Latest Reviews and Features
Reviews and Features For September 2023
The Magic of Eswatini's Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony
The annual Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony that takes place in the African nation of Eswatini presents a spectacle like no other- a magical and mesmerizing display that once witnessed will never be forgotten
Read the full The Magic of Eswatini's Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony review
Brian Setzer - The Devil Always Collects
The Devil Always Collects is indeed one helluva record.
Read the full Brian Setzer - The Devil Always Collects review
Classics: Dio's Holy Diver (40 years)
2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Holy Diver - a landmark record for Dio standing on his own without an already well known band, and the burgeoning early 1980s commercial success of heavy metal.
Read the full Classics: Dio's Holy Diver (40 years) review
Quick Flicks: Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius - Behind the Curtain: Live at ProgStock
Awesome Stratospheerius release that was recorded at the ProgStock Festival in Rahway, New Jersey during the bands appearances there in 2019 and 2021.
Read the full Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius - Behind the Curtain: Live at ProgStock review
Caught In The Act: Greta Van Fleet Rock Rosemont
Rob Grabowski caught Greta Van Fleet In The Act during show at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Greta Van Fleet Rock Rosemont review
Classics: Alice Cooper Band's Billion Dollar Babies (50 years)
Alice Cooper was a band in the spotlight and ready for what would be their commercial and critical peak - Billion Dollar Babies.
Read the full Classics: Alice Cooper Band's Billion Dollar Babies (50 years) review
Caught In The Act: Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers, and Bastille Live
Rob Grabowski and Tom Antonson caught Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers, and Bastille In The Act during show at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on Friday, September 1st
Read the full Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers, and Bastille Live review
Caught In The Act: I Love the 80's Tour Featuring Rick Springfield, The Hooters, Paul Young, and Tommy Tutone
Rob Grabowski caught the I Love the 80s Tour featuring Rick Springfield with The Hooters, Paul Young, and Tommy Tutone In The Act during show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Ill on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full I Love the 80's Tour Featuring Rick Springfield, The Hooters, Paul Young, and Tommy Tutone review
Albert Bouchard - Imaginos III: Mutant Reformation
For the past few years Blue Oyster Cult legend Albert Bouchard has been reimagining the bands music with his Imaginos trilogy which comes to its end with this release
Read the full Albert Bouchard - Imaginos III: Mutant Reformation review
Caught In The Act: Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinjer Rock Chicago
Rob Grabowski and Tom Antonson caught Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinjer In The Act during show at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Ill on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Check out Robs photos and Toms review!
Read the full Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinjer Rock Chicago review
On The Record: R.E.M.
Craft Recordings has reissued two long out of print R.E.M. titles on vinyl including the bands last ever studio effort.
Read the full R.E.M. review
Quick Flicks: Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar
Dethklok is back and theyre starring in their very own full length film! Fans of the animated metal band can rejoice as the band is now starring in Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar.
Read the full Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar review
Reviews and Features For August 2023
The Waymores - Greener Pastures
A spin of Greener Pastures will have listeners happily looking forward to going honky-tonking.
Read the full The Waymores - Greener Pastures review
Candlebox - The Long Goodbye
The Long Goodbye is touted as the final Candlebox studio album. Candlebox has had a good run and it ends here on a very high note.
Read the full Candlebox - The Long Goodbye review
Road Trip: A King is Born: A Visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi
If you really want to understand Presley's humble beginnings you need to visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo
Read the full A King is Born: A Visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi Road Trip
Live: Extreme and Living Colour Rock Chicago Area
Boston rockers Extreme hit the Chicago area on their Thicker Than Blood Tour, their first appearance in the area since their Pornograffiti Live - 25th Anniversary Tour in 2015
Read the full Extreme and Living Colour Rock Chicago Area review
Celebrate Me Home: Kenny Loggins' Final Tour
I first saw Kenny Loggins in concert when I was 16, my mother said as we waited for the singer/songwriter to walk onto stage for a performance on his final tour.
Read the full Celebrate Me Home: Kenny Loggins' Final Tour review
Caught In The Act: Ted Nugent Rocks Chicagoland
Ted Nugent Electrifies The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois with a Classic Rock Extravaganza on Monday, August 4, 2023
Read the full Ted Nugent Rocks Chicagoland review
Maia Sharp - Reckless Thoughts
Sharp has penned songs for the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Cher and Trisha Yearwood. Still fans rejoice most in her own recordings and they wont be disappointed with her Restless Thoughts.
