SLUG Contributor Limelight
November 30, 2017
Contributor Limelight: Lizz Corrigan
Lizz Corrigan joined SLUG in November 2013 and soon became one of the magazine’s most prolific and dependable music reviewers. She quickly paired her love for writing with her talent for appreciating, grasping and reviewing Utah-local albums. Her writing has flourished in scope and style: Through a grounded and approachable lens, Corrigan confidently tells the stories of our Localized musicians, Utah artisans like Reo Stika of the Great Salt Lake Guitar Co. and local legends like John Bolton, founder of the Salt Lake Roasting Company. In this issue, Corrigan continues to showcase such remarkable individuals with her engaging profile on a key player of Utah’s literary scene, Michael McLane (pg. 18). While Corrigan lauds SLUG as a community contributor and liaison, we’re thrilled to honor Lizz’s work as a powerful part of that effort!
Articles by contributor
Reviews: The Trouble With Templeton
- Rookie
This group of Australians recently made a musical transition with this new album. They went from alternative folk on their first album, Bleeders, to an alternative rock band. … read more
Reviews: The Growlers – Chinese Fountain
The Growlers have coasted with albums like Gilded Pleasures and Hung at Heart, but deliver something a little different with Chinese Fountain. … read more
Review: Workman Song – Lamb EP
Workman Song is the cooler version of Alex Ebert from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Workman Song establish a cool, distant electric sound—one that leaves you wondering if you’re tapping your foot to the folk-beat or the hypnotizing echo of Sean McMahon’s voice. … read more
Review: Woods – City Sun Eater In The River Of...
Woods = The Growlers + Grizzly Bear
… read more
Review: Wartime Blues – April, Texas
Wartime Blues = Wilco + Langhorne Slim … read more
Review: Vanish Valley – Queen of the Concert
Vanish Valley = Wilco + Pavement … read more
Review: Ty Segall / White Fence – Joy
Ty Segall / White Fence = The Beatles + Built to Spill … read more
Review: The Mountain Goats – Beat The Champ
The Mountain Goats = Elliot Smith + The National … read more
Review: The Myrrors – Arena Negra
The Myrros = Weird Owl + The Cosmic Dead … read more
Review: The Tallest Man on Earth – Dark Bird is...
The Tallest Man on Earth = Bob Dylan + Bon Iver … read more
Review: The Sandwitches – Our Toast
The Sandwitches = La Sera + Widowspeak … read more
Review: The Honey Trees – Bright Fire
The Honey Trees are more than musicians—they’re enchanters. Becky Flip, Jeremy Larson and Jacob Wick created an album that feels like it was produced in an enchanted forest, much like the one on the album’s cover. … read more
Review: Ryan Adams – Prisoner
Ryan Adams = Jason Isbell + Jesse Malin … read more
Review: Quilt – Held in Splendor
Quilt is the epitome of psychedelic rock. Shane Butler, Anna Rochinski and Taylor McVay keep it simple with the basics: evocative vocals, drums and a variety of string instruments (acoustic and electric guitar and banjo). … read more
Review: Pinkunoizu – The Drop
They’ve combined classic rock-pop characteristics, like drum lines and bursting guitar sounds, but have kept it weird with ghostly vocals, lingering organ chords and unpredictable tone deviation. … read more
Review: Pixies – Indie Cindy
Well, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: a new Pixies album. … read more
Review: Pawns or Kings – Pomme De Terre
Pawns or Kings is a group of indie folk Missourians, who appear to be in the melting pot of words—or languages, that is—nestled away in the Midwest. The French-titled album, Pomme De Terre, is accompanied by sets of instrumental songs, catchy folk tunes, and Spanish lyrics on tracks like “Wandering.” … read more
Review: Moa Holmsten – Bruised Arms & Broken Rhythm
Moa Holmsten = Good Harvest + Lady Lamb … read more
Review: Mikey Classic and His Lonesome Spur – Self-Titled
Mike Classic and His Lonesome Spur = Viva Le Vox + Bob Dylan … read more
Review: Mac DeMarco – This Old Dog
Mac Demarco = Kurt Vile + Mild High Club … read more
Review: Magic Trick – River of Souls
Lead singer Tim Cohen croons in a cool, ’60s tinged way, complemented by an accompanying female voice, keeping it psychedelic, but not losing the driving bass and trumpet of the folk genre. River of Souls is definitely an album to keep loud and keep on repeat. … read more
Review: Lael Neale – I’ll Be Your Man
Lael Neale = Nico + Feist … read more
Review: Kevin Morby – Singing Saw
Kevin Morby = Kurt Vile + Dr. Dog
… read more
Review: Jozef Van Wissem – When Shall This Bright Day...
