So Long 2009!

Well, blogspot readers, what an exciting 2009 it has been! SouthSide's sad to see it leave so soon. Time certainly does fly by when you having rockin' fun like this reviewer did all year. Believe it or not - 2009 was a record breaking year - over hundred show/music-related events were attended on her busy calendar. Actually the final count was 106 as December 26 (see review posted below). Local bands as well as touring acts kept her running from venue to venue up to four nights a week. Lots of great music was out there and she wishes she could have covered more. Still, this reviewer enjoyed each and every memorable moment. And there were plenty. From I AM Fest (in June) to the after Lolla concerts and everything else in between, she was out there supporting the music scene. It's thriving as she continues to discover new bands/artists during her wild adventures around town. So expect to see more of SouthSide in 2010 - already her January calendar is booked! However before the old year fades into history, she wishes to end her final review with a fond look back at the Best of 2009.


Band(s) of the Year:

Well, that's a given. This honor is reserved for a special group of people ...the hardworking D.I.Y. (Do It Yourselfers) that rocked the stages around town. From the Elbo Room to Cubby Bear to Reggie's to Fitzgerald's and anywhere else that has live local shows - this salute is to you. Yes, dear band friends, SouthSide applauds your tireless efforts in keeping the music scene alive and well. You've lit up the stages with awesome rockin' music. Though there were some off nights, you still gave it your all for the diehard fans in the audience. Broken guitar strings, busted amps, bloodied fingers, and blown fuses (just to name a few of the minor technical difficulties seen) did not stop you from rocking out the crowd.

And speaking of fans - SouthSide has a special salute to you for all of your efforts being the band's most important factor for their success. Without your love and support, they wouldn't be rocking the stage like they do. Even during these tough economic times, you're still there in the audience. So keep on supporting your favorite band in 2010!


Gone but DEFINITELY Not Forgotten:

SouthSide had wonderful memories with most of the bands before taking their final bows off the stage. Though they're not rockin' the scene anymore, she'll never forgot them or the music they wowed her ears.

Inept

Tonight The Prom

Yardstick Civilization ( now known as Dead Drunk Judge )

A Birdsong Valentine

Algren

Reverie ( now known as Model Stranger )

reModern

Simplistic Urge (now known as Til Death )

Red Line District

Killing Karma ( now known as Trainwreck Symphony )


Thank you ...and thank you...

SouthSide would like to extend a HUGE "thank you" to the following venues for another wonderful year of live music.

Elbo Room, Double Door, Abbey Pub, Miska's Bar, Beat Kitchen, Bird's Nest, The Exit, Bottom Lounge, Cobra Lounge, Metro, The Rockbox, Congress Theatre, Goose Island Brew Pub, Cubby Bear, Reggie's, House of Blues, Silvie's, Kinetic Playground, Viaduct Theatre, Subterranean, Darkroom, Horseshoe Lounge, Lilly's, Park West, Wise Fool's Pub, Underground Lounge, LaSalle Power Co, Martyrs', Ronny's Schubas, Mutiny, Portage Theatre, Red Line Tap, Morseland, Smart Bar, US Beer Company, Tonic Room, Walter Payton's Roundhouse (in Aurora), Quenchers, Hideout, Empty Bottle, Nite Cap.

As you see - this list barely taps the iceberg of the MANY venues around town that host nightly live music. Most of the names mentioned are places SouthSide has visited in her travels.


And another HUGE "thank you" to all my blogspot readers. Hope you enjoyed reading SouthSide's adventures around town ...well, stay tuned to this blog page - 2010 looks to be another wild rockin' year.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

26 Dec 09

Hey, blogspot readers, the very last of 2009 is winding down fast! What a year for this reviewer! SouthSide's squeezing in a few shows before saying "goodbye" to the year. Tonight, she's at the Double Door for a free after-Christmas concert featuring the retro band, The Dirty Blue.


