1. Bad
Livers, Moonshine Willy
at the Lounge Ax |
|
|
The
most amazing set Moonshine Willy has ever put on was over shadowed by
some of the best banjo picking ever witnessed. Danny Barnes
of the Bad Livers is simply the best banjo player alive today.
They are a must see live act. This was an utterly amazing
show. |
2.
Parasol, Glow, Brainiac
at the Lounge Ax |
|
|
One
of the most amazingly intense shows ever witnessed. At one
point, someone from the audience threw a bottle on stage that hit Tim
Taylor in the face. The lead singer whose face was now
covered in blood did not miss a beat. Brainiac is not for the
faint of heart, but for those that can they consistently deliver an
intense and interesting show. |
3.
Blue Mountain
at the Schubas
|
|
|
Blue
mountain played two sets: one acoustical and one electrical and both were spectacular. They played
many traditional songs as well as almost all songs of their first two
albums. The highlight may have been an amazing closer, an
acoustic "Amazing Grace." |
4. Dinosaur
Jr, Smoking Popes, Lotus Crown
at the Vic
|
|
|
J
may be getting old, but he still can put on a damn good
show. He did one guitar solo that was a bit over-the-top,
but things like that are quickly forgiven when he performs so many classics
with grace and fire. |
5.
Jon
Spencer Blues Explosion, Doo Rag, Blue Rag
at the Vic
|
|
|
A
country act, blue rag; an experimental blues act, doo rag; and a rock and
roll infused blues act, jsbx - all led to an interesting and musically
diverse show. |
6.
Bottle
Rockets, Sister Soleil, Silver Jet
at
the
House of Blues
|
|
|
Sister
Soleil provided an intriguing set of electronica and dance
songs. An odd opening act for the bottle rockets, but
enjoyable if for shock value only. The bottle rockets played their
typical great acoustic and electric set, filled with comedic
tales. |
7.
Folk
Implosion
at the Schubas
|
|
|
Its
odd that the top concerts of the year feature not only both halves of the
original dinosaur jr, but also a blues explosion and a folk
implosion. Lou and John were on fire, they
played all the early classics as well as some new stuff.
Definitely a great show. |
8.
Old
97s, Rollover, Mystery Driver
at the
Metro |
|
|
The
Old 97s are simply one of the more energetic live sets
going. Their pop sensibilities with witty lyrics delivered
through rock with country and punk influences is simply outstanding. |
9.
Pritchard,
Pulsar, Handsome Family
at
the
Fireside Bowl
|
|
|
The
distorted violin in Pritchard proved to be one of the more rocking and interesting
shows of the year. The handsome family also delivered an
amazing alternative country set, with eccentric lyrics and musical
instruments. |
10.
60
Feet Dolls, Hummer
at the Schubas |
|
|
|
A
welsh punk bad playing in Chicago. Loud and fast with an
accent, a modern day sex pistols perhaps. |
