Miss Lady GaGa? Try These Shows Instead
By Joseph Erbentraut in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 9, 2010 9:30PM
Bummed to have missed out on Lady GaGa's costume change-o-rama this weekend at the Rosemont Theatre? Maybe you shouldn't be. In addition to reviews indicating Ms. Germanotta may not be ready for the arena circuit, a number of other fantastic, queer-friendly performers will be rolling through town soon. Check out five recommended chances to break it down at recession-friendly prices with music tailor-made for your gay-ish/good music-loving ear.
La Roux - Monday, Feb. 1 - Lincoln Hall
Brit electro-darlings La Roux, headed by the delightfully androgynous 21-year-old redhead Elly Jackson, are the most obvious replacements for the GaGa live experience and, based on the amount of hype they've received since being prominently featured on BBC's "Sound of 2009" poll last year, we're shocked this show has not sold out yet news the show has, indeed, sold out is not so surprising. Remix-ready club hits like "Bulletproof" and "In for the Kill" shine with sparkling production and should make for a memorable set at the brand-new Lincoln Hall. Keep a look out for the slight chance you may be able to snag a ticket closer to the show, it should be worth it.
The Big Pink - Saturday, March 20 - Metro
The Big Pink are another British electro act whose music is sure-fire fodder for a sweaty, shoegazey dance party. Led by the duo Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell, The Big Pink have been the center of much blog buzz since their debut album "A Brief History of Love" was released on 4AD in September and subsequently landed on many a "best albums of the year" list. This show, like their Dennis Cooper-shot album art, should be a homoerotic good time.
Tegan and Sara - Friday, March 26 - Aragon Ballroom
Canadian twins Tegan and Sara have been around for some time now - their debut album was released in 1999 - but the lesbian pair continues to reinvent themselves with each release, most recently with "Sainthood," out last October. Their new work feels more personal and less saccharine, while remaining accessible and, most importantly, fun. Live, however, is where the duo truly shines, powered by the screams of the dedicated fans that have watched the band steadily climb from indie obscurity to its current cultish following.
Miike Snow - Monday, April 5 - Metro
It's far from an industry secret that the talents behind Miike Snow - the two-thirds Swedish, one-third American pop-dance trio - know how to create solid pop music. Producers Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg have worked with gay divas Madonna, Kylie and Brit-Brit, earning a Grammy for "Toxic." And with songwriter Andrew Wyatt at the helm, the trio's music has taken on a life of its own as relentlessly-electrifying, theatrical music best experienced in-person.
Hot Chip/the xx - Monday, April 19 - Riviera Theatre
This show is the double-bill of the spring, bringing together the British blog world favorites circa 2006, Hot Chip, with their 2009 counterparts, the xx. While receiving comparable attention from the blogosphere, these bands' similarities stop with the word "electronic," which should make for a dynamic live show. the xx are an exercise in moody minimalism, while Hot Chip will have you ending the night dancing to their infectious jams.