list.in.to.chicago this week: 11.18.2002

The big news this week, as far as I can tell, is that after switching from cover bands to original bands, Lakeview Links has officially changed its name to The Bottom Lounge. I haven't been to a show there recently, so I don't know if they've been at all effective in reaching the original rock audience, which is markedly different than the beer-swilling, baseball cap-wearing, sing-a-long with middle of the road rock types that go out to see cover bands. If any of you are wearing a baseball cap right now, I apologize. I meant someone else, clearly.

Not surprisingly, Metromix.com still has the venue listed as Lakeview Links, but they don't deal well with change, as evidenced by their recommendation of Peter Gabriel last Wednesday. More on Pete's Tuesday show in a minute.

Pick of the week
Well, we're billing it as a debut of sorts for Nitrous Foxide on Saturday, so once again, I find the need to be self-serving overwhelming. For this show, though, you sort of need to sign up on the mailing list here, and put "Coz" in the referral field. The idea is to keep the party from getting too out of hand, although I haven't been to any of the previous ones, so I can't offer any firsthand knowledge. Aside from that, Niacin should be pretty ass-kicking at Martyr's tonight.

Recap
The big news, of course, was Peter Gabriel on Tuesday night at the United Center. It's hard to judge a concert accurately when you spent a lot of money on the ticket; there's perhaps too much of a tendency to justify the expense. Nevertheless, Gabriel put on a good, albeit clunky, show, which is about what I expected on the first night of the tour. A couple of songs stood out, particularly "Mercy Street," "More Than This," and "Growing Up," the latter accentuated by PG traversing the circular stage inside of a clear plastic bubble. The running order was a little weird, with "Secret World" being a bit too grandiose for such an early spot in the set, but I imagine those kinks will be worked out over time. Also, the Blind Boys From Alabama were excellent both as openers and occasional guests during the main set.

I also caught Drive again on Friday night, and they continue to impress. I'm still trying to figure out who they remind me of, past the obvious Queens of the Stone Age.

11.18   monday
Niacin (Martyr's)
Expect to see every jazz/funk drummer in Chicago that isn't working at this one, as heavy-hitter Dennis Chambers anchors this trio, which also features John Novello on Hammond organ and Billy Sheehan on bass. Yes, the very same Billy Sheehan who used to play with David Lee Roth and Mr. Big way back in the eighties.

Jeff Buckley Tribute Concert (Metro)
This event has outgrown its origins at nearby Uncommon Ground, where Buckley put on some shows that are legendary in Chicago music lore, so they're apparently turning Metro into a coffee shop for a night in order to extend the celebration.

11.19   tuesday
Open Mike (Vaughan's)   SEE COZ LIVE!
After a week off, it's back to normal on Tuesdays. I'm toying with some new additions to the solo acoustic canon, but don't know if they'll be quite ready for primetime just yet. Also, microbrews are only $3.

11.20   wednesday
Red Elephant with Ruben Waters and Wendy DeBias (Schuba's)
This is the farewell show for Red Elephant, one of several bands to rise from the ashes of the late, great Cassius Clay. If I remember correctly, they've got a kind of earthy vibe that's neither country nor folk, and some quality songwriting.

11.21   thursday
Open Mike (Goose Island on Clybourn)   SEE COZ LIVE!
That's right, I'm taking the act on the road, in an effort to find people who might actually pay me to sing. If you come out and drink beer and sing along with silly 80s songs, it can only help.

Yes (Chicago Theatre)
Rick Wakeman is back! Rick Wakeman is back! Okay, so that may not actually be exciting to anyone who has left their parents' basement in the last twenty years, but these guys are experiencing what appears to be a late renaissance in the past couple of years. I say this because I actually heard some of their newer stuff on The Loop a few weeks ago, which is almost unheard of for that station. That said, I recently read an interview with guitarist Steve Howe, and man, he has not aged well.

11.22   friday
The Les Claypool Frog Brigade with Deadweight (The Vic)
Bassmaster General Claypool has thankfully shortened this band's moniker somewhat, but the music is going to be the same kind of freewheeling style sprinkled with odd cover song choices that populated the two live sets he released a couple of years ago, one of which was a live recreation of Pink Floyd's Animals.

11.23   saturday
Nitrous Foxide with Strain Busy Sky and Naked Oil Twister (Scorpio Party)   SEE COZ LIVE!
As mentioned up top, this is our first big live show since I joined the band, one small private party notwithstanding. The material is all over the place, from Sheryl Crow to Led Zeppelin to Disturbed, and I've heard some stories about this party in particular that would...that would...sorry, I got nothin'. Get on the mailing list for more details.

EXO with Jupiter Blue, Spiritfall, Down and Above (The Bottom Lounge)
It's my favorite local band, midway through a cross-country tour, playing at the former Lakeview Links. Ask them how many times the van has broken down, as they apparently love talking about that.

11.24   sunday
The Box, Head On, Mighty Fine Machine, Premium, Still Not Sorry, Stigma Doll, Mohica (Double Door)
This is listed as a benefit for someone named Gary Kessler. I have no idea who that is, but the net result is a lot of music for a little bit of money, which is as worthy a cause as any, right? I reserve the right to take that back if I find out who he is and that I really, really don't like him for some reason or other.