Tom Lynch

The low-fi dance assault known as Casiotone for the Painfully Alone--in truth, a one-man operation called Owen Ashworth armed with only, you guessed it, a Casio--breaks down the barriers that guard the selective "happy" people in the world who just can't get into IDM and all of its blipping and wave-like ambience. With total regard for past popsters like Stephen Merritt and Mountain Goats' John Darnielle, Ashworth offers his broken heart in every two-minute excursion into the troubled psyche of the abused indie rocker. In essence, confessional hymns have never been so accessible, so easily comparable to personal experience nor as entertaining, heartfelt and, dare I say, crucial. If there were more songwriters like Ashworth, who rely on the emphasis of story and melody more than image and party-time sadness, we wouldn't have to suffer any more input from Rob Thomas ever again. And that, friends, is something in which we should each strive for in our own, however subtle, ways.

Casiontone for the Painfully Alone plays November 16 at the Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont, (773)278-6600. (2005-11-08)

Also by Tom Lynch

Soundcheck
Sally Seltmann, who croons and sways under the name New Buffalo, finally had her "The Last Beautiful Day" released in the United States with the help of label Arts & Crafts, and the astounding result, the seemingly effortless beauty of pop matched with Seltmann's meaty-yet-vulnerable voice, will be something to remember for years to come
(2005-11-01)

Tip of the Week
The Swedish indie-pop quintet released its debut, "Howl Howl Gaff Gaff" some months ago and followed it up with consistent touring in support of other bands, but now it finally comes through Chicago with the set-length it deserves
(2005-11-01)

Going for broke
Canada's Broken Social Scene adds more than three new members to its roster on its latest, self-titled record, the band's third and most ambitious on Arts & Crafts
(2005-10-25)

Ghost story
Mary Roach believes in ghosts
(2005-10-25)

Tip of the Week
(2005-10-25)

Free Verse
(2005-10-18)

Tip of the Week
(2005-10-18)

Game Day
(2005-10-11)

Worth the Weight
(2005-10-11)

Tip of the Week
(2005-10-11)

Tip of the Week
(2005-10-04)

Tip of the Week
(2005-10-04)

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