This is an online music fan zine. Please support music and musicians by going to shows, purchasing CDs, buying a damn T-shirt!
All mp3s are posted here with permission from the artists/labels/PR folks, and for a very brief time. If you have any issues with content on this zine please email me; atartytart@gmail.com I'm addicted to my Iphone, darlins'... I'll get back to you.
If you like what's up here, it'd be nice to know about it, so leave me some comments, eh? You can always post me love notes and CDs and such at: Love Shack, Baby, PO Box 221235 Chicago, IL 60622 (note new addy)
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And you can find PuppetShow at enjoy.the.puppet.show@gmail.com
Well we’ve gone and done it now! Somehow or other this past month of July has passed and the anniversary of this blog has gone unnoticed. Yes, it has had another name, another domain (well, two that is) and three completely different looks, but it’s been me all along. And it’s been a few of you all along as well. Wow. See, that bit is what blows me away. It’s been 365 days of people like Matthew, of Song by Toad Records and JC and Andrew, and Rol and FiL and DavyH , Kevin (of Indiecater Records), and Adam, from the beginning of this thing, (and aww geeze I’m forgetting folks for sure edit: yep… forgot the very first person who commented on my blog, the wonderful Eric, of Licorice Pizza who was sweet enough to comment here. I lost that first post’s comments in the great migration to wordpress and well… he’s been with me from day one. Thanks hun! xoxo) and loads of new friends. It’s been 278 posts and 1,116 comments! It’s been one lost co-author (he still lurks here once in awhile and is never far from my e-reach), and literally hundreds of discussions with him about music that got me going on this in the first place. And it was also the generosity of those bloggers mentioned above who made me feel like I needed to give back that kept me going all this time. I’ve gradually come out and revealed more and more about myself, taking on an increasing ownership of this blog as a Chicago music blog, and felt more responsible for Chicago’s unsigned indie bands. That has been really fun and thank you, readers from afar for being so encouraging to them! We got through an election, a depressingly long winter and a very naughty xmas
I’ve learned about music that I had never heard of before. I’ve become re-acquainted with music I had lost track of and am so happy to have found again (yes JC, I found you via Morrissey.) I’ve grown to actually like what I used to call “indie-crap,” … well some of it. I now know that I don’t like nerdcore, still can’t stand black metal, and no, never really got over that overdose of reggae in the 80s. But, I still crave a good guitar solo and loads of reverb. I doubt I’ll ever come to hate folk music. I listen to jazz a little now (shocker!) and I can’t believe I get demos and albums from signed and unsigned artists who want me to write about them. Even more shocking is being able to review records that I really love and having artists thank me, saying they read it here. That is just so cool, I’m sorry to brag. You all know that I have next to no musical knowledge; this is and always be a fan blog, from a fan’s perspective. I just write about what music feels like and how it sounds to people like me, who know little to nothing about what music is, technically. The first time a PR rep emailed me about covering an artist I literally danced around my living room, I felt I had somehow made it, hahaha. I’m still in touch with that company and I’ve had some really great opportunities to meet artists over this past year and hear some amazing music that honestly, I would not have been exposed to without this blog.
So thank you, friends. Sometimes I think you all know me better than the “real” people in my life. You’ve certainly made it easier for me to have a real life! My wife might not always appreciate it – the time spent on this and the nights out at shows, but I know she’s happy that I am happier for it. So thank you, M. Chutney, for being so understanding and generous with your time and patience! I have an excuse now to go out and talk to folk and shake adorable young people’s hands and tell them how fabulous they are And even if I do sit by the merch table and shyly wait to get up the courage to go talk to the band after the show, I almost always get there in the end because I know you guys will probably want to hear about it. If only to have a laugh with this silly Tart, xoxo
Here’s one of the latest goodies sent to me from, of all places, Twitter! Swimming In Speakers, “Serve Them Well” off of their debut, self-titled EP. It’s only a taste, up for a short while, and as soon as I get the whole EP, I’ll give you a proper review. I’m quite smitten with what I’ve heard so far! Go buy it here, and tell me what you think of this talented band from upstate NY.
