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October 17
Of course the return of Mt. Eerie, AKA The Microphones, AKA Phil Elverum, to our modest burg is certainly reason to celebrate, and you can go here to find my recommendation from last time, today’s love is going to Calvin Johnson. In my search for all-around heroes of contemporary life, Calvin is one of the few names from our little corner of music that pops up in my head every time. He’s uncompromising and successful approach to his business and art remain an excellent argument against the kind of self-hating indie-cynicism that’s been, to be blunt, allowing too much corporate control of underground music culture - a rare example of someone whose always done exactly what they wanted to do, exactly as they wanted to do it, and helped no shortage of folks out along the way - with his integrity intact. But, in addition to being an inestimable cultural force, don’t forget that Mr. Johnson is, above anything else, a musician of significant talent and vision. While, like a lot of other folks who helped invent the wheel, he’s sometimes easy to neglect as he’s always been in our hearts, minds, and, moreover, ears, the man behind Beat Happening, Dub Narcotic Sound System (and studio), Halo Benders, and K Recs remains a consummate artist - regularly moving forward into new territory and churning out captivating music. His two solo albums have been excellent, sparse affairs that are not only his most experimental but devote more focus to his distinctive baritone than any of his previous work. The most recent, Before the Dream Faded, was not only the better solo album but one of the finest and most multifaceted works of his career. How many folks can you say that about a quarter-century down the road? Tonight I have no idea what he’ll be doing, but imagine you may get some a cappella tunes, some accompanied by his guitar, and, definitely, a bit of anecdotal material delivered with his characteristic dry humor. But who am I to say what he's got up his sleeves... See you there early.
THE LIST:
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