Kelly Hogan has long had one of the best, most powerful voices in music, most notably serving as a back-up singer to the great Neko Case. On June 5th her voice will be front and center as she is set to release her first solo record in over ten years. I Like to Keep Myself in Pain is full of beautiful songs that were written by some of the greatest artists performing today including M. Ward, Andrew Bird, Stephin Merritt and Robyn Hitchcock. Hogan is also backed by a powerhouse band that consists of the legendary Booker T. Jones, Gabe Roth of the Dap-Kings and long time collaborator Scott Ligon. The songs are magical and filled with soul, but it is Hogan’s perfect voice that is the true star. It is easily one of the best records that I’ve heard this year. Go see her for free tonight as she performs as part of the Downtown Sound Series in Millennium Park. The show gets underway at 6:30 with opener Scott Lucas & The Married Men.
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