Review: Smashing Pumpkins; October 11, 2007; L.C. Pavilion; Columbus, Ohio
As always, a good venue. The openers were Explosions in the Sky and while I don’t know the names of any of their songs, I fully enjoyed their non-stop set. They might have said “hello” and “thank you,” but that was about it. And then it was time for the Smashing Pumpkins.
Review: The Blow; October 2, 2007 at Mershon Auditorium; Columbus, OH
First off, I’d like to say that I love how the Wexner center puts together these “black box” events. Basically, they pull a curtain across the front of the main stage in and set up a second stage in the wing. The audience then stands on the main stage to watch the show. It really is a great use of the space for smaller shows and sounds great.
Okkervil River – The Stage Names
The Stage Names can only enhance in 2007 what Black Sheep Boy did for Okkervil River in 2005.
Stars – In Our Bedroom After the War
2007, Arts & Crafts International
Based around a male-female vocal duet and catchy beats, Stars have continued to release good Indie-pop albums, and In Our Bedroom After the War is no exception.
Foo Fighters – Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace
2007, RCA
This record is interesting, although a little front heavy.
Review: Okkervil River; September 18, 2007 at Logan Square Auditorium; Chicago, IL
Okkervil River are loud, passionate, energetic, and nice guys to boot who put on a good, diverse show. No one can accuse the band of giving less than 100%.
Review: Rilo Kiley; September 15, 2007 at Riviera; Chicago
It’s no surprise that Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis can sing. And it’s not much of a surprise that Blake Sennett can play guitar. But what is a surprise is that both of them sound just as good live as they do in the studio, and that the rest of the band’s musicianship is of such a high caliber. Lewis, talented and sexy as ever, nailed every note while transitioning through the group’s wide array of styles and switching from keys to guitar to bass and back all night long. Sennett’s guitar playing was spot-on. And when he stepped up to the mic for songs such as “Ripchord” and “Dreamworld,” he only further proved his abilities.
Review: Wilco; September 12, 2007 at Millennium Park (Pritzker Pavilion); Chicago
After 13 years, 6 studio albums, hundreds of shows, and several personnel changes, the collective that is Wilco is having fun. That much was apparent at Wednesday night’s performance.Throughout their albums, a common theme of well-crafted songs is present, though styles have changed drastically and each incarnation of the band shines through with each new release. For this performance at home in Chicago, Wilco showcased all of their styles–unexpectedly playing songs from each of their albums.
