No Expectations 075: Change Your Mind
Why it rocks to admit you were wrong about a band. Plus, new LPs from Vega, REZN, and more.
No Expectations hits inboxes on Thursdays at 9am cst. Reader mailbag email: Noexpectationsnewsletter@gmail.com. (Please, no PR pitches).
Programming note: I’m taking next week off to work on the 30 Best Albums of 2024 (So Far) list. Since it’s a holiday, that will run on Wednesday, July 3 instead of the usual Thursday. The mid-year roundup won’t feature the Chicago show calendar so, this week, you’ll find a super long one below.
Headline song: Rui Gabriel, “Change Your Mind”
Thanks for being here. #75 is a cool milestone. I’m still thrilled to do this. Consider upgrading to a paid subscription or telling a friend about No Expectations. Means the world.
It’s Fun To Admit You’re Sometimes Wrong About Music
An underappreciated thing about writing on the internet is that you’re always one half-formed opinion, one flubbed fact, or one tossed-off Twitter joke away from tanking your reputation. This has been burned into my brain for years almost to a fault. It’s what I think about before I publish anything. Will someone read this thing I worked on and think, “Wow, is this guy an idiot?” While it’s a stressful hypothetical, I won’t lie and say that it’s not a thrill. You’re constantly threading a thin line between making something good and embarrassing yourself publicly. It’s kind of beautiful.
Fear and pre-emptive shame are powerful motivators in my life and they’re mostly why I try to shy away from overconfident, inflammatory hot takes in my career. This is part cowardice and part self-preservation sure, but I also think that approaching most everything from a place of curiosity and humility is usually a good route to go. Opinions evolve and taste is malleable. The sad-as-hell LP you’re spinning relentlessly during an emotionally turbulent time might not be the era-defining masterpiece you think it is. Alternately, that band isn’t awful just because you find their fans annoying. Music can and should be a constant source of surprise: that artist you once wrote off might have songs that will resonate with you now.
Because writing about music has been my job for a long time, I’m constantly interrogating my taste. Why do I think this buzzy, critically acclaimed LP is trash and why do I think this random indie rock band from the Midwest is better? What is it about this album I like while I hate most other LPs in the same genre that sound similar to it? What I’ve realized after years of navel-gazing about this is that criticism is a living, real-time document of one person’s informed perspective rather than the definitive final word on anything. This doesn’t make writing about music any less vital but it has shifted my thinking to understand that grappling with the art is more important than any rating, score, or declaration. This has been obvious to me for years but it wasn’t when I was starting out.
Spend any time writing for the public or even posting online and there will be moments where you have to eat crow. I remember years ago, a musician politely confronted me in person about a lukewarm review I wrote about his older band when I was 22. I had totally forgotten about it. (I revisited it after the fact: it wasn’t mean at all lol but I do think the score was slightly too low). Another time, I made fun of a person for saying the Grateful Dead was the greatest American rock band. (Readers of this newsletter know how that turned out). Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote here about how a band recommended to me wasn’t clicking but now, I can’t stop listening. (Alright, before you ask: it’s Goose. I went from initial visceral dislike to muted respect and now, I think they’re good. They’re fun, stellar performers, and I’m glad they exist). The only thing more fun than being confidently wrong is admitting that you were confidently wrong.
Being a hater is a blast but at this point in my life, I would rather go into something wanting to like it. Obviously, there is still a ton of music I’ve given the college try but can’t stand and there is nothing wrong with hating. Some things really deserve it. I just don’t want to ever write a scathing piece on an album that serves more as a vessel for me to get some clever zingers off than engage with the work. That’s not helpful to anyone and it’s usually incurious, self-indulgent writing. Some writers thrive on brutal takedowns of sacred cows but sometimes their arguments falter when you find out what they enjoy listening to instead.
If I had just stuck to my guns and didn’t explore more after I was 13 years old and very confident in my music taste, this newsletter would be exclusively about bands like Rage Against The Machine and Metallica (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Back then, you wouldn’t have caught me listening to jazz, hip-hop, or even Steely Dan, the Beatles, or the Grateful Dead. I was self-assured and wrong and I liked what I liked. People change and I’m glad I did. Music has proven me wrong for my entire life. I’m stoked to see how it’ll challenge me next and what unfounded opinions will embarrass me soon.
What I listened to:
The No Expectations 075 Playlist: Apple Music // Spotify
1. Annie Williams, “Getting Old”
2. Golomb, “Sixth Sense”
3. Vega, “Thinning”
4. Lunar Vacation, “Set The Stage”
5. Why Bonnie, “Fake Out”
6. Deer Tick, “Sacrosanct”
7. Font, “Natalie’s Song”
8. Feller, “New Cotton”
9. Luke Temple, “Church Street”
10. Wishy, “Triple Seven”
11. GUM / Ambrose Kenny-Smith, “Dud”
12. Sofia Wolfson, “Wannabe”
13. Ben Alleman, “River”
14. Armlock, “Guardian”
15. Nap Eyes, “Demons”
Annie Williams, Visitor
Nashville is one of my favorite cities in America. My grandfather lives there and I’ve visited pretty much once a year since 2013. Since then, I’ve gotten to know a few local musicians who all perform with a ton of different acts. I’ve realized that simply seeing who they’re playing with is a good way to keep tabs from afar on a still-vibrant musical city. A couple of weeks ago, I saw drummer Ben Parks (Sun Seeker, Matched) post on Instagram that he was backing up songwriter Annie Williams with bassist Alec O’Connell (Erin Rae, Tre Burt) and keyboardist Jo Schornikow (Phosphorescent) for her record release show. I’d never heard of Williams but I knew Visitor, her new LP, had to be good considering the band involved.