This local band rocked the stage with its classic rock sound which brought back some of that 60s feeling to the venue. After opening with New Feelin', they had SouthSide jammin' to their ultra cool cover of Heaven on Their Minds (from Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical, Jesus Christ Superstar). Yes, it was very unusual (and unheard of) to hear such a song like that on any band's playlist. However The Dirty Blue gave Judas' opening song more of a psychedelic/hardcore guitar rock sound during the instrumental. Though performing more than one cover within a set was nice touch by this band, this reviewer perferred hearing their originals more.


Fans will enjoy the thunderous intros that instantly get you moving to the fast, rhythmic beat. SouthSide clearly heard their influences (The Beatles, Led Zeppelin) as part of the driving force in the music. Yet it wasn't the main focus. The Dirty Blue added a touch of themselves (more like their personality) into the songs as each member took on lead vocal duties. They were also big on thrilling the audience with its guitar rock. At times (especially during the instrumentals), there were moments to savor every wailing riff chord by chord. For example, listen to The Dirty Blue's Idle Hands (a song about self mastrubation) off their current self-titled CD. There was a lot of high pitched guitar rhythms to rock out your ears. Also check out, Check Your Head, in which SouthSide enjoyed hearing the frustration of society's stance of not giving a damn these days. It was a fitting anthem to sum up the current mood of 2009.


If you want to feel as well as hear that retro rock sound, SouthSide highly recommends checking out The Dirty Blue at their next performance. For more information, visit the band at www.thedirtyblue.com or www.myspace.com/thedirtyblue.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

19 Dec 09

Happy Holidays, blogspot readers! It has been a fun three-night adventure around town. Before taking a restful Christmas break, SouthSide's hanging out at the Tonic Room in Lincoln Park. Tonight's lineup featured an intimate acoustic performance by Adam Percy. This reviewer, however, was saddened to learn that Facing Winter had to cancel. She hopes to review this band during the new year but in the meantime, visit www.facingwinter.com or www.myspace.com/facingwinter for music and information.


This singer/songwriter has the heart of a romantic and the soul of a poet. Such a delightful combination created an intimate atmosphere for Adam Percy's set. Acoustic fans will enjoy the narrative lyrics presented in his songs behind the gentle guitar rhythms. SouthSide liked the intense falsetto during certain songs as well as the soft vocal tone for emphasis to express tender emotion. Listen very closely and one can hear his honest feelings speaking vividly through his lyrics. It's a known secret that many guitarists aren't able to say what they feel unless it's written in a song. Hallmark cards have nothing on what truly comes from the heart of a musician. For example, check out Adam's song, Lindsey - a heartwarming song about not having the nerve to say "hi" to someone he had a crush on. It was as if he was singing to this one person instead of an audience of friends. And when he's now wooing the heart, notice the vocal range change to more of a pop/alternative tone. There's also a livelier groove and energy in his acoustic riffs. For example, listen to Talkin' About - a toe-tappin' rhythmic alternative beat.


The audience, mostly consisting of first timers like SouthSide to his performance, were captivated by his vocals and music. At times, there was a hush sound befalling throughout the venue ...not even a whisper could be heard. When Adam closed with the song, Hallelujah - what an amazing sight to witness. The audience was instantly enraptured by his soft vocals tenderly singing the lyrics mixed with a couple of verses of O Holy Night in the middle. It was an awe inspiring ...soulful and probably not a dry eye in the house either, blogspot readers.


Want to hear more of Adam Percy? Check his song, Anyway (and his others) will be available for download off iTunes in January. Also in January, SouthSide highly suggests seeing this singer/songwriter when he brings his acoustic performance to the Elbo Room.

For more information, visit Adam Percy at www.myspace.com/adampercymusic.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

18 Dec 09 - part 2

...please pray for me... ~ Kazy

Wow, what an acoustic performance by Joe Taylor at the Bird's Nest. Now it was time for SouthSide to head towards the Elbo Room for more rockin' holiday fun and music. This venue was already in full party swing, blogspot readers, upstairs and downstairs. The upstairs lounge crowd was enjoying a lively jam session by Tim Strother and his band. SouthSide immediately got hooked onto their toe-tappin' jive and mojo rhythm. She highly suggests checking out this band in 2010 when they're rockin' The Intersection (Jan 2 in Grand Rapids) and Moch N Music (Jan 5 in Hudsonville) in Michigan. Hopefully, Tim and the guys will make another Chicago appearance in 2010 for a full review. In the meantime, check out Tim Strother at www.myspace.com/timothystrother for more music and information.


