Live Reviews
Empires live!
JBTV Studios, Chicago Tuesday, March 9, 2010 When treated as concerts, televised band performances can be a mixed bag. It would be all too easy for artists to treat such a venture as little more than a promotional exercise, one that doesn’t “count” and ends up more phoned-in than anything. Which is what made last […]
John Butler Trio live!
Lincoln Hall, Chicago Monday, February 15, 2010 Those concerned by the inherent radio friendliness of “One Way Road” – the first single from the John Butler Trio’s forthcoming album, April Uprising — can breathe easy. Using Monday night’s sold-out show at Lincoln Hall as a gauge, the songs populating the band’s fifth studio release retain […]
Mariah Carey live!
Chicago Theatre, Chicago Saturday, February 13, 2010 As someone who’s accustomed to playing arenas, seeing Mariah Carey in a theater setting could either be interpreted as a rare, intimate treat for die-hards or an indication that she can’t quite sell as many tickets anymore. Sure, two sold-out nights at the Chicago Theatre aren’t anything to […]
La Roux live!
Lincoln Hall, Chicago Monday, February 1, 2010 You could be excused for thinking there might be some sense of, if not outrage, mild resentment following the completion of La Roux’s set Monday night at Lincoln Hall. The event served as the make-up date for a previously canceled concert in October and, judging by the obviously […]
Lady Gaga live!
Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont Friday, January 8, 2010 It was a good indication of the energy inside the Rosemont Theatre Friday night, when a pre-show video PSA, featuring Lady Gaga speaking out about the trials of abused and homeless gay and lesbian teens, was met with frenzied cheers from a barely teenage crowd oblivious to the […]
John Legend live!
The Venue, Hammond, IN Wednesday, December 30, 2009 In just five years, John Legend’s ascended from an underground neo-soul sensation to a full-fledged R&B star with a steadily expanding stable of introspective piano ballads and club romps. On a touring level, he has no trouble selling out sizeable theaters, which in the case of the […]
Rise Against live!
Metro, Chicago Friday, December 18, 2009 It’s weird to think about now, but there was a time before Rise Against was one of Chicago’s biggest rock acts. Once upon a time, the group plied their trade for indie label Fat Wreck Chords, and overturned venues like Knights Of Columbus in Arlington Heights. The band’s early […]
Metric live!
Cubby Bear, Chicago Thursday, December 17, 2009 It was about 12:15 a.m. when Canadian alt-rockers Metric took the Cubby Bear stage as part of the “Q101 Twisted After-Show” — much to the surprise of a sold-out crowd that had been told 9 p.m.
Cool Kids, Bun B live!
Reggie’s, Chicago Thursday, December 10, 2009 In their rise to indie-rap fame, part of The Cool Kids’ image has been about a certain swagger, topped with an air of nonchalance. But live, especially at this capacity Reggie’s show, Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks were actually having fun.
The Flaming Lips live!
Allstate Arena, Rosemont Friday, December 11, 2009 The Flaming Lips live for the moment, and the Fearless Freaks’ live shows treat each song as if it is the main event. They amplify the emotion as much as possible so that there is a more-than-usual lull between each song as if the band have to […]
Kid Sister live!
House Of Blues, Chicago Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Though it shines through on record, it was last Wednesday’s House Of Blues show that truly demonstrated Kid Sister’s energy and versatility. As the opening electro shocks of “Right Hand Hi” announced her onstage arrival, the high-profile Chicago MC bounded out in a silver dress, a flash […]
The Cranberries live!
Riviera, Chicago Wednesday, November 25, 2009 In one of alternative rock’s more random reunion stories, The Cranberries were essentially dead and buried as frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan was pursuing a solo career. The decision was met with obvious sadness from band faithful, but her individual offerings were still greeted with a respectable amount of critical acclaim […]
Fool’s Gold live!
Lincoln Hall, Chicago Friday, November 27, 2009 Lincoln Hall was designed to be a sort of Admiral’s Club for bands who’ve earned their way out of Schubas’ cozier confines. Its crisp lines and modernist demeanor underscore this idea, giving even opening bands a chance to feel like they’re on the up. It was nice, however, […]
Pixies live!
Aragon Ballroom, Chicago Friday, November 20, 2009 To paraphrase Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain: Without Doolittle there would be no Nevermind. Arguably, the former document provided the blueprint that would take Alternative Nation to the top of Mt. Mainstream. Virtually ignored upon its release (except by critics and those in the know), it is now considered a […]
Ian McLagan live!
Martyrs’, Chicago Friday, November 20, 2009 The universe is back to smiling on former Small Faces and Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan. After a rough couple of years when he lost both best friend Ronnie Lane and his own wife, the impish veteran completed a brief but emotionally complex set for a modest crowd.
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