Jozef Van Wissem = Johann Pachelbel + Sqürl … read more
Review: Julia Holter – In the Same Room
Julia Holter = Kate Bush + Julianna Barwick … read more
Review: Joe Mattzie – This Box Makes Noise
First things first: Joe Matzzie has a love for music. The inside of his newest album cover reads, “This record was made with love.” … read more
Review: Iva Dawn – The Only One
Iva Dawn The Only One Triple Pop Street: 02.10 Iva Dawn = Florence + The Machine + Cate Le Bon The Only One is Iva Dawn’s six-track debut EP that came to life with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. Whitney Mower is originally from Provo, Utah, but left the LDS church and Salt Lake
Review: Jen Gloeckner – VINE
Jen Gloeckner = Cocteau Twins + Portishead + Youth Lagoon … read more
Review: Horse Thief – Fear In Bliss
Horse Thief are psychedelic rockers originally from Texas, but found their calling in Oklahoma City, embracing change. They abandoned their safety zone in the Midwest and headed to Los Angeles to record their newest album, Fear in Bliss. … read more
Local Review: Wing & Claw – Self-titled
Wing & Claw = Wild Rabbit + Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys
… read more
Local Review: Whisperhawk – Good Ol’ Fashioned American
Whisperhawk = Pavement + Middle Brother … read more
Local Review: Winter Grain – Self-titled
Winter Grain = Sara Watkins + Eilen Jewell … read more
Local Review: Vincent Draper – Ruiner
Vincent Draper = Gary Clark Jr. + Gregory Alan Isakov
… read more
Local Review: Timmy The Teeth – Just Another Day
Timmy The Teeth = Typhoon + Ben Kweller … read more
Local Review: Triggers & Slips – Buffalo vs. Train
Triggers & Slips = The Felice Brothers + Trampled By Turtles … read more
Local Review: Uncle Reno – Food Chain Club
Uncle Reno = The Growlers + Dr. Dog + Broken Bells … read more
Local Review: Tom Bennett – I Am Everywhere
Tom Bennett = Charlie Parr + The Black Lillies … read more
Local Review: The Lovely Noughts – Self-titled
The Lovely Noughts = The Doors + The Brian Jonestown Massacre … read more
Local Review: The Fiddle Preacher – Love Comes
The Fiddle Preacher = Natalie Merchant + Loreena McKennitt + Pearl Django … read more
Local Review: The Eleventh Door – Venusian Gap
The Eleventh Door = Cool Ghouls + Beach House … read more
Local Review: The Hollering Pines – Long Nights, Short Lives...
It is characterized by upbeat and bluesy tracks like “Cadillac” and more old-country and modern folk songs like “Something on My Mind.” It may be the haunting poetic lyrics, or the cool, collective twang, but either way, these country folk are sure to keep your foot bouncing and your head swaying from start to finish.
… read more
Local Review: Tavaputs – Their Secret Names
Tavaputs = The Decemberists + Neil Young … read more
Local Review: Tara Shupe – Destroyer
Tara Shupe = Mandolin Orange + Greensky Bluegrass … read more
Local Review: Sidecar Judy – Music For Humans +
More...
