Weekly
This Is American Music reviewed
This Is American Music Hideout, Chicago Thursday, November 29, 2007 The Drams You can bemoan today’s youngsters, who aren’t aware there was a time when people actually paid for music and vinyl was more than a poor choice to upholster your car’s interior. But The Drams, Grand Champeen, Two Cow Garage, and Glossary went further, […]
Richard Hawley preview
Richard Hawley Abbey Pub, Chicago Thursday, December 6, 2007 If Richard Hawley wants to keep singing to his hometown, that’s fine by us. But it’s nice if he comes to Chicago once in a while to do it.
Most Serene Republic preview
The Most Serene Republic Beat Kitchen, Chicago Saturday, December 8, 2007 As the first band signed to Canadian label Arts & Crafts not associated in any way with Broken Social Scene or the many side projects of its varied roster of members, The Most Serene Republic, nevertheless, basks in the afterglow of its labelmates and […]
Aimee Mann preview
Aimee Mann Vic Theatre, Chicago Tuesday, December 11, 2007 Merry Christmas and a happy new Aimee Mann holiday tour! Last year’s inaugural holiday trek, a mix of music and standup comedy, apparently went well enough to convince Mann to give it a go again.
White Magic reviewed
White Magic Dark Stars (Drag City) Mira Billotte and Doug Shaw kind of bit off more than they could chew with last fall’s Dat Rosa Mel Apibus, which dropped about half of what it promised to deliver. They’ve found their way, though, in the Dark. Appearing: December 6th at Empty Bottle in Chicago.
Nellie McKay reviewed
Nellie McKay Obligatory Villagers (Hungry Mouse) Now that she has actually been part of a Broadway musical, Nellie McKay’s preference for Brill Building pop and showtunes could begin to hamper her. Appearing: December 11th at the Vic Theatre in Chicago.
Tulsa reviewed
Tulsa I Was Submerged (Park The Van) Tulsa are from Boston and sound like neither city. Their second EP (first physical), I Was Submerged, is as homeless as the wind that seems to blow through its seven tracks.
Against Me live!
Against Me House Of Blues, Chicago Wednesday, November 21, 2007 It’s often a blessing when punk bands keep their gigs short. Two-minute bursts of three-chord energy keep a moshpit on its toes and explosive, exhausting sets let everyone burn themselves out without fear of overdoing it. Yet at 50 minutes (including an encore) on Wednesday […]
Major Stars preview
Major Stars Empty Bottle, Chicago Thursday, November 29, 2007 Indie rock, despite fretboard pyros like J. Mascis and Doug Martsch, can’t shake its guitar-weenie reputation. For the most part it’s deserved, as columns of college rockers would rather have their taint hairs tweezed than sit through a tremelo-picked single-string run, culminating with a high “E” […]
Robert Pollard preview
Robert Pollard Metro, Chicago Friday, November 30, 2007 Ohio-based Robert Pollard is a strange creature — one who could drive a wedge between even the best of friends. A love-him-or-hate-him mentality definitely surrounds the former teacher and Guided By Voices leader. His voice and often obtuse lyrics either grate or inspire. He’s either the Holy […]
Kottonmouth Kings/Big B preview
Kottonmouth Kings, Big B House Of Blues, Chicago Monday, December 3, 2007 How many decent, good, and great bands have vanished after one, two, or three records because of waning label support, a dwindling fan base, or no fan base at all? Think about it: A lot. Now consider Kottonmouth Kings released their 9th album […]
Michael McDonald preview
Michael McDonald Chicago Theatre, Chicago Thursday, December 6, 2007 For the past three decades, Michael McDonald has worn many hats, including his time backing Steely Dan, an extensive tenure with the Doobie Brothers, becoming the pre-eminent duet dude of the 1980s (Patti LaBelle, James Ingram), and maintaining a solo career with varying degrees of success. […]
Peanut Butter Wolf reviewed
Peanut Butter Wolf 2K8 B-Ball Zombie War (Stones Throw) For this compilation, Peanut Butter Wolf’s task was simple: Create the soundtrack for “NBA 2K8,” one of the world’s most popular basketball video games. But he went and got all cerebral and shit. Appearing: Friday, November 30th at Abbey Pub in Chicago.
Urban Planning
Keith Urban Does (What) iLike Further shrinking the chasm separating music fans from their favorite artists, iLike’s partnership with New Zealand-born Keith Urban hopes to bring exclusive behind-the-scenes video footage directly to fans through the Web. To celebrate, Urban serenaded an intimate gathering in the bowels of Rosemont’s Allstate Arena hours before the country superstar’s […]
Keith Urban live!
Keith Urban Allstate Arena, Rosemont Friday, November 16, 2007 He may be A-list tabloid fodder these days thanks to his highly publicized marriage to Nicole Kidman and last year’s round of rehab, but deep down Keith Urban is still the same Australian-bred hunk who took Nashville by storm 10 years ago with his unconventional interpretation […]
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