When the Sky is Full of 0’s and 1’s
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What an amazing show. The Kaiser Chiefs and Canasta have just come back from SXSW where I guess it went well. The Kaiser Chiefs show down there was so crowded that even a local reviewer couldnt get in . So Kirstie and I decided that even though we hadnt heard the album, but that a lot of our friends on a certain magazine email list had been talking about the SXSW show and about the album, we figured we better get tickets early and check this gusy out before the next time they come through town and play someplace huge like the Aragon. Chicago music fans are slackers, while the show did eventually sell-out, one could still easily buy tickets up unitl about 10pm or so I would say. (Contrast this to NYC where they had already sold out before our show even started)

Canasta was first and although I must say this eveny time I talk about them, they are getting tighter and tighter. I am sure the excitement from SXSW hadnt worn off for them yet either, becuase they played quite an energetic set. This is the first show I have seen with their new guitar player and he did a fantastic job, adding a bit to the songs while at the same time not trying to hard to make himself known. Very pleased indeed.

The Changes were next and first off I noticed a new addition to the band, a Korg keyboard and iBook. Every other time I had seen them they were just your basic 4 piece guitar/bass/drums band, so I was curious where this new instrument would fit in. While they didnt change the old songs to bring in the new toy, they did change up old favorites like “When I Wake” to be longer and more repitious of the hook. (Which is fine by me, I could hear “and when i wake/its the middle of the day/and my phone is ringing” forever). About 3 songs in they attempted to use the new toy but were having cable difficulties so we had to wait 2 more songs. The first new song showed of the new beats stored away in that little device, a dancy pop number that was pretty fun. The closed with yet another new song using the new toy called “I Want to Dance with a Man”. The drum beat and song structure sounded like it was lifted from Gang of Four, but with an electronic flare. It was a fun new direction to hear them go and I for one will look forward to seeing more of it in the future.

Now for the Kaiser Chiefs. Since I didnt know any of the songs before hand I didnt really know what to expect, beyond the glowing reviews and NME hype. They came out dressed in the most hideous suits you could imagine. But that means nothing when they absolutly blew the roof off the Double Door. What is it with these british kids, not only these guys but also Franz Ferdinad and Idlewild, all of them are not only great song writters but spot on musicians. The Kaiser Chiefs were all on fire, with the lead singer dancing around the stage and diving in the crowd, he was a real ham. The bass and drums locked together nicely and all of them harmonized well to lift already powerful choruses over the top. There wasnt a down song in the set, from what I can guess they played most of the album, and then came out for an encore that they introduced as a b-side. Do not miss, I feel fortunate that I was able to catch them at such a small venue, I dont think it will be that easy for long.

This show was a while back but I dont want to completely forget about it. Kind of a wierd bill, one wouldn’t think that Pedro fans and Low fans are one in the same. But the show had some historic sense to it, as related by Dave Bazan, who stated that the first show that Pedro played at the Metro was opening for Low.

The very first performer to take the stage was the lead singer from Califone (who’s name I forget). He mainly played solo versions of Califone songs which were very nice to hear, accompanied by a rap-master toy and at times Alan from Low. The set was somber and beautiful, he is a really creative blues-type guitar player.

Its easy to see why Low brought them on tour again, Bazan and Co. were on fire. The set list was a nice mix of current greats (like “Penetration”, “Second Best”, “Indian Summer”, “Keep Swiming”) and old favorites (“Big Trucks” ). Being that the show was a few months ago, I cant remember what bits of wisdom Bazan imparted in the few short Q&A sessions during the set (short becuase he was the opener…remember…) other then that if someone wanted to use his music in a film they were doing it was ok, and that he/she should email for more details (Bazan was reluctant to say meet me after the show affraid..rightfully so..that the whole venue end up tagging along). I was almost ready to leave to, being completely happy if that was all, but suddenly remembering that Pedro was just the opener.

Low’s new album has been called more upbeat, a departure from the “slow-core” they have built their name around. Live, the new songs and old songs seem to convey the same raw energy that is truly at the core of Low. And really, is “When I Go Deaf” any faster then “Sunflower” or “I Remember”. For three people, one guitar, one bass, and one on a snair/kick/crash kit, they were absolutely amazing. So much noise from so few ppl. They just filled the Metro with an 1.5 or so of soinc splendor. Although, I think the show from last year the Logan Square was better, this was certainly not a disapointment.

