Our (fairly) regular roundup of Music & Arts related news from Chicago-based web media, featuring thoughts and insight from some of the city’s most dedicated writers.

• Beat Kitchen Rocked Out With Colleen Green and Upset

  When this show was first announced it was only the pairing of Collen Green and Upset, who had just released I Want to Grow Up and ’76 EP respectively. The lineup for this show at Beat Kitchen slowly grew larger as the date crept up. Two local acts, Sam Vicari and Impulsive Hearts, were added to the already worthwhile show. Little did I know that I would walk away from this show with a couple new bands to follow and a greater appreciation of the ones I already loved.

  It would be fitting to say that Sam Vicari, who opened the night, was the odd man out considering he was the sole male frontman of the night. Luckily the pressure did nothing but let him shine with his guitar driven power pop songs. At times I wished he had a full band backing, especially after hearing some of the songs on his album Giving Up. Even so, Vicari was able to hold his own with just his electric guitar and songs filled with lovelorn lyrics. Vicari finished off his set with a surprising gentle cover of The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be your Boyfriend”, which he dedicated to Colleen Green and Upset.

  I was out ordering a drink during opening moments of Impulsive Hearts, but I quickly abandoned that pursuit after hearing them through the swinging door of the venue. Frontwoman Danielle Sines had an great presence on stage, belting out her songs while guitarist John Paul rocked out beside her and Dan Julian trounced the drums. Their songs have an almost surf rock sound to them, but with a surprising harder edge to them live. Their final song MDB solidified the band’s place in my heart. The song had the whole band at their best, with Sines voice reaching a beautiful peak singing “I can’t sleep when I’m wit out you.” They were a great highlight of the night and pretty much stealing the show for me.

  Collen Green began her time by adjust her levels, teasing out the beginning of a song. The tease never really came to fruition as she checked the tune of her guitar and prepared her drum machine, asking the crowd if everything sounded alright. Not too long after she donned her sunglasses, completing her onstage persona and quickly jumped into “Pay Attention”. Green doesn’t need much to come off as one of the coolest people in the world as everyone in the crowd clung to her every move. She sang every song with an effortless precision, catching the perfect mood of her dreamy songs. “Wild One” Her set was entirely made up of her latest album I Want to Grow Up and the crowd was completely charmed by the affair.

  Green finished off her time at Beat Kitchen with an inspired final three songs. She played both parts of “Things That Are Bad for Me” back to back. The first half rattles on as a self-betterment ode while the second half slows down to a hazy crawl with its opening lines of “I wanna do drugs right now/I wanna get fucked up, I don’t care how/I wanna feel high right now”. Green’s resolute strumming of her guitar, with its multicolored scrawling of “Happy Bifday Jeff” across the front, sent chills down my spine during the song change between part one and two. It’s such a sudden shift of tone that parallels the differing ideals and produced one of the most rocking moments of her set. The back and forth of these sentiments is prevalent throughout I Want to Grow Up. The eponymous song of that album followed, full of desire and need to find something more beyond those constant but necessary vacillations. It was a great cap to the fantastic solo set.

  Upset finished the great lineup with the most punk drenched songs of the night. Unfortunately, a few audience members had filed out after Colleen Green and missed a tremendous, albeit short set. Ali Koehler, formerly of Best Coast and Vivian Girls, cracked jokes and lead the band through the rapid fire set. Bassist Rachel Gagliardi and and guitarist Lauren Freeman were a joy to watch but as amazing as the strings were it was near impossible not to gaze toward the back of the stage at Patty Schemel who was completely thrashing her drums. When all these elements linked together Upset seamlessly played songs off of ’76 EP with furious speed. The Charlie Brown linked “Linus” was incredibly amped up and careened to its finish. Covers of Jawbreaker’s “Do You Still Hate Me?” and Green Day’s “J.A.R” were made completely their own.

