The 1900s, Gold Motel at Taste of Randolph, 6/19

By Frank Krolicki

The 1900s (photo: Frank Krolicki)

Most of what I have to say about the performances by The 1900s and Gold Motel Sunday night at Taste of Randolph fest I already said in previous reviews (see here and here). Of all the bands in this city, these have been two of the most consistently energetic and entertaining to see live, and nothing was different during their sets at the final night of this year's West Loop street festival.

Gold Motel came on first early in the evening, and as usual, made it very easy for the crowd to dance (or at least head-bob, for the more inhibited in attendance). Their concise, buoyant power pop tunes just make you want to move. The quintet played almost all of their debut record Summer House, in addition to "Cold Shoulders" and "Slow Emergency," both tracks from their recent 7" Talking Fiction. They also threw in two promising new tracks -- "Leave You in Love" and "Santa Cruz" -- from their upcoming sophomore LP, which frontwoman Greta Morgan announced would be recorded in the fall and released early next year.

Later in the evening, The 1900s delivered a set very similar to when they played the Empty Bottle for the release of their latest LP Return of the Century in December, but I found myself just as transfixed Sunday as I was back then. Co-lead singer Jeanine O'Toole could have accomplished that by her '70s babe vibe alone, complete with a look falling somewhere between Chrissy from "Three's Company" and Daphne from "Scooby Doo." But there was also the music, which was of course fantastic. The 1900s hit on all the highlights from Century ("Bmore," "Babies," "Sanzimat," "Overreactin'," to name a few) as well as a handful of older tracks such as a lengthy, raveup version of "Two Ways" and an extra-rocking take on "Bring the Good Boys Home." It was as close to a perfect way to spend a hot June evening in Chicago, for sure. 

Check out full setlists and more photos after the jump.

Ten great Chicago music releases of 2010

Posted by Frank

Village, a band I dug in 2010 (photo: Amelia Moore)

At the end of every year I come to the same conclusion: I suck at making year-end lists. I hear so much music I like within the course of 365 days that it's incredibly hard to narrow it down. Plus, it's impossible to take in everything put out during the course of a year, so who can say what's really the best? But because I love spreading the word about music that makes me happy, I wanted to write a few words about some of the releases from Chicago artists that I've played and enjoyed the most this year. I won't declare that these are the "best of" anything, but below, in no particular order, are ten of my personal favorites from 2010. I'd love to hear your thoughts and your own picks in the comments.

Show review: The 1900s, Tyler Jon Tyler, Tristen at Empty Bottle, 12/3

Posted by Frank

The 1900s at Empty Bottle (photo: Windy City Rock)

Friday night's show at The Empty Bottle paired one of the city's finest music venues with one of its finest bands, throwing in two very pleasant surprises for good measure. Hot off the release of their second full-length, The 1900s tore through a set that put a whole lot of fire into folk-pop, while Tristen and Tyler Jon Tyler proved why you should always get to shows early.

Watch the 1900s' 'Amulet', get their new LP today

Posted by Frank

Two years after they began recording the follow-up to their debut LP, Cold & Kind, Chicago's the 1900s are finally celebrating the release of Return of the Century today. If you caught my recent review of the record, you'll know that the band have delivered something pretty special, with 11 songs featuring their most beautiful melodies and captivating lyrics to date. Pick up the album on CD, vinyl, or digitally here.

The 1900s have also made a video for lead-off track "Amulet," which you can watch below. According to a spin.com interview with band member Edward Anderson, "The video mirrors the song's narrative of a woman being lost in the desert" and "is partially based on Licorice McKechnie, a singer with '60s psych folk act the Incredible String Band, who mysteriously dropped off the grid about 20 years ago."

The band played Fireside Bowl last week (WCR's own Andrew recapped the show), but don't worry if you missed it. They will also be playing a free in-store set this Friday, November 5 at Wicker Park's Reckless Records as well as the Empty Bottle on Friday, December 3.

The 1900s - Amulet from The 1900s / M/\ZES on Vimeo.

