Mr Russia celebrate Record Store Day with exclusive 7" of Bowie classic

Record Store Day 2010 is coming up next Saturday, April 17, and Chicago's own Mr Russia have teamed up with Reckless Records to help make the day even more special for local music lovers. On that day, all Reckless purchases at any of the store's three locations (3126 N. Broadway, 1532 N. Milwaukee Ave. and 26 E. Madison) will come with an exclusive free copy of the band's brand new 7" vinyl, which includes two versions of their take on the David Bowie and Brian Eno-penned classic "Boys Keep Swinging." The band will also headline a show at Beat Kitchen that night.

According to Mr Russia frontman Ivan Russia, "Boys Keep Swinging" is especially significant to the group as it's the first song they learned to play after forming. The A side of the 7" features a version recorded in their rehearsal space before ever playing in front of an audience, while the B side includes an alternate take recorded later in the studio. The band also made a video for the song:

"I don't download music, I buy records and CDs," Ivan said. "I have fond memories of trolling the bins at Hegewisch Records (RIP). It taught me a great appreciation for music and exposed me to so many artists I treasure to this day. I feel Reckless Records is keeping that experience alive and I am quite pleased to have them exclusively distributing our first seven inch."

Boys Keep Swinging comes on the heels of the band's 2009 EP, Training for the Gameshow Host (available for free download), as well as their debut full-length, Teething.

Free download: Mr Russia - 'Training for the Gameshow Host'

Chicago's Mr Russia have just released a new EP titled Training for the Gameshow Host, and they want you to have it for free.

Earlier this year the band released their debut full-length, Teething, which introduced their sound as a healthy mix of post-punk, new wave, punk and garage rock. Gameshow Host continues down the same path, packed with lots of meaty guitar and drums, menacing bass lines and cocksure vocals. From the hard rock swagger of "Wooden Heart" to the immediately accessible garage romp of "It's True" to the bizarre, loungey shuffle of the tongue-in-cheek title track, the EP solidifies Mr Russia as one of Chicago's most exciting up-and-coming bands. They even take a stab at Radiohead's "National Anthem." How's that for ambitious?


Mr Russia point out that the download is "no strings attached, totally, completely 100% FREE, no mailing lists sign up, no catch, no gimmicks, just free."

For even more good times at no cost, you can catch the band live for free Wednesday, August 19 at Double Door, where you can also pick up a physical copy of the EP at no charge. Other bands on the bill include Evil Beaver, This is Versailles and Youth Dekay.

Five shows this weekend - March 20-22

Primal Scream

Friday, March 20

- Jonny Rumble, Bailiff, Kid, You'll Move Mountains and Pretty Good Dance Moves at Empty Bottle - This Radio One showcase gives you the chance to catch three great Chicago bands as well as a DJ set from Pretty Good Dance Moves for only $8 ($6 if you print out and bring the flyer here). At the link, you'll also find details on all the bands. For further preparation, check out this Q&A I recently did with Bailiff. 9:30 p.m., $6 with flyer, $8 without, 21 and over. More info and tickets.

- Rue Royale with Begushkin at Hideout - Rue Royale is a husband-wife folk-pop duo that formed in Chicago, but are now currently based in the U.K. Although all their other upcoming tour dates are at locations throughout Europe, they'll hit up their home city Friday. Check out a recent interview with the Chicago Reader. 10 p.m., $8, 21 and over. More info and tickets.

Saturday, March 21

- Mr. Russia with Amrita, Raise High The Roof Beam and Surrender Dorothy at Abbey Pub - Mr. Russia is a recent Chicago band that seem to have been popping up everywhere lately, with a sound the band describes as "the bastard offspring of Iggy Pop and The White Stripes." Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m., $6 advance, $9 at door, 18 and over. More info and tickets.

- Call Me Lightning with Post Honeymoon, Hayweek and Liarbirds at Beat Kitchen - Hailing from Milwaukee, Call Me Lightning is an indie rock outfit that have released two LPs so far, most recently 2007's "Soft Skeletons." 10 p.m., $8, 21 and over. More info and tickets.

Sunday, March 22

- Primal Scream with Kuroma at Metro - Formed in 1982, Scottish alternative rockers Primal Scream have released nine studio albums, most recently last year's "Beautiful Future." Over the years, the band's sound has shifted from an indie pop base to include elements of garage rock, psychedelic rock and electro. 7 p.m., $27.50, 18 and over. More info and tickets.