Best of Springfield 2013: Albums

Aside

And now we are to the third and final part of our three-part best of Springfield 2013 poll results. We counted 37 different releases (and there were probably more that we didn’t catch), when last year we had counted only 15. All of the bands that were active in town this year deserve to be mentioned on this list, but with this list we are highlighting five of your favorites. Here they are!

5. Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts – Give Away The Night

Josh and crew are at it. As you must remember, I wrote about “When We Were Young” last year. It got #2 Best Song of 2012. Josh Catalano & the Dirty Thoughts have released a reimagined and repolished collection of songs called “Give Away The Night.” Let me tell you: IT PAID OFF. Last year, I called “When We were Young” an “amazing pop hit.” Things have changed WAY for the better. These reimanaged songs raise the bar they set for themselves last year. As a whole, “Give Away The Night” hits the nail right on it’s pop-hit-head. The album blends Josh’s solid vocals with just enough twangy guitars (“Light), driving drums (“New York Hearts” + “Dead In Her Boots”), strings (They really stepped up “When We Were Young), and hooks (Seriously, the bass hook in “They Look So Lonely” is straight out of “Graceland”). They started where the demo left off, and went buck wild. The production quality and song construction are top notch. I think JC&TDT are Springfield’s best kept secret right now, and won’t be for too much longer. -Cory VanMeter (Say Something, Soap Scum, Hospital Job, Caterpillar Club)

4. Our Lady – Vessels 7″

After a few “personnel changes”, it appears that the hardest working band in Springfield (in my opinion, anyway…these kids never seem to stop touring!), Our Lady, has finally become comfortable in their own skin. After listening to their EP, “Vessels”, released on Mind Over Matter Records earlier this year, it’s very clear that this band has really perfected it’s sound and songwriting abilities. Three beautifully constructed songs pressed onto a limited run of 100 translucent red or 100 opaque lavender vinyl housed in what is easily the nicest packaging I’ve ever seen committed to a 7” release. A six-panel silkscreened fold-out jacket with a hand numbered vellum pocket housing the actual record itself. Wonderful artwork by Brian Galecki, adorns the outside of the jacket. I’ve always loved Our Lady’s unique sound (how many other bands feature a cello player plugged into a Marshall?) and this release is certainly no exception. Our Lady is certainly a well-oiled machine, and at this rate could be the next big thing. Who knows? They certainly deserve it! -Anthony Bollero (Some Things Can’t Be Ignored)

3. Soap Scum – Demo

One of the top voted releases of the year 2013 is one from earlier in the year, the Soap Scum Demo. A band that has been cloaked in mystery since their very beginning, Soap Scum introduced us to their fast brand of punk with a surprise set at the last New Year’s house show. Their set was a hectic smash, with everyone moving and slamming, and is captured perfectly with this release. It is dripping with filth and catchy rhythms, with 5 songs that pummel you with the kind of angst that will leave you asking “What was I thinking?”

The first track Scum Town begins with a very brief feedback lead in before dropping you down face first into this very fast punk song that keeps it short and sweet. The next track Wreckage keeps up the tempo, but mixes in some catchy grooves that continue on throughout the third track, Fiberglass. Television Head is layered extra thick with some great guitar riffs that wriggle their way into your ear and refuse to leave. The closer track, Compactor ends fades away with an appropriate amount of chaos, guitar wanking, and stead drums holding it all together, just barely. It was without a doubt one of top punk releases of the year for the Springfield music scene. -Drew Kodrich (Gazeebo)

#2. Our Lady – Dawning (II)

Over the past 3 years Our Lady has become a common name to the Black Sheep tongue because of a reputation for their impactful songwriting and aggressive live performance. Dawning II was the most recent release, but certainly not the only one. Our Lady has toured 5 times through 30 different states this year alone, it’s no wonder they have come to our attention for this year’s Best Of. Dawning II is a new perspective on Our Lady’s cassette release earlier this year giving us the re-recorded and re-mastered version of what they truly envisioned themselves to be. The new recordings give Our Lady the sound that they deserve, holding them up to par with their live performance. They kept all of the old songs, adding more distortion and more power, raising the bar for their own future. Dawning II also features an acoustic track that has taken off as one of Our Lady’s most popular songs yet. It starts off with vocalist and guitar player, Tim Williams, talking about his past experiences in the background of subtle distortion and acoustic guitar. Tim’s dark, relatable lyrical content keeps you sucked in.

