CD101(@102.5)’s Brian Phillips and Watershed’s Colin Gawel have teamed up for “Reelin’ & Rockin’” at the Gateway Film Center. Basically, the third Wednesday of every month Gawel and Phillips will screen a classic rock ‘n roll documentary on the big screen. (The bar opens at 6 and the movie starts at 7.) It’s Gawel’s hope that the series turns into a “nerdy music gathering once a month with beer but no live music.”

Last month was Gimme Shelter, and Wednesday’s film is I am Trying to Break Your Heart, which documented the making of Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and all the problems the band had with its label, who, in the end (spoiler alert), ended up paying for the album twice.

Gawel also penned an essay at his site called “When Wilco stopped being a band and became a brand,” which is more of a tribute to and defense of Jay Bennett (the now deceased ex-Wilco member who’s a major part of the doc). It’s well-written and worth your time.

Check the Facebook page for more Reelin’ & Rockin’ info and to RSVP. Tickets are 5$ and all proceeds go to CD101 for the Kids.

When Jay Bennett posted a comment on donewaiting.com a few months ago, I thought it was one of the coolest things ever. He’ll be missed.

Via Undertow Music:

We are profoundly saddened to report that our friend died in his sleep last night. Jay was a beautiful human being who will be missed.

Pre-order going on now for 180 gram vinyl releases of Summerteeth, A.M., and Being There.

All records come with a CD copy too.

Oh yeah, Jay Bennett is suing Wilco too.

MP3: The Engines are Idle

Former Wilco mad scientist Jay Bennett has released his latest album, Whatever Happened I Apaologize, as a free download from Rock Proper. Click here to grab it free and legally.

I was just having a conversation yesterday with my friend Megan about how changes in the industry are real and not just talking points that music geeks obsess over. Bennett might not still be setting the world on fire with sales, but he is a respectable solid name that can certainly sell enough records to make it worthwhile for any small label to work with him.

Which makes me think about local bands who don’t really tour: why aren’t you just releasing your music for free instead of spending $1,500 for 1,000 CDs that you’ll never sell…. If it’s good enough for Jay it’s good enough for you.

From the press release:

Rock Proper is an online music distributor providing free, high quality, album-length downloads with the legal consent of their creators. Please download this music, share it, and enjoy it in any non-commercial way you deem appropriate … In addition to Jay’s record, our site features 10 great reissues for your listening pleasure. Many of these records were recorded at Jay’s studio, Pieholden Suite Sound and document some of the many collaborations of a close group of friends focused on Chicago’s far north side.