Read the full Maia Sharp - Reckless Thoughts review
Caught In The Act: Ghost and Amon Amarth Rock Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Ghost In The Act during show at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. Check out Robs photos and Diane Tragos review!
Read the full Ghost and Amon Amarth Rock Chicago review
Sites and Sounds: Louisville Ready to Rock with Late Summer Music Festivals
Late summer will be rocking in Louisville, Kentucky as back-to-back music festivals take over the city. Get ready for Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life!
Read the full Louisville Ready to Rock with Late Summer Music Festivals review
Victoria Anthony - New Disaster
The complete opposite of the title, Victoria Anthonys New Disaster is anything but!
Read the full Victoria Anthony - New Disaster review
Travel News, Trips and Tips: Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony
The Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony, one of the most culturally significant events in all of Africa, is about to take place in Eswatini.
Read the full Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony review
Cillian Murphy's Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival
With his starring role in the hit film Oppenheimer and his likewise starring role in the hit television program Peaky Blinders, Irish actor Cillian Murphy is one of todays hottest talents
Read the full Cillian Murphy's Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival review
Tash Sultana - Sugar
Sugar proves to be, not unlike its namesake condiment, something that many will not be able to get enough of.
Read the full Tash Sultana - Sugar review
Live: The Tubes Rock Arizona
It was a homecoming of sorts when The Tubes performed in the Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort & Casino in Scottsdale
Read the full The Tubes Rock Arizona review
Lollapalooza 2023 - Day Four Report
Lollapalooza came to a big sweeping finale with personal and passionate performances on the smaller stages and hip-shaking grooves at the larger stages
Read the full Lollapalooza 2023 - Day Four Report review
Lollapalooza 2023 - Day Three Report
Despite the rain and mud, Saturday had its fair share of highlights with many of them occurring on the smaller stages
Read the full Lollapalooza 2023 - Day Three Report review
Lollapalooza 2023 - Day Two Report
Lollapalooza 2023 continued during day two with sunny skies and a schedule that was overflowing with talent.
Read the full Lollapalooza 2023 - Day Two Report review
Lollapalooza 2023 - Day One Report
Lollapalooza 2023 kicked off under ideal weather conditions as the sun shined down on just not the city of Chicago, but all the performers within Grant Park
Read the full Lollapalooza 2023 - Day One Report review
Caught In The Act: Reverend Horton Heat and The Delta Bombers Rock Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Reverend Horton Heat and The Delta Bombers In The Act during show at City Winery in Chicago on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Reverend Horton Heat and The Delta Bombers Rock Chicago review
RockPile: Peter Frampton Super Audio CDs
Three early Peter Frampton albums have been reissued by Intervention Records in Super Audio CD format.
Read the full Peter Frampton Super Audio CDs review
Live from Celebrity Theatre: John Lodge
The day had long since slipped into Tuesday evening but as far as the fans of the legendary Moody Blues bassist and singer John Lodge were concerned it was still Tuesday Afternoon
Read the full John Lodge review
Reviews and Features For July 2023
Nothing But Thieves - Dead Club City
Conor Masons voice carries Dead Club City in its more subdued moments, roaring synth approaching an industrial sound is the attention getter otherwise.
Read the full Nothing But Thieves - Dead Club City review
On The Record: Warren Zevon- Nevada Nevada
For this installment of On The Record, Kevin gives new vinyl releases from Warren Zevon and Nevada Nevada a spin.
Read the full Warren Zevon- Nevada Nevada review
Sites and Sounds: Columbia, Missouri's Treeline Music Fest
The Treeline Music Fest is actually a new version of the citys beloved Roots N Blues festival which has entertained fans for years.
Read the full Columbia, Missouri's Treeline Music Fest review
Tupelo Abuzz Over Queen's Reward Meadery
The bees that make the honey thats used in the wines made at Queens Reward Meadery in Tupelo, Mississippi have got to be proud
Read the full Tupelo Abuzz Over Queen's Reward Meadery review
The Guess Who - Plein D'Amour
Some fans will be surprised that The Guess Who are still a working band, after all its been many decades since the rockers ruled the airwaves
Read the full The Guess Who - Plein D'Amour review
38 Special - Live at Rockpalast 1981
Southern rock was still going strong in 1981 thanks in part to great albums like 38 Specials Wild-Eyed Southern Boys.
Read the full 38 Special - Live at Rockpalast 1981 review
Travel News, Trips and Tips: Snacks for Your Road Trip
You know its going to happen; when youre traveling, youre going to want snacks! Enjoy staving off the munchies with the goodies we recommend here.
