Country music isn’t for everybody - Most of the time it isn’t my cup of tea. I’ve seen enough Boot Scooting and heard enough “Red Neck Woman” karaoke around town to last many lifetimes. There is, however, another form of country music far away from the polished Nashville scene that has quickly grown on me.
Growing out of the nineties from alternative bands like the David Lowry led Camper Van Beethoven or the widely respected Uncle Tupelo and Wilco comes a sound currently known as Alt-Country. Bands like these aren’t your typical Red State Country music, with lyrics typically tending towards the political disappointment of a Woody Guthrie and a sound reminiscent of the rebellion of Punk. There’s a driving sense to the Alt-Country music as well, an underlying tone of cynicism and anger that envelops the chord progressions and the aggressive drum beats.
Locally, The Blind Robins have been carrying the torch for Alt-Country. Growing out of 90s alternative band Pine Cone, bassist Bob Vodnick, drummer Dave Fleming and recent addition Mike Burns on guitar are led by lyricist, guitarist and singer Michael Whyte. The Blind Robins feature songs tackling subjects ranging from atheists (“Famous Non Believers”) to the famous creationist lawyer William Jennings Bryan to Johnny Cash (“Cash and the Carters”) with a sound that ranges from traditional bluegrass to grungy electric “cow-punk.” Their live act also occasionally includes some of the old Pine Cone classics such as “Mexico” and “Post Card” – songs that strongly resemble early 90s pop-alternative acts like the Gin Blossoms or Cracker. If you’re looking for talented guitar work, a twist on a classic sound, and substantive, thought invoking lyrics, make a point to check out this band.
The Blind Robins will be playing at Mary’s Place – 602 N Madison St. - on Saturday, February 17th.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
IceHogs Behind the Glass: Battle of the Bands
Rockford has been known to have an excellent and active live music scene. It’s a point of pride to know there are more than two-dozen venues to hit on any given weekend here in the stateline area. Many of the local acts have produced their own CDs and taken their acts on the road to Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee and further. Suffice to say, on any given weekend, you should be checking out a band if music is your calling.
Part of the reason for this music excellence is the fact that local High School bands are successful and growing. And despite typical funding setbacks for music programs, young people are learning to play music and music instructors are finding a way for kids to get the instruments into their hands. Nationally, the VH1 Save the Music foundation has helped inner city bands find the means to get an instrument into the hands of every child that wants to learn. Locally, the Rockford IceHogs and LT’s Bar and Grill, in conjunction with the UHL and the VH1 Save the Music foundation have committed to help continue this tradition of musical excellence with the help and recognition of local bands in the 2007 Battle of the Bands.
Starting on Thursday, February 22nd and again on March 1st and March 8th, the preliminary rounds for the Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands will be held at LT’s Bar and Grill. Local bands will compete for the opportunity to play to the home crowd of the Rockford IceHogs on March 30th and the chance to fly to New York City to play for an RCA record executive. Money raised through the voting process and through the sale of game-day jerseys will be donated to the VH1 Save the Music foundation.
If you love local music, come out to LT’s and support your favorite band. The ‘Hogs will be taking one winner from each night of competition and one overall fan favorite to play live at the March 30th game. Your favorite band will need your votes to win. If you’re in a band, you can sign up by sending a sample CD of your original music (no covers) to Scott Hulmes @ LT’s Bar and Grill - 1011 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 or call (815) 394-1098 for details. The 2007 Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands is supported by Budweiser and 104.9 WXRX.
Part of the reason for this music excellence is the fact that local High School bands are successful and growing. And despite typical funding setbacks for music programs, young people are learning to play music and music instructors are finding a way for kids to get the instruments into their hands. Nationally, the VH1 Save the Music foundation has helped inner city bands find the means to get an instrument into the hands of every child that wants to learn. Locally, the Rockford IceHogs and LT’s Bar and Grill, in conjunction with the UHL and the VH1 Save the Music foundation have committed to help continue this tradition of musical excellence with the help and recognition of local bands in the 2007 Battle of the Bands.
Starting on Thursday, February 22nd and again on March 1st and March 8th, the preliminary rounds for the Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands will be held at LT’s Bar and Grill. Local bands will compete for the opportunity to play to the home crowd of the Rockford IceHogs on March 30th and the chance to fly to New York City to play for an RCA record executive. Money raised through the voting process and through the sale of game-day jerseys will be donated to the VH1 Save the Music foundation.
If you love local music, come out to LT’s and support your favorite band. The ‘Hogs will be taking one winner from each night of competition and one overall fan favorite to play live at the March 30th game. Your favorite band will need your votes to win. If you’re in a band, you can sign up by sending a sample CD of your original music (no covers) to Scott Hulmes @ LT’s Bar and Grill - 1011 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 or call (815) 394-1098 for details. The 2007 Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands is supported by Budweiser and 104.9 WXRX.
IceHogs Behind the Glass: Battle of the Bands 2
The first two weeks of the Rockford IceHogs LT’s Battle of the Bands brought out some strong competition, especially from the younger bands.
