Transmission

A Reading List Between Sets: A Guide to the Best Books About Music to Read This Summer

2009-07-09T16:21:18Z

Summer festival season is picking up, and with Pitchfork and Lollapalooza on the horizon, thousands of fans will pour into festival gates as the sun beats down, carrying along their sealed water bottles, blankets, and sunscreen. But one key item will save you from boredom as you stand around waiting for your favorite band to hit the stage.

A good book is a wonderful friend when your packed into a sweaty concert waiting for a show to start. Make it a book about music and you've got yourself a double dose. This week Gapers Block: Transmission writers are bringing you a selection of some of their favorite books about music to read this summer. So lather up with the SPF 45, leave the counterfeit booze at home, and don't forget a good book.

Michelle Meywes's pick

Title and author: Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung: Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung by Lester Bangs

About the Book: Sure you can sit around and read the program a hundred times between acts at Pitchfork and Lollapalooza, but why not read some "rock n roll as literature and literature as rock n roll." That's the tagline on the cover of the book Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung by legendary rock critic Lester Bangs. Bangs was a writer and editor for the now defunct Creem magazine from 1971 to 1976.

Why I like it: This was a man who was not shy about sharing his opinion on artists, music, or whatever topic might have come up. His reviews read more like strange, obscure novels that had hardly anything to do with the album, but always seemed to drive home just the point/feeling he was trying to make. His writing could be wandering, sometimes rambling with colorful visual vocabulary. Perfect for whatever state of mind you may find yourself in at Chicago's summer music festivals.

Best music setting to read this book in this summer: You might find this book of particular interest at Lolla this year, since there are several pieces about Lou Reed. Bangs loved Reed, and that's putting it lightly. In fact, he says plainly in "Untitled Notes on Lou Reed, 1980" that he "would suck Lou Reed's cock." Call that what you will, but Bangs admired and idolized Reed for his ground breaking work in The Velvet Underground, his unabashed disregard for what anyone thought of him, and his constantly re-inventing himself. According to Bangs in "Let Us Now Praise Famous Death Dwarves," people pretty much kept expecting Reed to die, and by all accounts, maybe the guy should have died, with the way he abused his body. But remember, this was written in 1975, more than thirty years ago, and Lou Reed is still rocking--taking the stage at Lolla on Sunday. Lester Bangs, on the other hand and unfortunately, is not. He died shortly after writing "Notes" in 1982 of accidental drug overdose while treating the flu.

Brian Leli's Picks

Title and author: Do I Come Here Often? by Henry Rollins

About the Book: This book features Rollins' 1991 Lollapalooza tour journal, as well as articles on David Lee Roth and Roky Erickson; interviews with Isaac Hayes and Jerry Lee Lewis; and more.

Why I like it: I have been endlessly inspired by Rollins. He writes with a lucidity all his own. I read many of his books repeatedly; including this one. Here, Rollins' provides a direct account of his experiences on the first ever Lollapalooza tour; and digs deeply into so much more.

Best music setting to read this book in this summer: Lollapalooza

Title and author: Cancer as a Social Activity: Affirmations of a World's End by Michael D. Williams

About the Book: This book features a collection of writings by Michael D. Williams, the notorious singer-lyricist-songwriter for infamous New Orleans metal/punk legends, Eyehategod.

Why I like it: Much like the music Williams has had a hand in, there is something very primitive and pure about his writings. They are are abrasive and fragmented; intoxicating and eyeopening. They are less pleasant than a car crash, but even harder to look away from. Furthermore, Williams' style has been described as "...an illegitimate coupling of the downtrodden gutter-life beauty of Charles Bukowski, crossed with William Burroughs' cutup cerebral style." This book pairs well with oppressive heat.

Best music setting to read this book in this summer: Any of Chicago's small, booze-laden, poorly ventilated clubs; and also while moving about town on the CTA.

Title and author: Iggy Pop: Open Up and Bleed by Paul Trynka

About the Book: This book is the first complete biography of one Iggy Pop: The "Godfather of Punk."

Why I like it: Iggy is the King. He is easily one of the most intriguing and reckless performers in music; EVER. He is a captivating individual, who has lived one of the most immensely fascinating lives; EVER. If you're not a fan; that changes nothing. Trynka's writing is excellent; his insight thought-provoking. He has so clearly put in the time and miles; much like the subject at hand.