Show review: The 1900s, Shapers, Verma at Fireside Bowl, 10/26

Posted by Andrew

Finally, a chance to acquaint myself with the legendary lanes of the Fireside Bowl. Listening to Allister eulogize the historic Logan Square bowling alley in junior high, I had no idea it was located in the city I grew up in the suburb next to. What better introduction to the Fireside than with a couple of bands that Chicago can claim its own.

Verma started off the night with wah-powered jams reminiscent of instrumental Flaming Lips and Spacemen 3. The term psychedelic will be used all too prevalent with this band, hopefully more as a description rather than a pigeonhole. The reverb-laced female vocals allowed the bowling alley to breathe more vertically than horizontally. Driving tempos and hypnotic bass carried the set full steam ahead. Catch them again at the Empty Bottle on November 5th as part of the Giant System showcase.

Record review: The 1900s - 'Return of the Century'

Posted by Frank

For a band whose core style so perfectly conjures the 1960s, it's remarkable how fresh The 1900s sound on their sophomore full-length, Return of the Century. While the Chicago sextet's debut LP, 2007's Cold & Kind, was a solid collection of beautiful folk-pop melodies and top-notch performances, it came across as unquestionably retro, stirring visions of love beads and flower children through and through. That approach certainly worked well for the group, but when they hinted at a more adventurous outing during the recording of the album's follow-up, it was an intriguing idea - so long as they wouldn't abandon the elements that made them so likable in the first place. Thankfully, The 1900s have succeeded brilliantly at striking a balance on Return of the Century, seamlessly merging their '60s sensibilities with crisp modern pop production and stylistic experiments to create their strongest release yet.

According to the band, "Return of the Century tells the story about an underground world where people's minds are held in thrall in the name of spiritual advancement," loosely based on the story of the woman who took off to the desert for "strange and troubling adventures." That reads like pretty heavy stuff, and the record is indeed lyrically thought provoking - descriptive yet cryptic in its ideas. When vocalist Jeanine O'Toole sings lines such as "I'm not so sorry that I took you along, you only saw me naked once" and "There's a big landmine under this little house" in the reflective, narrative "Tucson," for example," you get the groundwork of a compelling story, but are ultimately left to decide exactly what you want to make out of it. There's a definite tale threaded through these 11 tracks, but in the end it's as much about your imagination as The 1900s' - and that's part of what makes it so appealing.

Also noteworthy are the album's pristine production and range of moods. Everything pops, and the warm, rich vocals of co-lead singers Jeanine O'Toole, Edward Anderson and Caroline Donovan are wisely placed front and center atop gorgeous orchestration. On "Lay A Ghost," O'Toole's distinctive phrasing works alongside a lilting beat and sing-songy verses to create a sense of playfulness, even if the lyrics don't necessarily follow suit. ""Bmore" and "Lions Fur" are breezy and downright lush. The atmosphere of "Overreactin'" is hypnotic and sultry (again, with plenty of help from O'Toole's standout vocals), while "Amulet" and "Sanzimat" have a yearning, uplifting vibe, bookending the album with Anderson sounding more than convincing at the helm. Some of the remaining tracks don't leave as quick of an impression, but unravel with repeated listens. Altogether, these songs add up to a collection of material without any notable weak spots. Return of the Century finds The 1900s fully hitting their stride and proves why the band are often regarded as some of the finest music-makers this city has to offer.

The album is out November 2nd on Parasol Records and available for pre-order now on both CD and vinyl. Check out the first single, "Babies," below. The 1900s have a hometown show coming up on Tuesday, October 26 at Fireside Bowl with Verma and Shapers. Click here for more information.

New 1900s LP on the way, plus show 8/27 at Lincoln Hall

Posted by Frank

Photo by Kirstie Shanley

It's been a while since we've heard new music from well-loved Chicago guitar-pop troupe The 1900s, but that won't be the case for long. The band is currently gearing up to release their sophomore LP, Return of the Century, November 2 on Parasol Records.

The album will follow-up their 2007 full-length Cold & Kind, which was lauded by yours truly and many others for its 60s-inspired folk-pop goodness, as well as an early-2009 mini-album of odds and ends called Medium High. I recall hearing the band say they were expanding their sound on the new material, so I can't wait to hear what they have in store on the new release.

