list.in.to.chicago this week: 02.06.2012

They're going to run out of megastars to play at Super Bowl halftimes really soon, aren't they? Speaking of that, words cannot describe how much LMFAO irritates the shit out of me.

Pick of the week
Not a lot jumping out at me. I'd say Miles Nielsen on Friday at House of Blues, on the condition that you leave once he's finished.

list.in.to.COZ
Yes, Diver is at Fado this Saturday night. Office hours should be in full effect, although I might take Tuesday night off.

Recap
Much like Metro, the staff at Lincoln Hall was exceptionally friendly. That has to rub off on a band's performance on some level, at least if you're receptive to it. Anyway, good show, good time, and I liked what I saw of the other bands, particularly since the drummer from Raised on Zenith was apparently a guy I've criticized in the past, but really enjoyed this time around. And then we closed down Messner's, literally. Between that and Super Bowl festivities, I could use a weekend from my weekend.

2.06   monday
Patricia Barber Quartet (Green Mill)
I know from Facebook that guitarist Chris Siebold is on board this week.

Jeff Mangum with Andrew Rieger, Laura Carter, Scott Spillane (Athenaeum Theatre)   SOLD OUT!
A whole bunch of Elephant Six alums, including former members of Neutral Milk Hotel and Elf Power, in a show from the Schubas/Lincoln Hall folks.

Deleted Scenes with Hudson Branch (Subterranean)
Openers Hudson Branch have been playing a lot over the last year or so, which I keep noticing because I always have to check if they're the band I saw at Elbo Room about two years ago. They're not.

2.07   tuesday
Open Jam (Vaughan's)   COZ SINGS!
I know it sounds crazy, but every week, a bunch of people come out and take turns singing and playing guitar. I know, can you believe it?

Craig Finn with Mount Moriah (Empty Bottle)   SOLD OUT!
The word on the street is that the Hold Steady singer's solo effort is a bit darker and a bit more rural than his primary band's output, but it hasn't hit Rhapsody as of last week, so I haven't been able to check it out yet.

Jeff Mangum with Andrew Rieger, Laura Carter, Scott Spillane (Athenaeum Theatre)   SOLD OUT!
See Monday's listing.

2.08   wednesday
Sing Along With Coz (The Globe Pub)   COZ SINGS!
Last week looked bleak for a while, but then we at least got some audience members after a while, including one guy who might play some songs next time.

Sebastian Bach with Hessler (Cubby Bear)
The most succinct description of the Skid Row frontman went something like this. Butt-head: "They told this guy to break stuff so he would look cool." Beavis: "Doesn't really work, though."

2.09   thursday
Donald Harrison Quartet (Jazz Showcase)
Not to knock the rhythm section alto saxophonist has hired for this four-night stint at the Showcase, but his latest record features Ron Carter and Billy Cobham. Which means I'll be checking that out momentarily.

Telepaths with Farewell Captiain, Audiobon, Intimate Machines (Beat Kitchen)
I've been threatening to go see Farewell Captain for what, five years now? The stars might align on this one, seeing as how I live a short (okay, medium) walk from Beat Kitchen.

Scale the Summit with Elitist, Centaurus, Burn The Remains (Reggie's Rock Club)
Instrumental prog metal. Any one of those words could tip the scales pretty hard one way or the other, depending on your preferences. All three together are just a little scary to comprehend.

O.A.R. with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers (Aragon Ballroom)
The name stands for Of A Revolution, but having heard their music, I'm not quite sure what they're revolting against. Not enough Coors Light at the frat party? Occupy Wall Street they ain't.

2.10   friday
Megadeth, Motorhead with VolBeat, Lacuna Coil (Aragon Ballroom)
Having been forced to buy the entire last Motorhead record just to get the acoustic version of "Ace of Spades," I can say with reasonable certainty that a whole show's worth of Lemmy's old-school metal might turn my brain to mush, and that's before Dave Mustaine even enters the equation.

Cowboy Mouth with Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts (House of Blues)
Lots and lots of activity from Nielsen lately, although I'm not thrilled at the pairing on this one. The sheer neediness of Cowboy Mouth (everybody clap! everybody scream! let me hear you!) makes me physically angry.

Donald Harrison Quartet (Jazz Showcase)
See Thursday's listing.

2.11   saturday
DIVER (Fado Irish Pub)   SEE COZ LIVE!
The last couple of Fado crowds have been pretty disengaged, so hopefully this one breaks the streak. We've actually got a couple of new tunes for the trio format that we've been rolling out recently.

The Darkness with Foxy Shazam (Metro)   SOLD OUT!
Not many bands get the chance to put themselves back in the public eye with a Super Bowl ad right as they're about to go on tour to support their comeback record.

Rego with Elsinore, Algebro, MB (Lincoln Hall)
This is a record release for Rebecca Rego's band. I've only seen her solo, as part of that "Get Off The Couch" show we played at Ace Bar last year. And I really hope Elsinore is named after the fictitious brewery in the Bob and Doug Mackenzie movie Strange Brew.

Donald Harrison Quartet (Jazz Showcase)
See Thursday's listing.

2.12   sunday
Donald Harrison Quartet (Jazz Showcase)
See Thursday's listing, plus the matinee.