Downstairs, there was more swingin' mojo music happening. The crowd was rockin' to performances by Lovesick Radio and Thunderunderus. SouthSide highly suggests getting your mojo vibe going with The Dirty Vibe. This reviewer enjoyed their holiday twist to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen as a rockin' intro to their set. It was one lively performance full of hardcore rhythms and energetic vibes flowin' around the basement lounge. Thunderous openings, wicked instrumentals and sultry femme fatale vocals will get your blood pumpin'. SouthSide highly suggests checking out songs Immortal Bitch and Damned. Also get into the groove with their Jam Like a Reindeer (cleverly renamed from Jam Like a Raven for the holiday spirit). For more information, visit The Dirty Vibe at www.myspace.com/thedirtyvibe.


The first thing fans will notice about Kazy is the unique array of instruments lining the stage. Though having a standard setup (guitars and drums), this band added an element of electro violin to their hardcore sound. SouthSide found this be very interesting along with the zombified makeup and foggy atmosphere ...very dark and spooky, blogspot readers. This reviewer was instantly hooked. Haunting whispered vocals and bursts of screamin' angst and energy vibin' off the guitars ensnared the audience into Kazy's dark world. And it was great seeing Oscar (formerly of A Birdsong Valentine) doing some vocal duties too.


Yet it was the electro sounds off the violin which gave this band its uniqueness in the dark realms of rock. Sometimes that violin was the hidden fourth guitar meant to be rarely heard in certain songs. Meanwhile in others, its presence was definitely known. Also there were a lot of tumbling chords creating that dark tone for the crowd. It was so menacing with its creepy imagery in the lyrics and guitar sound that SouthSide was totally loving her first time inside Kazy's music.


This reviewer highly suggests immersing yourself into their song, Blown (track five off their CD, Undeniable) for its hardcore guitar riffs crashing in your ears. And that, blogspot readers, is a wondrous thing to behold as each pulsin' ounce vibrates continuously of sound. Hear it ...definitely feel it oozing while the chords rise and fall behind vocal angst in the lyrics. So much to handle in one song ...and yet you'll be wanting more. Mask will totally bring out that inner metalhead demon hidden inside you meanwhile beware of Lycans (wolves) roaming during Wolf. SouthSide heard a bit of Rage Against The Machine during Kazy's Hooks which literally lit the stage on fire. This band even turned one of her favorite INXS songs (Need You Tonight) into something more haunting yet sexier than its original production.


Want more Kazy? Fans should check out the video for Choke (the live version of this song had this reviewer meditiating for a moment to savor the solid rock sound pulsin' inside her head) on YouTube or on its Myspace and official sites. A new video for song, Pitch Black, is due out soon however in the meantime, snag a copy of Kazy's CD, Undeniable for your collection. SouthSide highly suggests checking out Kazy in 2010 - a wonderfully, energetic portrayal of the dark and macabre side to rock.


For more information, visit Kazy at www.KazyMusic.com or www.myspace.com/KazyMusic.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

18 Dec 09

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's covering two shows in one snowy night. At the Bird's Nest, she was invited to meet and hear an acoustic performance by Joe Taylor. Afterwards, it''s off to the Elbo Room for more fun and music with the headliner, Kazy. However, first, this reviewer would like everyone to meet an extraordinary singer/songwriter from New York.


Joe Taylor is.... Well, according to him, one man on a mission to bring back the oldies to the music scene. He describes his style as having a classic pop sound which one can compare to Don Henley, Steve Perry and Journey. Mostly power ballads are the core base of his music yet there are times when he take on the role as philosopher or observer of world events happening around him. Joe says some of which he would keep tabs on while the rest he wishes to forget. Personally, this reviewer found him to be very warm, friendly as well as open when discussing his music with her.


