So,...

These Are My Jams, Volume Three

This is the third edition of the The Barns These Are My Jams series. To see what this is all about, check out Volume One and for more jams, check out Volume Two.1. It was just a few weeks prior to getting to see The Boss at Wrigley field, when "Rocky Ground" from his superb...

Nine Musical Additions That Transformed Already Great Bands

We all know that bigger isn't always better... except when it is. The chemistry the develops between a tight knit band, performing over a long career isn't easily replicated and can be jeopardized if elements are changed or added. But additions aren't always disruptions. Sometimes they can be catalysts, too -- taking complacent groups into...

Happy December... Jamband Holiday Mixes

It's December and the music in many places will turn dreadfully Christmas-y. Of course, I've done my best for the past two years counter program -- for those situations where holiday music is simply unavoidable, but you still want to listen to the artists you love. Since there may be occasions for holiday...

Stream or Download: Tame Impala @ Lollapoalooza Chicago 8/3/12

Wish I could find a recording on the November Metro show to accompany our recent show review. But, in lieu of that, I did manage to track down Tame Impala's next to last Chicago show, at the massive Lollapalooza festival.Perhaps a side stage set in the blinding daylight and punishing heat didn't...

Three Reasons To Check Out Elephant Stone At Beat Kitchen 12/1/12

Here's three reasons to check out Elephant Stone at Beat Kitchen on Saturday night.1. Their music sounds damn cool. They call it Hindi Rock, a term I rarely come across and certainly one I was skeptical of, but the sitar and organ blend together convincingly to recall 60s psychedelia via non Western musical forms...

Stream or Download: The Who @ Chicago Stadium 12/5/75

This show is surprisingly listenable given the era and circumstances in which it was recorded. And what a setlist! I can't decide if catching a mid-seventies set like this would be preferable to a full workout of Quadrophenia or Tommy. Alas, I wouldn't see The Who until the 1989 reunion tour, when they were...

How Do Pandora and Spotify Make Money? Explanation Using Charts & Graphs

One of the most fascinating things to observe as a huge music fan and somewhat "technology forward" individual is the shifting landscape of music consumption. The vast physical musical collections that used to line my shelves were eventually digitized and stored locally, until finally much of the music I consume comes from the cloud.This...

Bob Dylan's Blues In Chicago, Congress Theater In Foreclosure, Phish on MSNBC, more...

The debate rages on, what was this tune that Bob Dylan played at his last United Center stop in November?Hendrix turns 70 -- army records released (suprise: he liked his guitar). Also, his most influential job interview:This guy has collected a nice cross-section of Tame Impala bootlegs.Chicago's much-hated Congress Theater is in...

Stream or Download: Crosby Stills Nash & Young @ United Center, Chicago, IL 4/15/00

Just dug this one out to accompany an upcoming feature on the site. No doubt those in attendance got their money's worth. Thirty songs worth of CSNY goodness.The StreamDownload entire show (mp3 .zip)[/box]