The Webstirs - The Webstirs

Arriving over five years after their masterful Now You’ve Really Done It, this self-titled, sixth album from The Webstirs proves they can still be counted on for clever lyrics set to catchy arrangements. It also confirms their long-time symbiotic relationship with producer Matt Allison. As with their fellow Chicagoans The Bad Examples, these guys seem to draw inspiration from Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook’s well-crafted compositions for Squeeze.

Guitarist-vocalist Preston Pisellini and keyboards player-vocalist Mark Winkler traditionally handle the songwriting chores for The Webstirs, but now they have an additional collaborator with guitarist-vocalist Doug Bobenhouse from the band The Sun Sawed In Half. He was credited with “additional vocals” on Now You’ve Really Done It, and joins Pisellini and Winkler on harmonies here as an official member. Bass player Gregg Juhlin from The Slugs is another new addition; drummer Jordan Kozer from The Redwalls, came onboard in 2009.

“Ordinary Shapes,” the third single from the album, is a prime example of The Webstirs’ knack for well-crafted pop. With trumpet playing by guest musician John Hagstrom, the energetic power pop arrangement is also notable for how well all three voices come together. “Should Be Letting Go,” a look at ending a relationship, kicks off the album with its driving beat, while the gorgeous “All Is Not Lost” strikes a more optimistic note.

“Not Coming Back” is a gospel song with a non-gospel message, while the slower “Lowest Of The Low” offers a thought-provoking change of pace. The defiant “(I Don’t Want You To) Show Me The Way” rocks to a suitably punchy arrangement. This collection lacks a truly quirky gem such as “Maurice Klybatzia” on their 1994 album Smirk (re-released in 2011) but it’s still a worthy new edition from this consistently inventive band.  

Incoming

Get It Now. Beatles fans were supposed to have been able to buy a DVD or Blu-Ray copy of director Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed documentary The Beatles: Get Back a few months ago, but due to certain complications, the release date was indefinitely postponed. All those issues seemed to have been worked out, because a new release date of July 12 has been announced. I found out via an email from The Fest For Beatles Fans website, and immediately ordered one. If all goes well, I’ll have my copy in time to watch on my birthday. 

On a related note, Phil Angotti And Friends will present Beatles Love Songs as part of a Beatles Brunch being staged at City Winery Chicago this Sunday. Doors open at 11:00 am and the event starts at noon. General Admission with Brunch is $37; General Admission without Brunch is $12. It looks like Angotti will be back at this venue with more Beatles Brunches on June 26 and July 24.

The Coco And Blu Cafe in Arlington Heights is staging a Trivia And Concert event with live music and trivia next Wednesday, May 25. Admission is $10 and all proceeds will go to help an employee who is undergoing cancer treatment. CoCo and Blu has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a friendly staff. My wife Pam and I have been regular customers pretty much since it opened a few years ago.  

Tickets are now on sale for a double bill of Smashing Pumpkins and Jane’s Addiction at the United Center on November 5. Smashing Pumpkins will be a month into their Spirits On Fire Tour at that point.

The Chicago Blues Festival takes place on the weekend of June 9 through 12, featuring Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials, and several other blues acts.

The annual Long Grove Chocolate Festival takes place this Saturday with performances by 1980s tribute band Sixteen Candles and 1990s tribute band How Rude. I hate to think what a 2020s tribute band will be called some day in the future. At any rate, it’s always nice to see events going on in the Long Grove shopping area. The once-bustling retail area has been making a comeback, mostly via popular restaurants and coffee places.

 

Pop Aid, the 3-CD benefit album featuring new and previously unreleased tracks from an international cast of power pop bands, will be coming out soon. The album will support World Central Kitchen’s efforts to feed people in the Ukraine. Thrift Store Halo and The Walkdown are among the Chicago acts taking part, and there will also be contributions from Arvidson And Butterflies; Jamie Hoover; Joey Molland from Badfinger; Jeremy (with Ken Stringfellow); and several other acts. Look for it to be released on Kool Kat Musik.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

We’ll be going to 11 in 2024. According to the Celebrities column in today’s Chicago Tribune, Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer have signed on to do a long-awaited sequel to their hilarious and spot-on 1984 rock and roll documentary satire Spinal Tap. It’s scheduled to arrive two years from now. 