Best music setting to read this book in this summer: Riot Fest — which technically takes place a couple weeks after summer officially ends, but consider this proper sendoff.

Chris Sienko's pick

Title and Author: A Power Stronger than Itself: The AACM and American Experimental Music by George Lewis

About the Book: In the 1960s, a loose conglomeration of primarily South-side jazz musicians formed a collective dedicated to pushing the genre into new and innovative realms, incorporating elements of traditional African music, European avant-garde music, Eastern philosophy and structure, and a desire to be free in all things, from composition to instrumentation. Unlike most "free jazz" of the time, AACM music created a community that thought freely in all directions - not just "all loud, all the time." Innovators such as Roscoe Mitchell, Anthony Braxton, Lester Bowie, Joseph Jarman, Muhal Richard Abrams, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and many, many more have passed through the AACM's ranks, chief among them the book's author, trombonist George Lewis.

Best music setting to read this book in this summer: A perfect place to read this book would be the Velvet Lounge (67 E. Cermak, in Chicago's near south side). The Velvet Lounge is not only owned by AACM alumnus Fred Anderson, but the club also features an AACM showcase the first two Sunday nights of each month!

Lisa White's picks

Title and author: Rock On: An Office Power Ballad by Dan Kennedy

About the Book: Rock On is the honest experience of Dan Kennedy while he worked for a major label in the late '90s, just as the music industry was officially and totally starting to fall apart. Kennedy literally falls into a job that many dream of, and goes along for the ride in the weird world known as the music industry. He's honest about the events he witnessed, and doesn't sugarcoat the eccentric world he was dropped in.

Why I like it: When I was little I dreamed of working at a major label, pouring over issues of SPIN and Rolling Stone, wishing to someday work with the bands that would grace those covers. After going to college and experiencing certain aspects of the music industry, I fully appreciated and related to Kennedy. If you ever want a window into the world of working in entertainment, check out Rock On.

Best music setting to read this book in this summer: Read this book while waiting at any local show at one of the smaller venues in Chicago. There is a part where Kennedy speaks of the label flying out a new artist, and how the music is powerful, but no one wants to fully support or enjoy the band because no one wants to be to blame if the band and their release fails. Know that by going to local shows and supporting local bands, you are supporting their art, regardless if a label believes in their selling power or not.

Title and author: So You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star by Jacob Slichter

About the Book: Jacob Slichter is Harvard graduate and an NPR contributor. But his most profiled career achievement was being the drummer for the 90s multiplatinum-selling band Semisonic. Slichter's memories of starting as a humble band to the overwhelming feeling of playing arenas after the success of their hit song "Closing Time" truly leave you feeling like you've been in a band that was catapulted into the spotlight.

Why I like it: After being in many failed bands, I've always wondered in the back of my mind what it would be like to "make it," or at least some variation of success. Slichter's "I can't believe my luck" attitude and total fascination with suddenly being a recognized musician is an interesting look into the life of being a rock musician.

Best music setting to read this book in this: At Lollapalooza right after the gates open during one of the first acts on the smaller stages, or while a band with a current huge single is playing. Chances are some of these artists are at the peak of their career, and playing a large-scale event or festival will be one of the shining moments in their musical career.

Title and author: Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story by Chuck Klosterman

About the Book: Chuck Klosterman is one of the prominent snarky writers whose social commentaries on pop culture are deadpan in delivery, and honest and witty in tone. In Killing Yourself to Live, Klosterman constructs a journey based around immortalization of dead rock stars, and how they mimic the immortalization humans have for key figures in their relationships. If you idolized Kurt Cobain when he died, you probably used Cobain as a barometer for other idols. And the first serious girlfriend or boyfriend you had is probably a benchmark for other relationships, yet just like new idols never beat the old ones, new relationships never override the memories and people of the past.

Why I like it: For many music nerds like myself, I correlate music with events and people in my life. So the idea of using the death of rock stars to better understand the deaths of relationships not only intrigued me, but also made me want to justify my past relationships along with Klosterman. Sure, it's a murky and depressing subject, yet Klosterman keeps it light and funny.

Best music setting to read this book in this summer: At the Chuck Klosterman, Nathan Rabin, and Greg Kot reading at the Barnes & Noble DePaul Center on State St. All three authors will be their July 21st, and you can bet I'll be there like a fan girl with my beaten up copy of Sex, Drugs, and Coco Puffs.

