Feb 26, 2014
Words: @WeirScrewedPhotos: Tom HarmonTodd Snider and the Hard Working Americans wrapped up their first ever tour Saturday night at the Park West. From the opening notes of "Blackland Farmer", the band extended most of the tunes from their self-titled debut into lush jammy landscapes. After exploring "Farmer" a bit, the band settled into a "New...
Feb 26, 2014
Words / Photos: Alex WoodLucius has everything it takes to be a hip indie band: matching outfits, two female singers, percussion instruments scattered on stage before a mod, faux-psychedelic backdrop, and plenty of wordless sing-along melodies.Yet despite the carefully planned approach, the bands music proved to be anything but formulaic.Part of the Free Sample...
Feb 13, 2014
Words/Photos: Alex WoodThroughout TR3s set at SPACE, the trio played a fun combination of originals, covers and new songs that emphasized Tim Reynolds versatility as a guitarist.The trio, consisting of Tim Reynolds, bassist Mick Vaughn and drummer Dan Martier, ripped through songs in every style a power trio could possibly take on....
Feb 11, 2014
Last week, Alex Wood had the chance to chat with Tim Reynolds, guitarist for TR3 and Dave Matthews Band, prior to the trios February 12th tour stop at SPACE. They discussed everything from TR3s upcoming record to extraterrestrial life to the music of The Flaming Lips.TR3 has been around for over twenty years...
Feb 10, 2014
Words / Photos: Alex Wood (see Alex's thoughts on the Thursday show here)Despite Neutral Milk Hotel playing the same songs as Thursdays show, their second Riviera date was equally stunning.Though the songs were the same, the set list was not.Jeff Mangum approached the microphone alone for opener King Of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1. After...
Feb 7, 2014
Words / Photos: Alex Wood (see Alex's Friday night review here)Before Neutral Milk Hotels Jeff Mangum appeared on the stage at the Riviera, it was clear that the show was to be one of a kind.Three hand saws of various lengths lay propped against Julian Kosters amplifier at the front of the stage, arranged...
Feb 4, 2014
Why are there not more Bob Dylan cover bands?Isn't it universally acknowledged that he has the deepest catalog of songs of any beloved artist? And let's face it, the bulk of his repertoire is written in a way that is just begging to be interpreted. Given that recent Dylan performances have left his rabid...
Feb 3, 2014
Words / Photos: Alex WoodAs Califone walked on stage, drummers Joe Westerlund and Rachel Blumberg fiddled with a hodgepodge of small, electronic noisemakers, opening the show with layers of gurgling electronic noise.Out of these noises came Dont Let Me Die Nervous from 2000s Califone EP, a track that showcases the bands full range of dynamics...
Jan 31, 2014
Tim Rutili is the mastermind behind Califone, the sole constant in the Chicago bands influential 15-year existence.Califones latest release, Stitches, marked a new direction for the band with a cleaner production value, prominent vocals and more direct, personal lyrics. Around the time of its release, Califone embarked on an intimate living room tour, something...
Jan 31, 2014
If you've got the songwriting gift and are starting to get damn good at it, I suppose there are three paths you can go down.1. Grab a guitar and hit the road as a one-man-show. Refuse to dilute your vision with other musicians.2. Be a band leader. Step out in front of a team committed...