Self-Released Street: 12.19 + 07.01 Sidecar Judy = Regina Spektor +Rilo Kiley + Betly & Oswald … read more
Local Review: Star Crossed Loners
Star Crossed Loners = Pavement + Widowspeak … read more
Local Review: Slick Velveteens – Slick Velveteens
Slick Velveteens = Courtney Barnett + The Libertines … read more
Local Review: Selja Sini – Back Home
Selja Sini = Cate Le Bon + Rilo Kiley … read more
Local Review: Say Hey – Soup & Salad
Say Hey = Allah-Las + The Growlers … read more
Local Review: Porch to Porch – Self-Titled
Porch to Porch Self-Titled Self-Released Street: 03.24 Porch to Porch = Hot Buttered Rum + Ugly Valley Boys Porch to Porch are an all-acoustic folk/bluegrass band that capture the quirky, Western vibes of Salt Lake City. The band members initially met each other in high school, and music eventually brought them back together years down
Local Review: Quiet House – Self-Titled
Quiet House = Passenger + Typhoon … read more
Local Review: P.K. Workman – Simplicity
P.K. Workman = Gregory Alan Isakov + Joe Pug … read more
Local Review: Pixie and The Partygrass Boys – Utah Made
Pixie and The Partygrass Boys = Greensky Bluegrass + Yonder Mountain Stringband … read more
Local Review: P.K. Workman – I Follow Darkness
Local (Vernal, Utah) singer/songwriter Paul Kellett, of P.K. Workman, is a longtime-coming solo artist: always seeking band-life, but finding his widest wingspan on a solo flight. … read more
Local Review: Nick Nash – Fear of Perdition
Nick Nash = Ryan Adams + Parker Millsap … read more
Local Review: Mini Golf – The Cake On Top Of...
Mini Golf = Liam The Younger + Conor Oberst … read more
Local Review: Mother Lights – Waiting for Mammoths
Mother Lights = The Middle East + Dashboard Confessional … read more
Local Review: Mars – Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
Mars = The Ettes (Acoustic) + She & Him … read more
Local Review: Michael Gross – Golden Hits, Volume 1
Michael Gross is the frontman and founder of the band The Statuettes, but he’s releasing this EP on his own. This EP comprises of five tracks—his “Golden Hits.” … read more
Local Review: Max Pain and the Groovies – Electro Cosmic
Max Pain and the Groovies = The Growlers + The Black Angels
… read more
Local Review: Kotton – The End of Space Neutrality
Kotton = Pink Floyd + Mogwai
… read more
Local Review: Jaron Yancey – Dead Angels Flower Child
Jaron Yancey = Black Rebel Motorcycle Club + Grateful Dead … read more
Local Review: JeniSage Sidwell – My Eyes Are Wildflowers
JeniSage Sidwell = Ingrid Michaelson + Joanna Newsom … read more
Local Review: Janie Jones – Deadline
Janie Jones = Paul Baribeau + Mischief Brew … read more
Local Review: Grey Glass – Self-Titled
Straight out of Provo, Grey Glass are somewhere between pop rock and indie rock. Amid slow-tempo drumming, singing, and infrequent acceleration on tracks like “Lioness,” the “rock-band” essence is somewhat elusive. … read more
Local Review: Hot Vodka – Prisoner of Paradise
Hot Vodka = Husker Dü + Dinosaur Jr. + Sonic Youth + Fuzz … read more
Local Review: Grizzly Goat – Ursus Oreamnos Americanus
Grizzly Goat = Yonder Mountain String Band + Black Rebel Motorcycle Club … read more
Local Review: Hawker Roam – Beneath the Surface
Hawker Roam = Pink Floyd + Fuzz … read more
Local Review: Harpers – Self-titled
Harpers = Dr. Dog + The Lumineers … read more
Local Review: Honey Pine – Self-Titled
Honey Pine Self-Titled Self-Released Street: 04.05 Honey Pine = Deer Tick + Grateful Dead Honey Pine is an alternative rock band from our backyard. The Honey Pine guys didn’t name the band after a tree, but rather the verb—to pine—which makes sense. These rockers are after something, and you can hear it when they play.
Local Review: E.L.84 Band – Volume 1
E.L.84 = Booker T. & the M.G.’s + Grateful Dead + Norman Greenbaum … read more
Local Review: Echodog – Mine
Echodog reeks with potential. With a short five-track album, these locals know how to play. Each track is rock-oriented, with the exception of “Mine,” which feels more along the lines of acoustic, alternative coffee-shop rock—not that that’s a bad thing. … read more
Local Review: Denney Fuller and His Elaborate Elves – It’s...