No Illusions with Mannequin Men

2009-07-09T04:08:12Z

The record release show concept may have lost a little luster over the last few years of release dates not meaning anything to the typical consumer, but that's not to say they can't still be exciting and meaningful. If future behavior is best indicated by past behavior, Chicago's Mannequin Men have it in them to make Friday's Lose Your Illusion, Too release show at Metro a spectacle. The 4-piece derives its sound from early punk and Midwestern garage rock. Comparisons to Richard Hell and the Stooges are rampant throughout their music. And like any good punk band, they are a force to be reckoned with while on a stage. (Regular touring with Black Lips, another band whose true potential is realized in front of a crowd, has undoubtedly contributed to their live reputation.) They're brash, abrasive and a hell of a lot of fun to watch.

Also on the bill are their Puerto Rican equals - Davila 666. (¡Wepa!) With a self-titled record on In the Red last year, this septet established themselves as gritty punks who take far more influence from their American counterparts than their rock en Español brethren. Like Friday's headliners, Davila 666's also taken inspiration from tour companions in King Khan & the Shrines by incorporating costumes and props into their sets. (They'll also be playing a free show at the Empty Bottle in September.)

Chicago's Stranger Waves and Huntsville, Alabama's Thomas Function also play. The first 150 people at Metro get wristbands for a balcony after-party. ~~Until noon Thursday, tickets are $5 on eTix.~~ After then they're $10/$12 at the door. The show is 18+ and begins at 9PM.

Creatures of (Human) Habit

2009-07-08T04:54:05Z

The Human Quena Orchestra. Photo by Elliott Thomas.

When you think 'Free Monday Night Show,' chances are a lineup like this isn't the first one that comes to your mind. The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western) has created a rock-solid lineup of bands, incorporating doom, drone, industrial, and metal(ic) crunch and thud, and put them together on a free Monday (July 13), or as I like to call it, I-get-to-drink-eight-dollars-extra-worth-of-beer-night.

SF duo The Human Quena Orchestra, touring in support of their second album, The Politics of the Irredeemable (Crucial Blast), are joined by two local acts, one seasoned and one newly minted, and a NYC solo project making her debut in Chicago.

Quena's Ryan Unks, formerly of Creation Is Crucifixion, formed his new project (originally solo, now duo) as a mathematically precise, noise-engorged doom unit, with clanking percussion, swirls of keyboard and oscillator stuffed into the cracks between thick, muted riffs, like Godflesh played at Melvins speed, then dragged through one hundred Black Metal keyboard intros. Produced by James Plotkin, Politics trades the sharp barbs of Quena's debut, Means Without Ends, for a pulverizing, agonizing, but ultimately narcotic and hallucinatory blend of digital shimmer, monolithic pound, and shrieking vocals. Lyrics are straightforward, but pointed ('Hope is a fallacy/pacified, we eat ourselves away from the inside/hands full of life, choke this culture/this legacy is not ours, it is ours to destroy'), though completely unintelligible within the music, unless you're reading along. Crucial Blast's striking gatefold package compliments the music's matted gloom.

While HQO cast their parched cries over the rubble of civilization, Chicago's Locrian sneak back into the abandoned buildings, post-apocalypse, and play to the spirits left behind. Their latest recording -- a vinyl version of the recently-released CD Drenched Lands (CD version on Small Doses; vinyl via Chicago's Bloodlust! label) is sure to go fast. It's an edition of 200 copies, pressed on clear vinyl and housed in a beautiful silk-screened/die-cut fold-over sleeve (Chicago's own Dexterity Press have the honor). Fans who already bought the CD version may still want to have some cash on hand, as the LP version includes a 3" CDr containing 18 minutes of otherwise unreleased material, an expanded version of Locrian featuring Andrew Shearer of Velnias, and Mark Solotroff of Bloodyminded, The Fortieth Day, and others, recorded live on WLUW's 'Something Else' radio program.

Solotroff's long list of active bands grows one longer tonight, as he debuts a new quintet, Anatomy of Habit, a group built on the chassis of my beloved, now-departed doom metal exemplars Animal Law. Habit features Solotroff on vocals, Blake Edwards (Vertonen) on metal percussion, Dylan Posa (Cheer-Accident) on drums, Greg Ratajczak on guitar, and Kenny Rasmussen on bass (the latter two originally slated to record Animal Law's debut). As for what it sounds like, your guess is as good as mine...the band's Myspace page says, under the Sounds Like section: "Maybe you can tell us after we release some music..."

