CHIRP: The Chicago Independent Radio Project

DJ Bylamplight writes

DJ Bylamplight Shines A Light On 2008

Over the last couple years I haven’t kept up much with new music as I was finding it too cumbersome to sift through the garbage. I was getting much more mileage out of digging for gems from the 60s and 70s. Because of this, I know 2008 was a great year for new music: a lot of amazing releases popped up on my radar without me even looking for them. As I look back on my finds, I am struck by the number of exciting debuts so I decided to present five noteworthy new bands that came out of 2008. Of course, because I’ve been so lazy about new music you’ll notice these are mostly local bands. And, who knows, I probably missed a bunch. Here we go, in ascending order:

#1 The Natural Yogurt Band

Whoa! What have we here?! Out of nowhere, UK’s The Natural Yogurt Band dropped a killer debut album in 2008, Away With Melacholy on Jazzman. Since Jazzman’s best trick is reissuing long lost gems, I thought Voodoo was some kind of psychedelic South American 70s reissue when I first picked up the single. Start to finish, this album is a great listen and the musicianship is beautiful. Voodoo gets a lot of plugs but be sure to check out Pipe Dreams, Space Echo, and Lament For Piano (not the one on myspace, which is different than that of the album).

#2 Parks and Gardens

A hot contender for number one, Chicago’s Parks and Gardens hit the scene running in 2008 with their debut digital-only release Avec Cloture. It’s catchy, in your face, and stands on its own two new-wave-indy feet. It even dances a little. My personal standout tracks are Enwaisea, Reveries and Denials, and Turkish Delight but this is a great listen start to finish. These guys put on a great live show too.

#3 Ceiling Stars

Ceiling Stars is a new Chicago band that could fit into that odd term New Weird America. Or folk, if you want. Bluntly put, they make deep, relaxing, honest music played by great musicians. Their debut release is available for free download on their website ceilingsongs.com. My choice cuts are Terrible Twos and Poisoned Again but after seeing an explosive performance by them at the Darkroom I put them in third place here because I don’t think this album fully captures their amazing grace. I happen to know they have been busy in the studio so I am very eager to hear what comes next. Until then, you must catch this band live.

#4 I Kong Kult

I Kong Kult is another new Chicago band, so new that they don’t have an album yet but have played two shows already. Both of which I missed due to my own ineptitude. I am very excited by this band because they have an ambitious ensemble of five highly talented musicians who have played in other various bands like The Eternals. I am eagerly awaiting an album and another show so I can camp out next to the venue, schedule repeated phone alarms for myself, whatever it takes! Their myspace page sums it up nicely: Music that emanates from the basement. Below the earth where it is dark and strange.

#5 Freddie T. and the People

Fred Erskine has been hiding out deep in Indy but he has a new band called Freddie T. and the People. You may know Fred from various other projects like June of 44, Abilene, and countless others. What I like about Fred’s new project is he has taken his punk roots and merged it with his love of 70s pop: Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, etc. The results are some lovely tunes on his myspace page but it was a rocky first show in this new outfit, I was expecting more. I’d suggest keeping a close eye on this project though as it has a lot of potential.

Oh by the way, these songs are also featured on a best of 2008 compilation I made.

Yours,

DJ Bylamplight