Joe's music reflects a retro flavor from some of his influences like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. However listen very closely and you just might hear a familiar Journey tune hidden inside a guitar riff or two. This might give the impression he's either not independent enough but too commercial for the indie scene or vice versa. His music cannot even get labeled as raunchy. That doesn't bother this singer/songwriter at all. It seems Joe's quite comfortable staying in the middle of this music spectrum. That being said, this artist would critique his songs as inspirational ...giving the listener hope and enthusiasm to wipe the slate clean.


SouthSide suggests listening to his Canadian chart topping hit, Sweetest Tune. The retro acoustic song nicely complimented that Journey-like vocals off the lyrics. Meanwhile, Tears In Your Eyes brought out the touch of Don Henley in the narrative songwriting tone in the song. The audience did get to hear that inspirational side to this artist when performing New Day Is Come. It totally gave this reviewer hope in which she had to stop writing for a moment and savor the intense passion in his voice.


Plenty of enthusiasm could be found in Joe's new song, All Around The World, however one could feel the cry for help from a desperate man in Save Me (both songs off his current CD - Save Me). We were advised to Smile even the outlook in life goes suddenly downhill. This reviewer found this song to be very reassuring given the current status of the times and highly suggests listening to it when you need that instant pick me of cheer. The highlight of his performance came while performing to classic as well as popular Journey songs, Lights and Don't Stop Believin'. Both covers had some in the audience singing along with Joe.


It was an spectacular acoustic show and if you're in the New York area, SouthSide highly recommends attending his next performance. Don't despair, Chicago fans, Joe Taylor regularly visits our fair city twice a year ...so do expect him to return again in 2010. He's currently planning a bigger tour which will consist of a 40 - 50 city blitz to start in some time May or June. Fans of iTunes can find his songs, Save Me and All Around The World, currently available for purchase. Also, this reviewer highly recommends snagging a copy of his CD, Save Me - a worthy addition to anyone's collection.


Lastly, Joe revealed his holiday wish for 2009 - to have a relaxing Christmas at home. And this reviewer wishes him and his family a wonderful holiday season.

For more information, visit Joe Taylor at www.joetaylorofficial.com or www.myspace.com/joetaylorsongs.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

17 Dec 09

...what - no tramp stamps tonight... ~ EchoSon

Hey, blogspot readers, the halls were decked at the famous Double Door ...and the Thursday night crowd was enjoying cups of holiday cheer as well as rockin' around the Christmas tree. It was a night of Who's Who of the local scene attending tonight's show. Chicago Noise Machine members Brian Bender and Chris Shen as well as Lucid Ground, 72 Hours, and A Friend Called Fire, Makeshift Prodigy, 6 Degrees of Separation, and Inn Cinema came out to lend support to the linuep performing. Everyone was pumped to see EchoSon headlining along with Made Avail, Arma and Along The Parallel rockin' the stage.

Along The Parallel kicked off the lineup with a rockin' sound that had the entire venue vibin' to the hardcore rhythm. This set was merely a taste of what fans could expect to hear from them at the Cubby Bear Friday night when they they open for Taproot. This CNM band brought their A-game to the stage full of intense guitar riffs which fans banged their heads to . This was not your regular guitar rock sound pounding the ears. No - it was the type of rock music that grips you by the balls. Ballbusting sound and vocal angst was being pumped into the venue. ATP impressed the audience with wicked guitar instrumentals as well as huge song finishes that left them wanting more. And though the intense sound was dropped for a moment for a ballad, All You Need, the momentum still remained from the beginning. SouthSide highly suggests listening to Atrophy and Balance. Whew! Feel that intense guitar sound ripping your eardrums ...hear the vocals dominate the lyrics - ATP's performance tonight was spectacular. This reviewer sees brighter things happening for this band in 2010. For more information, visit Along The Parallel at www.atpband.com or www.myspace.com/alongtheparallel.

