First off, an apology to any of you who may have come out to Vaughan's on Tuesday, as I got there pretty late and had to settle for just a quick rendition of "Mexican Radio." Second, an apology to any of you who tried to check out Audium Trio on Wednesday, as the Bottom Lounge run has ended already. The band will be back, though, and I'll keep you posted.
More importantly, it's prog rock heaven this week on l.i.t.c., although I regret that I won't be able to fully participate in the festivities. Even if you're not so inclined, there's a ton of good music this week.
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Pick of the week
King Crimson Friday and Saturday at Park West (tickets remain for Friday only) early, and Project/Object later the same nights at Martyr's. If I had $100 or so to blow on it, I'd completely geek out and see both shows from both bands, except that it would probably render me unable to play simple 4/4 time for about a month. As it stands, I'm hoping that Zappa alum and current Crimson member Adrian Belew drops by the P/O shows after he gets done with his performance. It may be wishful thinking, but it would be majorly cool.
Yes, I'm still a bit of a nerd about this stuff. I know.
Recap
I wasn't initially expecting to, but I did check out Emilie Autumn's solo performance on Thursday. Her material sounded much different when stripped down to just her and either violin and piano. The Tori Amos influence isn't as noticeable with the full band, but was unmistakable in this context. Egostatic, also on the bill, was a little over the top for the cozy confines of the Elbo Room. I think I'd like them better in a larger venue.
Friday was the Ivory Wire CD release party at Bottom Lounge. Fortunately for me, it was all-ages, so I could get it in before playing soccer later in the evening. Anyway, Moda did a good job of that straight-up-the-middle modern rock sound, a la New Found Glory or Jimmy Eat World, if you're into that sort of thing. Ivory Wire was probably at their best when they hit more of a U2-influenced sound, but the rest of it was good, too. Singer Chuck Gladfelter seems more energized than he did when the band was Dovetail Joint, which certainly helps the live show quite a bit.
Sunday's Lindsie show was notable in that it saw the debut of Larry Schroeder (who you may recognize from Regal Standard) with the band. And it was a great room with a big stage, good sound, and a substantial lighting rig. Now, if only it weren't almost in Indiana...
3.10 monday
Calexico with Nicolai Dunger (Abbey Pub)
I'm passing this one on through a friend's recommendation. Check this week's Reader for previews from Monica Kendrick and Peter Margasak on both bands.
Patricia Barber Quartet (Green Mill)
Again, it's Chicago's arguably better answer to Norah Jones. It's also a non-smoking show, for those of you who might be more inclined to check it out in a less cloudy environment.
3.11 tuesday
Open Mike (Vaughan's) SEE COZ LIVE!
I may have another late soccer game, so once again, my involvement may be limited. Then again, I have to sit out with a foot injury, in which case you can get your full dose of eighties music arranged for acoustic guitar and vocals, which translates to about three songs amidst all the other folks getting up and playing.
Miles of Empty with Bizzaro, Gold Cash Gold, Inchworm (Double Door)
We played with these guys last night out in Almost, Indiana, and it turns out I know the lead singer. Good band, with hints of Alice in Chains at times.
3.12 wednesday
Scottish McMillan and Dark Green Bottles (Wise Fools Pub) FRIENDS OF COZ!
I dont' remember if we actually played a show with him, but Scottish was a big fan of URT back in the day. I ran into him a month or so ago, and he told me that he's working with lots and lots of strange noises against acoustic guitars. I've got a CD, but haven't had a chance to check it out just yet.
Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell with Trina (Joe's)
Gee, I wonder if he's going to play 2 Live Crew's big hit "Me So Horny," also known as the song that more or less galvanized the PMRC back in the 80s. I wonder if I really care.
3.13 thursday
Seer's Poncho with Jank and Insignificant Others plus Stacy Buehler (Schuba's)
I know absolutely nothing about this, other than "Seer's Poncho" is a Zappa reference, and that this week, that's enough in my book. It's also billed as a benefit for Voice for the Children.
3.14 friday
King Crimson (Park West)
Robert Fripp remains the guiding force of this progressive rock legend, and he's worked hard to ensure that the band, in fact, remains progressive. As such, only material from the last two or three Crimson records are being played on this tour, including the just-released The Power to Believe. By and large, this is more of the same offered on the last full-length, The ConstruKction of Light, with very dense, heavy compositions that draw on recurring themes.
Project/Object (Martyr's)
This is one of three remaining options to catch the spirit of Frank Zappa, and really the only active one that is playing his music outright. Joining the core group of musicians once again are Zappa alumni Ike Willis, Napolean Murphy Brock and Don Preston.
Missle, 9-Fifty, The Changes (Tippling House) FRIENDS OF COZ!
I still need to see Missle again, and apparently former Vaughan's regulars The Changes are honing their sound into a very Police-influenced sort of thing. I guess I knew they had that direction, but not that it had so solidly manifested itself.
Regal Standard with Detholz! and 40 Piece Choir (Beat Kitchen) FRIENDS OF COZ!
Larry's got a good thing going, well worth the trek out west on Belmont. Big, and I mean BIG, hooks.
8 Bold Souls, Don Byron Quintet (HotHouse)
There's even some high-quality music for the one or two avant-jazz fans that may or may not be on this list! I told you this week was stacked!
3.15 saturday
Flogging Molly, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Tossers (Riviera Theatre)
I have to say, Flogging Molly put on one of the most energetic shows I think I've ever seen. Last time I saw them, it was full-throttle, non-stop punk-inflected Irish rock, or Irish-inflected punk rock, for nearly two solid hours. And the Bosstones are no slouces, either. If you're going to celebrate St. Patrick's Day early, you're not going to find a much better way to do it.
Macy Gray with Lamya (House of Blues)
I happen to like Macy, but she's been kinda flaking out lately. I read somewhere that she actuall fell asleep onstage during a show recently. Also, a friend of mine once commented on her style by remarking that she didn't know Donald Duck could sing. Ouch.
King Crimson (Park West)
Project/Object (Martyr's)
See Friday's listing
3.16 sunday
Ska is "Still Standing" CD release show #1 (Metro)
Some things never change. Like the occasional Sunday night ska show at Metro that includes DJ Chuck Wren. On the bill are The Toasters, Deals Gone Bad, The Zvooks, Superdot, The Indecisives and Out of Line. And it's a 5:30 start, for those of you who don't check that sort of thing.
Nicholas Barron and the Free Associates (Long Room) FRIENDS OF COZ!
I haven't seen these guys in a while. I need to change that.
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list.in.to.chicago this week: 06.22.2015
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June 23, 2015
list.in.to.chicago this week: 06.08.2015
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June 9, 2015
list.in.to.chicago this week: 06.01.2015
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June 1, 2015
list.in.to.chicago this week: 05.25.2015
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May 26, 2015