Tom Lynch

Local three-piece STAR released the genuine, throwback shoegazer powerhouse "Devastator" early in 2007, a treat for those of us whose best holiday gift this year was the news that My Bloody Valentine has reunited. Swamped in heavily distorted guitar, dutiful bass and programmed beats, the galactic sound is often wonderfully muddy, yet Shannon Robert’s airy, angelic vocals somehow pierce through the haze. Warm and fuzzy, songs like "Pure Gold Reason," "Jailor" and "Champion of Love" do the trick. An argument could be made that this sound would be better served with real live drums—but it is what it is, and it’s mighty worthy.

STAR plays January 8 at Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105 South State, (312)949-0120, at 8pm. (2007-12-31)

Also by Tom Lynch

Tip of the Week
An event coinciding with the 2007 Modern Language Association Convention, this mammoth reading—sponsored by the Poetry Foundation and the School of the Art Institute’s writing program—features more than fifty poets in all
(2007-12-26)

Tip of the Week
A beast of a bill with four charming, impressive and intelligent local rock bands, this show offers a good indication of what 2007 was like in Chicago rock, a nice button on a big year
(2007-12-18)

Tip of the Week
This weekend the venerable local label Thrill Jockey celebrates fifteen years in the business with a two-day blowout of TJ acts, all of which, of course, are charmingly different than one another, which will ultimately make this fest wonderfully jarring
(2007-12-11)

Anatomy of Pop
Ingrid Michaelson’s work is easy to enjoy. The pleasant aural concoction of melancholic pop melody, a sequence of verse-chorus-verse structuring and pretty, if limited, vocals spouting textbook lovelorn reflection have always worked. The equation isn’t rocket science, and that’s part of the charm, of course—sometimes we just don’t want to think too hard. Call it laziness on my part, fine, but sometimes all I want to hear is Phil Collins, and Michaelson has a similar effect
(2007-12-04)

Tip of the Week
(2007-12-04)

Tip of the Week
(2007-11-27)

For the Records
(2007-11-27)

For the Thrill of It
(2007-11-27)

Tip of the Week
(2007-11-19)

Math Man
(2007-11-06)

Seeing Red
(2007-10-30)

Tip of the Week
(2007-10-30)

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