The Week In Shows

Here is our weekly list of recommended shows to catch in, and around, the city. We do not take our recommendations lightly, so you can put all of these down as money well spent on great live bands.

Friday - 3/2
The Twilight Sad @ Empty Bottle
$12 - 10pm - Opening: Young Prisms, Michah P Hinson

Late notice, but the Scottish band's sparse, moody new album is sure to sound fantastic here. As much as we love Empty Bottle, this is a band that should definitely be playing on a larger stage. The dramatic, brooding "Sick" and rumbling "Another Bed" are sure to set the room on fire.

Dia Frampton @ Subterranean
$15 - 8pm - Opening: Andrew Allen

If you are looking for something slightly cheerier to do tonight, last year's runner-up from The Voice is playing a set at Subterranean. Chad is a sucker for reality singing competitions, and Frampton (formerly of indie duo Meg & Dia) has a unique voice that should suit the venue nicely.

Saturday - 3/3
Pet Lions @ Subterranean
$10 - 9pm - Opening: Brighton, MA, Briar Rabbit, Ben Keeler

One of our favorite accidental discoveries over the last several years was stumbling across Pet Lions' "Roman History" on Pandora, only to realize that they are a Chicago band. A few shows and a great debut album later, we are fans. One of Chicago's indie outfits just waiting for the world to notice how great they are, you should definitely catch them while they are still playing the city's more quaint venues like this.

Thursday - 3/8
Yellow Ostrich @ Empty Bottle
$8 - 9:30pm - Opening: 1, 2, 3, Tin Tin Can

With a sophomore album, strange land, releasing earlier in the week, we are not quite sure how the Alex Schaaf project is playing at the smallish venue. The band's debut, The Mistress was a mind-blowing solo bedroom recording from Schaaf, achieved with loops of brilliantly layered sound and vocals. if you have somehow missed out, give it a spin - or better yet, trust us that this is a show not to be missed and catch them at Empty Bottle. It is a matter of time for the Barsuk-signed band to be playing to much larger crowds.

Friday - 3/9
Company Of Thieves @ Metro
$15 - 7pm - Opening: Bailiff, Sidewalk Chalk

Anyone that used to listen to our old podcast will not be shocked that we are recommending a Company Of Thieves show. They are easily one of the best live bands going, and it is great to see them playing a larger room. Catch them at Metro before more people figure out how damn great they are and they end up playing even bigger venues.

Maritime @ Empty Bottle
$10 - 10pm - Opening: Panoramic & True, The Minor Leagues

With two openers and Metro's notorious policy of shoving you out the door as quickly as possible once a show ends, you might have a shot to catch both Company Of Thieves and Maritime on Friday night. The Milwaukee band's latest album, Human Hearts was one of our favorite albums of last year. We can only imagine how fantastic the jogging jabs of "Paraphernalia" and raggedly strummed "Annihilation Eyes" will sound at the great venue.

Alabama Shakes @ Lincoln Hall
SOLD OUT - 10pm - Opening: Canasta, Jennifer Castle

Chicago's stellar indie pop outfit, Canasta is what would draw us to this show... if it were not sold out. Keep your eyes peeled here for future shots to catch Canasta's genius live.

Coming Soon
Saturday - 3/10
Adam Krier (AM Taxi) @ Beat Kitchen $10 10pm Opening: swizzlesteve, Kevin Andrew Prchal

Saturday - 3/17
Live Band Karaoke @ Schubas $5 5pm

Monday - 3/19
Fiona Apple @ Lincoln Hall SOLD OUT 8pm

Wednesday - 3/21
A Place To Bury Strangers @ Empty Bottle $12 9:30pm Opening: Apteka, The Big Sleep, DJ bradiy

Thursday - 3/22
Literary Rock & Roll: American Dreamers @ Metro FREE 6:30pm Readings of stories with Canasta providing music

Friday - 3/23
We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Bottom Lounge $15 9pm Opening: Bad Veins, New Cassettes
Delta Spirit @ Metro $17 9pm Opening: Waters (former Port O'Brien)
Rachael Yamagata @ Schubas $15 10pm Opening: Madi Diaz
The Temper Trap @ Lincoln Hall SOLD OUT 10pm

Saturday - 3/24
The Temper Trap @ Lincoln Hall $25 10pm
Rachael Yamagata @ Schubas $15 10pm Opening: Madi Diaz

Sunday - 3/25
Cursive @ Lincoln Hall $18 8pm Opening: Cymbals Eat Guitars, Conduits
Rosie Thomas @ Schubas $13 8pm Opening: Bhi Bhiman

Thursday - 3/29
The Pretty Reckless @ Bottom Lounge $15 6:30pm Opening: The Parlor Mob, The Hollywood Kills

Friday - 3/30
Miniature Tigers @ Schubas $15 8pm Opening: The Chain Gang Of 1974, Geographer, SPEAK

Saturday - 3/31
Ben Kweller @ Lincoln Hall $18 Opening: Sleeper Agent, The Dig

Kate Nash - May 3, 2010

UK-based singer-songwriter, Kate Nash might be lacking a bit of confidence on her recently released sophomore album, My Best Friend Is You, but she had no such issues on stage at Lincoln Hall on Monday night. Joined on stage by a four piece band to flush out the sounds, she jumped right in to the new material with the soaring "Paris" and commanding the crowd to dance before launching into, lead singe, "Do Wah Doo". The poppy, energetic start to the evening created a party-like atmosphere, with jealousy-fuelled old-school rocker set the crowd in motion a bit.

