WBEZ's Live Music Thursday

Wild Belle perform "Love Like This" on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:37:01 -0500

At the core of Wild Belle’s breezy pop and trip hop is an intense bond between brother-sister musicians Elliot and Natalie Bergman. That's front and center on this performance of their song "Love Like This" from the band's Sound Opinions session.

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound perform "Before You Die" in the High Fidelity Music Series

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:19:37 -0500

Another song from the Chicago post-punk soul band's High Fidelity Music Series show. This week we bring you a track from the just-released album, Howl- "Before You Die."

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound perform "Baaadnews" in the High Fidelity Music Series

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:48:27 -0500

The Chicago post-punk soul band performed in WBEZ's High Fidelity Music Series in December. Though they made their name covering Wilco's "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart," the group is really at its best in party mode.

Billy Bragg performs "Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key"

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:10:06 -0500

The legendary British troubadour was on WBEZ's Afternoon Shift recently and appropriately performed "Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key" from his collaboration with Wilco, Mermaid Avenue.

Mucca Pazza perform "The Fox Hunt" on Navy Pier

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:37:32 -0500

When you have Mucca Pazza performing, it's a special occasion. When the sprawling marching band performed on The Morning Shift, we asked them to stick around and play a song in our public studio for the denizens of Navy Pier.

Kurt Vile performs Never Run Away on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:33:32 -0500

Philly's favorite son wears his psychedelic troubadour hat for this solo performance of the song "Never Run Away" from his new album, Wakin On A Pretty Daze, on this week's Sound Opinions.

Black Prairie perform Do You Believe at the High Fidelity Music Series

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:37:36 -0500

The Decemberists' side project perform their song Do You Believe? for the first time in concert. It was part of "The Storm In The Barn," a project commissioned by the Oregon Children's Theater.

Jacco Gardner performs Clear The Air on WBEZ

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:06:21 -0500

Jacco Gardner performed yesterday on the Morning Shift. Here’s the baroque pop by way of the Netherlands on “Clear The Air.”

Black Prairie perform How Do You Ruin Me at WBEZ High Fidelity Music Series

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:48:27 -0500

Portland's Black Prairie performed in our studios a few months ago for our High Fidelity members. This song came midway in the set and features beautiful harmony vocals and a nice use of the zither.

Black Prairie perform Rock of Ages at WBEZ High Fidelity Music Series

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:48:27 -0600

This week on the podcast we bring you another song from our Black Prairie concert. This time the rootsy, homespun side project of The Decemberists perform their original tune, "Rock of Ages."

Black Prairie perform Richard Manuel at WBEZ High Fidelity Music Series

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:10:21 -0600

Members of Black Prairie may be more well-known for their work with other projects (The Decemberist, Portlandia), but they certainly seem most comfortable playing the rootsy, homespun tunes of their side project.

The dBs perform Neverland on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:08:59 -0600

The legendary power pop band The dB's are on Sound Opinions this week. For their session they played a number of songs from their recent release, but closed things out with this version of "Neverland" from the 1982 album "Repercussion."

Ty Segall performs You're The Doctor on Sound Opinions at Lincoln Hall

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:48:27 -0600

Prolific California garage-rocker Ty Segall and his band were on Sound Opinions a few months back. Here's one of the best songs from their performance, recorded in front of a live audience at Chicago's Lincoln Hall.

Cloud Nothings perform Fall In at WBEZ

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:48:27 -0600

Our High Fidelity Music Series was lucky to have Cloud Nothings perform for us last fall. Here's their single, "Fall In."

Aimee Mann performs Save Me on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:04:14 -0600

This weekend Aimee Mann is the guest on Sound Opinions. What better song to share on the Thursday that Oscar nominations are announced than her own nominated song, Save Me from the Magnolia soundtrack? None better, I say.

Lydia Loveless performs 'Steve Earle' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:48:46 -0500

Another great video from Lydia Loveless' Sound Opinions session. This one is the song about a stalker that she imagines in alt-country hero Steve Earle.

Lydia Loveless performs Chris Isaak on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:48:49 -0500

There's a chance that Ohio native Lydia Loveless could have been the next Carrie Underwood. That's what the producer of her first album, The Only Man.

Van Hunt performs 'The Savage, Sincere L of P' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:04:00 -0500

R&B maverick Van Hunt brought his band into our studios recently and did a scorching set of five songs mostly from his recent "What Were You Hoping For?" album. This video is of a B-side from that album, "The Savage, Sincere L of P."

