Halloween Song: “This Is Halloween”

And now, the final spooky song from the BHT haunted vault for the October 2025. Have a safe and wonderful Halloween.

Danny Elfman emerged as a spooky presence in the 1980s when he fronted Oingo Boingo on hit songs such as “Dead Man’s Party” (see my October 19 post) and “Stay.” His quirky energy and maniacal grin, along with that deep voice, made lines like “Leave your body and soul at the door” simultaneously threatening and fun. He moved on to writing scores for Tim Burton movies like Beetlejuice, Batman, Corpse Bride and Sleepy Hollow. His best work might have been for Burton's dual holiday feature The Nightmare Before Christmas, which gave us the angst-ridden and unforgettable hero Jack Skellington.

“This Is Halloween”, one of the many highlights from the soundtrack, ushers us into the holiday town via an ominous beat, full orchestra, and operatic choruses. Comic voices abound as several creepy residents introduce themselves: “I am the one hiding under your bed./Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red.” Elfman’s clever rhyming couplets and macabre humor make “This Is Halloween” an enduring classic.

With the holiday now upon us, homeowners across America await the arrival of trick-or-treaters. Depending on how authentic the kids’ costumes are, playing “This Is Halloween” could be the perfect soundtrack as they make their way up your front steps. Just be sure to dole out enough candy to keep them satisfied.

Halloween Song: Charming Disaster - “Disembodied Head”

Another post from the BHT haunted vault, the second tonight, following my Weekend Reminders post.

I discovered the Brooklyn-based, goth-folk duo Charming Disaster via a Facebook post promoting a four-act gig at Reggies Music Joint in Chicago in 2023. Considering the dark and catchy tunes such as “Monsters,” “Grimoire,” and “Bat Song” on their album Super Natural History, you’d feel lucky to have Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris show up at your Halloween party. And probably a little afraid.

On “Disembodied Head,” Bisker and Morris take a mad scientist movie cliché and explore how it would actually feel, using imagination and clever wordplay. “Wake one day and here you are/You’re just a brain inside a jar,” they sing over a sparse guitar arrangement. “Now what you get is what you see/You’re on your own got nobody.” The song might also serve as a satire on meditation and the dangers of overthinking things. At any rate, it’s fun.

Halloween Song: R. Dean Taylor - “There’s A Ghost In My House”

Another post from the BHT haunted vault.

Even for those who haven’t seen the 2021 U.K. thriller Last Night In Soho, it’s well worth checking out the soundtrack. It’s packed with music from the Swinging ‘60s era, ranging from international hit singles to songs that were particular to the English charts. That’s where R. Dean Taylor’s “There’s A Ghost In My House” found success in 1974, after collecting dust since being recorded for the American label Tamla Motown in 1966. Although it was composed by the stellar writing team of Holland, Dozier, Holland, with help from Taylor, Tamla Motown didn’t see its potential. I had never heard this song before buying the Last Night In Soho soundtrack, but was immediately hooked by it.

“There’s A Ghost In My House” isn’t about a real haunting; it’s a series of clever, quick rhymes describing how much a guy misses his former girlfriend. “Where our love used to be,” Taylor sings to an arrangement that deftly melds classic soul with guitar-driven garage rock, “Only shadows from the past I see.” Taylor hears footsteps on the stairs, and feels fingertips running through his hair even though he’s all alone. He confesses, “In my mind, I know you’re gone, but my heart keeps holding on.” The song would make a perfect segue after The Electric Prunes nugget “I Had Too Much To Dream” on a Halloween party playlist.

Note: The video link to “There’s A Ghost In My House” on YouTube takes a few moments to kick in. It’s a funny match to a vintage Fred Astaire clip.

Weekend Reminders

Photo by Josh Darr, from official David Byrne Facebook page.

Thursday posts focus on events that were previously mentioned on Broken Hearted Toy, and are taking place during the upcoming weekend. Plus, the occasional event taking place this weekend that has just come to my attention, or concert tickets going on sale.

Here’s a warm Broken Hearted Toy welcome to former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, who’ll finish a three-day series of concerts at The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago tomorrow night. Byrne, who’s in the midst of his Who Is The Sky? Tour, was recently named as one of the nominees for the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 2026 Induction & Awards Gala.

British singer/author Wesley Stace (formerly John Wesley Harding) has an 8:00 pm gig tonight at The Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Dag Juhlin, who’s been part of Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy’s R.E.M. Tribute tours as well as being a member of several Chicago area bands, will be the opening act.

Halloweekend, the annual event featuring local musicians performing as famous rock acts, takes place tonight and tomorrow at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side. Twelve local acts will pay tribute to rock and roll stars over two nights—including Androgynous Mustache as Oingo Boingo; Amazing Heeby Jeebies as Gun Club; and Phil Angotti as Creedence Clearwater Revival tonight. Tomorrow’s showcase includes The Well Respected Men as The Kinks; Rachel Drew as The Cure; and Dancing Horses as Echo And The Bunnymen. For the full lineup, check my October 18 post, or the Montrose Saloon website.

He just won’t stop imitating rock stars. Phil Angotti and The Damn Torpedoes will perform Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers songs at the Reclaimed Bar (3655 N. Western) in Chicago tomorrow night. On Sunday, Phil Angotti and Friends have a Beatles Brunch scheduled at FitzGerald’s at noon. As with his Halloweekend performance, Angotti will be backed by a different cast of well-known Chicago musicians at each of these gigs.

Tickets for The Smithereens with Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill at The Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines, IL go on sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 am.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has scheduled Special Halloween Performances of its current production Paranormal Activity for tomorrow night at 6:00 and 10:00 pm. It’s loosely based on Oren Peli’s 2007 movie, and from the reviews I’ve read in Chicago newspapers, it’s very frightening.

Jai Brenai Productions will present Funk-O-Ween: A Personified Funk Experience this Saturday at City Winery Chicago. The show starts at 7:30 pm and will honor James Brown, Rick James, Chaka Khan and Prince.

Quad Con is holding a Rockford Comic Con And Toy Show at the Cherryville Mall in Rockford, IL this Saturday and Sunday. There will be 70 vendors scattered around the shopping center. Admission is free.

Jeff Tweedy’s Twilight Overide Tour With Guest Macie Stewart will come to The Salt Shed this Saturday. Named after Tweedy’s recently released triple solo album, the equally ambitious North American/European tour will run through February 2026.

Chicago-based band The Neighbors will perform alternative rock and indie Americana tonight at Brudder’s. The music starts at 9:00 pm; the venue is located at 3600 N. Pulaski.

Chicago indie rockers The Handcuffs will take a break from recording their next album for a return visit to Mary’s Place in Rockford, IL this Saturday. The Attitudes will be their guest opener.

The Other Art Fair, a global and inventive effort from online gallery Saatchi Art to create a place “where the experience exists outside of four white walls,” is coming to Artifact Events in Chicago on this Friday through Sunday. The price of admission ranges from $18 to $312.50, depending which day you choose. Artifact Events is located at 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue.

The Return Of The Flock show scheduled for November 1 at Park West on Chicago’s north side has been cancelled due to an injury to one of the band members. Hopefully, a make-up date for The Flock, a critically acclaimed jazz rock ensemble that was well ahead of its time in the 1960s, will be announced soon.

As noted by the well-traveled rock and roll drummer John LeQuesne in a Facebook post this morning, Grace Slick, the enchanting lead vocalist of Jefferson Airplane, is celebrating a birthday. Best wishes, Grace, and thanks for all those psychedelic gems.

Also, Happy Birthday and best wishes to Ken Stringfellow, a founding member of The Posies and a successful solo artist.

