New single, video from Future Ghosts

By Andrew Hertzberg

Future Ghosts have been keeping busy lately. A full length (Light on Canvas) is in the works, and they released the first single, "Radiatorsong," (b/w "Orange Peel") a couple weeks back. The A side is a hazy, atmospheric number with nomadic guitars, a sweet and dreamy chorus and some la-la-la’s to bring it all home. The B side is driven by the toms, and right when it pulls you into a trance with the "right now" mantra…well, just you listen. Download both for free on Bandcamp. Did I mention there’s a video to go along with the A side too? Check out that sucker below. So audio and video ain’t your thing? You need the live experience? Fine. You win: tomorrow night, Friday July 22^nd at the No Exit Café (6970 N. Glenwood) at 8 PM. Wasn’t sure all ages, FREE shows still existed, but apparently they do. They’ll be playing with like-minded dream-poppers Panda Riot.

FUTURE GHOSTS - RADIATORSONG from sean whittaker on Vimeo.

New single, video from Shapers

Posted by Frank

Following the release of their debut album, Little, Big, early this year, locally-based experimental rock act Shapers are preparing to drop a new 7" single November 16 on Whistler Records. "Virginia Reel," a raveup tune which you can hear and see the band perform below, will be backed by "Happy Birthday Polywog."

You can also currently grab a free mp3 of "Virginia Reel" via the Whistler Records website.

Next month Shapers will be heading east for their first mini tour, but also have two home city shows on the schedule: Tuesday, October 26 at Fireside Bowl (with the 1900s and Verma) and Monday, November 15 at the Empty Bottle.

Virginia Reel from SHAPERS on Vimeo.

Listen to King Sparrow's new LP, see them live 10/15

Posted by Frank

In the mood to hear an amazing new rock and roll record? Chicago's King Sparrow have one fresh for the listening right here. The band painstakingly recorded the 12-track, self-titled album at Gallery of Carpet studio over the past few months, and if you ask me all their effort has paid off in spades. I can't remember the last time I've been this excited over a new release and I hope you'll feel the same.

They'll have copies of the CD for sale on Friday, October 15 at their record release show at Schubas (also featuring Pet Lions and This Is Versailles). Tickets and more information on that are available here.

Also, check out my recent interview with the trio and Brian Zieske of Gallery of Carpet to learn more about the recording process and the band's history.

Local H, Scott Lucas & the Married Men to release EPs this Fall

Posted by Frank

Long-time Chicago rocker Scott Lucas will release two EPs this Fall - one with his tried-and-true band Local H and one with his solo project, Scott Lucas and the Married Men.

The Local H EP, dubbed Local H's Awesome Mix Tape #1 and out on October 19, will consist of recorded cover versions of songs the alt/hard rock duo have often incorporated into their live sets. Since playing their first show nearly 20 years ago, they have covered everyone from Guided By Voices to Britney Spears. For their first recorded collection of covers they decided on the following track list:

1. Wolf Like Me (TV on the Radio)
2. Joey (Concrete Blonde)
3. Puss (The Jesus Lizard)
4. Spiderbite (Winnebago Deal)
5. Blood Stains (Agent Orange)
6. Time (Pink Floyd)
7. For Lovers (Wolfman)

"We've always done covers live," said Lucas in a press release announcing the EP. "It's just fun for us. Period. We never do songs as a joke. Every cover we've ever done is a song that we love. And that goes for Britney, too."

Coinciding with this release is The Absolute Beginners EP, also out October 19 from Scott Lucas and the Married Men. The four-song EP marks the band's second recording and includes two covers - "Absolute Beginners" by David Bowie and "Hey, Rita" by Local H - as well "Crosshairs" and "Last One," two re-recorded original tracks that originally appeared on their debut, George Lassos The Moon.

"We recorded this EP the day after we returned from our first tour," Lucas explained in the press release. "When we recorded the first record, we hadn't been together for more than a month. Some of us barely knew the songs. I wanted to capture the band after it had been on the road. To see how the dynamic had changed. There's more energy. It's been great to watch this band grow. It makes me really excited for the next album."

New releases - September 1, 2009

The Black Crowes - Before the Frost...Until the Freeze - This new album from the veteran blues rockers is a proper studio release of new material, but was recorded in front of an audience of the band's fans.

These United States - Everything Touches Everything - The third LP from this D.C.-based buzz band, available to stream in full via Buzzgrinder.com.

Robin Guthrie - Carousel - The former Cocteau Twins guitarist - who has had massive influence on followers in the dream pop and shoegaze genres - is on a roll. His new release follows another album (Mirrorball) and an EP (Angel Falls) released earlier this year.

Richard Lloyd - The Jamie Neverts Story - A collection of Jimi Hendrix covers from the former Television guitarist.