  Between songs they bantered with a certain casualness reserved for close friends just hanging out. They deftly referenced Louis CK bits and recalled a tale of throwing up pot chocolate bars at airports to ease the fear of vampires. There was also a lot of honesty with Koehler lamenting the thought of playing “Wonder” live, noting the difficulty of playing one string at a time. Nonetheless she played on, proving how uncalled for her misgivings of her ability truly were. Upset’s set came to end only two songs later, which was slightly disappointing, but at least what was presented was a fantastic example of pure punk fun.

  

• Record Store Day 2015: Sales, giveaways, in-stores, and more
  
  Including an interactive map that details the festivities at participating shops

  It’s fitting that Dave Grohl is the spokesperson for Record Store Day this year—both once seemed cool, but overexposure and declining quality have alienated tons of onetime fans. That leaves an RSD crowd skewed toward diehards—people whose susceptibility to limited editions and gimmicky packaging makes them collectors first and supporters of independent record stores second.…

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• Record Store Day 2015: Chicago’s Best Shops and More

  Once more into the breach, dear friends, as Record Store Day is here again! Perhaps the biggest day of the year for audiophiles and vinyl hoarders, it’s also a time to show local shops some love, and maybe discover a new place you’ve never shopped before.

  As always, check out the special Record Store Day releases in PDF or web form, then make a plan to hit your local Chicago store on Saturday! Most shops not only offer what limited edition RSD items they were able to get in stock, but also discounts, and a general atmosphere of celebration.

  

  Chicagoland stores participating in Record Store Day 2015

  Audio Archaeology – 1324 W. Devon Ave. – 773-856-3472 – @vintageaudiochi
  This relatively new record and vintage audio stop in Rogers Park is also breaking into the RSD game with some deals and celebrations. Opening at 9am for the early bird shoppers. RSVP to be entered in the raffle.

  Beverly Records – 11612 S. Western Ave. – 773-779-0066 – @BeverlyRecords
  Things get started early on Thursday night at the Rock Island Public House in Blue Island with a good ole fashioned brew and view to watch the official movie of Record Store Day: Records Collecting Dust. They’ll also be collecting donations at the door for Special Olympics – Illinois.

  Saturday at 7am – Doors open and 20% used vinyl sale begins
  All day long – Snacks for hungry shoppers
  2pm – Live entertainment from Wailin’ Waylon “the best Waylon Jennings tribute artist to ever come out of Midlothian”

  Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records – 2307 N. Milwaukee Ave. – 773-715-5901
  They will open at 10 am with select vinyl titles on sale, free food and drinks, and giveaways throughout the day! Plus, they’ll have a few limited edition art prints by John Mellencamp (yes, that John Mellencamp). Details on the giveaway. Details on RSD specials. They’ll also be giving away goody bags to early arrivers and having give aways through out the day — plenty of swag for all: tshirts, koozies, buttons, cds, posters, etc. They’ll be spinning vinyl all day and serving up Mexican food and treats — tamales, pastries, candy, chips/salsa, etc., PLUS adult drinks for 21+ guests!

  Dave’s Records – 2604 N. Clark St. – 773-929-6325 – @davesrecordschi or see Facebook
  Dave’s opens at 11am on Saturday, in honor of RSD. As always, observe Dave’s Record Store Day rules (which are plentiful and newly revised for 2015). Dave plans to release his official list of RSD items that he’ll have in stock (again, read the rules) on Friday night on his blog. The early photos look promising. Tshirts will be 50% off, and Molly’s Cupcakes will be plentiful (though limited in number), among other deals and perks. Also, free candy!

  Dusty Groove Records – 1120 N. Ashland Ave. – 773-342-5800 – @DustyGroove
  At Dusty Groove this year, there’s lots to win! Here’s the skinny:
  — the first 100 people get a special prize bag
  — everyone gets a spin on a giant wheel of fortune for swag from record companies including shirts, posters and other merchandise.
  — contests to win big, special items often vintage collectibles they’ve found in their travels.
  — there will also be a magician (!!)
  — plus, refreshments all day long for shoppers as well as a few food trucks parked outside. This year, the coffee is from Dark Matter and the baked goods are from West Town Bakery. One confirmed food truck is 5114 Empanadas, with possibly more TBA.

