If I were to tell you that a new band, based in Chicago, has just released a debut record … is that something that you would be interested in? What if I told you that it was produced by the same people who have worked on albums for Wilco and Neko Case?
That’s Paper Thick Walls, who will roll out A Thousand Novels this Friday at The Hideout, during their record release party.
If Paper Thick Walls’ show is anything like their record, you can expect plenty of toe-tapping, head-bobbing goodness. Appropriately titled, A Thousand Novels plays out like a warm and familiar story. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if Wes Anderson found a place for some tracks on an upcoming film, don’t let me convince you this is a straight-up folksy/hippie/indie thing. Paper Thick Walls projects a seasoned, well-rounded sound led by soothing but strong vocals from Eric Michaels and Kate Schell, and tight melodies form Andrew Sabo (drums), Jacques Rene (fiddle, mandolin, guitar) and Roger Sherman (upright bass). OK, maybe there’s a little hippie folk in there… But the title track has a run that might even elicit a head-bang or two, ala some of Band of Horses’ finer moments.
Anyway, as good music fans I know you don’t trust half of what you read anyway (nor should you). So have a listen then get your tickets to The Hideout – one of Chicago’s very best small venues.
(Video and tour dates included) Jakob Dylan, Neko Case, Kelly Hogan and the band Three Legs made their way to Chicago this week touring in support of Dylan’s new album, Women and Country. I suppose I’ve always been a bit fascinated with Dylan simply because of his old man. As an icon of a generation, that’s a tough act to follow — but impossible to ignore. Jakob started out in his own way with the Wallflowers and their pop-infused ballads of the early- and mid-nineties. But, as evidenced with Women and Country and the performance Monday night, Jakob Dylan has grown into another, more appropriate role. He is not a duplicate of his famous father, but a budding folk hero in his own right.
The set was a mix of old and new, and ups and downs. Songs ranged from singing about sweet apple pie to “Evil is Alive and Well” – the latter prompting a woman near the stage to comment, “that song made me sad.” To which Dylan replied, “It makes me sad, too.” It’s impossible to not notice Dylan’s progression as an artist while listening to him perform. Songs like “One Headlight” sound almost juvenile compared to new tracks like “Everybody’s Hurting” and “We Don’t Live Here Anymore.”
One of the main draws for Chicagoans on this evening were Neko Case and Kelly Hogan — both former bartenders at Chicago’s Hideout and favorite adopted daughters of Chicago (pictured, photo by Jason Dilday, www.stillblissphoto.com). And Dylan was keenly aware of this fact, evidenced by a song introduction of “This is going to be great,” met with applause and, after Case handled most of the singing, Dylan commenting, “The poor-kept secret, Ms. Neko Case,” met with more rousing applause. Case is a special talent and a tremendous addition to Dylan’s band.
This new album marks a transition for Jakob Dylan — the music is more focused and serious. Perhaps even a little slow in parts. It’s not for a lack of talent, it’s just a style thing. Case and Hogan add a welcome flavor, however. Without them, this show would have had a much different tone. As it stands, this tour comes highly recommended. Of course, you’ll need to be a fan of this style of music — it’s not for everyone. If you want a preview, stream Women and Country here (you will need a free Lala account.) And as far as Three Legs goes – serious talent all around.
A quick crowd note: There were plenty of boomers here, and even a silver fox or two. I didn’t know Jakob Dylan had that kind of following. It’s interesting, because I’ve seen Bob Dylan and his crowd was younger than this one. Maybe it was the venue.
I will admit that I left this show early. Not because I was bored – because the Blackhawks were wrapping up a playoff series in Nashville. And if there’s anything I love as much as music, it’s playoff hockey. They won. Nice job, boys — bring on the Canucks.
Below is some video of “Three Marenas.” My apologies for the long-distance view and abrupt ending – this was a covert operation that got busted. Below the video are his remaining tour dates.
| Apr 28 2010 | 7:30P | Fitzgerald Theatre | St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Apr 28 2010 | 8:00P | Pabst Theatre | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| May 12 2010 | 8:00P | Regency Ballroom | San Francisco, California |
| May 13 2010 | 8:00P | The Wiltern | Los Angeles, California |
| May 15 2010 | 12:00 | The Hangout | Gulf Shores, Alabama |
| May 17 2010 | 9:00P | Center Stage | Atlanta, Georgia |
| May 18 2010 | 9:00P | Cat’s Cradle | Carrboro, North Carolina |
| May 19 2010 | 8:00P | The Grand | Wilmington, Delaware |
| May 20 2010 | 7:30P | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Richmond, Virginia |
| May 21 2010 | 8:00P | The State Theatre | State College, Pennsylvania |
Let the rumors begin! The 2009 Lollapalooza lineup is starting to make its way onto the Web. Several credible sources have already reported some of the larger acts that will be making an appearance including, The Beastie Boys, Depeche Mode, Jane’s Addiction, The Killers and Kings of Leon all but officially confirmed.
Now to the rumor mill – it’s looking like Lou Reed will play a set, as well as Chicago’s own Neko Case and Andrew Bird. Tool is being thrown into the conversation also, along with The Decemberists, fresh of their new record Hazards of Love, which is looking like one of the early breakout albums of the year.
Then there’s a blog called Faronheit, who claims to have insider knowledge of other bands making the trip to Chicago including, Animal Collective, Band of Horses, Ben Harper, Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, The Raveonettes, TV on the Radio, Vampire Weekend and Yeah Yeah Yeah’s among many others. If any of this is true, it’s looking like one of the best Lolla lineups in some time.
