Schubas: best bets for shows in February & March 2008

I’ve often felt lucky to be living so close to Schubas (72 feet according to google maps). I’ve had some of my favorite concert experiences there. It’s the perfect size (holds maybe 200), has good acoustics, is rarely deafening, has a decent beer selection and serves delicious food. And, did I mention that it’s close?

Whenever a band I know (and enjoy) stops by, I try to see the show. I’ve dragged a few friends over from time to time, and it just happens that there are a wealth of good opportunities in the upcoming months. I encourage my Chicago friends to check out a few of the following concerts:

2/15/08 – Howie Day (sold out, else I’d provide the Schubas link) I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he’s playing at Schubas, considering the success of his single, collide.

2/29/08 – Pela Since I have to work on the extra day of the year, (isn’t February 29th the biggest crock ever for those of us that have salaried jobs? Ugh.) I feel fortunate to be able to check out what is sure to be an excellent show. I wrote about the first time I saw them at Schubas. I’m looking forward to the second experience.

3/1/08 – Griffin House- Alex introduced me to Griffen last year at a benefit concert at the Hard Rock Cafe. Griffin’s music is that of a happy, romantic, country-tinged, acoustical songwriter. Check out “the guy that says goodbye” and “better than love”.

3/4/08 – Phosphorescent- Phosphorescent was both one of my most fortunate and unfortunate Schubas experiences. A few years ago I went to see Boxtrot at Schubas and had the great good fortune to hear Phosphorescent opening for them. Matthew Houck’s beautiful, haunting voice matches up well with his ghostly songwriting (“wolves” is one of his best – and reminds me of something out of McCarthy’s The Road). A few months later, after dinner on a first date, I brought a girl to Schubas to see Phosphorescent again (this time headlining the night). I don’t know what happened, but this time Matthew was up there all alone (last time there were six or more members pumping out a raucous sound), with only a rather creepy porcelain doll (the kind whose eyes open and close – but this one only had a lazy eye *shudder*), and an electronic sound producing machine that pumped out sounds reminiscent to those of the original Super Mario Brothers soundtrack. Needless to say, it wasn’t the best show, ‘though it does make for an amusing story. I’m hoping this show is closer to my first Phosphorescent experience.

3/19/08 – Bell X1 – Besides having a really cool name, they are deservedly popular in Ireland (just ask Fiona) which is the only reason I know who they are. Evidently they used to be in a band with Damien Rice. I can believe it. They sound like an Irish pop/rock band should, but are a little sadder than I’d like them to be. They don’t approach Damien’s level, but could use a little cheering up. They do produce beautiful music nonetheless (check out “rocky took a lover”).

3/20-21 – Spinto Band-This is one of Ryan’s emusic discoveries from last year. They play infectious pop music. Check out “oh mandy” or “direct to helmet”. I highly recommend their music. It’s all kinds of fun.

Gratitude and Concerts (Pela and Michael Bublé)

I recently saw my first truly great show at a small venue (huzzah for Schuba’s!). This isn’t meant to denigrate Okkerville River, Blue Merle, Phospherescent, LP, Pernice Brothers, Magnolia Electric Co., Destroyer, Sunset Rubdown, or any of the other bands I’ve seen over the past few years, but they just could not compare to Pela. Many thanks to the Johnson brothers for finding them, and to last.fm for keeping track of how many times Dane & Ryan listened to Pela. Pela is a lot of what is great about rock and roll. They remind me a bit of The National, but with a little more “pop” polish a la Bloc Party or U2. I think this must be one of the first tours they are headlining. They have all of the talent of a major band, and are still struggling to make it. This makes them hungry. And, because they are relatively obscure, it seems that they don’t often have good crowds to perform for. Not so in Chicago. Schuba’s was alive. After Pela’s first song, the energy was unbelievable. And, how could it not be? Billy McCarthy pours himself into his songs. You can feel it on the CD. You can see it in the sweat dripping off of him. After hearing that they are small town kids trying to make it big, you can’t help rooting for the band and enjoying the show even more. An introspective slow slong gives a pause, allowing us (and the band) to recharge before the next explosion of passion – leaping on speakers, breaking guitar strings, sweat spraying the stage. All this is going on four feet away. A somewhat intoxicated first cousin who can’t help beaming with pride shakes my hand. Pela’s energy infuses the crowd, the crowd energizes the band, and nobody wants it to stop. They don’t take our adulation lightly. They play every song on their lone full length album, plus nearly dozen more. After his guitar string breaks, Billy unplugs the guitar, and for whatever reason, hands it to me to hold as he goes to get another one. I hold on to it throughout the finale, impressed that the strap is drenched. I’m officially a fan for life.

