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The Barn's Best Albums Of The (Second Half) of 2013

Here's a follow up to our Best Of The First Half of 2013 post. Thanks again to @WeirScrewed for contributing the first part of this list (the six albums with the more detailed write-ups).I (Steve - @thebarnpresents) have added some additional selections, and some one-liners of my own, at the end of the post. You...

The Best Albums of 2013: Alex's Top 125

We welcomed writer / photographer Alex Wood to the fold in 2013 and couldn't be happier with his contributions. Before his association with the site, it had been his yearly tradition to circulate a top albums list amongst his friends. We're excited to publish the 2013 edition here to kick off our 2013 year-in-review coverage.1. DAFT PUNK - RANDOM...

Karl Denson Rings In 2014 With Tiny Universe

While 2013 has been a busy year juggling multiple projects for Karl Denson, you'll find him greeting 2014 at Chicago's Park West the way he'd like to spend the most of next twelve months: with his friends in the Tiny Universe."I want to get back to just doing Tiny Universe," he told me in a phone...

The Lone Bellow Can't Always Get What They Want, Cover The Stones Anyway

I'm a sucker for harmony laden pop-rock songs. The Lone Bellow is an act that emerged in 2013 that fills this role quite nicely. "Green Eyes and a Heart Of Gold" is the kind of infectious, harmony drenched single that dominates airwaves in my alternate universe where the golden age of 70's era rock radio never...

Review / Photos: Moistboyz @ Cubby Bear 12/13/13

Words / Photos: Alex WoodMoistboyz are too metal to be punk and too punk to be metal. Between the two genres falls the blisteringly energetic rock n roll the band makes their own.Despite their being best known as a side-project for Ween due to the inclusion of guitarist Mickey Melchiondo (referred to as Dean Ween...

Christmas Jam Setlists 12/13/13: Phil Lesh Quintet, Widespread Panic, Gregg Allman & Warren Haynes, Gov't Mule, Keb' Mo', Scofield

Via mule.netDecember 13th, 2013U.S. Cellular Center, Asheville, NCWarren Haynes & Ray SiskGlory RoadGov't MuleWorld Boss > Mother EarthOpium with Bill Evans & Ike StubblefieldScared To LiveGameface with Birdland & Mountain Jam TeasesCaptured Funny Little Tragedy > with Message In A Bottle Lyrics Thorazine Shuffle Reprise Keb' Mo' France More Than One Way HomeGovernment CheeseEvery Morning with John ScofieldPerpetual...

Night Three of Andrew Bird's Gezelligheid Run Offers Contrast with Tift Merritt Collaboration (Setlist / Review 12/11/13)

Words / Photos: Alex WoodDespite sharing a similar setlist to the previous nights show, Andrew Birds third Gezelligheid date at the Fourth Presbyterian proved to be another unique experience in his cozy concert series.The set began with Bird performing Pulaski At Night tracks Hover and Ethio Invention, the performer carefully combining swooping legato violin loops...

Ticket Check: Could Purple Pricing Be Used For Concerts?

Love it or hate it, there is no doubt that technology -- from Ticketmaster's website or mobile apps to Stub Hub, eBay, even our friends at CashOrTrade.org -- has transformed the concert ticket landscape. And still ticketing remains one of the hottest of buttons for live music fanatics, particularly as it relates to high...

Review / Photos: Andrew Bird @ Fourth Presbyterian Church 12/10/13

Words / Photos: Alex WoodDuring his second night in Chicago, Andrew Bird referred to this years Gezelligheid series at Fourth Presbyterian Church as the fourth annual, before acknowledging skipping a year somewhere in there.Regardless, the church shows have become a staple for Bird fans, a tradition celebrating the Chicagoans musical gift.And always just in...

Setlist / Full Show Video: Phil Lesh & Friends @ Terrapin Crossroads 12/7/13

Night four is Dark Star night. Looks like a Clapton cover and instrumental Somewhere Over The Rainbow from Jimmy Herring to boot. Here's the setlist (via philzone.org). Video below courtesy of Couch Tour Captures.December 7th, 2013Jam > Here Comes Sunshine (NC) > Crazy Fingers (NC) Dear Mr. Fantasy (WH) > Hey Jude (WH) Somewhere over the...