For a long time, local band Plane seemed terrified of any sort of classification. They moved from simple pop, to noise rock, to meandering sonic experimentation, and back. But while their albums seemed slightly fractured, their live sets always maintained a common thread, and often betrayed just where frontman Edgars Legzdins' head was at, at least for that evening. On the flip side, we have Office, long headed by Scott Masson with a rotating cast... more ›

Freezing cold? Check. Snowstorm on its way? Check. Another week of great music in Chicago despite (or "to spite") the weather? Check. We're not going to employ any lame Valentine's Day digs or puns. It's Wednesday. Who cares? OK, that was a dig. Anyway, Flosstradamus is one of our favorite DJ teams around, anywhere, right now. Their files may be digital, but the beats they throw down are organic as hell. Their sets literally mash... more ›

The advent of the New Year ought to bring with it joy and hope. But fans of live music know that January 1 often brings nothing but doldrums thanks to cold winter temps that discourage even the heartiest of bands from touring. So this week is as good as any to get caught up on some local “comfort food” that might get passed over in warmer weeks. Neither Lacona or Driftless Pony Club seems to... more ›

We all have songs associated with certain times in our lives. The perfect road trip, the prom, our first love … sometimes these are songs that are unavoidable on the radio or television and end up by sheer repetition associating themselves with our lives. We’re looking at you, Pussy Cat Dolls. Could we ever forget that excruciatingly, horrible summer of 1996 and the Macarena craze? Or how “Don’t Stop Believing” became synonymous with the White... more ›

It’s no secret that sometimes Chicagoist likes to cut loose and dance up a storm. But finding a nightspot where we can unleash our dance moves is tricky. We just can’t deal with the club scene: cover charges, high-priced drinks, the flashy outfits – no thanks. So, what are we to do? Why, create our own dance floor, of course. Rodan (1530 N Milwaukee) has been a longtime spot on Chicagoist's barhopping circuit, but we... more ›

Interviews: Hard-Fi and The Redwalls more ›