Looks like there’s going to be a 60th Anniversary special for the long-running British sci-fi TV show Doctor Who, and former stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate have already agreed to be part of it. (You can even catch new scenes with them on Instagram.) Tennant played a major role in the 50th Anniversary special, alongside Matt Smith, who had replaced him in the role of The Doctor. The two of them were so much fun, I suggested at the time that they make an action comedy together. It will be interesting to see if any other former cast members come onboard the TARDIS for the 60th Anniversary special, which is slated to air in 2023.

Michael Glover Smith’s latest film Relative should make quite an impression in his hometown next month, with VIP World Theatrical Premiere events at Music Box on June 8 and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 10. The film stars Wendy Robie of Twin Peaks fame, and concerns the complications that arise at a family get-together for a college graduation. Including the graduate bringing a last-minute date. Smith specializes in exploring personal relationships, with touching and humorous results. He says people have been telling him this is his best work yet, and he feels that way as well.

Slumgullion

Book it, Bono. First, a happy belated birthday to Bono from U2. There was an announcement earlier this week that he has a memoir titled Surrender coming out via Penguin Books on November 1. Based on a really cool animated promo on the band’s Facebook and Instagram pages, this is going to be an interesting story. I’ve never shared this before, but back in the 1980s, whenever I was feeling particularly stressed, I would put U2’s debut album Boy on the record player, plug in my headphones, and play it at full volume. That always helped.

It was great to hear Richard Milne back in his early morning shift at WXRT this week. Welcome back, Richard.

Pravdafest, a concert event featuring Pravda recording artists Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops, Boom Hank, The Slugs, The Service, Diplomats Of Sound, and The Handcuffs, takes place on the weekend of June 24 and 25 at the Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie. The event marks the 38th year of Pravda Records releasing indie music albums, and the label released a new 38-track compilation on Bandcamp today that offers material by the above-mentioned acts, plus The Farmers, New Duncan Imperials, The Trypes, The Melismatics, The Goldstars, Susan Voelz, The Lilacs, Sunshine Boys, The Flat Five, The Imperial Sound, Chamber Strings, Jason Batchko, and others. The original release dates for these tracks range from 1986 to 2022. All for only $10.

The Regrettes show scheduled for tonight at Metro in Chicago has been postponed due to vocalist-guitarist Lydia Night needing emergency surgery for her appendix following a recent concert in Toronto. According to a post on the band’s Facebook page, Night is doing much better, but all Further Joy Tour dates through May 24 will have to be rescheduled. 

Tellin’ Tales Theatre is staging live performances for the first time in a few years this weekend. Voicing Our Truths opens tonight at the Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Avenue) and will run through Sunday. Directed and produced by long-time member Tekki Lomnicki, the show features solo performances by artists, writers, and advocates with disabilities. After Sunday, Voicing Our Truths will continue as a live stream on Vimeo.

Congratulations to Ncuti Gatwa on being chosen as the next actor to portray The Doctor on the long-running British sci-fi television program Doctor Who. I’m not familiar with his work, but then I wasn’t familiar with any of the actors who have taken on the lead role. And I enjoyed each of them.

Singer-songwriter Michael McDermott has a release show for his latest album What In The World tomorrow, May 14, at City Winery Chicago.

The Pier Head building, where people in Liverpool board Mersey Ferries, has been renamed The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry in honor of the late lead vocalist for British Invasion band Gerry And The Pacemakers. The band scored an international hit in 1964 with “Ferry Across The Mersey.”

 

The Chicago Cultural Center and the American Writers Museum will present the American Writers Festival this Sunday, May 15. More than 70 writers will be involved. Admissions is free.

