We’re being treated to a midsummer show from the Jicksters—Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus and his crew of prog-rock jammers. “Real Emotional Trash” was the most recent Malkmus record to hit shelves; the addition of Sleater-Kinney and Quasi’s Janet Weiss on the drums gave Malkmus’ band the backing-boost it needed. Watching Weiss play drums live still gets me all hot and bothered; match that with Malkmus’ virtuosic guitar-playing and let the rock run its course. The band’s extended jams would get tiresome in lesser hands, but Malkmus still usually punches up sets with some of the band’s pop numbers, some of which remind of the Pavement days. While “Real Emotional Trash” is a worthy beast, his earlier “solo” material, especially 2000’s self-titled record and 2005’s “Face the Truth,” offer the same goofy Malkmus from the “Cut Your Hair” days. A Malkmus show is always an entertaining treat and this is a rather tiny venue to house the indie-rock monster. Have at it, expect solos… (Tom Lynch)
July 2 at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake, (312)929-2022
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.
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.