While there’s a different group of players backing Williams on the album, Visitor is one of the most refreshing and tasteful full-lengths I’ve heard all year. “Getting Old” is a perfect opener and introduction to Williams’ keen ear for subtle pop melodies and lived-in writing. Her lyrics are conversational and often funny (she sings on the title track, “You treated your cat nicer than me / and it was always so mean”). While her palette is song-focused and sparse, there are still inventive arrangements like on the piano-anchored closer “Hwy 287” and the synth and drum-machine-boasting “Fantasy You’re Fine.”
REZN, Burden
I don’t write about metal much. Though it was one of my favorite genres as a teen, my taste got markedly softer and I still associate the music with a particularly angsty and awkward time in my life. Being not as immersed for years makes it pretty intimidating to dive in: there’s so much lore, subtle distinctions between subgenres, and new bands that I’d just embarrass myself pretending to be an expert worth hearing about it. This is a personal hangup and has nothing to do with the music, which I still like.
That said, some bands make me want to dive back in headfirst like Chicago’s REZN. Their fifth album (and first on a label) is called Burden and it rules. It’s psychedelic, heady, and totally mesmerizing. It’s cosmic metal that hops between genres and finds its heaviness in atmosphere rather than abrasion. I’ve been following their work for years (most of the guys have worked for Schubas/Lincoln Hall). Vocalist Rob McWilliams is a fantastic, accessible, and commanding frontman with killer guitar tone. Recommended for metal neophytes and lifelong heads. It’s just a sick record.
Sofia Wolfson, Imposing on a Hometown
I talk about this a ton on No Expectations but the very best music discovery tip is to find someone whose taste you trust, follow them on Instagram, and listen to whatever song they post on their Stories. This is how I found out about Brooklyn’s Sofia Wolfson, whose song “Donuts” was posted by Chicago songwriter Sofia Jensen of Free Range. The tune has such a memorable chorus and Wolfson matches that infectiousness throughout Imposing on a Hometown. Every hook here is rendered with palpable care. It’s all such a fun listen I would not have wanted to be the one to narrow down the tracklist for singles: each one is a strong contender.
vega, trust me, i’m trying
Though I’ve never set foot in Vermont (that’s changing this fall), I’m a huge fan of the music consistently coming out of there. In this newsletter, I’ve highlighted several musicians from the state including Greg Freeman, Lily Seabird, Dari Bay, and more. Vega, the songwriting project of Burlington-based artist Molly Meehan, has one of my absolute favorite LPs of the year in trust me, i’m trying. I first heard about this LP because it was recorded and mixed by Cam Gilmour, a multi-instrumentalist in Greg Freeman’s band, a great solo artist, and a sweet soul. (Hannah Frances, who has my AOTY with Keeper of the Shepherd, is also one of many guests who helped with the instrumentation). It’s gentle and adventurous indie rock and each song is a stunner. It’s a pretty unbelievable full-length in general but it’s so assured I’m amazed it’s a debut.
What I watched:
Detroiters (Paramount+)
Though Tim Robinson became universally beloved for the Netflix sketch show I Think You Should Leave, Detroiters is my favorite thing he’s done and one of the best sitcoms of the century so far. This is a comfort rewatch. Every episode I find new, hilarious things I forgot about like this alltimer throwaway bit about beer served hot.
What I read:
Portable Model: Issue 1 (Two Flat Press)
Miranda Reinert runs the essential music newsletter Step One of a Plan and is proof-of-concept for doing it yourself as a music writer. She recently started a small press publisher in Two Flat Press, which put out its first music zine/magazine in Portable Model. Complete with original photos and incredible essays from an all-star cast of writers like Evan Minsker, Grace Robins-Somerville, Mia Hughes, Arielle Gordon, and more, the whole thing is stunning. It’s a beautiful, thoughtfully-made package with awe-inspiring writing. It’s so cool and I couldn’t be more stoked it exists. I can’t wait to finish it because there’s a scene report on Grateful Dead cover bands tucked at the end. Order a copy here.
Why a Photojournalist Documented Life Along Route 66 (Nick Blumberg, WTTW News)
What’s more classic Americana than Route 66?
It’s one of the country’s original highways, starting in Illinois and running through the Midwest, Southwest and into California. But Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Edward Keating didn’t take such a rosy view of the roadway.
“It was really important for him not just to document the vistas and the beautiful backdrops of Route 66 from Chicago to L.A., but really document the people, many of whom were left behind, people that moved here with so many hopes and dreams, and a lot of those dreams were shattered,” said his daughter Caitlin Keating, a journalist and documentary filmmaker. “He wanted to document the reality of this highway, not just ‘get your kicks on Route 66.’”
