In years past, I've done my yearly round ups as a mixture of best "things" -- shows, albums, concepts -- that made in impact that year.In 2014, I had such a diversity of show experience that I would consider in the top echelon, that I decided to go shows only. It also gives me a...

Joes Garage: Joe Marcineks Christmas Jam At The Wire - BerwynBy @312mrgLive music has a way of rewarding you with enchanted evenings if you're willing to make a little effort or taking a risk.Whether its following a lead, listening to a buddy, or maybe just allowing your interest to be re-kindled with an artist...

Photos: Heidi Peters | Reporting: KC DriscollThe Psychedelic Furs completed a sold out three night stand at City Winery and Heidi and KC were on hand for Sunday night's gig to report for The Barn.Richard Butler, clad in a black three-piece suit, white shirt, black tie and fashionable black glasses, sported the look of a...

Words / Photos: Alex WoodIf asked why Medeski, Martin & Wood are still amongst the best jam-bands around today, my answer would go no further than listing the three musicians names.The jazz trios three members have perfected their craft over the last two decades. No single member stands more important than the others, and their...

By: Alex WoodYoure never going to see a show like this one again, Jeff Tweedy said after the main set of Wilcos fourth night at the Riviera.The singer was right. After playing three 30-song sets without scarcely repeating a song, Wilco continued the trend on the fourth night. Given the number of hits already...

By: Alex WoodFor the opening night of their six-show Chicago residency, Wilco played a massive set in both choice and number of songs.The band opened with Via Chicago, as though to get it out of the way, the sold-out crowd predictably ecstatic. The song was bombastic with noisy interludes and attention to dynamics.Though...

For November, weve got 13 capsule reviews from Alex Wood. A key track from each release is included in the embedded Spotify playlist at the bottom of the page.Neil Young- Storytone [11/4]Recorded live with a full orchestra, Storytone is yet another odd project by the endlessly productive Neil Young. The orchestral backing is lush, adding...

By: Alex WoodThe hype surrounding The Smashing Pumpkins Thalia Hall date was well deserved.The show was the bands first performance in hometown Chicago since 2011 and the first tour date to feature the groups newest lineup, all the while scheduled at an intimate venue the band had never played.The show featured Pumpkins members Billy...

Whatchoo Talkin' 'Bout Wills Tower Jam?Words:@312mrg| Photos: Daniel Peterson courtesy of musicfestivalcentral.comIt takes two elevator combinations to get to the 99th floor of the Willis Tower. Somewhere around floor 40 of my first, I struck up conversation with a guy from Philly who had just arrived in Chicago on Saturday and was just...

By: Alex WoodIt feels like a hometown show every time Pokey LaFarge plays in the Midwest.His music reflects having grown up in central Illinois and lived in St. Louis, with references to the areas country landscapes, roads and rivers throughout the songs, and audiences in the area never fail to connect to the imagery....