When I preview a show on this site, that’s typically the one and only time you’ll hear about it. While there are plenty of Chicagoans who read the site, many of you are located around the country and world, so some of my locally-based rantings don’t particularly appeal to you. Today though, I’m sort of breaking an unwritten rule to give a second mention to an upcoming Chicago show. Why? Because of two things: It’s for a good cause, and I booked it myself. So let me break it down for you once again. This Wednesday, rising Chicago band JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound will be performing at Lincoln Hall. All profits from the show will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and their efforts in fighting blood cancers. That means a lot to me, and it also means a lot to my friends, who are the driving force behind putting together this benefit concert. They asked me to find and book a band, and I feel lucky that JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound were willing and able to do this. They are, after all, a band on the rise. Their latest album Howl is a classic mixture of funk and soul, and the music video for their single “Rouse Yourself” stars actors Jake Johnson (from “New Girl”) and Aubrey Plaza (from “Parks & Rec”). They also put on a really fun and engaging live show, which is sometimes half the battle with bands these days. Anyways, if you’re in Chicago on Wednesday night and don’t already have plans, please come out to this all ages show. Tickets are $35, but if you enter the code “LLS” (without quotes) at the online checkout, you can get $10 off. For non-Chicagoans or those who can’t make it to the show but would still like to help out this great cause, please donate if you’re able. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! Now then, let’s get to this Monday edition of Pick Your Poison. Gold star tracks today come from Alice Russell, Chromeo, Junip, Scenic, SETH, Summer Aviation and Whale Belly. In the Soundcloud section after the jump, stream songs from Azealia Banks, Katy B, of Montreal, Phantogram, Swearin’ and Woman’s Hour.
Alice Russell – I Loved You (Acoustic)
Baby Alpaca – Sea of Dreams (Turbotito Remix)
Whale Belly – Bubbles in My Blood
Wolfcatcher – Whisper
SOUNDCLOUD
Azealia Banks – Count Contessa
Katy B – 5AM
of Montreal – Belle Glade Missionaries
Phantogram – Black Out Days
Swearin’ – Watered Down
Woman’s Hour – Darkest Place