In Our Lives . . .

As The Beatles once sang in one of those frivolous musical snippets they were fond of reeling off, “It’s Johnny’ Birthday.” Decades after John Lennon’s death, it’s telling that he’s loved and remembered almost as much for his unique personality as for the world-changing music he created with Paul, George, and Ringo. He’ll be honored today in Liverpool; at the Strawberry Fields memorial in New York’s Central Park; at the Hollywood Star Walk, and other locations across the universe. So let’s take some time to consider what John Lennon stood for, and now more than ever, Give Peace A Chance. Here are a few things going on in the Chicago area today.

As reported by Mary Schmich in the Chicago Tribune, Lennon’s 1962 Martin D-28 acoustic guitar, which was once part of the Peace Museum in Chicago, has been rescued from storage and is now on permanent display at The Old Town School Of Folk Music. 

There will be a John Lennon Birthday Tribute/Rock For Kids Benefit featuring several music acts today at Uncommon Ground on Clark Street in Chicago starting at 8:00 PM. The performers are Jennifer Hall; Belleisle; Lying Delilah; Todd Kessler; Brice Woodall; Rory Sullivan; The New Switcheroo; Jess Godwin; Steve Sebby; Drew Wittler, Stephen Francis; Phil Angotti (who can be seen holding the above-mentioned John Lennon Martin D-28 acoustic guitar on his Facebook page); Honey And The 45’s and Rich Cole. Each will perform two songs written by Lennon. Admission is $10, and there will also be a raffle for a 70th Anniversary John Lennon J-160E Gibson Acoustic Guitar. 

EP Review: The Reserve - Shades Of White

Note: This review originally appeared in the Around Hears column in the Illinois Entertainer.

The Reserve pursues a blend of hard rock and punk on its new EP, Shades Of White, that’s not far removed from Nirvana. Lead vocalist-guitarist Jon Babin and guitarist John Birchfield lead the attack on the energetic but catchy “Chuck,” and navigate the various tempo shifts on the more elaborate “Slide” with help from bassist Steve Somogyi and drummer Kyle Biba. The spooky, fun arrangement on “White Lines” shows yet another side of this inventive band. 

Halloween Song: The Wanton Looks - “Demons”

Following a tradition that began on Broken Hearted Toy in October of 2009, here’s a profile of a song that’s well-suited for the Halloween season. For more Halloween songs, check the month of October for each year in the BHT archives. 

The stark front cover art and predominantly black packaging for the 2012 self-titled full-length debut from The Wanton Looks casts an ominous vibe, and this Chicago-based trio got pretty scary on a rampaging track titled “Demons.” Propelled by Traci Trouble’s bass guitar, it forges punk and hard rock with a catchy melody in a way that evokes Joan Jett or L7. Trouble’s throaty vocals make this depiction of a woman haunted by terrifying visions sound entirely believable. “I see a face, it’s got metallic skin,” she sings. “He’s staring down at me. I’ll have to blink again.”

The situation gets worse at night, keeping the woman from being able to sleep. She tries to convince herself that what she’s seeing can’t be real, but the images are impossible to ignore. “I have to open my eyes to make it disappear.” Trouble and drummer Meg Thomas keep a relentless pace throughout “Demons,” creating a feeling of being chased, and there’s a hint of heavy metal stomp. Guitarist Inga Olson bursts in from time to time, and the song has an extended instrumental coda, as if leaving the visions to the listener’s imagination.

The Wanton Looks debut placed at No. 10 in the Broken Hearted Toy Top Releases of 2012.

Slumgullion

Happy Anniversary to my lovely wife Pam. We were married right here in Palatine, IL seventeen years ago as of tomorrow. Thanks for all your love and support, Sweeeeeeeeeetie.

The hard-edged but consistently melodic Kevin Lee And The Kings have a gig tonight at the Montrose Saloon, at 2933 W. Montrose in Chicago. Later, this month, on October 19th, The Pralines, a folk/rock band featuring lead vocalist-songwriter Pamela Richardson, will be at the Montrose Saloon, along with special guests Phil Angotti and Falling STARS.

The Handcuffs are taking time out from working on their fourth CD of catchy indie rock to headline a triple bill at 27 Live in Evanston tonight, along with post-punk band I Lost Control and sci-fi alt rockers Tomorrow The Moon. The show starts at 9:30 PM.

CAUdog Records presents an all ages double record release party tomorrow night at Mayne Stage, as Ellis Clark officially unveils his new solo effort, LP #1, and Goodbye Home serves up its Electric Cowboy Lullabies. The Heeby Jeebies are also on the bill. The show starts at 8:00 PM, Mayne Stage is located at 1328 Morse Street on Chicago’s north side.

The release date for the Del Shannon Tribute- Songwriter Vol. 1 CD is October 22nd. Some pretty impressive power pop artists are involved, including Marshall Crenshaw, Marti Jones, Don Dixon, The Britannicas, Peter Case, Frank Black from The Pixies, and Nash Kato from Urge Overkill. 

