Incoming

Hey La, Hey La, Our Best Friend’s Back. WXRT radio personality Lin Brehmer will return to the airwaves next Monday, November 28, according to an announcement made this morning by the station’s morning DJ Marty Lennartz. The good news was also shared on WXRT’s social media. Brehmer, who aspires to be every listener’s “Best Friend In The Whole World,” has developed a loyal following over several years in Chicago. He’s been on leave since mid-July while undergoing chemotherapy. The treatment is still in progress, but according to WXRT, Brehmer feels well enough to do a 10:00 am to 1:00 pm weekday shift.

Following up on last Friday’s post about CSNY - Love The One You’re With, the 272-page hardbound book coming next year from the U.K.-based Genesis Publications, there are now two versions to choose from. The Deluxe Copy has a £495 pre-order price tag, while The Collector Copy goes for £295 pounds. Both versions feature the amazing photography of Henry Diltz, and are available now for pre-order.

Shiny Happy People, a new children’s picture book that matches the lyrics from that peppy R.E.M. song with illustrations by Paul Hoppe, is now available online and in bookstores.

The Bad Examples will be performing a multitude of catchy and clever songs when they return to Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights this Friday night. I doubt I’m the only one who’s reminded of Squeeze when I hear lead vocalist/chief songwriter Ralph Covert’s well-crafted material. My family always celebrates Thanksgiving on Friday, so unfortunately I’ll be over the river and through the woods in a south suburb that night. Fiona Grey will be opening act, performing at 7:30.

The Facebook page for The Old 97’s recently featured a photo of the band dressed in space alien costumes for their role in The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special. The post has a link to journalist Brian Davids’ interview with Guardians filmmaker James Gunn in The Hollywood Reporter. Gunn described enlisting vocalist Rhett Butler from his favorite rock group The Old 97’s to help write a song called “I Don’t Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here).” The partnership worked so well, Gunn suggested the entire band play a small role in the special. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special premieres Nov. 25th, on Disney+.