Chances are you’ve seen this video all over the net in the past week, but it’s too cool for us not to share. Wilco collaborated with King Features for the video for The Whole Love‘s upbeat groover “Dawned On me.” The result is the first original, hand-drawn Popeye cartoon in over 30 years. And yep, the gangs all here: Olive Oyl, Wimpy, Swee’Pea, Nels Cline, John Stirratt…you get the picture. Anyway, watch the fun, Wilco-soundtracked nostalgia trip below:
The Chicago indie rockers released a trailer on their Facebook page this morning announcing their new LP, Beware and Be Grateful, which is set for a US release on Tuesday, April 17.
The trailer is quite an intriguing one that features a coffee-drinking, suited man dramatically describing a car accident from afar that may or may not have happened. Near the end he opens a door to a club that also allows our first listen of Maps & Atlases’ new material.
Judging strictly on the few seconds of music available, it’s apparent that Beware and Be Grateful is probably more akin to the melodic, groove-laden approach on their 2010 release Perch Patchwork than the twitchy guitar-tapping from their 2007 debut, Trees, Swallows, Houses.
Watch the Beware and Be Grateful trailer after the jump as well their newly announce UK Tour Dates.
1.Hay Perro play the kind of old school metal slash hard rock that offers absolutely no hidden agendas. Their chugging, Motorhead-esque riffage, aggressive vocals and wailing Thin Lizzy leads would go just right with downing cheap beers and shots of Jameson. LISTEN: “No Visons”
Earlier this month, we told you about the upcoming EP Ataraxia/Taraxis, from Chicago(-ish) prog-metal crew Pelican.
While the EP isn’t set to drop until April 10, late last week the band unleashed the Ataraxia/Taraxis track “Lathe Biosas” in all it’s monster-riff glory. The tune is a nearly five-minute rocker that’s pure guitar porn for those who are headbang-starved.
And there are plenty of Pelican’s patented dynamic shifts here as the song ducks along into some tense but melodic axe work in between the epic walls of crunch. This track bares no signs of additional use of the studio as a compositional tool, which Pelican promised in a press release. So for now “Lathe Biosas,” simply acts as a reminder of just how ferocious Pelican are. Listen to “Lathe Biosas” at the top left.
The band are currently slated for a European tour this April, but there’s a good bet a Chicago date will pop-up sooner than later. We’ll keep you posted.
And now three reasons to forget it’s a Monday and roll up to Panchos tonight…
1.Tijuana Hercules is the new project from John Forbes, whose Chicago band connections date back to ’80s and early ’90s. Not only is Forbes putting his own stamp on Hercules via the goofy cartoon squiggles scattered on the band’s website and facebook, but his throaty, croaky vocals lead the way. And the music combines rumbling blues rock, kitschy lounge and quasi-gypsy flourishes for a sounds that’s both festive and quirky. LISTEN: “Quicksand Passin’ Through”
There are thousands of great local bands playing every week in our fair city. Some you might know and some you might not. Seeing as it’s the beginning of a brand new year, we thought we’d point out some local bands who we think you might want to keep your eye on in 2012. And isn’t it always cool to say you were a fan of popular act back in the day when they were playing for eight people in a crappy dive bar? Yes, it is always cool. (Ed. Note: Although numbered, this list is in no particular order)
According to the Bloodshot Records website, the members of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir were throwing a going away party for band member Elia, who is bolting for NYC, at The Whistler in Logan Square this past weekend. While the event, which was a charitable one with proceeds going to Dave Egger’s literacy project 826, was going on, SYGC violinist Ethan had a number of musical instruments stolen form the trunk of a car.
Even more recently, Loyal Divide took to their twitter on Monday to announce that their van (a 2000 Ford E350 Super Duty – photo of which is at the top left), was stolen, and asked if anyone is willing to rent them a van for their February shows. If you or someone you know has any information on the van, please contact the band.
Get excited 
And now three reasons to forget it’s a Monday and roll up to Panchos tonight…
