BEST Music 2011
So now we begin our second annual BEST list. For those of you new to this game, this is when we SP Editors ascribe ourselves the role of ultimate local tastemaker and then tell you everything you SHOULD know about local Music, Food, Arts, and Culture.
Or we could go with the real story and be straight with you for once. We want to do this — we want to point out local institutions that do a thing or two to distinguish themselves by doing something interesting or extra special. And we want you to give us feedback about what you agree with and where you think we're totally off our rocker. But when we decided to call this BEST, we assumed you would realize that this was meant with tongue inserted into cheek. This is our way of giving some local businesses and artists a little extra spank on the ass for the good work they do. It is solely based on our (and your) opinions and should not be taken as some sort of be all end all of what's what in this town. There will be no plaques or speeches. In other words, this is one way of pointing out the fun and extraordinary things going on in our community, but let's not take this all too seriously.
And to further deflect your "who do you think you are criticisms," we're turning the mirror on you, dear readers, for our music editors gave you the opportunity to join this little BEST thing. So without further adieu, here are the results of our very first readers poll.
Readers Picks BEST Music
BEST Rock Band - The Dirty Feathers
There are a lot of great rock bands in C-U, but our readers clearly decided they wanted to emphasize ROCK 'N ROLL with this choice. The Dirty Feathers have come pretty far in just one year as a band and their recent 7" proves their songs keep their live kick when recorded. Overall this was our closest category as Grandkids, Delta Kings and Elsinore all tied at a very close second.
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BEST Album - The Palace Flophouse - Bad Friends Forever / Elsinore - Yes Yes Yes
Both Elsinore and the Palace Flophouse know what they want, and how to go about achieving it. While they have their sonic differences, at their hearts, they're both direct, to the point pop records, and we mean that in the purest sense — knowing how to write a great song is not a crime. The Leadership's Frontiers was a not-too-distant second (third?).
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BEST Radio Station - WPGU
WPGU remains a favorite among readers, and it hard to argue against WPGU as the best station for current rock 'n roll. The station has long been a mainstay of youthful radio fans by playing rock for the college kids. And they possibly pulled in a few votes from older fans with their Flashback Café, which regularly features some fantastic older music. But we're pretty sure "alternative" doesn't mean much anymore, so can't we do away with that whole branding thing? In this category, WEFT came in second and The WHIP came in the third.
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BEST New Band - Easter
BEST EP - Easter Demonstration
We're going to be totally honest with you, when we first saw the numbers coming in for Easter in these categories, we guessed that some ballot stuffing was going on. But then we actually listened to the band on its bandcamp page, and you will get zero argument from us on these choices. We'll be damned if this one man band fronted by Kyle Lang isn't a revelation. Clearly influenced by Neutral Milk Hotel, the Demonstration EP is a pretty amazing testament of raw talent. The first song alone, "All the People I Love the Most," should leave little doubt that there is probably a pretty bright future for Mr. Lang. The Leadership, who also deserve some big accolades for their first year and their debut album Frontiers, came in second for best new band. Grandkids Sisterwalls and The Dirty Feathers 7" came in second and third, respectively for EPs. This is definitely a case of an excess of riches all around.
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BEST Blues Band - Kilborn Alley
We have a feeling that until they decide to call it quits, Kilborn Alley will continue to dominate this category. And with good reason, they are one of the best blues bands in the country. Period. It's easy to overlook their great work (see our top twenty songs list from last year), but they continue to put on great live shows, release fantastic albums and grow really great beards. The Sugar Prophets, who got big kudos for their performance at the 2011 International Blues Challenge, finished second in the readers poll.
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BEST Jazz Band - Jazz Sandwich
Jeff Helgesen by himself came in second with Bossa Nuevo third.
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BEST Live Band - The Dirty Feathers
We are obviously blessed in this town to have a lot of bands that know how to dial it up to eleven. But The Dirty Feathers' live show appeals to those of us who like big guitar solos, bleeding ears, shamfastic keyboard and lots of whiskey. Bonus points for doing such a spot on imitation of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as Kayla Brown's backup band at the Great Cover Up. Elsinore, whose live show continues to improve every year, tied for second with the unstoppable energy of the Diamond Stretch.
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BEST Live Venue - Mike 'n Molly's
Followed closely by the Canopy Club and Cowboy Monkey, both tied for second. Third place, and the highest rated non-traditional venue, was The Dan Akroyd House.
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BEST Punk/Hardcore Band - The Fresh Kills
The Fresh Kills are becoming to local punk what Kilborn Alley is to local blues — the local institution by which all others are judged. After growing their fan base with the appropriately titled Turn Up the Brilliance in 2010, the band is currently recording a follow up record. The Diamond Stretch, who released a very good EP last year came in second, followed closely by We Must Dismantle All This.