Nash sat at the keyboard, gleefully playing over the thumping beat of fan favorite "Mouthwash" before standing up to limp to the left side of the stage to strap on a guitar for "Kiss That Grrl". Nash proved an engaging, charismatic performer, talking frequently with the crowd between songs; somehow coming off equal parts charming and edgy. She responded to a fan inquiry as to the reason for her injured leg that she injured herself wrestling her grandma. The back and forth between the witty Nash and her fans was as much a highlight as anything that got played, with the most entertaining moment of the night coming courtesy of an intrepid young fan. Nash's sassy vocals, including her frantic spoken word conclusion to "Don't You Want To Share The Guilt", and the harder edge the band gave everything, most notably the explosively ragged "Take Me To A Higher Plane", was just as pleasant a surprise her personality.

She asked for quiet before "I Hate Seagulls", telling the already well-behaved fans, "don't do anything stupid", before explaining that a fan in New York called her a c*nt and yelled for her to stop playing, before showing up at a signing afterwards professing how much he loves her. Before the bliss of "Foundations", with most of the crowd singing along, Nash offered $20 to any fan that crowd-surfed from the back of the venue to the front, so she could high-five them, and then surf back. Midway through, new album standout, rat-a-tat love song "Later On", a fan, barely old enough to get in the eighteen and older show, made his way over fans' outstretched hands to the stage, to the delight of Nash. Not missing a beat on the keys, Nash invited him on-stage to dance (albeit awkwardly) behind her until the song's conclusion.

The song ended with the fan getting his high-five, but Nash surprised him by allowing him to sit at the keyboard and watch "Mansion Song" as she moved again to the side mic. Nash asked for the lights to be darkened for the song, potentially to mask the young fan's blushing face, as she launched into an f-bomb laced diatribe directed at female groupies looking for rockstar loving. The furious prog-pop tune worked great live because of how effectively Nash sold it, leading into the similarly post-punk leanings of "I Just Love You More". The two songs left you wondering what an all-out punk album would sound like from the British pop star. She called for the fan to return to the stage for the closing punk thrasher, "Model Behaviour".

The only disappointment in the set was the absence of "Pumpkin Soup" and the lack of an encore. The set ended with Nash hopping off-stage, using her 'hero' as human crutch. The house lights popped on to the sold-out crowd's amazement, leading to lots of groaning, confusion, shouting to coax her back out, and some 'encore' chants. The stage manager eventually came out to distribute the set lists to the fans, and indicating that she would be doing a meet-and-greet with fans at the merch booth. It is hard to feel short-changed after an hour and ten minute set where the artist hangs out afterwards to meet you. Kate Nash might write lovely pop tunes on album, but live she is all rockstar.

Paris
Do Wah Doo
Mouthwash
Kiss That Grrrl
Take Me To A Higher Plane
Don't You Want To Share The Guilt
I Hate Seagulls
I've Got A Secret
Foundations
Later On
Mansion Song
I Just Love You More
Model Behaviour

Upcoming Shows - Week ending May 9th

Monday, May 3rd - Lincoln Hall – 7pm – SOLD OUT

Headliner: Kate Nash

Opener: Supercute

UK-based singer-songwriter is touring in support of her recently released sophomore album, My Best Friend Is You. While it is not as instantly striking as her debut, there is plenty here to warrant the sold out crowd and keep her near the top of the list of UK pop stars worth your attention.

Thursday, May 6th – Park West – 7:30pm - $16

Headliner: Kaki King

Openers: An Horse

It is a pleasant surprise to find tickets still available to see this incredible, unique guitarist in action. Do yourself a favor and get in now, before more people notice.

Saturday, May 8th – Metro - 9pm – SOLD OUT

Headliner: Frightened Rabbit

Openers: Maps & Atlases, Our Brother The Native

This show has been sold out for a month now, with good reason. Consider this your warning to pay attention next time we tell you Scotland's indie darlings come through. Their recently released third album, Winter Of Mixed Drinks, is a fantastic album that has the unfortunate duty of following their modern classic, Midnight Organ Fight. Be sure to catch them at Lollapalooza this year if you are one of the unlucky shut out of this one.

Saturday, May 8th – Schubas – 7pm and 10:30pm - $14

Headliner: Canasta

Openers: Gregory And The Hawk (early), Brighton, MA (late)

Chicago's own orchestral pop geniuses, Canasta are finally ready to release their sophomore album, The Fakeout, The Tease And The Breather, on May 18th. These pair of album-release shows is your chance to both hear the new songs live and get your hands on the new album ten days before the rest of the world finds out how damn great it is; since the ticket price includes a copy of the new album. Head over to their site and check out the new songs, fully streaming, and get yourselves a ticket.

Phantogram - April 22, 2010

here is a reason we like to see a band twice before we like to crown them must-see. In the case of, electro-pop duo, Phantogram, seeing them a second time is essential to find out just how fresh the experience is each time out. With a video-screen display to give the set a more dynamic visual appearance, and a duo made up of a dj and a guitarist, you wonder just how unique the set can really be from one to the next. As the New York duo demonstrated Thursday night at Lincoln Hall, they keep things plenty fresh each outing.

The duo were an energetic, engaging success at Schubas a few months back, but they seem to have evolved even further as a live act since then. A larger screen and new videos to accompany the songs were fantastic, but the biggest changes were in regards to the sound. The duo, Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, incorporated looping vocals into the songs, allowing them to remix their songs on the fly. It gave the mysterious thump and flickering guitar of "Running From The Cops" a more playful twist. Between the aquatic imagery and thick on-stage fog, the tranquil, Roxy Music-esque "You Are The Ocean" was a definite highlight of the set, showcasing both Carter's unique charm as a vocalist and the duo's great harmonies as Barthel twisted and danced to the beat.

