First up, an odd little supergroup, so to speak. Vortis, which includes in its ranks drummer/Sun-Times music critic Jim Derogatis and lead singer/Purdue political philosophy professor [full disclosure: as well as Newcity photography critic, friend of Raw Material] Michael Weinstein, is a highly political punk rock band. The band, due to release "Vlntstrctrs" EP this month, takes its name from a short-lived British art movement ("Vorticism" faded away before the end of World War I), which attempted to absorb all positive and negative energy (the vortex) that life has to offer, resulting in uninhibited artistic freedom. (That is a very short, by-the-numbers explanation.) Vorticism as an art movement was extremely rebellious, and it follows suit that Vortis the band is as well. The record's five songs are lyrically hardcore: from the "New World Order/crush the borders/throw away your camcorders" refrain on "Generation Y," to "Abu/fuck you," the opening line of "The Ballad of Mumia Abu Jamal." Musically, Vortis is slow-to-medium tempo punk rock—power chords galore—but with promise. And regardless, at least here's a politically oriented rock band that's not self-obsessed in the least, and there's not a damn word about how vegan or drug-free it is. If you want to hear for yourself, the band has shows planned for Nevin's Live (November 24) and the Hideout (December 21).

Folks heading to the Metro November 8, for the (International) Noise Conspiracy, would do well to arrive early for Milemarker. A transplanted band from North Carolina, Milemarker recently released its fifth record, "Anaesthetic" (Jade Tree), and it has become one of my favorite locals of the year. Playing nebulous indie art rock with a sense of poignant purpose, Milemarker sets every instrument at an angle against each other, the very chaotic nature of which makes for extremely cohesive songwriting. The glue of the seven songs on " Anaesthetic," however, are the alternating male-female vocals, both of which add an unsettling sense of urgency, while carrying only slightly challenging (to the listener) melodies. I recently read a review calling Milemarker a combination of Devo and Fugazi; I get the Fugazi part (the threads of that band freely drape Milemarker), but the Devo part—despite electronic gadgetry here and there—is all wrong. Regardless, the record is totally worth the asking price.

Finally, a few others worth mentioning: Suburban quintet Boylion shows creative rock music potential with "B, A, Select Start" (out November 13), though the potential only comes through on every other song. The rest? Derivative indie drivel that sounds like it's trying to sound like an indie Chicago rock band... Delmark's most recent set of releases includes a vintage ragtime recording from Brun Campbell, "Joplin's Disciple," recorded in 1947. Though it might not interest many people who aren't Scott Joplin fans, it's a bit of well preserved history and a snapshot of authentic bar music from the turn of the nineteenth century... Tub Ring, whose Invisible Records' debut, "Drake Equation" just found its way into my hands, creates tangible schizophrenia on CD. Think the Dead Kennedys crossed with Mr. Bungle, a circus and the psyche of the Unibomber. Crazy noise. More Tub Ring later.

Live notables:
Those planning to see the Dorks November 10 at Phyllis' Musical Inn will see an altered line-up. Actually, just a smaller line-up. The band has parted ways (amicably) with guitarist Brendan Lekan, and as yet has no plans to replace him. The Dorks recently released their debut record, self-titled work on Boston's Man With a Gun Records. It's high-energy kid punk rock with just a splash of the pop-punk that just won't go away... Playing November 9 at the Abbey Pub, alt-bluegrass band Moonshine Willy, one of the first bands to officially call Bloodshot Records home; in fact, MW released the first ever Bloodshot full-length, "Pecadores." Coming off an extended hiatus (lead singer/fiddle player Kim Docter-Luke had a baby), whispers of a new record around the beginning of next year are floating about.

Congratulations...
... are in order for Newcity contributing writer Mitch Myers, who, for the second straight year, garnered honorable mention in "DeCapo Best Music Writing 2001," edited by Nick Hornby. Myers earned the distinction for "The Sound and the Fury: Lou Reed Metal Machine Music," published in the April/May 2000 issue of Magnet magazine. Also, Reader critic Monica Kendrick's "This Wreckage Was No Accident: The Complete Funhouse Sessions," and the Sun Times' Jim Derogatis' "Singer Gets an Eye for Eye," were reprinted in the book.

Additionally, two of Myers' Raw Materials were converted to spoken word and read on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" in October: "Hellhound on my Trail" ("Ghost Track" in Newcity) and "Need for Speed," both of which come from his hard-to-find "Four Fables" demo CD, recorded at Engine Studios and produced by Cash Audio guitarist John Humphrey.

Also by Dave Chamberlain

RAW MATERIAL
Few musicians would be able to maintain artistic focus over a recording period of six years, but Chiyoko Yoshida did just that.
(2001-11-01)

RAW MATERIAL
"Everybody in Chicago has to start at ground zero," says Lionel Freeman, aka Brother El. "We can't just walk up to Puff Daddy and ask him to play our songs, we have to do everything from scratch. But it makes us that much stronger—you end up learning everything there is to know about the industry."
(2001-10-18)

RAW MATERIAL
Kelly Hogan's presence in Chicago has been a two-headed beast since she first moved here from Georgia in 1997. First, there's Kelly Hogan the record maker, she of the Jody Grind, Rock*A* Teens and solo records, each with their own unique flavor and angle. Then there's Hogan the live performer, with a voice so affecting and perfect, words can't approach its power.
(2001-10-11)

WEASEL WORLD
My girlfriend and I own four ferrets, and yes, we are aware of how that puts us on the bubble of official "weird animal people" status. Fortunately, we know how to reassure ourselves that we're not members of that strange realm: attend the Greater Chicago Ferret Association's Greatest Ferret Show on Earth.
(2001-10-11)

RAW MATERIAL
(2001-10-04)

RAW MATERIAL
(2001-09-20)

RAW MATERIAL
(2001-09-13)

CLOSE CALL
(2001-09-13)

RAW MATERIAL
(2001-09-06)

RAW MATERIAL
(2001-08-30)

CONTINENTAL REPAST
(2001-08-30)

RAW MATERIAL
(2001-08-23)