It’s no surprise to me that in 2016, the best album about America is by a first-generation son of Korean immigrants. Andrew Choi’s music toes the line between bitterness and hope. The exhausting journey to find your path and follow it is hard, but there is a chance it’s all gonna be worth it in the end. St. Lenox, Choi’s title for his musical project, … Continue reading St. Lenox-Ten Hymns From My American Gothic
I got to see Mooner in a unique setting last week when they played as a duo at Jerry’s in Wicker Park. It was a nice reminder of how solid their songs are, as I hadn’t seen them perform in about a year. The vocals were pushed a little further than a normal show, so you could really hear Lee Ketch’s voice singing his words. … Continue reading Mooner Release New Single “Alison” (Video)
It took me a while, but I’ve finally seen all the motion pictures I felt necessary to make a thorough top ten list. 2014 was a great year for movies, despite what we always hear-“The prices are too high and the movies aren’t as good as they used to be.” It was an especially great year in film for me, as I got to cover … Continue reading Best Films Of 2014 (Finally)
With Lollapalooza only a couple days away, it’s important to remember that there’s still a ton of summer left. That means a bunch of local music fests are still coming up, including this one taking place August 16th and 17th that combines great music with the tastiest crustacean known to man. Held on Navy Pier, The Great American Lobstet Fest isn’t just about great food … Continue reading The Great American Lobster Fest 8/16-17
I’ve been stuck in a glass box of americana the past couple weeks. Between Cory Chisel, The Howling Brothers, and another I’m not allowed to talk about yet, I’ve been fairly steeped in rootsy music. Not that I can complain. When it’s done well, there’s nothing finer. So I wasn’t too broken up when I found the upcoming debut from The Illegitimate Sons in my inbox. They hail from Fort Wayne, Indiana, the same state I grew up in. I’m always happy to help fellow hoosiers, especially if it means it can get them the hell out of Indiana.
Not that these guys need my help. For a debut, American Music is ridiculously polished. Produced by the band’s guitarist Ben Porter, Illegitimate Sons have crafted a record that stands up with artists much further along in their careers. It’s clean, but not too clean. Pretty, but not soft. They weave these ten songs together pulling from the fabric left behind by Neil Young, The Jayhawks, and Townes Van Zandt. If you’re a fan of any of those, I think you’ll find something enjoyable here.
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