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this page is, and will probably always be under construction The great Beach Boys - Pet Sounds era Penny D, Woolworthy, Ken Thornton, Vince, Mary, Von Frickle, LOTEC, Makem & Clancey, Dugout, Morris Minors, Yakuza, Key Chung's band Nora O'Connor, Steepwater band |
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The Cells really rock good, and instantly diggable tunes. They sound a lot like the Chicago style, yet the lead guy Cory Hance is yet another Ohioan, who have been invading Chicago lately. New album on Orange Records. the cells.net |
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Smokin' rock group from Detroit the Motor City. The Live Show is were they really kick your butt, a Zanderesque lead singer, tight playing but they look pretty loose, which is a good thing. Lots of harmonies, lots of rock. Made some good noise late 90's, early 00's. www.atomicnumbers.com |
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Busker played with this NYC band often in 99-00. Real good stuff, kind of a mix of Radiohead and Slowdive, Ride, and nicest guys in rock&roll. Go see them when you get the chance. Their CD's all have a couple of those tunes you put on all the compiliation tapes you make for roadtrips and friends. www.longwavenyc.com |
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Tommy (aka R Seals) Flake has played all over the country in support of his excellent album "Bliss". You may know him from some of his previously excellent bands PeachFuzz, Clip the Daisies, Hot Glue Gun etc. Should be coming to Chicago soon. If you want a 7" of CTD, you can order one from the Busker site, we stole a box we like it so much. TommyFlake.com |
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The SoBros were once called "the greatest live band ever". At the reunion concert in Bloomington, Illinois on 9/18/1999 (after a 9 year hiatus) the band packed in and awed hundreds of fans, just like in their heydey. Even seasoned concert goers were walking around stunned for days. The band also soldout of every reissue CD (three different discs of re-released material) in twenty minutes, and certainly caused a bit of speculation. Tommy from Mt. Pilot and Spelunkers was a SoBro. |
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The guy can write a chord change, that's for sure. JF used to play in Jellyfish, then he did a thing called the Grays, and then went out on his own. Along the way there are some impeccable tracks of perfect pop rock, probably a little too good for the average radio programmer's taste. A miracle he's not a superstar. |
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The Smashing Pumpkins did more in the last decade than any other Chicago band - 6 major CDs, plus about 20 EP's, and countless world tours since Gish first broke in 1991. Busker connections: Jimmy's from Joliet (like Dan), shared a practice space on Broadway, and that striking similarity between the hit "Today" and a song Busker had written around the same time(?) We'll sell you a copy of their 1st demo to get them back. |
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Of all the hard working, touring punk bands from the 80's, Minneapolis' Husker Du was the greatest. Bob Mould is still out there touring and releasing albums, he can't quit. A major early influence on the Buskers, which by the way has nothing at all to do with the similar spelling, except sometimes people still say "Boosker". Favorite albums: New Day Rising, Zen Arcade, Warehouse Good Husker Website |
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When Busker traveled through Kansas City and St Louis a few years back we first heard Molly McGuire and Shiner and the heavy KC sound. Failure is from LA, but they probably did the superheavy, melodic rock better than anyone. The album Fantastic Planet is a good place to start. They broke up long ago. |
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You've probably heard people talk, if you haven't heard. UT started as an almost hardcore punk group, before transitioning into an Appalachian folk/country outfit. And the ride was a legendary one. Every album is different, the best may be March16-20, 1992. Jay Farrar told it like it is (now SonVolt), Jeff Tweedy told it like he didn't have any idea what it is (now Wilco) Rural Route (good, many links) Uncle Tupelo website |
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For a long time, Paul said the greatest rock show he'd ever seen was the P-Kids down in Austin about 5 years ago (Johnny Machine drumming). The band continues to lead the way for the rest of us with interactive CD's, their own recording studio, and impeccable band integrity regarding touring, major label deals. They should write a "required reading" book for anybody who wants to be in a band. www.posterchildren.com |
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Supergrass opened for Busker at the record release show at Metro a few years back. The boys are from England, playing inventive, engagingly strange pop-hard rock. Great band, new record coming out soon. They are going to be on tour with Pearl Jam. "Strange Ones" Site (Good one) www.supergrass.com |
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They don't need us to get their name around, now with grammy nominations, "best album of the 90's", Rolling Stone magazine, etc. Jeff Tweedy (from Uncle Tupelo) fronts Wilco and these guys have made some classic must-have albums. Go see JT doing a solo gig or buy "Being There" or "SummerTeeth" - real good stuff. Wilco Webpage |
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From southhwestern Virginia, the Stanley Brothers are the most influential bluegrass/gospel /country music group period. Ralph Stanley (left) is still around playing. Amazing vocal arrangements and spirited acoustic instrumentation. Their popularity is growing due to roots/country groups like Uncle Tupelo, Steve Earle, Joe Ely et. al, even though most of the S.B. recordings are from the 1940's and 50's. |
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A band from Dayton Ohio that's long been popular "underground", led by a guy named Robert Pollard. The album Busker is especially fond of is "Bee Thousand". Sometimes the recording quality of their albums is a challenge, but totally worth it if you can get through. Guided By Voices Website |
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Another Bloomington IL connection. These guys played around the midwest as a duo for a couple years and recorded the album "Oh Yeah, That's Right" in their apartment (Lance Reynolds engineering). Paul from Busker plays bass. Now Chicagoans, the band is recording a new album with Lance Reynolds. Ruth Buzzy Website |
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Phil from Ruth Buz zy made this tape on his four track (HIJK Lemon Yellow P) using only really cheap instruments and effects. It's a trippy ride into electronica, sampling, TV noises, drum loops and African rhythms. It sounds nothing at all like John Cougar Mellencamp's "Cherry Bomb" but the girl in the picture is pretty hot. |
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If you listen to the Busker Soundcheck songs "It's 3" and "Cyberhigh" you'll hear result of listening to Flaming Lips albums constantly in the van while on tour. Chris hung out with these guys before. One of the most creative rock bands of our day and a favorite of most bands. New album out now. Flaming Lips Official Website |
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Like the stuff you fix your Chevy Nova with. In their own words, "this Album is intended for those with a sense of humor", but don't be surprised if you like it a lot - though not for the easily offended. Available at fine liquor stores everywhere . Used to go see them at bolwing alleys. Chris from Busker plays guitar. Bondo Booze Swillin' Website |
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Jeff Buckley has left us, but also left us with this record. Most of the radio stations ignored it, and most reviewers slagged it. Forget that, the first CD in this 2 disc set is one of the greatest rock records ever. Once you hear it, you'll know. The second is for Jeff fans only. Rest in peace, Jeff. Jeff's mom is putting together a live album for release on May 9, 2000 (PK's b-day). A Good JB Site Columbia Records - JB Site |
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Joygirl rocked Chicago for a few years. They were on the "Rock My Ass" show that Ruth Buzzy was also part of. Nice progressive sections to their tunes, and dead on sweet harmonies and vocal rounds that knock your socks off. If it matters, yes they looked real good up there too. Joygirl Website |
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The Spelunkers were from Bloomington, Illinois. These guys could play, some of the best musicians around - and write killer songs. Three great CD's that stand up to anything else you're listening to. One of Busker's Bloomington connections, totally excellent guys. Spelunkers Webpage |
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Busker set up a few shows with this band and found we'd known each other for years - these Hoosiers were in a band called Young Lords a few years back. Great songs and huge rock star attitude (in a good way of course). Their singer songwriter guitarist Paul K. is a self proclaimed genius. Rock Star Club Website |