Slumgullion

R.E.M. in their Chronic Town days.

R.E.M. will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the release of Chronic Town on August 19 by releasing its groundbreaking debut EP in CD, picture disc, cassette, and digital formats. A limited edition cassette player will also be available, along with t-shirts, hoodies, an enamel pin and a skateboard. I still remember the first time I heard “Wolves, Lower” on WXRT (played by either Rob Skafish or Johnny Mars) and being immediately hooked.

FitzGerald’s 37th American Music Festival is running through July 4 in Berwyn. Tomorrow’s schedule includes performances by Marshall Crenshaw; Lilly Hiatt; Chicago Soul Jazz Collective with Dee Alexander; and The Claudettes. Sunday’s lineup includes Ike Reilly Assassination; Lydia Loveless; and CJ Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band, and the final day, July 4th will offer Marcia Ball; Robbie Fulks; Joe Pug; Terrance Simien; and others.

Congratulations to Chicago’s indie label Pravda Records on celebrating its 38th Anniversary in style last weekend at Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie. I was there for the Saturday night bash, which featured top-notch performances by The Handcuffs, Diplomats Of Sound, The Service, and The Slugs. In addition to the great live music, there was an amazing atmosphere of camaraderie as so many people from Chicago’s music scene gathered together. I’m sure Friday night’s bash with sets by Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops, and Boom Hank was just as enjoyable.

Hot Stove Cool Music is taking place as I write this, at Metro on Clark, just down the street from Wrigley Field. The lineup features Mavis Staples; Juliana Hatfield; Ted Leo; Scott Lucas from Local H; Kay Hanley; baseball star/guitarist Bernie Williams; Gail Greenwood with broadcaster Peter Gammons; Will Dailey; Matt Spiegel; the Chicago and Boston Hot Stove All Stars; Red Sox organist Josh Kantor; and the Chicago Children’s Choir. WXRT air personality Lin Brehmer will once again serve as MC, along with Joel Murray. 100% of the proceeds will go to The Foundation To Be named Later College Scholarships.

The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club is having an album release party for its brand new Please Stand By at Reggies Music Joint tonight. It’s part of a three-act Power Pop Shoppe showcase that also includes The Unswept and Gal Gun. Reggies is located at 2105 S. State Street.

Tickets are now on sale for Alvvays and Slow Pulp at the Riviera Theatre on October 14 and Regina Spektor at Chicago Theatre on October 9. Alvvays is also slated to be part of the Chicago version of here and there, taking place at The Salt Shed on August 16. The concert is part of what’s being billed as “a touring festival curated by Courtney Barnett” and will also include Barnett and The Beths. The Salt Shed is one of Chicago’s newest venues; located at the old Morton Salt factory location at 1357 N. Elston Avenue.

As noted by drummer Brad Elvis in a recent Facebook post, his group The Handcuffs will be the official house band and backing band when Thanks, Doll: A Celebration Of Cynthia Plaster Caster takes place next Thursday, July 7 at Metro. The event will feature Jon Langford and Sally Timms from The Mekons and Waco Brothers; Chris Connelly from Ministry and Revolting Cocks; Suzi Gardner from L7; Bobby Conn; Martin Court from P.I.L; Tennis Court Oaths; and other acts.

The Black Excellence Music Expo, featuring Nola Ade, Naglaa; Timmy F., Jana Ghee, and Graphics. will take place at the Promontory on August 3.

The new version of “Baba O’Riley” recorded by Christy McWilson and The Picketts as part of the Women Sing The Who Bandcamp series has been picking up airplay on various indie rock stations. Downloading the track only costs a buck, and sales benefit The Who’s charitable organization Teen Cancer America.

The first annual Third Coast Surf Fest, a benefit for the Alliance for the Great Lakes, will take place at Waukegan Harbor on July 9. The event kicks off at 11:00 am and promises “summer and surf music all day.” Headline act, the extremely fun Los Straightjackets, will perform at 8:00 pm, and the other acts participating are Total Beaches, Outronaut, Tikis, The Breakers, The Moonrays, The Exotics. and Roger That. Tickets range from $25 to $35.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Phil Angotti’s excellent new album Once Around Again is now available to download on Bandcamp. I bought it on CD at his release party at Martyrs’ a while back, but also wanted it in digital form.

Ronnie Wood continues to share the joys of performing with The Rolling Stones via his amazing artwork. His latest piece, Stones Through The Ages, honors the band’s 60-year career, and depicts himself, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Mick Taylor. It’s available in limited edition, autographed and numbered prints. The large size is priced at $3675.00, and the medium size goes for $925.00.

The Spindles will go under covers next Sunday afternoon, July 10 when they perform as The Everly Lovers as part of the Orland Park Library’s Summer Concert Series. They’ll play an hour’s worth of Everly Brothers tunes, as well as hits by acts who were inspired by Phil and Don. The Chicago-based power pop band reverts back to its own identity for a Spindles gig at Danny’s On Douglas in Elgin.

In related news, a new album titled Hey Doll Baby, with 17 remastered Everly Brothers rarities, was released last week in CD, vinyl, and digital formats. Adria Petty, daughter of Tom Petty, chose the songs with help from Phil Everly’s widow Patti and his son Jason.

There will be a benefit for veteran Chicago jazz performer Judy Roberts, who’s been battling a rare blood cancer, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on July 26. Roberts and her husband, saxophonist Greg Fishman, are expected to be there, and they will be joined by musician friends Petra Van Nuis, Andy Brown, Russ Phillips, Jeannie Lamber and Nick Schneider.

 
Prince: The Immersive Experience, is now open at The Shops At North Bridge In Chicago on June 9. The official website promises 10 multidimensional spaces, and an opportunity to “step inside the iconic Purple Rain album cover.” A portion of the proceeds will benefit the After School Matters charity.

Steve Albini doesn’t think a five-card flush sucks. Congratulations to Steve Albini on winning the recent World Series Of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas. For those of us familiar with Albini’s work as a musician and producer of razor-edged alt rock and roll, it’s hard to imagine him sitting quietly with a poker face.