In stark contrast to my $10 Pela show is Mr. Michael Bublé. Talk a bout a classy operation. He puts on a slick show. He’s the modern incarnation of Frank Sinatra. Seeing old footage of the “rat pack”, I never understood the screaming girls. I lumped it into the naiveté of a “simpler” time. I put it in the same category as getting married to your high school sweetheart, single income families, and belief that the government has your best interests at heart, and other rosy ideas that went out of fashion sometime during my grandparent’s youth. Well, ladies and gentleman, Michael Buble makes me understand – or rather, I’ve seen something similar in the 21^st century. He’s every bit as passionate as Pela’s McCarthy, but comes a much more sophisticated package. Black suit and tie, slick dance moves, a 15 piece jazz band, pure, pure, pure singing voice, keen sense of humor, unbelievable charm, and boyish good looks. All in all, your typical Canadian dream boat. I’m sure by now, you’re wondering what in God’s name I was doing at the show. I mean, it’s not like a have a girlfriend to impress these days. So, why would a straight, indie-rock loving male attend? Honestly, he’s good enough that seeing the performance would be reason enough. But in this case it was another reason. Gratitude, and the desire to bring joy to loved ones. A few years ago, I stumbled upon the following quotation by Cicero: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” As with so many other things that I have learned from, I initially disagreed with the statement. I had never considered gratitude a “capital v” Virtue. But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed true. While there are sure to be some virtues that are possible without gratitude (courage, perhaps), gratitude, to me, implies self-awareness, appreciating the good things in life, and a generally positive attitude. Life without gratitude seems bitter indeed, and it is hard to imagine virtue and arrogance/bitterness cohabitating with each other. I try to keep gratitude in my heart.

For many years, throughout my childhood, my grandparents served as an auxiliary set of parents. I spent a month living with them most summers. They would invariably schedule a vacation during that time and drag me all across the country with them. Many of my fondest childhood memories revolve around time spent with my grandparents. Playing cards, watching the cubs, playing miniature golf, swimming in lake Michigan, all surrounded by love. I am sure I would not be the person I am today without their steadying, loving, compassionate influence.

So, when an event comes up that allows me to share my gratitude, to share a perfect experience with the people that have given me so much, and that I treasure and adore, I do my best to take advantage of it. And what better to share with my grandparent’s a concert given by a man who reminds me of the seemingly romantic ideas of my grandparent’s youth? That night was one of those all too rare moments in life. It was brilliant music heightened by the sweet satisfaction arising from expressing gratitude and love. In short, it was perfect.

The Avett Brothers’ Emotionalism and other musical genius.

I’ve had the immense pleasure of finding (and repeatedly listening to) The Avett Brother’s Emotionalism. Good stuff. Really good stuff. At least for those of you that have a bit of a soft spot for bluegrass tinged rock. This album has a bit of everything. A banjo, a guitar (no drums!) plenty of harmonization, sweet-sad love songs, brilliantly introspective lyrics, the occasional punk feel, alternating rusty and pure singing styles, all wrapped in a tasty American package. (They have a song about Salina, KS for Pete’s sake!)
The first three songs on the album are all brilliant. (“Die, die, die” “Shame” “Paranoia in BB Major”) But, I absolutely adore “I would be sad.” There is something about the way they sing of lost love that is true to life. Genuine sadness – mostly because of what you are missing out of. Not depressing sadness, but the memories of good things lost. I’m particularly fond of these lyrics:

I meant what I said when I said I would rearrange my plans and change for you
You know me – I’ve always been the kind with easy confidence
Confident enough to honestly believe that nothing out there
Is stopping me – especially not someone who’s not loving me
Now listen here, I told you I could live on without loving you
I was bluffing then but it seems that just might have been the truth
Well my dad told me one day: “son this girl will think of what she’s done
And hurting you will be the first of many more regrets to come”
And he said if she doesn’t call than it’s her fault and it’s her loss
I say it’s not that simple see but then again it just may be…

I would be sad because I got left by a girl that I adore
I would be sad for all the love I had before

I think back on several conversations I’ve had through the years and smile. I mean, who hasn’t had that experience? So, check them out. If you like “alt-rock” (early Wilco, The Jayhawks, Folk music, etc.) you’ll probably enjoy the album.

Similarly, I finally followed in Ryan & Alexa’s footsteps and checked out Ms. Patty Griffin. Sheesh. I should have done that a while ago. She has a fantastic voice and can write a mean tune. Western music also has a strong influence upon her, but is softened by the record’s production (piano, backup singers, brass instruments). I have Impossible Dream and her other albums are anything like it, you can’t go wrong. I’m particularly fond of “Top of the World” and “When It Don’t Come Easy”.

Last, and certainly not least, Spoon’s new album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Spoon is my favorite band for bike riding. It’s probably due to the driving rhythm guitar and drums. Perfect for pedaling. This album continues where they left off in Gimme Fiction. The pulsing, controlled drum/piano/guitars are juxtaposed by Britt’s rough voice and some noisy flourishes. As songs progress, layers of sound are usually added and build upon each other. I know they’re not for everyone, but Spoon continues to be a big fat fave of mine. Check out “Finer Feelings”. “The Underdog” is the single on the album, and is also quite good. However, my favorite Spoon songs are “The Way We Get By” and “Anything You Want” from their earlier albums. “I Summon You” is also right up there.

Shows

I’ve had quite the lineup of live shows to see recently (Neko Case, Andrew Bird, Bright Eyes, Ben Gibbard, Norah Jones (w/ M. Ward) ). Here are some general thoughts:

1) I think every band should be obligated to play a number of their top songs at every concert. Play three of the top ten. Please. I hate leaving shows disappointed because I only heard the most recent album. This is especially true when the recent album is only a few weeks old. Throw us a bone. Or three. (I’m talking to you Andrew Bird. And that goes double for Bright Eyes.)

2) I’m of two minds regarding the crowd singing along. On one hand, I really like it. The energy is great and you feel like you are participating in the song. This was especially true at the U2 concert I went to. Amazing! We kept it going for a good three minutes after they left the stage. But, I’m starting to think this should be a limited allowance. Keep it to the jam bands (Guster, etc.) and large rock shows, or when the band asks you to join in. It doesn’t translate so well to the smaller venues or to quieter performances.

On to the shows:

Nora Jones. Holy shit! She can flat out sing. If you have a chance to see her, especially if you can do so with someone you love, go do it. It’s worth the money. Her voice translates well in recorded form, but is many times more impressive live. There is a deeper level of texture that gets lost in the recorded version. It is performances like these that keep me coming back to live shows. Listening to music, whether live or recorded, has a transforming ability. I don’t know exactly how to describe it, other than to say it is powerful. You close your eyes and are transported to a different place. Since I like so much indie rock, it is easy to be snobbish and discount “mainstream” rock because it is pervasively popular. Norah Jones helps remind me why mainstream is good. (In the same vein, Jack Johnson puts on a heck of a live show.) M. Ward was also superb. I’ve got Post War, but will have to check out more of his music, because I only recognized one of the songs he played, and they were all good. His ability with the guitar doesn’t come through on the album, but he’s as good a guitarist as his voice is unique. All in all, A++.

