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The CHIRP Blog
DJ Mick writesShelter in Sound With CHIRP Radio!
Miss live music? Miss going to shows? Miss regular updates and interviews from your favorite artist? Us too.
The Shelter in Place order issued by Governor Pritzker in March hit the Chicago music scene hard. Like elsewhere in the world, artists and entertainment workers have been forced to cancel tours, live performances, and suspend operations. Whie we've all had to hunker down until further notice, the media cycle spins in a cyclone around us.
Lucky for us, local musicians have continued to make art, while local venues have taken steps to support their employees and the scene while shuttered. To help showcase the efforts of some of our favorite artists and venues, the CHIRP Features team has created a new series as part of our Artist Interview Program called Shelter in Sound.
Eddie writes6 Songs About “April”
by Eddie Sayago
As we are halfway through April (I know, it doesn’t feel like it.), I noticed how many songs there are about the month (or the woman named after the month). Here are 6 songs about the month that some enjoy while other wish it could end so summer will arrive. (There's no rush, it's not like you have places to go right now.)
“April” by Beach Bunny
April is a weird month in Chicago. It’s technically spring and yet snow always falls at some point. (There was a snowstorm just two days after we had a sunny day with a high of 80 degrees last week.) But at some point, we always miss that special someone. “Are you out there somewhere?/What are you up to?” It should be weird to still pine for and miss someone who is no longer a part of your life, and that it’s alright to feel this way. Beach Bunny lets you know that it’s alright to feel whatever you’re feeling right now. It’s a weird time for all of us.
Eddie writesTake Two: “I Can Change” (LCD Soundsystem Vs. Ezra Furman)
written by Eddie Sayago
There is a chance that you have come across a song (or two, or so many more) that you enjoy and did not realize that it's either been covered by someone else or is a cover itself. We hope that this series allows you to appreciate both the original and the covers they have inspired, and to seek out and enjoy new music in the process.
"You are encouraged to look up the original versions if you're never heard them. They blew my mind." - Ezra Furman, on the joy of song covers
Last year, Ezra Furman released an exclusive EP, Songs by Others, that had seven different takes on seven songs from different parts of rock 'n' roll. While any of the songs could have been featured here, one cover stands out in particular, especially since this time 10 years ago, many of us were eagerly anticipating the new album from the original creators of "I Can Change."
The Original: "I Can Change" by LCD Soundsystem (2010)
Exactly a decade ago, James Murphy and Co. released what was then their final album, This Is Happening, an album that would become one of the best of the year, if not the 2010s. Literally the center (track 5 of 9) of a record filled with Murphy's emotions no amount of synthesizers can hide, both vocals and synths blend together instead of competing with one another for the ears of the listener. "I Can Change" is the perfect song for a soundtrack to 2010, a year that feels and looks like it took place a lot longer than 10 years ago.
SKaiser writes@CHIRPRadio (Week of March 16)
NEW MEDIA
- Assistant Director Ari Mejia chats at the Chirp studios with Andrew, Zach, and Jeff of Chicago band The Hecks.
- Features interveiwer Bradley Morgan sat down with twin brothers Jared and Jonathan Mattson of the experimental jazz duo Mattson 2.
- No Holiday: A Tribute to Kim Shattuck and The Muffs by CHIRP Radio DJ and Features Co-Drector Mick Reed
TOP OF THE CHIRP CHARTS
1. U.S. Girls – Heavy Light (4AD)
2. Califone – Echo Mine (Jealous Butcher)
3. Impulsive Hearts – Cry All The Time (Midwest Action / Cavity Search)
For a complete listing of the CHIRP charts, click here!
DJ Mick writesNo Holiday: A Tribute to Kim Shattuck and The Muffs
written by CHIRP Radio DJ and Features Co-Drector Mick Reed
The Muffs
No Holiday
Omnivore Records
There is no reprieve from death. Dying is the one big thing everyone has to do. There is no calling in sick. No going on vacation and waiting it out. No Holiday.
The Muffs tackled a lot of dark subject matter over their long and circuitous career. Depression, inadequacy, alienation, and deep pits of loneliness, but death really never seemed at the forefront of lead songwriter and vocalist Kim Shattuck’s mind. She, bassist Ronnie Barnett, and ex-Redd Cross drummer Roy McDonald just seemed too busy living.
Even when life was hard, they never really shied away from its harsh, indifferent light. But the tears in their sides and sharp stones under their feet, were laughed off as just part of what made this bumpy ride we’re all on more interesting. Rough terrain never seemed to phase them.
And undoubtedly, the Muffs would hit some rough terrain before the close of the decade. Kim died on October 2, 2019. She was only 56.