Rocktober marches on in Chicago and those looking for live music on Friday, October 14th had no shortage of options.There was an ominoous full moon, the perfect setting for the wild sounds of Moon Hooch (incidentally, Moon Taxi also performed in Chicago that night... whoa).the1stmikec was on hand to capture...

By: Alex Wood | Photos: heplert1 & karoliinaniemenkariDinosaur Jr.s influence on alternative rock and the current state of music couldnt possibly be overstated.Combining classic rock and punk with distinct quiet-loud dynamic jumps, Dinosaur Jr. perfected the musical style that would characterize the 90s years before the Pixies or Nirvana even existed,...

Photo via rebeccateresa InstagramThe last time Sigur Rs was in Chicago was three years to the day of Friday's show.  It was a different type of affair, as the group is touring in 2016 as a trio.Gone are the string arrangements and layered soundscapes, but none of the power of their moody...

Photo via ___lexbrooks InstagramOne of the most flattering commentaries offered about 60s/70s era singers is that they've retained their voice from their halcyon days.That's 100% true for the former Cat Stevens, now touring as Yusuf Islam.  What's more is that he's remained largely out of the spotlight in ther intervening years,...

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...

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...

Once in a while, you get reminded of the little things that seperate today's concert industry from days gone by.Yesterday, I found this photo posted to a local Facebook group, and that fact became more than crystal clear.  The letter, posted soon after Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham's untimely passing in September...

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...

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,...

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...