Barthel sang "This Is The Future", heavy on her looping, sampled vocals, over a twitchy beat and thick bass line. The new track feels like it could use a little work, especially to iron out the cluttered prog-rock feeling moments that feel out of place. Barthel seemed a little more involved in the vocals of the bass-heavy "Turn It Off", making it feel more like a duet than the Carter-led version on the album. The set ended with the hauntingly sexy "When I'm Small", with Barthel belting out vocals with a brasher, more passionate edge that displayed just how great her voice is, and left you wishing she used that side of her voice a little more often. They actually got a decent amount of the sold-out crowd dancing for the club-ready jam; a massive accomplishment in Chicago. Phantogram's willingness to tinker with their already infectious songs makes them a band not to miss.

The party unfortunately stopped when The Antlers hit the stage. The Brooklyn-based trio opened with the slow burning falsetto of "Kettering". It showed off the pipes of front-man Peter Silberman, and the gradual climb to the song's eventual fiery explosion was great. The dramatically sparse verses and overwhelming, epic flush of sound of the chorus on "Sylvia" again showed off Silberman's fantastic vocal range. If it were only the near theatrical vocals or their knack for stretching out the last moments of a song for several minutes each, they may have been more effective. Instead, it made everything feel heavy and overly self-important; which is quite the opposite of the feeling you get from them on album. The intense drama of every song made The Antlers a bit of an exhausting downer following on the heels of the energetic duo that opened. In the end, it felt like the sets should have been flipped. Half an hour of the somber, dramatic rock from The Antlers is plenty, but you can always go for more Phantogram.

Mates Of State Announce Crushes Tour

On the heels of the album announcement, Mates Of State have announced The Summer Crushes Tour. In addition to their unique take on a covers album, the duo are bringing a refreshingly different set of opening acts on tour with them. The duo's own Jason Hammel will serve as the tour's resident DJ, and the openers will include party-rock band Free Energy and a couple of stand-up comedians. In Chicago, we get the aforementioned Free Energy and stand-up comedian Todd Barry on June 22nd at Lincoln Hall. See the full listing below:

6/15 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse * #
6/16 Rochester, NY @ Water Street * #
6/17 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church % #
6/18 Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Small's * #
6/19 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop * #
6/21 Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century * #
6/22 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall * #
6/23 Minneapolis, MN @ 400 Bar *
6/24 Minneapolis, MN @ 400 Bar *
6/25 Omaha, NE @ Slowdown *
6/26 Denver, CO @ Bluebird *
6/28 Salt Lake City, UT @ In the Venue *
6/30 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall * ^
7/1 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall * ^
7/2 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo * ^
7/3 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo * ^
7/4 Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress *
7/6 Lubbock, TX @ Jake's *
7/7 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theatre *
7/8 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live *
7/9 Baton Rouge @ Spanish Moon *
7/10 Birmingham @ Workplay *
7/12 Athens, GA @ 40 Watt * ^
7/13 Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel * ^
7/14 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar * ^
7/15 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall ^
7/16 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom ^
=====================================
* w/ Free Energy
# w/ Todd Barry
^ w/ Nick Thune
% w/ Suckers

Rogue Wave - Saturday, April 17th

Things have not been easy for Oakland's Rogue Wave over the last couple of years, but you would not have known it from their energetic performance at the first of two sold-out shows at, new Chicago hot-spot, Lincoln Hall. Zach Rogue may have spent a good portion of last year paralyzed and in pain from to slipped discs, but the brighter outlook found on the latest album came through just as well live.

The band dove into the set with half-a-dozen tracks off their latest release, Permalight. Opener, "Stars And Stripes" felt like it was all vocals and beat, with the two guitars barely audible. Things got a little better with the thumping rhythm and flickering disco ball of the danceable "Good Morning", but the energetic, synth-fuelled party track was still largely lacking guitar to balance out the sound. A quick switch of guitars on "Per Anger" for Rogue helped add a little oomph missing from the first couple of songs. It helped that Rogue's voice began to warm up some, to reveal the same compelling frayed tenor found on the albums.

The acoustic-based "Sleepwalker" and "Solitary Gun" served as definite highlights out of the batch of new material, but even they seemed to lack the same spark found on the album versions. It was clear at the show just how much care went into fine tuning the songs in the studio, which failed to translate in a live setting. The crowd roared enthusiastically when Rogue asked if they wanted to hear some older material, and a few moments into fan-favorite "Publish My Love" revealed why. The older material has a much heavier, more guitar-driven thrust to them. It would serve the new songs well if the band roughed them up a bit live, similar to the more aggressive turn they gave "Permalight" at the end of the encore.

Without exception, the older material trumped the new songs on-stage; despite how great the new material plays on album. Nothing off Permalight came close to matching the feel-good rock-stomp of "Harmonium" or the drum-happy euphoria of "Lake Michigan". It felt a bit like the band has a little work to do with the new material live, but the songs, and the band, are certainly good enough for them to tweak them into crowd-pleasers quickly.

