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| basement tapes | concert reviews | cd reviews | interviews | ticket swap | music news |
 By Andy Argyrakis |
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Weekend Report: Osborne leads a bluesy triple bill, Devo plans to "Whip It"
Friday, November 6, 2009 She may be best known for the smash single "One of Us," but Joan Osborne is one of the most versatile vocalists of our time just as capable of authentic soul and Motown covers as she is singing for The Dead. These days, she's touring in support of Little Wild One, a New York-inspired album that's just as literary in the lyrical department as it is compelling in the area of arrangements. Blues legends The Holmes Brothers and poetic troubadour Paul Thorn open. (Bet your life - Friday at College of DuPage- Glen Ellyn, IL: http://www.cod.edu/ArtsCntr/09_joanosborne.htm). After an eleven year absence from the studio, KISS has a new album out called Sonic Boom that's only available at Wal-Mart. And yes, it pretty much sounds like every other album the band's released, loaded with clichéd lyrics and predictable  stadium rock grandeur. Sure, the make-up clad foursome can bring the party and production in concert, but this current tour's truly best left for those who really care. (Fan club only - Friday at United Center- Chicago, IL: www.ticketmaster.com).While "Whip It" will always be the band's mainstream claim to fame, Devo's career digs much deeper in terms of quirky, alternative pop. During this two night stand, the hat-bearing boys play classic albums back to back, starting Thursday with Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! and continuing next Friday with Freedom of Choice. (Worth a shot - Thursday and next Friday at Vic Theatre- Chicago, IL: www.jamusa.com). |
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Street Week: Blast from the Stones past, plus Weezer and Foo
Monday, November 2, 2009 The Rolling Stones sure have its fair share of superfluous product, but the 40th anniversary box set of the now classic Get Yer Ya Ya's Out (Abkco) isn't one of them. In fact, it's been begging to earn deluxe treatments for decades, which besides a remastering of the original concert album, also includes a pair bonus CDs featuring unreleased material from that same era. Add in a DVD boasting six additional clips, and it's a fan's dream of the Stones in the sixties come true. Veteran alternative act Weezer return to the well for another studio CD with Raditude (Geffen), and if the lead single "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To" is any indication, the band's hearkening back to  its melodic glory days. But with production contributions as diverse as Jacknife Lee, Jermaine Dupri, Butch Walker and the band's own Rivers Cuomo, there could be plenty of more tricks up the geek rockers' sleeves.And now that fellow '90s upstarts the Foo Fighters are all out superstars, it's only fitting for a Greatest Hits (RCA) to finally hit shelves. The single disc version compiles all the obligatory singles like "Everlong," "My Hero," "Learn To Fly," "Best of You" and "Big Me," though those who take advantage of the CD/DVD edition also score music videos and live performances of all the major crests. |
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