To get a sneak preview, check out the band's opening set for White Mystery at Lincoln Hall on Friday, August 27, where they will debut some of the new songs. More information and tickets are available here. They will also be embarking on a U.S. tour this Fall to promote Return of the Century, and will head to England in December to play the Bowlie 2 festival at the request of none other than Belle & Sebastian.

Hideout to host 11/12 benefit show for Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

Scotland Yard Gospel Choir (Bloodshot Records)

Late last month the six members of Chicago's Scotland Yard Gospel Choir were injured in a van accident while driving to an out of state gig, resulting in a heap of medical bills and damaged equipment. To help out the group during this difficult time, two fellow Chicago-based bands, The 1900s and Brighton, MA, will play a benefit show at Hideout on Thursday, November 12. Tickets, available here, are $12. All proceeds will go to SYGC.

According to updates from the band's label, Bloodshot Records, one member, Mark Yoshizumi, remains hospitalized, while another, Mary Ralph, was just released this week. Here are the three latest updates:

UPDATE (10/2): Mark had another successful surgery yesterday, but remains in serious condition.

UPDATE (10/12): Great news! Mark has been transferred out of ICU.

UPDATE (10/14): Mary is leaving the hospital today -- she says, "I've still got a lot of physical and occupational therapy in my future, but I've progressed to walking with a cane already."

If you can't make it to the show, but would still like to help the band, you can do so via a PayPal account set up for donations here.

For more information on The 1900s, check out our reviews of the band's various releases:
- Cold and Kind (LP)
- Plume Delivery (EP)
- Medium High (EP)
- Everybody's Got a Collection (single)

This weekend: West Fest

West Town’s annual street fair, West Fest, returns this weekend and will offer festgoers the chance to see some top-notch music acts. Head over to Chicago Ave. and Damen Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 to to take in two full days of eclectic live performances, which, unlike many of the city's music fests, put a strong emphasis on homegrown acts. Local H and Red Red Meat will headline, and there’s plenty of other excellent Chicago bands on tap that will make it worth arriving early. Here’s a rundown of the lineup:

Saturday, July 11

8:30: Local H – Chicago’s perpetual alternative rockers are still going strong, as evidenced by their most recent release, 2008’s Twelve Angry Months.

7:00: Mucca Pazza – Self-described as a “circus punk marching band,” this 30-piece plays everything from TV theme show covers to their takes on classical pieces. They have released two albums, A Little Marching Band (2006) and Plays Well Together (2008).

5:45: Liquid Soul – A jazz-funk-rap fusion act that’s been going strong since 1994.

4:30: Caos

3:15: Coupleskate – This all-girl indie rock band recently released their debut LP, Don’t Scare the Horses.

2:00: Peacekeeper – This band moved from New Orleans to Chicago in 2008, and brought with them a unique sound that references everything from Americana to indie pop to Southern rock. They describe their music as “gentleman rock,” refusing to fall into any of indie rock’s PBR-drenched clichés. Click here for a review of the band’s recently released debut album, Fireworks.

12:45: Fluid Minds – Eclectic rock that’s been featured on ESPN, Cartoon Network and various local radio stations.

Sunday, July 12

8:45: Red Red Meat – These blues-influenced alt-rockers gained notoriety on the Chicago music scene in the ‘90s, but have seldom performed in recent years. Their West Fest set will be one in just a handful of 2009 shows.

7:45: The Aluminum Group – A longtime staple of Chicago chamber pop, these two brothers released their most recent album, Little Happyness, in 2008.

6:45: Richard Edwards of Margot & The Nuclear So and So's with Brian Deck - Deck, a member of Red Red Meat, will join So and So's bandleader Edwards for a set. Edwards recently announced that Deck, who produced the So and So's last two records, will be the drummer in his new side project, Vegetables.

5:45 The 1900s – One of the most notable bands on the current Chicago music scene, having released an acclaimed LP of charming folk pop, Cold & Kind, and two strong EPs, Plume Delivery and Medium High, via Parasol Records. The band is currently working on a new sophomore full-length.

