Weekly
Hot Chip, Growing live!
Hot Chip, Growing Metro, Chicago Sunday, September 28, 2008 Who knew five pasty British guys armed with synthesizers could put on the year’s best rock show? On Sunday night, the first of a two-night Metro stand, Hot Chip egged on a libido-soaked crowd until the band’s angular, repetitive “Bendable Poseable” served to characterize the frenzied […]
My Bloody Valentine live!
My Bloody Valentine Aragon, Chicago Saturday, September 27, 2008 From a trio of stewards hocking free earplugs for fans filing in the Aragon to a set-closing, 20-minute cannonade of noise that kicked everyone out, there was no mistaking the intent behind My Bloody Valentine’s return. Frontman Kevin Shields, crippled by 17 years of artistic paralysis, […]
Stars, Bell X1 live!
Stars, Bell X1 Vic Theatre, Chicago Wednesday, September 24, 2008 When the credits roll in the imaginary film depiction of Stars’ Wednesday night gig at The Vic, the following phrase – no flowers were hurt in the making of this film – will not flash across the screen. During the Montreal collective’s 90-minute set, dozens […]
Opeth, High On Fire live!
Opeth, High On Fire House Of Blues, Chicago Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Before Opeth and High On Fire even rolled into town last week, their House Of Blues show became more about what wasn’t than was. This tour looked can’t miss when it was announced: progressive metal wizard Opeth with support from stoner king High […]
Apocalyptic Crust Fest II preview
Apocalyptic Crust Fest II The Black Hole, Chicago October 2-4, 2008 If we’re being honest, we know nothing about Shaman Records, didn’t realize the venue The Black Hole (3057 W. 26th) existed, and have heard of only a few of the nearly 30 bands playing there this weekend. But how can you go wrong with […]
Robert Pollard preview
Robert Pollard Double Door, Chicago Monday, October 6, 2008 Oh, Bob. When people realized Guided By Voices actually was going to break up in 2004, an onrush of goodwill spilled forth that seemed to forgive the Fading Captain sloppiness and TVT years at once. After that last tour, all went back to normal and Robert […]
Frontier Brothers preview
Frontier Brothers Ronny’s, Chicago Wednesday, October 8, 2008 If Jim Henson’s Muppets needed a house band, Austin’s The Frontier Brothers could fill in for Dr. Teeth And The Electric Mayhem Band any day. Of course, the trio might want to keep the references to drugs and women at a minimum. God forbid the kids get […]
Blue Mountain reviewed
Blue Mountain Midnight In Mississippi/Omnibus (Broadmoor) Reunited and reconstituted with a new drummer, Blue Mountain double dips with a fresh album and a re-recorded mix of old “hits.” Appearing: Thursday, October 9th at Schubas in Chicago.
Land Of Talk reviewed
Land Of Talk Some Are Lakes (Saddle Creek) After changing some members, this Montreal-based quartet takes its foot off the pedal following a caustic debut EP — and its eyes off the road. Appearing: Thursday, October 9th at Vic Theatre in Chicago.
Cut Copy, The Presets
Cut Copy, The Presets Metro, Chicago Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Despite the fact The Presets weren’t so much openers for as they were co-headliners alongside Cut Copy last Wednesday night at the Metro, the group nonetheless preceded the evening’s final act. As such, there are customary roles to be acted out during the build into […]
Neko Case live!
Neko Case Hideout, Chicago Saturday, September 20, 2008 Neko Case triumphantly closed the Hideout Block Party’s Saturday lineup, returning to the watering hole that not only employed her behind the bar, but also helped propel her musical career.
Vince Gill live!
Vince Gill Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet Thursday, September 18, 2008 Even before Vince Gill took the stage at the ornate Rialto Square, it appeared the evening would be a lot more stripped back than his usual trips through auditoriums and arenas. The country/bluegrass/blue-eyed soul crooner may have had plenty of guitars stacked up, but many […]
Damien Jurado preview
Damien Jurado Schubas, Chicago Thursday, September 25, 2008 Through nine albums in 11 years, Damien Jurado has tinkered with his musical aesthetics (morose folk, jangle pop, jagged rock) while habitually creating character sketches for potential Coen Brothers films. This year’s Caught In The Trees, however, traps the screenwriter into his own plot.
Amy Macdonald preview
Amy Macdonald Subterranean, Chicago Thursday, September 25, 2008 Everything about Amy Macdonald’s This Is The Life cover art says mopey, heart-on-her-sleeve, “see me next week at Lava Joe’s Coffeehouse,” from her casual downward glance away from the camera to the acoustic guitar she leans on to the the digitally frayed picture borders. Don’t judge an […]
Helloween, Gamma Ray preview
Helloween, Gamma Ray Pearl Room, Mokena Saturday, September 27, 2008 The Helloween/Gamma Ray “Hellish Rock 2007/2008” tour won’t go down in heavy metal history with the infamous Metallica and Guns N’ Roses matchup or the American, Slayer/Megadeth/Anthrax Clash Of The Titans trek, but it’s pretty close for power metal geeks.
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