Chicago artists:

Chevelle - Sci-Fi Crimes - The fifth album from this widely-popular, Chicago-born hard rock band. According to a USA Today review, "Chicago's Chevelle hopes to change the way people see the band with its fifth album. Chevelle — a power trio that consists of (Pete) Loeffler, brother Sam Loeffler on drums and brother-in-law Dean Bernardini on bass — relies on neither the gimmicks nor the adrenalized anger rush of better known hard-rock acts to get them by." On Thursday, September 3, the band will be in their home city for three events: An induction ceremony at the Hard Rock Cafe at 1:30 p.m., a 30-minute set at 4:30 p.m. at LaSalle Power Co. for the first 350 fans who show up and buy the new record, and a private Q101 show (also at LaSalle Power Co.) in the evening. Click here for more info.

Breakers Broken - Reset - For this new EP, this eclectic pop/rock trio expanded their sound by working with Chicago producers Doug McBride of Gravity Studios and Rick Barnes of Rax Trax. Get it here and check out the band live tonight, September 1, at Reggie's.

Color Radio - Be Safe, Beware - A local four-piece centered on the talents of two brothers from Mexico City - Jonathan & Tohm Ifergan - with a flair for dynamics and a Brit-pop sound. The band is having a CD release show at the Empty Bottle this Wednesday, September 2 with Metavari and Flights.

New releases - June 23

Some weeks it seems like there's a shortage of noteworthy new music releases to check out. This isn't one of those weeks. From classic rock to singer-songwriter to prog rock, there's a wide selection of new releases out for every sort of rock fan this Tuesday. Here's a rundown of the highlights:

Regina Spektor - Far - Spektor's fifth studio album and the follow-up to 2006's Begin to Hope, which brought the Moscow-born singer-songwriter mainstream attention via widely-played songs such as "Fidelity," "Better" and "Samson." The new record features lead-off single "Laughing With" and production by Garret Lee (R.E.M.), David Kahne (Paul McCartney), Mike Elizondo (Eminem) and Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra).

Cheap Trick - The Latest - Illinois' own classic rock/power pop heroes deliver their first new collection of material since 2006's Rockford. The CD includes 13 tracks, including a cover of Slade's "When the Lights are Out," and is also available in limited editions on vinyl and 8-Track. The band will tour the album as part of a 40-city stint with Def Leppard and Poison, including a local stop at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater on July 17.

Pete Yorn - Back and Fourth - The alt-rock singer-songwriter is back with his fourth LP, including lead single "Don't Wanna Cry." He'll kick off a two-month North American tour in July, stopping in Chicago for gigs August 3rd and 4th at Park West. Yorn is also set to release an album of duets with Scarlett Johansson, Break Up, in September.

The Mars Volta - Octahedron - The fifth studio album from the experimental prog-rockers, following 2008's The Bedlam in Goliath.

Tortoise - Beacons of Ancestorship - Since forming in 1990, these locals have garnered a dedicated following with their experimental, "post-rock" style. Their new album is their first collection of new, original material in over five years. The band is set to play Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park on July 17.

Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings - The 10th album from the Long Island-based prog-metal band, available as a standard CD, vinyl LP, or three-disc special edition. They are set to come to town August 23 for a show at the Chicago Theater.

The Lemonheads - Varshons - An album of covers from Evan Dando and company, with 11 takes on songs from a diverse (and often unlikely) list of artists such as G.G. Allin, Leonard Cohen, Wire and Christina Aguilera. The record features guest performances from Liv Tyler and Kate Moss, and was produced by Butthole Surfers front man Gibby Haynes.

Dinosaur Jr. - Farm - The influential alternative rock act's ninth LP follows 2007's Beyond, which was their first collection of new material in over a decade. The full album is currently streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day - The sophomore album from this Providence-based four-piece, mixing straight-ahead rock with elements of Americana/alt-folk. The band is set to play the Empty Bottle July 15.

R.E.M. - Reckoning (Reissue) - An expanded reissue of the band's sophomore album, following up last year’s “25th anniversary” edition release of their 1983 debut LP, Murmur. The re-release of the album - which includes classic tracks such as “So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry),” “Pretty Persuasion” and “Don’t Go Back To (Rockville) – is remastered and include a bonus disc featuring a previously unreleased concert recorded during the band’s "Little America" tour at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom on July 7, 1984. Click here for additional details.

New releases - April 21

Depeche Mode - Sounds of the Universe - The twelfth album from the veteran British synth-pop act. The band is slated to come to Chicago in August to headline Lollapalooza.

Tinted Windows - self-titled LP - The debut LP from the world's newest (and most unlikely) supergroup, which consists of James Iha from The Smashing Pumpkins, Taylor Hanson from Hanson, Bun E. Carlos from Cheap Trick and Adam Schlesinger from Fountains of Wayne. The formula is pure power pop, with tunes such as lead single "Kind of a Girl" and "Messing With My Head" offering loads of high energy hooks.