And now, on the eve of Halloween, let’s raise a magic potion toast to all the ambitious people around the world (and possibly the universe) putting last minute touches on their Halloween parties. Drink safely; drive sensibly, decorate imaginatively, frighten carefully, and conjure up the best playlist of spooky songs you can. I’ve been posting Halloween song profiles for most of this month for party planners looking for suggestions.

Halloween Song: Amazing Heeby Jeebies - “The Mummy”

Another post from the BHT haunted vault.

But first, how about a round of Happy Birthday wishes to Graham Elvis of The Elvis Brothers; Mike Galassini from Magnaphonic, The Valley Downs, 92 Degrees, and The Band Calderisi; Mark Watson of the Mark Watson Band; and Pravda Records founder and musician (EXPO ’76, The Imperial Sound) Kenn Goodman.

Note: Amazing Heeby Jeebies, or The Jeebies as they’re also called, will pay tribute to the Los Angeles indie rock band The Gun Club as part of the Halloweekend event at Montrose Saloon in Chicago tomorrow night.

You’d expect a band named Amazing Heeby Jeebies to throw a few chills your way, and the Chicago-based quintet came through on its 2018 Bad Feeling album. Led by vocalist Ary Jeeby and propelled by guitarists Bob Hyatt and Tom “Boss X” Klein, Amazing Heeby Jeebies combine garage rock and rockabilly while spinning tales of werewolves, mummies, and cannibals. They don’t always aim for the dark side, but when they do, listeners are more likely to dance than run away.

“The Mummy” suggests the legendary monster is more likely to sip martinis in a 1960s discotheque than trudge after anthropologists inside pyramids. Ary Jeebie belts out quick rhymes like “King Tut’s got nothing on this guy/When he left, Cleopatra cried.” This mummy’s a recording artist with a least one album under his bandages and hosts a television show. With bassist Earl “Wolfdaddy” Carter and drummer Jerry King adding to the mayhem, “The Mummy” proves to be a rollicking Halloween treat.

Halloween Song: Fleetwood Mac - “Hypnotized”

Another post from the BHT haunted vault; the second one for today.

Just about halfway between Peter Green’s 1968 “Black Magic Woman” and Stevie Nicks’ 1976 “Rhiannon,” singer-guitarist Bob Welch composed the atmospheric and spooky “Hypnotized” as a member of Fleetwood Mac. It was one of the tracks on the band’s 1973 Mystery To Me, and true to the album’s title, this song presents a series of puzzles. Welch’s evocative singing and the Mac’s enchanted instrumentation ensure that “Hypnotized” commands our attention.

When the first verse describes “Two friends having coffee together/When something flies by their window,” it’s up to the listener to decide if it was a UFO. The North Carolina “strange, strange pond” in the second verse seems even more likely to involve intergalactic visitors. And the man in Mexico who can “fly over mountains and hills and he don't need an airplane or some kind of engine” might be a warlock or a ghost.

The chorus of “Seems like a dream/They got me hypnotized” adds a conspiracy element. Are “they” tricking us into thinking these events are happening, or trying to cover up an extraterrestrial invasion by insisting we were only dreaming. As the lyrics put it, “Because there's no explaining what your imagination can make you see and feel.” After leaving Fleetwood Mac, Bob Welch scored solo hits with “Sentimental Lady” and “Ebony Eyes.”

Halloween Song: The Human League - “Darkness”

Another repost from the BHT haunted vault.

George Harrison wisely warned us to “Beware Of Darkness,” but in 1981, The Human League created a song in which the mere flicking off of a light resulted in a terrifying, mind-altering experience. As with the hit singles “Don’t You Want Me?” and “Love Action” on the band’s groundbreaking, platinum record, Dare, “Darkness” was driven by synthesizers. On this track, the keyboards are equally effective in scaring people and enticing them to dance.

Founding member Philip Oakey’s lead vocals establish darkness as a place “filled with sounds of fear” where the imagination runs wild. “I see shadows (don’t turn out the light)/Moving, changing shape.” Even the senses become a confusing mishmash. “I hear colours black and red/I see sounds that fill my head.” This was the only song on Dare Oakey didn’t have a hand in writing (other than the instrumental snippet, “Get Carter”) but he certainly gives it a chilling delivery. “And the clock stops as darkness closes in./I hesitate but it’s too late, I scream and scream again.”

“Darkness” has that unmistakeable allure of 1980s synth rock, but its message stretches back through the centuries. For anyone putting together a Halloween party playlist, this is a good candidate for the opening track.

Experimental Haunting: Mancini And McLuhan

Today’s Halloween song profile turns out to be a doubleheader featuring a 1962 film-related song I first posted here on October 31, 2009 and a 1972 jazz fusion composition I’ve only recently discovered. Henry Mancini’s “Experiment In Terror” was the theme to the Blake Edwards thriller of that same name, while “Spiders (In Neal’s Basement)” was one of the four extended tracks on McLuhan’s debut album Anomaly. The McLuhan here wasn’t the philosopher Marshall McLuhan but a seven-piece Chicago band inspired by him.

Clocking in at just under six minutes, “Spiders (In Neal’s Basement)” is by far the shortest track on Anomaly. The adventurous song mixes smooth modern jazz with strip joint bump and grind, while vocalist-bassist Neal Rosner delivers the off-kilter lyrics. (It might also be guitarist-vocalist Dennis Phillips, trumpet player-vocalist David Wright, or a mixture of all three.) At any rate, it’s a fun choice if you have intellectual types at your Halloween party. Anomaly became a collector’s item over the decades, and a new vinyl edition produced by Ellis Clark of The Social Act and Big Hat Big Trouble fame was re-released last year. McLuhan can be contacted via its official Facebook page or website.

“Experiment In Terror” has a slow, ominous beat and twanging guitars that conjure images of a monster creeping along some darkened street. People in the Chicago area might be surprised to learn this instrumental was composed by Henry Mancini for a 1962 cops and robbers movie called Experiment In Terror. Around here, it’s much better known as the theme for the TV show Creature Features, which presented old time horror movies like House Of Dracula; Frankenstein; The Wolf Man; and The Mummy’s Ghost on WGN every Saturday night from 1970 to 1976. “Experiment In Terror” will be forever linked to that show’s signature graphic of a horrifying guy in the top hat and cloak.

“Experiment In Terror” also brings back memories of our childhood fascination with monsters, hours spent trick or treating, and neighborhood Halloween parties in garages or basements.

Incoming

Jeff Tweedy Twilight Overide Tour 2025 poster art taken from his official Facebook page.

First, let’s extend Happy Birthday wishes to Illinois musicians Herb Eimerman and Diane Christiansen. Eimerman’s resume dates back to the 1970s band Hot Mama Silver and over the years, he’s released solo efforts and recorded with the international power pop band The Britannicas. Artist/musician Christiansen is the co-leader (with Steve Dawson) of the critically acclaimed Americana band Dolly Varden, and has exhibited her art in various galleries. Best wishes to Herb and Diane.

Jeff Tweedy’s Twilight Overide Tour with guest Macie Stewart will come to The Salt Shed this Saturday. Named after Tweedy’s recently released triple solo album, the equally ambitious North American/European tour will run through February 2026.

Halloweekend, the annual event featuring local musicians performing as famous rock acts, takes place at Montrose Saloon this Thursday and Friday (Halloween). Twelve local acts will pay tribute to rock and roll stars over two nights—including Androgynous Mustache as Oingo Boingo; Amazing Heeby Jeebies as Gun Club; and Phil Angotti as Creedence Clearwater Revival on Thursday. Friday’s showcase includes The Well Respected Men as The Kinks; Rachel Drew as The Cure; and Dancing Horses as Echo And The Bunnymen. For the full lineup, check my October 18 post, or the Montrose Saloon website.

