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The CHIRP Blog
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesComing This December: The Top Albums of 2014!
Thanksgiving's over. The turkey has been eaten, the turkey sandwiches are on deck, and food comas are shaken off. It's time for another feast – a feast of music! Starting December 1, we'll be presenting our volunteers' picks for their favorite albums from this year. We've listened to a LOT of albums over the past twelve months, and we're happy to share with you the releases that had the biggest impact on us (and our ears) in 2014.
One New Year's Eve we'll say farewell to the old year by publishing a combined list of the albums that were most mentioned by our volunteers. But there's usually a couple of hundred albums that don't make that list, so check back regularly to read up on what we've been listening to!
SKaiser writesTake a read with local author Greg Hickey’s Our Dried Voices
“I was just trying to write a good story. It’s not always easy or thoroughly enjoyable, but neither is any other pursuit that is truly fulfilling.” This is from Greg Hickey, author of newly released, Our Dried Voices.
Hickey sat down for a reading at City Lit Books last Thursday and with about 30 visitors gave insight on the story he’s finally been able to tell.
Greg Hickey reads an excerpt from his book, Our Dried Voices, on November 20 at City Lit Books in Logan Square.
Trix writesCHIRP Radio Welcomes Mirel Wagner to the Old Town School of Folk Music on Nov. 26!
Chirp is proud to welcome Mirel Wagner to Old Towne School of Folk on Wednesday, November 26th. Like other folk singers out of Scandinavia, Wagner’s Finnish roots are undeniable, her haunting vocals and lyrics that at times, speak of death and necrophilia. Her unembellished and poetic compositions are reminiscent of Cat Power’s You are Free, but darker, more like lullabies to the past for times and people who have passed from this earth but not from her memory.
Wagner’s most recent record When the Cellar Children See the Light of Day was written in isolation that carries through her songs. "Dreamt Of A Wave" draws from the sensations one has when all external stimuli is removed (“Dreamt of a wave, oh I think I thought I did / The wave was not water but flesh and blood and bone”). With no distractions, Wagner’s mind wandered to reflect on the “not so nice” parts of the human experience, bringing these dark times into the light with sparse definition of the subject, leaving room for the listener to shape their own meanings.
Show starts at 8pm with Andrew Sa opening. Tickets are available here.
Jenny West: Music For Chameleons writesDeerhoof Live Show Didn’t Disappoint
by: Jenna Chapman
Whenever I want a friend to check out a band I’m really into, I usually recommend an “access point”: a particular album or song that provides a good introduction to the band’s sound and acts as a gateway to the rest of their work.
Deerhoof is one of those rare acts whose “access point”, in my mind, is their live show. It’s difficult to pick one album - let alone a single track - that captures the eccentricity, energy, and enthusiasm of Deerhoof’s singular sound. All of these traits were on full display last Tuesday night at the Bottom Lounge, and despite a set list that was surprisingly frontloaded with new material, everyone in attendance was undoubtedly along for the ride.
Jenny West: Music For Chameleons writesJoin us for Deerhoof on Tuesday, November 11th!
Wind up your generals - Deerhoof are taking over the Bottom Lounge on Veteran's Day! (That's the 11th, by the way.) Satomi and the guys will be bringing their signature blend of multilingual lyrics over raucous guitar riffs in mixed meters to the stage after the opening acts – DC’s Priests and Kentucky trio White Reaper – kick off the show at 9 PM.
As they’re touring in support of their newest album, La Isla Bonita (out November 4th), be prepared to hear some new material mixed in with the old favorites. Lead singer Satomi’s J-Pop-esque dance moves, however, will hopefully still be in full swing!
The show is 17+, so tell your kid sister to skip her morning class at DePaul and check out something a little different. She’ll surprise herself when she’s humming “Basket Ball Get Your Groove Back” on the L ride home! Doors open at 8 PM, tickets are $15. Check out the band at deerhoof.net. The Bottom Lounge is located at 1375 West Lake Street in Chicago.