4:45: The Vulgar Boatmen - A classic roots pop band best known for the albums You and Your Sister (1989), Please Panic (1992) and Opposite Sex (1995).

3:30: Freak Easy - Locals that perform both original material and covers of songs by bands such as Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles.

2:15: Sex Fist - A bluegrass act self-described as featuring "high-energy, hard-driving picking and angelic harmony singing."

1:00: Ian Torres Big Band - Local jazz/swing troupe playing original compositions and fresh arrangements.

The fest will also feature DJ sets at the BassByThePound Dj Stage (Chicago & Wood):

Saturday

8: 30: Dj Craze

7:30: Million $$ Mano

6:30: DJ Zebo

5:45: Mark Gertz

5:00: Willy Joy

4:00: Dj MTM

3:00: Justin Reed

Sunday

8:30: Derrick Carter

7:30: Diz

6:30: John Mork of TSR

5:45: The Beat Giants

5:00: John BID Simmons

4:00: Striz

The 1900s - Medium High

The 1900s emerged in 2006 as one of Chicago's most promising bands, blending melodic, 60s-inspired folk pop with modern indie pop on their debut EP "Plume Delivery" and its following LP, "Cold & Kind." The band's new release, the seven-track "Medium High," is a self-described "purging" of leftover material as they work on their sophomore LP. Rather than sounding like a messy set of odds and ends, though, the mini album comes off as a surprisingly cohesive release that builds on the band's already solid foundation.

"Medium High" begins with "Collections," one of the finest - and oldest - 1900s tracks to date. In a previous life, the sweeping, bittersweet pop song was known as "Everybody's Got a Collection" and released as a vinyl single. Although it was one of the first songs the band wrote upon forming in 2005, this marks its album debut.

Also of note is "When I say Cohen," a Leonard Cohen inspired live take of another "Cold & Kind" song, the fantastic "When I Say Go." It's tough to compete with the original - arguably the band's strongest song yet - but this version plays up the warm, superb vocals of Jeanine O’Toole and Caroline Donovan to give the song an entirely new, equally intriguing personality.

Many of the additional tracks on the album have a darker, more psychedelic sound, which showed up periodically on past releases among the lighter, poppier vibes. Two examples are "Age of Metals," originally released as the B side to the "Everybody's Got a Collection" vinyl single and the group's deepest foray into darkness, and "A Face I Know," a more psychedelic version of "Supernatural" from "Cold & Kind." The band has suggested that they will be moving further away from this sound on their forthcoming album, so in a way the EP offers a sense of finality to make way for what's to come.

"Medium High" is now available through Parasol.com.

The 1900s - Everybody's Got a Collection (vinyl single)

It's appropriate that the 1900s have followed up their debut LP, 2007's "Cold & Kind," with a vinyl single. The band's 60s-styled folk pop is tailor made for the nostalgic land of wax and turntables, where the occasional crack or pop somehow makes it sound even better.

The new 7", pressed on groovy white vinyl and available through Parasol, features the sweeping "Everybody's Got a Collection" on the A side and "Age of Metals" - the gloomiest thing the band has done to date - on the B side. While the latter has not previously been heard, a slightly different version of "Collection" circulated around the Internet last year upon the release of "Cold & Kind." It's hard to understand why the track was left off the album, as it's one of the strongest and most accessible songs in the band's catalog.

Although the 1900s have more than one main vocalist, Edward Anderson is at the helm on both tracks here. Anderson has a smooth, light voice that is a perfect fit for the kind of breezy and bittersweet fare present on the A side. The song is at its most powerful when he sings the chorus, which includes the excellent lines, "Everybody's got a collection I know that they wouldn't sell, they just leave it on their shelves/And everybody's got a confession I know that they'd never tell, they just keep it to themselves."

Listen to a sample from the 45 and pick up a copy for $3.50 on parasol.com.

The 1900s scheduled for TV performance, weekend shows

One of Chicago's finest bands, melodic folk rock outfit The 1900s, is scheduled to appear tonight, July 23, for an interview and live acoustic performance on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight." The show will air on channel 11 at 7 p.m., and will precede two Saturday performances by the band in Wicker Park.

