Rory O'Connor

Yo La Tengo: 6 October 2009 - Chicago

By Rory O'Connor

Even in the moments when they seem to be teetering on the edge of control, like during one of Ira’s guitar tirades, every single note and squall of feedback feels necessary. [5 November 2009]

Bloodshot Records Beer B-Q at Hideout Block Party: 12 September 2009 - Chicago

By Rory O'Connor

Acting as a final curtain call on summer festivals in Chicago, the Hideout Block party was back for its 13th installment, but what a difference a year can make. [12 October 2009]

The Dead Weather: 28 July 2009 - Chicago

By Rory O'Connor

This show managed to dwarf the entire theatre and on occasion felt too large to have any business trying to fit inside. [24 August 2009]

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: 26 May 2009 - Chicago

By Rory O'Connor

Just another night out for rock’s reigning queen… [13 July 2009]

The Sadies + Jenny Lewis: 5 June 2009 - Chicago

By Rory O'Connor

Watching the Sadies live is like bearing witness to a tornado, a sort of freak of nature that pays no mind to its surroundings in forging a path. [9 July 2009]

Yann Tiersen: 21 April 2009 - Chicago

By Rory O'Connor

Anyone attending Yann Tiersen’s concert expecting to find the whimsical charm of his soundtrack for the film Amélie were in for a surprise. [12 June 2009]

Neko Case: 24 April 2009 - Chicago

By Rory O'Connor

Live, the audience gets a glimpse at two very distinct sides of Neko Case; her vocals and their ability to chill to the bone and the woman who delivers them whose charms warm you right back up [29 May 2009]

Bloc Party: 28 March 2009 - Chicago

By Rory O'Connor

Several factors that work against Bloc Party on record actually manage to work in their favor live. [5 May 2009]

The Oddity Faire: A Mutated Mini Fest

By Rory O'Connor

I got to the Riviera Theatre a little too late for the opening band, but arrived just in time to witness a man hammering a nail into his nostril. [28 April 2009]

Tricky

By Rory O'Connor

Often cloaked in dark lighting and at times even turning his back on the crowd, Tricky was often distant while still managing to exude an imposing presence. [17 April 2009]

Oasis

By Rory O'Connor

For a band that has long been known for their rowdy behavior and outspoken assuredness it was quite a surprise to see just how safe Oasis played things live. [22 January 2009]

Hideout Block Party

By Rory O'Connor

After the singer crowd surfed in a garbage can and the band relocated the drum set several times, the show culminated with the drummer hoisted up on his kick drum. It would be the standout performance amongst several bizarre performances of the weekend [24 October 2008]

Beck

By Rory O'Connor

If there is a flaw with Beck it may be that he has so many sides you can never be quite sure which one is going to turn up. [20 October 2008]

Yaz

By Rory O'Connor

After 25 years away, Yaz add an important element that appears to be missing from much of today’s retro ‘80s pop—an irony free sincerity. [31 July 2008]

Liz Phair

By Rory O'Connor

The only way to have approached this show was in the exact manner that Liz Phair delivered it; a detached celebration of an album that leaves its indelible mark on those who listen, regardless of time, or criticism, or who Liz Phair was then, is now, or will be in 15 more years. [7 July 2008]

Notes from the Road: The Raveonettes: 25 October 2009 - Metro, Chicago [30 October 2009]

Notes from the Road: Juliette Lewis & the New Romantiques: 2 October 2009 - Bottom Lounge, Chicago [8 October 2009]

Notes from the Road: The Mars Volta: 11 September 2009 - Congress Theater, Chicago [15 September 2009]

Notes from the Road: Hot Chip – 28 September 2008: Chicago, Metro [6 October 2008]