  Gramaphone Records – 2843 N. Clark St. – 773-472-3683 @gramaphonechi
  Gramaphone plans a RSD release party starts at 11am and will include performances by:
  Steve Mizek (Argot/Tasteful Nudes)
  Merle aka Merwyn Sanders of Virgo Four (Stripped & Chewed)
  Mazi, Nathan Drew Larsen & Joshua (Iz) (Fresh Meat)
  Jerome Derradji (Still Music)
  DJ Hyperactive (CLR)
  Tim Zawada (Tugboat Edits/Star Creature)
  Harry Tyner
  The Gramaphone Shop Boyz
  and more!

  Groovin’ High – 1047 W. Belmont Ave. – 773-476-6846

  Hyde Park Records – 1377 E. 53rd St. – 773-288-6588 – @hydprkrcrds
  Hyde Park Records is getting in the spirit with another Soul Reunion in honor of Record Store Day starting at noon. There will be DJ sets, free food & drinks, giveaways, and vinyl deals.

  Jazz Record Mart – 27 E. Illinois Ave. – 312-222-1467

  Laurie’s Planet of Sound – 4639 N. Lincoln Ave. – 773-271-3569 – @lauriespos
  All Laurie’s event details can be found on Facebook (where they’ll also post the RSD specials Friday) but in addition to the exclusives and exuberant crowds, there’s also the live in-store performances in the following schedule:
  9am: Doors open
  12:30pm: The Polkaholics
  1-2pm: Laurie’s DJ Tim Miller
  2pm: Phil Angotti & Friends performing Simon & Garfunkel’s “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme”
  2:30-3:30pm: Laurie’s DJ John Laurie
  3pm-4pm: Honorary Laurie’s employee Terri Hemmert of WXRT meet & greet!
  3:30pm: The Handcuffs
  4-5pm: DJ Miss Alex White of White Mystery
  5pm: The Baby Magic
  6pm: Staring Problem
  7pm: Andrew Marrah (of New Canyons) performance, in conjunction with our new neighboring business Synth City (located inside Rock N Roll Vintage at 4707 N. Lincoln Ave).

  Bonus: 5-8pm: occasional sets by DJ Peroxide who will DJ throughout the BLVD & Friends RSD Evening and finish out the night!

  10pm: Close

  KStarke Records – 1109 N. Western Ave – 773-772-4880 – @Kstarke_Records
  KStarke will host a huge lineup of DJs, plus food, drinks, and general music friendliness from 10am-9pm. Details on Facebook.

  DJs:
  Constance K
  Ross Kelly
  Tim Zawada
  Marlowe Baca
  King Hippo
  Communicator
  Sol Son
  Charly Garcia
  Kinky P
  Lady D
  Tone B. Nimble

  Permanent Records – 1914 W. Chicago Ave. – 773-278-1744 – @PermanentRex
  Permanent’s Chicago store opens at 8am on Saturday. All titles are one per customer and first come first served. And Dark Matter will be providing free coffee! Full details on their blog and instagram where they’ll post some RSD deliveries. West Town Bakery will be providing FREE Dark Matter Coffee and snacks inside Permanent in the morning. Roots Handmade Pizza will be providing FREE snacks inside the store in the afternoon.

  In-store performances start at 4:30pm:
  ADT (American District Telegraphy)
  Clearance
  buckinghampalaceSVU

  Raffe’s Record Riot – 4350 N. Cicero – 773-725-1327

  Reckless Records – (Various) – @RecklessRecords
  Reckless’ locations will host in-store performances and RSD swag. Full details on Facebook.

  [NEW address] Wicker Park location – 1379 N. Milwaukee – 773-235-3727
  Sea & Cake – 3pm
  Robert Trujillo (Metallica) signing – 3:30-5pm
  DJ Client – 5:30pm

  PLUS, Revolution Brewing is collaborating with the store for a new beer called “Hand Over First” (a light-medium bodied all-malt lager named to honor the symbols of Reckless and Revolution). They’ll set up a pop-up shop at The Emporium Arcade Bar (across the street). Local bands Ribbon Head, Roach Beach and Meatwave will play. Game tokens, Revolution Brewing gear and beer samples will be offered with a receipt for $50 or more from any Reckless Records location. This event will start at 12:30pm and will continue the rest of the day.

