• • Time Out Chicago says due to increased demand for tickets, Spring Awakening Music Festival will move its main stage inside Soldier Field.
• • Christmas has come early for Braid fans. Frontman Bob Nanna told Gossip Wolf that the band is planning a new album for 2013. Additionally, Gossip Wolf also breaks the bad news that post-hardcore quartet Coping is breaking up. Bummer.
• • Magic Milk have arrived. The Tribune’s Jessica Hopper interviews frontman Kenny Alden about the band’s recent release Mellows and what ensues is a pretty thoughtful and informative interview. The lesson? Don’t judge a book solely because his pants are always down.
• • Chicagoist’s Eric Hehr reviews Hollows record release show at Subterranean this past Thursday. Despite what Hehr felt was a “subdued” performance, he seemed to enjoy the retro-poppers’ sound.
• • Congress Theater’s owner Eddie Carranza speaks with Chicago Pipeline’s Jon Graef about the lawsuit he recently filed against the city regarding an ordinance that he feels is being unfairly applied to his business.

8:30 p.m. Thursday, 5/17. Subterranean. 21+. $8.

coffin pricks

In a world filled with dubstep DJs and party rock anthems, Chicago punks Coffin Pricks are standing tall under the banner of “unchill wave.”

Coffin Pricks take a page or two from bands like Mission of Burma and Husker Du by displaying speed and agility while maintaining a minimalist punk approach. Because of this, the lead track on the group’s recent EP, “Group Home Haircut,” isn’t overly intimidating. There’s enough melody and catchy guitar parts to compel listeners to dance while the back beats crackle at their feet.

If “Group Home Haircut” sounds like a weary, but wise old track, maybe it’s because Coffin Pricks themselves have seen and heard it all while playing in previous bands such as Ignition, Maximum Wage, Daylight Robbery, and Bob Tilton.

Coffin Pricks are releasing its brand-new EP Group Home Haircut on Tuesday, May 15, through Stationary (Heart) Records. It’s limited to 300 copies and will feature artwork by none other than John Herndon of Tortoise.

Coffin Pricks will celebrate the EP’s release at Subterranean this Thursday, May 17, along with Summer Girlfriends, Radar Eyes and Hollows. Tickets are $8.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that this Saturday, April 21, is the fourth annual Record Store Day. Like the past three years, record stores around the country are offering exclusive releases, great deals, free goodies and even in-store performances for Saturday’s celebration of independently owned record stores. The event is even better if you live in Chicago because there are many great record stores strewn across the city, but it’s hard to keep count of which one is doing what. Therefore, once again, we’ve done the dirty work for you in this handy guide to record store day in Chicago in which we break down which stores have what releases and even which bands you might find playing.

One thing to keep in mind: If you’re on the hunt for the Record Store Day Exclusives, GET THERE EARLY. All of the exclusive releases are being released in limited quantities. Plus, some stores are even offering free goodies, but only to the first few who show up. Finally, we’ll be updating our guide up until Saturday morning with more information as to who will have what and maybe even add some additional locations that we’ve found will be participating as well. But enough small talk. On with the Loud Loop Press Guide to Record Store Day in Chicago:

BEVERLY RECORDS

11612 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60643, 773-779-0066
In-Store Performances?: Nope.
Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: Yes! They’ve ordered quite a bit from the big RSD 2012 Exclusive Release list, but they won’t know exactly what they’ll have until Friday night.
Deals?: 20% off all used all vinyl LPs on the floor.
Free Goodies?: Yep! Free PIZZA and POP from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and giveaways of various goodies from labels! Hurray!
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DAVE’S RECORDS

2604 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60614, 773-929-6325
In-Store Performances?: Not this year!
Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: You betcha! Dave ordered all the exclusives. But who knows what will come in? So, he will be posting exactly what he does have on the Dave’s Records Blog, Facebook and Twitter at precisely 11 p.m. this Friday, April 20, so keep an eye on it!
Deals?: All used 7″ and 12″ singles will be 50% off.
Free Goodies?: YES! Free cupcakes and free candy for everyone! Also, some free bonus stickers, download cards and additional swag (quantities are limited).
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DUSTY GROOVE AMERICA

1120 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60622, 773-342-5800
In-Store Performances?: Yes! Soul legend Otis Clay will perform at 4 p.m.
Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: They’ll have tons of the RSD 11 Exclusive Releases (but they’ll have them in imited quantities).
Deals?: TBD – but they will be opening TWO hours early at 8 a.m. and stay open an hour later until 9 p.m.
Free Goodies?: A special gift will be given to first 100 costumers! There will also be a prize wheel on hand on which paying customers will have a chance for additional prizes. Free POPCORN and other refreshments and, yes, there will be a live MAGICIAN in the afternoon. SCORE!
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FAVORITE RECORDS

