Real to reel

Local observations from a movie, music buff

By Dan Ochwat

A surprising discovery in Calvin ’06

Serious fans of music or not, I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all shared that awkward experience in life when you go see your friend’s band for the first time, or go support a co-worker’s band, or maybe a dance recital or a comedy show, and despite the anticipation, high hopes and dollar drafts, they end up sucking, royally.

It’s awful. I get squeamish just thinking of the discomfort, the inevitable lying and the weak hug of support. Hell, I feel for friends who can’t tell me to my face when my writing blows, which is often.

But back to the point. Since getting into music and writing this column, I have been given CDs or mp3s by friends, acquaintances of friends, cellmates, however the relationship. Usually the music’s not so good. And don’t take this the wrong way, because even when they suck, it is so cool that they’re playing music, or doing whatever it is that we support. In the end, it’s something we could never do ourselves, so that deserves applause.

Recently though, I was given a demo — wrapped in nothing but an envelope with the words “Calvin ’06” written on it — and I really, really liked it.

I had been complimenting the owner of Matilda, a bar at 3101 N. Sheffield, about his music selection. Just met him that day. He walks over and hands me a CD, says it’s his bartender’s. I thought maybe it was a mix tape. I tucked it away quickly to avoid any discomfort.

A few days later, I whip out the mangled envelope that posed as a CD case. There’s no cover art, no photo of the artist (both of which are usually telling signs of suckiness). The album has no name. The 11 tracks have no names. I’m stripped of any judgment but the music. Right off the bat, the first song was sort of a corny, acoustic song, but more importantly, you could sense there was a real artist there. The second song also is acoustic, but again it’s a good listen. I think to myself, if he had a full band to blow these out, we’d have a solid record. The next song is right out of the Death Cab for Cutie playbook, and answered a bit of that curiosity. The album goes on mellow, pretty music. There are accents of drums and piano, but it’s mainly some guy Calvin and a guitar. He’s good, and this isn’t like the guy playing acoustic covers up and down the bars on Lincoln Avenue.

Perhaps I was just in the mood for a quiet album, but after a few listens, I really felt excited. This was a discovery. The best song, simply titled “track 07” to me, reminds me of the Great Lake Swimmers, which is beautiful, bittersweet music. Track 11 is another gorgeous tune with light piano. These two songs, more than any others, really gave me a sense of Calvin’s potential. I’ll tell you where to find track 11, but first, I needed to find out who Calvin ’06 is.

His name is Calvin Marty.

I sent an e-mail to Matilda and got a response from Calvin directly. He is as fresh as one gets to the music scene. He tells me the owner of Matilda gave me some disc that was just lying around. Calvin has no idea what songs are even on it, but he did say he just finished his first full-length album, all home-recorded. It’s titled “Save Yourself.” The thought that I could have been listening to work-in-progress type of stuff intrigues me about his full-length. Calvin plays all of the instruments on the album and is looking to put a band together. He said he’s been a hermit the last six months, at home writing and recording. He’s currently trying to set up as many gigs as he can at local venues.

You can catch him at 8 p.m. on March 21 at MoJoe’s Hot House (2849 W. Belmont) and April 4 at The Fixx Coffee Bar (3053 N. Sheffield) and at Uncommon Ground on May 30. No cover. Calvin’s album is also in the Matilda jukebox, so head over to the bar and check out the music. You can also hear a couple tracks off of his Web sites, including track 11, which is apparently titled “I Can’t Wait.” Hear that song at www.calvinmarty.com and others at www.myspace.com/calvinmarty. Meanwhile, go to the shows. I’m telling you, there’s something here.

Also, if you feel like you have music that I’ll appreciate, send it to The Real Chicago at P.O. Box 14342, Chicago, IL 60614. I’ll only write about it if I like it. It’s always special when you come across unknown talent.

In Concert

Other shows worth checking out. Magnolia Electric Co., Destroyer and Nedelle play the Abbey Pub March 23. Destroyer has a highly touted new album out called “Rubies,” and he teams up with the New Pornographers from time to time.

The National and The Cloud Room come to the Double Door March 24. I saw The National with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at Schuba’s, and they killed it. Low Skies plays the Hideout March 24 if you can’t get National tickets. This local act is up and coming.

The Boy Least Likely To bring their charming lyrics and cutesy sound to the Riviera, playing with James Blunt on Saturday, March 25. The British group is really fun to listen to. The lyrics will crack you up.

Serena-Maneesh brings their noisy guitars to the Empty Bottle March 28. Don’t know how often this Norwegian band will get to Chicago, so check them out while you can. If you can find it, their self-titled album is outstanding — like My Bloody Valentine from hell.

Another funny British band, Art Brut, plays the Metro March 30. Neko Case of The New Pornographers plays the Vic Theatre March 31 in support of her new twangy album.

Great Lake Swimmers plays Subterranean April 8 (see above). The Stills play the Double Door April 13. Canada’s Metric plays with The Elected April 13 at the Metro. Stephen Malkmus’ Silver Jews play the Double Door April 14.

Built to Spill supports a new album April 14 and 15 at the Metro. Early songs off the album sound very promising. Crystal Skulls and John Vanderslice play Schuba’s April 15.

The British dance-rock sound of The Editors will be at the Metro April 16, and another British dance-rock group, The Sounds, are there April 20. Their new album is a blast.

Rhett Miller, whose new album “The Believer” is a bit of a disappointment, plays Park West April 20 with the soulful Nicolai Dunger. Finally, R. Kelly plays the Chicago Theatre April 26. Is there a better show than that?

 

Send comments and recommendations to danochwat@hotmail.com.

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