Oh, almost forgot to tell you, this weekend included the Lonely H who gave a great, if early, show and played like there were 100 people packed in that club. Alas, they had to go on first due to all but one of the band members being under 21 and they had to be out by 9:00 pm. So the club wasn’t as full as it should have been to see such a talented band. But damn that guy can sing. Our houseguest leaned over to me after the show and said, “he uses his voice a little like Steven Tyler, doesn’t he” and I have to agree. Not in the same style, but just as expressive and almost (at his age) as strong. It was a raucous night and after hearing the album, Concrete Class, I was more than pleased with the live performance.
And tonight I saw Bad Veins play a really good set after some technical difficulties setting up. They have this crazy assortment of stage props/gear and seemed to get off to a rocky start at sound check. But once they got in line, they hit the crowd like a rocket. “Inventive” is a good word for their style. And that’s not a cloaked way to describe a bad show. The music was great and loud, and very danceable; just the two of them, drums and guitar/keyboards, all deftly played. And to mix it up, Benjamin or Sebastian (oh geeze I didn’t get it straight who played which!) used a megaphone on a few songs, straight into the mic for vocal effects, brilliant! He also had a rotary phone hooked up as a microphone and a pre-recorded backup tape as well. They had the crowd on their feet and played most, if not all, of their new album. I did muster the courage to chat up both bands, and can faithfully report that they were altogether lovely and very sweet. xoxo
P.S. If you’ve got me on your blogrolls as my old blog name “I Correct Myself, I Mean All The Time” please change it over to Love Shack, Baby cause that is gonna cease to re-direct eventually, thanks!
Today I bring you, dear readers, a special band coming from Australia, Children Collide. I’ve heard from their PR rep that this band recently opened for Alexisonfire at a secret show in St. Catherines, and blew the crowd away. Their new album isn’t coming out until later this year but you can hear them on MySpace and see this cool video below. You know I’m always mixing it up here on Love Shack, Baby, mostly because I’m constantly listening to a variety of music. Don’t get stuck in one particular genre, darlings, spread yourself out!
This video is amazing! You can view it a number of different ways, it’s way cool. Enjoy, “Chosen Armies” it’s got some great hooks, an amazingly infective bass line and drum rolls that will please you again and again. I’m liking this more with every listen, it’s going to be great to hear it live, you heard it from me. Now go out and support Children Collide so we can bring them to the States and prove me right! xoxox
They will be releasing a new album later this year, but for now there are tracks being streamed on their MySpace and live footage as well as music videos on YouTube. They also have a new concept for videos with their website featuring an interactive video for their song ‘Chosen Armies’:
Some people sing and it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful. Some sing and you think you’ve heard an angel. Some sing and it’s so powerful, you’re blown away. And some sing, and sing, and sing, and you just don’t want them to ever stop because you know they don’t want to/can’t stop. Paul Hansen is that last kind of guy. His voice is beautiful. And he can’t stop. He won’t stop. You don’t want him to stop. Ever. His band, The Grownup Noise, is not going to let him either, don’t worry. He sings effortlessly.
I walked into a club last night just as they were taking the stage and yeah, they didn’t look that special. I wandered up to the bar, stood with all the rest of the head-nodders, the indie kids, the meager crowd (this club doesn’t seem to really do any promotion; guys, don’t play here again, ok?) And by the middle of that first song I was seriously fixated on that voice. And then on that bass, and on that guitar and on that drummer, (the cellist wasn’t on this leg of the tour, alas). They did a full set, with a nice variety of songs, with Paul switching from guitar to keyboards (I preferred the guitar ones, I must say) and Adam Sankowski playing a bit of keys along with his bass. Aine Fujioka takes care of percussion; and it all goes very smoothly and ranges from indie pop to jazz inspired, melody-rich folk/rock. But what set it apart from the usual offerings in these genres were the lyrics; they’re smart without being stuffy. Paul makes you listen and he rolls the words out so that you may, but there’s not a whiff of pretention here. I loved that about tonight. There’s a little of Eef Barzelay to this man, in the way he writes, in the feel of his lyrics of love songs like “Urban Myth”
Pick up a copy of this band’s debut album. It’s brilliant. The addition of the cellist makes for a really lush sound that I didn’t experience last night but that once I had chatted with Adam I could easily imagine. Both sounds are great. The pared down, guitar-heavy, trio was a sight to see. Their rendition of “The Oldest Running Feature” was one that I wish someone had recorded; it was raw and unadorned and escalated to a perfect crescendo before collapsing down to the barest, quietest last note… perfect. They all played as if there was nothing else they could possibly do that evening. And I honestly believe that was the case. Some people are just driven to make music. I’m just driven to hear it, xoxo
Darlings, wouldn’t you love to have a copy of this Bad Veins poster?!? I’ve got three to give away. All you need do is drop me a line with your name and address and they’re yours. First three people win. I’m going to hear Bad Veins perform “Gold and Warm” (and more!) on Friday, I’ll let you know just how fantastic they are live. But let me tell you now, reports from my blogger friends are more than wonderful.
