The Format's Nate Ruess, Anathallo's Andrew Dost, and Steel Train's Jack Antonoff make up the core of new "super"-group fun., but we're told the auxiliary line-up fluctuates from show to show. We were just sent an MP3 of a jaunty tune off their forthcoming full length and just had to share it with you. more ›

Dealing with the death of a pet is never easy, but it can be especially crushing for children, since it's probably their first experience with death. more ›

As we reported the other day, the rumored switch from talk/classic rock to Spanish language programming would mean that some of WCKG's (105.9 FM) top programming needs a new home. more ›

When Magdalena Abakanowicz brought her headless statues to Grant Park in November, she was trying to make a statement. Whether that statement is about individuality or lack thereof, about such familiar things as our own bodies that can be blown up and rendered monstrosities, or about interacting with the unknown ... well, that's for artists and critics to debate. What she probably didn't intend was for her works of art to become makeshift urinals for Chicago's dog population. more ›

Though our Christmas holiday was lovely enough (thanks for asking), the death of James Brown cast a pall over its early morning hours. He was a conflicted man with his share of personal and legal troubles, but in a genre that too often fails to recognize those who paved the way, James Brown’s influence over hip-hop may still be underrated, despite all his renown. The AP story on Brown’s passing is poorly written and researched,... more ›

For the first time in 21 years, Dick Biondi is not being heard over Chicago’s radio airwaves, a victim of the “try anything once” style of radio management that’s sweeping the country. more ›

">CPR will split its public affairs and music programming into two separate stations. WBEW-FM (89.5) and WBEQ-FM (90.7) will run 24 hours of music (jazz, blues, bluegrass, folk and others) and WBEZ-FM (91.5) will run public affairs programming around the clock. WBEZ currently runs approximately 16 hours of news, talk, arts and culture and 8 hours of music (mostly jazz). The FCC has approved increasing WBEW's power by 50,000 watts to expand its coverage of the Chicago area. According to President and General Manager of Chicago Public Radio Torey Malatia, the cost of the expansion is won't be difficult because of existing infrastructure and staff and the plan will be implemented within 18 months. Both stations will be available over the Internet. more ›

Gross. So effing gross, holy shit. Alan Keyes's sweat-soaked napkin (we're actually considering barfing right now) isn't cheap�it's already up to $465. Damn, Republicans and sweat fetishists have a lot of cash to burn. That's Gerry McGlothlin at the right (and probably on the right, snap!), who told the Trib "he wiped the sweat from Keyes' brow with a napkin so he would look better for TV news cameras." Um, McGlothlin wiped Keyes's brow for him? And kept the napkin? Somebody's got a crush! more ›