Music

Kelly’s not looking to convince you one way or another on this weekend’s Central Illinois Metalfest, he just wants to judge the bands by their names.

Ben’s favorite moments from the festival, plus meditations on porta-johns, children and Hipster Runoff

Death metal, garage rock, and the false-death of Dubstep Massacre.

Tracy may be a huge fan of this guy, but every word written here is true. You can trust her.

A great weekend of music culminated with an unpolished set from Pavement that exceeded all of John’s expectations.

Despite being something of a hip-hop newbie, Matt feels qualified to say this much: the new AMS release is excellent.

In a timely bit of scheduling that refutes all accusations of being hipster dillweeds, both music editors are attending Pitchfork Fest this weekend. Here are John’s picks.

The Rock Geeks are gaga over this West Coast girl group.

The first posthumous release from Jay Bennett explores both the serious and playful sides of the musician.

The Champaign 150th celebration was a lot of fun for kids of all ages, but John thinks it would have been much better if Seth Fein had booked the talent.

We apologize in advance to the majority of you who just wanted to figure out if there was a show worth going to this Thursday night.

We might be out of the city-streetfest doldrums, people.

A garage-y guitar-drums duo who share the last name of White are playing Bentley’s on Saturday, and you’ll not want to miss it.

Of Montreal, Turbo Fruits, Janelle Monae…the list goes on. It also mostly completes this year’s lineup.

Matt Talbott and Elzie Sexton busted out their karaoke voices this weekend at Mike ‘N Molly’s, but it seems like not everyone got the joke.

Getting tired of streetfests yet? Also: the Viper is back!

On tour in support of his Live in Europe CD/DVD, the venerable Americana singer/songwriter sat down to talk about the Gulf Oil Spill, Big Government and the rock radio scene in Bangor, Maine.

Spoiler: the performance wasn’t that good. But, the store itself is pretty cool.

Local musical gods Hum are back in town and reunited for the upcoming Champaign Music Festival, and it looks like Matt brought Centaur along for the ride as well.

Revelations available within: Dark Side of the Moon is overrated, and Cleveland does, indeed, rock.

Aaron recounts the surreality that was The Yard Dogs Road Show.

This week I’m declaring my independence from overwrought clichés about local music. Wait, never mind.

Get your hobo on at the Yard Dogs Road Show, tonight at Canopy.

“You think about the Rat Pack, Sinatra and those guys all drinking martinis, that’s kind of the whole thing.”

The smorgasbord of musical styles that Champaign-Urbana has to offer is on display yet again

Nearly five years after the death of a good friend, John reflects on whether or not music can save a soul.

If you’re a fan of sexy vampires from Louisiana, then there’s a show this week that probably want to check out.

A dozen more bands to add to your lineup card for this fall’s festival (but still no sign of Ted Nugent).

Local folkish rocker Bergstrand likes to kick things off with a samosa. We like the way he thinks.

Stoner metal, hip hop, indie pop and summer nights in the beer garden abound.

You don’t have to be a Dubstep Massacre regular to appreciate what DJ Belly has accomplished with his new album.

Annie reflects on that rare, unassuming show that sneaks up on you and blows you away.

Rantoul’s Pieholden Suite Sound is Jay Bennett’s former studio. Matt DeWine is holding down the fort and helping launch Bennett’s foundation and new record.

It’s our weekly rundown of music in and around town — the good, the bad and the emo.

You have to respect a man who chooses Butt Rockin’ as his favorite album of all time.

Creating your own rock show in this town is as easy as 1, 2, 3… 4. Here’s a step by step guide to getting it done.

We sit down with the Minneapolis-based shoegaze and dream-pop band in advance of their show tomorrow night.

Veteran C-U blues group makes a record which is just as confident as you’d expect.

A slow week for shows, but you could probably use the extra time to recover from Mastodon.

Bozak plays a homecoming show at Boltini and doesn’t like the prices at Joann Fabrics.

If you enjoy lyrical, jazzy, singer/songwriter style, you’re in for a treat.

Local guy done good Adam Boskey — aka DJ Bozak — is back in town for a week of shows

In a world where metal (and music in general) keeps fracturing into more and more subgenres, there’s room on the Mastodon train for everyone. It stops in Urbana tonight.

Brooklyn-based Americana trio Red Molly are coming to the IMC on Wednesday to help whet your appetite for C-U Folk and Roots.

The students have left and the townies have the place to themselves. Time to kick out the jams.

A long time ago, a man named the Smoke used to prowl the streets of Urbana, bringing dischordant rock ‘n roll to the underaged masses. Tonight that man returns — with a saxophonist.

Relative newcomers to the scene, The Fresh Kills have come up with one of the best punk albums to come out of C-U in years.

The Chicago electro/mashup masters bring their show to Canopy Club tomorrow night.