Andrew Bird. I can’t say enough about Andy. Hot damn! He’s a musical genius. Truly remarkable. I really do think he operates on a different level than most musicians. He feels like a prodigy to me. Brilliant with the violin, the guitar, whistling, lyrics, his voice. Then, he can put it all together with a looping machine and literally silence and shock an entire audience. That said, I was a bit disappointed by this show. The first four songs were everything I wanted and more. Seriously. Jaw dropping amazement. And, I hate to say this (because his show from two years ago occupies the #2 spot for top live shows), but the rest of the show was somewhat lacking. I think he’s going more for a rock-pop sound these days. I think it takes away from the brilliance of his classical background. I think “Mysterious Production of Eggs” is nearly the perfect blend of violin and guitar, where “Armchair Apocrypha” focuses on guitar and uses the violin for selected flourishes. Having two guitars on the loop machine turned it in to a wall of sound that was overwhelming and exhausting. However, he did sell out the Riv, and seems to be getting more popular. So, while it doesn’t do it for me, others obviously disagree. B+

Ben Gibbard. This was the first large show I’ve seen with just a guy and his guitar. (M. Ward did a bit of it, but he had a background recording helping him out.) I really enjoyed it. I suppose I did make a good choice. Both Death Cab and Postal Service work because of Ben’s pure, pure voice. I especially liked the acoustic versions of “Photobooth”, “Recycled Air”, “Such Great Heights” (Iron and Wine version), and Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon”. B+ As a side note, I don’t recommend going to 11:30 pm acoustic shows in Wrigleyville sober. While the cute drunk chicks’ attention was flattering, the incontrollable giggling was not.

Neko Case. She had a great stage presence. She was definitely not what I expected. I think I had more of a Fiona Apple image in my mind.  Probably due to the New Pornographers affiliation and somewhat depressing feel of Fox Confessor Brings the Flood.

I could see Neko hanging out with my mom.  By that I mean that she was very down to earth, kind of quirky, and had a strong female personality.  The kind I associate with “new age” spirituality.  I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but that’s how it felt.  She put on a good show.  Very good, in fact.  I just wish there was a bit more variety.  If you like her music, you definitely won’t be dissapointed.  Solid B.  Probably should be rated higher, but I’m not the biggest fan of her music.

Bright Eyes.  I really tried to like the show.  I did.  They definitely had the largest band.  And the coolest dress (all white).  And the best visuals (‘though Andrew Bird’s twirling phonograph contraption was amazing!).  But, I couldn’t get over that they only plaid three songs from previous albums.  I do like the new album.  A good amount.  But, I think Bright Eyes is at its best when Conor Oberst is self indulgently singing about his painful angst.  The new album doesn’t have much of that, so I came away dissapointed.  But, the visuals (an awesome live video camera projection of somebody doing various things in tune to his music – etch a sketch, playing with flowers, colored dye and water, etc.) helped make up for it.  C+.

On Deck: Arcade Fire.  So freaking excited!!!!!  Their opener, Electrelane, is good.  I have no idea how to describe their music, but you can find them on myspace.  Worth a listen.

Self-consciousness

It is probably a reflection of a personal neurosis, but, so far, I’ve found that having a blog is much like having a last.fm account (freaking awesome website, by the way). Ever since I joined last.fm I notice that I am much more aware of my musical selections. I’m excruciatingly aware that my musical choices have an audience. Last.fm is selecting “neighbors” and music for me. My friends can see when I listen to embarrassing guilty pleasures. Music is no longer just for myself.

Similarly, I now find myself wondering “will I blog about X, Y, Z”? If I do, will I get fired? Will K. get pissed that I told that story? It’s odd that it feels so private, yet I have no idea where these words will spread. But, then, maybe this feeling is just due to reading David Sedaris. If reading him doesn’t make you neurotically self-aware for a while, I have nothing to say to you.