1535 West Division St., Chicago, IL, 60622, 773-697-3421
Will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In-Store Performances?: You Betcha!
2:00 p.m. Deadbeat
5:30 p.m. Silver Abuse
Favorite will also have DJ sets by Morry B, Sir Eric Colin & Moe Madness (of MODchicago), and Sonorama’s Charly & Edgar, along with Chema of Triton Sound
Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: Numero Group’s RSD releases, Stax Records Box set Never to be Forgotten – The Flip Side of Stax 1968-1974), Lee Hazelwood’s The LHI Years LP
Deals?: Nada.
Free Goodies?: Favorite will offer giveaways including New Bruce Springsteen stock, Tom Petty and Prince, as well as vintage LPs and 45s. Favorite will also have downloads from Wes Hollywood, Chicago Reader totebags and energy shots. Possibly some free coffee.
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GRAMAPHONE RECORDS

2843 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60657, 773-472-3683
In-Store Performances?: YES! Here’s the DJ Lineup:
12pm-1pm – Harry T
1pm- 2pm – DjPratt/ Void Pedal (live performance)
2pm-3pm DJ LGGC
3pm-4pm – DJ AMPM
4pm-5pm – Fathom DJ
5pm-6pm – Jesse De La Pena
6pm-7pm – Shut Eye w/ Shaun Wright
7pm-8pm – Restless Natives (Nathan Larsen/ Samone Roberts)
8pm-Close – Hector Lopez
Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: Oh yeah. A bunch of the Records Store Day exclusive releases – check out Gramaphone Records Facebook page’s timeline around April 2 for a massive list of confirmed RSD-exclusives. Also, they’ll be releasing the first ever Gramaphone pressing with house lengend Lil Louis titled “Fable” featuring mixes by by Frankie Knuckles, Glenn Underground & Anthony Nicholson.
Deals?: Nope.
Free Goodies?: Free Gramaphone buttons & stickers while supplies last.
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JAZZ RECORD MART

27 E. Illinois St. Chicago, IL 60654, 312-222-1467
In-Store Performances?: Yes sir! 2012 is Jazz Record Mart’s 60th year, so you know it’s going to be a party. Here’s their in-store lineup:
11:00 AM: Jazz set w/ Steve Marquette Quartet featuring Keefe Jackson, Anton Hatwich & Lucas Gillan
1:00 PM: Blues set w/ the Rockin’ Johnny Band celebrating the release of their new CD, “Grim Reaper”
3:00 PM: Jazz set w/ the Nick Mazzarella Trio
Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: For exactly what they’ll have in house, check out their RSD 2012 Facebook event page.
Deals?: 50% off main room 78s and second classical LPs, 20% off any box set, vinyl graveyard section will be 5 for $1 and red circled 45s will be 5 for $1. Whew.
Free Goodies?: N/A
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LAURIE’S PLANET OF SOUND

4639 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625, 773-271-3569
Laurie’s opens bright and early at 9 a.m.

In-Store Performances?: Oh, hellz yeah! Here’s the schedule:
12:00 p.m. Martin Rivas
1:00 p.m. Variety Lights (ex-Mercury Rev)
2:00 p.m. Elvis, Angotti, Dawson & Burch, Ltd (perform The Monkees’ Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.)
3:00 p.m. Casey McDonough & Scott Ligon (of the Flat Five, The Letter 3)
6:00 p.m. Astrobrite
7:00 p.m. Blizzard Babies

DJ sets by:
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. WXRT DJ Terri Hemmert will spin some tunes and ring up your purchases.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. DJ Peroxide set

Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?:It’s too early to say what Laurie’s will have on hand, but you can be sure they will have a decent pick of RSD goodies. Laurie’s has this handy Facebook event page devoted to their RSD festivities, if you need more info.
Deals?: Nope.
Free Goodies?: Goodie bags with plenty of free swag, as long as supplies last. AND From 4 to 6 p.m. Anyone with a Laurie’s receipt gets a free hotdog from Lincoln Square’s own Chubby Wieners.
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PERMANENT RECORDS

1914 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60622, 773-278-1744

Permanent Records will open at the crack of Midnight until 2 a.m. to give you fine young vinyl cannibals a shot at RSD exclusives. And then they’ll do it all again at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

In-Store Performances?: Yes, Indeedy!
From 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.
DJ Set by Plus Tapes / Addenda Records