Judson Claiborne perform 'Doula' on Eight Forty-Eight

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:34:15 -0500

Monday on Eight Forty-Eight we were joined by Chris Salveter and Ryan Boyles of the indie folk four-piece, Judson Claiborne, before the band set out on their East Coast tour.

The Shins perform 'New Slang' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:29:08 -0500

As summer peeks around the corner, I can't think of a more fitting song to listen to than The Shins' "New Slang." Even if it doesn't change your life, maybe it'll change your summer. Here's James Mercer performing the song on Sound Opinions.

Patrick Watson performs 'Into Giants' at WBEZ

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:11:59 -0500

Singer, and band namesake Patrick Watson bellows and whispers hauntingly against the sometimes fierce, sometimes fragile musical arrangements the band brings to record.

Screaming Females perform "Rotten Apple" on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 31 May 2012 17:04:29 -0500

The New Jersey punk band Screaming Females would be a lot like many other bands that came before them if it weren't for guitarist and singer Marissa Paternoster. Despite her small frame, her vocal and guitar styles are big and bombastic- filled with shredding solos and forceful phrasings.

Damien Jurado performs 'Working Titles' on Eight Forty-Eight

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:43:41 -0500

On Damien Jurado's most recent album, Maraqopa, he has continued his collaboration with producer Richard Swift and garnered even more critical praise.

The Shins perform 'Simple Song' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:55:24 -0500

James Mercer has been the driving force of The Shins since they formed in 1996. But in the five years between Wincing the Night Away and their new album Port of Morrow, the band underwent a wholesale personnel change- leaving Mercer the sole founding member.

Elizabeth Mitchell performs 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:00:48 -0500

In honor of Mother's Day, we bring you Elizabeth Mitchell and her daughter Storey performing one of Bill Withers' sweetest songs. Mitchell and Daniel Littleton were the leaders of '90s chamber pop band Ida and now perform as a family.

Sharon Van Etten performs 'Life Of His Own' at WBEZ for Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:41:11 -0500

The confessional singer-songwriter brought her formidible band to WBEZ's Jim and Kay Mabie Performance Studio to perform songs from her new album Tramp on Jagjaguwar Records. As always, it was a striking and memorable performance.

Alabama Shakes perform 'You Ain't Alone' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:07:51 -0500

Back by popular demand, this is another track from the recent Alabama Shakes session on Sound Opinions. This is "You Ain't Alone" the song of theirs that also shows up in a jewlery commercial. I think this is a much more pleasant way to listen to the tune.

Alabama Shakes perform 'I Found You' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:38:24 -0500

The Alabama Shakes are on a meteoric rise through the music world. Last September their first EP landed the song "You Ain't Alone" in a commercial and the band signed with a couple legendary record labels.

The Kills perform 'Crazy' on 'Sound Opinions'

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:02:00 -0500

Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince have been wowing critics for 12 years as The Kills. Originally a transatlantic collaboration, the band have produced four albums fueled equally by a reverence for garage blues and pure swagger.

Andre Williams performs 'Bacon Fat' on 'Afternoon Shift'

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:09:00 -0500

Mr. Rhythm himself came to our studios this week to perform on Afternoon Shift with Steve Edwards. Andre Williams has survived decades in the music industry, brushing elbows with Ike Turner, Stevie Wonder and Jack White. His latest album is Hoods and Shades on Bloodshot Records.

Nick Lowe performs in WBEZ studios for 'Sound Opinions'

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:44:00 -0500

British singer-songwriter Nick Lowe has reached a whole new generation of fans by touring with WIlco and making a music video with that band, Marc Maron and Tim Heidecker.

Dessa performs 'Into The Spin' on 'Sound Opinions'

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:36:00 -0600

Minneapolis MC Dessa intended to be a philosopher, but while studying the subject in college, she realized there weren't many full-time job in that field. By her measure, the most practical way to share her philosophy in a professional way, would be to work as a rapper.

Veronica Falls perform Bad Feeling in WBEZ's High Fidelity Music Series

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:46:00 -0600

In the first of our High Fidelity Music Series concerts, London's Veronica Falls performed for a small audience of WBEZ members. This is the song they opened with- a dark ode to paranoia that captures the feeling of mid-80s British indie music perfectly.