Well yes, I know this album has been reviewed by many already. And “Charlie Darwin” is possibly the best song of 2008, now isn’t it? But you know, the band is on a great big tour this summer and fall and you should go see The Low Anthem. Support music, go buy a ticket to a show and be part of an audience, my dears. I’ve been thinking lately what life on the road must be like. You spend a lot of time in a van (or a bus if you’re lucky), ending up in town after town, stage after stage of varying degree of size and familiarity. Bands never really know what kind of night to expect. Will there be a large, eager crowd or will they end up playing to 12 people who were shepherded over from the neighboring adult mental health institution. (That’s a true story, from my ex-bf’s tour days, I kid you not!) So, in reality, being on the road is a real crap shoot aside from the wonderful summer festivals that we all love.
The Low Anthem are touring a bunch of festivals with a some smaller stops thrown in along the way. Go hear them perform songs off this wonderful album. It’s full of breathy harmonies, folk-tuned guitars and banjos, and let me tell you with no hesitation, it is all top-notch. Whether they be with Joe Pug or Langhorne Slim, or on their own, they will be fantastic. I’m especially reminded of Joe Pug on “Ticket Taker,” if he hasn’t covered this song he surely should. Stories are told in these songs and in such a bittersweet way that when they end, you’re heartbroken for hearing them. “(Don’t)Tremble” is a beautiful love song, just sitting in there in the middle of this album like a gem. This record (buy it here) starts with a killer song and ends with a goodnight kiss, “To Ohio (reprise)” Filled with all sorts of small touches, here and there, that make Oh My God Charlie Darwin an album I turn to again and again, I’m left with anticipation of their show here at the Hideout next month, where they just might play “Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around” as they did here, in this live recording, xoxo
(get the full download of that concert from March 8, 2008 at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC here, it’s free and legal) Tour Details
The eagerly anticipated sixth album from Phil and the Osophers It’s been getting great reviews all over the place. Let me know what you think. I’ve not heard the whole album yet, but I’m intrigued. Go over to their facebook page and become a fan, stay updated on their progress!
“A cuddlier Black Lips or King Khan & The Shrines” – Under The Radar
Parallelo Tracklisting …. pre-order it here
1. Uses of A Man
2. Extra Weight
3. Have All Summer
4. Mayan Calendar
5. Cheap Livin
6. Staring Down The Sun
7. Creators
8. Milestones
9. Pineapple
10. Propeller Jet
11. Well Being
The Hudson Branch have just finished their first LP, Tightrope Walker and I have to say, it’s stunning. Shimmery and folksy, this collection of songs is such a fulfilled promise. I’ve been waiting for this album for months, teased by a few tracks on their MySpace page, and kept updated by regular emails from the band. They’re from just outside Chicago and although I’ve yet to see them live, I eagerly anticipate it, moreso now that I hear this fabulous record!
At times, throughout Tightrope Walker, I’m reminded of Bombadil’s Tarpits and Canyons. Perhaps it’s the dreamy vocals. Maybe it’s the tingly strings and keys. These tracks keep my head nodding, my toe tapping. Infused with jazz rhythms but standing solidly in indie-pop territory, songs like “Imbibe Then Enunciate” charms me into believing that someone, somewhere loves me. And if you listen to “Be Minor” more than once you’ll swear Cobey Beinheart’s voice is angelic; even though it’s another of those songs where the percussion completely steals it away from the beautiful vocals. Starting out with tiny handclaps and building up to sticks on rims to light taps on drums and finally crashing cymbals and then down again to handclaps, you’re carried along into his dream, and yes, “it’s all in my head” is certainly the truest line of any song on this record.
