Friday, January 28, 2011

Smith Westerns

More sweet Chicago jams this week. Check out the Smith Westerns, a group of young rockers from the North Side. Their self titled debut album is as lo-fi as you'll hear, but it's still apparent that there's some cool stuff going on. Their second album, Dye it Blonde, was released two weeks ago. It is spectacular. The band has discovered a pop rock balance that many acts spend years trying to achieve. Their harmony vocals are reminiscent of MGMT and their songs have that indie pop goodness first pioneered by Big Star. Check it out:

Smith Westerns - Weekend from Fat Possum Records on Vimeo.


Smith Westerns - Imagine Pt. 3


Smith Westerns - "All Die Young" by forcefieldpr

Smith Westerns - 'Smile' by SpunkRecords

I love this album. You can buy it here, and I really recommend that you do. They're playing the Empty Bottle in Chi on February 26. Unfortunately that show is sold out, but given this band's love of Chicago and reputation for playing house parties I'm sure another opportunity to check em out will come along soon. Or you could, you know, scalp tickets. I'll be there, so that's one more reason to go. Happy Friday.

Friday, January 21, 2011

The Giving Tree Band


A little Chicago newgrass to brighten your Friday. Caught these guys at the Chicago Blues and Bluegrass Festival back in December. Don't hold the name against them; they've got a nice full sound because there's eight people in the band, playing every stringed instrument you could want to hear in a bluegrass act. They've got the vocal harmonies, songwriting skills, and live chops to back up all that sweet instrumentation too. Here's their latest album, The Joke, The Threat, & The Obvious:










You can buy the album on their website. Apparently these guys tour in a bio diesel bus and give about 50% of their proceeds to charity, so your money will be well spent. Happy Friday.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Apollo Kids

New Ghostface Killah album. Everything you would expect. Nasty.