Read the full Snacks for Your Road Trip review
Live: TWICE In Chicago
The all-female K-pop group TWICE (stylized in all caps) arrived in America as part of their fifth world tour and they set up shop at Chicagos United Center for two nights performing to over 35,000 fans.
Read the full TWICE In Chicago review
Road Trip: Keep it Salty! A Visit to Saltville, Virginia
Hey Jimmy Buffett, we found your lost shaker of salt! It's at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians in historic Saltville, Virginia
Read the full Keep it Salty! A Visit to Saltville, Virginia Road Trip
Caught In The Act: Shania Twain Live In Chicago 2023
Rob Grabowski caught Shania Twain In The Act during show at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Tinley Park, Ill. Check out Robs review and photos!
Read the full Shania Twain Live In Chicago 2023 review
Mercy Music - What You Stand to Lose
Mercy Music come out swinging with Suddenly, a jangling pop rocker that, although it has a bit of a punkier edge, reminds of the radio-ruling cuts of the Gin Blossoms
Read the full Mercy Music - What You Stand to Lose review
Reviews and Features For June 2023
Sites and Sounds: Calgary Stampede - Canada's Rocking Rodeo
Its time to cowboy (and cowgirl) up as the worlds largest rodeo gets set to take over Calgary for 10 days of riding and roping and lots of other rodeo fun
Read the full Calgary Stampede - Canada's Rocking Rodeo review
On The Record: Poe, Anthony W. Rogers, Duwayne Burnside and Jann Klose
Our spotlight on new vinyl releases listens to titles from Poe, Anthony W. Rogers, Duwayne Burnside and Jann Klose.
Read the full Poe, Anthony W. Rogers, Duwayne Burnside and Jann Klose review
Motorhead - Live at Montreux Jazz Festival '07
This Motorhead show was recorded 16 years ago at the massive Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland during the band's tour behind their Kiss of Death album
Read the full Motorhead - Live at Montreux Jazz Festival '07 review
Caught In The Act: 3 Doors Down and Candlebox Live 2023
Rob Grabowski and Tom Antonson caught 3 Doors Down and Candlebox In The Act during show at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Tinley Park, Ill. Check out Tom's review and Rob's photos!
Read the full Caught In The Act: 3 Doors Down and Candlebox Live 2023 review
Crashing Wayward - Listen!
Led by singer Peter Summit, Crashing Wayward have crafted a set of songs likely to rule Active Rock Radio all summer long.
Read the full Crashing Wayward - Listen! review
Elvis is Everywhere! The Tupelo Elvis Festival
The Tupelo Elvis Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and took place June 8-13.
Read the full Elvis is Everywhere! The Tupelo Elvis Festival review
Desiree Dorion - That's How I Know
That's How I Know is a winner on all counts: good material and good performances. The songs are entertaining, highly memorable and tell good stories
Read the full Desiree Dorion - That's How I Know review
Caught In The Act: Dead & Company Rock Wrigley Field
Rob Grabowski caught Dead & Company In The Act during show at Wrigley Field In Chicago on June 6, 2023 as part of their Final Tour. Check out Rob's great review and photos!
Read the full Caught In The Act: Dead & Company Rock Wrigley Field review
The Blues: Savoy Brown - Barbara Blue - Mose Allison - John Primer
We spin new blues releases including the 42nd and likely last album from stalwarts Savoy Brown.
Read the full The Blues: Savoy Brown - Barbara Blue - Mose Allison - John Primer review
Travel News, Trips and Tips: Summer Travel Essentials
The summer road trip season has arrived. Here are some items that will improve your ease of travel, and heighten your fun!
Read the full Travel News, Trips and Tips: Summer Travel Essentials review
Father's Day Gift Guide
Father's Day falls on Sunday, June 18, 2023 and of course this is an appropriate day to honor dad in every way, including with a gift. Forget about getting him another tie; we've got some ideas for you here that he'll surely love.
Read the full Father's Day Gift Guide review
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - Mindsets
She told us a long time ago: She loves rock 'n' roll! Joan Jett has really proven that notion over the years and she continues to do so nowadays with the release of the six-song EP Mindsets
Read the full Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - Mindsets review
Sites and Sounds: Music Festivals Set to Rock St. Louis All Summer
St. Louis, Missouri will be a hot bed of musical fun this summer as the calendar for the area is packed with festivals with exciting lineups! It all begins with Twangfest which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Read the full Sites and Sounds: Music Festivals Set to Rock St. Louis All Summer review
Yes - Mirror to the Sky
It's always something special when Yes release a new album and the famed prog rockers have given fans another stellar release with Mirror to the Sky.