A one-off assignment to photograph Route 66 turned into a years-long labor of love. Now, his work highlighting a more complicated side of the highway memorialized in that famous tune is being shown at Uptown’s Chicago Center for Photojournalism, 1226 W. Wilson Ave.
The Weekly Chicago Show Calendar
Thursday, June 20: Sharp Pins, Twin Coast, TV Buddha, Uniflora, Donkey Basketball at Schubas. Tickets.
Thursday, June 20: Protomartyr, Fashion Club at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Thursday, June 20: Lefty Parker, Lucky Cloud, Andrew Sa at Color Club. Tickets.
Thursday, June 20: The Umbrellas, Pleasant Mob at Coles. Tickets.
Friday, June 21: Good Looks, Glass-Beagle at Gman Tavern. Sold out.
Friday, June 21: Protomartyr, Mandy at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Friday, June 21: Violent Femmes with Chicago Philharmonic. Tickets.
Saturday, June 22: Rui Gabriel, Spun Out, Wishy, Discus at Gman Tavern. Tickets.
Saturday, June 22: Liana Flores, Mei Seimones at Old Town School of Folk. Sold out.
Saturday, June 22: Little Feat, Los Lobos at Ravinia. Tickets.
Saturday, June 22: Prince Afternoon DJ Set by Jack Reidy at Miyagi Records. Free.
Sunday, June 23: Angel Bat Dawid, Hannah Sandoz, Umbra And The Volcan Siege at Schubas. Tickets.
Monday, June 24: Pedro the Lion, Squirrel Flower at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Tuesday, June 25: Jean Deux, Shawnee Dez at Lincoln Hall. Tickets.
Tuesday, June 25: Noah Kesey Magic Band, Sports Boyfriend, MASS at Hideout. Tickets.
Wednesday, June 26: Phony, Heart to Gold, Graham Hunt, Furbie at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
Wednesday, June 26: Pallbearer, REZN, The Keening at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Thursday, June 27: MJ Lenderman, Dari Bay at Sleeping Village. Sold out.
Thursday, June 27: Moontype, Mister Goblin, Cusp at the Beat Kitchen. Tickets.
Thursday, June 27: Lefty Parker, Free Range at Color Club. Tickets.
Thursday, June 27: Rolling Stones at Soldier Field. Tickets.
Friday, June 28: MJ Lenderman, Wishy, Hannah Frances, and more at Logan Square Arts Fest. Suggested donation.
Friday, June 28: Adrianne Lenker, Twain at Chicago Theatre. Tickets.
Friday, June 28: Kassi Velazza, Olivia Love, Sequoia at Beat Kitchen. Tickets.
Friday, June 28: Salami Rose Joe Louis, Hannah Frances at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
Friday, June 28: Future Islands, Ed Schrader’s Music Beat at Auditorium Theater. Tickets.
Friday, June 28: RXK Nephew, Casper McFadden, DAWNDIVISION at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Saturday, June 29: McKinley Dixon, PACKS, Dari Bay, and more at Logan Square Arts Fest. Suggested Donation.
Saturday, June 29: Blushing, Cool Heat, Panda Riot at Schubas. Tickets.
Sunday, June 30: Binki, Hemlock, Stuck, and more at Logan Square Arts Fest. Suggested donation.
Monday, July 1: Babe Report, Brief Candles, Plum at Empty Bottle. Free.
Wednesday, July 3: Elijah Berlow, Part TImers, Oliva & The Lovers at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Thursday, July 4: My Morning Jacket, Neal Francis, Andy Frasco & The UN at Salt Shed. Tickets.
Friday, July 5: Anastasia Coope, Moon Diagrams, Amaya Peña at Constellation. Tickets.
Friday, July 5: Whitney Johnson, Lia Kohl, Sunday Cruise at Kilbourn Park. Free.
Friday, July 5: Interlay, Killusonline, High, She’s Green, Harvey Waters at Sleeping Village. Tickets.
Saturday, July 6: Horsegirl, Sharp Pins, The Living Johnsons, Twin Coast, Autobahn at Color Club. Tickets.
Monday, July 8: Cola, Devon Welsh, Feller at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
Monday, July 8: Iron and Wine, Amythyst Kiah at Salt Shed. Tickets.
Tuesday, July 9: Friko, King Saturday at SPACE. Tickets.
Tuesday, July 9: Steven Hyden, Rob Mitchum at Hideout. Tickets.
Wednesday, July 10: Wand, Dead Rider at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Thank you for that opening essay! Self-interrogation can be exhausting, but is an important part of being a "professional listener." I was recently wrestling with doubt about an album I was enjoying despite disliking nearly all the RIYL artists in the publicist's email. Sometimes those things do no one any favors! Thanks for the tip on Annie Williams, BTW, liking Visitor a lot. Finally, a tip for you: Don't miss Anastasia Coope on July 5 at Constellation, just a jaw-dropping artist.
thanks for including my set this weekend! come on out and celebrate 40 years of Purple Rain, hope to see other NE readers there