1. Tyrades, 6/25, at Intonation Fest
A Chicago group who specialize in super-charged '70s punk, this four-piece was nothing less than astonishing at the Vice Magazine-curated Intonation Fest. From beginning to banged-out, blood-splattered end, Tyrades turned in the most thrilling set of the year.
2. Lupe Fiasco, 6/25, at Intonation Fest
Another local on day two of Intonation takes a top spot! The Muslim MC lived up to the hype surrounding his debut on Atlantic Records and all but owned the crowd by demonstrating just what a born performer is made of. His shredder’s anthem “Kick, Push,” performed with skateboarders pulling tricks on-stage, was 2006’s single coolest moment.
3. Big’n, 12/15, at The Empty Bottle
Reunited for the first time in a decade, the boys of Big’n (one of Skin Graft Records’ finest bands back in the day) tore through an incendiary set of classic Chicago noise rock for a devoted (and clearly thrilled) crowd.
4. Scratch Acid, 9/9, at Touch & Go’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at The Hideout
These notoriously brutal Austin punks were as wicked as ever—even as an overwhelming wave of good cheer brought smiles to the faces of some 7,000 Touch & Go well-wishers. Lead singer David Yow was a frightening force of nature as he contorted and caterwauled his way through a ferocious set.
5. Russian Circles, 1/25, at The Empty Bottle
Local instrumentalists Russian Circles not only managed to win over the infamously fickle crowd at the Bottle, but clearly outshone the evening’s headliners (and one of the best bands in the city), Pelican. An impressively tight three piece, Russian Circles flawlessly blended elements of metal, indie and post-rock to stunning effect.
6. Pet Shop Boys, 10/27, at The Chicago Theater
The majestic Chicago Theater proved to be an ideal venue for the windy city stop of the Pet Shop Boys Fundamental tour. An evening of fancy dress, artful stage design and brilliant pop tunes was complemented by the theater’s ornate design, excellent sight lines and superior acoustics.
7. The Warlocks, 3/14, at The Metro
Wrapped in ribbons of smoke, drenched in feedback and illuminated by blood red floodlights, The Warlocks put on a rich, atmospheric show at The Metro. Sludge guitars, serpentine bass lines and the raw intensity of having two drummers meant that songs like “We Need Starpower,” “Come Save Us” and “Thursday’s Radiation” sounded just as full as they do on the recent ‘Surgery’ LP.
8. The Lemonheads, 12/7, at Double Door
Out on the road in support of the first Lemonheads record in nearly a decade, Evan Dando and company fired through a fine selection of material at Wicker Park’s Double Door. Newer, heavier cuts like “Become the Enemy” and “Rule of Three” stood toe-to-toe with the classics “It’s a Shame about Ray” and “My Drug Buddy.”
9. Gnarls Barkley, 9/11, at The Riviera
Old-school Cee-Lo/Danger Mouse fans and admirers of the hit single “Crazy” packed Chicago’s Riviera Theater to witness Gnarls Barkley in the flesh. Hot off a well-received live turn at this year’s Lollapalooza, the dynamic duo and eleven backing musicians put on a solid and often joyous performance that transcended the cavernous theater’s sketchy acoustics.
10. Lady Sovereign, 6/24, at Intonation Fest
The diminutive grime diva was all about sass and rapid-fire delivery at day one of Intonation. She earned every bit of praise that the English press has lavished upon her as she extolled the virtues of drinking, showed disgust for fake tans and brought down the house with an anthemic version of the future-classic “Hoodie.”
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Manu Chao
Written by Guest on 2006-12-29 16:02:06
at Lollapalooza was great. |
Tyrades
Written by Guest on 2007-01-14 20:41:40
Excelletn pick Mr . Forte. they're my favorite band in the city. Fabulous. |
John Donnelly
Written by Guest on 2007-01-23 13:23:39
 i just saw gnarls barkley last night before red hot chili peppers who were amazing....but quite frankly Gnarls SUCKED....he didnt enjoy his crowd, he contuously said the "F" word when there were children in the crowd, and his music was not enjoyable... |