He just won’t stop imitating rock stars. Phil Angotti and The Damn Torpedoes will perform Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers songs at the Reclaimed Bar (3655 N. Western) in Chicago on Halloween. On Sunday, Phil Angotti and Friends have a Beatles Brunch scheduled at FitzGerald’s at noon. As with his Halloweekend performance, Angotti will be backed by a different cast of well-known Chicago musicians at each of these gigs.

Chicago-based band The Neighbors will perform alternative rock and indie Americana at Brudder’s on October 30. The music starts at 9:00 pm; the venue is located at 3600 N. Pulaski.

Chicago indie rockers The Handcuffs will take a break from recording their next album for a return visit to Mary’s Place in Rockford, IL on November 1. The Attitudes will be their guest opener.

The Other Art Fair, a global and inventive effort from online gallery Saatchi Art to create a place “where the experience exists outside of four white walls,” is coming to Artifact Events in Chicago on this weekend (October 31 - November 2). The price of admission ranges from $18 to $312.50, depending which day you choose. Artifact Events is located at 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue.

Tickets are now on sale for Gladys Knight’s concert with special guest saxophone player Harold Dawson on November 13 at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL. Knight recorded several rhythm and blues classics, including “Midnight Train To Georgia,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” and “If I Were Your Woman.”

Coming up on February 6, The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles will present the double bill of The Lovin’ Spoonful With The Hollies Greatest Hits Starring Terry Sylvester.  Long-time Hollies fans will recognize Sylvester as the musician who replaced Graham Nash in the late 1960s and stayed with them for a few decades.

Congratulations to my nephew, Chef Joe Flamm and his team at il Carciofo on being nominated for Best New Restaurant by Jean Banchet Awards. You can find il Carciofo at 1045 W. Fulton in Chicago’s trendy Fulton Market neighborhood just west of downtown. 

The Return Of The Flock show scheduled for November 1 at Park West on Chicago’s north side has been cancelled due to an injury to one of the band members. Hopefully, a make-up date for The Flock, a critically acclaimed jazz rock ensemble that was well ahead of its time in the 1960s, will be announced soon.

And now, let’s raise a magic potion toast to all the ambitious people around the world (and possibly the universe) planning their own Halloween parties this week. Drink safely; drive sensibly, decorate imaginatively, frighten carefully, and conjure up the best playlist of spooky songs you can. I’ve been posting Halloween song profiles for most of this month for party planners looking for suggestions.

Halloween Song: The B-52’s - “Planet Claire”

Another repost from the BHT haunted vault.

Back in 1979, The B-52’s were unlike any current bands or any that preceded them. Over 40 years later, they’re still in a category all their own. They arrived as part of the punk movement but used a toy piano, fire alarm, and walkie talkie, along with standard rock instruments on their self-titled debut album. Their lyrics were nonsensical yet intriguing and fun.

Opening with a mostly instrumental passage that features eerie keyboards along with high-pitched vocalizing, “Planet Claire” introduces us to an unnamed alien who came from the title planet via a Plymouth Satellite she drives faster than the speed of light. Like all Clairelings, she doesn’t have a head, so it’s hard to imagine how she could see where she was going. Then again, the same could be said about Earthlings who text while zipping along the I-55 expressway.

Vocalist Fred Schneider, who composed the song with drummer Keith Strickland, affects an appropriately silly tone throughout the song. Especially when he screams, “WELL, SHE ISN’T!” in response to speculation that the alien is “from Mars or one of the seven stars that shine after 3:30 in the morning.” Unlike many outer space invaders, the visitor from “Planet Claire” doesn’t appear to have any evil plans. She’s been partying here on Earth for decades, and is possibly the one behind all those mind-blowing AI clips on Instagram.

Halloween Song: Bohemia - “Hydrogenic”

Another repost from the BHT haunted vault.

Back in the early 1980s, Bohemia’s high-energy approach, led by charismatic lead vocalist/keyboards player Carla Evonne, prompted a Chicago daily newspaper critic to proclaim the band was every bit as good as X from Los Angeles. Following the release of a self-titled, three-song 10 inch EP in 1980, Bohemia returned a year later with their impressive debut LP, Deviations. Among the energetic and offbeat highlights were “Plastic Doll,” “Standard Deviations,” “Empty Room,” and “Dr. Werner.”

“Hydrogenic” was a punk rock masterpiece, offering a girl meets mutant love story with an underlying jab at the perils of nuclear energy. Bass player Zirbel’s revved-up playing leads an extended instrumental intro before Carla Evonne jumps in to set the romantic tale in motion. “Since I met you baby/I haven’t been the same/You hit me like an H-bomb and now I hardly know my name.”

Even though her boyfriend’s appearance has been drastically changed by massive doses of radiation, the woman’s devotion is unwavering. “Mama says you’re different/With your long green hair/You got webs between your fingers/But I don’t even care.” Additional lyrics such “I can see you glowing in the dark/In my life you really caused a spark” are punctuated by an overjoyed chorus of, “Ooh, our love is new/Our love is new . . . nuclear.”

Halloween Song: The Hoodoo Gurus - “Dig It Up”

Here’s a repost from the BHT haunted vault for anyone who might have wondered about my comment in today’s Slumgullion regarding the Australian band Hoodoo Gurus being backed by a full orchestra in an upcoming concert. Personally, I like the idea, but try to imagine this song with symphonic accompaniment.

The Hoodoo Gurus are not only one of the best garage bands around, they’re also one of the spookiest. This was already evident on their rollicking 1984 debut, Stoneage Romeos, which would be the perfect soundtrack to any Halloween party. “Leilani” is about a tropical human sacrifice, “In The Echo Chamber” is based on a torture scene from the 1960s TV spoof Get Smart, and “Death Ship” describes a ghostly crew that lures other sailors to their doom.

“Dig It Up” features a galloping backbeat, twanging guitars that raise the spirit of The Cramps, and opens with the line, “My girlfriend lives in the ground.” Lead vocalist-guitarist Dave Faulkner sings of placing flowers on a grave each day and laments, “I want her back/Because I look so bad, so bad in black/Like a maniac.” Later, he concludes, “You can’t bury love, you gotta dig it up.” The band breaks into some wild jamming, along with Faulkner’s ear-piercing screams.

The cause of the beloved’s death is never revealed, because it would be too painful. “My friends, you ask me why she’s six feet down/I can’t tell you why ‘cos if I even try/I’d fall flat down on my face.” Faulkner’s promise to paint his girlfriend’s room pink and blue doesn’t seem like much of an incentive to return from the dead, but then “Dig It Up,” like the best of the Hoodoo Gurus’ energetic garage rock, skillfully balances the macabre with the silly.

Slumgullion

For events taking place this weekend, check out my previous post titled Weekend Reminders.

Robert Plant, whose Saving Grace album with vocalist Suzi Dian is now available, has two concerts with her coming up in Chicago. They’ll be at The Vic Theatre on November 12, and at The Old Town School Of Folk Music on November 13.

Norm!!! As noted on Chicago radio station WXRT’s Facebook page and the WGNTV website, several people recently gathered at 92nd Street at the corner of Bell Avenue to witness the street being designated as Honorary George Wendt Way. The late actor, who portrayed Norm on the hit TV show Cheers and was a member of the acclaimed Second City comedy group, grew up in the Beverly neighborhood.

David Byrne; Richard Carpenter; Taylor Swift; Boz Scaggs; Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s; LL Cool J; and Sarah McLachlan are among the nominees for the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 2026 Induction & Awards Gala.