Beginning at 4 p.m.
Vyto B & The Band That Never Made it
Psychic Teens
ONO

Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: Of course! In addition to your standard RSD releases, Permanent will also have 100 copies of its own special, hand-assembled 30th release: The Pows – Once with Snot and Blood
Deals?: Nada.
Free Goodies?: Free grab bags while they last. Gotta love it!
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RAFFE’S RECORD RIOT

4350 N. Cicero Ave. Chicago, IL 60641, 773-725-1327
In-Store Performances?: Nope.
Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: Word has it, Raffe’s still has a few RSD releases from last year in addition to whatever they get this year.
Deals?: 50% off select LPs
Free Goodies?: Nope.
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RECKLESS RECORDS

3126 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60657, 773-404-9588 | 1532 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622, 773-235-3727 | 26 E. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60602, 312-795-0878
In-Store Performances?: You bet your bottom dollar! Here’s the schedule:

WICKER PARK Store (1532 N. Milwaukee)
2:00 p.m. Radar Eyes (stripped down synth version!!!)
3:00 p.m. Fake Limbs
3:45 p.m. Spires That in the Sunset Rise
4:30 p.m. Bloodiest
5:15 p.m. Circles (ex-Ponys)
Rock n’ roll caricatures by Steve Krakow aka Plastic Crimewave (12-5p)

LOOP store (26 E. Madison)
1:30 p.m. Arborist
3:30 p.m. Psalm One
4:30 p.m. Cloud Birds

BROADWAY Store (3126 N. Broadway)
2:00 p.m. Pamphleteers
3:00 p.m. Running
4:00 p.m. Verma
5:30 p.m. Atlas Moth

Plus join Reckless at Bottom Lounge later that night to taste Reckless/Three Floyd’s special concoction: “RYE’D DA LIGHTNING” rye pale ale beer. Music will be provided by Sweet Cobra, Chicago Thrash Ensemble, The Party Downers, DJ Matt Jencik, and Unholy Empire. The show is $5 with a Reckless Records receipt.

Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: Yessiree! Get your copy of Ropes’ Demos II 7″, Holy Fever’s 7 on colored vinyl, and Integrity’s Palm Sunday. The Broadway location only will have Atlas Moth’s Pray For Tides/One Amongst The Weed Fields cassette.
Deals?: Nah.
Free Goodies?: Negatory.
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RECORD BREAKERS

2105 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60616, 312-949-0125

Record Breakers will be open from 9 a.m. to Midnight.

In-Store Performances?: You better believe it!

10:00 a.m. The New Diet
11:00 a.m. Mitch Mead
12:00 p.m. The Sweeps
1:00 p.m. Owen
2:00 p.m. Empires (acoustic set)
3:00 p.m. Magicks
4:00 p.m. Electric Touch
5:00 p.m. Swimsuit Addition

Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: Record Breaks won’t know until day of, but promises plenty in stock.
Deals?: Nope.
Free Goodies?: Free hot dogs, chips and salsa, and soda, bro!
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SAKI

3716 W. Fullerton Ave. Chicago, IL 60647, 773-486-3997

In-Store Performances?: Most Definitely. Saki’s RSD party is presented by Brooklyn Vegan Chicago, sponsored by CHIRPradio, and will be recorded for an Epitonic-Saki session. Dig that crazy lineup:

1:00 p.m. – Santah
2:00 p.m. – Bare Mutants
3:00 p.m. – Cains & Abels
4:00 p.m. – Cross Record
5:00 p.m. – Minor Characters
6:00 p.m. – Hollows
7:00 p.m. – Opposites
8:00 p.m. – The Runnies

Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: Too many to name. But I’m going to try: Battles’ Dross Glop 4 12″, David Bowie’s Starman 7″, The Dave Brubeck Octet: Distinctive Rhythm Instrumentals Fantasy 10″, Gorillaz’s Do Ya Thing 10″, Garbage’s Blood for Poppies 7″ , Lana Del Ray’s Born to Die 7″, Tomahawk’s Eponymous to Anonymous LP box set, Tortoise’s Lonesome Sound 7″ and so many damn more. View the entire list by clicking here.
Deals?: Ohhhhhh yeah. Save your Saki purchase receipt and receive discounts on select local merchants like Shake Shop, The Burlington, New Wave Coffee and more.
Free Goodies?: Hellz Yeah! There’s a raffle for prizes such as Logan Theater passes, New Wave Coffee gift certificates, Whistler Records’ LPs, Concert tickets and poster coupons from the Metro and more! CHIRPRadio will even have a Plinko-style game for more prizes. Who doesn’t like Plinko???
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SHAKE, RATTLE & READ

4812 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60640, 773-334-5311
Shake, Rattle and Read will open from Noon to 6 p.m.