Stars And Stripes
Good Morning
Per Anger
Sleepwalker
Solitary Gun
I'll Never Leave You
Publish My Love
Every Moment
Bird On A Wire
Eyes
Lake Michigan
Harmonium

Kicking The Heart Out
Permalight

Upcoming Shows - Week ending April 25th

Thursday, April 22nd - Lincoln Hall - 9pm - $13

Headliner: The Antlers

Opener: Phantogram

We begged you to catch, electro-pop duo, Phantogram when they played Schubas a few months ago, warning you that it would be a rare chance to catch the rising stars at a smallish venue. Now they are at the larger Lincoln Hall opening for, fellow buzz-band, The Antlers. It will not be long before venues this size will be a memory for them too.

Thursday, April 22nd - Congress Theater - 7pm - $25

Headliner: Passion Pit

Openers: Mayer Hawthorne & The Country

Having sold out Congress Theater earlier this month, Passion Pit return for what should be another sold out performance. Get your tickets while you can, as word of just how great their dance-happy, synth-fuelled rock is spreads.

Friday, April 23rd - Bottom Lounge - 8pm - $15

Headliner: The Whigs

Openers: Empires, Old Fake

You have a choice tonight, but one listen to the latest album from, Athens-based grunge rockers, The Whigs and the decision becomes clear. Blending blues and classic rock with their affinity for nineties grunge this time around works wonders for their already great sound. Get an early listen to a band you should not miss at Lollapalooza this year.

Friday, April 23rd - Park West - 8pm - $27

Headliner: Martin Sexton

Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton provides a great back-up plan for those who will get shut out of the sure-to-sell-out Whigs show. His amazing vocal range, heartfelt songwriting, and music that blends soul, blues, and roots rock is sure to please.

Sunday, April 25th - The Vic - 7pm - $21.50
Headliner: Sia

Sunday is a tough decision, sure to spread concert-loving Chicagoans across a few venues. There is no wrong choice here, and Australia's Sia certainly is a very good one. Her sound is pop, but is as unique, varied, and refreshing as her collaborations – which recently have included appearances on The Flight Of The Conchords' sophomore album, writing songs for Christina Aguilera's upcoming album, and laid down guest vocals on the David Byrne and Fatboy Slim album.

Sunday, April 25th - Lincoln Hall - 9pm - $14
Headliner: The Album Leaf
Opener: Sea Wolf

We do not normally recommend heading out to shows to see an opening act, but Sea Wolf is not normally an opening act. We love the gypsy-flavored acoustic rock of Sea Wolf more than we can possibly explain here. There is nothing quite like them in music today, and Alex Church Brown's knack for storytelling in the lyrics is just as gorgeous as the music. On album, Sea Wolf are a tranquil beauty. Live, they are an indie rock party. If you have never seen them live, you need to be at Lincoln Hall on Sunday night.
Sunday, April 25th - Metro - 9pm - $13
Headliner: White Rabbits
Openers: Here We Go Magic, Pet Lions

All you really need to know about White Rabbits can be seen in the clip of them playing "Percussion Gun" on Letterman last year. Soulful vocals, two drummers, and a ragged, heart-pounding indie rock sound make them a must-see band. Add in Chicago's own up-and-coming indie pop sensations Pet Lions, and we are not quite sure how there can possibly still be tickets available.

Podcast 13 - Is This Thing On?

This week, we discuss the recent Rogue Wave show at Lincoln Hall, drool over upcoming albums from AM Taxi, The Mynabirds, and The Dig. We also recommend a handful of great upcoming shows - including The Whigs this

You can get the podcast by subscribing by iTunes or Zune, or by using the podcast feed in any podcast provider, or just listen to it using the streaming widget on the right side of the page.

**Small programming note - Tonight's Bad Lieutenant show has been canceled due to the volcanic ash cloud travel restrictions.

Upcoming Shows - Week ending April 18th

Thursday, April 15th – Lincoln Hall – 9pm - $14
Headliner: Cloud Cult
Opener: Roma di Luna
We have ourselves an early copy of Cloud Cult's upcoming EP, Running With The Wolves. Every so often you run across a show you know you will regret missing for years to come. This is that kind of show. The EP is comprised of only one track from their upcoming new album, but just that little taste is so amazingly rich and euphoric that it makes this chance to catch a bigger glimpse into the new album a must-see show.

Thursday, April 15th – Schubas – 9pm - $15
Headliner: Adam Green
Opener: The Dead Trees

We saw this tour as the opening act to The Cribs a few months back, and were amazed at the excellence of The Dead Trees and the strangely compelling nature of Adam Green. The punk-lounge singer-songwriter is not everyone's cup-of-tea, but it is hard to take your eyes off his unique, clever act.

Saturday, April 17th – Lincoln Hall – 7pm and 10:30pm - $15/SOLD OUT
Headliner: Rogue Wave
Opener: Man/Miracle (early), JBM (late)

With a Lollapalooza announcement and a great new release, Permalight, on their side, it is no surprise that one of two of Rogue Wave's shows on Saturday night has sold-out. The surprise is that the other one has not… yet. Get your tickets now, because their grungy acoustic pop tunes are an excellent fit for Lincoln Hall.

Phantogram Adds Tour Dates

NY electro-pop duo, Phantogram is set to return to Chicago as they lend support to, fellow buzz-worthy New Yorkers', The Antlers. We warned you back in February that the Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel project was not long for the smaller stages of places like Schubas, so jump on this opportunity to see them at Lincoln Hall while it lasts. You have been warned - be at Lincoln Hall early for their April 22nd show! If you still need convincing, head over to Pitchfork and check out the video for the mesmerizing "Mouthful Of Diamonds".

