I Got Love for You…

There looks to be a new Scottish sensation and according to him, he invented disco, even though he was born in the 80’s. Calvin Harris, who seems to be a fan of Michael Jackson, disco, and house music has created ‘Acceptable in the 80’s’, which to me, is an excellent pop gem that thumps from start to finish. The Internet likes to compare him to Hot Chip and LCD Soundstem, and that is how I stumbled upon him. Wouldn’t you be curious to hear what someone with those comparisons sounds like?

Calvin Harris — ‘Acceptable in the 80’s’

Ass Shakin’ Competition Champ!

 

The Chicago Cubs are the 2007 National League Central Division Champs!  Bring it, October!

Steve Goodman :: Go Cubs Go!

Top 10 material?

Mesmerizing, definite top 10 material, excellent updated shoegaze were some of the many phrases/adjectives people were saying about UK mastermind James Chapman, a.k.a Maps before I gave his record, ‘We Can Create’ a spin. Man, was this ever something written for my tastes. All tracks are layered in heavy keyboard and synth sounds that create an atmospheric sound with Chapman’s lush vocals sounding so pristine over each layer of spacey goodness. Highly recommended. Give it another spin if you already have.

Maps :: So Low, So High

Maps :: Back + Forth

R.I.Y.L—National Skyline, ON, M83

Thriller In Manila

This video has been making the rounds for a bit, but I had to throw something fresh up here (no offense to Miss Nancy Whang).  Check it. 

Click here for the story behind the performance.
 

You Will Normalize / Don’t It Make You Feel Alive

Two-thirds of MiS will be out in Denver early next week to take in a couple shows at one of the most celebrated outdoor venues in the US.  The other third (me) will be stuck at work in Chicago.  Ain’t that some shit?

Jealousy aside, I have no other choice but to live vicariously through them as they experience the potent combination of LCD Soundsystem & Arcade Fire on Monday, and Muse on Tuesday. 

As the guys prepare for the show on Monday evening with a can of Sparks, I offer up this Soulwax remix as the appetizer to a fantastic night of live music.

Don’t forget to wear your helmets, gentlemen!

 LCD Soundsystem :: Get Innocuous (Soulwax Remix)

Circus!

I have been eagerly anticipating the Features show on Saturday at Double Door in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.  When we last saw the Features, they were opening consecutive nights for the Raconteurs at the Riveria over the New Year holiday.  Both nights were certainly memorable, but there was something missing from both performances.  Perhaps it had to do with the larger venue.  Or perhaps it was their status as opening band for a crowd unmistakingly there to ring in the New Year with the Racounters.  Nonetheless, I’m glad their back around again.  They are one of the most lively acts I’ve ever witnessed on stage, and I refuse to leave on Saturday night until my face is melted. 

Check out their myspace page for a couple of new songs, particularly “Late Night” which was included on a 7″ split with fellow Nashvillians, Slack.

“It takes a little commotion now, to get a rise out of you.”

The Features :: Official Site
The Features :: Myspace

LCD and Arcade Fire Make Me Walk on Sunshine!

As you know, LCD Soundsystem and Arcade Fire are touring together, and just today, I decided to join the mayhem out in Colorado. This show makes me think of nothing other than this song. Seriously, it’s that exciting!!

Drivin’ Herself Crazy Like the Astronaut Lady

Last weekend marked the unofficial end to the summer, so this song recommendation isn’t very timely.  I first heard this song when Common’s new album started receiving some hype in July.  The song is called ‘Drivin’ Me Wild’ from his latest release Finding Forever.  Common teamed up with fellow Chicagoan, Kayne West, who is credited with supplying the beat, and UK songstress, Lily Allen, whose chorus provides an infectious hook that will stay in your head for days.   The lyrical flow is vintage Common, with plenty of socially conscious and pop-culture references. 

Be on the treadmill, uh, like OK Go…

Common :: Drivin’ Me Wild (featuring Lily Allen)

Common :: Official Site
Common :: Myspace

Just in time for the weekend! Shake that!

You all know it’s dropping soon enough, but if you head on over to Spank Rock’s MySpace, ‘Shake That‘ from the upcoming EP is a free download for your upcoming weekend. Get on it!

Denver, the new Chicago?

Of course not, but something special is going on the same semester I drop the first version of my popular music studies course. And, don’t even question seeing Mandy Moore at a club down the street from my Journalism building. Mandy Moore!

Sept. 17 Arcade Fire/LCD Soundsystem                  Red Rocks (Besnard Lakes—Hi Dive)

Sept. 24 The New Pornographers                              Boulder Theatre

Sept. 28 – Metric                                                          Bluebird

Oct. 1 — Hot Hot Heat                                                 Gothic

Oct. 2 — Midlake                                                         Bluebird

Oct. 4 – Klaxons                                                           Fox

Oct. 5 – Mandy Moore                                               Fox

Oct. 19 – Rogue Wave                                                Bluebird

Nov. 1 – Broken Social Scene                                     Fox

Nov. 6 – Stars                                                              Gothic

Nov. 11 – The Hold Steady                                        Fox

 

Hmm…

Sept. 18 – Josh Rouse and Jason Collett or Muse (Dave?)

Bright Eyes? Rilo Kiley?

MON, OCT 22 Rooney w/ Polyphonic Spree and The Redwalls

and others….