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Josh Friedberg: Music Historian's Corner writesRediscovering Our Record Collections: “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”
written by Joshua Friedberg
At Pitchfork this week, Lauryn Hill is expected to give an electric performance of her one solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. With the album celebrating its twentieth anniversary, it’s a good time to revisit its success and its meaning to listeners, including me.
Lauryn Hill’s 1998 disc proved to be an instant classic. I remember at ten years old, I heard about this album garnering the kind of critical and industry acclaim that Nirvana’s Nevermind received several years earlier. And though today it appears to have lost some of its critical luster compared to Nevermind and Radiohead’s OK Computer—which today are both in the statistical aggregate acclaimedmusic.net’s list of the top 10 most acclaimed albums of all time, while Miseducation sits at a “measly” #131—it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans of many different generations, genders, races, and classes.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesTONIGHT! ‘Urgh! A Music War” at The Music Box Theatre!
On Monday Night CHIRP Radio and the Chicago Film Society present a very rare and special screening of the 1981 motion picture Urgh! A Music War at the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave. 60613). It's not just a movie, but a performance experience of 26 bands that helped define the New Wave era, including Devo, Echo & the Bunnymen, X, 999, Klaus Nomi, Au Pairs, Oingo Boingo, UB40, The Cramps, The Go Go's, Gary Numan, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, and XTC. The '80s never left, they've just been waiting for moments like this. You can buy tickets here.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesClassic Album Sundays Spins “Ágætis byrjun” July 15th!
One of the most acclaimed albums of the 2000s was produced by Sigur Rós, a then-little-known band from Iceland. Ágætis byrjun defied easy categories and styles, and still does today. With its extended bouts of beauty and complexity, the record richly rewards those looking for musical adventure.
This Sunday, July 15th, the Chicago chapter of Classic Album Sundays will hold a listening party for this remarkable album. Music fans will gather at Saturday Audio Exchange (1021 W. Belmont Avenue 60657) to listen to the album in its entirely on high-fidelity equipment.
The all-ages event begins at 5:30pm and is part of the global listening experience of Classic Album Sundays. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesJoin Us for Square Roots Festival 2018 This Weekend!
Now entering its 7th year, Square Roots Festival has estalbshied itself as a fantastic Chicago mid-summer destination for great food, beer, and music. Over 70 artists and bands will provide entertainment in a truly neighboorhgood setting. CHIRP Radio will be there too, so make sure to stop by our table to say hello!
The festival is open Friday, July 13th (5-10 PM), Saturday, July 14th (12-10 PM) and Sunday, July 15th (12-9 PM) on Lincoln Avenue, between Montrose and Wilson. Musical headliners include The Jayhawks, Matthew Sweet, The Tossers, and Pokey Lafarge. Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 seniors/kids, and $20 for families.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesThe Dead Milkmen @ House of Vans on Thursday July 12!
It doesn't get any more Punk than The Dead Milkmen. From their early days in the early '80s hardcore scene, the band has set the standard for how to make Punk not just loud, but fun. If you don't know "Bitchin' Camaro" or "Punk Rock Girl," there's hope for you, but you really should.
The band will be performing this Thursday at House of Vans (113 N Elizabeth St. 60607) for the latest installment of the Vans House Parties series, where the headliner pixks the supporting acts (inclkuding one unsigned act) and also creates a personalized visual experience for the audience.
Youth Code, Caustic, and The San Andreas Fault join in the fun. It's an 18+ show. Doors open at 6:30pm. Click here to RSVP.