April:
15 Buffalo, NY Soundlab
16 Columbus, OH The Basement *
17 Urbana IL, Canopy Club *
18 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon *
20 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theatre *
21 Iowa City, IA The Blue Moose *
22 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall *
23 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig *
24 Rock Island, IL Rock Island Brewing Company *
26 Boulder, CO Fox Theater *
28 San Diego, CA Casbah *
29 Costa Mesa, CA Detroit Bar *
30 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour *
May:
1 San Francisco, CA Independent *
3 Portland, OR Doug Fir *
4 Vancouver, BC The Biltmore Cabaret *
5 Seattle, WA Neumo's *
18 Hoboken, NJ Maxwell's
19 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
31 George, WA Sasquatch! Music Festival
* w/ The Antlers

Podcast 9 Up!

This week, we talk about Lilith and Lollapalooza festivals, and discuss the latest amazing show from Company Of Thieves. We also give our rundown of the next month's worth of shows to hit.

You can get to the podcast either by subscribing on iTunes or using our feed. Enjoy!

Company Of Thieves - March 18, 2010

Those long wait times between sets are always frustrating as a fan, especially when you can see the instruments all ready to go, like wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, with the band just waiting it out until the posted start time. It is refreshing to see a band so excited to jump on stage and play that they rip into the set list ten minutes early. Such was the case with Chicago's Company Of Thieves on Thursday night.

The extra time allowed them to take an extra new track or two out for a test drive. The half-a-dozen new tracks the quintet managed to squeeze in fit wonderfully within their eclectic songbook. From the energetic opener, "Pig", to the bosa nova flavored epic closer, "Like A Storm", allowing the band to show their explosive chops, it was clear the band is spreading their wings even further for the sophomore album. The smoky jazz of "Gorgeous/Grotesque" had front woman Genevieve Schatz singing through gritted teeth before the song unwrapped itself into a thick, bluesy solo for guitarist Marc Walloch and more of the belted-out vocals that makes Schatz such a force on stage. The best of the new material was easily the "Won't Go Quiet", with a breezier acoustic backing shining the spotlight directly on Schatz's amazing vocal skills. The song is good enough to serve as the lead single from the new album, which they have been hard at work writing material for over the last six months.

The band did a great job hitting as many fan favorites as possible with the rest of the setlist, though it is hard to hit everyone's favorites from an album as consistently brilliant as their debut without playing everything. An oddity on the album, the uneasy "Old Letters" is a live gem without the orchestral backing. Schatz introduced the hard-hitting "Pressure" as a song written when they were sacrificing everything for the band and playing open mic nights. It leaves you wondering what other mind-blowing talents are playing open mics. "The Fire Song" combined a thundering celebration of music with some of the most emotional vocals of the night. Set staple, "Oscar Wilde" came with a 'thank you' to XRT for their support. The band had a blast playing their biggest hit, clearly still as in love with the song's shimmering riffs and anthemic hook as fans are. At one point, the show was listed on Lincoln Hall's page as a 'special acoustic performance'. That changed weeks ago, but the sparse "Even In The Dark", with only Walloch on acoustic guitar to back the vocals, made you almost wish it had remained acoustic.

Company Of Thieves is one of those magical bands that, regardless of what time the set ends, you are left completely awake, in awe, and in need of more. The end of the regular set left fans chanting "Four more songs!", rather than the usual refrain of, "One more song!" The band tore through the bouncy pop of "Under The Umbrella" for the too-brief encore, before unleashing Walloch's guitar prowess on the fiery instrumental coda. The announcement that they will be at Lollapalooza is a bittersweet one, as you are left knowing their infectious rock will land on more ears, but also knowing the unfortunate 'no Chicago shows three months before or after' rule will keep the band out of local venues for a bit. At least that should give them time to record the much-needed follow-up to Ordinary Riches.


Pig
In Passing
Karen
Old Letters
Pressure
Queen Of Hearts
Gorgeous/Grotesque
The Fire Song
Nothing's In The Flowers
Oscar Wilde
Even In The Dark
Won't Go Quiet
Like A Storm

Under The Umbrella

Upcoming Shows - Week ending March 21st

Our recommendations are a bit all over the map this week, but sometimes a little variety is a good thing. We promise you cannot go wrong with any of these four shows.


Monday, March 15th – Abbey Pub – 9pm - $10
Headliner: Stand

Is there a better way to kick off St. Patrick's Day week than seeing a great Irish rock band at an Irish pub? These guys have somehow slipped by us until the recent release of their latest album, 100,000 Ways To Harvest Hope. Based on the strength of songs like the jangling, heartfelt "Love Will Never Creep In", we are not sure how that happened.


Wednesday, March 17th – Metro – 8pm - $17
Headliner: The Tossers
Openers: Scott Lucas & The Married Men, The Matics, The Bottle & Stone Battalion

Southside Celtic-punk outfit, The Tossers play their annual St. Patrick's Day show at Metro. Need we say more?


Thursday, March 18th – Lincoln Hall – 9pm - $14
Headliner: Company Of Thieves
Openers: John Henry & The Engine, Hollus

We Are pretty sure we have somehow mentioned Company Of Thieves, in one way or another, on every podcast we have done. One visit to see the band we call 'Chicago's Finest' and you will know why. The glistening guitar, the vocal power of Genevieve Schatz, and the jazzy undercurrent running through their catchy, soulful brand of rock will win you over. They are your new favorite band, you just don't know it yet.


