1899
(4 votes, average 5.00 out of 5)
Written by Gregg Shapiro
Nov 17, 2010
The Right Now performs on Nov. 19 in Milwaukee at Club Garibaldi, 2501 S. Superior, and on Nov. 20 in Madison at The Frequency, 121 W. Main.
The Right Now
On their debut album “Carry Me Home” (therightnow.com), The Right Now tosses its fedora into the retro-soul revival ring. First-rate belter Stefanie Berecz is a wonder to behold on sizzling tunes, including “You Will Know,” “I’ll Get Down” and “Before I Know Your Name.” Even when she drifts dangerously close to Mariah Carey territory, as she does on “I Could Really Hold On,” she is never less than compelling.
Hey Champ
In addition to Dot Dot Dot (featuring out lead guitarist Rose) and Kid Sister, Hey Champ is among the acts at the forefront of the electronic dance music scene in Chicago. A trio of serious musicians, Hey Champ kicks things off on the full-length disc “Star” (Townie) with the aptly titled “Shake,” which is sure to set booties in motion. Trademark track “Cold Dust Girl” illustrates why they caught Lupe Fiasco’s attention and why they deserve yours as well.
Mahjongg
Mahjongg practically dares listeners to dance to “Gooble,” the opening cut on “The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger” (K). It sounds like an homage to early Chicago electro pioneers Ministry. The track “Miami Knights” has a similar effect on the physical being, challenging you to both dance and sit still. Propulsive protest song “Grooverider Free” approaches epic status while “Whoop” whips dancers into a funky frenzy.
Tortoise
Post-rock godfathers Tortoise come out of their shell on “Beacons of Ancestorship” (Thrill Jockey). From the sprawling “High Class Slim Came Floating In” to rhythmic quickies such as “Northern Something” and “Penumbra,” Tortoise reminds us of the power of pace. “Yinxianghechengqi” restores the rock, whereas “The Fall of Seven Diamonds Plus One” is as seductive as they come. Tortoise also proves to be dance-floor ready with the hypnotic bump and grind of “Monument Six One Thousand.”
Lee DeWyze
Before he was crowned American Idol champ, Chicago-suburb native singer/songwriter Lee DeWyze had a pair of indie discs to his name. Released in early 2010, the suitably named “Slumberland” (WuLi), is a bit of a snooze. DeWyze’s suburban growl creates enough friction to warm if not entirely melt hearts, but the acoustic blues settings (“Annabelle”) are tiring. A few exceptions are “Princess,” “Flower Child” and “Another Sleep.” No doubt all eyes will be on DeWyze’s forthcoming, post-AI major-label debut disc.
Edie Carey
A Chicago transplant (the bi singer recently married a man!), Edie Carey continues to be one of the most awe-inspiring talents on the folk-pop circuit. “Love,” the opening track on her “Bring The Sea” (ediecarey.com) CD, is startling in its nakedness. Yet her honest insights give the song a comforting bluish glow. And Accidental Poet is the right name for Carey’s publishing company, especially when you hear the lyrics to songs such as “Red Shoes,” “Come Inside” and “Lovely.”
Canasta
Out musician Ian Wilson plays a variety of keyboards on “The Fakeout, The Tease and The Breather” (canastamusic.com), the latest disc by Canasta. Led by Matt Priest, Canasta sounds like Chicago’s answer to Death Cab For Cutie, with sophisticated song-craft and dazzling musicianship. Standout cuts on this altogether excellent disc include “Becoming You,” “Mexico City” and “Plan Your Escape.”