I’ll be among the writers and artists taking part in the 4 Minutes Of (Literary) Fame showcase on October 21st at the Tokio Pub in Schaumburg. I’ll be reading from my yet-to-be-published rock and roll novel, Finding Manchester. Other participants include writers (and event organizers) Kym Brunner, whose novel, Wanted: Dead Or In Love is due out next year; Cherie Colyer, author of the teen/paranormal novels Embrace and Hold Tight; and Young Adult/Middle Grade author Katie Sparks.  I’ll have more info on this event in the near future.

Congratulations to Graham Nash on his new autobiography, Wild Tales reaching number 23 on the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Singer-guitarist Terry Sylvester, who replaced Nash in The Hollies back in 1969, and stayed with the band through 1981, will be performing with John Ford Coley of New England Dan and John Ford Coley fame (“I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”), next Friday night at the Arcadia Theatre in St. Charles. Show time is 8:00 PM.

I read in the Tribune yesterday that Ellen DeGeneres, one of the most naturally funny people in entertainment these days, was in Chicago this week to film bits for her daytime TV show. A few years ago, I tried to simultaneously plug my blog and power pop by asking DeGeneres to become a champion of the genre. I even started a Ellen Fans Who Love Power Pop group on her official site. But nothing ever came of it. Aaaaaaaanyway.

Ralph Covert and The Bad Examples will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Covert’s solo debut, Eat At  Godot’s with a show at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn next Saturday, October 12th. The press release notes that while some of the songs from this effort would later become part of The Bad Examples’ repertoire, other more rare tracks will be performed exclusively at FitzGerald’s.

CD Review: Phil Angotti - Life And Rhymes

Listening to the thought-provoking lyrics on Phil Angotti’s latest CD, it’s easy to see why he named it Life And Rhymes rather than something like Boy Meets Girl. As with his last effort, People And Places, Angotti is working with more mature subject matter—literally life and death. That he’s able to blend these themes with his long-time love of 1960s music makes Life And Rhymes all the more impressive.

When the CD kicks off with “Hopeful Kids,” a wistful look back at childhood friends and what became of them, there’s an initial feeling that Angotti has already covered this ground. But he gives the song a distinctive sound all its own, and explores a number of genres on the 11 that follow it. Several musicians help out on Life And Rhymes, mostly ones who’ve worked with Angotti before, such as keyboardist-vocalist Carolyn Engelmann; bassist-vocalist Casey McDonough; drummer Tommi Zender; co-producer (with Angotti) and keyboards player Charlie Piper; keyboards player-vocalist Ellis Clark; and Handcuffs members singer Chloe F. Orwell and drummer Brad Elvis.

“Too Late Tomorrow” is an ambitious Beatles style anthem that finds Angotti supported by four back-up vocalists and Chuck Bontrager’s strings. “Out Of Thin Air” is similar, evoking Electric Light Orchestra and Oasis. On the flip side of that, Angotti takes a spare but engaging approach on “In Liverpool,” a celebratory tune about hanging out in the birthplace of his heroes.

Two of the better songs here exude an other-worldly ambience. The mysterious “I Might Come Back” reflects on reincarnation via a melodic arrangement that could have come from George Harrison, while “I See Spaceships” is a rollicking finale that combines “Eight Miles High” and “Hey, Mr. Spaceman” by The Byrds. “Daddy’s Country Records” is a toe-tapping novelty song that depicts Angotti’s father advising him to play country music instead of 60s pop. Based on Life & Rhymes, let’s hope he doesn’t listen to his old man.

It’s All Part Of My Rock And Roll Fantasy, Part 2

Could The Like have a sound-alike?

On yesterday’s post, I started a wish list of famous musical artists I’d like to see honored at one of the many tribute shows that rise up like goblins at this time of year. My main reference is Halloweekend, which has been staged over the years at The Abbey Pub and Martyrs on the Friday and Saturday nights closest to Halloween. Here are some more match-ups that are strictly the stuff of my daydreams. Each famous artist (Honoree) is noted with an (H), and the Appropriate Local Act is (ALA). I may post more match-ups throughout the month, and please feel free to email your suggestions to me.

(H) The Three O’Clock. These purveyors of baroque pop were founding members of the Los Angeles Paisley Underground scene, along with the Bangles, back in the early 1980s. Sadly, they never achieved much commercial success, but songs like “Stupid Einstein” and “On My Mind” were exquisite.

(ALA) Ellis Clark. He helped found Epicycle, one of Chicago’s first punk/power pop bands, and was also a member of Social Act and The Handcuffs. His recent LP #1 solo effort successfully covers a wide range of styles. Ellis has played Syd Barrett and Paul McCartney shows at past Halloweekend shows.

