paul baribeau, the weakerthans, why?, sparklehorse, eels, the magnetic fields, sigur ros, super famicom, jon brion, explosions in the sky, wilco, the afghan whigs, nin, neutral milk hotel, tom waits, a drum and an open window, matthew sweet, harry nilsson, juliana hatfield, andrew jackson jihad, johnny cash, the beatles, real live tigers, the frames, tinyfolk, jeff buckley, ghost mice, the smashing pumpkins, porches, counting crows, redbear., aphex twin, okkervil river, faith no more, erin tobey, mewithoutyou, the rachel's, karrie hopper, shalloboi, liz phair, wabash, don caballero, patrick ripoll, jordaan mason, lil' wayne, shelby sifers, weird al yankovic, and the pixies.
"James Eric is a generous solo performer who we first reviewed at our old site. His vocal style is kind of folky, in the Bob Dylan kind of way. The music is a little mellow/shoegazery (is that a word), a little folky, and a little rock and roll. James is at his best live, where he shows lots of passion and imagination. He provides TONS of free music on his site, -- original songs, instrumentals, and covers. The best part of his covers is that he really changes stuff up from the original, to make the piece his own." - Ethan, Berkeley Place
"Nearly all the covers are stripped down and his vocal range on the covers is pretty amazing (he can hit Jonsi’s high notes and also sound like Jeff Mangum)." - Taylor, Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good
"I don't know about you, but anyone that can cover Sigur Ros gets big ups from me" - Goose, Veritas Lux Mea
"It is rare that I am this responsive. I got an email from a reader yesterday who kindly suggested that I check out the music of James Eric Laczkowski. So I did. He is a singer/songwriter from right here in Chicago that has received some attention for his cover songs, but his original material is pretty good as well. It is fairly eclectic for singer/songwriter fare and that is a good thing." - Eric, Can You See the Sunset From the Southside
"James Eric is the kind of guy who still sings about things I wish I could, but sadly do not have to the spirit to. And despite all the things James has gone through he always sings with a level of energy and passion that startles me from time to time. On his much overlooked Fire In The Mountains from this year the song "I Hope..." is an anthem that has a great marching rhythm, stomping piano and is full of that classic James Eric sincerity that I so dearly adore. This song's message is simple, but born out of a life of complications. It is so steadfast I can't help but wish to sing it aloud. And it's the kind of song that must be sung that way and even if you don't believe its message, the more and more you sing it you will eventually.
When I popped in Tonight The Moon I was greeted with a wonderful sonic trip that felt like a cohesive album instead of a random collection. The opener “Purple Heart” readily sucks you in and is appropriately epic in scale, a dirty psychedelic trip that recalls a Beatle-ish-sound mixed with Modest Mouse. I’m really feeling “You Know” right now. A great example of how passionate James is, I really like singing the line, “When will my mind just shut up!” The next song “Emma Lee” is a masterpiece in pop songwriting. A great one name refrain, it is another classic song in a great line of songs about that girl and won’t get out of your head, ever. The song “Someday” is sweet, low-key and thoughtful with a wonderfully tender and humorous music video to go along with it featuring dolphins. No really, watch it here. “Live Through Me” has a beautifully simple chorus and is sentimental without being schmaltzy. Overall this compilation album from James Eric is chock full of wonderful production values, definitely an atypical headphones record that rewards constantly with great well-crafted folk/pop songs." - Steven Ray Morris, Foggy Ruins of Time
"[James Eric] tucks introspective lyrics inside grand washes of shoegazer guitar" - Greg Kot, The Chicago Tribune
Favorite Books Include: Tropic of Cancer, A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius, Who Will Run The Frog Hospital, Slaughterhouse Five, High Fidelity, Quiddity, Free Stallion, Into The Wild, A Language Older Than Words, Blue Like Jazz
Favorite TV Shows Include: Twin Peaks, Lost, Veronica Mars, The Wire, Joan of Arcadia, Scrubs, Buffy, Arrested Development, Tell Me You Love Me, Stella
Favorite Movies Include: Trust, Fearless, Punch-Drunk Love, All The Real Girls, The New World, Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, Kicking and Screaming, Once, Wet Hot American Summer
It was A LONG time ago. You did it on an all James Eric music "Talk Hard" podcast. I can't recall you doing it any other time though. I'll see if it's on any CDs I have. And by the way, add "Times Square to that list, too. That had to be tough.
James, I found old CDs I made long ago, and your cover of "When August Comes" was on there. I love that song, and I love how you did it; your voice was like just perfect. It's my favorite cover of yours. Now, if only I could find "Designs on You" and "Red Chord"
Hey james, looks like it'll be an easier decision for you because we all had to move the show to Milwaukee. Bummer. We should do coffee though; will be great to see you!
I've been good. I've been kind of a work zombie this winter, but with summer coming along, I'm getting my priorities straight. Trying to do the music thing more seriously. Played an awesome show tonight with these two amazing performers called Story and Cud Eastbound. You must check them out.
I hope you've been well man. I'm working on a new ep that I want to send to you when it's finished, which will be soon. I'd also like to come visit or play a show with you.
thanks so much james! im going to message you my address righ tnow! and i cant wait to watch that DVD you gave me inchicago. keep in touch, and we should have some phone conversations sometime!
WHY:
To bring Metal culture to the fans in the southwest region of Cook
County, featuring: Grindcore, Death and Thrash metal bands along with a
network of sponsors that are deeply involved in the Chicagoland Metal
Scene, presenting products and services such as record distribution,
graphic design, radio advertisement, photography, custom clothing,
jewelry, band merchandise, and promotions.
WHO: Featured bands
include: Cardiac Arrest, Lord Blasphemer, Cyanosis, Ezurate, Evil
Incarnate, Dead For Days, Hammered, Act of Destruction, Atrophy of
Existence, Lightening Thrash Attack, Hordes of Nebulah, Maax, Created
to Kill, Purge, Euvel. There will also be performances by Dames In
Chains Modeling during the headlining acts.
Proud sponsors of
the festival are: MBM Graphics, Rotting Corpse Records, Rebel Radio
1500AM, Metal Haven, Deathgasm Records, Rebel Access TV, Las Divas
Promotions, JennX Music, Metal Centre, Hells Headbangers Records and
Distribution, Pitch Black Productions, Dames And Chains Modeling, Abyss
Records, Metal War Productions, Metal Centre, Amputated Vein Records,
Epitomite Productions
It doesn't seem possible since it is already 5 acts. But that kinda stinks, cause I'd love to see you! There are sooo many people in Chicago that I wish could play. But, regardless, it is gonna be a superb show. I'm sure of it!
Online Now!