Friday, March 19th – Lincoln Hall – 9pm - $10
Headliner: The Right Now
Openers: VertiKal, Weber Band

You are not going to get too many soul or r&b recommendations on this site, but this one is an exceptional exception. This Chicago-based soul band is a throwback to classic Motown and Philly soul, serving up a full-band experience you do not get often enough out of the genre anymore. Give a listen to the horn-blaring goodness of "Ain't Going Back" and just try to resist this show. We dare you.

We Were Promised Jetpacks - March 11, 2010

Shows like Thursday's We Were Promised Jetpacks appearance at Lincoln Hall are why we do what we do here, and was another in a great streak of reasons we always recommend showing up to shows early.

Brooklyn's Bear Hands opened the night with a solid set of indie rock that reminded us a bit of a psychedelic-tinged Vampire Weekend at parts. The passionate, aching vocals and heavy, distinct rhythms really made it clear why they are lined up for upcoming tours with Passion Pit and As Tall As Lions. Make sure to head to shows early where these guys are involved. Newly crowned next-big-thing, The Lonely Forest delivered the kind of performance that will only add to the swelling excitement around the summer release of their Chris Walla produced album, Arrows. Full of exceedingly catchy hooks and shaggy guitars, they are a bit like a poppier version of early Death Cab For Cutie. It is easy to hear why Walla chose this band to launch his new record label. "Is There An End" stood out in a set of gooey gems, sounding like a polished garage band taking on the brit-pop classics of John Hughes films.

Though the venue was packed from the start for the great three-band lineup, it was clear, as good as the first two bands were, the masses were there for Scotland's We Were Promised Jetpacks. The foursome took the stage to the haunting sound of the operator numbers from "A Half Built House" before fluttering through the instrumental introduction to "Keep Warm". The slow build up from atmospheric beauty to the jagged, jittery riffs of the song kicked the set off wonderfully. The tightly wound bliss of "Quiet Little Voices" came next, sounding as if it could snap and fall apart at any moment as front man Adam Thompson's stand-and-deliver method of belting out the cathartic lyrics rained over the crowd. It is a testament to the band that they have the confidence to play what could easily serve as the fist-pounding set-closer as the second track of the night; a move which could spell disaster for a lesser band.

We Were Promised Jetpacks are not exactly short on shout-a-long material. Lovestruck "Moving Clocks Run Slow" got a boost with edgier, determined vocals from Thompson to match the frantically spewing riffs. The band took the opportunity to play a couple of new tracks from their just-released The Last Place You'll Look EP. The EP itself is a more restrained take on the band's sound, but they ramped them up a bit to fit in better with the aggressive tone of the set. "A Far Cry" retained its sleepy open, but quickly gave way to rocky waves of riffs and rolling beats. The slow lead in of the operator numbers anxiously mocked the start of the topical "It's Thunder And It's Lightning"; with concert-goers braving a fierce spring storm on the way to the show. As soon as the pounding beat kicked up for the explosive song, the crowd erupted to sing-a-long.

The band wisely chose the ballsier version of "This Is My House, This Is My Home", rather than the softer take featured on the EP, before the wildly thrashing "Ships With Holes Will Sink". They are not likely to surprise you live, but when songs have as much raw emotion as "Ships", there is no need to mess with a good thing. The only small complaint of the night was the lack of an encore after the hour-long set. Thompson joked that they were 'silly', but when you earn it the way they did, there is nothing 'silly' about it. Thomspson commented at one point that they had played to about twenty fans at Empty Bottle last time through, and thanked everyone for coming back and 'bringing friends'. Based on the hard-charging set Thursday night, it is not hard to imagine the band playing to even larger, sold-out venues in the near future.

Keep Warm
Quiet Little Voices
Moving Clocks Run Slow
With The Benefit Of Hindsight
A Far Cry
It's Thunder And It's Lightning
Roll Up Your Sleeves
This Is My House, This Is My Home
Ships With Holes Will Sink
Short Bursts

Cloud Cult Ready New Album, Play A Few Shows

With a new album on the horizon, Cloud Cult is playing a few shows near their new hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. Luckily for us, that means a Chicago date at (cool-show hoggers) Lincoln Hall. Head out to the April 15th date for a chance to hear some of the new material, and possibly even win a painting at the after-show auction. The band travels with two artists, who are on-stage during the shows painting. The paintings are then auctioned off after the show

April

15th Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL
16th Majestic Theatre Madison, WI

22nd U of M Earth Day Show Minneapolis, MN

Kate Nash Announces North American Tour Dates

Poppy UK singer-songwriter, Kate Nash has released a handful of North American tour dates in support of her soon-to-be-released sophomore album, My Best Friend Is You, produced by, former Suede guitarist, Bernard Butler. You can get your hands on the album starting April 20th, then catch her live a little over a week later at Lincoln Hall on May 3rd.

April 26 - Toronto, ONT - Mod Theatre
April 28 - Boston, MA - Great Scott's
April 29 - New York, NY - The Bowery
May 1 - Williamsburg, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
May 3 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
May 5 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
May 7 - Seattle, WA - Neumo's
May 8 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill
May 11 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey

Upcoming Shows - Week Ending March 14th

Got plans this weekend? You might want to rethink them…

Thursday, March 11th – Lincoln Hall – 9pm - $12

Headliner: We Were Promised Jetpacks

Openers: The Lonely Forest, Bear Hand

The latest Scotland sensation, We Were Promised Jetpacks returns to Chicago for a show at the wonderful Lincoln Hall. With a sound full of ragged, restless riffs and some amazingly gut-wrenching lyrics, they have a buzz around them for a reason. Their cathartic debut release was among the best we heard in 2009, and think you would have to have a screw loose to miss the band live. If you only see one show this week, make it this one!

