Music

School of Seven Bells showed sparks of what could have been, but had a difficult time overcoming sound issues.

Some womps, a new all ages venue, and one very packed weekend.

Isaac nabs a lengthy interview with the Kansas City space-rockers.

We talk to the Grateful Dead acolytes about their approach to jamming, the touchy subject (to some) of the Dead’s legacy, and their recent dive into the group’s 1960s material.

Fair warning: this contains a metric ton of Youtube embeds.

School of Seven Bells’ Alejandra Deheza talks with Erin about work, collaborations and lucid dreams

The Sandwich Life is back to preview the reunion of a band that sounds just like Champaign — in all the right ways.

After some fun back and forth on Destroyer in the comments section last summer, Matt reviews Kaputt and feels confused.

Lots of stuff going on this week for fans of good music.

Joan of Arc member rolls through town with his rich brand of lo-fi.

Doug put together this kickass history of the Cover Up, and it’s definitely worth a re-post with updates from last year’s extravaganza.

This week: a healthy dose of DIY and Joan of Arc. Also, some thing called the Great Coverup starts Sunday.

Your New Year’s Eve planning guide. UPDATED

We conclude our end-of-year music coverage with a list of the songs that made us laugh, cry and pound our fists into walls.

Relive some of our favorite shows with us.

Dylan chats with the Seattle rockers in advance of their Urbana show tomorrow night.

Finally, you can stop worrying about what your favorite album of the year is. We will tell you what to like.

Mitch Marlow of the recently reunited group on what it takes to get a band back together, pre-internet promotion and Dread Zeppelin.

A hip-hop album for people who like their hip-hop like “1972 David Bowie with dope beats and improbable samples.”

Lots of bands will be hibernating for finals and winter break after this week, so catch them live while you still can.

Confused by all the musical goodwill being thrown around lately? Ben tries to sort out the tangled web of generosity.

Lots of good opportunities to check out great local music and give money to some good causes this week.

Abbreviated week = abbreviated overture.

We sit down for an interview with the experimental screamo outfit. Turns out they really love secondary players from the Jordan-era Bulls dynasty.

Carly has a few questions for you and even some solutions. Read her preview of tonight’s Mash Bash event.

It’s another week and there are some bands playing. Most like to play in front of people. Hey, you’re a person, right?

All four acts turned in stellar performances at Cowboy Monkey this weekend, but Psychic twin took the cake.

Montreal shoegazers No Joy stop by Cowboy Monkey tonight, assisted by a stellar lineup of local acts.

The New Ruins get a top notch producer, Santah performs on an ugly couch and lots of free music.

This week brings a slew of local and regional talent, both new and old.

David Vandervelde sounds like he’d be right at home in the local scene, and we’ll be finding out on Saturday.

Windjammer, Carl Hauck’s latest release, is a seriously impressive piece of work. Come pick it up a few days early at the show tonight.

In her first Smile Politely article, writer Carly Doenges reviews Umphrey’s McGee’s first night of a two night set at Canopy Club.

Dylan Heath recaps a night of jam bands, scary costumes and his wavering zombie-like state during a Halloween night at Canopy Club.

This week’s C-U music lineup should be viewed as a sharp rebuke of President Obama’s first two years in office.

Annie waxes nostalgic about the Austin indie pop group, who perform at Mike ‘N Molly’s tomorrow.

Needtobreathe drummer Joe Stillwell chats with us about the group’s tour, working with Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins, and the “Christian Rock” tag. We’re also giving away some tickets.

Dylan Heath, one of the newest Smile Politely writers, interviews Wavy Dave of Cornmeal in anticipation of their upcoming Halloween night show at Canopy Club.

Time to break out those costumes, folks.

A week after exploring Bob Dylan’s Champaign songs, John looks for other national musicians that have referenced East Central Illinois. He finds Zappa, kangaroos on the Sangamon River and a tattooed pig.

Val stops short of comparing Bob Dylan to Judas in his recap of last Friday’s performance.

A new release that rises above the background noise to become an instant in-the-car classic.

Prior to their trip out to perform at New York’s CMJ Music Marathon, we talk with the on the up-and-up locals.

Let’s be honest, you don’t need to click here because music this week begins and ends with these words: Frattle of the Bands II.

Did you know there are two different songs called “Champaign, Illinois” co-written by Bob Dylan? Yes, THAT Bob Dylan.

The Oakland stoner metal group put on an energetic and engaging set this past Saturday at the Canopy Club.

All of the shows are on Thursday this week. We’re not really sure why.

Now here’s a Dove- and Grammy-winning musician who’s comfortable interviewing with Christianity Today, The Advocate, Relevant, and Smile Politely. What’s not to love?