Tom Lynch

Califone's "Roots & Crowns," undoubtedly the band's best record yet, on Thrill Jockey, catapults the group beyond the experimental art-folk tag and into a new realm of superfluous categorization--musical geniuses. But I really don't think there's any other way to put it. The band continues to groom its trademark sound--acoustic guitars matched with atypical drumming and programming, banjos and strings, found sound, scattershot distortion and Tim Rutili's gravel-road vocal delivery, substantial lyrical imagery and a general, melancholic presence--and "Roots & Crowns," just like the previous "Quicksand/Cradlesnakes," mixes emotive, acoustic numbers with progressive, noise-rock entries. A monster of a record, to be sure--by the end you've experienced something. The cover of Psychic TV's "The Orchids" stands out, beautiful and strange, as one of the most poignant songs the band has put to tape. When Rutili croons "When in the morning, after the night/I fall in love with the light," you believe him, and you will fall in love, too.

Califone plays January 19 at Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, (773)227-433, at 10pm. $12. (2007-01-16)

Also by Tom Lynch

Our Little Ponys
Only a few years ago, local post-punk foursome The Ponys were the absolute toast of the town with its inventive, effortlessly impressive brand of danceable, garage-tinted rock. The band's 2004 debut, "Laced with Romance," on Los Angeles label In the Red, was remarkably thrilling. Rich in texture and straight-up rock `n' roll formula, it found its way onto several best-of lists and made the band the one to watch
(2007-01-09)

Tip of the Week
Sure, Curtains, Deerhoof and Sharks and Seals each make impressive, spasmodic and bizarre creations that somewhat defy categorization, but in the fourth slot tonight is the calm, pretty and pop-sensible Death Ships, whose dreadfully overlooked "Seeds of Destruction" pleasantly flows in its indie-pop accessibility and, at times, sheer beauty
(2007-01-09)

Tip of the Week
The Chicago-based but Madison-born band's new record, "Cholera," a fine improvement on its debut, "Janel," is its second on Wisconsin label Sector Five and a solid, radio-Modest Mouse-influenced collection of angular, jangly guitars and hypnotic, pulsing bass lines
(2007-01-02)

Tip of the Week
The first rock show of the new year brings us Brooklyn-based (but Minneapolis-founded) critical darlings The Hold Steady, whose breakthrough "Boys and Girls in America" (Vagrant Records)--after the equally pleasing "Almost Killed Me" and "Separation Sunday"--dutifully evokes middle-aged malaise through a rock `n' roll filter
(2006-12-22)

All Acquaintance Be Forgot
(2006-12-22)

The Year in Rock
(2006-12-19)

Tip of the Week
(2006-12-12)

Soundcheck
(2006-12-05)

Ms. Maverick
(2006-12-05)

Evan Dando Lives
(2006-12-05)

Tip of the Week
(2006-12-05)

Soundcheck
(2006-11-28)

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