Decent Days and Nights
By Lizz Kannenberg in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 6, 2007 3:15PM
This week looks to finally mark the beginning of winter around here, and while we're not huge fans of bulky sweaters, digging our out cars from under three feet of snow, and the unshakable common cold, we do love the feeling of coming out of the freeze and into our favorite cozy Chicago music venues. Ushering in wool sock weather this week are three very special rock shows:
Oucho Sparks doesn't sleep, it waits. Three years past this 8-member prog/jazz rock outfit's last show, the curtains are about lift - literally - on the long-awaited fourth release, Foreign Cars and Robots. The historic Portage Theater will play host to the release show spectacle, and the word on the street is to expect marching bands, flying saucers, and plenty of exquisite musicianship.
Portage Theater, Thursday, November 8, 7:00 p.m., $13 general admission, $1 for residents of the 60641 zip code, all ages
British orch-pop band Athlete play one of just three shows Stateside to promote its sophomore release, Beyond the Neighbourhood, this Saturday at the Empty Bottle. Critical acclaim for the new album has surpassed even that of their UK number one debut, 2005's Tourist, and the addition of a second guitar for the current tour marks a commitment to a powerful live show. We also hear you can catch them DJing at new Logan Square hot spot The Burlington on Friday night, if you want to get in a double-dose of the band..
Empty Bottle, Saturday, November 10, 10:00 p.m., $12, 21+
Georgie James is possibly our favorite new discovery of 2007. We knew John Davis could hit the drums from his days behind the kit with D.C. dance-punk cult favs Q And Not U, but who knew he could write such delicious power pop? The 2005 disbanding of that group meant it was time for Davis to forge new musical territory, and his singer-songwriter pal Laura Burhenn was game to help him form Georgie James. The duo's debut for Saddle Creek, Places, is a nonstop collection of bouncy keyboards, crunchy guitars, and undeniably danceable melodies. We can't wait to see how it all comes off live at Schubas this weekend as Davis and Burhenn support Aqueduct.
Schubas, Sunday, November 11, 9:00 p.m., $12, 18+
MP3: Georgie James - Need Your Needs
Photo of Georgie James