Denney Fuller and His Elaborate Elves = Avalanche City + Sufjan Stevens … read more
Local Review: Debra Fotheringham – The Darkness and the Sun
Debra Fotheringham = Alison Krauss + Sara Watkins … read more
Local Review: Dan Fletcher – Brooklyn Romantical
Dan Fletcher = Passenger + Gregory Alan Isakov
Local Review: Creature Double Feature – Bone’s Groove
Creature Double Feature = Woods + Boz Scaggs + Foxygen … read more
Local Review: Creature Double Feature – Tomorrow’s Weather
Creature Double Feature = Woods + Boz Scaggs + Foxygen … read more
Local Review: Clint Lewis – Self-Titled
Born and raised in Utah, singer, songwriter and guitarist Clint Lewis is one of our own. He faces the trials of life head-on, finding his passion in music, among many things. … read more
Local Review: Cory Mon – North
Cory Mon captures the essence of light and dark on his new album. North is a series of 10 tracks that produce a sense of enlightenment. Each song is packed with the metanarrative and undeniable matter-of-factness of life.
… read more
Local Review: Chris Bjornn – …But My Friends Call Me...
In a classic folk kind of way, Chris Bjornn addresses the metanarratives of life: The purpose of life, love, religion, even suicide. … read more
Local Review: Charles Ellsworth – Cesaréa
Charles Ellsworth = Townes Van Zandt + Tom Petty … read more
Local Review: Brett Knickerbocker – Lost Signal EP
Singer/songwriter Brett Knickerbocker embodies a country-rock cowboy. Lost Signal EP is an almost all-acoustic set that sounds country-rock in its instrumentation with excited and emphatic strums. … read more
Local Review: Brother Chunky – Down Low
Brother Chunky = Gary Clark Jr. + Taj Mahal … read more
Local Review: Badfeather – Signal Path
Badfeather = Black Keys + Talking Heads + DEVO … read more
Local Review: Austin Archer – Corey Feldman
Austin Archer = Grizfolk + Jason Isbell + Deer Tick … read more
Local Music Reviews: Columbia Jones – Blue Collar Blues
Columbia Jones = Shakey Graves + Colter Wall … read more
Review: Freakwater – Scheherazade
Freakwater = Joni Mitchell + Indigo Girls … read more
Review: Damien Jurado – Brothers and Sisters of Eternal Son
Haunting melodies fill Seattleman Damien Jurado’s newest indie rock album, Brothers and Sisters of Eternal Son, in nearly every track. Jurado crafted a musical atmosphere that feels dream-like and almost eerie. … read more
Review: Courtney Barnett – Tell Me How You Really Feel
Courtney Barnett: = Waxahatchee + Lucinda Williams … read more
Review: Cool Ghouls – A Swirling Fire Burning Through The...
Cool Ghouls = The Beach Boys + Allah-Las … read more
Review: Cicada Rhythm – Self-Titled
Cicada Rhythm = The Lumineers + Shovels & Rope
… read more
Review: Co-Pilgrim – Plumes
Co-Pilgrim = Mist and Mast + M. Ward … read more
Review: Bobby Bare Jr. – Undefeated
Bobby Bare Jr. has some years under his belt, performing and creating post-punk, indie-rock music. Undefeated will be his first series of new songs since 2010 and one on which Bare Jr. showcases his ability to be musically diverse. … read more
Review: Bombadil – Hold On
Bombadil = Ben Kweller + Ben Folds … read more
Review: Blackheart Honeymoon – Mountains Speak
Blackheart Honeymoon = Fleet Foxes + Wilco … read more
Review: Big Thief – Masterpiece
Big Thief = Lady Lamb + Angel Olsen
… read more
Review: Amy Blaschke – Opaline
Amy Blaschke = She & Him + The Ettes … read more
Review: Adrian Krygowski – Roam
After two previous records (Road on the Left, Hope For Us), Krygowski and the band dedicated seven tracks to a soulful consciousness, both instrumentally and vocally. They combine the fiddle, guitar and drums to give each track different musical stresses. Roam is truly an expressive album and will evoke similar emotions in its listeners. … read more
David Brothers’ The What a Show Show
In every project, there is a message that Brothers hopes to convey, whether by displaying his work or submitting it to festivals, magazines, or online. … read more
Jill Went Up the Hill to Draw Nature
Jill De Haan continues to notice new things about herself, the world and how to keep up in an industry where “social media has changed everything,” she says. “Back in the day, something would stay in style for 10 years. Now, it’s close to a month, so you to have to evolve quickly these days.” … read more
Chad Kirkland Photography: A Journey from the Dark Room to...
