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halley, Author at The Panic Manual

Album Review: Soccer Mommy – Clean (2018, Fat Possum)

Posted on February 28, 2019 by halley in Albums | Leave a comment

“I choose to blame it all on you/’Cause I don’t like the truth.” Oh.girl. Say no more. While Sophie Allison, aka Soccer Mommy, confirms her genius in these words alone she does say more – much more – and much more that is great in her latest album Clean. Clean will calm, empower, befuddle, and enlighten you. It is somewhere between a journal, a manifesto, and an unexpectedly delightful “thinking about you” card in the mail from a long-lost friend. … →

Concert Review: Paul Kornmuller, February 21, Theory Bar

Posted on February 22, 2019 by halley in Concerts | Leave a comment

I kind of forgot people go out on Thursdays (or Mondays or Tuesdays or Wednesdays or Sundays… or even some Saturdays) but this week’s live music performance at Chicago’s Theory bar by Paul Kornmuller was a welcome reminder. Paul took the stage at 6:30 and had the bar rocking well past 9:30 (when I left… honestly he may have rocked it well past midnight but yours truly was snooooozing by then). Mr. Kornmuller and his star singer covered a huge … →

Concert Review: Carbon Leaf, July 7, City Winery

Posted on July 9, 2018 by halley in Concerts | Leave a comment

Saturday night’s show was a conglomeration of perfect pairings: Chicago + summer; amazing venue + awesome service; inspired lyrics + top-notch vocals/instrumentals. How did all of this come together? City Winery + Carbon Leaf. It was my first time checking out the elegant wine bar/venue space known as City Winery (W Randolph location) but it definitely won’t be my last. The lovely space is perfect for a relaxed but upscale evening of diverse wines, tasty dishes, and awesome acoustics and … →

Concert Review: Jukebox the Ghost, The Greeting Committee, May 10, House Of Blues

Posted on May 11, 2018 by halley in Concerts | Leave a comment

How many BFFLs did you make in high school and college? So many, right? You went through everything together: fake IDs (full disclosure: I was too much of a nerd to ever have one of these but I hear they’re great), sports games, theater, spring breaks, exams, summer jobs, travel abroad, crazy parties… you name it they were there for you. You swore to keep in touch after graduation… that may or may not have worked out but you still … →