OZ Beat: Music That Matters

The Darkness

I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from seeing this show for the sheer entertainment factor. Having attended some metal concerts in my past and run the gauntlet of musical tastes that I’m sure would be considered “bad,” I can appreciate the fun that something like The Darkness offered. I was excited to see them work it. From the beginning of the show, they built the drama of the entertainment factor. The packed room swelled with fans donning their matching Darkness shirts, all swirling in the build, mesmerized by the large white curtain strung across the stage only adding to the anticipation. Lights dim and against the white sheet shielding the stage,

Magnus/ Franz Ferdinand/ The Darkness

Three shows--three days. Magnus on Thursday was a lot of the band shaking the rust off. They have stripped down from a five-piece to four and have done a great job of it, although a touch awkward at time, still very impressive. They performed material from the recently released CD, which is getting a really nice response. A nice warm-up to the CD release April 30. The material is so good, but have to get this band to look a little more enthusiastic on stage. Once they start selling the music as performers--there is no stopping them. Franz Ferdinand on Friday was an amazing performance by a new band hitting Chicago for the first time.

The Cooper Temple Clause

The best of plans--go so awry. I got to see TCTC in Toronto and it ranks as one of the best shows in my life. What I saw in NYC (about a 40-45 minute show) was not just doubled--but 10-fold. 15 songs stretching over 1.5 hours and all on fire. Was lucky to be standing at the stage in a great club--Lee's Palace. Even copped the set list. The crowd screamed for more after the band left and the music was turned up and the lights on. The band literally brought tears to my eyes. Songs like "Did You Miss Me" completely changed when used toward the end of the set instead of an opener like in NYC.

Libertines/ Franz Ferdinand/ British Sea Power

Saw the Libertines on Saturday, the middle of three London gigs that rounded off their UK tour. They filled the 5,000 capacity venue for all three, so it probably marks their entrance to a higher plane of rock notoriety or, if you prefer, fame. We spent most of the afternoon in the pub chatting to all and sundry, among them four lads who had traveled down from Liverpool. They'd already seen the band in their own city but were so stoked they had to see them again. I know how they feel! I'm afraid that gig details are sketchy because of the aforementioned pub stop and various Libs-style indulgences, but suffice to say they are still on top form and the new stuff sounds as interesting and idiosyncratic and energetic as ever.

Glad Dem & Co liked BSP. I like them too, but can see they are very much an acquired taste, so Heidi may find they are not for her. Their shows are always a spectacle and it sounds like the Chicago one was no exception. Did the giant bear make an appearance?

I trust all you Americans will be making every effort to see Franz Ferdinand on their current US tour. Trust me - it will be worth it. And remember - it's leather for leisure and velcro for sport!
--NeilM

British Sea Power (Empty Bottle, Chicago)

"Bring me...... a shrubbery!!"
"A shrubbery?"

Yes, a shrubbery! And there was no lack of it at The Bottle Saturday night. I've been sick as shit all week and had to talk my way out of a hospital stay on Thursday, but there was no way I was going to miss BSP on Saturday! I wanted taxidermy animals and a hefty side order of shrubbery and I was going to get it! Damn it!

British Sea Power

An old AB Fab line--the genius of Jimi Hendrix was that he could stand up at all. British Sea Power, I expected the insanity and got a double dose. I didn't expect the intensity, focus, and musicianship that I saw tonight. But, after replaying the CD--The Decline, I don't know how I could have missed the obvious. Even so, there is no describing what this band does as a closing and when the set is done it is done. Asking for an encore would be completely without class. Asked anyway through applause but never expected them to return. If you like or love the CD--this band will blow you the fuck away. If you don't dig it, the show may not win you over--but it is so very worth checking them out at least one time.