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BEST Radio DJ - Lonesome Larry from The Whip
Whip General Manager and morning host Lonesome Larry is the pick for best local radio station DJ. Hard to argue with selecting the person who is the most noticeable voice and hardest worker at one the best radio stations in the country for blues, bluegrass and traditional country music. E-tiger and Greg (Grego) Clow from WPGU came in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
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BEST Americana/Folk - Delta Kings
This is kind of a weird pick, but we suppose we can also kind of see it. Grandkids came in second for their folk tendencies. Local live favorites The Prairie Dogs came in third.
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BEST Hip Hop - Jay Moses
Jay Moses stands out once again. Krukid came in second, though "we have this here?" actually got the second most votes.
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BEST Singer/Songwriter - Kayla Brown
Kayla Brown does not get mentioned enough around here, but she keeps working hard and earning a dedicated following through transcendent live shows. Last year's Steady Now was an overlooked local gem. We're not afraid to admit that we overlook her too often, but the readers have spoken on this one. Ben Campbell and Megan Johns tied for second.
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BEST Dance Night - Dubstep Masquerade
Followed closely by Dubstep Massacre and Salsa night at Radio Maria.
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BEST DJ - Mertz
Belly and Positive Vibr8tions came in second here. Milk 'n Cookies also got a lot of votes, though many voters did not refer to them by exactly that name.
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BEST Live Show - Castevet at Dude Ranch, March 5th
This was a pretty insanely epic show, but I think there were like 400 more people at Janelle Monae (the second place vote-getter). I guess the biggest (arguably, anyways) twinkly punk band in the country playing a living room was inspiring enough to get people voting.
Editors Picks
Okay, so we can't turn it all over to you. We had to make a few picks, though we're trying to stay away from the big, obvious categories that we covered last year.
BEST Facebook Page by a Local Band - Vanattica
As music editors we "like" just about every local band's Facebook page we can, and as such, we've kind of gotten to be experts on who uses it well. Though the fellas in Vanattica haven't been maintaining their page as well of late, there was a long period where they would pose several inane questions to their fans each and every day. And they really continue to do a very good job of engaging their fans. In addition to many other things, the band used Facebook to post a very distasteful Christmas song and solicit their fans for donations to create a t-shirt and rewarded them by "literally" putting their faces on their band t-shirt in their annual "Be on a Vanattica T-shirt" thing.
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BEST Usage of Twitter - @Grandkidsmusic
We really wanted to give this one to @UrbanaHipster, but Grandkids just do it too well. We really like the way each band member gets worked into the page, and doubly like the twice-baked potato recipes. Also, #VIVSDRUNK
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BEST Continuing Trend - House Shows
This local music scene continues to see the boon of local house shows around town, including all those excellent punk/DIY house shows named after famous people. But the scene continues to expand with Geppetto's Workshop putting on shows and then putting up many of the recordings. And some of the best touring acts for people of certain age go straight through the living room of The Sandwich Life. We're sure there are many we are missing here, but the whole point of this scene is to be in the know, and we admit that we aren't always "in."
38 comments
We really have progressed as a society. When I was a child, you couldn’t have a keyboard player in a rock band, certainly not an “emphasize ROCK N’ ROLL band.”
Ricky
hahah I love the shoutout to @UrbanaHIpster….that dood’s hilarious
Cynthia
Well I kinda thought I was ‘of a certain age’ but now it’s been confirmed. I think you may have made my day!
Be careful….it could happen to you too….
Seriously though—-thanks for the shout out—-house concerts are one of the best trends I’ve seen in my many years lol….
Darwin Keup
Where and when is the next Sandwich Life show?
PS Pat Bright Day 2.0 @ Geppetto’s Workshop May 18th
Mertz
Thanks everybody! Shocked and awed is how I’d describe my reaction. Gonna take a while to erase the smile from my face. :)
LM
This is cool! Good collaborative work, y’all.
FYI, community: Edwin “Krukid” Ruyonga is the best emcee this town has ever seen, for sure, but he’s lived in Las Vegas for the last two+ years. And he doesn’t go by Krukid anymore, but that’s a whole ‘nother born-again bag of beans.
Nick M.
The link leading to the Easter page seems to be broken.
Cynthia
@Darwin….we don’t have another Sandwich Life show until August 19. It will be David Olney and Sergio Webb—-bound to be an amazing show! After that in mid-September we will have the great Tommy Womack and we’ve got a couple of other things we’re tossing around. You can usually find info on my blog at www.thesandwichlife.com or on facebook at Sandwich Life House Concerts….all are welcome….
Fixed the Easter link, especially since everyone should really go check it out!
