Salad, cornbread or steak filet, Bandera’s takeout stands out

November 27, 1996August 18, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

When you’re really, really hungry, the last thing you want to do is pore over a takeout menu that’s longer than a Stephen King novel. On days like that, Bandera is the answer. Boasting a concise menu of hearty treats ranging from tasty salads to spicy jambalaya to a thick, tender steak filet, Bandera hasn’t given my tastebuds a bad experience yet. It’s one thing to get a delicious meal in a restaurant, but Bandera’s food translates well when carrying out, too.

`Loveline’ extends its advice and humor to MTV

November 24, 1996July 16, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

Adam Carolla and Dr. Drew Pinsky admit to having “great radio faces,” but the “Loveline” co-hosts will land on MTV starting Monday.

Bush, “Razorblade Suitcase” (Trauma) review

November 24, 1996July 18, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

Hating Bush has become such a cliche that it’s easy to overlook one thing: It’s a good band that writes solid music.

Smashing Pumpkins, “The Aeroplane Flies High” review

November 24, 1996July 18, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

With so many cuts from “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” being played on the radio, it’s easy to forget how many memorable songs the Smashing Pumpkins have that are almost never heard. The five-CD singles/rarities box set “The Aeroplane Flies High” helps give many unheard gems a chance to shine.

The Drag at the Double Door

November 23, 1996August 23, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

The Drag is the best Britpop band in America. Never mind that the musicians hail from Myrtle Beach, S.C., rather than Manchester, England. Unless you hear them speak with their slight Southern drawl, you’d swear this young quintet hailed from the U.K.

Ireland’s punky Ash burns to pin down a U.S. niche

November 22, 1996August 19, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

The three musicians in Ash are so young that when their record label signed them two years ago, their contract stipulated that the kids could finish their school exams. In fact, the Irish teens turned down the chance to tour with Pearl Jam so they could graduate.

Kula Shaker debut stacks up as one of best shows of ’96

November 18, 1996October 21, 2010 Jae-Ha Kim

With his saucer-sized eyes and wispy blond bangs, Kula Shaker vocalist-guitarist Crispian Mills didn’t look like he could cause much damage when his band made its Chicago debut Saturday night at the Double Door. But looks are deceiving. While Mills’ angelic face may be that of a pinup boy, the 23-year-old musician is a rightful heir to the rock-god throne. He is a frontman who oozes charisma and confidence, minus the arrogance. More importantly, Mills has a distinctive voice that is as capable of handling Far Eastern mantras as blues-based numbers.

Overshadowed by Wallflowers: Blues Traveler no match for its opener

November 16, 1996August 29, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

It wasn’t that the Wallflowers were particularly physical performers. If anything, they remained as immobile on stage as Blues Traveler. However, their songs had variety and veered in tempo, and singer-guitarist-songwriter Jakob Dylan’s passionate delivery made each song spring to life. The Wallflowers are having their first taste of commercial success, thanks to their haunting hit single, “6th Avenue Heartache.” Their hourlong set included most of the songs on their latest album, “Bringing Down the Horse,” as well as a rocking cover of “Tears of a Clown.”

Good to last drop: Kula Shaker draws from Brit pop and mysticism

November 15, 1996August 19, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

The next wave of British music is riding on the slim shoulders of Kula Shaker frontman Crispian Mills. Who? Tall, thin and extremely blond, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist (son of actress Hayley Mills) is the latest hottest thing across the Atlantic.

A Dylan in full bloom: Rocker flourishes with Wallflowers

November 10, 1996August 29, 2022 Jae-Ha Kim

“I’d hate for you to write this story and have everyone think I’m a happy, cheerful person,” Jakob Dylan said. “It’s not good for the image of the group.” He’s joking. The Wallflowers’ lead singer-songwriter-guitarist proved to be anything but a wallflower during a recent telephone interview from his Los Angeles home. His pensive songs may exude bittersweet longing, but in real life he is chatty and quick-witted and the first one to poke fun at himself.