MARCH 21, 2008---In one of the most outlandish
journalism practical jokes of the Digital Age, the Chicago Tribune has crashed
a video contest held by its rival, the Chicago Sun-Times: A team of Tribune
journalists captured a $1,000 first prize to write and record a song asking
Tribune owner Sam Zell not to rename Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs.
The Tribune musicians, led by Lou Carlozo, recorded the soundtrack at Lou’s
Carma Studios in Chicago. Lou produced, engineered and mixed the song and also
suggested the song parody—a riff on Twisted Sister’s "We’re Not Gonna Take
It" called "We’re Not Gonna Change It." He also played the
utterly ridiculous guitar solo.
Says Lou: "This was such ridiculous fun—I mean, how many times do I get to
pull out my heavy-metal guitar with four pickups in it?"
The Tribune team, which called itself "The Mirages," was led by Tempo
staff reporter Kevin Pang and Tempo editor Tim Bannon. It also included Rex
Huppke (lyrics), Bill Adee (digital editor), Katie Hamilton (our decoy and
video star), Rob Elder (singing and lyrics), Jeremy Manier (bass and vocals)
and Aaron Vetch (vocals, video co-star). On lead vocals: Iraq correspondent and
Metro reporter James Janega.
Also of note: Lou Carlozo’s mighty live drummer Chuck Harling supplied the
throbbing drums and cowbell—in one take. Video was shot by Chris Brown.
Plans call for ther Trib to donate the proceeds to charity. "I’ve heard
former Sun-Times owner Conrad Black needs to pay a few legal bills,"
Carlozo said.
Lou Carlozo is the artist behind "Stick Figure Soul," an albnum rated
one of the Top 10 local releases in the Chicago area for 2007 by the Illinois
Entertainer. The disc also gets an enthusiastic thumbs-up in the final issue of
CCM Magazine, to hit newsstands soon.
See Lou’s video section on myspace.com (
myspace.com/loucarlozo) for a peek at
the Tribune video, as well as at link below...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-suntimes-song-contest,1,5135234.htmlstory
