Indie Music Watch

Want to know what we think of the latest from John Butler Trio, Kate Nash, The Mynabird, fun., The Bird & The Bee, and Cloud Cult? Well then click here.

Spoiler alert - we like them.

Podcast 5 Up!

This week, the guys talk new albums from Josh Ritter and Portugal. The Man, and get ready for a busy string of shows in the next month - including John Butler Trio, Editors, Phantogram, Port OBrien, Pet Lions, and many more!

We've 'upgraded' to an mp3 file, to make it a bit easier for everyone to listen.

Look for the new Song Of The Week 'podcast' later this week!

Upcoming Shows - Week Ending February 14th

We're going to cheat a little this week - since there's just one show that we recommend through this Sunday, with two next Monday that you need to catch.

Sunday, February 14th - Metro - Rock N' Raise Benefit for Darfur - 4pm - $10

In the charity's own words: "We are students

who envision peace. We are activists, musicians, artists. We are global-

minded, locally active. We want a peaceful and prosperous Darfur. We are young people coming

together to raise $50,000 to give Darfuri children the education they deserve."

For your $10 contribution, you get a great night of rock - with Madina Lake, The Blisters, Big Science, DePaul Prelude Choir, and Brendan Kelly of Lawrence Arms. Not a bad deal at all, and the early start should leave you with plenty of quality time Valentine's Day night. Whatever you do, make sure you are there in time to see Big Science. As we mentioned on this week's podcast, they are a good bet for next great Chicago band. We should note, that if you and a few friends are feeling a little extra charitable, they do offer VIP tables, with four tickets, for $100. At $25 a pop, it still comes out a steal, and you're helping a worthy cause.

Monday, February 15th - Lincoln Hall - Headliner: John Butler Trio Opening Act: Tim Brantley 8pm - SOLD OUT

Australian singer-songwriter sensation, John Butler is bringing the latest version of his three-piece band back to Chicago for a 'sold out' show at, one of our new favorite venues, Lincoln Hall. If you were lucky enough to grab tickets, you probably know what you are in for. If not, we kind of don't even want to harp on what you're missing anymore than we already have on our podcast the last several weeks. Let's just say, one of us is willing to trade a kidney for a ticket to this showcase of folk-blues poppy rock goodness.

Monday, February 15th - The Vic - Headliner: Editors Opening Acts: The Antlers, The Dig - 7:30pm - $22.50

Editor's latest album, In This Light And On This Evening is a remarkable leap forward for the band; who already had a fantastic sound. The lack of angular, guitar-driven brooding rock on it might take you a few listens to get used to, but the soaring synth that replaces the riffs compliments Tom Smith's deep, commanding vocals even better. We cannot wait to hear how the old material plays with the new, and will definitely be reporting back on the show. This is a more than suitable replacement for anyone not crazy enough to trade a body organ for a John Butler Trio ticket.

Podcast 4 Up!

This week, we talk Pitchfork 2010, get excited over the upcoming Frightened Rabbit album and tour dates, and gush over AM Taxi at Lincoln Hall - where we also discover, rising stars, Big Science. We also run down our upcoming concert recommendations, including this weekend’s Rock N’ Raise show at Metro, John Butler Trio at Lincoln Hall, Editors at The Vic, and Phantogram at Schubas.

If you like what you hear, please review the podcast on iTunes!