Chad Kirkland is a local freelance commercial and editorial photographer. He has shot for companies like Google, Converse, The Wall Street Journal and more. More impressive than his list of clients, however, is his work. “It’s my typewriter, my paintbrush, my microphone and amplifier,” he says, referring to his camera. … read more
Youth Education at SLC Bicycle Collective: Build Bikes, Build Community
SLC Bicycle Collective works with schools around the valley, the Boys & Girls Club and even juvenile offenders and troubled young people. It provides youth with structure, “a sense of building community and the chance to meet different types of people they may not otherwise meet,” Coil-Pittman says. … read more
Get Your Head Out of the Hops for a Girls...
Girls Pint Out builds relationships between like-minded women and supports them as active members in the craft beer industry. Long says, “The craft beer community was seen for many years as a ‘man’s world,’ but lately, more women have made splashes in the community through brewery ownership and Head Brewer positions.” … read more
SLC Staycation
What we do know is that our local options to spend a weekend—or a day off—span everything from shopping for artisan-crafted products to punk records, from eating vegan food to renting and watching VHS tapes of obscure films. If this sounds appealing, it may be time for your next SLC Staycation. … read more
On Behalf of the Planet and Frontside Sessions, Ron Pope...
These Frontside Sessions mini concerts are captivating unlike anything else, and they stand for so much more than a unique experience: They stand for a cause, to protect the very things we enjoy. … read more
CLIF Bar & Company: Combating Climate Change with Live Concerts...
CLIF GreenNotes (CGN), a program of CLIF Bar & Company, recently launched a mini concert series inside the Snowbird aerial tram called Frontside Sessions—a music-drive campaign to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. … read more
Want to support your scene and your cause? The Crook...
Where will you be on Jan. 20, 2018, the one-year anniversary of Inauguration Day 2017? Hopefully, at the Urban Lounge at 8 p.m. with local psychedelic rock band Crook & The Bluff, who are rallying to host a protest concert titled This Machine Kills Fascists. … read more
Track History, Tell Stories: Michael McLane on Literature, the Environment...
Historically and culturally diverse experiences led McLane to use storytelling and poetry to highlight social justice issues pertaining to “the intersection of human processes and how they’re detrimental to the environment—and to us.” … read more
Localized: The Hollering Pines
The Hollering Pines’ Marie Bradshaw, Kiki Jane Sieger and Daniel Young merged their lifelong passion to create and connect with other artists. … read more
Localized: Winter Grain
Winter Grain are in its infancy. They formed in January and, one month later, recorded their first EP, which won a 2017 City Weekly Best of Utah Award. … read more
Localized: Johnny Betts
A homegrown indie-folk singer-songwriter, Johnny Betts, aka John Betts Cowan III, is a multi-instrumentalist from a rich musical background. … read more
Localized: Harold Henry
Harold Henry are a “whiskey-drenched folk” trio brought together by musical serendipity, playing evocative, dynamic, emotionally and whiskey-driven folk music. … read more
RoHa Brewing Project: Trailblazing Saisons & Single Track
RoHa’s main objective is to deliver beers that force you to slow down and enjoy the simple life in a community of down-to-earth brewers and beer drinkers. … read more
The Handmade Tale of The Great Salt Lake Guitar Co.
