Rainy Day Music: J. Tillman & Phosphorescent

By Michele Lenni in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 3, 2010 5:40PM

With a week full of rain, heat, humidity and general icky-ness here in Chicago, some of us are trying to find a way to spend our evenings when outdoor activities aren't in the cards. And there are plenty of music opportunities to check out before the behemoth that is Lollapolooza hits this weekend.

On Thursday night we recommend getting out of the heat, sipping a beer and taking in the sounds of two mellow musicians that should help you rest up for this weekend of music fest maddness. J. Tillman and Phosphorscent, two musicians that have clearly have taken a page out of the same book with obvious influences like Neil Young, Graham Nash and Gram Parsons, they each bring something special and unique to the table, take the stage at Ukrainian Village's Empty Bottle.

Tillman, best known as a member of indie-favorites Fleet Foxes, has developed a more stripped-down, rootsy sound as a solo artist. His most recent full-length work, Year in the Kingdom, showcases his love of simple melodies, warm guitar sound and all things folk music. Phosphorscent, a.k.a. Matthew Houck, released the album Here's to Taking it Easy earlier in the year to very positive reviews from publications like Pitchfork and Pop Matters. Houck, best known for his Willie Nelson tribute album, To Willie, released in 2009, brings a fuller sound with sweet tinges of country to the table with a full band and one of our favorite sounds: a steel-pedal guitar.

J. Tillman and Phosphorscent, Thursday August 5, 9:30 p.m., The Empty Bottle 1035 N. Western, $12