Boz Scaggs fans in Chicago can congratulate him on his Songwriters Hall Of Fame nomination when he performs at the Auditorium on November 5. Tickets are still available.

As recently noted by Tammy Easter, Admin for the official Let’s Active Facebook page, tickets for the November 29 Easter And Gang Play Let’s Active concert led by founding member Mitch Easter at The Ramkat in Winston - Salem quickly sold out. The venue was able to move the event to a larger room downstairs so more tickets could be made available. It’s not clear if tickets are still available now, but it might be worth looking into for Let’s Active’s fans hoping there’s still a chance to catch this show. The band’s entire catalog was newly remastered and will be released on streaming sites in late November.

Tickets are now on sale for the Desert Rock - A Tribute To The Laurel Canyon Music Scene event coming February 6 to The Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake, IL. The two-hour multimedia show will celebrate the music of Linda Ronstadt; CSNY; The Byrds; Buffalo Springfield; Loggins And Messina; Poco; JD Souther; Warren Zevon; Lowell George; Tom Waits; Gram Parsons; and others.

In a move I’m willing to bet nobody saw coming, Australian garage rockers Hoodoo Gurus will be backed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on January 29 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The listing on the Ticketek site promises the band’s material will be “reimagined on an epic scale, with orchestral arrangements bringing fresh energy and grandeur.” Sure sounds like fun.

For rock fans who love to travel. Iggy Pop; Joan Jett And The Blackhearts; Hoodoo Gurus; and ZED will share a tour in Auckland, New Zealand next year on January 23, 26, and 31. Six months later, Hoodoo Gurus will be one of the headline acts down under at the Birdsville Big Red Bash. It’s being promoted as The Most Remote Music Festival In The World.

Colin Hay, frontman for the Aussie band Men At Work, has a show coming up on November 1 at the Cahn Auditorium in Evanston, IL. Hay, also known as being a regular member of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band, has solo gigs coming up in Columbus, OH; Munhall, PA; and Medford, MA.

The 28th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute will be held on November 16 and 17 at Uncommon Ground Lakeview venue on Chicago’s north side.

FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL has issued a low ticket warning for the Chris And Heather’s Country Calendar Show involving several performers from the Chicago music scene on December 6. Even if you can’t make the show, I highly recommend finding a way to buy the Heather’s calendar because it’s always a masterpiece.

Cheap Trick has released a single from their upcoming album All Washed Up, which is due out November 14. “The Riff That Won’t Quit” adds some genuine funk to the band’s guitar-driven approach, and follows on the heels of the mid-tempo “Twelve Gates,” which can be viewed in an animated version on YouTube.

The John And Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests Live At The One To One Concert boxset is available to pre-order at the online Official John Lennon Store. Recorded live at Madison Square Garden in New York City on August 30, 1972, the concert is available in 9 CD + 3 Blu-Ray Boxset; 4 LP; 2 CD; 2 LP, and 1 CD formats.

Paul McCartney’s Got Back North American Tour 2025 continues its run with a concert tomorrow night in San Antonio, TX. Upcoming shows include New Orleans; Atlanta; Nashville; Columbus, Pittsburgh; Buffalo; and Montreal. The long and winding road ends with concerts at the United Center on November 24 and 25, which means Chicago area fans will have something fun to talk about with their families at Thanksgiving dinner.

Los Lobos fans in the Chicago area will also be grateful since the Los Angeles band has concerts scheduled for November 24 and 25 at SPACE in Evanston. Tickets are also available for Chicago folk legend Bonnie Koloc’s November 30 show at SPACE in Evanston.

Illinois rock and roll fans of a certain age might be interested to know the various artists album A Blast From The Cellar! Lost Gems From The ‘60s Chicago Rock Explosion has been reviewed in Issue No. 168 of the English rock mag Shindig! It’s given a mid-range rating of three stars (five stars is considered brilliant) but writer Jon ‘Mojo’ Mills does describe the Arlington Heights venue The Cellar as legendary, and praises “You Don’t Know Better” by The Blackstones as “a delightful slice of Beatles-esque pop.” (This is the issue of Shindig! with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham on the cover.)

The Webstirs, a Chicago-based band that’s been a reliable source for well-crafted and witty indie rock, will release its next album, High Up In The Trees, on November 14. They’ll perform a free show in the Sidebar at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL that night, with special guests Sunshine Boys.

A Carnival Of Grey And White, the latest and long-awaited album from the Milwaukee-based power pop band Trolley is now available on Bandcamp. In addition to the catchy title track and Elvis Costello style “As Long As I Can Find You,” which were previously released as teasers, other energetic gems include “Leaving You Behind,” “Stepping Up,” and “Radio Silence.”

Tickets will go on sale soon for the Gram Fest - Cosmic American Music Festival taking place on November 22 at the Joshua Tree Cultural Center - Blak Box Theater in Joshua Tree, CA. Performers include Sin City All Stars with special guests Jonny Kaplan And Friends, plus numerous other acts.

Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan’s new album titled Better Broken is now available; with the title track being the first single. Her 2025 North American tour will include a stop at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on November 22.

Revolution(s), Zayd Ayers Dohrn’s play about a soldier who returns from Afghanistan only to find his south side Chicago neighborhood also in turmoil, has opened at The Goodman Theatre. Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine fame created the music and lyrics; and Steve H. Broadnax III is the director. Revolution(s) runs through November 9.

The Saint Rocke venue in Hermosa Beach, CA has a fun double bill of Flamin Groovies and The Pandoras coming up on November 19.

Ring in the new with Old 97s at SPACE in Evanston. Tickets are now on sale for the Dallas, TX band’s December 29, 30, and 31 shows at the Illinois venue. Old 97s will likely perform selections from their 2024 album American Primitive, as well as favorites such as “Champagne, Illinois” and “Big Brown Eyes.”

Henry Diltz has joined forces with Cindystock for a series of rock musician photo books that benefit the Yates Fund For Cancer Hope. The choices include Dan Fogelburg; Stephen Stills; David Crosby; Micky Dolenz; David Cassidy; Joni Mitchell; America; Graham Nash; and Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young. Each book contains 40 photos and sells for $24. I just received my copy of the Nash book and it’s really cool.

Aliza Hava’s new album Into The Light is now available exclusively on Bandcamp. The Ashland, Oregon folk rock singer-guitarist creates emotionally charged songs such as “Let It Roar” and “Fix My Fate” that convey how to navigate this troubled world.

Halloween Song: Warren Zevon - “Werewolves Of London”

Graphic from the official Warren Zevon Facebook page.

Reaching into the BHT haunted vault for a song to align with tonight’s fundraiser Join Me In L.A.: The Songs Of Warren Zevon With The Wild Honey Orchestra at The United Theater in Los Angeles. (See previous post.)

Although Warren Zevon had been an active singer-songwriter for several years before Excitable Boy dropped in 1978, it was his first album to achieve major commercial success. It also established his dark and ironic sense of humor, particularly on the title track and “Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner.” On “Werewolves Of London,” Zevon’s jubilant piano playing and boisterous howl celebrated the violent antics and fashion choices of a homicidal beast.

Zevon was joined by veteran session guitarist Waddy Wachtel (who along with singer-guitarist LeRoy Marinell helped Zevon write the song) and the Fleetwood Mac rhythm section of bassist John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwood. The lyrics ranged from the graphic “He’ll rip your lungs out, Jim” and “Little old lady got mutilated late last night” to the classic understatement, “Lately he’s been overheard in Mayfair.” Zevon imagines a trendy werewolf cruising Soho for beef chow mein and sipping a tropical drink at Trader Vic’s. Later, classic horror film stars Lon Chaney and his son arrive, making this a full-fledged Halloween party.

