RECOMMENDED Strains of Thin Lizzy and California-scorched pop inform “Jubilee Dive” (New West Records), the debut from Texas-bred rockers, The Drams. The 2006 album showcases an impressive web of vocal harmonies that are endearingly crude, yet intuitive to an overall tendency toward garage-pop. Despite the pared-down aesthetic—quite appropriate given the recurring lyrical commentary on American consumer culture—The Drams incorporate some mighty intricate instrumentals in an anthemic sprawl of hook-loaded rock. The result is an overwhelming urge to sing along, even on the first listen. Local indie-Americana outfit the Twilight Revival will no doubt prove to be a brilliant pairing for the Lone Star visitors. Falling back on more modest hooks and a knack for compositional economy, this Chicago foursome released a promising self-titled EP earlier this year and has been gathering hoards of gushing press since. Fresh from the alt-country veneer of last year’s “C’mon Already, Start A Fire,” Chicago punk-rock darlings The Saps also play. A safe bet for anyone waxing nostalgic over the glory days of indie rock, this is a lineup that could help build version 2.0 of Our Band Could Be Your Life. (K. Tighe) Friday, December 2 at Beat Kitchen
Cooling It: A Preview of Colleen Green at Cole’s Bar When Green strums power chords or chiming notes on top of her backing track, you might think you’re at Ramones karaoke night and Madonna is taking her turn.
Brutal Finesse: A Preview of King Crimson at Ravinia There have been few new compositions from King Crimson these past two decades, but the live arrangements of songs from its catalog are often strikingly different than the recorded versions.