Or (ALA) 92 Degrees. This classic power pop trio was one of the Black Vinyl artists recruited by Shoes back in the early 1990s. They would excel at bringing The Three O’Clock to life.

(H) Hoodoo Gurus. The imaginative garage rock of this Dave Faulkner-led Australian outfit is custom-made for Halloween celebrations. Especially songs like “Dig It Up” and “Leilani.” 

(ALA) Penthouse Sweets. They’ve always mixed humor with cutting edge rock and their take on The Sex Pistols at Halloweekend a few years ago was a riot. 

Or (ALA) Van Go. Lead vocalist-songwriter Davey Sippel’s lyrics give this hard-edged power pop band a satirical edge on tunes like “Your Three Minutes Are Up” and “Invisible Girls.” They’d match up well with Faulkner’s jaded world view.

(H) Graham Nash. He just published his autobiography, Wild Tales, and is on a solo concert tour. Now would be a great time to honor him.

(ALA) Dolly Varden. This alt rock/Country and Western band is critically acclaimed for the intricate harmonies crafted by Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen. They covered Fleetwood Mac at last year’s Halloweekend, and would be well-suited to cover Nash’s solo efforts, as well as his work with CSN&Y and The Hollies.

(H) The Like. This latest incarnation of the Z Berg and Tennessee Thomas led L.A. band imploded not long after lift-off, but it was a fun ride while it lasted. Their CD Release Me was a flawless trip back to early 1960s and one of the best CDs of 2010. 

(ALA)The Handcuffs. The catchy indie rock sound they’ve perfected over three CDs has been used on TV shows, and they have another album on the way. Lead vocalist-guitarist  Chloe F. Orwell has the range to cover The Like’s material, and drummer Brad Elvis digs the 1960s.

It’s All Part Of My Rock And Roll Fantasy, Part 1

These guys are long overdue for a Halloween tribute. Photo from The Hollies Facebook page.

October is that time when empty stores erupt with monsters, vampires, and headstones engraved with bad puns. People start planning what costumes they’ll buy or make, while homeowners transform their front yards into elaborate torture chambers. Trick or treat anyone?

Here at Broken Hearted Toy, the emphasis is on the multi-tribute band showcases that manifest themselves on weekends around All Hallow’s Eve. Usually, five or six local acts take on the identities of famous recording artists during short sets.

The schedule has already been announced for Halloweekend at Martyrs on October 25th, but here are a few suggestions for match-ups I’d like to see at other clubs or at some point in the future. Consider it a musical version of fantasy football. For the most part, my suggestions for Honorees (H) are ones that haven’t already been done. I’ve picked an Appropriate Local Act (ALA) for each, and in some cases, made two suggestions.

(H) The dB’s. The reunited power pop band released Falling Off The Sky in 2012, adding new choices to an already potent body of songs.

(ALA) Androgynous Mustache.  They were suitably loud and unruly as The Replacements at Halloweekend at Martyrs last year, and are veterans of tribute shows.

Or: (ALA) The Webstirs.  Their original CDs are filled with catchy pop tunes, and they brought down the house when they added a horn section for a set of songs by Chicago at Halloweekend at The Abbey Pub two years ago.

(H) The Hollies. The British Invasion group had Top 40 singles over three decades, from “Look Through Any Window” to “The Air That I Breathe,” along with a wealth of masterful deep album cuts.

(ALA) Phil Angotti. He draws inspiration from the 1960s for his original songs, and he’s already done tributes to The Bee Gees, Squeeze, and Paul McCartney.

Or (ALA) The Abbeys. The gorgeous harmonies of The Everly Brothers were an inspiration for Hollies founding members Graham Nash and Allan Clarke, and they’re also the template Mike Cohen and Jeff Janulis use for the catchy power pop songs they perform as The Abbeys.

(H) The Bangles. A four woman band did an okay job covering The Bangles at Halloweekend at The Abbey Pub a few years ago, but they concentrated on the hits while their over-flirtatious mannerisms portrayed The Bangles as nothing more than the video vixens of “In Your Room.” Power pop fans know The Bangles deserve better, and that could be achieved by delving into deep cuts like “Hero Takes A Fall,” “Some Dreams Come True,” and “Tear Off Your Own Head.”

(ALA) The Webstirs with guest vocalist Holly Senchak. This combo was a knockout at last year’s Halloweekend at Martyrs when they covered ABBA, even for those of us who aren’t particularly ABBA fans. Senchak was just as effective channeling Agnetha and Anni-Frid, as she was being Courtney Love when her band Metropolly performed as Hole in 2011.

Or: (ALA) The Valley Downs.  Lead singer Marianne Shimkus is a dead ringer for Vicki Peterson’s vocal style at times, and her husband, bassist-backup vocalist Mike Galassini writes catchy pop songs for The Valley Downs and his other band, 92 Degrees.

Coming tomorrow: More local musician/famous artist match-ups. Feel free to email me with any additional pairs, but try to steer away from over-hyped celebrities.