Weekly
The Detroit Cobras preview
Double Door, Chicago Saturday, December 19, 2009 The most recent benefit in a city- and label-wide effort to rehab Scotland Yard Gospel Choir pits Bloodshot Records’ alumni The Detroit Cobras, Dex Romweber Duo, and The Blacks together.
Gold Motel preview
Beat Kitchen, Chicago Sunday, December 20, 2009 What did you expect Greta Salpeter to do? Bake cookies? This is the anticipated debut concert from The Hush Sound’s pianist.
Bluegrass & Blues Festival preview
Congress, Chicago Saturday, December 12, 2009 Last year, the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival turned out The Avett Brothers and David Grisman. Clearly, this thing is anyone’s game.
Janis Ian preview
Wilmette Theater, Wilmette Sunday, December 13, 2009 To the casual fan, noting where Janis Ian will play this weekend might cause a snicker or scoff. “Wow, one of those soft-pop, ’70s singer/songwriters is cashing in on North Shore money for the holidays.” In a sense, you’d be right.
Stop The Silence Youth Benefit preview
Abbey, Chicago Thursday, December 17, 2009 As a response to the 125 Chicago-area minors killed in violent crimes this year, Black Boot Ink will host this benefit to raise awareness and support anti-violence groups.
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, […]
The Hidden Cameras preview
Empty Bottle, Chicago Thursday, December 3, 2009 Frequenting a time between ’50s sock-hop pop and Pet Sounds, The Hidden Cameras are often overlooked because of the homosexual lyrics. This year’s Origin: Orphan once again argues for their place among indie rock’s most gifted songwriters and arrangers.
Curtis Harvey preview
Hideout, Chicago Monday, December 7, 2009 Telling people that Curtis Harvey was in mid-’90s slowcore outfit Rex is useless. First, despite a decent track record, most people won’t know who you’re talking about. Second, Rex has little bearing on his solo debut.
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.
The XX preview
Bottom Lounge, Chicago Tuesday, December 1, 2009 One of the most auspicious album-debuts for 2009 is such a shy record it’s a wonder anyone heard it at all.
Bebel Gilberto preview
Park West, Chicago Wednesday, December 2, 2009 It fits that Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country on a Spanish-inflected continent, because its music — even when written in protest — seems to dismiss traditional, Latin fire as a waste of energy.
Daptone Gold reviewed
Various Artists Daptone Gold (Daptone) Lee Fields, Naomi Shelton, Charles Bradley: these are names that all fans of classic soul music should know, but likely don’t. Along with Sharon Jones, these are vocalists who have been baring their life on the mic for years yet weren’t given the proper platform until connecting with Brooklyn-based […]
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