AVANT/CHICAGO

Bunches and bunches of new tours coming across the wire. Bjork to break out new sound, album in spring. Wilco sets sites on a May release for Sky Blue Sky.  Hot on the news that Rage will get back at it for Coachella, guitarist Morello will drop his solo debut One Man Revolution on April 24.  Land of Talk also set a date of 3/20 at the Bottle and Apples in Stereo announce a Sub't date of 2/23. Start saving up the scratch, more sweet ones to come. 

Seems there's two camps in Chicago music these days. One side feels the city's sound scene is in a coma and the other (of which we're in) sees a vibrant, diverse body of artists ranging from Molemen to Umphrey's Mcgee, Bound Stems to Walter Meego. Pelican is no doubt one of Chicago's leading musical masters and word is out on their new album.  City of Echoes will follow the highly regarded The Fire in our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw this May 22nd.  No tour is yet announced, but the anticipation of the album is rumbling.

Illinois Entertainer has long been the prime source for local music release information.  Every month they drop a list of what's new and fresh in the bins of Chicago.  This month they look at bands like Buddy Nuisance, Bullet Called Life and Farkus.  Albums of note include Elliot’s Mess debut showcasing their organic garage-rock sound and Plaid Pennmanship's self-titled EP featuring a fun-funky Rock sound. We don't need to tell you that the city's music scene is bad-ass, but check out these albums for another taste. 

When you listen to a song by Chicago art-pop outfit Pit Er Pat, you really can't figure out what's exactly happening. This makes the question of the band's musical identity a difficult one to answer.The sound is as enigmatic as the band itself, which defies any normal template for what a rock band should be. Figure it out for yourself at Schuba's during their month long residency. (story via NewCity)

The Best You Say

Time for the best of mania and no one covers it better than Largehearted Boy.   One very long list and then another dons the site. Over here we've been getting your mails with great lists and calls for our own. We aren't into ranking but here's a short list of what crushed us.

• Lotus - Strength of Weak Ties
• The Slip - Eisenhower
• TVOTR - Return to Cookie Mountain
• Bonnie Prince Billy - The Letting Go
• Hot Chip - The Warning
• Mute Math - Muth Math
• Taiga - OOIOO
• Califone - Roots & Crowns
• Junior Boys - So This is Goodbye
• The Roots - Game Theory
• Ali Toure Farka - Savane

Last Hits For '06

Tuesday was the last day for new beats on the street.  Not much is out, but we found a couple interesting clips via the Indie Underground. Check out Dj Drez, (Downtempo, World) Danielle Leblanc, (Easy-listening Electro-Pop) and Mystical Sun. (Expansive, Cinematic)

  Download "The Road" (mp3) from "Jahta Beat"by DJ Drez

Download "I Never Fake" (mp3) from "Songs From the Black Keys" by Danielle LeBlanc

Download "Halo" (mp3)  from "Deeperworlds" by Mystical Sun

Fresh And Clean

New on the street this week and as always this time of year is thin.  Largehearted Boy examines Ghostface and Sonic Youth.  Prefix Mag likes Arab Strap and Kool G Rap and DJ Polo. Billboard has the big list highlighting the Forever Series and Lilly Allen.

What Dropped

New stuff yesterday and here are some looks at what's thee dopest. Prefix peeps Robert Lippok, Pulp, and Sparta.  Largehearted combs over The Walkmen, De La Soul and John Legend.  Billboard focuses on Jeff Tweedy, Sean Lennon and +/-.  Enjoy good music.

Lolla Sets Up

Knife 1st Albums Coming To US

Darkroom Drops Hip-Hop

Hit The Curb Today

Nothing like last week but...Coolfer looks at Jet, MMJ and Diana Krall.  Largehearted scopes at the Killers, Kweller and Bonnie Billy.  Prefix studies Hidden Cameras, Black Crowes and DJ Shadow.   We dig Kasabian, Bound Stems and Lupe Fiasco.