Dawning II ends with my personal favorite, Balancing Stone, a brand new full band song that was not on the original Dawning. Balancing Stone uses cello and guitar to create a brooding atmosphere that bursts into the full band chorus with a sense of urgency that gives you chills. You know what they say: you haven’t lived until you’ve cried at an Our Lady show. You can listen to Dawning II along with their past releases for free at ourlady.bandcamp.com. -Jess Knight (Looming, Mother Leopard)

#1. Looming – Looming EP

Looming EP is one of my favorite local albums of the year. Jessica Knight’s voice shines over this gritty pop themed four piece. “Definition of Home” is one hell of a catchy song with a driving rhythm and great guitar line. I also love the sing-a-long “Ohs” in the chorus. “Steadfast” is a well crafted song full of love, lies and poetry. Brandon Carnes’ drumming pushes the compelling line, “Don’t tell stories your eyes can’t tell,” while the band explodes. Looming will leave a lasting impression on the Springfield music scene. I can’t wait to hear more. -Josh Catalano (Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts)

Best of Springfield 2013: Songs

Posted on December 27, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

We have finally made it to the end of 2013 and wow! What a year! We want to thank everyone who participated in our year-end poll. There were more voters who participated than last year, and also much more music coming out of Springfield. We have to say that pretty much all of the music that came out of Springfield this year is worth mentioning and all of you musicians and artists out there deserve a round of applause. We are going to start off by listing some of your favorite songs that came out of Springfield this year. Write-ups have been done by different people who have been active in various parts of the music scene this year. This was a close contest with ties for the number 2 and number 5 choices, and a couple of bands had multiple songs in the running.

5. Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts – When We Were Young

When you press play on any of Josh Catalano‘s work, you’ll immediately be glad you did. Light, inspirational guitar work and honest, beautiful vocals collide in the song “When we were young” for a truly pleasant experience. I’m honestly sad it took me this long to discover this gentleman’s work. Catalano comes together with his company in Josh Catalano & The Dirty Thoughts to bring you a series of wonderful tracks, but “When we were young” jumps out as an instant hit. It starts with a nearly quiet acoustic guitar line into a beautiful vocal melody, eventually building via string section and well placed guitar work into a driving, meaningful experience altogether forcing you to replay over and over. Its short and sweet, and definitely one of my favorite pieces to ever come out of this local music scene. If you haven’t given this music a listen, I strongly suggest you do. “When we were young” will be on repeat for me, as a great listen, and an inspiration to me as a musician. -Clint Kesinger (Good Times, Battalion)

5. Soap Scum – Fiberglass/Compactor

If there was one definitive sound of 2013, it was Cory VanMeter’s opening bassline to Fiberglass, Soap Scum‘s epic ballad that tells the tale of Brian Galecki cleaning out Black Sheep’s fiberglass, resulting in one if the most memorable coughing fits in the history of Springfield’s music scene.

On the other hand, the phrase of 2013 was “Sweep the floor; Mop the ceiling,” from Soap Scum’s all star smash hit, “Compactor.” As my personal favorite Soap Scum song, it holds a special place in my heart, but not without subjecting my ears to minutes of reckless guitar from groovemaster Mario Cannamela, paired with some sick beatz from Papa Kevin. Two great tracks from some of the best hardcore I’ve ever seen come out of little old Springfield, IL. -Mitch Baker (Lovecow, Wir Können, Looming)

5. Big Storm – Wasting Away

2013 was a big year for emo, harsh noise, band reunions, and… power pop? Big Storm had a good year, particularly with the release of “Wasting Away”. When first listening to this song it seems like nothing to write home about, some dude just whining about being alone, like that’s never happened before. But Brandon Carnes and company aren’t like most guys, they have horn sections and big harmonies! I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings for this band and this guy hopes they “stay here forever” and keep bringing the feel good! -Jeff Black (The Radon Lounge)

4. Battalion – Resilience

With earth shattering guitar tones, creative drumming, heavy grooves, killer two steps, gang vocals, and all ending with a fantastic melodic passage, it’s no wonder that Battalion’s song, “Resilience” made the cut for this list. Battalion has been around for quite sometime in the Springfield music scene and resilience completely solidifies what the band has grew into. As voted by the people, the results have obviously been well received! Fans of modern heavy music, you won’t be disappointed at all by this track. -Cameron Franklin (Table Drama, Skywalker)

2. Good Times – All My Friends Are Ghosts

Clint Kesinger’s project Good Times is a clear stylistic departure from Battalion, the band he’s fronted for quite some time now. The first track of his ‘Good Times’ EP (available for free download at goodtimesstl.bandcamp.com) is a 3 and a half minute sample of Clint’s softer, more easy-going side. ‘All My Friends Are Ghosts’ chronicles a night of waking a ghost, presumably with song, and inviting her to ‘kick back and chill’ with him. It’s an upbeat tune that’s easy to nod along to, and has hooks that are bound to keep you repeating the chorus, “we’ll all keep singing along, and i won’t tell anyone”. This jaunty tune is a great introduction to Good Times, a fantastic way to start off of the EP, and one can only imagine there’s plenty more ‘Good Times’ to be had! -Brandon Carnes (Looming, Big Storm, The Timmys)

2. Our Lady – Buque/Feeding Fields

Our Lady definitely brought their A game this year, and this song is certainly no exception. With Buque, the band showed a more intense side of themselves. With this song being the first revealed from Dawning, the band finished their transition and became dark as all heckie. Our Lady blew up bigger than they already previously were this year, and with this song, they only grew stronger. They are now a 12 foot, 2 ton beast waiting to take on every scene in the entire world. Watch out, everyone. -Austin Connelly(Wir Können, Montagh)

1. Looming – Definition of Home

Surely by now you have all heard Looming’s “Definition of Home” and probably know most of the lyrics. The song was the band’s very first and they debuted it well before their first show. That first day it hit the net, I listened to it at least 10 times. It is good. Really good.

Definition of Home is a well crafted song. The lyrics allow the listener to create their own meaning and ideas. I relate to the lyrics on a personal level. “I’m running home when everyone’s running away” can mean different things. To me, it is about accepting your surroundings and making the most of them.

I feel Springfield in my bones. I like my bones. Please celebrate your own definition of home. Your city, your music scene, your bones, and Looming’s 6 track EP. It’ll make Springfield a better place… and you a better person. -Robbie Kording (The Black Sheep Radio Show, The Timmys)

Artists and Acts for Dumb Records Opening + Black Sheep Art Show

Posted on December 26, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

Our Dumb Records Grand Opening and Art Show is coming up here in a few weeks, and it’s surely going to be a South Town extravaganza you won’t want to miss! One, you’ll get to experience our rad record store in all of its shiny new rays of glory. Two, you’ll get to hear some spoken word from our local folks and see some art pieces by them. The celebration and art show will be taking place from 12:00 to 9:00 pm that day, and Dumb Records will open at 10:00 am. There will also be a soft opening at Dumb Records on Friday the 10th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Here’s a list of who exactly will be throwing down for all of this and the location and time slots they will be performing.

Dumb Records Acts
12:00 pm – Brandon Carnes
1:00 pm – Jess Knight
2:00 pm – Jared Small
4:00 pm – Lovecow
5:00 pm – Montagh
6:00 pm – Kamila Glowacki
7:00 pm – Good Times

Black Sheep
2:30 pm – Mike Tirehaus
3:30 pm – Matt Hill
5:30 pm – Clare Frachey
6:30 pm – Paqui
7:30 pm – Mario Cannamela
8:30 pm – Aubrey Puyear

Artists
Brian Galecki
Tater Cronin
Mike Tirehaus
Amanda Aulich
Kamila Glowacki
Clare Frachey
Nathan Shepard
Martin “Lumpy” Meyer
Emily Johnson
John Mechana
Angelea Cooke
Kristin Walker
Mario Cannamela
Matt Hill
Heidi Abegg
Vince Merriman
Julia May
Jess Black

We still have a few open time slots for acoustic acts and spoken word artists! Email us at blacksheepspringfield@gmail.com if you are interested. Try to make it out to see these acts and pieces of work as well as the opening of Dumb Records! This event will have no cost, however you may want to bring a few bucks for all the cool stuff Dumb Records has to offer. A facebook event for this whole enchilada is right here so make sure to check it out and come if you can!

February 22nd at Poon Lagoon: Be My Doppleganger, Horrible Things, Hospital Job, Nephrons

Posted on December 26, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

This show at Poon Lagoon is gonna be ballin! All the way from way out of town, Be My Doppleganger is gonna be rockin out with some alternative punk jivvy jams. The rad folks from Champaign based Horrible Things will be indulging our breakfast punk cravings. Hospital Job will be playing as well and they’re sure to give a heart-warming, musically nourishing pop-punk set. Then to finish off the evening in a grand way, Nephrons will play some retirement home pop-punk, the kind that will make us feel delirious and wobbly in the best way possible.

This show is gonna be yet another classic in Poon Lagoon world, so come to this show on Saturday February 22nd and get your “swag and stab on”! This won’t cost any money but donations for the touring bands and charming locals are definitely welcome. Here’s the facebook event so check it out! Curious about other Springfield shows? We have a page for that, so definitely take a look at that as well and keep your eyes out for upcoming Black Sheep shows.

Merry Christmas + Happy Holidays!

Posted on December 25, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

Those of us at blacksheepspringfield.com headquarters want to wish all of you mutants a happy and safe Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Halloween. Especially Halloween. Be sure to keep an eye out for those pesky basement clowns. We will be posting the results for our 2013 Springfield music poll on Friday.

Bands Needed For Whirlwind Bar Tour on December 28th

Posted on December 24, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

If you’re looking for something to do for you post-holiday high try enjoying some music and food with the Whirlwind Bar Tour. The Whirlwind Bar Tour is event created to help those affected by the tornadoes in November. 13 bars will be donating 100% of funds raised during an all day pub crawl to relief efforts. Saturday December 28th this 21 and up event will have 8 hours of music in all 13 bars with free food plus free transportation! Because this is a charity event bars and bands will be donating their time to the cause. But some bars still have OPEN SLOTS for their music portion of the event and need your help! Bands, solo acts, or any form of musical performers are encouraged to play during the event. There are three bars that have pretty bare line-ups. Trading Post (731 S Durkin Dr), Jw’s Lounge (2266 S 6th St), and Celtic Mist still need of live music. While you are welcome to contact any of the bars listed on the tour some bars above only have one band playing and the event is supposed to have 8 hours of live music. Not only is this a great opportunity to help those affected by the tornadoes it’s a way to get name out in the community and play more mainstream venues. If you or your band is interested in playing a time slot at the bars above please contact the bar directly. If you run into any trouble contact James McCormick anytime at jamesmc349@yahoo.com or 217-741-2898. When explaining the event James said, “This is basically an alliance of people and bars and music people coming together to raise what they can. I thought of Black Sheep as a place where a lot of bands are coming together and thought that maybe some people are ready to get out there and get seen.”

You can sign up for slots at multiple bars as well and if you do play at the event don’t be afraid to show bar owners a demo or even record your performance from the event. This is a 21+ event but band members that are under 21 can still play. In order for that to happen band members need to contact the bar’s owner and talk with them about getting necessary signatures.

If you just want to come out to support and enjoy free music and food wristbands are $30. They will get you access to all of the bars from 11am to 7pm and can be purchased at any of the participating bars- preferably before the event. There will also be 4 buses will running every 30 minutes, once again for free.

For more information check out Whirlwind’s Facebook page. The page has detailed lineups for each bar and the route for transportation.

To stay on top of other community events outside of Black Sheep make sure to check out our Springfield Shows page.

More on January 9th at Black Sheep

Posted on December 23, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

Remember a little while back when we told you that Mobile Death Camp (ex-GWAR) will be coming to play at Black Sheep? Well today we are coming back at you to tell you about the full lineup for this incredibly awesome and rockin’ show that is going to be happening on Thursday, January 9th! As you know, this show will feature Mobile Death Camp, which is a rock band featuring “Beefcake the Mighty” of GWAR. There will also be a great lineup of local bands on this show! We have Sunnyvale, which is a Springfield band that will be playing their very first show at Black Sheep! We also have Table Drama, who might be stirring up some trouble with some of the other bands. Will they take on battling Mobile Death Camp? Come to the show and find out. Come to the show for a chance to also catch the rowdy punksters in RDNT. Also playing this show is ska-punk madness band Say Something, who are currently working on recording some new material.

This show starts at 7:00 pm admission this time around is $6. You can find a facebook event for the show right here. We might also see some type of a soft opening for Dumb Records at this show? Be there to find out! Also check out our shows page for a complete list of upcoming shows at Black Sheep.

January 6th at Black Sheep: Wolf Luv, NEED, Back To Back, The Oswalds

Posted on December 23, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

On Monday, January 6th we will be hosting our second show of 2014 at Black Sheep and it is going to be a real punk one. We will be having the touring band Back To Back come and play at Black Sheep. They are from Houston, Texas and play short and sweet punk songs that you can find streaming below. Next up on the lineup is NEED from Champaign and Chicago. The last time NEED played in Springfield was during Dumb Fest, where they performed inside Skank Skates next door. Also playing this show is the fierce “asswolf” and his gang, Wolf Luv. If you like seeing bands fronted by real live wolves, then this is the show for you. To top this all off we have the second show ever of Springfield’s newer punk band The Oswalds.

This show kicks off at 7:00 pm and admission is $5. You can find a facebook event right here. Also don’t forget to check out what else we have coming up next year on our shows page.

Tours: Soap Scum/Kowabunga! Kid

Posted on December 21, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

It looks like Springfield puke punks Soap Scum will be doing a short run with Champaign pals Kowabunga! Kid at the end of the month. The two bands will be hitting up a few cities in the midwest and ending the run with a big band at the Harm House 45th Annual New Year’s Eve show. You can check out the dates below.

12/27 @ The Livery – St. Louis, MO
12/29 @ Technodrom – Chicago, IL
12/30 @ Center Street Free Space – Milwaukee, WI
12/31 @ Harm House – Springfield, IL

Soap Scum will also be playing the very first show of 2014 at Black Sheep along with Falter, Asthma, Nos Bos, and Table Drama. For more information on that show you can head here.

Tonight at Black Sheep: Hospital Job, Lovecow, Ravenhill, Looming

Posted on December 21, 2013 by blacksheepspringfield

Tonight is the third and final show of our three “Winter Weekend” shows at Black Sheep. Tonight will be the big GRAND FINALE of those shows and this is also our last show of the year at Black Sheep so let’s make it a good one and come out! Tonight we have the pop-punk all star band Hospital Job playing all of their old hits and probably a few new ones. We also have folk punk sweethearts Lovecow starting up the circle pits and all of the sing-a-longs. This show also features one gem of a touring band called Ravenhill from Southern Illinois. Don’t forget to come early to catch the crown jewel band Looming, who will be playing first before they head out to the bars of Springfield to play with the reunited Park.

The show tonight starts at 7:00 pm and admission is $5, as usual. You can find a facebook event for the show right here. Don’t forget to check out our shows page for tons of shows that we have lined up for 2014.