Weekend Reminders

Thursday posts focus on events that were previously mentioned on Broken Hearted Toy, and are taking place during the upcoming weekend. Plus, the occasional event taking place this weekend that has just come to my attention, or concert tickets going on sale. 

Wild Honey Foundation, the California-based 501(c)(3)non-profit that frequently supports worthy causes by staging all-star concerts, will combine with The Zevon Family in presenting Join Me In L.A.: The Songs Of Warren Zevon With The Wild Honey Orchestra tomorrow night at The United Theater in Los Angeles. The event will celebrate Zevon’s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction, and raise funds for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and The Ed Asner Family Center. The performers include Jackson Browne, Jorge Calderon, Dwight Yoakam, Fountains Of Wayne, Marshall Crenshaw, and Steve Wynn; while The Wild Honey Orchestra features several well-known stars.

Depending on when you read this, you could catch the Book Club Celebration being hosted by the Chicago Public Library tonight from 5:00 to 7: 00 pm at the Harold Washington Library Center’s Winter Garden. The city-wide event, which is described as suitable for adults: 18 and up, will celebrate “the joy of discussing books with others” along with tips and suggestions for various literary activities. 

Also happening tonight: Singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata has performances at 6:00 and 9:30 pm at City Winery Chicago just west of downtown. She’ll likely perform songs from the recently released Starlit Alchemy, and tap into the albums she’s released over the past 20 years. Anya Marina will be the opening act for both shows. Yamagata has upcoming dates in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

Jem Records Celebrates, an event coming to the Cutting Room in New York City this Saturday, will offer the impressive lineup of The Weeklings; The Grip Weeds; The Midnight Callers; and Cynz. Richard Barone from The Bongos and Paul Collins from The Nerves and Paul Collins Beat will be special guests.

Annie And The Orphans; Decoy Prayer Meeting; The Very Least; and Voice Memos will all perform at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side tomorrow night. It’s not clear if this is a Halloween inspired event, but the cool graphic on Montrose Saloon’s Facebook page looks pretty ominous.

Chris Stamey of The dB’s is in the midst of a tour to support of his new Anything Is Possible album, and will open for The Autumn Defense at The Barns In Wolftrap in Vienna, VA tomorrow night. He has a Chicago Chamber Pop Concert Celebrating “50 Years Twixt Pick And Pen” on Saturday at The Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago. He’ll be joined by Nick Photinos on cello, Emi Tanabe on violin, and Constance Volk on flute.

Compound Yellow,  a non-profit experimental art venue in Oak Park, IL, will present Side Yard Sounds: Scorpio Celebration featuring Norman W. Long and Sharkey Zalek, this Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. In addition to these multi-disciplinary performers, the evening will feature the self-described 21st century druid music of whitewolfsonicprincess, as well as pianist, composer, vocalist and frequent collaborator Sharon Udoh. Tickets are $15.

The Replacements have a deluxe edition of their 1984 groundbreaking album Let It Be coming out in 4-LP, 3CD, and digital formats tomorrow via Rhino Records.

Hot In The Dark, the debut album from Chicago’s unpredictable and always entertaining covers band EXPO ’76, drops tomorrow and will be available on Bandcamp, as well as in select record stores. The album was recorded with help from the Total Pro Horns. EXPO ’76 will promote Hot In The Dark with performances at the Boo Ball fundraiser (costumes are encouraged) at The Acorn in Three Oaks, MI tomorrow; at Austin Community Tavern in Steger, IL on Saturday; and at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL on October 29.

Chicago-based melodic rockers Kevin Lee And The Kings, along with Billy And The Saints will perform at the Goat Village venue in Norridge, IL this Saturday.

Penn and Teller are currently celebrating 50 years of entertaining audiences with shows that combine magic and humor. The anniversary tour will make a stop at the Chicago Theatre tomorrow night.

Halloween Song: The Severed Limb - “The Severed Limb”

Another repost from the BHT haunted vault.

Somewhere around 2010, the London-based skiffle band The Severed Limb took its name from one of its best, and most unusual compositions. “The Severed Limb” is set to a bare bones rockabilly arrangement and spins a tale that starts out scary, but winds up being pretty funny. A guy hears a knock on his front door at 4:00 am and finds nothing more than “an arm and a hand all pale and thin” waiting to greet him. “It didn’t have a brain and it didn’t have a bum/Just a tattoo on the arm that said I love Mom.”

After letting itself in, the appendage decides to stay, and the guy learns to enjoy its company. The only drawback is the occasional obscene gesture the severed limb makes while playing poker or gin. “It makes the finger when it loses and makes a fist when it wins.” Listening to the homespun instrumentation and goofy backup vocals, it’s easy to picture The Severed Limb performing this song on a front porch while waiting for trick or treaters.

“The Severed Limb” is one of 14 tracks on a compilation titled Kill You And Bill You For The Price Of The Bullet  the band released in 2013. Other fun songs on the album include “Woo Eee Ha Ha!,” “Washing Machine Bop,” “Welcome To The Boneyard,” and “Are You Loathsome Tonight?”

Halloween Song: Heatwaves - “Vampire”

Another post from the BHT haunted vault.

I wanted to post a Halloween song profile for “Vampire” by the Heatwaves for years but kept holding off because I couldn’t make out most of its lyrics. I finally gave it a shot in 2023. The band is based in Barcelona, Spain, and while the vocals are in English, the phrasing is unusual and lead vocalist Ana Beltran has a distinct accent. Also, to be honest, I haven’t been able to find an official website, and their Facebook page has videos but not of this particular song.

Most of the tracks on the Heatwaves’ Complete Recordings (2017 – 2020) compilation tap into the original girl group sound with an occasional burst of punk energy. “In My Teens” and “By The Sea” could have easily climbed the charts back in the early 1960s. “Vampire,” on the other hand is more closely aligned with The Ramones. Beltran has a blast sharing the pros and cons of dating the title character while her bandmates play at warp speed.

I’m pretty sure the first line is “When you’re holding my hand in the dark, it’s nice,” but after that, my interpretations sound like entries in Gavin Edwards’ ‘Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy: And Other Misheard Lyrics book. How about: “When you leap in my bed with your feet to warm up”? The only other line I’m pretty sure of is “You’re not the boy that my parents envisioned for me.” None of which should kept “Vampire” from being a favorite on your Halloween song playlist.

The only link I can offer is to The Heatwaves Complete Recordings (2017 – 2020) Bandcamp page, where “Vampires” is track number five. Consider playing this at a Halloween party and challenging your guests to decipher what Beltran is singing.

Halloween Song: The Hollies - “Lullaby To Tim”

The Hollies surrounded by spooky stage props. Photo from The Hollies Official Facebook page.

Another repost from the BHT haunted vault.

The Hollies are often regarded as “a singles band” and while they did notch a number of Top 40 hits (more so in England than America), some of their best songs are deep cuts from their albums. “Lullaby To Tim” appeared on the group’s surprisingly psychedelic 1967 album Evolution, which was sandwiched between two other excellent LPs, Stop Stop Stop and Dear Eloise/King Midas In Reverse (For Certain Because and Butterfly respectively in the U.K.).

The magical imagery on “Lullaby To Tim” kicks off with the very first lines, “Would you like to slide down a rainbow?/Catch a falling star in your hand?/Chase a moonbeam, ride by your window?” The secret to attaining these adventures couldn’t be more simple: go to sleep. And that’s just the start of the fun things to entice a child to hit the sack “while the moon is peeping.” We hear about dragons, castles, and kisses changing frogs into princes. The kid can also see “witches fly on their broomsticks, stirring cauldrons, casting their spells,” which strays somewhat into nightmare territory.