Opening up the evening's bloodbaths is NYC's Pharmakon, one Margaret Chardiet. So far, discogs.com lists only two releases for this industrial/noise act, one a forthcoming EP on Solotroff's own Bloodlust! label, the other a three-way split double tape on Jeff Witscher's estimable Callow God label.

As mentioned above, the show's free, and starts at Rock O'Clock (aka 9:00 or thereabouts).

NIN Announce Final Chicago Show...Again

2009-07-08T02:05:02Z

While the ongoing NIN tour - which came through Chicago at the end of May - was said to be the last, it appears as though they will be coming back through town for one last "intimate" visit.

According to a post by Trent Reznor to the NIN website earlier today, the band plan to play a handful of shows in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles starting August, 22. The Chicago show is set to happen at the Aragon Ballroom. It will include Mew, and possibly others. More details will be announced soon.

Read Reznor's full post here.

Rachael Yamagata Shares Stage With Bumpus Again

2009-07-07T16:45:48Z

Local group Bumpus takes the stage on Thursday with former member Rachael Yamagata for the first time since 2002. Rachael has since gone on to celebrate success as a solo singer/songwriter. Her emotional ballads have fittingly appeared in television shows such as Grey's Anatomy and The O.C. She even had a cameo in the season finale of 30 Rock (remember the "Kidney Now" drive?). But not one to forget her roots, she got her start here in Chicago with funk-fusion band Bumpus. The group has seen a lot of people come and go over the years, but this is your chance to see new Bumpus and old Bumpus all in one show.

The reason they're all back together? For charity. Ryszard Basiura, the father of a close friend, suffered a life-altering stroke last year as the result of a cerebral aneurysm. All ticket proceeds from Thursday's show will benefit the Ryszard Basiura Fund. Darren Spitzer, of the former Chicago group The Changes, will lend his hand at the DJ sets for the evening. Plus there will be a raffle for prizes such as gift certificates, art by local artists and a 5-night stay in Tulum, Mexico.

The night of music and fundraising takes place this Thursday, July 9 at Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N Kedzie). Doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 in advance / $30 at the door. 21+

Tyler Jon Tyler, Maximum Wage and Cococoma at Empty Bottle

2009-07-07T12:46:39Z

Empty Bottle's Monday night free show line up started with Tyler Jon Tyler, front woman Rebecca has very unique vocal techniques. The sound was generally West Coast punk influenced, and the catchy tune "Locked Out" could really get their career going.

I originally went to hear the second band Maximum Wage. After listening to some tunes on MySpace, I was excited to hear the Britishesque happy-go-lucky songs. I was slightly disappointed with the performance. Some technical difficulties and the constant switching of lead vocals between Ian and Ryan I think lost the crowd's attention quickly. The music was still good and complex, but I think they need to focus on one particular sound.

Lastly, Cococoma appeared to be everyone's favorite. What began as a husband and wife project with drummer and lead vocalist Bill Roe and guitarist and back up vocals Lisa Roe, now tours with a changing line up depending on the geography. The sound is intense and will hit you in the face whether you are ready for it or not. The track "It Wont Be Long" is very catchy and showcases the juxtaposition between Bill's garage punk vocals and the rockabilly pop back ups. Over all, a good band to see live if you are looking for a good shot of adrenaline.

Be My Girl

2009-07-07T05:32:14Z

For all of the much deserved attention being paid to the new album from Wilco, the most popular song around the blogshere from Chicago has to "Be My Girl" by The Smith Westerns . The track recently received an 8 from Pitchfork, it was featured by Fader, Gorilla vs. Bear, The Reader, and many more. The bands self-titled debut was recently released by HoZac Records, and features a noisy lo-fi brand of garage/surf rock. My theory is if Wavves can find a large audience, Smith Westerns should not be far behind.

{MP3} Smith Westerns - Be My Girl

Smith Westerns will be performing at The Bottom Lounge as part of the Offical Pitchfork Music Festival After Party on July 17th.

Sleepy Sun Announce North American Tour

2009-07-07T04:22:00Z

Sleepy Sun - the Santa Cruz/San Francisco six-piece that are as creatively thriving and eclectic as the communities they emerged from - have announced dates for their upcoming North American tour. They will play Chicago's Chopin Theatre on Saturday, September 26.

