New Blog

I'm retiring this blog name, and moving to my new blog, The Static Boom.

I'll be posting about music (of course), art, fashion, news, Chicago and more! Expect reviews, interviews, research, gossip and my opinion on random things. I hope you'll check it out!

Thanks,
Tracy :)

New Arcade Fire!

I am SO excited by this news. Apparently, on June 1 (11 days from today) there will be new Arcade Fire music available. We all knew the new tunes were on their way, since the band's slated to be at Lollapalooza this year, we just weren't certain when. Well, now details are emerging that look like we'll be able to hear the first new track June 1, and up to 38 more by July! According to Consequence of Sound, 38 tracks were mixed, meaning we may very well hear enough new Arcade Fire music soon to make up for the 2+ years gap since Neon Bible.

FABulous news. :)

New Black Keys Video

I was definitely excited to hear the new Black Keys music with Danger Mouse involved, and I loved "Tighten Up" when I first heard it. It's only grown on me since. It's the kind of song that I want playing on my iPod while I'm walking in some fierce black heels. So, I was surprised to see a video that wasn't dimly lit, slightly drunk and noticeably sexy (as I had hoped). Instead, humor prevailed, with a multi-generational focus on getting the girl, complete with toy trucks, blood, and half-eaten donuts.

The Black Keys "Tighten Up"

The Black Keys | MySpace Music Videos

Chicago's Reckless Records on Broadway

For all you music lovers outside of Chicago, you've likely heard of Reckless Records but maybe haven't had the chance to visit (yet). Well, this post is most especially for you! :)

There are many great record stores in Chicago, and three of my favorites are definitely the Reckless Record stores. I live really close to the one on Broadway, so I'm in there most often, but I visit the Wicker Park location pretty regularly too.

The Reckless stores are great because the staff is incredibly nice, the selection of new and used CDs seems endless (especially because if they have the item you're looking for at another location, they'll bring it over for you!), and there's WAY more than fabulous music. Especially at the Broadway location, there's ample selection of great movies (VHS and DVD), records, CDs, cassettes, t-shirts, magazines and more. Plus, posters for the latest and greatest local shows always line the entrance.

Within the last year they moved into this location from a much smaller store across the street, and this allowed for an increased supply of goods and space for live shows. So, Chicagoans and non-Chicagoans alike, head to Reckless next time you're nearby, and then maybe to Wilde's for an AMAZING buffalo chicken sandwich and Intelligentsia for an AMAZING cup of coffee... which is pretty much my perfect day. :)

New Francis and the Lights Album

New York

Francis and the Lights first caught my attention on a mixtape from a friend, and I posted his song "LIME" back in February '09. Just recently he started streaming his newest album, It'll Be Better, and it's fabulous. There's a strange, comfortable, uniqueness in his music that will stick with you. It's the smartest dance-pop music I've heard in a long time, and I'm happy to spread the word if you're unfamiliar. Enjoy a listen to the new album below. :)