TGIF Hodge Podge – The Drones + Keegan DeWitt + The Velvet Underground

To start off to day I have an announcement to make. After spending nearly nine amazing years here in the windy city, I have decided that it is time to say goodbye to Chicago. Due to a series of recent life-altering events I have decided that it is time to make the move to NYC and begin a new chapter in my life.  Given that decision, if any of our readers would be so kind as to pass along any info that may help me secure employment once I arrive it would be very much appreciated. You can reach me directly by clicking HERE, and any tips that lead me to a paying gig will be rewarded with a prize to be determined at a later date.

Not that I’ve gotten that out of the way we can talk about music. I often use this space in my weekly column to give Chicago concert suggestions for the weekend ahead, but since I will be in Columbus watching the Buckeyes beat the Trojans this weekend, I actually have a recommendation for the beginning of next week instead. On Tuesday the 15^th, Australian rockers The Drones will be bringing their set to Schubas for an evening of rock that is not to be missed. The band is only hitting five cities stateside on this tour, so this is certainly a rare opportunity. I would go into detail about their sound, but I think this line from their press kit says it better than I ever could: “Their sound has been described as The Birthday Party kicking the shit out of Neil Young in Hendrix’ garage.” If that doesn’t get your ass to the show next week I don’t know what will. And as an added bonus, I will be there personally. If you find me I may even let you buy me a drink. If you’re lucky. The new record from The Drones is called Havilah and it is out now on ATP Recordings.

The Drones – Nail It Down

Moving on, my recent decision to move has been one that has brought quite an onslaught of emotions. While I am extremely excited to start the next phase of my life and to be closer to a certain special someone, I can’t help but be a bit sentimental about leave the place that I have called home for my entire adult life. As such, I have found myself gravitating toward sad, slow songs a bit more than usual lately. One in particular that has caught my ear is by Keegan DeWitt. The track is called “Telephone” and it is truly one of the most beautiful tracks that I have listened to in quite some time. DeWitt’s lazy croon brings to mind shades of a young Dylan, and the combination of soft violin and piano form an exquisite compliment to the lyrical content and vocal stylings. Anyone who has ever been too far away from someone that they feel close to should relate to this track instantly. “Telephone” is from DeWitt’s upcoming Islands album that will be out this Tuesday on Izumi Records.

Keegan DeWitt – Telephone

Today’s vault track is something that I actually rediscovered recently thanks to the wonderful film Adventureland. I picked it up a few weeks ago expecting something along the lines of Superbad given that it is from the same director, but what I found was something entirely different. Aside from the fact that the movie tells an incredible story, the thing that struck me most was the quality of the soundtrack that accompanied it. The film is set in the early 80’s, but many of the songs featured throughout reach even farther back in years. I knew I was in for a treat when The Replacements provided the backdrop for the opening credits, but the track that really struck me was The Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes.” I have always been a big Lou Reed fan, and this particular tune has been tucked away in my library for ages, but hearing it here felt like listening to it for the first time again. If you aren’t doing anything this weekend, I suggest renting Adventureland and dusting off your old Velvet Underground records. If I weren’t headed back to Ohio to for a crazy weekend of football and beer I’m pretty sure that is exactly what I would do myself.

The Velvet Underground – Pale Blue Eyes