Read the full Yes - Mirror to the Sky review
Reviews and Features For May 2023
Sites and Sounds: Tupelo Elvis Festival
Elvis Presley will be honored in Tupelo, Mississippi, his birthplace, with five days of music, an Elvis tribute artists contest, and other sorts of Elvis-related fun
Read the full Sites and Sounds: Tupelo Elvis Festival review
Caught In The Act: Frankie Valli Live 2023
Rob Grabowski caught the legendary Frankie Valli In The Act during show at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Ill on May 6th. Check out Rob's great photos!
Read the full Caught In The Act: Frankie Valli Live 2023 review
Caught In The Act: Winger Live 2023
Rob Grabowski caught Winger In The Act during show at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Ill on April 22nd. Check out Rob's great photos!
Read the full Caught In The Act: Winger Live 2023 review
Live: The Psychedelic Furs Rock Orlando
Psychedelic Furs are on the road in support of 2020's Made of Rain record, and this next to last show of their spring tour at Hard Rock Live in Orlando.
Read the full Live: The Psychedelic Furs Rock Orlando review
Sites and Sounds: Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Spend the three-day Memorial Day weekend in Jacksonville swinging, grooving and be-bopping with stars like Ron Carter, David Sanborn, Chaka Khan and many others.
Read the full Sites and Sounds: Jacksonville Jazz Festival review
Live from Celebrity Theatre: Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band
We took in the first of two shows by Ringo Starr at the historic Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.
Read the full Live from Celebrity Theatre: Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band review
Sites and Sounds: Milwaukee Metal Fest
Milwaukee goes metal with shows by Anthrax, Unearth, Cephalic Carnage, Obituary and many others, including the mighty Lamb of God!
Read the full Sites and Sounds: Milwaukee Metal Fest review
Graham Nash - Now
Nash's last album featured the songs from his first two solo albums, both released five decades ago. So then it's appropriate, in more ways than one, that his latest effort is entitled Now.
Read the full Graham Nash - Now review
What's Doing with Joe Bonamassa
What's doing with Joe Bonamassa? What isn't! The popular blues rocker has a brand new live CD/DVD release out, two blues cruises in the works and a full slate of tour dates throughout 2023.
Read the full What's Doing with Joe Bonamassa review
Root 66: Ian Jones- Arkansauce- Steve Dawson- The Petersens
For this installment of Root 66 Kevin tells us about new releases from Ian Jones, Arkansauce, Steve Dawson and The Petersens
Read the full Root 66: Ian Jones- Arkansauce- Steve Dawson- The Petersens review
Duff McKagan - This is the Song
As a founding member of both Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver, Duff McKagan has certainly seen more than his share of lives going off the rails
Read the full Duff McKagan - This is the Song review
Sites and Sounds: Belize Songwriter Festival
Some of Nashville's best songwriters will make the first annual Belize Songwriter Festival something to remember
Read the full Sites and Sounds: Belize Songwriter Festival review
RockPile: American Jetset- Blak29- And More
Kevins takes a listen to new releases from American Jetset, Blak29, Ape Shifter and F8TLSTK
Read the full RockPile: American Jetset- Blak29- And More review
Mother's Day Gift Guide
Don't forget that Mother's Day 2023 is Sunday, May 14. Here we offer some very cool gift ideas that are sure to please mom, including eco-friendly and sustainable skin care products.
Read the full Mother's Day Gift Guide review
Stephen Stills - Live at Berkeley 1971
This previously unreleased live recording features 14 tracks culled from two shows that Stills performed at the intimate Berkeley Community Theater in late August of 1971
Read the full Stephen Stills - Live at Berkeley 1971 review
Sites and Sounds: Schellraiser Music Festival
This June when the Schellraiser Music Festival takes flight, McGill will be the middle of everywhere!
Read the full Sites and Sounds: Schellraiser Music Festival review
MorleyView Lee Small
Morley spoke to Lee Small, one of the premier vocalists in the game, about his forthcoming album "The Mast Man On Earth", which Morley says will be one the best records of the year!
Read the full MorleyView Lee Small review
Cinco de Mayo: Have A Fantastico Fiesta With These Items
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on May 5 and that falls on a Friday this year, so what better reason do you need to celebrate all weekend long?
Read the full Cinco de Mayo: Have A Fantastico Fiesta With These Items review
Sites and Sounds: Daytona Beach is Rockville!
Daytona Beach has also been garnering fame as the home of Welcome to Rockville, one of the nation's most-revered music festivals
Read the full Sites and Sounds: Daytona Beach is Rockville! review
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