Saturday Slumgullion

The December issue of the Illinois Entertainer, with The Smashing Pumpkins on the cover, is now up on the publication’s website. It also features Tom Lanham’s interview with Don McLean; Lori Vernon’s preview of Wonder Woman 1984; album reviews of 50th Anniversary editions from Paul McCartney and Creedence Clearwater Revival; and Steel Wheels Live by The Rolling Stones.

That issue of the Illinois Entertainer also mentions some recent or soon-to-be released high-profile albums. Kicking things off is No Fun Mondays, the collection of cover songs Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day recorded during the pandemic. Tracks include “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tommy James And The Shondells; “Manic Monday” by The Bangles; “That Thing You Do” by The Wonders; “Kids In America” by Kim Wilde; “Gimme Some Truth” by John Lennon; and “Police On My Back” by The Equals. The White Stripes Greatest Hits is now available; as is the Joan Of Arc finale Tim Melina Theo Bobby. December 11 will see the release of the double live album What To Look For In Summer by Belle and Sebastian; Styles We Paid For by Guided By Voices; and McCartney III by Paul McCartney.

Like many music venues caught up in this COVID-19 crisis, Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights is searching for ways to bring in money while being temporarily closed. In addition to merchandise and gift cards that can be redeemed later, Hey Nonny is asking frequent customers to become official members. For an annual fee of $100, those who sign up get a Nonny Club t-shirt designed by critically acclaimed musician/artist Jon Langford, first crack at tickets, invitations to members-only events, and free admission to a few shows. Considering that Hey Nonny has booked some of the Chicago area’s best local acts (Jon Langford, The Bad Examples, The 45, EXPO ’76, Tommi Zender, Amazing Heeby Jeebies, Spies Who Surf, Dag Juhlin, Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen, Rachel Drew, etc.), I was happy to become a member.

Be sure to check in with your favorite club and see what you can do to help out. For example, Hideout Inn, one of Chicago’s best-known music venues, is raising funds by selling ornaments, t-shirts and a 25th Anniversary Calendar featuring artists Kathleen Judge, Steve Walters, Jay Ryan, Jon Langford Dan Black, Alana Bailey, and others.

Episode Two of the CIVLIZATION streaming series took place last night, featuring Wild Earp and The Free For Alls, Frank Catalano, and Talsounds. In addition to giving music fans the opportunity to enjoy shows, the series aims to cast a spotlight on the CIVL Emergency Relief Fund. Working in conjunction with the Giving Back Fund, CIVL supports Chicago artists and venues. Donations are being accepted at the CIVL website.

Chicago Cubs announcer Len Kasper has decided to quit after 16 years and move across town to cover White Sox games. Kasper, an accomplished musician who’s performed at the annual Hot Stove Cool Music fundraising event, also announced he’s leaving his band The 45 and joining Sunshine Boys. I made up that part about switching bands.

BBC Radio 4 will be celebrating the life and work of Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and Rutles musican/Monty Python collaborator Neil Innes throughout December. The Monty Python Official Instagram page promises there will be new and archival interviews with Python members. One of my many fond memories of attending The Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago was meeting Neil Innes and getting his autograph. After I told him I performed with a local comedy group, he replied, “Good luck with your comedy. Put a smile on the world’s face.”

WXRT DJ Richard Milne mentioned on his morning show yesterday that the station will mark its 50th Anniversary two years from now. As he thanked listeners for their loyalty throughout that span, I thought about how long I’ve been listening, and it’s pretty close to 50 years. Amazing to think it’s been that long. I remember when WXRT was only on from midnight to dawn. On this morning’s edition of Saturday Morning Flashback, WXRT DJ Frank E. Lee was playing tunes from 1984 and recalling his days of spinning vinyl at the Erik The Red’s bar and shopping at the Wax Trax record store.

Sandra-Lee Phipps, a photographer R.E.M. describes as “our good friend since the dawn of time,” is currently having her annual print sale. Large custom-printed editions of her photos of the band in its early days are $450 after a $50 discount, and small prints are $250 after a $50 discount. For each print sold before December 7, $10 will be donated to Fair Fight Georgia, an organization devote to ensuring honest election standards in the state.

 

Seeing the recent announcement that Record Store Day 2021 will be held on June 12 fills me with happy images of a time when, freed from the restrictions/afflictions of COVID-19, we’ll be standing outside our favorite record stores on a bright summer morning waiting to purchase vinyl treasures. Later in the day, some record stores will have live performers and we’ll watch those shows together, catching up with old friends between sets. Will it all be possible by then? I’m afraid to guarantee it. Maybe if in the meantime we follow the rules — wear masks, social distance and get the vaccine once it’s approved. Stay safe, healthy and sane, everyone.