“Don’t” is where I expect Bombadil to emerge the most, with their clashing piano. However, they don’t (ha!), of course. Instead we have a gorgeous harmony a la The Hudson Branch boys. Yes, it’s another of the kind of love songs that I love. Simple, but not simplistic, and a hanging final note that leaves you guessing in the most delicious way that matches the lyrics perfectly. I’ve given you “Down By The River” before, it’s a typically wonderful indie-folk song, the video’s down below. However, I have to tell you that the best song on this record, in my opinion, is “Clouds” It encapsulates all the elements of what makes The Hudson Branch a really good band, a band that sets them apart from the typical, local, unsigned gang of guys playing in a club. “Clouds” has a terrific melody, some beautiful guitar work and then that soaring vocal line that carries the whole thing up to the, well, to the clouds… just like the song lyrics say. See, when you write a song, you need to pay attention to what the lyrics say and make the chords and sounds match the words folks! I can’t tell you how many artists seem to not understand this simple fact. Evoke an image, for fuck’s sake! “Clouds” builds us a storm. It’s gorgeous in its effort and inspiring in its success.
I could go on, waxing poetic about how these songs make me feel and how this band is so very talented. In the end, the purpose of this post is simply to tell you one thing: go buy this album. You will not regret it. xoxo
The Dimes, based in Portland, Oregon, have a new EP out and are releasing a full length record September 9. This effort, titled New England, tells stories based on real events of the locale for which it’s named. And while it does feature a cover of a John Lennon tune, which I would usually snap right up and send your way, I just can’t bring myself to do it today. I think you’ll find “Clara” really much more pleasing. The Dimes seem to be in their element when trying to recreate folk harmonies and evoke historical tales of important events. And, there’s always a time and place for a little slide guitar on a Sunday afternoon. If not, you’re just doing it wrong.
Go out and buy the Dimes’ New England. With only four songs, it’s a nice little introduction to the group in case you missed their debut album, The Silent Generation. This is a sound that is very “with it” right now, in case you’ve not caught on to that yet. A little alt-country, a lot of banjo/mandolin and indie earnestness goes a long way in this new hipster regime that summer festivals have seemed to spawn. Long live the plaid shirt!
Catch them in Portland, OR
Jul 25 2009 6:30P SakeOne Summer Music Concert Series Forest Grove, Oregon
Aug 7 2009 8:00P Mississippi Studios Portland, Oregon
Sep 12 2009 8:00P Widmer Oktoberfest Portland, Oregon
Sep 17 2009 8:00P MusicFest NW @ Ash Street Portland, Oregon
Sep 25 2009 8:00P Doug Fir Portland, Oregon
You know I’m a big fan of The Ropes. I’ll definitely be there on the 29th to give you a concert review! I’m sooooo excited to finally be able to see them, You can download the whole EP for free on their website. Cool, eh?
Tour Details
JULY
07 / 25 / 2009 : Plymouth, PA at Infamous Arts Gallery
07 / 26 / 2009 : Thomas, WV at Purple Fiddle
07 / 27 / 2009 : Montpelier, IN at The Pour House
07 / 29 / 2009 : Chicago, IL at Darkroom
07 / 30 / 2009 : Louisville, KY at Derby City Espresso
AUGUST
08 / 01 / 2009 : Columbus, GA at Gallery13 Event Center
08 / 03 / 2009 : Atlanta, GA at 529
08 / 04 / 2009 : Auburn, AL at The Independent
08 / 05 /2009 : Mobile, AL at Alabama Music Box
08 / 07 / 2009 : Grand Rapids, MI at Mixtape Café
08 / 08 / 2009 : Youngstown, OH at Cedars Lounge
You know the routine by now… The Contrast Podcast, the weekly hotspot wherein bloggers and other internet whackjobs (haha good pun for this week, eh?) record personal introductions to songs on a predetermined theme. The theme of the week is “self-love” and you know I had to contribute But why be obvious, eh? I took it as an opportunity to subject you all to some real industrial music, not the commercial stuff that it’s become, but the original industrial music, the source if you will. So here is Throbbing Gristle, from 1975 on the subject of masturbation, “Five Knuckle Shuffle” and take it easy, ok? It’s six minutes long, don’t go hurting yourselves. xoxo
Go here to listen to the podcast and hear the awesome and often funny introductions to songs about masturbation, including mine.
picture blatantly stolen from Tim Young’s filthy mind/site
You can download the whole EP for free on their 
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