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  Bon Iver
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  For Emma, Forever Ago

Sometimes an album is more the recording of a cataclysmic life event than an amalgamation of in studio bursts of creativity. The much written about, much discussed Bon Iver debut, For Emma, Forever Ago, is just that. Just as you've probably heard, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon holed himself up in a cabin in the remote wilderness of Northwestern Wisconsin and lived a simple existence, mostly for the pur

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  Neko Case
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  Middle Cyclone

What a year for reflection. We've bottomed out economically... I think... we hope. Global leaders are currently discussing our fates for us in some beautiful formal dining hall in Europe. There is an open space for thoughtful examination of humankind. What music do you turn to in times like these? Here's my two cents: Neko Case. Here it is, barely April, and with the March 3 release of Middle Cycl

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  Feist

TRACER sent Amanda and I to Chicago's historic Riviera Theatre in late November to spend an evening with Leslie Feist and friends. Arriving in Chicago later than expected, we ended up completely missing show-opener, and fellow former Broken Social Scenester, Jason Collett and probably would've missed the early part of Feist's set, too, were it not for the fact that she had sprained her ankle the p

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  Bad Veins

Cincinnati indie sensation Bad Veins made their first post-SXSW appearance at Newport, Kentucky's Southgate House on Wednesday, showcasing a handful of new tracks within their eight song set. I was there and I see great things in the duo's future.Having successfully weathered their first South By South West experience, Cincinnati's Bad Veins returned to their home turf for a surprisingly impassion

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  Broken Social Scene

Kevin Drew and his fellow Broken Social Scenesters performed an epic set at Chicago's Metro on November 11th, showcasing material from Drew's Spirit If... solo album. If you've never seen BSS live before, allow me to fill you in on what you're missing.If you happened to catch the slimmed-down version of Broken Social Scene at the Metro, then you were probably left with one indelible impression: th

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  Okkervil River

In late April, Okkervil River stopped by Covington's Mad Hatter for a headlining gig shortly after concluding their joint tour with The New Pornographers. Amanda and I caught the show and witnessed a band at the top of their form and on the verge of superstardom.If I had to make a list of five bands to watch over the next five years, Okkervil River would certainly place very near the top. This obs

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  The Ruby Suns
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  Sea Lion

If Sigur Rós and the Beach Boys ventured out to the desert together, channeled the spirits of an early 20th century mariachi band, and took a magical, musical sleigh-ride through a snowcapped desert, all while Sufjan Stevens and his backing band stood around a Joshua tree, providing sweetly spooky atmospherics, then the result might sound something like The Ruby Suns' Sea Lion. The sophomore album

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TRACERmagazine.com is the Midwest's premiere independent music and culture publication. Based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, TRACER covers national and international recording artists, but also celebrates the vast musical talent located throughout the Midwestern United States. New content is published every day, spanning from album and gig reviews to feature-length artist interviews and spotlights. Che

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