Jason Mraz, Lisa Hannigan
Aragon, Chicago
November 22, 2008
Forget about the screaming girls for a minute. Forget about the cheesy predilection for hats. Forget about the gimmicky routines instituted to spur a rapt crowd to simultaneous action and all the other reasons Jason Mraz inspires eye-rolling among those who wouldn’t be caught dead dancing at a concert.
Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Thrice
Congress Theater, Chicago
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Early in their Thursday-night set at Congress, Rise Against performed against a massive backdrop with the word RISE looming prominently. It seemed fitting, as the band has risen from the ranks of suburban sensation to national power punk staple. And while it could easily be argued the RISE in question was in reference to, say, human rights or taking a stand on any number of civil issues, it was impossible to ignore the blatant, looming subtext.
Calexico
Metro, Chicago
Friday, November 21, 2008
One can always count on Tucson, Arizona-based Calexico to throw a party, but a straightforward rock show? That’s like Dave Matthews crashing a White Stripes gig – strange, but not totally unbelievable.
The Herbaliser
Darkroom, Chicago
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
London’s The Herbaliser don’t make it across the pond to play very often. But in support of their latest album, Same As It Never Was, this hip-hop-rooted collective, led by Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba, stopped by The Darkroom as part of a rare North American tour.
Jeremy Enigk | Alex Chilton
Bottom Lounge | Old Town School Of Folk Music, Chicago
Wednesday, December 3 | Saturday, December 6, 2008
Jeremy Enigk hasn’t willed himself into obscurity quite the way Alex Chilton has, but as the former frontman of a beloved, obsessed-upon cult band his legend far outstrips his draw.
Intern Wanted!
Chicago-based music monthly Illinois Entertainer seeks an editorial intern for immediate opening. Candidate must be passionate about all forms of pop music and have a feel for the local scene and industry. A background in journalism is a must, as is a grasp of the written language and a desire to hone your writing skills.
Wild Beasts
Limbo, Panto
(Domino)
It takes special circumstances to make the music public pine for hyper-literate, ultra-confident, flamboyant, British art-school types — but that’s the angular, post punk world we inhabit.
Beyoncé
I Am . . . Sasha Fierce
(Columbia)
The success Beyoncé’s fans have handed her is disproportionate to what the former Destiny’s Child has given back. Currently she’s brandishing a singular talent to slice a project directly down the middle — and still render it uneven.
Various Artists
Century Media — Covering 20 Years Of Extremes
(Century Media)
It’s not fair, but to review Century Media’s 20-year celebration, in which the renowned metal label has former and (mostly) present-day acts cover other former and present-day acts, inevitably turns into more a critique of the label’s current place in heavy metal than it does the two hours of music packed into these two CDs.
Omara Portuondo
Gracías
(Montuno/World Village)
So, she has gone a little soft. Can you blame her? Omara Portuondo stuck it out for decades as Cuba’s starlet, and even smiled pretty when Ry Cooder dragged her back into the spotlight for Buena Vista Social Club.
Terry Reid
Empty Bottle, Chicago
Friday, November 21, 2008
Word on the street is Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham are trying to force Robert Plant’s hand (Plant said he has no intentions of participating in a full-fledged Led Zeppelin reunion tour) by holding rehearsals with Myles Kennedy, lead singer of Alter Bridge — the band formed by the Creed members once they got sick of Scott Stapp. Jim. Johnny Boy. Seriously? That dicknose? Why not reach out to the guy you wanted initially?
Lordi
House Of Blues, Chicago
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Let us tell you how much cooler Finland is than the United States (notice I said “cooler,” not tougher, or more patriotic, or more armed or anything — so please no “Love it or leave it” e-mails”): Here, we mock, or in the least, dismiss costumed/masked bands like Lordi as novelty acts. Finland? They produce official Lordi credit cards, postage stamps, soft drinks, candy, and restaurants.
Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival
Congress Theatre, Chicago
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The 2008 Bluegrass & Blues Festival is neither bluegrass nor blues: discuss. Subtopic, the Saving Tiny Hearts Society benefits either way.
Brother Von Doom
Relentless
(Deathcote)
Everything about Relentless, pre-CD-player insertion, says “totally fucking badass.” Everything about Relentless, post-CD-player ejection, says “total fucking waste of time.”
Hotel Café Tour
Park West, Chicago
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Girls just want to have fun until it’s time for a soul-baring, singer-songwriter night. The Hotel Café tour rolled into Chicago’s Park West the night following Barack Obama’s historic presidential win and quickly sucked the euphoria left lingering from Election Day out of the room. Cheating boyfriends, lost loves, male/female friendships torn apart by a significant other’s jealously – all is fair in love and war, and no topic is too maudlin to tackle for the ladies on this tour.
