Dave Chamberlain

Since joining Billy Childish's Thee Headcoatees in 1991, Holly Golightly has been one of underground rock's more prolific artists. Scratch that: she's been one of the more prolific, quality artists. Though she gained notoriety through the Childish brand of slow-tempo garage rock, her own material reveals greater depth, combining old-time blues, British folk, sixties psychedelia and, of course, a bit of stomping garage-rock sound. Culling together eight years worth of singles, Golightly recently released "Holly Golightly's Singles Round-Up" (Damaged Goods), which makes for the best way to garner all her various musical angles in one listening. (You could do it otherwise, but she has a lot of records, singles and EPs.) Either way, it's worth it. Golightly has an uncanny knack for songwriting, whether it's murky, psychedelic rock with epic-sized build-ups and releases ("Til I Get"), low-key Animalsesque drug fodder ("Card Table") or a noir-ish take on indie R&B ("No Hope Bar"). And regardless of which side she shows, her songs are the kind that come hand-in-hand with a rush of adrenaline every time she hits a chorus or refrain. In every way a reaction to the U.K.'s current love for mindless dance music, and a blue-chip rock experience to boot.

Holly Golightly plays April 5 at the Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont, (773)281-4444.

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment