What’s worse than driving a rickety tour van through Chicago in the dead of winter?
Very little.
That’s why you haven’t seen many touring acts coming through town lately. What about local bands? They’re smart enough to stay inside too.
Don’t fret–a thaw is on its way. Here’s what we’re looking forward to in 2005.
Futureheads
Prepare to give your calf muscles a workout when The Futureheads return to Chicago for the band’s second headlining show. Following a hugely successful “coming out” tour supporting Franz Ferdinand last fall, the ‘heads bring a power-pop style to the Double Door–a venue suited to the group’s bombastic sound. With most songs clocking in under three minutes, the boys play fast, hard, melodic and tight. 8 p.m. March 1. $12. Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-489-3160.
Atreyu
Never heard of this Southern California hardcore band? Then you’ve probably never heard of Chicago’s Victory Records either. Time to start paying attention, since most of the label’s releases (including Atreyu’s “The Curse”) are cracking Billboard’s charts based on word-of-mouth raves. 6 p.m. March 13. $15.50-$16.50. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000.
Chingy
Expensive cars. Check. Cheap women. Check. Bravado. Check. OK, so the St. Louis MC isn’t breaking any new ground with his singsong raps. That doesn’t mean that his second album, “Powerballin’,” isn’t a joyride worth taking. 9 p.m. Feb. 9. $25-$27.50. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000.
Duran Duran
The ’80s revival continues with early MTV darlings Duran Duran returning for a second go-around with their reunited original lineup–this time ducking out of clubs for larger arenas. With this lineup’s first new album in 21 years, 2004’s “Astronaut,” the Duranees proved that they still have the penchant for fun, upbeat, synth-infused songs. Simon LeBon, ever the frontman, still struts his stuff, while pretty boy bassist John Taylor looks like he hasn’t aged (save a few wrinkles around his eyes). For Duran Duran die-hards this is a not-to-be-missed show. 7:30 p.m. March 18. $50-$85. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, 312-559-1212.
Lyrics Born
You know that “Callin’ Out” tune in the new Diet Coke commercial? That’s Lyrics Born. Unfortunate, yes, but if it gets you to listen to this funk-infected Bay Area rapper, it’s worth it. 10 p.m. March 19. $12. Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600.
Modest Mouse
The newest-indie-band-that’s-been-around-forever is returning. After a breakout year that included a performance on “Saturday Night Live” and mentions on numerous critics’ year-end lists, Modest Mouse’s lo-fi sound finally caught the attention of mainstream radio, possibly raising the ire of the group’s die-hard fans. Either way, there’s enough of the band’s powerful, inspiring vocals and fluid guitars to go around. If you still aren’t sure who Modest Mouse is, just turn on XRT or Q101 and wait to hear the catchy “Float On”–it’s sure to come up sooner than later. 7 p.m. Feb. 25. $22. Congress Theatre, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-559-1212.
Marianne Faithfull
On her last album, Faithfull recruited Billy Corgan and Beck to co-write songs. On her newest, “Before the Poison,” she’s snagged PJ Harvey and Nick Cave. We’re intrigued. 8 p.m. Friday. $30. Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. 773-929-5959.
Slint
By slowing down the tempos, toying with the space between notes and heightening the loud/soft dynamics, Louisville’s Slint set the stage for literally hundreds of imitators to adopt their sound under the “post-rock” banner. With just two records released at the cusp of the ’90s, Slint seemed destined to remain cult underground icons. Yet an invitation to curate England’s All Tomorrow’s Parties festival has resulted in a surprise reunion, which will extend to a short U.S. tour destined to bring out all those who claim to have been there at the start as well as attract a new generation to witness what may be the band starting up again. 9 p.m. March 24-25. $21. Metro, 3730 N. Clark St.; 7:30 p.m. March 26. Sold out. Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. 773-929-5959.
OK Go
The band’s label, Captiol, says these local off-kilter popsters are set to start recording the follow-up to 2002’s major-label debut in March. Here’s hoping these shows serve as a preview. 9 p.m. Feb. 19. $12. The OpenEnd Gallery, 2000 W. Fulton St.; 9:30 p.m. Feb. 20. $12. Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600.
BIGGIGS
Jean Grae, Diverse, Abstract Giants, Eratik Static. 9 p.m. Wed. $13-$15. Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace St. 773-478-4408.
Buddy Guy. 9 p.m. Wed-Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sun. $30. Buddy Guy’s Legends, 754 S. Wabash Ave. 312-559-1212.
The Like Young, The New Constitution, University, The Life During Wartime DJs. 9 p.m. Fri. $9. Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-0203.
Colin Meloy, Shelley Short, Quasar Wut Wut. 9 p.m. Wed. $12-$14. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508.
Queensryche. 9 p.m. Wed. $36.50. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000.
Something Corporate, Straylight Run, Hidden In Plain View, The Academy Is. 6 p.m. Sat. Sold out. Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-0203.
Super Diamond, Dudley Manlove Quartet. 9 p.m. Fri-Sat. $18.50. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000.
If you must . . .
There are also plenty of concerts we’re not looking forward to. Here are the main offenders.
KC and the Sunshine Band
That’s the way, un-huh, un-huh … oh, never mind. People still like this guy, eh? 9 p.m. March 11. $37.50. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St.
Sting
Not just a punch line–a live performer too! 7:30 p.m. April 18. $33.50-$51. UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. Harrison St.
Motley Crue
We don’t care what his girlfriend told him on his VH1 reality show, Vince Neil looks completely deformed after his recent facelift. See for yourself in March when he and the original Crue collect some reunion dollars. 7:30 p.m. March 10. $29.50-$49.50. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd. Rosemont.
Ashlee Simpson
Can local audiences boo louder than the folks at the Orange Bowl? There’s only one way to find out. 7 p.m. March 6. $39.50. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont.
Josh Groban
Thankfully the love child of pop and opera (you got it: popra) isn’t getting too close to Chicago on his upcoming tour. 8 p.m. Feb. 26. $30-$65. Rockford Metrocentre, 300 Elm St., Rockford.
