Continuing in the theme of my last post, this set is also from Q101’s Twisted concert series. Manchester Orchestra and As Tall As Lions also performed the same night. (more…)

The Used is one of those bands that everyone knows. They’ve been around forever, and had several hits… even if you’re not a fan, I’m sure you know at least one song.

In fact, I remember back in 2002 or early 2003, listening to a certain member of The Dog & Everything (a local Chicago band) sing “The Taste of Ink” during a hot summer load-out after the LaGrange Bandshell show. It’s odd that I remember that, but I think that’s when I actually started listening to The Used.

It’s those kinds of bands, bands that have been around so long that you have memories built around them, that are exciting to shoot. The Used was no exception. (more…)

Gold Motel opened up for Butch Walker, which is a hard spot to be in. How do you impress Butch Walker fans, many of whom believe that Butch Walker is the ultimate in live performance (and I might be included in that statement)? However, Gold Motel was good, and I heard a lot of the audience members also saying that they enjoyed Gold Motel’s set.

Singer Greta Morgan might look (and sound) familiar to you. She was previously in the popular Chicago band The Hush Sound, and after they went on hiatus, she formed Gold Motel. Gold Motel has a similar sound, but a bit more laid back and throwbacky (don’t you love making up words?). It was a good choice for an opener for Butch, and I can see them playing together again.

If you want to check Gold Motel out, visit their Myspace. (more…)

Kevin Andrew Prchal and Adam Krier (of AM Taxi and LBC) just recorded a Bruce Springsteen cover, “Reason To Believe,” in response to the crisis in Haiti. They explained why they did it it much better than I could:

“We chose the song ‘Reason To Believe’ by Bruce Springsteen, not only for its brilliance, but mainly for its significance in the way the world took form and found hope out of an otherwise hopeless situation. This song is for the tireless doctors, the relentless volunteers, the steadfast soldiers and the separated families who continue to search for their loved ones. They, like the rest of us, at the end of every hard earned day find some reason to believe.”

They, as well as Augie & Dan from Audio Is King, were nice enough to let me take pictures during their quick recording session. Thanks all!

To download the song, head over to Kevin’s website: http://www.kevinandrewprchal.com. What are you waiting for? (more…)

Bruiser got in touch a few days before the show to see if I could cover it, and luckily, I was free. The concert was part of the One Manno Show concert series that is hosted at Angel & Kings every Wednesday by Ryan Manno. Usually featuring local bands, the shows are always a good time.

From their Myspace, I think this is an apt way to describe Bruiser: “Sometimes we sing & sometimes we scream, but neither in that “LA crap-rock” or “wear-your-sister’s-jeans” sort-of way.” They don’t lie.

Bruiser has also just signed to Window Licker Records, who also co-hosted the show this past week.  Congrats to them! (more…)