Last month, Arma had one fantastic psychedelic performance at SubT (Subterranean) and SouthSide was ready for more. Yet, the guys had a little Christmas surprise for this reviewer. It wasn't all psychedelic sound tonight, blogspot readers. This set contained some rather intensified guitar rhythms especially during the instrumentals. Fans will immediately notice that with Arma's unique sound songs have a personality of its own. So don't expect to hear the same riff or chords twice in the next song. You too will want to dance to the tribal beat with Taylor (Arma's energetic lord of the dance) while feeling each intense rhythm performed. The fun, however, isn't contained just to the stage either. Sometimes there were moments when Arma's music can start sporadic moshing and wild fan dancing amongst the audience. Still watch out for those sudden (and sometimes hidden) chord changes which will leave you wanting more. SouthSide highly suggests rockin' to their new song, Hypnic Jerk. This song had subtle tempos and waves of crescendoing riffs that paused for a dramatic crash of explosive sound at the middle. And the highlight of the night was their cover of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song with an Arma twist. They truly released their inner rock demons during Carrier and Metropolis. This reviewer highly suggests catching this band in 2010 at a venue near you. For more information, visit Arma at www.armamusic.com or www.myspace.com/armamusic.

Made Avail was one of the few bands SouthSide has tried to review all year but couldn't due to scheduling conflicts. Well, not tonight. She finally had the chance at the Double Door. Though having more of a pop/alternative sound than the others before them, this reviewer was shocked to hear some unexpected screamin' angst from them in a couple of songs. It would be no use to group this band into a single genre when they incorporate a solid mix within their music. Yet, SouthSide had a distinct feeling that something was terribly wrong with Made Avail's performance. One noticeable thing was the high falsetto vocals during one song was done too quietly to be heard where this reviewer was standing. The audience was another factor hindering a favorable response for this local band. At times they (the audience) seemed non-exsistent and quite unresponsive. Other times, the response was lukewarm and at one point, cold ...not a sound of anyone clapping. Dead silence from an audience can kill any band's performance causing them to end it rather quickly like Made Avail. SouthSide didn't know they were finished with their set until the stage lights were turned on. She's not saying they didn't have a good performance however she's saying it was more geared for the younger crowd set than the adult rockers. This reviewer does suggest checking out this band for its energetic variety of the pop/alternative sound. For more information, visit Made Avail at www.madeavail.com or www.myspace.com/madeavail.

Closing out tonight's lineup was another proud CNM member, EchoSon. This rockin' band literally pumped life back into the Double Door with its hardcore guitar sound. Yes, blogspot readers, they once again rocked out the venue especially during Black For Gold. SouthSide found it difficult to rock and write at the same time with this band - the music was too good not to busy herself with notes. However, fans should check out Echo's song, Gone Again, if you want to hear angst behind the soft guitar rhythms. Check out the ballad, Song For You however during Wash You Away, Echo really turned up the guitar sound blasting away eardrums. SouthSide enjoyed the new song, Floyd Jam, for its subtle experimental sound off the bass. And judging by the audience response, this song's about to be another rockin' hit for this band. This reviewer hightly suggests checking out this band in 2010. For more information, visit EchoSon at www.echosonband.com or www.myspace.com/echosonband.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

4 Dec 09

...tonight, we're going to be channeling a lot of the 80s... - The Real Jane Martin

Hey, blogspot readers, it's an extra special night for SouthSide. She's celebrating her one hundredth and one hundredth first local shows of the year! WOW - it has been one very busy year for this reviewer. And what better place to celebrate this milestone was at the Elbo Room. This popular Lakeview venue had two floors for the regular Friday night crowd to hear great live music. The upstairs bar featured an acoustic performance by SouthSide's good friends known as The Real Jane Martin. Meanwhile, the downstairs lounge featured a rockin' lineup of performances by Room 11, Merlin, and Matt Dragstrem with a unique acoustic set by Lophophora. This venue is always looking for acoustic acts to perform in the upstairs bar area during certain nights of the week. For more information, email Brian Bender (Elbo Room's talent buyer as well as sound guy) at brian@elboroomchicago.com for details.