Week 1 Highlights featured two thrash metal bands with distinctively different looks but startlingly similar sounds in Stereotype and Reign of Ruin. Their cacophony of driving beats and angry screaming vocals whipped their crowds into a frenzy. Ultimately the 1980s hair metal sounds of Shuvelhead and the 70s-hard-rock-meets-90s-grunge act of Angus Jackson battled it out for top position. In the end, the enthusiastic crowd reaction pushed Shuvelhead over the top, and Shuvelhead moves on to the final round.
Week 2 featured a strong set of bands, bringing the competition to the next level. Starting strong with the local young punk band The Broken Fall, their Green Day meets the Violent Femmes influences brought their crowd onto the floor in a big way. They were a tough act to follow, but Existent gave it a good run with a novice singer songwriter that showed promise and a sound reminiscent of late 90s alt bands like Letters to Cleo. The surprise came from the Dixon-based band Kirkland whose polished sound wowed the judges and brought around a crowd lacking energy with a great stage presence and excellent harmonies. Indicating they’ve been preparing for a South by Southwest debut this month, Kirkland wove sounds reminiscent of The Fray or The Eagles. Closing the night was a modern metal band Dogs of War who stayed to play even well beyond the final decision. In the end, Kirkland’s polished harmonies edged out The Broken Fall’s fan-powered punk, but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of The Broken Fall.
The Battle of the Bands has been so successful that LTs and the Rockford IceHogs have added a date! Come to LT’s see the final two rounds of Battle of the Bands on March 8 and March 15 starting at 8PM. And don’t miss the finals at the Rockford IceHogs game on March 30th featuring Shuvelhead, Kirkland and our two remaining finalists. For tickets to the March 30th IceHogs game and Battle of the Bands finals, call Andrew at 815-986-6465.
Week 1 Highlights featured two thrash metal bands with distinctively different looks but startlingly similar sounds in Stereotype and Reign of Ruin. Their cacophony of driving beats and angry screaming vocals whipped their crowds into a frenzy. Ultimately the 1980s hair metal sounds of Shuvelhead and the 70s-hard-rock-meets-90s-grunge act of Angus Jackson battled it out for top position. In the end, the enthusiastic crowd reaction pushed Shuvelhead over the top, and Shuvelhead moves on to the final round.
Week 2 featured a strong set of bands, bringing the competition to the next level. Starting strong with the local young punk band The Broken Fall, their Green Day meets the Violent Femmes influences brought their crowd onto the floor in a big way. They were a tough act to follow, but Existent gave it a good run with a novice singer songwriter that showed promise and a sound reminiscent of late 90s alt bands like Letters to Cleo. The surprise came from the Dixon-based band Kirkland whose polished sound wowed the judges and brought around a crowd lacking energy with a great stage presence and excellent harmonies. Indicating they’ve been preparing for a South by Southwest debut this month, Kirkland wove sounds reminiscent of The Fray or The Eagles. Closing the night was a modern metal band Dogs of War who stayed to play even well beyond the final decision. In the end, Kirkland’s polished harmonies edged out The Broken Fall’s fan-powered punk, but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of The Broken Fall.
The Battle of the Bands has been so successful that LTs and the Rockford IceHogs have added a date! Come to LT’s see the final two rounds of Battle of the Bands on March 8 and March 15 starting at 8PM. And don’t miss the finals at the Rockford IceHogs game on March 30th featuring Shuvelhead, Kirkland and our two remaining finalists. For tickets to the March 30th IceHogs game and Battle of the Bands finals, call Andrew at 815-986-6465.
Concert Review: Midwestern Death
A few weeks ago, trying desperately to get from Chubby Rain to Mary’s Place to try to catch a great night of live music featuring both the Wandering Sons and the Blind Robins, I missed the Robins’ show by about 15 minutes. My bad fortune turned to good, however, when Midwestern Death took the stage.
Midwestern Death is a gritty alt-country/folk band whose lyrics suggest disillusionment and irritation with the status quo hidden behind the seemingly good spirits of countrified drunken debauchery. In other words – they sound like a ton of fun but write with intelligence and a purpose. Songs featured on their MySpace only give a hint to the talent they show on stage or the following they command. Whether its visiting a story about a time of homelessness or an ex girlfriend separated by miles and the military, you could be bobbing your head to the rockabilly sound or biting your lip at the story being told.
Midwestern Death returns to Mary’s Place on April 6th. Make a point to find out what they’re all about.
Also, don’t forget to check out Dave Tamkin at Kryptonite on April 7th. Some of your favorite IceHogs players will be there too enjoying the acoustic guitar sounds of Tamkin and the unbelievable skills of Jason Vinulian on the electric violin.
Midwestern Death is a gritty alt-country/folk band whose lyrics suggest disillusionment and irritation with the status quo hidden behind the seemingly good spirits of countrified drunken debauchery. In other words – they sound like a ton of fun but write with intelligence and a purpose. Songs featured on their MySpace only give a hint to the talent they show on stage or the following they command. Whether its visiting a story about a time of homelessness or an ex girlfriend separated by miles and the military, you could be bobbing your head to the rockabilly sound or biting your lip at the story being told.
Midwestern Death returns to Mary’s Place on April 6th. Make a point to find out what they’re all about.
