Jon Langford is not only the co-founder of The Mekons (one of the few formative British punk bands born in ’77 still kicking today), the ringleader of alt-country progenitor Waco Brothers, or even the right-hand man to Chicago’s punk-country label Bloodshot Records. He’s also an incredible visual artist with a large number of paintings dedicated to the portraiture of his inspiration: bygone country music stars.
The Mars Volta Add Drummer, Brace for Bedlam
With ex-drummer Jon Theodore out of the picture, The Mars Volta are preparing for the release of their fourth full-length album, tentatively due out late August/early September. The title, The Bedlam in Goliath, promises nary a slip in the musical fortitude with which they’ve approached albums in the past.
Into Television: Battlestar Galactica
The incessant recycling of popular culture is one of the more loathsome qualities of American entertainment. Television shows based on movies, movies based on television shows, video games based on both, and every permutation in between crowd our media landscape.
Modernized Macbeth Stumbles
Aussie Director Geoffrey Wright, who introduced the world to Russell Crowe in his disturbing 1992 feature Romper Stomper, arrived recently on American shores with a reintroduction of sorts to William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, updated to the present day Australian underworld.
Genghis Tron Unveil Colony Collapse Demo
Want to take a peek behind the curtain of Genghis Tron‘s upcoming Relapse debut? Check out the self-recorded demo of “Colony Collapse,” a tune posted today on the spastic electro-grinders’ MySpace page.
Visit ALARM at Chicago’s Printers’ Ball
Will you be in the Chicagoland area next Friday, July 20? Stop by The Printers’ Ball and greet your friendly neighborhood ALARM booth to get a free issue of the mag!
No, highly acclaimed hip hop producer Matteah Baim: Death of the Sun
Matteah Baim carries an extremely low profile. Little is known about her past aside from the tale of her buying a pawn shop guitar and a Doors record in the same week and pursuing music from there.
Becca Henry Captures Carnies
After having her interest piqued with A Lil Bit O’ Naughty, ALARM’s photoessay on cabaret, vaudeville, and burlesque in the Bay Area, photographer Becca Henry has arranged a fun-filled evening to display the images printed in our summer issue. The related event, titled Carnie Life, takes place next Thursday, July 19 at San Francisco establishment 111 Minna Gallery.
Radio Birdman Conquers Chicago
Although most Americans have been distressingly underexposed to Australia’s greatest export since Heath Ledger (well, ok, they broke up before Heath was born, but still…), for those in the know, seeing Radio Birdman live at the Chicago’s Double Door is akin to seeing Iggy Pop and the Stooges in an intimate venue.
Aftermodern Explores Sex, Society, and Politics
With thematic elements sure to provoke mixed thoughts, fine art gallery Aftermodern has arranged a midsummer party and review of its current exhibit for this Friday, July 13. That display, titled Emerging International Photographers, features images that delve into social, political, and sexual issues in a global and urban context.
Dan Deacon Does DeKalb
Though he’s set to rock a much larger crowd this weekend at Pitchfork Music Festival, kooky dance guru Dan Deacon got down in a more intimate setting last week in the middle of a corn field.