  Lakeview location – 3126 N. Broadway – 773-404-5080
  Lasers and Fast and Shit – 2pm
  Local H – 3pm
  Ne-Hi – 4pm

  Loop location – 26 E. Madison – 312-795-0878
  Tim Kinsella – 2pm

  Record Breakers (above Reggie’s Rock Club) – 2109 S. State St. – 312-949-0125 – @reggieslive
  Record Breakers will open early at 8am, and will offer exclusive RSD releases, 50% off all CDs and free hot dogs and pop for shoppers. Details on Facebook.

  Live performances by:
  Lasers & Fast & Shit – 11am
  Shiloh – 11:45am
  Regular Fucked Up People – 12:30pm
  Jollys – 1:15pm
  Ko – 2pm
  Post Animal – 2:45pm
  Sorry Daisy – 3:30pm
  The Sueves – 4:15pm
  Pleasure Hammer – 5pm

  saki – 3716 W. Fullerton Ave. – 773-486-3997 – @sakistore
  Saki will open at 9am for RSD (closing at 8pm Saturday), and they’ll make sure their special Record Store Day page on their blog is updated with all the latest info on releases they get in and special events/deals/hoopajoop including an after-party at The Burlington. See their RSD stock online. There’ll be a photo booth and art show/debut of work by Rob Karlic, plus free Dark Matter coffee.

  Live performances from (not in order, times TBA):
  Cheap Girls
  Advance Base
  Sleeping Bag
  Oshwa
  Supreme Nothing
  The Sueves

  Shake, Rattle & Read – 4812 N. Broadway Ave. – 773-334-5311
  Open noon-6pm, the store will celebrate with more than just a day — it’s an entire weekend-long sale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday titled “Record Store Daze.” The sale includes 25% off everything in the store which includes vinyl, CDs, tapes, 45s, magazines, books and more. Plus, they’ve been bringing up items from “the vaults” including old rock magazines going back as far as 1973.

  Vintage Vinyl – 925 Davis St., Evanston – 847-328-2899
  See Facebook for the latest info for happenings between 11am and 6pm on Saturday, but right now, they plan to have Ellis Clark perform at 11am and The Luck of Eden Hall perform later on in the day. Plus, a raffle is in the works!

  Chicago Labels

  Bloodshot Records
  From Bloodshot:
  Last April Fools Day, we made a joke about releasing a Prince covers record, and it seemed people were pretty seriously miffed when they found out it wasn’t real. So we took it upon ourselves to press up this little 7″ gem for RSD 2015:

  Side A features Lydia Loveless covering The Purple One’s “I Would Die 4 U” while Cory Branan gives “Under the Cherry Moon” a twangy, solo guitar spin on the B-Side. Strictly limited to 1000 copies pressed on (you guessed it…) purple vinyl. Find ’em locally at Laurie’s Planet of Sound, Reckless Records, Dave’s Records, saki, Rediscover Records, in Elgin, Mile Long Records in Wheaton, Rolling Stones in Norridge, and more fine purveyors of quality music.

  Thrill Jockey Records
  TJ will be reissuing the classic Pullman albums Turnstyles & Junkpiles and Viewfinder on vinyl for RSD. Pullman is comprised of some sincere Chicago heavy-hitters, including Doug McCombs (Tortoise/Brokeback/Eleventh Dream Day), Chris Brokaw (Codeine), Bundy Brown (ortoise/Directions), and Curtis Harvey (Rex). Be on the lookout for them at your local store.

  Numero Group
  Numero Group are once again doing a pop-up shop at Logan Square’s Comfort Station (2579 N. Milwaukee Ave.) between 9am and 5pm. They’ll have the entire Numero catalog on hand, plus discounted dingers, loosies, and exclusives. They’ll also have a room full of used merchandise being trucked in from around the midwest, including about 10,000 45s, priced to move.

  

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