“Lullaby To Tim” has a slow, almost acoustic arrangement that blooms into a full orchestra at the midway point. But its most noticeable aspect is that Graham Nash seems to be singing in a bath tub. Beneath the water. In his fascinating book on track . . . The Hollies every album, every song, Andrew Darlington describes this vocal approach as phasing. “It is achieved by running two identical tapes together, but slightly out of synch, or in-and-out-of-synch to create a fuzzy distortion.” Darlington suspects “Lullaby To Tim” is an homage to “LSD-guru” Timothy Leary. However, other credible sources state Hollies lead vocalist Allan Clarke simply wanted to write a lullaby for his son.

Incoming

Photo from the official Tom Petty Facebook page.

Today would have been Tom Petty’s 75th birthday. He not only gave us catchy and well-crafted hit singles such as “Runnin’ Down A Dream,” “Listen To Her Heart,” “Even The Losers,” and “American Girl,” he was a rock and roll connoisseur who added an amazing variety of cover versions to his concerts with The Heartbreakers. I’m listing to the Live At The Fillmore box set now, and it’s a nonstop party. Rock In Paradise, Tom.

This past Saturday, I did a post about the multi-act Halloweekend tribute shows coming to Montrose Saloon on October 30 and 31. This Wednesday, Lincoln Hall will offer Lincoln Hall-Oween, with Reseda Freeways as Tom Petty; Treefingers as Radiohead; and The 35 Sweet Goodbyes as Steely Dan. Lincoln Hall is located at 2424 N. Lincoln Avenue on Chicago’s north side. 

Wild Honey Foundation, the California-based 501(c)(3)non-profit that frequently supports worthy causes by staging all-star concerts, will combine with The Zevon Family in presenting Join Me In L.A.: The Songs Of Warren Zevon With The Wild Honey Orchestra this Friday at The United Theater on Los Angeles. The event will celebrate Zevon’s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction, and raise funds for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and The Ed Asner Family Center, which assists the autism-neurodivergent community. The participating performers include Jackson Browne, Jorge Calderon, Dwight Yoakam, Fountains Of Wayne, Marshall Crenshaw, and Steve Wynn; and The Wild Honey Orchestra features several well-known stars.

Indie Rock Night in the Bourbon And Brass Speakeasy at The Des Plaines Theatre will offer a special Battle Of The Bands tomorrow night. The winner of the event will have the honor of opening for a main stage act at some point in the future. The competitors are indie rockers Math125; power pop band The Spindles; and rock band Crashdive. Doors open at 7:00 pm; The Des Plaines Theatre is located in downtown Des Plaines, IL.

Congratulation to Irish rockers U2 on being chosen as the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize honorees. Bono and The Edge will receive the award on the band’s behalf at a Harper House Music Foundation event at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, OK tomorrow night. The official Woody Guthrie Prize site states the annual award is presented to “an artist who best exemplifies Woody Guthrie’s spirit and work by speaking for the less fortunate through music, film, literature, dance or other art forms and serving as a positive force for social change.” Previous honorees include Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Mavis Staples. 

Chicago Public Library will host a Book Club Celebration this Thursday from 5:00 to 7: 00 pm at the Harold Washington Library Center’s Winter Garden. The city-wide event, which is described as Suitable for Adults: 18 and up, will celebrate “the joy of discussing books with others” along with tips and suggestions for various literary activities.

As noted by Tammy Easter, Admin for the official Let’s Active Facebook page, tickets for the November 29 Easter And Gang Play Let’s Active concert led by founding member Mitch Easter at The Ramkat in Winston - Salem have quickly sold out. Fortunately, the venue was able to move the event to a larger room downstairs so more tickets could be made available. Let’s Active’s entire catalog was newly remastered and will be released on streaming sites in late November.

Compound Yellow,  a non-profit experimental art venue in Oak Park, IL, will present Side Yard Sounds: Scorpio Celebration featuring Norman W. Long and Sharkey Zalek, this Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. In addition to these multi-disciplinary performers, the evening will feature the self-described 21st century druid music of whitewolfsonicprincess, as well as pianist, composer, vocalist and frequent collaborator Sharon Udoh. Tickets are $15.

The Replacements have a deluxe edition of their 1984 groundbreaking album Let It Be coming out in 4-LP, 3CD, and digital formats this Friday via Rhino Records.

Chicago’s unpredictable and always entertaining covers band EXPO ’76 has recorded their debut album, with help from the Total Pro Horns. Hot In The Dark drops this Friday, and will be available to order on Bandcamp. EXPO ’76 will travel out of state on Friday to perform at the Boo Ball fundraiser at The Acorn in Three Oaks, Michigan. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be a silent auction for “wickedly fun items.”

Chicago-based melodic rockers Kevin Lee And The Kings, along with Billy And The Saints will perform at the Goat Village venue in Norridge, IL this Saturday.

Penn and Teller are currently celebrating 50 years of entertaining audiences with shows that combine magic and humor. The anniversary tour will make a stop at the Chicago Theatre on October 24.

Congratulations to Stompin’ Grounds Cafe in Lake Zurich, IL on its fifth anniversary. That’s about how long my wife Pam and I have been regular customers there, and we’ve always appreciated the friendly atmosphere and well-crafted beverages. Stompin’ Grounds Cafe occasionally offers live music in the evening.

Halloween Song: Oingo Bongo - “Dead Man’s Party”

Here’s a post from the BHT haunted vault about a rather peculiar get-together you might want to avoid attending.

Singer-songwriter Danny Elfman has been blending music, theatre, and bizarre humor for so long it’s easy to imagine him freaking out his parents while performing in his playpen. With a maniacal grin. “Don’t run away, it’s only me.” His 1980s band Oingo Boingo actually morphed from a popular Los Angeles theatre troupe, and Elfman currently makes bundles of cash composing film soundtracks.

Per tradition, I’ll post his gruesomely clever “This Is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas closer to the actual holiday. In the meantime, here’s the Oingo Boingo 1985 single “Dead Man’s Party.” It follows the same pattern of setting disturbing subject matter to an irresistible melody and still making us laugh. An invitation figures prominently in Elfman’s lyrics, as we’re introduced to someone who believes lugging around a corpse is the epitome of being well dressed.

Although the protagonist complains of having nowhere to go, eventually, a chauffeur arrives and whisks him off to “a party where no one’s still alive.” There’s not much of a story here, just a series of strange events and Elfman’s not-so-reassuring advice of “Don’t be afraid of what you can’t see.” But his distinctive vocals and the playful drums, guitars, and horns keep everyone too busy dancing to worry about what’s really going on.

Halloween Song: Stray Cats - “Cry Danger”

Another post from the BHT haunted vault. This one first appeared on October 4, 2021.

Stray Cats celebrated their 40th Anniversary in style with their 2019 release 40, as original members Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom picked up right where they had left off 26 years earlier. Some might think the trio should have expanded on the rockabilly sound that endeared it to the MTV crowd, but there was no denying 40 was a blast. Particularly on “Rock It Off,” “I Attract Trouble,” and “I’ll Be Looking Out For You.”

“Cry Danger” is the song to pick for a Halloween party playlist. By the time Setzer offers the first line “A wicked wind is blowing, and I blew in with it,” his twangy guitar playing, along with the pulsating Rocker/Phantom rhythm section, has the listener totally hooked. Setzer assumes the role of a drifter coming back to his hometown, only to find something’s gone wrong. In addition to his deserted former house and empty streets, the ground beneath him is shaking.