Greg Clow
Kyle Lang of Easter & Brian “Skalecki” Galecki of Obi-Wan Kanblo Mi tie for “Best Crowd Surfer of the Year”
proof in Castevet pic
Todd Durnil
CONGRATS to The Palace Flophouse!!! Also to Kayla Brown, The Dirty Feathers, Elsinore, and all the other big winners!!
Some of my votes were:
Best Album: Palace Flophose “Bad Friends Forever”
Best New Band: An Evening With Your Mother - these guys are AMAZING, and high-schoolers at that!!! Beautiful songs, great musicianship, stunning vocals from Cullyn Murphy.
Best Songwriter: Ben Campbell
Best Live Band: Common Loon
Best Venue: UC-IMC - give it up, guys, this place is a band favorite - and a fun place to have a show! More people should come out to the IMC, it’s one of C/U’s hidden treasures!!!
Speaking of which, there’s going to be a FANTASTIC show at the UC-IMC on May 21st featuring Bloomington’s Ghosttown Gramophone, Springfield’s fantastic Eva Hunter (the best female singer/songwriter in ALL of Central Illinois), An Evening With Your Mother, and best-of winners The Palace Flophouse. The show starts at 6pm and runs til’ Midnight, info is on the video: <span>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyL1q72yeZw - come out, it’s gonna be a GREAT night of music!!!</span>
Rob, you should go see those guys and judge for yourself.
Rex Bennett
To give credit where credit is due: the band pictured in the photo of Mike N Molly’s for “BEST” Venue is (was) Ussop the Liar, featuring Wilson Hensleigh on guitar and “Kreach” on drums. The photographer was yours truly. Thanks.
Sad to not see Santah’s name anywhere. That album is one of my most-played from last year.
I would like to point out that the categories with shorter writeups are not due to lack of respect for these acts. Rather the conciseness is due to no internet connection at a certain New Jersey hotel. Just as an fyi.
johnny
What is the Diamond Stretch?
Youngster McColley obviously forgets REO, All-Star Frogs, and others with hard rock keyboards. Thanks for the winning rock-band clip. They really suck. —grouchy old man.
p.s. Lonesome Larry is a giant.
I think Rob might take exception to REO being called “hard rock.”
kcp1999
I feel what you said about Vanattica was unfair. I read Smile Politely all the time and this is the first time I have ever felt the need to comment.
First of all, I am a huge fan of the band. I have lived in CU my entire life and I have seen them play as often as possible. I think they are they are one of the nicest bands in the area as band members go. I am, of course, a fan of their band on Facebook and they do updates every day. They just posted a question yesterday asking, “What is the best way to ask someone out on a date?” Granted, that wasn’t an “insane” question as you referred their questions to be, but it was a question none-the-less.
Second, their Christmas song was hilarious. It was meant to be funny, to be spoof, something to make their fans laugh. There was nothing distasteful about it. As I recall, this did not ever get put on a children’s Christmas album did it? No. And last time I checked, you had to be 13 to have a Facebook account, correct? Yes. Also, do you remember “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” by The Killers? That song could be considered distasteful because it is implying Santa is a murderer. May I remind you the profits of that song went to benefit the AIDS Product(red) foundation.
Third, you condemn them for “soliciting donations” from their fans to have their face on a t-shirt. What is the difference between that and a band having a tip jar, hat, bucket, etc? This way the fans actually get something tangible out of monetarily supporting their favorite band. How cool is it going to be for those fans, whose faces are on the t-shirt, when Vanattica becomes famous? Also, you can’t tell me that if an already famous band such as Fall Out Boy or The Clash (let’s go old school here), asked fans if they wanted their faces on a shirt that their fans would say no. The difference is, the bands who are already famous make millions of dollars, so it is nothing for them to have special merchandise made. Vanattica, however, does not make millions of dollars (as far as I can tell), so speaking as a business man, I do not see anything wrong with what they did. The didn’t pressure anyone and they delivered exactly what they said they were going to do. There aren’t many bands out there that practice what they preach.
I very much like Smiley Politely. I think what you do in CU is great and I will continue to support you, but I think you need to put yourself in other bands shoes before you give your opinion on certain things. Also, I find it highly ironic that you persecute them for not being creative and having enough insane questions on their Facebook as of late, but then you persecute them for being too creative with their Christmas song and their t-shirt design.
PS. I do say cheers to you for including them in this article even though they did not “win” any of the other categories. The are a band like no other out there and they deserve to be mentioned.
kcp1999
Please excuse my various typos. I am posting from my phone while traveleing. I mean to type “inane” and my phone changed it to “insane”. My apologies.
Jon
Maybe I’m missing something, but weren’t the complimenting Vanattica?<span style=“white-space: pre;”> </span>
We’re so close to a flame war, c’mon guys!
