Weekly
Michael Londra gets festive
Beyond The Star (Celt Productions) Locally based Irish native Michael Londra has taken the logical step and made a holiday album — and, like he told the Sun-Times, he doesn’t rock the house.
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 […]
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.
Recent Comments