Also, don’t forget to check out Dave Tamkin at Kryptonite on April 7th. Some of your favorite IceHogs players will be there too enjoying the acoustic guitar sounds of Tamkin and the unbelievable skills of Jason Vinulian on the electric violin.
Concert Review: Kelsey Wild
Kelsey Wild looks like any other 16 year old slip of a girl. Taking some fashion cues from early Avril Lavigne, with MySpace page photos showing off a gigantic ice cream cone or playing with a tumbling swirl of wavy hair, she could be anybody’s daughter or neighbor, hanging out with her school-aged friends.
But then you start to listen to her songs, melancholy and literary beyond her years, and you ask yourself how this 16 year old can channel such influential 90’s artists as Natalie Merchant and Tori Amos in her simple piano and vocal style. Songs like Lightning and Fall Down are too good to remain secret for long. Seeing her perform live is no less impressive, with an earnest singing style and a casually friendly relation with the audience, watching Kelsey play is like seeing someone who is ready to emerge.
Kelsey Wild will be performing at the RAMI awards on Thursday, April 12 and at the CFNIL Charity Jam 2007 on April 20th. You can also catch her at Giovanni’s on April 21st or at this year’s Young At Heart festival.
But then you start to listen to her songs, melancholy and literary beyond her years, and you ask yourself how this 16 year old can channel such influential 90’s artists as Natalie Merchant and Tori Amos in her simple piano and vocal style. Songs like Lightning and Fall Down are too good to remain secret for long. Seeing her perform live is no less impressive, with an earnest singing style and a casually friendly relation with the audience, watching Kelsey play is like seeing someone who is ready to emerge.
Kelsey Wild will be performing at the RAMI awards on Thursday, April 12 and at the CFNIL Charity Jam 2007 on April 20th. You can also catch her at Giovanni’s on April 21st or at this year’s Young At Heart festival.
Webcomic Pick: XKCD
We all have those friends who are brilliant and odd but can explain a concept with a minimal number of words. The smart kids who sat in the front of the classroom with the odd sense of humor and equally odd fashion sense.
XKCD is that kid in stick-figure comic strip form.
Mixing complicated math with the oddity of every day situations doesn't sound like it would make a very good webcomic. Illustrating those concepts with stick figures sounds like an even worse idea. Yet the brilliance of XKCD is that it's wickedly odd sense of humor is not in a Dennis Miller-esque smarter-than-you smugness but rather in the warped way the strongly left-brained author Randall Munroe finds humor in interpreting daily life.
The above comic is a great example: For one character, the simple patterns on floor tiles creates a wildly vivid scenario where each step can only be placed in certain positions, so as not to mentally break the logical pattern. For the other character, though, it appears his friend is merely "walking funny."
It brings up memories of seeing kids walking carefully along tile rows at the mall, or perhaps even you can recall a time walking along to a careful pattern until you realized someone noticed that you were the one who was walking funny.
And the brilliance of the strip? It does this with stick figures in only 3 panels.
Read through the archives and you'll find more moments captured, odd observations, and tricky mathematical functions wittily addressed. Just make sure you're wikipedia is handy - some of the jokes might require a little research for the payout. But then how many comic strips have taught you something and made you laugh?
Webcomic Review: Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal
Years ago, Gary Larson offered a glimpse into a world of insanity every day with his seminal one-panel comic “The Far Side.” Even long after his retirement of the strip, page-a-day calendars and thick tomes chronicle his every oddly intelligent animal or similarly oddly stupid human doing anything from the mundane to the bizarre and surreal. It wasn’t humor that needed explanation, it was just… weird.
Some number of years later, along comes Zach Weiner in the wonderfully subversive world of the internet to introduce us to yet another glimpse of the odd and surreal in his webcomic: Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal.
Updated daily, this one-panel webcomic turns the world we know on its ear. Whether seeing a Supervillain declaring his take over of the planet Pluto and the Superhero responding with “Oh… okay” or witnessing a practical joke at a research laboratory, or even seeing how certain people deal with horrible dates or worse breakups, Weiner’s drawings are always grin-inducingly bizarre and his captions always seems to add an extra punchline to an already goofy scenario.
There is an extensive archive of almost one full year of daily comics to read. Be careful where you read them, though, because others might hear you laughing and think you’re weird.
Then again, you can always claim you’re just reading your Far Side calendar.
Some number of years later, along comes Zach Weiner in the wonderfully subversive world of the internet to introduce us to yet another glimpse of the odd and surreal in his webcomic: Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal.
Updated daily, this one-panel webcomic turns the world we know on its ear. Whether seeing a Supervillain declaring his take over of the planet Pluto and the Superhero responding with “Oh… okay” or witnessing a practical joke at a research laboratory, or even seeing how certain people deal with horrible dates or worse breakups, Weiner’s drawings are always grin-inducingly bizarre and his captions always seems to add an extra punchline to an already goofy scenario.
There is an extensive archive of almost one full year of daily comics to read. Be careful where you read them, though, because others might hear you laughing and think you’re weird.
Then again, you can always claim you’re just reading your Far Side calendar.
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