I’d like to second everyone checking out that Easter EP. Something pretty damn unique in this town is happening with that guy.
Kayla Brown
I wanted to drop in and say thank you for the votes everybody. I’d also like to say thank you and give credit to Mr. Troy Stanger who is responsible for that shot of me from the cover up this year. Great work you do, man! Much appreciated.
kcp1999
They said they have the best Facebook page, but then they basically tore it to shreads. They didn’t say one good thing about it.
Big Alfy
Aw, thanks for posting my t-shirt, guys! Getting that puppy pumped out turned me into an official facebook creeper for a few days.
I think this is a case of much ado about nothing (and “inane” probably being a poor word choice).
Michael Murphy
Whaaaa??? Oh My…
Here I was all ready to congratulate some other venue and be all “popularity’s not what we’re about” just glad to be in the mix… BUT DANG!!! THANK YOU VOTERS!!!!
I (and the staff) are SO FLATTERED.. I don’t know how to convey it without ALL CAPS!!!
I guess I will have another cheap Guinness and some cheap ass PBR and/or Hamms week…
but seriously, drink the cheap Guinness… it’s the best deal from any bar you’re ever gonna get in this decade. :-)
Seriously, I am a little starry eyed.. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!
Murph
Nope, inane was the perfect word choice. Perhaps I should have said wonderfully inane. But I loved the questions they used to post with regular frequency for their absurd mundanity.
And I think the t-shirt is an AWESOME idea that they executed very well, not exactly sure how I tore it to shreds. That is one of my favorite things any band has ever done.
Perhaps Vanattica fans are just used to being defensive.
LM
Readers of SP *really* shouldn’t have to add their own photo credits in the comment section of articles…
Terry S.
Way to go Lonesome Larry and the Whip, leading the way with “real” music. If anything happens to the Whip, I’ll just throw all my radios away…...
The Korean Zombie
Congrats to the winners! I dream of a C-U that doesn’t only have lively indie rock and dubstep scenes, but also has strong offerings in musical genres that I actually enjoy. Alas, I am too old and have too many responsibilites to do anything about it. *sigh*
How come you like this music? This is music its really annoying..
kcp1999
Maybe there had been a misunderstanding, but from my point of view, you didn’t say anything nice about the website. You can understand my confusion when you say, ” In addition to many other things, the band used Facebook to post a very distasteful Christmas song and solicit their fans for donations to create a t-shirt and rewarded them by “literally” putting their faces on their band t-shirt in their annual “Be on a Vanattica T-shirt” thing.”
You say their song is distasteful, followed by you explaning how they solicited their fans for donations. I do not understand how those things are good.
I wish you would have explained yourself and wrote what you did, differently. No where did you say anything about liking what the put on their Facebook page. No where in the article did you say you liked their t-shirt idea and correct me if I am wrong, but you using the word soliciting in conjunction with the shirt does not give off a positive vibe.
Kep-
Since you don’t seem to be getting it, let’s try a paraphrase. I don’t talk much to the other writers here, but this seems clear to even me, so here goes!
BEST Facebook Page by a Local Band - Vanattica
(this is a good thing)
Though the fellas in Vanattica haven’t been maintaining their page as well of late,
(this isn’t a slam, just that it has been updated frequently, lately)
there was a long period where they would pose several inane questions to their fans each and every day.
(a better word choice might have been “random” or “silly” or “meaningless”)
And they really continue to do a very good job of engaging their fans.
(this is a positive thing)
In addition to many other things, the band used Facebook to post a very distasteful Christmas song
(again, bad connotation, but perhaps a better word would have been “irreverant” or “juvenile and fun”)
and solicit their fans for donations
(there is nothing wrong for asking your fans to donate, and if you take that to be a slam, I’m sorry, but bands need money. Feel free to provide another word than solicit that you prefer)
to create a t-shirt and rewarded them by “literally” putting their faces on their band t-shirt in their annual “Be on a Vanattica T-shirt” thing.
(nothing negative here, and above, John says he thought it was cool.)
Hope the translation helps!!
@The Korean Zombie: What kind of music do you like? You don’t say in your comment….
Lawlnattica
Yourheartisanorgan
WOOHOO, congrats to “The Fresh Kills” Have fun on your tour Chris and I’ll see you at work.
Most Recent Music Comments
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
That article almost looks like something out of The Onion
Thanks! I’m looking forward to writing even more….
Yay! Love this! Welcome to the family!
that last photo’s a doozie, Chris. good work.
that city center house show was one of those life-affirming things.
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Most Recent Comments
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
@Dan - Wow. Unfortunately, I have to refrain from further comment due to a previous employment relationship. But with that brief context you might be able to imagine possible comments or responses I could have.
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represent, Matt.