Nneka has long been one of our favorite soulstresses of recent years. She injects each of her songs with the same passion you’d hear in a classic Aretha, Mary J., or Nina joint (that’s Simone, in case if ya didn’t know!) … aka she’s a voice to be reckoned with. Her new album, Soul Is Heavy, drops at the end of next month on Decon and coming from someone who’s heard it - you’ll want to check it out. While you wait for our proper review of the album, here’s a free mp3 to download of a remix by Coki of Digital Mystikz. ”My Home” is one of my favorite tracks on the new record and this remix does it justice and maybe, just maybe, makes it just a little better. -Neil Miller, Jr.
“Everytime I see Justin Timberlake with glasses I’m like- I bet you a thousand dollars he doesn’t have a prescription for those … I don’t have a choice! I was born with this forehead man!”
Chicago’s Only Children will release “Be The One” digitally on January 31, 2012 via their recently launched imprint, Nuclear Family. The first in a series of monthly released singles, “Be The One” finds Only Children revisiting the sounds of their early disco edits/remixes and focusing on the essence of the groove. Drawing on late 70s boogie and early 80s robofunk, the series of singles distill these influences into minimal, hypnotic house and funk. Stream/listen to the song below!
Want some more disco/funk goodness? Dino Soccio from Only Children recently released a mixtape for free download on his own Soundcloud page. Listen and download below!
I’ve always loved the Arts & Crafts label … talk about a diverse roster, they only push that reputation forward with the soon-to-be-released album from Trust, conveniently titled TRST. This duo work a sound that’s heavy on gothy synths and disconnected vocals while meshing it all together into something slightly poppy but definitely genuine. They’ve just dropped a new track from the new album, titled “Sulk,” and you can purchase it on iTunes as well. They also announced a few US tour dates in NY on March 8th and 9th in advance of SXSW, but nothing Midwestern yet. -Neil Miller, Jr.
Canada’s Elliott Brood descend upon Chicago Feb 24th!
While the alt-country genre is one I rarely frequent through my music listening habits, I’ve found something strikingly unique and undoubtedly fun about Canada’s own Elliott Brood. Let’s set aside the Paper Bag label they call home (also home to Austra, Young Galaxy, and You Say Party), and save for the fact that Canada has given us some consistently good music over the years. This trio is bringing something fresh to the table - mostly through their live show.
Granted that I have heard their album, Days Into Years, and it features some of the crispest production and vocal layering I’ve heard on an album like this in quite some time - seriously, Coldplay, Neil Young, and even Paul McCartney alike would be jealous of the heights these guys achieve. But after watching the attached KEXP video of them performing in Seattle, the command they have over the audience transcended the limits of the Youtube medium and actually had me clapping and singing along (luckily, no one was around for this).
So do yourself a favor and go check these guys out at Schuba’s on February 24th. If you’re strapped for cash and really want to head out to this show, we have one pair to give away to one poor, lucky s.o.b. All you have to do is e-mail me at neil@urchicago.com with the subject line “I WANT ELLIOTT BROOD TIX” and tell me why you should go. The winner will be announced on February 17th. So get to it! -Neil Miller, Jr.
Hometown favorite Gemini Club hasn’t played a live show in Chicago since (insert Darth Vader breathing) North Coast Music Festival… until now. Tonight, Gemini Club will be headlining at the Double Door with support from Team Bayside High, Ghosthouse, and Boutros. Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details.
The band is gearing up for a big 2012 with the release of their EP Here We Sit and being part of the official SXSW Artist Roster. Check out their track “Ghost” below and come by Double Door if you like what you hear!
Here’s a pretty song with some fun muppet action to boot! The Spring Standards are set to release a full length album later this year, so stay tuned and enjoy this video in the meantime!
WIN TIX: Sebastian Ingrosso & Porter Robinson @ Congress Theater
And with one giveaway closed, another one begins! This time, we’ve got two pairs of tickets for - wait for it - Sebastian Ingrosso and OWSLA’s shining star, Porter Robinson, at the Congress Theater on February 25th! In case if you’re totally oblivious to who Sebastian Ingrosso may be, well, I’m sure you’ve heard of Swedish House Mafia of which Sebastian is one-third. But of course, like the other two dudes in SHM, he’s a well known producer/DJ in his own right. And in case if you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, Porter Robinson is becoming quite the household name these days through his output on Skrillex’s OWSLA label and various remixes here and there. This is sure to be a night full of the best of the best in electronic music.
So all you have to do is e-mail submit@urchicago.com with the subject line “Win Sebastian Ingrosso Tix!!” and tell us why we should pick you to go to the show. Winners will be announced on Monday, February 20th. For those who don’t want to wait, you can also purchase tickets by clicking the flyer or clicking this link here. Tickets are going fast though, so best get on it! -Neil Miller, Jr.
