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The CHIRP Blog
KSanders writesConcert Review: Passion Pit at the Riviera Theatre (Jan. 17, 2018)
by Kyle Sanders
In between set lists, two songs played over the PA system as stagehands readied the stage for the main attraction: "Black Sun" by Death Cab for Cutie, followed by "Bizarre Love Triangle" from New Order.
It wasn't the smoothest transition between songs, as neither sound entirely similar, but I commented to my fellow concertgoer that perhaps this was the ultimate definition of Passion Pit's music: indie pop's melancholic lyrics infused with '80s synthesizers.
It's not a bad thing--in fact, I'd say it perfectly encapsulates the era in which the indietronica band from Cambridge debuted on radio stations, right along the likes of similar artists such as MGMT, Grizzly Bear, Arctic Monkeys, and Franz Ferdinand. It was during the latter half of the 2000's when college radio received a big push thanks to the likes of iTunes and YouTube.
Sure, the lyrics of Millennial angst resonate with the young crowd, but there's a not-so-subtle hint of nostalgic familiarity that Generation Xers can relate to as well. As I looked around the venue, staring at concertgoers both young and old, it seemed to make sense.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesA Conversation With Ken Stringfellow of The Posies
Jon Auer (l.) and Ken Stringfellow of The Posies (photo from City Winery Web site)
The Posies have been around the world and back again. Formed by Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer in Bellingham, WA during the 1980s-90s creative tidal wave of west coast rock music, the band enjoys a well-earned repuation for their records, their outstanding live shows, and a spirit of collaboration with musical peers and newcomers. The story continnues as they visit select US cities on their 30th Anniversary Tour.
On Wednesday, January 31st, CHIRP Radio welcomes Ken and Jon to City Winery where they will take the stage and perform songs from The Posies' entire catalog. Prior to the event, CHIRP was able to ask Ken some questions about himself and the band.
You’re now entering your fourth decade of making music. For the benefit of our social media world, sum all that up in one or two sentences.
I come from very humble origins, and I've been gifted the world, and music has been the interface. It's a miraculous substance.
Sophie Holtzmann writesNew Album Review: “IX” by Rent Strike
by Sophie Holtzmann
Just as a happenstance of exposure, I usually only write about Chicago music, but it’s time to pay tribute to some amazing folk punk coming out of the Michigan DIY scene. In January 2018, Rent Strike released IX, a 9-track masterpiece fit for endless replay.
Mike Nikolich writesJen Dot Can’t Wait to Take the Stage at CHIRP Night at the Whistler
by Mike Nikolich
Break-ups are never easy, and Jen Dot claims she’s still not over the break-up of Swimsuit Addition, a popular Chicago band that was considered one of our city’s rising stars as recently as 2016.
“It broke my heart when Swimsuit Addition dissolved,” Dot says. “I put my heart and soul into that band and I wondered if I ever could recapture the magic.”
Fortunately for us, Dot is resilient, as evidenced by the release of Can’t Wait, a fine new recording by her latest band, beastii. While she still smarts from the pain of the dissolution of Swimsuit Addition, Dot clearly has moved on, calling her new album “Some of the best work of my career.”
beastii and Sex No Babies are the featured acts at the January 24 edition of CHIRP Night at the Whistler. The show starts at 8:30 pm, and admission to free to anyone 21 years or older.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writes@CHIRPRadio (week of January 22)
Upcoming Events
- Wednesday January 24: CHIRP Night at the Whistler kicks off the new year with performances by Sex No Babies and beastii
- Saturday January 27: CHIRP spins at Lincoln Square Winter Brew
- Sunday January 28: Classic Album Sundays holds a listening party featuring Steely Dan’s 1977 classic Aja.
New Media
- Eddie Sayago chills everybody out with 5 Songs to Get You Through This Winter