Chicago-based alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess will perform an afternoon set at Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie on May 22.

Journalist Caryn Rose takes an extensive look at one of rock’s most revolutionary performers in her book Why Patti Smith Matters, due out on May 31 from University of Texas Press. Described as, “A meditation on the artistry and influence of Patti Smith,” the book taps into numerous reliable sources, including an interview with Bruce Springsteen, who co-wrote “Because The Night” with her. Rose’s credentials include contributing to Pitchfork, Billboard, and the Village Voice.

Relic, an art exhibition that ‘explores what Black cultural artifacts and emblems of today will be left behind to reflect our time here and inform the future,” will run through May 27 at Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. in Chicago. Curated by Ciera Alyse McKissick, it features the work of six artists.

UPDATE: I’VE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE FOLLOWING EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THE LIAR’S CLUB HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR LATER THIS SUMMER. Vocalist-guitarist Mike Skill from The Romantics has a solo gig coming up on May 21 at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. He’ll be joined by fellow Romantic Brad Elvis; Chloe F. Orwell from The Handcuffs (which also includes Brad Elvis); and Ricky Rat from Trash Brats. The opening act that night will be the always-fun rockabilly/garage rock band Amazing Heeby Jeebies.

The House Theatre Of Chicago is presenting The Tragedy Of King Christophe at the Chopin Theatre through May 29. The play features original test by Aimé Césaire and is directed by Lanise Antoine Shelley.

Dag Juhlin and Jason Narducy will be performing a pair of Pete Townshend tribute shows at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights next Thursday, May 19.

Chicago-based musician Ellis Clark has embarked on a project where he’ll be looking back at some of the best songs he’s created throughout his career, and posting them on YouTube. One of the first was a cover of David Bowie’s “Rubberband” he recorded with his brother when they were in one of Chicago’s first punk bands, Epicycle.

Tori Amos recently announced on Instagram that she’ll be bringing a special guest Companion when she performs at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on May 25.

Red Spot Rhythm Section, the Chicago-based ensemble that gave us an imaginative collection of Tom Petty covers last August, returns with a double single of 1980s U.K. new wave. Each track features a different lead vocalist; Claire Liparulo on a funky take on Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and Erthe St. James on a ska-flavored version of The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry.”

I spent some earlier this week picking out three literary agents from the list of those who will be participating in the Chicago Writing Workshop on the weekend of June 11 and 12. I’ll be pitching my YA Paranormal/Romance/Rock and Roll/Comedy novel in the hope of getting it published. I already have quite a few ideas and an almost complete outline for a sequel. 

Incoming

Journalist Caryn Rose takes an extensive look at one of rock’s most revolutionary performers in her book Why Patti Smith Matters, due out on May 31 from University of Texas Press. Described as, “A meditation on the artistry and influence of Patti Smith,” the book taps into numerous reliable sources, including an interview with Bruce Springsteen, who co-wrote “Because The Night” with her. Rose’s credentials include contributing to Pitchfork, Billboard, and the Village Voice.

 

Chicago singer-guitarist Phil Angotti will celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street album this Wednesday night at SPACE in Evanston. He’ll be joined by The Naughty Neighbors, which I suspect is one of those one-off band names various musicians pick when they get together for a tribute show. My sincere apologies if The Naughty Neighbors have been gigging around town for years.

English vocalist-guitarist Jonny Weathers once again joins forces with former Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook on the new album Dusted Radio. The nine-song effort also finds Phil Collen and Weathers sharing lead guitar duties. “Radio City,” “I Used To Have Possession,” and “Opium Fireworks” continue the hard rock approach Weathers and Cook offered on their previous collaboration, but there’s also more nuanced and impressive tracks like “Soulshine” and “Indian Rope Tricks” this time out. I’m hoping to do a full review in the near future.

