There are certain words that I promised myself that I would not use in this review. “Anthemic,” for example. Or “rural rock.” Or “heartland,” or “heartfelt,” or “heart”-anything for that matter. Why? Because these are terms that have been attached to John Mellencamp ever since those early days of MTV, back when Johnny Cougar boogied down with bar bikers in the original “Hurts So Good” video.
Being a Wilco virgin, I was under the tutelage of a handful of veteran listeners who explained that Wilco was more then just alt country. The band’s latest album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot has garnered much critical acclaim and was even being compared to the Beatles’ White Album, stated one of my new mentors.
Portland, Oregon, is creating some unique breeds these days. The Epoxies are the resurgence of an inescapably pleasurable combination of punk and new wave, and the result on the band's self-titled debut is really short and upbeat songs, flashy hooks, very competent musicianship, and damn smart, simple lyrics.
On the downslide from pop stardom, a funny thing happened to John Mellencamp: He became a damned good songwriter and produced a couple of the strongest (and most underrated) rock records of the 1990s. People who wrote off the Indiana-bred singer from his "John Cougar" and "John Cougar Mellencamp" days have missed the development of a high-caliber songwriter and pop craftsman who has never abandoned his heartland roots but has still shown a willingness to stretch.
The November 2 Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) concert had it all: a dazzling North American premiere, an audience favorite, and an emotional roller coaster. And aside from isolated errors, the performance was technically sound.
Get ready for some great blues coming to the Adler Theater on Monday, November 4. Billed as the "Front Porch Blues" show, the stellar lineup includes Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Henry Butler, Corey Harris, and Deborah Coleman.

NOT FOR SALE:

Lumpy’s was jumpin’ again as Asiasis rocked the back room. Pat Simpson had a concept and Drew Irion, John Clark, Tony Lujan, and Shawn Skriver all made it theirs, too. “No Dokken, Poison, or Motley Crue; we’re all original.

Not for Sale

Lumpy's was jumpin' again as Asiasis rocked the back room. Pat Simpson had a concept and Drew Irion, John Clark, Tony Lujan, and Shawn Skriver all made it theirs, too. "No Dokken, Poison, or Motley Crue; we're all original.
Minnesota-based WookieFoot might be the greatest party band in the world - a high-energy mix of a stunning yet accessible musical mishmash and a stage presentation that looks to be as much circus as concert. The band will be making its first visit to the Quad Cities on Friday at RIBCO, and be prepared to be wowed by the showmanship.
The first Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) chamber concert of the season was an atmospheric start to what sounds like another excellent sub-season. With works by Brahms, American composer Arthur Foote, and Bach, the program offered something for everyone and above-average performances by the symphony’s best players.

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