Before we get started, let's get one thing out of the way: Yes, Jeff Tweedy's Tumblrin' son, Spencer Tweedy, plays drums for The Blisters. But don't for a second think that means the band has any sonic resemblance to Wilco. No, on their new single, "Through You," The Blisters, also guitarist Hayden Holbert, vocaliast and guitarist Henry Mosher and bassist Tory P-Lopez, have more in common with geek-pop icons Weezer and the laid back vibe of Pavement. "Through You," from their new self-titled record, set for a June 4 release, is a breezy tune powered by skin-tight guitar interplay and features a punchy alt-rock chorus that's quite infectious. This summer, The Blisters will play Lollapalooza's Kidzapalooza stage on Sunday, August 4. But if you're local and can't quite wait that long, check out their Record Release party this Friday at Schubas. Listen to "Through You" and find Schubas show details below. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ9lVaGEmGA ___________________________________________________________________ THE BLISTERS 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 31. Scubas, 3159 N. Southport. All Ages. $8. ___________________________________________________________________ By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

Glam-pop heartthrobs Smith Westerns will drop Soft Will on June 25, the follow-up to their solid 2011 effort, Dye It Blonde. The first single from Soft Will is "Varsity," a slightly new wave and mellow tune that's pretty darn catchy. The band also released a video for "Varsity," which, for fans of fruit and intense make-out sessions, will definitely please. In other Smith Westerns news, you can catch the band at Lollapalooza 2013 in August, but check out the video for "Varsity" below in the meantime: By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

Local alt-rockers Hospital Garden have returned to the scene with a new album and new single. The band's video for single "What to Do" shows the trio play some good ol' American football at the Jackson Prison Grounds in Jackson, Michigan. There's lots of tackling and feelings along the way. Personally, the golden retriever that comes out of nowhere is the best part of the video, but the song is definitely a close second. Hospital Garden will release its third album Mover on Forge Again Records next Tuesday, but you can see the band in action at its record release party this Saturday at Quenchers. By Audrey Leon  \  comments

If you're a sports fan, and in Chicago it's damn near impossible not to be, then you probably know that tonight the mighty Chicago Bulls face the evil Miami Heat in game two of the eastern conference semifinals. Not only are the Bulls up a game on the star-studded and last year's champs Miami Heat in this best of seven series, but they beat the woeful Brooklyn (lol) Nets in the first round of the playoffs. For the Bulls, this is a pretty impressive accomplishment seeing how their best player, Derrick Rose, is (possibly) still healing from a torn ACL from last year's playoffs, starting small forward Luol Deng is in the hospital with a mystery ailment (after getting a spinal tap to check for meningitis), and veteran point guard Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for tonight's game with a leg injury. That being said, it's easy to find a local musicians who passionately follow Chicago sports - especially during the post-season. And minimal garage poppers Slushy have taken their passion a step further by penning a new song titled, "I love the Bulls." The tune takes it's frame from Slushy's song, "I love the Beatles," from their 2012 release, All The Rad Dudes. Musically, it's quite similar opening with a crooked "Norwegian Wood"-like acoustic guitar line before cooling off into a laid back jingle. It may not become the Bulls' 2013 playoff anthem, but it's got about a thousand times more soul than "Go Cubs Go" could ever muster up. Listen to, "I love the Bulls," below: By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

Last weekend was a big one for Their / They're / There. Not only did the new band featuring members of Into it. Over it., Loose Lips Sink Ships and Owen/Cap'n Jazz (Evan Weiss, Matthew Frank and Mike Kinsella, respectively) release their debut EP on Polyvinyl Records, but they also played their first show - a Record Store Day in-store at Permanent Records. And it's easy to see, or hear, why this young band packed the house at Permanent and why their the lead single from their debut EP was premiered on RollingStone.com. The single, "Concession Speech Writer," showcases Their/They're/There pop-prowess as it combines both hyper-melodic guitar leads reminiscent of another Chicago favorite, Maps & Atlases, and warm grooves of both the rhythmic and vocal variety. If you are bummed you missed the band's debut performance, turn that frown upside down, because Their/They're/There headline the Beat Kitchen on Saturday, May 11. In the meantime, head on over to RollingStone.com and listen to "Concession Speech Writer." ___________________________________________________________________ THEIR/THEY'RE/THERE 9:00 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont 17+. $12. ___________________________________________________________________ By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

The latest video from eclectic indie experimentalists >>radiant devices<< for their song, "Much Less Desired," finds lead singer/poet Mojdeh Stoakley wandering what appears to be an abandoned snowy wasteland and encountering a number of intriguing characters through out. The scenery very much fits the song's vibe, which opens with a minimal, RATM guitar groove that changes to a nearly urgent Dismemberment Plan-vibe as Mojdeh spouts off rhymes at a quicker pace. Be sure to catch >>radiant devices<< on Thursday, April 11, at the Tonic Room. In the meantime, check out the video below: httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VARoUfyyHYk By Richard Giraldi  \  2 comments

After a short break last Friday, let's continue on with The Kickback's SXSW Tour Video Diary, which in it's fifth day, it's nearing it's conclusion. The band stopped by the Chicago I Love You BBQ, take a dramatic time out, get a much needed massage (from a chair) and bid an emotional farewell to their manager Brian Foy before departing for Oklahoma and more. Enjoy: httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR_4dkWAIEY By Richard Giraldi  \  comments