Full list of dates below:

08-27 Visalia, CA - The Cellar Door
08-28 Las Vegas, NV - Bunkhouse Saloon
08-29 Flagstaff, AZ - Monte Vista Lounge
08-31 Dallas, TX - Pastime Tavern
09-01 Austin, TX - Mohawk Inside Room
09-02 Houston, TX - Orange Show Center for Visionary Arts
09-03 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks
09-04 Birmingham, AL - BottleTree
09-05 Atlanta, GA - E.A.R.L.
09-06 Durham, NC - Duke University Coffee House
09-08 Washington, DC - Black Cat
09-09 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brendas
09-10 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
09-12 Monticella, NY - ATP Festival at Kutshners
09-14 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
09-15 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
09-17 Providence, RI - Jerky's Live Music Hall
09-18 Burlington, VT - The Monkey House
09-19 Montreal, Quebec - Il Motore
09-21 Toronto, Ontario - Drake Hotel
09-22 London, Ontario - Call the Office
09-23 Hamilton, Ontario - Casbah
09-24 Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
09-25 Columbus, OH - Cafe Bourbon Street
09-26 Chicago, IL - Chopin Theater
09-27 Madison, WI - Frequency
09-28 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
09-29 Iowa City, IA - 7th Street Entry
09-30 Lincoln, NE - Lincoln Calling Venue Festival
10-01 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
10-02 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
10-03 Boise, ID - Neurolux
10-04 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
10-06 Vancouver, British Columbia - The Biltmore Cabaret
10-07 Vancouver, British Columbia - The Biltmore Cabaret
10-08 Seattle, WA - Sunset Tavern

California Wives: The Red Party @ Miska's

2009-07-02T22:48:22Z

They came together last winter and all of them claim it's been like a marriage with three other people, without the sex. Since, Chicago's California Wives have devoted all their creative effort to their music.

Their sound can be described as 80s new wave, unlike most music coming out of the Midwest. Some have compared them to Franz Ferdinand and New Order. Currently they continue to produce their new EP and play shows around Chicago. This Friday they will be playing at Miska's with Sissy Mena. Also Style 4 Food and Max and Chloe will be selling racks of vintage clothing.

Choose to Choose Love

2009-07-01T20:30:00Z

Via Melodicamente.com

Sky Saxon, best known as the lead singer of The Seeds, passed away last Thursday in Austin, the cause of death not yet released. Shortly afterward, a previously unreleased song featuring Sky Saxon and Billy Corgan hit the net, thanks to the Facebook of Kerry Brown, a long-time collaborator and friend of Corgan. The accompanying video serves as a tribute to Saxon, featuring a photo montage by photographer Kristin Burns. Watch an untagged version of the video here on Facebook.

Billy Corgan via Twitter:

God Bless Sky Sunlight Saxon, who passed from this Earth today. He changed my life for the better. God bless you Sky.

Femi Kuti & The Positive Force

2009-07-01T18:52:53Z

Femi Kuti was recently interviewed by the folks at Decider Chicago. He discussed his family, including his legendary father Fela Kuti; his infamous club, The Shrine; and more. He performs with The Positive Force tonight at the Ravinia Festival.

Let Kate Simko Take You There

2009-07-01T16:28:06Z

Classically trained pianist turned house music producer Kate Simko released her new ep "Take You There" on Ghostly International this week as a 12" and digital release. Kate's smooth beat and detail ear have produced another set of irresistible track that play as nicely on sun-drenched patios as they do in deep secluded basement. You can download an exclusive track from the ep at RCD LBL right now. Kate is listing a show on July 25th at an undisclosed location on her myspace page, but does have a confirmed show scheduled at Sonotheque on August 22nd.

Which Wilco Came First?

2009-07-01T15:21:13Z

Wilco's Jeff Tweedy sat down with WBEZ's Alison Cuddy to talk about the band's newly released album Wilco (the album), Jay Bennett and the order of things.

Computer + Guitar = Computar!

2009-06-29T19:53:30Z

Local designer Craig Berman proposes an unusual mashup of modern musical instruments:

Considering the nostalgia for '80s music and popularity of chiptune, could this be the perfect successor to the keytar?

Pictured: Steve Albini

2009-06-29T19:37:12Z

Photographer Ian Merritt caught up with producer and musician Steve Albini after his band Shellac played an unusual Saturday night/Sunday afternoon double gig at the Bottom Lounge this weekend. Check out the rest of the resulting portraits here.