Last year, The 1900s released their critically-acclaimed debut LP, "Cold and Kind" (reviewed here), a gorgeous mix of 60s, Zombies-style melodies and indie pop a la Belle and Sebastian. As the band works on its next release, the TV spot and two Wicker Park shows - which will take place July 26 in-store at American Apparel at 1 p.m. and later at Wicker Park Fest at 4 p.m. - could be the last opportunities to see them perform for a while.

For a taste of the band's sound, you can download one of "Cold and Kind's" standout tracks, "When I Say Go," on their official site.

Division Street Fest Features The 1900s and More

The 2008 Division Street fest is set to take place Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 on Division Street between Damen and Leavitt, and will feature a full lineup of live music that includes local indie pop favorites The 1900s, who are scheduled to play at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Southern rock band Lucero is headlining day one of the fest, while Ted Leo and the Pharmacists will end the evening on Sunday.

Also included on the bill are Chicago acts Mucca Pazza, a self-described "circus punk marching band" and rock band Tully Monster, as well as Tally Hall, Muldoons, Frightened Rabbit, Bear Hands.

Click here for the complete schedule and fest details.

THE 1900s - Plume Delivery (EP)

The introductory EP from folk-rock unit The 1900s, released in 2006, was the perfect preface to the band's debut LP, Cold & Kind. In fact, there's nothing on Plume Delivery that wouldn't feel right at home on Cold & Kind, with its exquisitely-crafted harmonies, semi-psychedelia and overall 1960s-style charm.

The jumpy Bring the Good Boys Home, arguably the strongest track, kicks the six song set off with no shortage of hooks. The track is sung by sometimes vocalist Jeanine O'Toole, who gives it an endearing, playful vibe. Most-of-the-time vocalist Edward Anderson takes it from there with the melodic A Coming Age, another highlight. After a jaunt into psychedelic instrumental territory (Flight of the Monowings), Whole of the Law serves up more heavily orchestrated ear candy, while Patron Saint of the Mediocre sounds promising at the start, but plods on more than a bit too long at over seven minutes. Heart Props is short, sweet and innocent, providing a refreshing outro to the EP.

Plume Delivery, like its long-playing successor Cold & Kind, kind of makes you feel as though you're running around in some sunny field circa 1964 while Odyssey and Oracle-era Zombies magically plays in the background. What more could you ask for?

THE 1900s - Cold & Kind

Sure, it's been said before (many, many times), but between the male-female vocals and the folky, gorgeous arrangements, it's pretty hard not to think of The 1900s as Chicago's answer to Belle and Sebastian. I was going to attempt writing about the local seven-member act without mentioning that band, but I really think it's nearly impossible. That's not to take anything away from The 1900s, as their debut LP Cold & Kind clearly establishes them as vital and irresistible in their own right.

The brief, piano-driven No Delay starts Cold & Kind off nicely, introducing the record's mellow vibe and lead vocalist Edward Anderson's pure, straightforward delivery. Georgia, with its refrain, "Jump for joy, Georgia" and chiming keys, is unquestionably joyous. When I Say Go is arguably the best track. Many of the numbers on Cold & Kind require a few listens to fully reveal themselves, but this tune oozes with instant melodic charm.

Elsewhere, the title track, Acutiplantar Dude and Two Ways bring to mind classic, Zombies-style guitar pop. Wool of the Lamb - especially its very effective final minute or so - is a fitting closer.

The entire album flows seamlessly. The fact that its hooks can be subtle means it's not the kind of record you wear out too quickly and tire of easily - it's made for repeated listens, each one more satisfying than the last.

Check out some 1900s tunes for yourself on the band's MySpace page and pick up a copy of Cold & Kind here.


THE 1900s LINEUP:
- Edward Anderson - lead vocals, guitar
- Caroline Donovan - vocals, keys
- Jeanine O'Toole - vocals, tambourine
- Mike Jasinski - guitar, keys, vocals
- Tim Minnick - drums
- Charlie Ransford - bass
- Andra Kulans - strings