via//chicago

np: "brandenburg concerto no. 1" - j.s. bach

no, really. i've been on a big classical kick lately, something i really never thought i would dig into all that much. but after spending some time in the right environment to hear this stuff, i was suitably impressed and decided to delve right in. so, of course, i'm starting basic and cheaply - by picking up two of those bargain priced mega-compilations to kick this thing off. decided on Bach and Mozart to begin my training and appreciation, more as things progress i'm sure.

so last time i promised some words on rock action of some sort or another and i'm never one to disappoint, so here we go. i hit up Schuba's a couple weeks ago to see two of my very favorite Chicago area bands, both of which i know i've mentioned on here many times before. my close personal friends in Star*Like Collision got the call to open a show for The Reputation which right away guarantees a recipe for awesomeness. as usual things were really excellent, with both bands in fine form. bit of a sad note in the air, however, as it was bass player Joel Root's last performance with the band. he's heading off to Oregon to pursue some new directions and we (read: me) here at via//chicago wish him nothing but the best.

this week's big excitement? Intonation. hell yeah. Hold Steady, Les Savy Fav, Xiu Xiu, The Decemberists, Magnolia Electric Co., Four Tet, and Head of Femur among many others all within a couple miles of where i live... who could ask for more? i'm stoked, and with Lolla the weekend after i've got nothing but awesome live music to look forward to.

tomorrow night i'll be at The Note to see the girls in The Logic of Elliott rock my ass again as they compete for a slot at Warped, you should join me.

anyway, that's about enough for tonight - time to go get my classical on.