Lockdown—self-isolating—sheltering in place—whatever you call it, goes easier with these outstanding album releases by stellar Chicago artists.
1 Ohmme “Fantasize Your Ghost” Singer-songwriters Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart’s much-anticipated second album is hard-edged, high-gloss, lyrically complex indie pop; their specialty is a paradoxically urgent languor. Available June 5
2 Flow “This From That” The second album by guitarist Alejandro Urzagaste’s jazz quartet is a highly sophisticated, dazzlingly virtuosic set featuring original works and two standards made famous by Peggy Lee. Available Now
3 Origin of Animal and the Chicago Composers Orchestra “Chaos/Composed” Documenting an exhilarating exchange between the adventurous rock-jazz big band and the new music ensemble, which took place at Ganz Hall in January, featuring music by Chicago composers. Available Now
4 Tiny Bit of Giant’s Blood “Gigantosaur” This self-professed glam-punk band are so ready for an arena, you want to build one for them. They throw down the full range of power-genre tropes, including some impressive Queen-style harmonies. Available Now
5 Black Friars Social Club “Black Friars Social Club” The alt-folk band, fronted by singer-songwriter Mark Panick, displays an impressive range, from sweetly shaggy ballads and gorgeously gloomy dirges, to seventies-style swamp rock and high-gloss lounge pop. Available Now
Robert Rodi is an author, spoken-word performer and musician who has served as Newcity’s Music Editor since 2014. He’s written more than a dozen books, including the travel memoir “Seven Seasons In Siena.” His jazz quintet recently completed a two-year residency at Uncommon Ground, and he regularly hosts a jazz singers’ jam at Lizard’s Liquid Lounge. His literary and music criticism has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Salon, The Huffington Post and many other national and regional publications. Contact: robert@newcity.com
Music Top 5: June 2019 Rosanne Cash and Ry Cooder unite to pay tribute to Cash’s father Johnny—heading a month of must-see performances by Finn Andrews, A.A. Bondy, Toronzo Cannon and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah.
Music Top 5: May 2020 Steve Dawson’s new album features highly sophisticated songwriting gilded with dazzling orchestral colors—plus of course that gorgeously evocative voice.
Music Top 5: September 2020 Sheltering in place goes easier with these outstanding new album releases by stellar Chicago artists, available now.
Music Top 5: August 2020 Lockdown—self-isolating—sheltering in place—whatever you call it, goes easier with these outstanding album releases by stellar Chicago artists.
Music Top 5: November 2020 Smashing Pumpkin’s eleventh album is a twenty-track, double-album bonanza. If the title single is any indication, expect some defiantly old-school synth-pop.
