Words / Photos: Alex WoodWoods headlining show at the Subterranean was a sort of psychedelic extravaganza, a night full of flangers, phasers, reverb and guitar effects.Local opener Bike Cop sounded as many young psych bands do, using barre-chords to churn out simplistic garage-rock riffs, songs stretching out horizontally for minutes without changing.The four-piece played...

Words: Justin & Alex WoodPhotos: Justin WoodThough typically known for his affiliation with Stax Records and the M.G.s, Booker T Jones show at City Winery covered the artists entire career.Focusing as much on collaborations and influences as on original songs, the set was full of surprises.Backed by a three-piece band, Booker...

Backyard Tire Fires music felt like everything a rock band should be, the songs sounding like they were written through collaboration, its three members working through the songs together with guitars cranked up to 11.At the center of the Tire Fire universe stood Edward David Anderson, the always-productive singer-songwriter lending melodies and lyrics that came...

Words / Photos: Alex WoodJohn Darnielle has released music as The Mountain Goats since 1991, developing his unique brand of songwriting, and with it, a devout fan base. Mountain Goats fans see Darnielle as more than simply the author of the songs they love, the songwriters amiable stage persona and endlessly prolific output sets him up as...

Words: Alex WoodIts easy to recall the days when The National werent so overwhelmingly popular. Even 2010s High Violet tour, a mere four years back, wouldnt have sold out four nights at The Chicago Theatre.So what changed, exactly?One could argue that The Nationals music has been a constant progression leading to last years...

Words: @312mrgPhotos: PhilamonjaroSharon Jones: A Soulful SacrificeWe all have a friend that we look up to for the way they handle tough situations and adversity. They have the uncanny ability to see through the haze and fog and not only lift themselves up, but also those around them. They are infectious and draw the attention...

The Hardest Part Of Leaving is evidence that Pert Near Sandstone understand the traditions of the bluegrass genre -- they channel old-time bluegrass traditions into a record both modern and timeless.Unlike the work of Minneapolis bluegrass contemporaries Trampled By Turtles, the tracks remain relatively short and centered around the vocalist, recorded with a distinct...

Words / Photos: Alex WoodThe garage and punk rock genres have seen a massive influx of talent in recent years, and The Mens show at The Empty Bottle felt like a celebration of the music scenes embrace.Both openers were local and put on tremendous shows, full of energy and attitude, as though they represented the...

Words / Photos: @WeirScrewedEven in the robust musical market of Chicago, it is a rare treat when two virtuosos the caliber of Chick Corea and Bela Fleck come together. Both players have such deep catalogs and their respective careers transcend genre. The duo visited the magnificent Auditorium Theatre on Saturday night to play for a few...

Words / Photos: Alex WoodWith the excellent 2013 release White Lighter, Typhoon perfected their indie sound with well-written tracks and clean production. However, listeners of the studio album wouldnt guess it was an eleven-piece band making the music.For their performance at The Metro, there was no doubt.Two drummers and a percussionist played atop one another...