list.in.to.chicago this week: 06.13.2011

Sorry about getting this out a little late. Technical difficulties plus social engagements whilst in Boston equals you weren't going to go to Millenium Park anyway.

And I feel like we're starting to hit the Lollapalooza radius clause, because things are starting to get a little bit thin.

Pick of the week
If there are, in fact, tickets for Bob Mould on Thursday at the Mercury Theater, that looks like it could be pretty cool. Otherwise, get thee to Craigslist to see if anything is available for Beady Eye (Metro) or Florence + The Machine (Aragon) on Saturday.

list.in.to.COZ
Just Wednesday this week. And I don't play a full drumkit gig until, like, the end of July. Weird.

Recap
Having seen Los Borrachos for many years, I've often wondered how they might take it to the next level. The answer is a variety show featuring an alluring emcee named Queso Fundido, acrobats, and a show-stealing magician. The magician was absolutely the high point, with Cisco Borracho dropping in a guitar quote from "Red Barchetta" coming in a strong second.

6.13   monday
Phosphorescent with Campbell Brothers (Pritzker Pavilion)
I'm taking it on faith that this is worthwhile, given that the "Downtown Sound" series has a good track record, Metromix has it as a pick, and I've heard the weather is really nice.

6.14   tuesday
Open Jam (Vaughan's)   FRIENDS OF COZ!
Tony will be there. The band sometimes known as Free Winona will be there, although I think they're casting about for a new name. I, however, will not be there. I know it will be difficult, but try to find a way to perservere in this difficult time.

6.15   wednesday
Sing Along With Coz (The Globe Pub)   COZ SINGS!
Last week seemed to fully realize the potential of the Globe Open Mic. We had native African instruments, a live performance newbie, a transplanted New Yorker singing like a madman over backing tracks from his MacBook, out-of-towners and some locals who stopped in after a concert. Most weeks, I'd be happy with just one of those.

Art Brut (Double Door)
Back in the 60s, when art school students from England started a band, you got Yes or Genesis. Now, you get Eddie Argos and his merry post-punksters, who probably get as close to being both ironic and earnest as you're ever going to see. At least if you think that combination is in any way possible *cough*Andrew*cough.

Charlie Hunter Duo (SPACE, Evanston)
One of the heavyweights in jazz guitar for quite a while now.

6.16   thursday
Bob Mould (Mercury Theater)
The former Husker Du and Sugar frontman will be reading from his new memoir and playing some songs, although he's admitted he's not quite sure how that's going to work.

6.17   friday
My Morning Jacket (Auditorium Theatre)   SOLD OUT!
I was about to call this band a "Kentucky experimental blues-rock band," then realized that this conjures a certain sonic image in my head that's totally at odds with what they sound like, mostly because "experimental" needs to occupy a space farther away from "Kentucky" and "blues-rock" for it to work. I've listened to the new record, but it hasn't made an impression yet.

Sirsy with Black Bridge, Kitty Devine, Michael Laeche (Elbo Room)
First saw this duo as part of a contest to get a spot at Lollapalooza, which they didn't win, and then they came back and played with a friend's band. I seem to recall they were less reductionist than most duos, in that they were trying to create a lot more texture.

Tributosaurus (Fitzgerald's, Berwyn)
Reprising the Beatles show from a couple of weeks ago.

6.18   saturday
Florence + The Machine with Hanni El Katib (Aragon Ballroom)   SOLD OUT!
Singer Florence Welch seems to have found that sweet spot between indie and mainstream, because I feel like this band still feels like they've got hip, underground street cred, and yet they've become almost ubiquitous. Some of that is because "Dog Days Are Over" is one of the go-to tracks for every cable network upfront presentation at work, I think.

Beady Eye with The Dig (Metro)   SOLD OUT!
This is everybody from Oasis except for Noel Gallagher, who quit the band (again) some time last year. Or this year. Or the year before. I can't keep track anymore. While the record certainly sounds like Oasis, I haven't listened closely enough to say it sounds like them at the top of their game, or when they were just sorta recycling their sound.

Alejandro Escovedo with Roky Erickson, Rosie Flores, Butch Hancock, David Pulkingham, Stephen Barber, Cindy Cashdollar, Joel Guzman, Glenn Fukunaga, Chris Searles (Symphony Center)
They've been doing an interesting series of concerts that are centered on certain American cities, and this one is for Austin.

6.19   sunday
Ingrid and the Unicorns with Angel Snow (SPACE, Evanston)   FRIENDS OF COZ!
This is Ingrid Graudins, who you might recognize from Chris Siebold's Psycles, among others, along with Nora O'Connor and Frisbie's Liam Davis and Steve Frisbie. So that's a lot of songwriting talent there.

Hanni El Katib with Bass Drum of Death, Pujol, The Pleats (Empty Bottle)
A headlining show on the heels of the opening slot for Florence + The Machine, in case you're intrigued on Saturday and want to hear more.