This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on March 9, 2006. Neko Case Fox Confessor Brings the Flood **** This siren tops her previous records — as excellent as they were — with a haunting suite of gothic folk songs. The calmly macabre cover art sets the mood: A girl and some… Continue reading Record review: Neko Case, ‘Fox Confessor Brings the Flood’
Category: Music
Record review: Tom Waits, ‘Real Gone’
This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Playlist magazine’s winter 2005 issue. Tom Waits Real Gone To get into the mood for this music, picture how it got started. The famously—need we say it?—gravel-voiced Tom Waits spends hours in his bathroom, making “mouth rhythms,” sounds like “Boom-chikka-ah!” Then his band records the resulting songs,… Continue reading Record review: Tom Waits, ‘Real Gone’
Devin Davis: 2005 interview
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Skyline, Booster, and other Pioneer Press editions on November 23-24, 2005. Devin Davis fans of the world, unite! Virtually no one in the music world had heard of Wicker Park resident Devin Davis. He didn’t have a record deal. He had never played a concert tour. And… Continue reading Devin Davis: 2005 interview
Record review: Liz Phair, ‘Somebody’s Miracle’
This review by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on September 29, 2005. Liz Phair Somebody’s Miracle **½ We want our old Liz back. You know, that Liz Phair from Winnetka who shook up rock critics with her 1993 debut “Exile in Guyville.” It was frank, compelling and idiosyncratic. We’re not sure who this… Continue reading Record review: Liz Phair, ‘Somebody’s Miracle’
Robbie Fulks: 2005 interview
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on May 12, 2005. A country boy from the South ends up living in Chicago, longing for that “Carolina moon” of his youth. That’s the plot line of “Georgia Hard,” the title track of the new album by Robbie Fulks, who grew up in North… Continue reading Robbie Fulks: 2005 interview
Wilco (The Hubcap)
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on February 10, 2005. An old wheel cover from a Plymouth once sat on the shelves of a store in Libertyville, but now it’s the hubcap heard ’round the world. Glenn Kotche, drummer for the Chicago rock band Wilco, uses the hubcap in his unusual… Continue reading Wilco (The Hubcap)
Hideout’s not so hidden anymore
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on September 23, 2004. How long does it take to find the Hideout? These days, many fans of indie rock and alt-country know exactly where the Chicago bar is. It may be located on a side street surrounded by warehouses and old factories, without any real… Continue reading Hideout’s not so hidden anymore
Tony Bennett Q&A
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on August 26, 2004. Tony Bennett, who will perform a sold-out concert Saturday at Ravinia, talked with Pioneer Press earlier this summer about his career and the art of the song. Q: Are you working on a new album? A: I’m just finishing it up.… Continue reading Tony Bennett Q&A
Almost famous: The story of the Vertebrats’ ‘Left in the Dark’
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on March 6, 2003. Winner of the Chicago Headline Club’s Peter Lisagor Award. “Left in the Dark” wasn’t a radio hit or a gold record. Its composer, Ken Draznik of Palatine, hadn’t earned a penny in royalties from the 1979 song — until last month.… Continue reading Almost famous: The story of the Vertebrats’ ‘Left in the Dark’