Review: At the Dive Bar and Clover by Sleeper’s Bell Is on…
The best thing about January 2026 is that 2025 is over. However, since it’s the beginning of the new year and I’m still waiting patiently for a few Chicago albums […]
Review: Case Oats Soundtracks Your Favorite Time of Day on Last Missouri Exit
I’m not sure if anyone else is feeling this, but I sure as hell feel like I’m getting utterly spoiled this year with great Chicago music. Moontype, Smut, Free Range, […]
Review: Hannah Frey Can’t Help but See the Bright Side on New Album Lucky Girl
Hannah Frey and I share a Chicago timeline. I first discovered her on a weekend home from college listening to NPR on my mom’s speakers utterly transfixed by her song […]
Review: Cass McCombs Brings a Lengthy Performance to a Sold-out Lincoln Hall
Cass McCombs really knows how to test an audience. The 41-year-old singer-songwriter and his band played a two-hour set to a sold-out crowd at Lincoln Hall on Saturday night, in […]
Review: Everyone Loves Brandi Carlile
On Friday, Brandi Carlile performed before a sold-out crowd at the Chicago Theater. Her performance’s quality was no surprise; Carlile is an established singer-songwriter who has honed her stagecraft over […]
Album Review: Trampled by Turtles’ Life is Good on the Open Road is Varied, Thoughtful
Duluth bluegrass sextet Trampled By Turtles will play back-to-back sold out nights at Thalia Hall this weekend, May 19th & 20th. The band’s timely visit provides fans the opportunity to […]
TCR Mixtape No. 36: Spring Americana Concert Preview
It’s a rare mixtape/preview crossover! This is the spot where you get a preview of this spring’s Americana slate coming to Chicago’s great music venues, alongside a nice playlist of […]
The Mowgli’s Joyful Vibes Filled Schubas
I first heard The Mowgli’s in 2012, when WXRT played “San Francisco” on a new music segment. I recall being struck by the song’s earnestness. It opened with the lyrics, […]
Richard Thompson Takes Old Town School of Folk with British Bravado and Old-Man-Leather Sex Appeal
Richard Thompson started playing music professionally in 1967 with Fairport Convention. He was 18. Fifty years of performing, touring, and recording 40+ albums should leave a musician spent. Rather than […]