I briefly mentioned in last Friday’s Slumgullion post that the Chicago Cultural Center and the American Writers Museum will present the American Writers Festival on May 15. More than 70 writers will be involved. Admission is free. There was much more extensive information on the American Writers Festival in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune, most of it reported by staff writer Christopher Borrelli. Check it out if you still have a copy around, or I’m sure you can find it online.

Tellin’ Tales Theatre hasn’t offered an in-person performance for a few years due to the pandemic, but will be back onstage this coming weekend at the Greenhouse Theater Center. The new production Voicing Our Truths is directed and produced by long-time member Tekki Lomnicki and includes solo performances by artists, writers, and advocates with disabilities. Greenhouse Theater is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. After the Friday-through-Sunday run is finished, Voicing Our Truths will continue as a live stream on Vimeo.

Singer-songwriter Michael McDermott has an album release show this Saturday, May 14 at City Winery Chicago. What In The World actually came out in 2020, and those of us who heard the title track being played on WXRT definitely remember how McDermott set his razor-sharp observations to a rampaging arrangement. 

Checking out the singles scene. Red Spot Rhythm Section, the Chicago-based ensemble that gave us an adventurous collection of Tom Petty covers last August, returns with a double single of 1980s U.K. new wave. Each track features a different lead vocalist; Claire Liparulo on a funky take on Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and Erthe St. James on a ska-flavored version of The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry.” Crown Vic Royal frontman Vincent Bruckert will be showcasing some solo work this Wednesday when he performs his new single, the melodic and mid-tempo “Secret Warnings,” at Montrose Saloon.

The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N. Clark Street, will host the third edition of Night Ideas this Thursday from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The free, international-themed event aims to bring together the academic, artistic, scientific and civic communities to share ideas.  

Slumgullion

A post by Graham Nash on his official Instagram page today no doubt thrilled Hollies fans around the globe. The photo showed him standing next to Allan Clarke, his life-long friend and fellow founding member of the British Invasion band. Both gentlemen look quite happy. Nash has mentioned working with Clarke on new music, so hopefully, this is a sign the pair will release an album at some point.

Congratulations to Chicago-based alt rock/Americana band Dolly Varden, who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album Forgiven Now at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn even as I write this. Singer-guitarist Heidi Serwer was also on hand, playing songs from her new album Palm Tree On The Drywall.

If You Gotta Go-Go, Go-Go Now, The Go-Go’s tribute album I ordered, arrived in the mail looking like someone at the post office took a sledgehammer to it. Luckily, the disc itself miraculously survived, and I’ve been enjoying this adventurous 24-track compilation. I hope to write a full review in the near future, but for now, here’s an enthusiastic thumbs up.

A great place to celebrate all the super heroes of yesteryear. The 21st Windy City Pulp And Paper Convention kicked off today at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard and will run through Sunday.

Olivia Harrison has a 104-page hardcover book titled Came The Lightening - 20 Poems About George coming out in the fall. It will be available in autographed Collector’s and Deluxe editions from the high-end Genesis Publications, which means they’re gorgeous, well-crafted, and expensive. Both are available for pre-order on The Fest For Beatles Fans website, at $180 and $450, respectively.

Chicago-based alt rock band whitewolfsonicprincess will perform an afternoon set at Sketchbook Brewing Company in Skokie on May 22. I’m not sure who wrote the description on Facebook, but it fits the WWSP perfectly: “This avant garde ensemble shares their unique 21st century druid music that's woven with songs about inner light, the natural world, and so much more.” I wish I had come up with that.

 

Fans of indie rock in Chicago will recognize Sketchbook Brewing Company as the site of Pravdafest. The event will mark the 38th year of local label Pravda Records and takes place on the weekend of  June 24 and 25. Pravda recording artists Josh Caterer, Steve Dawson, Hushdrops, Boom Hank, The Slugs, The Service, Diplomats Of Sound, and The Handcuffs are scheduled to perform. Veteran alt rock DJ James VanOsdol will serve as MC. Sketchbook Brewing Company is located at 4901 Main Street in Skokie.