The upstairs audience enjoyed a lively acoustic performance by the duo known as The Real Jane Martin. The set consisted an array of originals off their Simple Math CD and a variety of cover songs from the 80s and 90s. Fans will enjoy TRJM's whimsical songwriting skills. Anyone with an E-lettered name should check out their collection of songs beginning with that special letter. She highly suggests All About Eve in which the guy falls in love with a lesbian however she wants to remain friends. This could have been a song about the frustration felt for loving a woman who's only interested in other women, blogspot readers. Yet it's a funny tune about the guy wishing he was a lesbian to join in the fun with this woman. There are other whimsical songs like that example found in Gravity (scientific references and love within a ballad) or Work In Progress (a new song about a relationship being a work in progress). SouthSide also suggests fans new to TRJM to introduce themselves to Manhattan. It's an excellent example of the duo's unique writing style ...storytelling laced with narrative descriptions or funny observations of life.

This reviewer also enjoyed TRJM's renditions of Til Tuesday's Voices Carry in which she felt the anguish and frustration told from Allen's pov. Other cover hits during the first half of the set included Eye of the Tiger and Madonna's Crazy for You. Now channeling that inner Britney (Spears) for Oops, I Did It Again was a little too much for SouthSide. Yet she liked their version since it was performed with in a less sexual tone but more emotion from a male perspective. TRJM's performance was fun however it was time for this reviewer to catch the action downstairs. For more information about The Real Jane Martin, visit www.realjane.com or www.myspace.com/realjane.

Downstairs, the crowd was already rockin' to a wicked psychedelic/experimental performance by Merlin. SouthSide was completely floored by the mix of genres (from reggae/ska to metal for some screamin' angst) tossed within their music. Look for a full review on this band soon however in the meantime, check out songs like Killin Zombies and Green Squall which rocked out the close of their set. For more information, visit these wizards of the experimental sound at www.merlinband.com or www.myspace.com/merlinband1.

...zombies love this kind of music... ~ Zombies in the audience

Though having recently seen them rock the Double Door stage, this reviewer had to review Lophophora again. It was a unique but interesting experience to witness a much calmer side to this band. For the first half, the guys took the intensity out of their rock sound trading it for something more alternative and performed a semi-acoustic set. Another interesting fact about their set - all songs performed tonight were brand spanking new (except for one). This move took SouthSide by surprise. She had her doubts about them pulling this off. In the end, Lophophora proved her wrong. Now, this reviewer had a difficult task wondering which side she enjoyed the most. After opening with Maybe Girl, it was amazing to see how "calm" Todd (the band's troublemaker front man) could be in an acoustic setting. Despite being well behaved, the low key tone of their music truly brought out the emotions in his vocals. Whew - it was a sight to behold especially during the song, Beautiful. This reviewer was expecting to see tears flowing from his eyes at the end of the song. Want to hear more of his emotional side, then check out Sakina and Freeway Mind.

SouthSide highly recommends catching Lophophora as an acoustic act - not saying she didn't enjoy their intense electric side any less. However after witnessing the lophophorisity (patent pending) of emotion and passion that rocked the stage, she still cannot decide which side of the band to like better. Lophophora in the second half still gave the audience an intense rock show. This was when the wild side to Todd's and the band's inner demons were finally released to the world. There was angst (Brother), punk with a The Clash sound (Two Birds) and guitar rock with a bang (Crecendo). Get to know the two sides of Lophophora at their next performance. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/lophophoramusic.

...I guess she told you... ~ Room 11

Now it was time for the Elbo Room to get funkified with Room 11! Though a long time between reviews, this band still knew how to totally rock an audience with a combination of funk, rock and lots of soul. Performing under a lively fusion like that, Big Ced and the band were ready to kick it up to the next level all night long. And that's what this audience came for. SouthSide highly suggests listening to Dip Wit' Me for its funky rhythms and tempo. Fans rocked the floor during the lively jam session that came at the middle of the song. Then Room 11 showed its sizzlin' hot and slow tempo side of funk and R&B when performing Let's Ride. Yet this band did appeal to SouthSide's inner rock chick. Cosmic Slop lit up the basement lounge with excitement bridging the gap between most of its audience. This music certainly had Todd (of Lophophora) and others from tonight's lineup rocking out to Room 11's sound. The funk was really let loose during Funk-E-Muzik in which Ced was the wizard of the guitar funk rhythms.