In-Store Performances?: Nope.
Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: None.
Deals?: 25% off all used LP’s, 45′s, CD’s and DVD’s. 10% off all New LP’s. 25% off all Rock N Roll books and magazines.
Free Goodies?: Not today, friend.
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THE OLD SCHOOL RECORDS

7446 W. Madison St. Forest Park, IL 60130, 708-366-7588
The Old School will open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

In-Store Performances?: Affirmative! Here’s the scoop:
12:00 p.m. Althea Grace
2:00 p.m. Daniel Fromberg
(((SONORAMA))) will DJ from 2-6 p.m.

Exclusive Record Store Day Releases?: They have pre-ordered many RSD exclusives but won’t know until day of.
Deals?: 10% off used items. 20% off budget items.
Free Goodies?: Unlikely.
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Know of some deals or stores participating that we missed? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to the guide!

Hollows

The album’s first single “V for Vultures” may be Hollows most serious song yet with its somber, steady vibe and mini-orchestra backing singer Maria Jenkins’ earnest and thoughtful vocals. The song is rounded out plenty of dense drum beats and Jenkins’ familiar organ looping throughout. Listen to the track after the jump.

Single “V is for Vultures” is definitely Hollows all grown up. The band moves away from the kitschy, throwback territory of past material and finds a nice, comforting pop groove.

Hollows’ new full-length album Vulture is due out on Trouble in Mind on Tuesday, April 10.

Yeah, it might be pretty, um, snowy outside. But, like, there’s some totally awesome shows going this weekend. We’re talking Psych Fest at the Hideout, The Runnies at Ultra Lounge, Gaberdine at Subterranean and more!

Let’s go…

FRIDAY

THIRD EYE VISIONS: CHICAGO PSYCH FEST 3
The best of Chicago psych, kraut and rock that implements sonic elements that are on the fringe of the aforementioned genres are featured in a two-night festival at the Hideout tonight and Saturday. If you just casually keep up with the Chicago You already know some of the names: CAVE, Dark Fog, Rabble Rabble, Plastic Crimewave. But don’t sleep on the supporting acts like bombastic guitar twirlers Killer Moon, rhythm and blusers The Velcro Lewis Group, mind melters Verma, dirty garagers Strychnine and more. Let’s get heady, ya’ll. (Richard Giraldi)

7:00 p.m. Friday, 1/20 & Saturday, 1/21. The Hideout. 21+. $10.

DJ JONATHAN TOUBIN BENEFIT
First the sad part: Recently while in Portland, New York soul/R&B DJ Jonathan Toubin was injured in a freak accident while sleeping in his hotel room. The good news: Friends of Toubin have rallied in support and offered support. This brings us to tonight where the Empty Bottle has put together on excellent show in his honor. Melodic noise rockers Radar Eyes (whose new HoZac LP will be dropped soon), garage poppers Outer Minds, noisy surfers House Sounds and a slew of great local DJs. And if snowed in? Then go ahead and donate via paypal to ihearttoubin@gmail.com. (Richard Giraldi)

9:00 p.m. Friday, 1/20. The Empty Bottle. 21+. $8 minimum donation.

SATURDAY

THE RUNNIES
If you’re jonesing for a garage rock fix, look no further than Ultra Lounge tonight. Chicago trio The Runnies pack a powerful retro punch to the senses with Mary McKane’s gritty vocals sung over lingering organ and plenty of jangly guitar. Also appearing are headliners and fellow body-grooving garage poppers Hollows, noise rockers Dirty Dancing, and 60s revivalists Little Boy Jr. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 1/21. Ultra Lounge. 21+ $7.

WHITE/LIGHT
If there’s a better term than “artful noise” for Chicago duo White/Light, I’d love to hear it. The duo have played The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and even fleshed out friends Disappears’ already experimental rock sound, just to name a few of their mighty endeavors. White/Light (Matthew Hale and Jeremy Lemos) contort soundwaves from guitars, pedals, keyboards, etc. to create a house of worship filled with their own joyful drone. Also appearing tonight are headliner and Cap’n Jazz guitarist Victor Villareal who will be celebrating the release of his solo new album; experimental poppers A Tundra; and Austin pop rockers Meryll will open. (Audrey Leon)

9:00 p.m. Saturday, 1/22. Panchos. 21+ $6.

SUNDAY

GABERDINE
Cleanse yourself of the week past by checking out the soothing folk pop of Chicago outfit Gaberdine. The sextet’s sophomore album When We Land has all the sparkle and grace of fine orchestral pop, filled with plenty of drama and rising action. Frontman Mark Federighi enchants with his soulful sermon sung high over atypical equipment such as a harmonium, glockenspiel and autoharp. Also on hand tonight are the gentle acoustic stylings of Milwaukee’s Comrade Plymouth, Acoustic duo Jen & Jim and indie rockers Parker. (Audrey Leon)

8:00 p.m. Sunday, 1/22. Subterranean. 21+ $8.