Unicycle Loves You perform 'Piranha' at WBEZ

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:17:00 -0600

Unicycle Loves You has been Jim Carroll musical outlet for nearly six years. With their third album, Failure, the noise pop trio has honed in on a catchy sound steeped in 1990s acts like Guided By Voices and Sonic Youth.

Julie Frost performs 'Mary's Song'

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:16:00 -0600

If you've listened to top 40 radio in the past year, you've probably heard one of Julie Frost's songs.

Sharon Van Etten performs 'One Day' in an L Session

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:22:00 -0600

Sharon Van Etten is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey who is steadily expanding her sphere of influence.

The Jayhawks perform 'Cinnamon Love' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:18:00 -0600

There's something about cinnamon that sparks the imagination of songwriters.

Man Is Man performs 'The Dove' on Eight Forty-Eight

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:28:00 -0600

Christa Meyer performed for years with her husband Tim Kelley in the duo Puerto Muerto. Following the couple's divorce a few years ago, Meyer wasn't sure what direction her musical career would take. Eventually she took solace in her auto-harp, developing a sound she now calls Man Is Man.

The Jayhawks perform 'Blue' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:07:00 -0600

Last month Wilco took a victory lap around Chicago, performing in five prestigious venues in one week. In the process Jeff Tweedy and company reaffirmed their status as Chicago's favorite band.

Wild Flag performs 'Romance'

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:17:00 -0600

This week Wild Flag made their network television debut on Late Night with David Letterman performing this song, "Romance."The indie powerhouse has been bowling over audiences all year since their triumphant showing at South By Southwest in March.

My Brightest Diamond covers Prince's 'How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?'

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:04:00 -0600

When My Brightest Diamond performed an intimate concert in our studios back in August, there was a moment when Shara Worden seemed uncertain of what song to play next. She walked over to her rack of guitars and chose a sparkly blue one.

Live Music Thursday: Trombone Shorty improvises a second line tune on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:41:00 -0600

Troy Andrews has been playing trombone since he was six and his instrument towered over him. This comical sight gave him his stage name Trombone Shorty. Now 25, Andrews' height is closer to average than short, but he's still defined by the trombone.

Drive-By Truckers perform 'The Thanksgiving Filter' on Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:38:00 -0600

As warm and fuzzy as our ideal of Thanksgiving is, the reality is often far less than perfect.

Wild Flag perform 'Black Tiles' for 'Sound Opinions' at WBEZ studios

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:23:00 -0600

The final song on Wild Flag's debut album is a doozy of a tune called "Black Tiles." It's perfectly sequenced on the album, and is filled with dark themes of mistrust and fatalism. The song begins with Mary Timony singing about playing dominoes with a shifty partner.

Wild Flag perform 'Short Version' for 'Sound Opinions' at WBEZ studios

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:17:00 -0600

Our resident music critic Jim DeRogatis gave Wild Flag's debut album four out of four stars calling it "not only of the year’s strongest albums, but the of the strongest and most promising debuts in recent memory." The band builds up from '70s guitar rock like Television and

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound perform 'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart' on Eight Forty-Eight

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:51:00 -0500

Last Thursday we featured JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound performing their song "Everything Will Be Fine" in WBEZ's Jim and Kay Mabie Performance Studio.

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound perform 'Everything Will Be Fine' on Eight Forty-Eight

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:45:00 -0500

Chicago band JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound has been making its mark around the world lately. Eight Forty-Eight spoke with band members about their sound and how soul and other forms of music inspire them.

Cut Copy perform 'Blink and You'll Miss a Revolution' on 'Sound Opinions'

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:23:00 -0500

Cut Copy's electronic pop music is at the top of the charts in its home country of Australia. They're not quite that well known in the U.S., but they do play their share of large headlining gigs. This summer the group had one of the top billings at Chicago's Pitchfork Music Festival.

CAVE performs 'WUJ' at WBEZ

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:46:00 -0500

Chicago is a city that's always been welcoming to instrumental rock bands. Following in Chicago's tradition of vocal-free bands like Tortoise and Pelican, CAVE carry the non-jamband torch proudly. The quintent performed a few songs recently for Eight Forty-Eight.

Handsome Furs perform 'Memories of the Future' for Sound Opinions

podcasts@chicagopublicradio.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:16:00 -0500

Two weeks ago we brought you Handsome Furs' performance of "Bury Me Standing" from their Sound Opinions session. This week Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry are back in our Jim and Kay Mabie Performance Studio performing "Memories of the Future."