Besides wowing the audience with its funk/rock combination, SouthSide also heard some social messages within their music. The Soul Sisters (Allegra and Dolores) truly laid into some of that sista divatude during certain songs like Mundane Monday and Social Suicide. Dolores really let out her angst and frustrations when performing G.O.M.F. (Get Out My Face). This song was dedicated to those who totally piss you off ...people who like to test and micromanage your nerves. Everyone could relate to the sentiments felt from the lyrics. Then it was time to Face It (Room 11's new song) for the new year, blogspot readers, and rock to the funk fusion with this band. Room 11 will have you catching their Rock Fever of R&B/soul sound with a rockin' twist. For more information, visit www.roomoneone.com or www.myspace.com/roomoneone.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide.

3 Dec 09

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's trapped behind enemy lines. However don't fret, she's among old friends. Tonight's adventure took her behind the famous Wrigley Field bleachers to a popular bar appropriately named Murphy's Bleachers. This quaint neighborhood spot was holding its weekly open mic session in which good friend, Nate (of Bona Verba) was the opening act.

SouthSide has always enjoyed his performances whether it's an intimate acoustic setting or with the entire band. Yet, this reviewer found herself likeing this set better. He performed his with lots of passion and soul ...and this is where his vocals truly shine as a singer/songwriter. He wowed the audience with various styles of guitar rhythms that sometimes crossed genres or gradually merged from one into another within the same song. For example, Nate's opening song, April Fifth, had a trippy psychedelic intro while the second one had a metal guitar rock sound. There was a moment when we heard a touch of grunge which was full as angst and frustration. SouthSide liked Nate's alternative sound in Amy Ireland consisting of rhythms weaved in and out within different melodies.

Sadly this was way too short for this reviewer and audience. It was merely a sample of Nate's music and vocal performance though it wasn't your typical acoustic setting since it had more of an electric sound. The audience not only heard the passion in the vocals but also off the guitar. At times, this reviewer found herself lost in the music thand the lyrics savoring the rhythmic waves ...never hearing the same notes twice. SouthSide highly suggests getting to know this artist whether as a solo performer or with the band, Bona Verba. For more information, visit Nate at www.bonaverba.org or www.myspace.com/wordsofagoodman.

Until next time, support your local music scene,
SouthSide

30 Nov 09

...cociane is for rich people... - Division and Honore

Warning: parts of this review might offend some readers due to the sexual reference and content

Hey, blogspot readers, the moon's full and there's more than lycans and vampires roaming the street tonight in Chicago. SouthSide found zaniness and looniness running amuck at the Elbo Room. The lineup featured an interesting combination of music, funnies and adult content that would make your knickers blush red. Fans had plenty of laughs and rockin' fun from performances by Division and Honore, Your Little Ponies, and Strange Ranger.

Billed as the Nineth Wonder of the World, this one-man show had the audience laughing in stitches to his whimsical song titles and comedic flare. Division and Honore's no stranger to SouthSide review notes. She has met this funny, satirical comedian/musician on a hot summer night at Silvie's a couple of years ago. Now back at the Elbo Room, this performance featured danceable funky beats and humorous lyrics which sometimes poked fun at himself. For example, the set opened with him rapping historical facts about William Howard Taft, the 27th U.S. President. Then he informed us about truth, justice and the American way in Law and Order. Yes, he even turned that signature Law & Order gavel sound fx into a haunting beat. SouthSide cannot wait for his satirical rap about President Obama if he should ever do one some day. During Division's shows, audience participation is a must if you want to join in the fun. Don't worry if you don't know the words to his songs ...he does post some of the lyrics on a video screen for you. This reviewer enjoyed watching the random images (mostly of himself) from Rocky III (though not really a big Rocky fan like him) and Golden Girls (which was used as his finale song). She recommends checking out his song, El Matador. Besides having a funky James Bond 007 movie theme feel at the beginning, fans liked the lively trumpet rhythms turning the song into a modern jazz/latin melody. There were plenty of laughs during one song about being a male receptionist (are there really male receptionists out there?) with its 80s hardcore hair-guitar rock sound. SouthSide highly suggests attending this local funnyman's next show. For more information about Division and Honore, visit him at www.dadclassic.com or www.myspace.com/divisionandhonore.