Art Brut - Art Brut vs. Satan - The band's third album is produced by Frank Black and features lead single "Alcoholics Unanimous."

Jane's Addiction - Cabinet of Curiosities - A box set that includes demos, outtakes and live recordings over three CDs, in addition to a DVD that features music videos, a documentary and the films Gift and Soul Kiss.

Super Furry Animals - Dark Days/Light Years -The Welsh psychedelic rockers' ninth album.

Chicago artists:

VitalLight - Against the Wall (single) - New single from the local alternative/electro band. Catch them live on May 13 at Elbo Room and May 30 at Reggie's.

Skybox - In a Dream (single) - Following their 2006 debut LP Arco Iris, the band is back with this new single from their upcoming album Morning After Cuts. It is available for free download here.

Recent releases:

Silversun Pickups, Death Cab for Cutie and more

Neil Young, The Hold Steady and more

New releases: Silversun Pickups, Death Cab for Cutie and more

Silversun Pickups - Swoon - The sophomore LP from the LA indie rock act, following up their successful 2006 debut, Carnavas.

Death Cab for Cutie - The Open Door (EP) - This five-song EP consists of tracks that the band recorded for their 2008 LP, Narrow Stairs, but didn't make the cut.

Metric - Fantasies - The fourth album by the Canadian band features the single "Help, I'm Alive" and is available in various formats, including vinyl and deluxe hardcover.

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Remastered and expanded editions of A Kiss in the Dreamhouse, Nocturne, Hyaena and Tinderbox - After a long wait, the iconic British punk/alternative band has released the next batch of remasters in a project that began in 2005 to reissue their entire catalog. This batch features three of their strongest studio albums in addition to their classic live album, Nocturne.

Chicago artists:

Paper Arrows - Things We Would Rather Lose - The local indie pop/rock band's second full-length, following last year's Look Alive. They'll play Schubas on May 17.

Haymarket Riot - Endless Bummer - New album from the local post-punk band, featuring nine tracks and available through their site. Catch them live at the Hideout on May 16.

New releases: Neil Young, The Hold Steady and more

Neil Young - Fork in the Road - Young's latest record is inspired by his LincVolt, a Lincoln Continental that was retooled to run solely on alternative energy.

The Hold Steady - A Positive Rage (CD/DVD) - This set includes a 17-track live CD of the band's Halloween 2007 performance at Chicago's own Metro, as well as a documentary DVD that features interviews, live footage and fan commentary.

The Thermals - Now We Can See - For their fourth LP, the Portland-based trio delivers catchy indie rock/punk that has so far been well-received by both critics and fans.

Superchunk - Leaves in the Gutter (EP) -After seven years without a CD release, Superchunk are back with this five-song EP just in time for their 20th birthday and upcoming Coachella performance.

Chicago artists:

Paper Arrows - Things We Would Rather Lose - The local indie pop/rock band's second full-length, following last year's Look Alive. They'll play Schubas on May 17.

Haymarket Riot - Endless Bummer - New album from the local post-punk band, featuring nine tracks and available through their site. Catch them live at the Hideout on May 16.

New releases: Decemberists, Peter Doherty and more

The Decemberists - "The Hazards of Love" - The fifth album by the Portland indie rockers is a 17-track, British folk and prog rock inspired collection that "tells the tale of a woman named Margaret who is ravaged by a shape-shifting animal; her lover, William; a forest queen; and a cold-blooded, lascivious rake, who recounts with spine-tingling ease how he came 'to be living so easy and free.'"

Pete Doherty - "Grace/Wastelands" - Long-famous for being the front man of The Libertines and Babyshambles and for his heavily-publicized drug use, Doherty delivers his debut solo album with contributions from Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, Dot Allison and more.

Radiohead - "Pablo Honey," "The Bends" and "OK Computer" collector's editions - The band's classic first three albums are re-released in the form of 2-disc sets, with one disc containing the original albums and the second disc containing demos, live recordings and other rarities. All three are also available as "special collector's editions," which add DVDs of promo videos and live performances into the mix. Check out detailed reviews here.

Pearl Jam - "Ten": Legacy Edition -If the Radiohead releases aren't enough to satisfy your 90s nostalgia, check out the new reissue of Pearl Jam's debut album, "Ten," originally released in 1991. The 2-disc set offers a unique take on the concept of the reissue in that it not only includes the original album remastered, but also a remixed version of the album by Brendan O'Brien, who produced the albums that followed. "Deluxe" and "Super Deluxe" editions add in a DVD, vinyl LP and more. See here for a more detailed review and more information on what's included in each of the editions.

