Whistler Records

Our in-house record label is a unique example of an evolved relationship between music venue and artist. Beyond just providing a stage for bands to perform on, we've taken the relationship one step further by providing some of our favorite local artists with the means of producing, distributing, and promoting their music. Much like the music on our stage, Whistler Records' catalog features an eclectic mix of everything from rock and pop to jazz and hip-hop.

Various Artists — Year One: The Festival

To celebrate last summer's Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival, Whistler Records produced this limited-edition, triple-LP compilation and 30-page book featuring bands from the inaugural, 2009 festival.  Two years in the making, Year One: The Festival is a mammoth collection of songs, interviews, and photos of Chicago's top indie bands such as White Mystery, The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, In Tall Buildings, Cains & Abels, Mazes, The Blue Ribbon Glee Club, Jim Becker, Judson Claiborne, and many others. There's never been a more thorough document of Chicago's indie music scene; and it also doubles as a snapshop of the wonderfully diverse scene that's sprung up at The Whistler. All of the bands featured on this compilation are regulars at the venue and, as such, were invited to perform at The Whistler-curated 2009 festival. This landmark collection is limited to only 500 copies and it includes MP3 downloads of all 23 tracks. Ask for it at Reckless Records, Saki, Logan Hardware, or your favorite local record store—or order it online at thewhistler.bigcartel.com for the special low price of $15.00.
 
SIDE A:
1. In Tall Buildings "The Way To A Monster’s Lair"
2. Michael Columbia “Beluga”
3. Robbie Hamilton “Lonely Haze”
4. Mazes “My Drugs”
SIDE B:
5. The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir “Tear Down the Opera House”
6. Puerto Muerto “Drumming For Pistols”
7. Cains and Abels “My Life Is Easy”
8. Algernon “(Don’t Press) The Red Button”
SIDE C:
9. Bird Names “Wisdom, A Harbinger of Death”
10. The Loneliest Monk “Secrets From the Couch”
11. Matt Ulery’s Loom “Spare Parts”
12. Allá “Gran Poder (dias de los muertos version)”
SIDE D:
13. Eastern Blok “Kopanitsa”
14. Jim Becker “Percy Anne”
15. Baby Allright “Walking the Dog”
SIDE E:
16. Judson Claiborne “Song For Dreaming”
17. The Golden Horse Ranch Band “Dirt On My Hands”
18. Mar Caribe “Hitchhiking Argentine Deserts”
19. Notes & Scratches “The Safecracker’s Lover”
SIDE F:
20. White Mystery “Farmer”
21. Blue Ribbon Glee Club “Dress”
22. Mass Shivers “(I’ve Got the Power)”
23. Box of Baby Birds “Red Lights and Chimes”

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