list.in.to.chicago this week: 06.02.2003

With the FCC relaxing media ownership regulations, it may only be a matter of time before some huge conglomerate buys l.i.t.c. out. A long, long, long time, but a matter of time nonetheless.

For those of you who missed it last time, and those of you who didn't, I've got another solo acoustic show coming up THIS FRIDAY, once again at Goldie's Bar on Lincoln. Every single person who came out last time enjoyed themselves. Every single one! I wouldn't make something like that up.

Which is even more reason to forward this newsletter to friends, and for those friends to subscribe. Now, on with the shows...

Pick of the week
I added the section below so I wouldn't have to shamelessly hype my own shows in this space, but you should still come out to see me at Goldie's on Friday. Other than that, I'm looking forward to finally seeing Tributasaurus on Wednesday as they take on Genesis, and hopefully not anything post-Abacab at that.

list.in.to.COZ
If you've already got plans, stop by Goldie's afterwards. Or before. Or how about between the appetizer and the entree? The better these sorts of things go, the less you have to hear me complain about not having a day job, and putting up with the occasional show hype has to be preferable to that, right? Oh, and Vaughan's on Tuesday, because it's also fun.

Recap
There were two nice trends last week. One was a well-deserved break from the oversaturated distortion of Les Pauls through big honkin' tube amps. Not that I don't like that sound, but it was starting to seem like everyone I saw went for that sound. The other trend was finally seeing bands I've meant to check out for a while. Wednesday was The Changes, who at times sounded like King Crimson playing ska, especially with the tenor saxophonist from Bumpus sitting in. That Police-Beatles-old-time-rock axis was still a strong component throughout. On Thursday I caught Wendy Debias in an quality acoustic set, albeit clouded by the pints of Guinness her sister's boyfriend bought for me. Friday was the Katie Todd Band, who seemed to obscure the potential of their songs by concentrating a little too much on their individual parts rather than the common goal of the tune. Also on that bill were one of the only Dead-esque bands I've heard and liked, 56 Hope Road, and Anne Harris, who should have gotten a "Friends of Coz" designation, but I didn't realize my friends were still playing in her band.

6.02   monday
Patricia Barner Quartet (Green Mill)
I think it's Barber's turn in the rotation of steady Monday night jazz gigs worth checking out.

6.03   tuesday
Open Mike (Vaughan's)   SEE COZ LIVE!
No David Lee Roth last week, but it was by far the most enthusiastic reception of a Frank Zappa tune that I've seen outside of those Project/Object shows at Martyr's, even if I blew the little "Wipe Out" quote in the middle.

6.04   wednesday
Tributasaurus becomes Genesis, Motion to Fix (Martyr's)
These guys have piqued my interest more than a few times in the past, but never quite enough to get me out of the house to see them. This month, however, looks to be one of their more ambitious attempts as they take on the prog-rock legends. In the weekly KevWatch, Lindsie Reitz guitarist Kevin Holland really really likes Genesis, so he'll probably be there.

6.05   thursday
Trey Anastastio (Chicago Theatre)
I'm at least a little curious about this, as the Phish guitarist is touring with a nine-piece band. Conventional wisdom dictates that the material might be a bit more composed than the jam-band's improv-heavy shows, which could mean a drastically different sound than those phans are used to. Or not. Which is why I'm curious. This is the second of a two-night stand.

Independent Music World Series Midwest Showcase (Elbo Room)
If you know me, you know I'm generally a fan of world music, so I will generally mention this show, which features Smokin' with Superman, Orbert Davis, Phat Phunktion, The Response, Stephanie Dosen, The Lancaster Sound, on the principle that if it's world music, and it's good enough to be part of a "showcase," it's probably going to be pretty good.

6.06   friday
list.in.to.chicago presents CHRIS 'COZ' COSTELLO (Goldie's Bar)   SEE COZ LIVE!
Have I mentioned that I'm playing live on Friday? Well, I am. Last time, the second set was nothing but 80s tunes. If that's not enough of an incentive, it's completely FREE. Goldie's is at 3839 North Lincoln.

Ben Harper, Jack Johnson (UIC Pavillion)
This show is sold out, so I don't risk caniballizing my audience by mentioning it, but I have to mention that Harper's new CD, Diamonds on the Inside, is fantastic, and if I can get my act together, I'll play something from it at Goldie's.

Marigold Engine with Revolver, Silver Atlas (Elbo Room)   FRIENDS OF COZ!
Erik and company have an excused absence for the Goldie's show, and if you're the bar-hopping sort, you might want to check them out as well.

6.07   saturday
Yo La Tengo with The Clean (Riviera Theatre)
Hoboken's favorite musical export, if you completely ignore Frank Sinatra and probably some others I'm forgetting, swings through town. The burning question is whether or not they're still sleeping on Sun-Times rock critic and big fan Jim DeRogatis' floor.

Giant Step, Air This Side Of Caution, Emily Shrine (Double Door)
A big night for "bands who seem to play around town an awful lot, and that I've seen once and thought were mostly okay." With the exception of Emily Shrine, who I've never even heard of.

6.08   sunday
Garage a Trois with FCS North (Park West)
This band sits rather comfortably between the acid jazz and jam band worlds, and features guitarist Charlie Hunter, saxophonist Skerik and uber-funky drummer Stanton Moore.