His companion feels the same trepidation. “In the witching hour, she whispered ‘Please beware’ and I heard the devil say, ‘You’re not going anywhere.’” The lyrics don’t spell everything out, but since Setzer previously noted, “We rode a reckless highway/I took it all too fast,” maybe that’s not really his hometown they’ve arrived at.

You Be Me For A While 2025

Among the many traditions associated with Halloween, a relatively new and particularly enjoyable one involves local musicians dressing up like one of their favorite famous rock acts. And performing some of that chosen act’s songs in a live show. Halloween tribute showcases have been taking place around Chicago for a while, and this year brings another edition of Halloweekend to Montrose Saloon. (It’s been staged at various Chicago venues for the better part of this century.)

Actually, for 2025, the event involves Thursday, October 30th and Halloween itself, with six acts being impersonated each night. Most are fairly mainstream while a few others attract more of a cult following. Some of the local musicians performing the tributes go by their actual names, particularly if they’re well known on the Chicago club scene. This year’s Halloweekend includes Androgynous Mustache as Oingo Boingo; Amazing Heeby Jeebies as Gun Club; Phil Angotti as Creedence Clearwater Revival; Rachel Drew as The Cure; The Webstirs as America; Charlie Short as Chris Cornell; and Dead Freddie as Talking Heads.

Other performers could be well-known Chicago area musicians using a pseudonym for their one-off performance. For example, Johnny and the Creeps as The Jam; The Woke Mob as Pere Ubu; The Well Respected Men as The Kinks; and Dancing Horses as Echo And The Bunnymen. Some performers mimic the appearance of the acts they’re covering, which adds to the fun, especially when there’s also a good dose of humor. Given the talent involved and the famous acts picked for tributes, it might be a good idea to check out both nights from start to finish. Montrose Saloon is located at 2935 W. Montrose Avenue on Chicago’s north side.

Halloween Song: David Bowie - “Cat People (Putting Out The Fire)”

Another repost from the BHT haunted vault.

Few songs have a more chilling intro than David Bowie’s “Cat People (Putting Out The Fire)”Amidst a tribal drum beat and swirl of synthesizers, Bowie sings, “See these eyes so green/I can stare for a thousand years” in a voice so dark it’s impossible not to believe him. The theme from director Paul Schrader’s 1982 horror film Cat People is set to a guitar-driven arrangement crafted by veteran film composer Giorgio Moroder of Flashdance and Midnight Express fame.

Bowie’s lyrics are from the point of view of Irena and her brother Paul, played in the film by Natassia Kinski and Malcolm McDowell. They’re descendants of humans who mated with leopards centuries earlier. This causes them to turn into panthers during sex and they can’t return to human form without killing someone.

Bowie’s music often featured fascinating characters, so he was the perfect choice to convey Irena and Paul’s tortured emotions. “Still this pulsing night/A plague I call a heartbeat/Just be still with me/Ya wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through.” Cat People tapped into long-held superstitions regarding felines and their mysterious nature. Even today, it’s a good idea to make sure black house cats are kept indoors on Halloween to prevent deranged people from hurting them.

Slumgullion

For events taking place this weekend, check out my previous post titled Weekend Reminders.

Long-time fans of Let’s Active (I’ve been one since seeing them open for R.E.M. in Chicago several years ago) will be pleased to learn the the band’s entire catalog has been newly remastered and will be released on streaming sites in late November. Founding member/lead vocalist/guitarist Mitch Easter And Gang have already sold out a two-set concert coming up on November 29 at the Gas Hill Drinking Room in the band’s home town Winston - Salem. Sadly, we lost bassist/vocalist Faye Hunter and drummer Sara Romweber several years ago, so it will be interesting to learn who’s in The Gang. Considering Easter has worked with some of the biggest names in indie rock, it could be impressive.

Chicago indie rockers The Handcuffs will take a break from recording their next album for a return visit to Mary’s Place in Rockford, IL on November 1. The Attitudes will be their guest opener.

For rock fans who love to travel. Iggy Pop; Joan Jett And The Blackhearts; Hoodoo Gurus; and ZED will share a tour in Auckland, New Zealand next year on January 23, 26, and 31. Six months later, Hoodoo Gurus will be one of the headline acts down under at the Birdsville Big Red Bash. It’s being promoted as The Most Remote Music Festival In The World.

It don't cost very much, but won’t last a long while. FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL has issued a low ticket warning for both the 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm versions of Illegal Smiles - Celebrating The Birthday Of John Prine on October 22. The venue has also announced a low-ticket warning for Chris And Heather’s Country Calendar Show involving several performers on December 6. Even if you can’t make the show, I highly recommend finding a way to buy the Heather’s calendar because it’s always a masterpiece.

Cheap Trick has released a single from their upcoming album All Washed Up, which is due out November 14. “The Riff That Won’t Quit” adds some genuine funk to the band’s guitar-driven approach, and follows on the heels of the mid-tempo “Twelve Gates,” which can be viewed in an animated version on YouTube.

Indie Rock Night in the Bourbon And Brass Speakeasy at The Des Plaines Theatre seems to be going well, and this coming Tuesday will offer a special Battle Of The Bands. The winner of the event will have the honor of opening for a main stage act at some point in the future. The competitors are indie rockers Math125; power pop band The Spindles; and rock band Crashdive. Doors open at 7:00 pm; The Des Plaines Theatre is located in downtown Des Plaines, IL.

The John And Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests Live At The One To One Concert boxset is available to pre-order at the online Official John Lennon Store. Recorded live at Madison Square Garden in New York City on August 30, 1972, the concert is available in 9 CD + 3 Blu-Ray Boxset; 4 LP; 2 CD; 2 LP, and 1 CD formats.

Chicago-based band The Neighbors will perform alternative rock and indie Americana at Brudder’s on October 30. The music starts at 9:00 pm; the venue is located at 3600 N. Pulaski.

Illinois rock and roll fans of a certain age might be interested to know the various artists album A Blast From The Cellar! Lost Gems From The ‘60s Chicago Rock Explosion has been reviewed in Issue No. 168 of the English rock mag Shindig! It’s given a mid-range rating of three stars (five stars is considered brilliant) but writer Jon ‘Mojo’ Mills does describe the Arlington Heights venue The Cellar as legendary, and praises “You Don’t Know Better” by The Blackstones as “a delightful slice of Beatles-esque pop.” (This is the issue of Shindig! with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham on the cover.)

Paul McCartney’s Got Back North American Tour 2025 continues its run with a concert tonight in Minneapolis. Upcoming dates include Tulsa; San Antonio; New Orleans; Atlanta; Nashville; Pittsburgh; Buffalo; and Montreal. The long and winding road ends with concerts at the United Center on November 24 and 25, which means Chicago area fans will have something fun to talk about with their families at Thanksgiving dinner.

Los Lobos fans in the Chicago area will also be grateful since the Los Angeles band has concerts scheduled for November 24 and 25 at SPACE in Evanston. Tickets are also available for Chicago folk legend Bonnie Koloc’s November 30 show at SPACE in Evanston.

The Webstirs, a Chicago-based band that’s been a reliable source for well-crafted and witty indie rock, will release its next album, High Up In The Trees, on November 14. They’ll perform a free show in the Sidebar at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL that night, with special guests Sunshine Boys.

A Carnival Of Grey And White, the latest and long-awaited album from the Milwaukee-based power pop band Trolley is now available on Bandcamp. In addition to the catchy title track and Elvis Costello style “As Long As I Can Find You,” which were previously released as teasers, other energetic gems include “Leaving You Behind,” “Stepping Up,” and “Radio Silence.”

Tickets will go on sale soon for the Gram Fest - Cosmic American Music Festival taking place on November 22 at the Joshua Tree Cultural Center - Blak Box Theater in Joshua Tree, CA. Performers include Sin City All Stars with special guests Jonny Kaplan And Friends, plus numerous other acts.