Friday, March 12^th – Schubas – 7pm - $12

Headliner: David Ford

Openers: Brent Puls

If you manage to make out to just two shows this weekend, we highly recommend UK singer-songwriter David Ford at Schubas. Singer-songwriters may be a dime-a-dozen, but Ford's unique one-man-band show, looping all the pieces together live on stage, is truly something you need to see to believe. Add a fantastic voice and brutally honest lyrics, and you have a can't-miss show.

Friday, March 12^th – United Center – 7:30pm - $40 – $60

Headliner: Muse

Openers: Silversun Pickups

If you are in the market for something much, much bigger, head over to United Center for two stadium-ready bands – Muse and Silversun Pickups. We normally ignore the United Center shows here, but having witnessed first-hand the brilliance of both bands, we find this one a great exception.

Friday and Saturday, March 12^th and 13^th – The Vic – 8pm - $50, $100, $250

Headliner: Jeff Tweedy

The Wilco front man puts on these annual benefit shows once a year, so this is your limited opportunity to catch Jeff Tweedy in a solo setting. The price may be a little higher, but it is not like you are going to be catching Wilco in this intimate a venue anytime in the near future.

Friday, March 12^th – Beat Kitchen – 9pm - $12

Headliner: Pelican

Openers: Piebender, Follows

This would be an easier recommendation if it were not for all else going on this night. The good news is, you can probably catch the molten instrumental metal of Pelican after heading to Metro to see Mustard Plug.

Friday, March 12^th – Metro – 6:30pm - $19

Headliner: Aqua Bats

Openers: Mustard Plug, Plunket

If you are in the mood for some horn-happy ska, Mustard Plug might be just the ticket on Friday night. Go skanking!

Saturday, March 13^th – The Bottom Lounge – 7pm - $15

Headliner: Ted Leo And The Pharmacists

Openers: Title Tracks, The Chicago Stone Lightning Band

Ted Leo And The Pharmacists head to Chicago on the heels of releasing this week's The Brutalist Bricks. We recommend heading out and finding out and hearing their energetic balance of punk and pop live.

Saturday, March 13^th – The Aragon – 6pm - SOLD OUT

Headliner: Flogging Molly

Openers: Frank Turner And The Architects

This eclectic fusion of traditional Irish music and punk rock is playing at a venue as large as The Aragon for a reason. It's not quite St. Patrick's Day, but why not get the week off to a Guinness soaked start?

Upcoming Shows - Week ending March 7th

Another week, another batch of quality shows to check out. At least this week, there is just one night with a choice to make.
Tuesday, March 2nd – Schubas – 8pm - $10
Headliner: The new York Songwriting Circle: Chicago Showcase

The Sandhill Crane, Ty Maxon, and Ryan Suzuka might not ring a bell yet, but either did Company Of Thieves when they won this competition with "Oscar Wilde" in 2007. If you are a bit more adventurous with your concertgoing, we think you are very likely to stumble upon at least one or two of the six artists here that will make you glad you gave the showcase a shot.

Thursday, March 4th – The Vic – 7:30pm - $26.50
Headliner: Gomez
Opener: One eskimO

Britpop indie outfit, Gomez returns to the states with their multi-lead singer setup for an all-too rare stop at The Vic. Be sure to get there on time to catch up-and-coming opening act, One eskimO; whose brand of atmospheric acoustic rock is sure to win you over.

Friday, March 5th – Lincoln Hall – 10pm – SOLD OUT
Headliner: Black Joe Lewis And The Honeybears
Openers: Hacienda, DJRC

If you ever wished you were born a few decades earlier to catch the likes of James Brown live in his prime, this is your (more modern) chance. Black Joe Lewis and his band bring the funk, soul, and blues like no other; full of blaring horns, soulful backing vocals, and guttural vocals from their amazing front man.

Friday, March 5th – Empty Bottle – 10pm - $10
Headliner: Foreign Born
Openers: Free Energy, Clovers, DJ Hugsen Kissus

If you did not heed our warning and grab your tickets to Black Joe Lewis early, Free Energy's opening set at Empty Bottle on Friday night is a fine substitute. With a sound that lovingly recalls the party rock of the late seventies, Free Energy is a new band worth keeping tabs on.

Saturday, March 6th – Lincoln Hall – 10pm - $14
Headliner: Fruit Bats
Openers: Blue Giant (ex Viva Voce), The Singleman Affair

Fruit Bats are great, but the real draw here has to be Blue Giant. The husband and wife team that were the ragged rock duo Viva Voce have jumped ship to create Blue Giant, a full band. The expanded lineup expands their sound, and gives them a more southern-blues sound. Does four members equal twice the awesomeness of Viva Voce? Vanguard Records, the label that recently scooped them up, sure thinks so. Find out why on Saturday.

Portugal. The Man - February 27th, 2010

Opening bands are supposed to warm up the crowd in anticipation of the main act, but too often it feels like sonic appetizers were picked by a blindfolded ape throwing darts at a wall. It is rare that a three-band lineup flows as well as The Dig, Port O'Brien, and Portugal. The Man did on Friday night at Lincoln Hall.

