In 2008 we managed to get our hands on a seven-inch that instantly transported us back to a time when MTV actually played music videos and Alternative Nation rocked its airwaves every Sunday night. Being that we are suckers for nostalgia and all things '90s, UK natives,The Joy Formidable, and their irrepressibly energetic single Austere instantly charmed us and began making its way to the office turntable pretty regularly. We anxiously awaited more from these sprightly pop-sters and a year later the EP, A Balloon Called Moaning, arrived stateside from their native isle of Whales. Filled with crunchy UK alterna-anthems, this EP is meant to be played so loud it your neighbors will come a knocking. more ›

Women with guitars are hot. See Lita Ford, Joan Jett and Heart's Nancy Wilson as Exhibits A, B, and C. more ›

Um, we're going out on a limb and saying "Yeah!" On May 17th ethel's chocolate is celebrating both its two-year Chicago anniversary and its recent "City's Best Chocolate" award from AOL cityguide by giving away 10,000 boxes of chocolate at all ten of its aera locations (find the closest one to you by clicking here). more ›

This weekend is really just too jam-packed with music we want to check out. We mean, WAY too jam-packed. We’ve already mentioned Veruca Salt tonight, but that’s sort of a high-profile show that most folks probably already know about. There are a couple bands coming through town this weekend that you’ve a) probably never heard of and b) are well worth your time. more ›

It’s easy to knock Veruca Salt. Only one of the founding members remains in the band. The group has gone through more line-up changes than the touring production of Cats. Once fame and fortune hit, they headed for the coast to live up the rock and/or roll lifestyle. The band’s last disc faltered under the weight of general debauchery and vitriol, leading many to question Louise Post’s ability to become the focal point and singular frontwoman. more ›

Dave Suh has been a staple of the local music scene for over the last decade. His first band, Emil Muzz, provided the city with future members of Light FM, Rockit Girl and Veruca Salt. Suh himself went on to join simultaneously join Caviar and Woolworthy and, later, The Drama. While he was a vital component of all those bands none allowed him the free control of sitting solo in the driver’s seat. So he... more ›

There are a few questions on our lazy, yet caffeinated, mind this morning. Why is tonight’s Ted Leo show at Logan Square Auditorium NOT sold out? It seems like everyone we’ve talked to recently has said they’re planning on going and yet tickets still remain. Has he fallen off? Did we miss a Rock Snob memo? Someone please explain this contradiction! If this announcement leads to a run on tickets then we’ll be just as... more ›

Once upon a time Chicago was known as a city of bands unafraid to add a little grandiose spectacle to its rock and/or roll shows. Then we got over Styx, thank god. But in the Eighties there was a definite resurgence of groups (i.e. that whole Wax Trax contingent) combining instruments, computers and stage extravaganzas to accomplish something more human and interactive than your typical concert experience. more ›