 

Vocalist-guitarist Carla Olson, who formed The Textones in 1978, before moving on to a successful career as solo recording artist and producer, has just released a rampaging cover of The Who’s “I Can See For Miles” on Bandcamp.

Relic, an art exhibition that “explores what Black cultural artifacts and emblems of today will be left behind to reflect our time here and inform the future,” will run through May 27 at Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. in Chicago. Curated by Ciera Alyse McKissick, it features the work of six artists.

The B-52’s sold out their October 7 concert at The Chicago Theatre, so a second show has been added on October 8. The dates are part of the band's Farewell Tour Play Loud. KC And The Sunshine will be the opening act.

The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N. Clark Street, will host the third edition of Night Ideas next Thursday from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The free, international-themed event aims to bring together the academic, artistic, scientific and civic communities to share ideas.

 

Vocalist-guitarist Mike Skill from The Romantics has a solo gig coming up on May 21 at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. He’ll be joined by fellow Romantic Brad Elvis; Chloe F. Orwell from The Handcuffs (which also includes Brad Elvis); and Ricky Rat from Trash Brats. The opening act that night will be the always-fun rockabilly/garage rock band Amazing Heeby Jeebies.

The House Theatre Of Chicago is presenting The Tragedy Of King Christophe at the Chopin Theatre through May 29. The play features original text by Aimé Césaire and is directed by Lanise Antoine Shelley.

Dag Juhlin and Jason Narducy will be performing a pair of Pete Townshend tribute shows at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on May 19. In a recent Facebook post, Juhlin drolly wondered if the later gig would “feature more lubricated banter and seth-defying leaps and windmills.”

The Chicago Cultural Center and the American Writers Museum have joined forces to present the American Writers Festival on May 15. More than 70 writers will be at the museum to celebrate American writing. Judging from the online schedule, the event kicks off with a welcome at 10:00 am and runs through the early evening. Admissions is free.

Incoming

Vocalist-guitarist Mike Skill from The Romantics will have some impressive guest musicians onstage with him when he performs on May 21 at Liar’s Club on Chicago’s north side. The lineup includes fellow Romantic Brad Elvis; Chloe F. Orwell from The Handcuffs (which also includes Brad Elvis); and Ricky Rat from Trash Brats. The opening act that night will be the always-fun rockabilly/garage rock band Amazing Heeby Jeebies.

Skill has a brand new autobiographical single called “We Got Your Rock ’N’ Roll” and he also recently released a cover of Wilson Pickett’s “In The Midnight Hour” reimagined as a garage rock song. Chances are, The Romantics’ first hit single, the Skill-penned “What I Like About You,” will be ringing out that night as well.

Vocalist-guitarist Steve Hackett, who’s performed with Genesis and GTR, as well as on solo projects, has a gig tomorrow night (Thursday, May 5) at the Copernicus Center on Chicago’s northwest side. The venue is a short walk away from the Jefferson Park Metra/CTA station.

Graham Nash has a new album coming out this Friday that features live performances of all the songs from his Songs For Beginners and Wild Tales solo releases. The tracks were recorded during his 2019 tour with Shane Fontayne on guitar and vocals, and Todd Caldwell on keyboards and vocals.

Congratulations to Little Steve Van Zandt on the 20th anniversary of his Underground Garage radio program. His “Rock ’n’ Soul dance party” can be heard on Sirius radio, as well as on its own website. 

Dag Juhlin and Jason Narducy will be performing a pair of Pete Townshend tribute shows at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights on May 19. In a recent Facebook post, Juhlin drolly wondered if the later gig would “feature more lubricated banter and death-defying leaps and windmills.”

The B-52’s sold out their October 7 concert at The Chicago Theatre, so a second show has been added on October 8. The dates are part of the band's Farewell Tour Play Loud. KC And The Sunshine Band will be the opening act.