Through the tall windows of The Great Salt Lake Guitar Co. (GSLGC), I saw owner Reo Stika repairing guitars behind a workbench. The shop, which specializes in handmade guitars, was a welcoming refuge from the cold night, with warm lighting and a long corridor of exposed brick and perfectly mounted acoustic guitars. … read more
The Brewing of John Bolton & Salt Lake Roasting Company
John Bolton’s passion for roasting coffee began in an age when it was a rebellious act to drink coffee in Salt Lake City, which helped Salt Lake Roasting Company grow immensely. … read more
Localized: Johanna Johanna
Johanna Johanna are a local Americana sensation that will hit Urban Lounge, Nov. 16, for a night of atmospheric rapport. Alongside Johanna Johanna’s nuanced folk-rock will be the blues from Sarah Anne DeGraw and hearty folk from opener Michelle Moonshine. Localized is 21-plus, free of charge and generously sponsored by Uinta Brewing Co., High West Distillery, KRCL 90.9FM and Spilt Ink SLC. … read more
Localized: Sarah Anne DeGraw
Sarah Anne DeGraw’s slow strums and simple progressions start and stop perfectly to frame the impressive rises and falls of her strong and graceful voice. Hear DeGraw’s powerful musical fervor at Urban Lounge on Nov. 16 for our SLUG Localized event, along with folk-rocker Johanna Johanna. … read more
Localized: Porch to Porch
Porch to Porch are an upbeat, folky bluegrass ensemble with fast-picking fingers and a wailing harmonica. They live by their motto, “For the love of music,” which harmonica player and designer Willus Branham penciled into their band logo five years ago. They’re a big, happy, whiskey-drinkin’ family who dedicates their Wild Western project to spreading good vibes, jamming and going right into the crowd. … read more
Review: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water
We all know SpongeBob Squarepants (Tom Kenny), the charismatic little yellow sponge without a care in the world. … read more
The Shortest Girl At The Tallest Man On Earth
Kristian Matsson goes by The Tallest Man on Earth and has released four full-length albums and two EPs. Mattson is a folk genius, with acoustic sets that attract people from every direction. … read more
Blondes Have More Fun: Lissie Sets The Bar High with...
Lissie took a different approach and recorded this album with her band, rather than as a solo artist. Lissie originally played with studio musicians, but she says, “I have really honed a sound together through touring the last few years, so it was important to me and just natural that they be on Back to Forever.” It’s not always easy to bring the same attitude to an album that exists during a live performance, but “… the attitude and rock we bring live is present on this album” she says. … read more
In Rolling Waves: The Naked and Famous Get Barreled Around...
If there’s one way to start off the summer, it’s The Naked and Famous Concert. These guys are awesome. The Naked and Famous consist of Thom Powers, Alisa Xayalith, Aaron Short, David Beadle, and Jesse Wood. Together, they’ve formed one badass alternative rock band. Their songs have been featured in everything from Gossip Girl, to FIFA 2012 and 2014, to The Art of Flight. … read more
The Naked and Famous @ The Depot 05.26 with Strange...
Powers leaned into the microphone and said, “Did you think we could leave without playing ‘Young Blood’?!” as Xayalith said, “We just like teasing you!”—I knew it! … read more
Fitz And The Tantrums: Life on the Road and the...
Fitz and The Tantrums are widely known for their catchy tunes, writing chart-topping songs that stick in your head for hours. While six neo-soul indie-poppers might have your head in the clouds listening to “The Walker,” they’ve got their feet planted firmly on the ground. They welcome change and innovation, taking chances and staying humble in their successes. I had the lovely opportunity to speak with John Wicks (drummer and electronics), who shared some of his perspective about life on the road and the road to success. … read more
Fitz and The Tantrums @ Red Butte Garden 06.30 with...
The sun was setting and I had a perfect view of the mountains surrounding Red Butte Garden—is this real life? … read more
Tom Kenny: The Voice of SpongeBob is No Square
There is one voice everyone knows, one laugh more distinguishable than that of any other animated character: SpongeBob Squarepants’. Paramount films and Nickelodeon released The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water on Feb. 6, 2015. The movie begins with a typical day in Bikini Bottom: utopic, with Krabby Patties crackling on the grill. … read more
Localized: Six Feet in the Pine
This month’s Localized is going to be one hell of a musical showdown. Porch to Porch will heat up the stage with their wild riffs, foot-tapping harmonica and bending elbows. The night will end in a Western frenzy by Six Feet in the Pine, who aren’t your average church-goin’ folk, though they’re serious cowboys, strummers and pluckers. Stop by Urban Lounge May 15 at 10 p.m. for just $5.