The Other Art Fair, a global and inventive effort from online gallery Saatchi Art to create a place “where the experience exists outside of four white walls,” is coming to Artifact Events in Chicago on the weekend of October 31 - November 2. The price of admission ranges from $18 to $312.50, depending which day you choose. Artifact Events is located at 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue.

Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan’s new album titled Better Broken is now available; with the title track being the first single. Her 2025 North American tour kicked off this past Wednesday in Victoria, BC, and will include a stop at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on November 22.

Revolution(s), Zayd Ayers Dohrn’s play about a soldier who returns from Afghanistan only to find his south side Chicago neighborhood also in turmoil, has opened at The Goodman Theatre. Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine fame created the music and lyrics; and Steve H. Broadnax III is the director. Revolution(s) runs through November 9.

The Saint Rocke venue in Hermosa Beach, CA has a fun double bill of Flamin Groovies and The Pandoras coming up on November 19.

Ring in the new with Old 97s at SPACE in Evanston. Tickets are now on sale for the Dallas, TX band’s December 29, 30, and 31 shows at the Illinois venue. Old 97s will likely perform selections from their 2024 album American Primitive, as well as favorites such as “Champagne, Illinois” and “Big Brown Eyes.”

The Return Of The Flock show scheduled for November 1 at Park West on Chicago’s north side has been cancelled due to an injury to one of the band members. Hopefully, a make-up date for The Flock, a critically acclaimed jazz rock ensemble that was well ahead of its time in the 1960s, will be announced soon.

Henry Diltz has joined forces with Cindystock for a series of rock musician photo books that benefit the Yates Fund For Cancer Hope. The choices include Dan Fogelburg; Stephen Stills; David Crosby; Micky Dolenz; David Cassidy; Joni Mitchell; America; Graham Nash; and Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young. Each book contains 40 photos and sells for $24. I just received my copy of the Nash book and it’s really cool.

Aliza Hava’s new album Into The Light is now available exclusively on Bandcamp. The Ashland, Oregon folk rock singer-guitarist creates emotionally charged songs such as “Let It Roar” and “Fix My Fate” that convey how to navigate this troubled world.

Halloween Songs: “Neon” and “You’re My World” (Last Night In Soho Soundtrack)

Another selection from the BHT haunted vault.

With Halloween just two weeks away, it’s likely some people are already working on a playlist for a party at home or at a bar. They should consider a prelude that sets the mood for the haunting material that follows. An instrumental, such as a classic TV show theme from The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Star Trek, Doctor Who or Alfred Hitchcock Presents would work, and there are plenty of film soundtracks to explore. For example, the song “Neon” from the 2021 thriller Last Night In Soho.

The track opens with a simple but haunting piano solo before a full orchestra conjures an invading army of zombies or some other evil force. With an instrumental, you’re free to craft your own nightmarish scenario; a flock of crows or bats swirling around in tune with the string section? Why not? Last Night In Soho doesn’t have those things, but there are plenty of ghosts. Slowly building its massive arrangement, “Neon” effectively conveys a sense of danger that might be inescapable.

In addition to an intense storyline with unexpected twists, Last Night In Soho uses several classic hit songs to establish an authentic 1960s setting for when the heroine, played by Thomasin McKenzie, drifts back to that decade in a series of frightening dreams. There are few selections on YouTube, and one of the best is a version of the Cilla Black hit “You’re My World.” It not only captures the glamor of swinging London, but establishes an undercurrent of dread. Also, watch for the way director Edgar Wright uses mirrors to connect his two females leads, McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy.

The Last Night In Soho soundtrack is filled with gems from the swinging London era.

Weekend Reminders

Thursday posts focus on events that were previously mentioned on Broken Hearted Toy, and are taking place during the upcoming weekend. Plus, the occasional event taking place this weekend that has just come to my attention, or concert tickets going on sale.

 Let’s start with a BHT welcome to Elvis Costello and The Imposters, as well as Charlie Sexton. They’ve been touring America together with Radio Soul - Early Songs Of Elvis Costello, and will perform tonight at The Chicago Theatre.

McLuhan, the adventurous seven-piece Chicago band inspired by philosopher Marshall McLuhan, will be part of a double bill this Sunday afternoon at Montrose Saloon with the folk rock trio Esmeralda’s Boys. The music starts at 1:30 pm.

Room At The Top - An Evening Celebrating The Music Of Tom Petty to benefit the Make The World Better Foundation will be held at the Union Transfer venue in Philadelphia, PA tomorrow night. The all ages event will feature The Philadelphia Tom Petty Appreciation Band, along with a special guests that include Eric Bazilian from The Hooters; Vicki Peterson from The Bangles; and Goug Gillard from Guided By Voices.

Singer-guitarist Michael Steven Cohen, a former member of the power pop bands The Abbeys and Pop Dollys, has embarked on a successful career playing selections from The Great American Songbook at dinner clubs. He’ll perform from 6:00 to 10:00 pm tomorrow night at the Chicago Prime Italian restaurant in Schaumburg, IL.

Yeah Alright Productions will present a Remembering 1975 Live Music Event this Saturday night at The Gallery Cabaret on Chicago’s north side. The featured acts will be Rolling Numbers; Second Summer; Staff Infexion; and Super X, along with an acoustic set by Keke. The music starts at 8:00 pm.

Duets Special - Chrissie Hynde And Pals, an album featuring The Pretenders lead vocalist pairing up with Lucinda Williams; Julian Lennon; Shirley Manson; k.d. lang; David Gahan; Debbie Harry; Brandon Flowers; Rufus Wainwright and other well-known performers, will be released tomorrow.

The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, a Chicago-based power pop/indie rock band that has released several impressive albums over the past 10 years, will perform at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side this Saturday. Three other bands are on the bill that night: Man’s Body; The Failers; and Turning Birds

The Miki Berenyi Trio (led by the former Lush founder) has been touring the U.S. in support of its new Tripla album, and will perform in Chicago tomorrow night at Lincoln Hall. The opening act will Gina Birch And The Unreasonables; Birch having been a founding member of the U.K. band The Raincoats.

Local bands The Spindles and Go Time! each have their own approach to power pop, whether it’s at live shows or on albums. That doesn’t keep them from sharing gigs on a regular basis, and this Saturday, they’ll be joined by Vinto Van Go for a triple bill that kicks off at 8:00 pm at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville.

Fans of hard-edged alt rock can enjoy An Evening with Violent Femmes tomorrow night at The Salt Shed just north of downtown Chicago. The Milwaukee band is known for songs such as “Blister In The Sun” and “Gone Daddy Gone.”

The West Loop Contemporary Fine Art Expo will take place at the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium in Plumbers Hall just west of downtown Chicago this weekend. The event’s organizers describe it as “a curated boutique expo showcasing over 40 invitation-only fine artists from 7 states offering original art.” Plumbers Hall is located at 1340 W. Washington.

Yoko Ono - Music Of The Mind, a retrospective of her career that reaches back to the 1950s and explores her art, films, and music, opens on October 18 at the Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago and will run through February 22. According to the MCA website, this will be the only venue in the United States that Yoko Ono - Music Of The Mind will visit.

Chicago’s unpredictable and always entertaining covers band EXPO ’76 will showcase their debut album Hot In The Dark with an in-store performance this Sunday afternoon at Animal Records (624 Grove Street) in Evanston, IL. The Facebook ad states “get your records signed,” which sounds like they’ll have vinyl copies of the album on hand. Otherwise, the official release date for Hot In The Dark, which was recorded with help from the Total Pro Horns, is October 24.