Chicago artists:

I Fight Dragons - "Cool is Just a Number" EP - What do you get when you mix vintage NES video game sounds with Fountains of Wayne-esque power pop? This band. You can currently download their debut EP for free by signing up for their mailing list here. Catch them live this Friday, March 27 at Martyrs'.

Vacations - "I Was Bikini" 7" - An offshoot of Chicago band Chin Up Chin Up, Vacations is a trio that just released a 7" single called "I Was Bikini." The vinyl comes with a 5-song download and is available via Flameshovel Records.

Jonny Rumble - "Courtney's Basement"/"To Foolishness" single (free download) - As the band works on an EP set for release in the Fall, they're offering two finished tracks, "Courtney's Basement" and "To Foolishness," for free download here. The very catchy "Courtney's Basement" represents a shift to a more melodic, slightly less punk-driven sound, while maintaining a raucous edge.

Comasoft - "The Beautiful Departure" - The new CD from this local electro-rock act comes out March 28. Check out the CD release show Saturday at Subterranean.

New releases - 2/17/09

Morrissey - "Years of Refusal" - Morrissey is back with the follow-up to 2006's "Ringleader of the Tormentors," and delivers arguably his strongest release since the 90s. "Years of Refusal" is packed with a punch not heard on much of his other recent work, and features an assortment of strong tracks including the punk romp "Something is Squeezing My Skull," the mariachi-tinged "When I Last Spoke to Carol" and the driving rocker "All You Need Is Me."

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - "The Century of Self" - The Austin-based art rockers release their sixth album, the first since 2006's "So Divided."

M. Ward - "Hold Time" - The singer-songwriter from Portland and one half of duo She & Him releases his sixth solo album.

Chicago artists:

Coupleskate - "Don't Scare the Horses" - This all-female indie rock band from Chicago released their debut LP on February 13. You can check out the music video for the opening track, "Laws of Physics," on their official site, and pick up the music via CD Baby or iTunes.

Pet Lions - "Soft Right" - This up and coming local band play a highly addictive mix of indie rock and classic power pop, and have just released their very strong debut EP, "Soft Right," (reviewed here) for download via DigStation.com. They will play an official release show March 7 at Beat Kitchen.

New music releases: Fall Out Boy, All-American Rejects, The Kinks and more

Fall Out Boy - "Folie à Deux - Love them or hate them, you can't deny that these pop punkers are one of the most popular bands to come out of Chicago. Give them a few more points for recruiting Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry for guest spots on this, their fifth studio album.

All-American Rejects - "When the World Comes Down" - If the new Fall Out Boy disc doesn't provide you with enough glossy pop punk to listen to on your next trip to the mall, The All-American Rejects offer up the perfect solution on their third LP.

The Kinks - "Picture Book" (6 CD boxed set) - The Beatles and The Rolling Stones might have gotten most of the attention, but Ray Davies and The Kinks put out some of the greatest rock 'n' roll of the 1960s. This is the first ever boxed set of the band's work, featuring 6 remastered CDs of hits and rarities spanning their 40-year career.

Local indie releases:

Big Science - "The Coast of Nowhere" - Mix up a bit of 80s post-punk, a bit of new wave and a bit of modern indie rock and you get the very welcome sound on "The Coast of Nowhere," the new EP by Chicago band Big Science. The EP is available for free download here.

CAW! CAW! - "Live From Public Space One" - This experimental indie pop band released their debut label EP, "Wait Outside" (reviewed here) earlier this year. Now, you can download a free 40-minute live set by the band here.

Out now: The Killers, Guns N' Roses, Death Cab and more

The Killers - "Day & Age" - The Las Vegas quartet returns with their third LP, arguably their strongest yet. Click here for a full review.

Guns N' Roses - "Chinese Democracy" - Available exclusively at Best Buy, "Chinese Democracy," in the works for 14 years, is the first Guns N' Roses album since 1993's "The Spaghetti Incident." Better late than never, right?

Kanye West - "808s & Heartbreak" - West's fourth LP marks a new direction, relying heavily on a drum machine and material fueled by the death of his mother and his separation from his fiancee.

Death Cab for Cutie- "Something About Airplanes" (10th anniversary deluxe edition) - The Washington indie rock act's debut album from 1998 is reissued with redesigned artwork, liner notes and a seven track bonus disc featuring the band's first Seattle performance at the Crocodile Cafe in February 1998.

Local artists:

King Sparrow - "Derailer" - These guys are brand new to the scene, rock hard and are deserving of your attention. If you don't believe me, read my interview with them and listen to the tracks from their newly-pressed debut EP, "Derailer." Then hit them up to purchase a copy, or better yet, get one at their next show on December 4 at Bottom Lounge.

The Code Kids - "We Sell It Back to You When You Beg" - Are you a fan of high-energy, stripped down rock 'n' roll? Of course you are, so I know you'll want to check out locals The Code Kids and their newly released three-song EP.