I had a week, at the end of May, where I scheduled myself to go to six gigs. Yeah, that was both exciting and scary and, it turns out, un-do-able. The end result was: one gig I went to on the wrong night and got lost-missing it, one night I had to make a Sophie’s choice and think I picked the right one, one night I drove 3 hours to see The Hazards of Love performed live and I’ll never forget it, and by Sunday I came down with the worst cold/flu thing that I was grounded for the entire next week. Thank god I don’t drink anymore; I can’t imagine how all of you do it… going out, staying up late, throwing back a few beers, and then going to work in the morning? Ugh.

One other unfortunate end result was that I neglected to write up a review of three bands that I loved seeing. Three local bands that I support and can’t say enough good things about. I am a terrible blogger. I beg forgiveness. Darlings, here you go…. xoxo

My Gold Mask is a duo from right here in Chicago, whom I’ve written about before over here. But damn, I can’t stop going to their shows! Every time they play they blow me away and this last time, opening for Dent May at Schubas, they were especially good. Showcasing three or four new songs, Gretta and Jack really fired up the audience and I don’t think the soundman knew what he was in for; they’re intense! I can’t really categorize this music, it’s like they say, melodramatic, minimalist, … Sheena Beaston described them as Art-nouveau. They just really spark my appetite for the kind or raw energy that melodic punk music gives without so much noise. No offense to Dent May, but after this performance, I really wasn’t in the mood for his fine ukelele playing and sweetly sarcastic songs. It was a fine night at the bar of shooting the shit about music and songwriting (Gretta and Jack start with a melody and add words) and telling crazy, made up stories about past girlfriends (ok, well that was maybe just me, but it was fun!). I love those kind of nights! The audio on the YouTube vid below isn’t that great but it shows a little of how they are on stage, and you really should see them live. But do listen to “Bitches” to hear how beautiful they are together. Jack’s guitar just kills me, seriously.

Go hear them live at Sub-T on June 30, and buy their album here

Jonny Rumble is one of those bands I’ve been chasing around and missing show after show for one good reason or another. Well I finally got to see them about a month ago and then again two weeks ago, that ecstatic week of gigs. I’m completely addicted to their single, “Courtney’s Basement” as well as ”To Foolishness” and again, hearing them live is proof positive that this band knows what they’re about. They opened for Skybox, (see below), on a Saturday night, and I can tell you, this a band you can call at the last minute and know they can be ready to rock!

You can download Jonny Rumble’s songs here for yourself. They’re working on a new album, right now, as we speak!

Go hear Jonny Rumble:
Jun 13 2009 …10:00P …. Volcan Gallery Chicago, Illinois
Jul 10 2009 … 9:00P … SUBTERRANEAN (OPPORTUNITY SINGLE) CD RELEASE … Chicago, Illinois
Jul 18 2009 … 9:00P … Mickey’s Tavern … Madison, Wisconsin

Jonny Rumble – Out To Get You

Skybox is just a fucking crazy assortment of amazingly talented guys who are moving right along at a rather amazing clip. Ready to release their sophomore album, Morning After Cuts, Skybox is super stoked to announce that they are also playing at the World’s Largest Block Party and opening for Ben Folds. Wow! That’s kinda cool.

When I heard them at the Sub-T, they gave a great show and had all the cute girls dancing up front which is always a good sign for any band of young guys.  “In A Dream” is a gorgeous pop song, so gorgeous in fact that itunes used it in one of their ads. Their unique blend of indie pop brings unexpected surges of noise tempered by really catchy melodies which reel the whole mad, flying mess back in just in time. I have to admit that I tried really hard to not like this band. I’m a crudmudgeon when it comes to indie pop and especially in such a pretty package as Skybox presents. But I was captivated by the total lack of self-importance and complete focus on making really quality music that was also truly fun to perform and hear. These guys are smarter than they look, so shame on me in the end! Hear it for yourself, I dare you to not like it.