I usally only check the chicago reader page on weds/thurs to see if there are any new early warnings for shows that I should buy tickets for. Haveing done that and seeing that the Kings of Convenience have a Tues show at the Double Door that we decided to take a pass on, being a school night and all. Compounded that with the fact that the show was a bit pricey and had an opener that I didnt care to see. But, out of bordom on sunday night I poked around to the reader page and to my surprise a last minute show for monday at schubas had been added to satisfy those to young and/or slow in purcasing tickets to the Double Door show (which had sold out a week prior and is 21+). I jumped at the chance. Why? Monday night is the worst of all school nights, and werent the tickets still like $15 bucks? Yes, but it was for 1 hr of the Kings of Convenience, with 200 other ppl who are just as super-nerdy/devoted as me, thus assuring a quiet and blissful set. Also, it was an early show, squeezed in before a later show that was already booked, giving me a good reason to ditch work early and getting us home with plenty of time to eat and be in bed at a reasonable hour.

The show it self was amazing, those 2 are a present day Simon & Gar. Even though their songs rarley touch on any over-reaching political message, with album titles such as “Quiet is the New Loud” and “Riot on an Empty Street” this is music that is great for those gray and cold winter days. Live it was the 2 of them, each with an acoustic guitar, with some songs where one would sit behind the piano. According to them this show was double special, being that it was the smallest show on the tour and the only venue that had a real piano (according to them they usally use an electric keyboard). Between the songs they were very loose, joking with the crowd and each other. When they would discuss with each other they would speak in their native language which was funny, becuase they didnt want us to hear them argue about what song to play next. In some ways I was glad I waited and saw them at a much smaller and better venue, but now that I know not to pass them up again.

One great band and one band made from a member of another great band. Both from Canada and both super-liberal. But, they put on a great show and make some amazing pop albums.

Apostle of Hustle opened up and they were a little better then last time I saw them (which was opening for Luna @ The Abbey). The set always starts off strong, good hooks, swinging drums and lots of guitar build-up, but one soon realizes that he writes the same song over and over again. In some way they seem like a more “hip” Dave Mattews Band. Not that they are really a “jam” band but their songs dont seem to go anywhere. The girl on keyboards did tap dance for a few of the songs, which was kind of neat to see, but not really fitting for a rock band.

Stars were simply amazing. I haven’t seen them in over 2 years, which was about the time “Nightsongs” came out here. They were really good then and have only gotten better. Since then 2 albums and an EP have been released, all of which are full of densely layered, love-lorn love-lost, secretly erotica and bitterly sinsere pop songs. Where the albums have delicate touches of keyboards, horns and drum-machines, their live set is loud and powerful. Amy along with bass player Evan came out dressed in a black leather jackets, very rock star like, while Torquil donned a pale blue sport coat and a multicoloured handkerchief. This gives one a sense of context about the band, a struggle between just rocking out and singing sweet love ballads. The harmonies between Amy and Torquil were spot-on, and the band was tight and appeared to be having as good of a time on stage as we were in the audiance. After a 2 song encore, Torquil and keyboard player Chris closed with a beautiful perfomance of Tonight from “Nightsongs” which turns out to be the first song they wrote together. Can’t wait until they come around these parts again.

This show was actually a week ago now but I am just getting around to posting about. We were very tired decided to take seats upstairs around on the stools. The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir went on first and the place was packed for them, which was good to see. We had seen them a few times now and this was no different, they were spot on. Tight and poppy, playing a bit faster then usual but not a big deal. Enjoyable as always.

The band we were really excited to see was The Hidden Cameras. We were first introduced to them live when they opened for Belle & Sebastien a few years ago at the congress. There the stage was huge and it was haloween so they were all dressed up and there was about 11 of them. This time there was only 6 i think and they weren’t all that dressed up (although the one girl on keyboards was wearing this tarzan shirt that had a black lightning bolt for the strap across the front and the shirt it self was bright pink). It was a real treat to see them in such a small space and there were quite a few ppl there for them as well. The set consisted mostly of songs from “mississauga goddam” with a few from their first album. Being that the songs are so “forward” it doesnt surprise me that he has a very commanding stage presence. He sings live with such power and plays guitar so forcefully that its hard not to listen to what he is saying. I guess if you are going to sing such strange songs with subjects about being pee’d on (Golden Showers) or an enema you are not that shy of a person. They sounded great live and I would definitely see them again.