Live Reviews
Death Cab For Cutie live!
Somewhere over the course of the last decade, Death Cab For Cutie went from college-radio regulars to darlings of “The O.C.” and headlining Lollapalooza. The band are far from the indie upstart they once were, both in terms of exposure and delivery, with venue stops in recent years reflecting that. All of which made Friday […]
A CSS/Sleigh Bells Chicago preview that’s a review of the Minny show!
There’s a particularly virulent strain of nostalgia permeating electronic dance music (see Cut Copy, Holy Ghost, Foster The People) that appeals to older audiences who immediately connect through reminiscing, as well as, hooking young hipsters who approach it with wide-eyed exuberance.
The Cars live!
In spite of not being one of the most prolific bands in history, The Cars are certainly among the most influential, especially when it comes to the power pop, synth rock, and new wave.
Twilight Singers live!
On record, Greg Dulli’s Twilight Singers operation can come across slightly docile at times, the group’s slow-building and subtle approach allowing for the mistaken impression of a sleepier production.
Bob Seger live!
Bob Seger recently turned 66, and readily admits he doesn’t like touring. With his hair and beard four-and-a-half-years greyer since the last road trip, and with his “newest” album released in 2006, one could expect a slower-paced, toned-down show. That didn’t happen.
Neil Young live!
Neil Young strolled onto the stage at the Chicago Theatre on Friday night as casually as a man entering a friend’s living room. He patiently surveyed the sparse surroundings, almost as if he was taking inventory for his two-night residency. But, as soon as he slipped on an acoustic guitar, he was all business.
Alter Bridge live!
Myles Kennedy is a rock star, but doesn’t seem to know it yet. Alter Bridge rose from the ashes of Creed in 2004 after the embattled Scott Stapp nearly self-destructed and turned the band from one of the most-loved to most-hated acts around. Mark Tremonti and bandmates were committed to keep making music,
Arcade Fire live!
Arcade Fire often blurs the lines between a nuts-and-bolts rock show and performance-art extravaganza. Despite an absence of costume changes, a cadre of flashy backup dancers, or life-size props, Win Butler and co. managed to dazzle the senses
Rush live!
Coming up on four decades of touring, it makes perfect sense that Rush has perfected the formula for their live show. And while it offers repeat customers few surprises, it never disappoints. The latest proof of this came Tuesday night, as the Canadian classic-rockers brought “The Time Machine Tour” to the United Center.
Rod Stewart & Stevie Nicks live!
Even if Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks don’t seem like the most obvious tourmates, their careers actually share several parallels. For starters, each found fame with an influential group, with Stewart fronting British rockers Faces from 1969 to 1975 and Nicks co-leading Fleetwood Mac since ’75.
Queens Of The Stone Age live!
Read any industry rag and you’re likely to see that record companies are dying on the vine. In the scramble to generate income, the big trend has once again become the reissue. That means attempting to sell you again what you already own or entice you by adding to your collection something you may have […]
Drury Lane’s “Aida” A State Of Emotional “De-Nile”
Long before Egypt was experiencing Facebook revolutions, it was the mysterious and conquering land of pharaohs, sphinx, and pyramids. And the setting for one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most famous and popular operas, 1871’s “Aida,” which includes many famous arias, including the heavenly “Celeste Aida.”
Live: Huey Lewis
The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN Friday, March 18, 2011 For the first time in nine years, Huey Lewis & The News released a new studio CD, so it’s no wonder why they decided to play the majority of it before dusting off their ’80s oldies. Though that decision might look self-indulgent on the […]
Live review: OMD
Park West, Chicago Saturday, March 12, 2011 For lovers of the 1980s, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark will always be tied to the Pretty In Pink soundtrack thanks to its monster hit, “If You Leave.” But for those who dive deeper into the electronic rockers’ annals, there’s actually much more to enjoy and a fairly […]
Linkin Park live!
While most rap-rock and nu-metal acts faded as the last decade closed, Linkin Park were wise enough to continually take major risks to expand their sonic boundaries. Their largest evolutionary step took place with 2010’s A Thousand Suns, a release that delves beyond angst and radio-friendly hooks and deeper into anthemic melodies and electronica.
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