Unheralded, though not for long, New York quartet, The Dig was first up with a powerful half-hour set that sufficiently lathered up the sold-out crowd. As is the case with most opening bands lacking an official release, they took the stage with the majority of the crowd in the bar area rather than inside the concert hall. The heavy thump of the beat and fluttering guitars quickly charmed anyone within earshot, steadily filling the venue as the set went on. With a unique sound that feels a bit like, fellow NY indie, White Rabbits mixed with a hint of Sam Roberts' glistening classic rock, The Dig will not remain unknowns for long. Keep an eye out for their debut, Electric Toys, set for release April 27th.

Port O'Brien's acoustic folk might seem a strange fit for bill, and following a strong set from The Dig they had something to prove. As Nate correctly predicted on our podcast a few weeks back, Port O'Brien cranked up the rock aspect of their sound to fit more in line with Portugal. The Man; with truly stunning results. The wonderfully sloppy harmonies were all but gone, save the final song of the set, as were the twangy soundscape of mostly acoustic guitar and banjo-fuelled songs. Part of the change may have been forced by the absence of Cambria Goodwin, unable to head out for this tour. Instead, the quartet ratcheted up the electric guitars and rocked out for a sound more akin to hard-charging Tom Petty. The more aggressive sound brought out the best in the band, with a more focussed set than we had previously seen them deliver playing in front of Sea Wolf. Without Goodwin's waifish vocals on-stage, front man Van Pierszalowski sounded more powerful on songs like the sturdier "My Will Is Good". The killer set from the suddenly-polished band ended with crowd-participation of "I Woke Up Today", where the band taught the swelling crowd the wordless hook before handing out pots and pans from an on-stage box for added percussion.

Alaska's Portugal. The Man hit the stage and unleashed a whole show's worth of gritty, blues-drenched guitar within just the first song, "And I". Stadium-ready rocker, "People Say" had front man John Baldwin Gourley belting out the soulful song with hat pulled low beneath a hoodie drawn tight. The seeming lack of on-stage confidence had no effect on the performance, with Gourley's uniquely high-pitched vocals delivering the goods as he bopped to the beat, nimbly working the guitar. There were a handful of delicious, grittier goodies from the soon-to-be-released American Ghetto, but the stars of the night were from, last year's brilliant blend of soul and classic rock, Satanic Satanist. Stomping psychedelic rocker "The Home", the sweet hooked "Do You", and the blues-enriched pop of "Guns And Dogs" shined as examples of why the band continues to play larger venues each time they return to Chicago. The blistering hour and twenty minute set proved Portugal. The Man to be the kind of band you quit your job and follow on tour.

Upcoming Shows - Week ending February 28th

Talk about a busy weekend! You would almost have to try to have a bad time this over this coming weekend. When it rains, it pours – and from Friday through Sunday, it is a torrential storm of rock in Chicago!

Friday, February 26th - Lincoln Hall - 10pm – SOLD OUT
Headliner: Portugal. The Man
Openers: Port O'Brien, The Dig

If you have been listening to the podcast, you know how excited we have been for this show. Portugal. The Man is a mind-blowing live band that deserves your immediate attention. This genre-blending rock band out of Alaska are playing larger venues every time through with good reason. If you got your tickets before this one sold out, make sure to get there early to catch Port O'Brien. The bay area folk-rockers are a heck of a lot of fun live, and should put you in great spirits for the main act. We will be shocked if you don't walk out of the show with a copy of Threadbare in your hand.

Friday, February 26th - Cubby Bear – 9pm - $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Headliner: Story Of The Year
Opener: Saosin, AM Taxi

We would not normally recommend hitting a show to see an opening band, let alone one where the band in question is the first opener, but there are a few things that make this one an exception. First, the band is AM Taxi, who we firmly believe are set to blow up big. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, this is Q101's 'No Brainer' concert to benefit the American Brain Tumor Association. Great cause and a great band? Winner, winner - especially for those who missed out on the sold-out Portgual. The Man show.


Friday, February 26th – Schubas – 10pm – SOLD OUT
Headliner: Rocky Votolato
Opener: Josh Caterer

Well done, Chicago! It seems you really want to rock on Friday night, with two quality sold out shows on Friday night. Thankfully, Schubas advises that Rocky Votolato will be back supporting his fantastic new album, True Devotion, on April 16th at Lincoln Hall. Count us in, and we recommend you do the same! If not for the face-melting Portugal. The Man show, we would be here… or at the AM Taxi show. How did we go the last week with nothing to do, and have three land on the same night?

Saturday, February 27th – The Hideout – 9pm - $8
Headliner: Pet Lions
Opener: Resident DJs, Bald E and Mother Hubbard

Described on The Hideout's site as a 'dance party and social', we are not quite sure what to expect here; other than some outstanding danceable indie pop courtesy of Chicago's Pet Lions. Regardless of what happens before and after, Pet Lions are worth heading out for.

Saturday, February 27th – Schubas – 10pm - $14
Headliner: Laura Veirs & The Hall Of Flames
Opener: Old Believers, Cataldo

If not for the mysterious fun of the show listed above, it would be an easy decision to check out the folksy acoustic goodness of Laura Veirs. Her latest effort, July Flame, is a gorgeous listen that we can only imagine is even more wonderful live. If we could be at two places at once, we would be here… and would make our clone go to our day jobs.

Saturday and Sunday, February 27th and 28th – Metro – 9pm, 6pm – SOLD OUT
Headliner: Alkaline Trio
Opener: Cursive, The Dear & Departed

Alkaline Trio doesn't need a lineup like this to sell out Chicago. Even though you are probably there to check out the new disc, This Addiction, live, make sure to get there early to catch both of the opening bands; who are worth your time in their own right. At least you have two other great options for live music on Saturday if you are without tickets.