The Tragically Hip – Barrymore Theater, 05.15.2007

I was one of those poor shmucks that had never heard, much less seen, the Tragically Hip. Lucky for me a couple of my well-respected acquaintances revealed that the Hip were "their favorite band of all time." That caught my attention. I did go – and now I understand. The Hip are a very tight band, with a theatrical and charismatic lead singer. And I’ve always been a sucker for the 3-guitar and bass line-up. Gordon Downie was incredibly dynamic and expressive.


I was raving throughout, but Ed kept telling me that they hadn't even played his favorite songs yet. . . He might have been playing with me, but I found the promise of this exciting. I knew none of their material, but I was lovin' every song. The only Hip song from the show that I could name is Dire Wolf, because Gordon introduced it with an outrageous story about the Dire Wolf, with webbed feet and ability to save the drowning. They also did a great cover of "Come Together." Click here for their setlist, if you are interested.

It was incredible to see them at the Barrymore with perhaps a crowd of 800. But I’ve got to say the Hip gave it their all – as if they were playing for a crowd of 15,000 - and they repeatedly expressed appreciation to the music lovers that came out. I'm sure their Canadian fans would kill for an opportunity to see them in such a venue. And I certainly felt privileged to be there. I’m their newest fan. . .

Here are a few of my photos. More are up on my Flickr page. [Of course, Ankur would do a much better job with his digital gear. . . Yes, Shannon, I am talking to you!]

Cheers! - Mr Bill

Califone - May 18th at The High Noon Saloon

Califone is a critically-acclaimed experimental post-rock band from Chicago. The band is named after Califone International, a long-standing manufacturer of audio equipment commonly found in schools, libraries and businesses.


After the disintegration of Chicago's blues-rock innovators Red Red Meat, the band's four remaining members struck out on their own, initiating several varied endeavors but never straying too far from their home base, or each other. Ben Massarella and Tim Rutili revived their Perishable Records imprint, Brian Deck opened the Clava recording studios, adjacent to the Perishable offices, and Tim Hurley recorded and released his own Sin Ropas project on the resurrected label. Amid the flurry of activity, all four also found the time to contribute to the ill-fated, A&M-commissioned Loftus LP. While enduring the fluctuation between crisis and monotony inherent in the daily operation of a small, independent record label, Rutili began work on his next musical project, Califone. (read more from Allmusic.com)

Califone's latest release, Roots and Crowns (Thrill Jockey) has been highly praised by many trusted critics and should not be overlooked. It boasts bits of dark americana, delta blues, electronica sealed with exceptional songwriting. Those of you longing for an amazing experimental alt-country live experience should plan on attending this show.

FS

LCD Soundsystem - Metro, Chicago 05.06.2007

LCD Soundsystem recordings have great wit and an infectious energy. . . their live show is even better. James Murphy and the other four members of LCD brought their A-game to the performance at the Metro on Sunday night. Fred and I were there.


When performing live, Murphy is accompanied by the following band members:

* Al Doyle - guitar, percussion (also of Hot Chip)
* Phil Skarich - bass
* Nancy Whang - keyboards, synthesizer
* Pat Mahoney - drums

All players were quite versatile, and with the exception of drummer Pat Mahoney, the configuration changed from song to song. Sometimes there were three players on keyboards or two on bass or two on guitar or three on percussion.



Metro is a really fine venue, and highly recommended. A great sound system, clear and well balanced even at high volume. The capacity is just 1100, including the balcony area, and it feels very intimate. Wider than deep, the main floor is only about 25 feet deep. The place was packed and rockin' for this show. I certainly worked up a sweat – even with my awesome physical conditioning!
Despite the cost and hassle of reclaiming my car from the tow yard, it was well worth the trip! By the way, be sure to look all around for "No Unauthorized Parking" signs when parking in Chicago – they are not f-ing around. Although I must say, when your car is missing it’s actually a relief to discover that it has only been towed!


-BK

Joseph Arthur and the Lonely Astronauts

I had been looking forward to seeing Joseph Arthur since the show at High Noon was announced a couple months ago. The only recording of his that I had was Nuclear Daydream, but I had found that I really enjoyed it at anytime of day or night or mood. His cryptic, cosmic, Zen flavored lyrics are right up my alley - and the melody and arrangements of his songs are really pleasing to me.

The surprise for me was the calibre and composition of the Lonely Astronauts. I was there to see JA and had no idea of the talent in the band. But it did not take long to realize that each and every member was a really gifted musician. They could all sing well and the harmonies were spot on. . . The next day I got on the web to learn more about them and realized that the lead guitar was Jen Turner (Furslide, and lead guitar on Natalie Merchant's Tiger Lilly record and tour). Rhythm guitar was only Kraig Jarrett Johnson (Jayhawks and Golden Smog). And the bass player was Sybil Buck - a really fascinating character, who I thought was one of the grooviest bass players I've ever watched. (It didn't hurt that she is quite attractive either.)
The three guitar + bass lineup is always a powerful one, and this was three really strong performers that melded nicely together. It was interesting to watch JA work his effects - all those years touring alone and using loops etc to build his songs have given him an easy attitude that masked the virtuosity of his technique.

They played a lot of familiar material from Nuclear Daydream and great songs from their new release Let's Just Be. After the show, I bought the limited edition version that has hand-pressed lithography cover art. And I like this recording a lot too.

Here's the setlist (4/26/2007):

Baby's got a new friend
Spacemen
Too much to hide
Black lexus
Cocaine feet
Slide away
Enough to get away
Diamond ring
Chicago
Lack a vision
Sunrise dolls
Good life
Precious one
Take me home
I donated myself to the mexican army

Even tho *
Honey and the moon *
In the sun
Breadhead
Let's just be
I will carry
Star song

* Joseph solo

One last thing - do not tell your wife that you think a certain bass player is one of the hottest musician you've ever seen. . . This is not a good idea.