Sometimes it takes a while for an audience to catch up to an artist. Just ask Irishman Sean O’Hagan: In the ’80s, he and fellow Cork homeboy Cathal Coughlan formed Microdisney, a band that shunned post-punk and New Wave for gentle, beguiling pop seared with bitter, sneering lyrics. Widely viewed as out of touch, Microdisney was ignored and eventually fell apart. O’Hagan then founded an evolving collective known as the HIGH LLAMAS to perform his increasingly lush, orchestral, Brian Wilson-ish pop. But rather than being ridiculed, the Llamas’ recent records, like “Gideon Gaye” and “Hawaii,” have been embraced by fans who now hold non-rock songsmiths such as Nick Drake, Van Dyke Parks and Scott Walker in high regard. The 5-piece High Llamas, aided by a string trio, will perform O’Hagan’s thoroughly entrancing pop songs Saturday at Lounge Ax. 2438 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-6620.
THE A LIST
John Hiatt, Sunday at the Riviera Theatre: Even when John Hiatt’s muse lets him down a bit, as it does on “Little Head,” his new collection of sometimes rote rock, Hiatt’s sense of fun ensures that the music is a always hoot. Live, of course, that knack for kicks, coupled with 14 records of quality material to choose from, virtually guarantees a good time. 4746 N. Racine Ave. 312-559-1212.
G. Love and Special Sauce, Saturday at the Vic Theatre: It’s no secret that blues, folk and hip-hop share a common musical lineage, but concocting a coherent, natural-sounding hybrid of all three isn’t easy. But on his aptly titled new LP, “Yeah, It’s That Easy,” G. Love once again pours out a rootsy rap-riff fest of eclectic, harmony-glazed R&B grooves. 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. 312-559-1212.
Jonatha Brooke, Friday at the Park West: Capable of crafting melodies that are uncommon and ear-catching, and willing to try unexpected arrangements where blandness would suffice, Jonatha Brooke produces a warm, low-key pop that’s often cozy but never complacent. While her strong new album “10 Wings” doesn’t completely sidestep the occasional cliche, the songs generally showcase a noteworthy artistry. 322 W. Armitage Ave. 312-559-1212.
Isotope 217, Tuesday at the Chopin Theatre: A finely wrought lattice of atmospheric electronics, funk and mellow yet freewheeling jazz, this ensemble’s music weaves seemingly irreconcilable styles into an appealing, understated whole. Isotope 217 includes members of Tortoise, the New Horizons Ensemble and the Chicago Underground Orchestra, yet its intriguing sound, as heard on the new “The Unstable Molecule” release, is entirely its own. This show is part of an ongoing Tuesday residence. 1543 W. Division St. 773-278-9688.
Other Concerts
Indigo Girls, Sunday and Monday at the Rosemont Theatre: On their new LP “Shaming of the Sun,” the Indigo Girls decry Native American genocide, jerk politicians and intolerance with ardent earnestness and unfussy songcraft. But they reduce complex problems to slogans and individualistic songcraft to anthemic bromides, and end up avoiding rather than addressing the real roots of injustice. 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont. 312-559-1212.
Yes, Friday at the Rosemont Theatre: The cape-draped cherubim that paved prog rock’s celestial high road by coating experimental ideas in pearly fluff while producing complex milestones (“Close to the Edge”), catchy pop (“90125”) and clueless wrecks (“Tormato”). Ironically, though, now that mellotrons and extended suites are hip again, Yes has just released “Open Your Eyes,” straight-up pop-rock sweetened with heavenly harmonies and “good morning starshine” hooey. 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont. 312-559-1212.
Mighty Blue Kings, Thursday through the 26th at various locations: Chicago’s favorite jump blues revivalists are celebrating the release of their new CD, “Come One, Come All,” with a week of shows at the following clubs: Thursday at House of Blues, Nov. 21 at Metro, Nov. 22 at Cubby Bear, Nov. 23 at Buddy Guy’s Legend’s, Nov. 24 at Double Door, Nov. 25 at Elbo Room, Nov. 26 at the Green Mill. 312-559-1212.
Todd Rundgren, Friday at the Vic Theatre: Pop genius. New Wave bandwagon jumper. Music video pioneer. Computer-age entrepreneur. And now. . .bossa nova king?! Why not? On his new album, “With a Twist,” Rundgren morphs signature songs into sultry lounge lizard nocturnes that are campy, clever, lovely and daft all at once. Vintage Todd in more ways than one. 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. 312-559-1212.
Lords of Acid, Friday at the Riviera Theatre: Apparently sexual imagery and naughty words are a source of titillation the world over. How else can one account for the fact that this Belgian ensemble has parlayed a mix of aggressive, unspectacular techno and songs like “I Must Increase My Bust,” “Spank My Booty” and “Rubber Doll” into a 10-year career? It seems giggling knows no borders. 4746 N. Racine Ave. 312-559-1212.
Back again: Fiona Apple, Saturday at the Riviera Theatre; Paula Cole, Sunday at the Park West; Sister Hazel, Tuesday and Wednesday at House of Blues; Squirrel Nut Zippers, Wednesday at the Vic Theatre; Spiritualized, Thursday at Metro.
