PriorVerse Stories

Hey Phish... The Dead Did It First!

Even their most hardcore fans acknowledge that there would be no Phish (or certainly a radically different version) without the trail blazed by the Grateful Dead.Starting with the marriage of jazz improvisation with rock instruments and sensibilities, but continuing on through borrowed elements as innocuous as the two set format, mail-order ticketing, audience recording /...

Dead Sounding Phish | A Song Analysis & Comparison

Dead Sounding Phish: A Song Analysis and ComparisonBy: Matt FricksSince the announcement of Trey Anastasio as the lead guitar player for the GD50 / Fare Thee Well / Reunion / Goodbye / Whatever shows in Chicago this July, there has been no shortage of opinions of how well of a "fit" Trey will be in the style of Jerry...

Stream Or Download | Pat Metheny Group @ The Vic 11/29/87

Pat Metheny Group was arguably at a high point of their long-running career in 1987.With the release of Still Life (Talking), the band continued to incorporate Brazilian influence into their mix of soft, harmonic jazz-fusion. The tour found the band at The Vic in November, which was fortunately recorded by XRT.The set reaches back...

Brown Bag | Interview & Overview

Words / Photos / Video: Kelley Lauginiger - @peapodmcgeeAmerica was founded on forging ahead, taking chances, and maneuvering to the forefront of change. America has survived, however, on babes, laughs, good beer (or at least lots of it), and good ole fashion rock n' roll.There is probably no better intersection in Chicago music to embody all...

Photos / Stream / Download | funky Meters @ Concord Music Hall 2/27/15

Chicago audiences are grateful to grab a slice of Mr George Porter Jr. and Mr. Art Neville any way they can get them.They provided the star power on Friday night at Concord Music Hall, but Stoltz and Baptiste kept their end of the bargain in an exceedingly funky night rooted in celebration of the...

My Morning Jacket Announce New Album And Tour, Share Single

My Morning Jacket have announced The Waterfall, their first studio album since 2011s Circuital, as well as a massive tour which includes three dates at Chicago Theatre.The Waterfall is set for a May 4th release. The 10-track record was recorded at Panoramic House studios at Northern Californias Stinson Beach, with sessions beginning in late 2013....

Album Reviews - February 2015 Releases

By: Alex WoodMurder By Death- Big Dark Love [2/3]Murder By Death have developed their strange brand of alternative-country throughout the years, combining gothic and western imagery with the gruff, snarling vocals of Adam Turla, all atop a romping, crashing, energetic musical backdrop. Big Dark Love continues to develop the bands sound, but with a bit...

Pokey LaFarge Releases Video For New Single "Something In The Water"

Pokey LaFarges new album, Something In The Water, was recorded in Chicago and comes out April 7. According to the singer, the Midwest is at the heart of this record.Beyond the Midwests influence on the music, the songs feature members of Chicago bands The Fat Babies, The Modern Sounds and The Western Elstons, as well...

Setlist / Video / Stream / Download | Gov't Mule with John Scofield @ The Riviera 2/27/15

Sco-MuleRiviera TheaterFebruary 27, 2015Set OneMule, Larger Than Life, Game Face, Forevermore, About To Rage, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl^, Jesus Left Chicago^, Boogie Stupid^&, Doin It To Death^Set TwoDone Got Wise, Funny Little Tragedy, Patchwork Quilt, Fallen Down, The Other One Jam^, Wabash^, Instrumental Illness^EncoreSoulshine > Tupelo Honey > Soulshine^ with John Scofield&...

Record Industry To Set Friday As Global Release Day

This summer, the record industry is set to adopt Friday as a global release date for new albums, according to Billboard.This will replace the current system of having individual release dates for European and American releases, as is currently typical on Mondays and Tuesdays, respectively. The shift is intended to increase consumerism, as Fridays...