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Recap / Video / Setlists | Drive-By Truckers @ Thalia Hall 11/13/15 and 11/14/15

Drive-By Truckers performed two consecutive nights at Thalia Hall this weekend, playing massive sets. The band played 22 songs on Friday and 23 on Saturday, yet only repeated four tracks between the two nights.For fans of any band, 41 distinct songs performed between two sets is about all you can ask for.It almost needs to be...

Review & Setlist | BoDeans @ Symphony Center 11/7/15

By: Judith Barahal | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioMidwest stalwarts The BoDeans took an adoring audiencethrough a 30-year strongsongbook this past Saturday night at Chicago Symphony Center. Taking the stage as a trio,lead singer/guitarist Kurt Neumannexplained that when the band saw the grandpiano on the stage, they wanted to take full advantage of thesetting.Neumann, guitarist/...

McCourys Will Travel Into Town With New Guitarist, Salmon Friends [Win Tickets]

On Sunday, November 15th, The Travelin' McCourys, who have made Chicago's City Winery a bit of a home-away-from-home, will return to the quaint West Loop spotwith Drew Emmitt and Andy Thorn of Leftover Salmon as special guests.... but they will also have a new permanent member.Read closely for a chance to win a pair...

Review / Setlist | The Wood Brothers @ The Vic 11/7/15

By Alex WoodIts easy to see why the jam-band scene has embraced The Wood Brothers with such passion.Their performance at The Vic featured everything fans could want, from stylistic variation to expert musicianship to a fervent stage show that found the musicians perfectly comfortable in a larger setting.The show was the most tickets...

Watch The Wood Brothers Perform New Songs At Radio Session

The Wood Brothers performed a pair of new songs for radio station Radio Woodstock just days after the release of their newest album, Paradise.Opening with Never And Always, the trio boasts a soulful, R&B-inflicted flare, blending genres to nail the sound theyve perfected over the last decade.After a short interview, the...

Review / Photos | Gang Of Four @ Thalia Hall

Gang of Four ConnectsWith Fans in Chicagoby Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioU.K. post-punk upstarts Gang of Four formed in Leeds, England in 1977. Original Gang member and lead guitarist Andy Gill keeps the insurgent spirit alive with a solid line-up featuring current comrades John Gaoler Sterry on vocals, bassist Thomas McNeice, and drummer Johnny...

Album Reviews | October 2015 Releases

The Wood Brothers- Paradise [10/2]The newest record from The Wood Brothers refines their folk-rock sound to a smooth, polished consistency, resulting in one of their best albums to date. The songs seem deceptively simple, packed with careful layers of guitars and catchy vocal hooks from Olivers distinctive delivery. The band now includes a percussionist as...

Photos / Setlist / Recap | Old 97s & Banditos @ Thalia Hall 10/28/15

By: Heidi Peters | Additional Reporting: Sam PetersOver twenty years into a career, Old 97s are making music with integrity rootedin great songs, masterful musicianship, engaging vocals and a broad range of styles.Introduced by WXRT's Johnny Mars, the bandoccupies a space where that station serves our market well. Where 20 years ago, they may have threatened...

The Devil Makes Three Preps For Halloween In Chicago

By Alex WoodThe Devil Makes Three will set up fora two-night run at the Chicago House Of Blues on Halloween weekend. Guitarist Pete Bernhard caught up with The Barn to chat about thebands current tour, recording plans and influences.Though Bernhard was indifferent toHalloween prior to the formation of the band, hes found a passion...

Will David Bowie's Next Album Be 'Oddest Yet?'

David Bowie has officially confirmed that his new studio album Blackstar will be released January 8, on Bowies birthday. The first single is out November 20, and expectations are high.Though Bowie has been busy working on Lazarus, his upcoming stage show based on the interstellar sci-fi 70s film The Man Who Fell To The Earth, which...