CurrentVerse Stories

Album Reviews | September 2016 Releases

By: Alex Wood Angel Olsen- My Woman [9/2]Angel Olsen began her musical career in Chicago, and the city still, rightfully, tends to claim her as its own. And theres good reason. Olsens newest record, My Woman, is a mature yet exploratory catalog of songs. Covering a variety of sounds, from the delicate ambience of the...

Review / Setlist / Video | Bill Callahan @ Constellation 9/26/16 (Late Night Show)

Words: Alex Wood | Photo: @JimTuerkDespite being far from a household name in the music scene, Bill Callahans tours draw a serious buzz, the songwriter finding his way to Chicago every few years at best.When tickets to his Sunday-night show at Constellation sold out immediately, he added a Monday night performance. When this sold...

PHOTOS / RECAP | Mike Peters @ Old Town School of Folk Music 9/23/16

By: Philamonjaro StudioMike Peters -- front man of the 80's alternative band The Alarm -- rocked the rafters at Old Town School of Folk Friday night for a room full of long time fans.  The show was sponsored by CHIRP Radio - a listener-supported music and arts focused community radio station...

VIDEO | Bob Weir Joins Wilco in California 9/17/16

Photo via wilco InstagramBob Weir has some history appearing with Wilco (he even guests on their contribution to the enormo-Dead Tribute Album Day Of The Dead, "St. Stephen").He joined the band again last weekend in California as a part of their Schmilco tour, and recently full video of the sit-in has emerged, and...

New Jim Pollock Art Show 'High Phi' Inspired By Cannabis

While Chicago area music fans may have just gotten their fill of Jim Pollock's concert posters this June, perhaps they have some other interests as well?The fall brings another showing from the renowned poster artist, celebrating the work of cannabis.  The High-Phi Rock Poster will be shown at Galerie F starting on Friday,...

Jim James Announces Solo Album, Riviera Tour Date

My Morning Jackets Jim James announced a new solo record, Eternally Even, out November 4.The album, which was produced by Blake Mills, will be his second endeavor separate from his band, following 2013s Regions Of Light and Sound of God.Speaking of the album, James stated that it hopefully speaks to the issues of the...

Chance The Rapper Busts The Mold For Magnificent Coloring Day Festival

By: Brad JohnsonThe culture of rap is about gain.  Many MCs who start out writing about their lives, struggles, and relationships are usually talking about their gold watch by their next album.But Chance the Rapper doesnt retreat into his fame. The 22 year old, Chicago-born artist has used his burgeoning fame as a...

VIDEO | The New Stew Celebrates Bill Withers @ City Winery 9/12/16

Photo: parallelicopter InstagramIt's hard to pin down exactly what The New Stew is, but I guess that's sort of the point.Their claim: a rotating cast of musicians performing the music of the recordings who influenced them.Living Colour's Corey Glover provides the vocals, but our man Matt Slocum (Jimmy Herring Band, Aquarium...

Album Reviews | August 2016 Releases

By: Alex WoodDinosaur Jr.- Give A Glimpse Of What Yer Not [8/5]Since reuniting in 2007, Dinosaur Jr. has released a steady stream of quality records that embrace J. Masciss guitar-heavy sound. Give A Glimpse Of What Yer Not doesnt only follow the formula, but may be the most fully realized of these albums yet. The...

Next Big Thing: The Marcus King Band

I can feel it in my bones, The Marcus King Band will be huge.  Not even old enough to legally buy a beer, King has assembled a powerhouse band and will release a self titled LP in October. He's in line with the right folks, playing the right gigs and making...