This next band should come with its own warning label for explicit behavior and language before, during and after the show. It's merely a nice compliment when SouthSide bills Your Little Ponies as the Raunchiest Band in the local scene. She has met other in her many adventures however none has compared to this band and its performances. Now this reviewer must warn you, blogspot readers, that their lyrics can be rude and quite crude ...sometimes very offensive to the ears. Think being stuck in the male locker room listening in what men gossip about their one-night stands. That description clearly states what YLP's all about. New listeners to their rock alternative music quickly learn they don't hold anything back when it comes to subject matter. Nothing's taboo with these guys ...sex's not a dirty word to them either. For example, some might find their usuage of the F-word during the F-Bomb song to be a bit too much on the ears. Or listening to One Finger might make some prudish Janes blush hard from embarassment. Just watching them perform on stage and you might get the feeling sex and other subjects like self-mastrubation was all they sing about. And you would be partly correct. Though most of their lyrics are sexually suggestive and explicit, it's guaranteed you'll be laughing than blushing over the content. YLP simply reveal what we try to hide from the rest of the world ....showing that all of us deep inside are horny as a toad, love being naughty in the sack, and enjoy a good lip smackin' cream wiches (listen to their Vagina Sandwich song to get the hint). Just for the record, SouthSide's a "good" girl. Besides the filthy talk about sex and other things in between, the band also provided a couple of psa's for the audience to follow. They reminded everyone to beware of vampires roaming the Lakeview neighborhood to staying late (at the show) if you want to get laid. Well, actually that's a true statement to live by, blogspot readers. Whew *fans self* ...all this naughty bedroom talk has made SouthSide hot again. If you want to join in the naughtiness about sex and other taboo things, she highly suggests checking out Your Little Ponies. It'll be orgasmic fun for your ears. For more information, visit them at www.yourlittleponies.com or www.myspace.com/yourlittleponies.

Closing out this lineup of zany comedic performances was a lively set by Strange Ranger. Known as the party squad, this group of talented musicians used percussion rhythms, pre-recorded beats and random images (i.e. scenes from They Live and original Star Trek series) for their show. SouthSide enjoyed the weird but funny combination in which both music and pictures had on the senses. Yet there times when the images had a hypnotic effect on the eyes during certain songs like Jose Canseco. It'll be hard to describe what zany antics that occurred on stage without spoiling a few surprises here and there by Ranger. So it's highly suggested, blogspot readers, that you see this fun group yourselves. SouthSide does recommend listening to their Gregorian chant-like mantra titled Jose Canseco. Think of obsessed baseball fan when hearing the creepy three-part harmony repeating this famous ball player's name. Or check out Ranger's new song, Fez, in which the trio dons the fez hats and pretend to be driving in their Shriner's mini cars. It would have worked better if they did have a mini car to drive around the basement lounge. SouthSide enjoyed the Spanish ditty called Golden Sombero that had a sultry Latin rhythm to get your hips swaying to the music. The guys did provide plenty of sexiness to the stage when they performed a Give Me a Dollar stripper show to Prince-like music. *fans self again* Yes, it was that hot again as Ranger pranced and danced begging for that dollar ...they even promised to undress you for only a dollar. SouthSide might take them up on that offer next time. Ending the night with Booty Hump, do expect mad insanity to ensue when hearing the Benny Hill theme song during the middle of the song. It's a madhouse ...a madhouse of wild antics all over the lounge! Hey, no pinching SouthSide's booty either! For more information, visit Strange Ranger at www.myspace.com/5trangeranger.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide