CU Sound Review

Last week’s Ryan Adams and the Cardinals show was horribly undersold. I couldn’t believe how empty Foellinger looked. I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a show that was so worthlessly promoted. The people that were there didn’t all seem to be happy with their ticket purchases, though, as it ended up being a little more awkward than most RA shows. Ryan was particularly chatty (talking for about a third of the set). He also drank a lot of Diet Coke and needed a pee break in the middle of the set. Lots of people looked confused. Oh, and then there was the girl behind me who was talking to Ryan as if he could hear her and as if they were best friends. She did prove to everyone around her, though, that she knows every word to every song and that she can’t clap very well to a beat. Her repeated requests for “Cherry Lane” never produced results. So sad.

Quite a few e-mails poured in after last week’s column regarding the loss of Cowboy Monkey as a music venue. It seems that many of you are as upset as I am about the change. Keep sending those e-mails and posting on those blogs – maybe we can change some minds.

Tonight at that very venue, Live Karaoke Band will play their monthly-ish residency. You know what that means – crazy, drunk people singing ridiculous songs. And you can be one of those people! Get there early, and sign up for a slot. And get a little wild, people – stop picking the same songs every time. Someone should do “Plowed.”

Earlier in the evening, you can catch a free show at Aroma Café, this week featuring longtime CU mainstay G. Lee, who now splits her time between playing shows and giving awesome massages. There was, at some point, some tracks laid down for a new G. Lee and Jet Blonde record, but it seems that one won’t see the light of day. Maybe if you keep pestering her, something will come out. G. will share the night with Anthony Gravino (Temple of Low Men, Music For 5 Year Olds), who has a batch of fun new songs to share. Speaking of Temple of Low Men, keep an eye out for some news in the next couple of weeks. The Aroma show starts at 8 p.m. and is free.

The craziness of Man Man (playing at Courtyard Café) is the big deal for Friday, but if you’re not feeling like trying to find parking or weaving around the number of idiot students who slowly walk in front of cars, there are some other great options. The Urbana Park District is putting on its Centennial Chautauqua all this week with musical performances and much more. Friday night, they have Corky Siegel and Shirley King playing early in the evening to be followed by Bruiser and the Virtues over at the Iron Post. The party will kick off at about 9:30 p.m. If you’ve never had the chance to see the Virtues and their jump-blues stylings, now is the time.

Over in Champaign, you’ve got Mike ‘n Molly’s hosting the Chemicals and Monte Carlos in a show that will likely be in the beer garden, as it’s 90 fucking degrees out in October. 10 p.m.

Cowboy Monkey will also be rocking with Head of Femur, Kristov’s Agenda and Oklahoma band Colourmusic. 10 p.m., $7. Kristov’s Agenda will also play this week’s WEFT Sessions Monday at 10 p.m. on 90.1 FM.

Tally Hall will return to CU this Saturday to play a Courtyard Café show. Again, those pesky students playing real-life Frogger will be a challenge, but for those of you that have seen Tally Hall, you know these guys are worth a stain or two on the hood of your car. elsinore will open the show, fresh off of some shows out west. Caulfield and the Magic will also play. 9 p.m., $7.

Wednesday, the epic residency of DJ Mingram will once again do battle with a huge show (Ween at Canopy Club), but with the power of John Oates’ moustache and Rick Astley’s boyish good looks, I think we all know who will be victorious.

Mike Ingram can be heard on LiveUp podcasts and commercials with lessons that no one bothers to pay attention to until someone gets hit by a bus. You can reach him at forgottenwords@gmail.com

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