Hollows

1. Chicago quintet Hollows are celebrating its new 7-inch Hot Sand with a free show. What could be better than that? The four ladies and one fellow of Hollows create some outstandingly catchy garage pop jingles replete with spooky organ provided by lead singer Maria Jenkins. Don’t let these girls (and guy) fool you with their adorable outward appearance because underneath all those groovy girl-group-esque harmonies lurks a darker, tougher interior as exhibited on the Halloween appropriate “Shadows in the Dark.” Of course, you won’t be scared for long because the group will have you dancing in no time. I’m pretty sure this is how Stella got her groove back.

2. Just in case you need more convincing here’s a nice little video by High Frequency Media of Hollows performing “Bobby Blueheart” at CHIRP Radio’s launch party at the Empty Bottle last year.

3. Last, but not least, opening the show are Dead Farmers. The Sydney, Australia, trio play abrasive psych-rock that bursts with punk rock energy. Songs like “Bad Time” and “Suns of Thunder” show Dead Farmer’s love of all things fuzz. It’s easy to see them as a more noisy garage rock answer to Comets on Fire. Solid.

8:00 p.m. Thursday, 10/27. The Burlington (3425 W. Fullerton Ave). 21+ FREE!!!!

Thunders | Photo by David Donovan Evans

Chicago outfit Thunders sways between full-tilt, explosive alternative rock madness and bluesy pysch rock bliss on its new album Beautiful Baby in the Bummer of Love (available via Bandcamp).

The group summons the spirits of bands like – the heavily influenced by Nirvana – The Vines or Verbena. Both acts exhibit fierce guitar prowess anchored by snarling, twang-filled vocals.

The song’s title track goes the way of bluesy psych with slow grooves and a chorus of “oohs and ahhs” that slowly erupts into a symphony of crunchy, distorted, squealing guitars and thudding drum beats. Any kid raised on a stedy diet of grunge would be proud. Listen to “Beautiful Baby in the Bummer of Love” below:

As we noted in our Daily Diversion earlier, you can catch Thunders ignite the canons at Ultra Lounge with Jacuzzi Boys, Mickey and Hollows. Tickets are $10.

Jacuzzi Boys | Photo by Ivan Santiago

1. On the surface Miami trio Jacuzzi Boys seem to be riding that same nostalgia wave that most new generation garage rock bands can’t live without. However, the group’s scuzzy surf rock throwback and canned vocals provide the fuel for an excellent party. The tunes on Jacuzzi Boys’ sophomore album Glazin’ should get you spazzing out in the dance floor with seizures of delight. You can still listen to the whole album over at Spin.com.

2. Ladies get your tampons ready because Chicago glam punks Mickey are back in action. If you missed Mickey’s opening set for Wild Flag this summer, let’s just say there were a few feminine missiles launched in the band members’ general direction by the middle of their set. All that aside, the men of Mickey wage an all-out assault on the crowd with their retro punk sound and sweet leather jackets and faces caked with pancake foundation and glitter. You don’t want to miss it. But you might want to stand toward the back.

3. Speaking of ladies, the lovely rocking femmes (and one dude) in Hollows will kick off this dance party. Hollow’s brand of spooky 60s girl group throwback is set to sweet, rumbling rock-and-roll. The combination is too infectious to ignore and will stick with you for days. Plus there’s plenty of organ piped in to let you know when to really get down. If you haven’t already, do check out Hollow’s new single “Hot Sand.” Also opening this shindig are the ever-impressive Chicago hard-rocking power pop outfit Thunders.

9:00 p.m. Thursday, 10/13. Ultra Lounge. 21+. $10.

Thankfully, retro-poppers Hollows have captured that exact sun-and-fun experience on their new tune “Hot Sand.” The track, along with a studio version of “Shapeshifter,” will be released on 7-inch via Soft Power records on Oct. 17.

“Hot Sand” takes Hollows in a less spooky direction as some of their past material (such as “Shadows in the Dark” or “Johnny Appleseed”) and increases the surf-rock quotient. The end result is a bouncy track with plenty of fun organ and Hollows’ trademark sugary sweet harmonies.

Hot Sand by Hollows Chicago

You can catch Hollows along with glam punks Mickey at Ultra Lounge this Thursday, Oct. 13 with Miami’s own Jacuzzi Boys. Tickets are $10.