Live Reviews
U2 live!
At a Grammy Awards ceremony a decade ago, U2 frontman Bono proclaimed that his band was “reapplying for the job of the best band in the world.” In order to accomplish this Herculean task, the Irish quartet would fall back on a dependable approach, specifically aping their own sound for maximum impact. The side effects, […]
Eddie Vedder live!
Dark and depressing are rarely, if ever, words that get appropriated when referring to the ukulele. The fragile instrument usually stirs visions of grass skirts and Hawaiian sunsets. But on his first, non-soundtrack solo effort (Ukulele Songs) Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder searches the shadows beyond the palm trees, finding surprising sadness in the twine […]
Peter Gabriel at United Center!
There’s never been a way to predict Peter Gabriel’s career and, at 61-years-old, chances are most wouldn’t have bet on a release covering everyone from Arcade Fire, Radiohead, Bon Iver, and Elbow to David Bowie, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, and Lou Reed. Not only is the track listing from last year’s Scratch My Back (Real […]
Robert Plant live!
Anyone hoping to hear Robert Plant revisiting Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits on his latest solo tour probably hasn’t been following the luminary’s last few albums.
Janelle Monae and Bruno Mars live!
Halfway into the 24-city Hooligans In Wondaland tour, everywhere-on-the-charts Bruno Mars and leftfield multitalent Janelle Monáe hit Chicago, performing before a crowd as varied as the sounds on stage.
Lykke Li live!
Though she’s set to take the stage later this summer as part of this year’s Lollapalooza, Swedish songstress Lykke Li hit town Monday the 23rd at Metro in support of her 2011 effort, Wounded Rhymes (Atlantic).
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.
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