Hot Chip, Cool Bar

Remember the time when people said "synthesizer" instead of keyboards? Incidentally, it was also when fashionable gals were wearing like, tights under skirts, and um, leg-warmers. Well, my nostalgia-prone friend, for better or for worse, that time is back.



When Hot Chip (nay "Hawt Chip") took the stage at The Metro earlier this month, four-fifths of them took their stations behind a wall-o-synths. Shaking the venue's collective booty as much as 5 pasty Brits can shake an equally pasty crowd, they started the set with the throbbing dance-funk of "Boy From School" and carried the energy through the set. Mind you, Hot Chip is NOT a poke-around-behind-a-laptop band. The emphasized live element makes for a terrific show -- for every electric drone and bass beat there's dreamy pop harmonies, guitar hooks, and yes, even the beloved cowbell that's all the rage these days. Can't wait for the triangle to make it's homecoming.

For the encore they banged out a riotous version of "Over and Over" and a few days later someone reminded me I screamed "SYNTH GODDDS!" at some point. Probably when the song segued perfectly into a cover of New Order's "Temptation" -- a well-deserved nod to the Kings of Pasty Dance-Pop.



While my friend was busy slurring tequila infused come-ons downstairs at Smartbar, the remainder of our group took two quick lefts out the door and ducked into arguably the most tolerable bar in Wrigleyville: The Gingerman Tavern. An oddly shaped spot that occupies the wedge between N. Clark and Racine. It's no coincidence this bar is stumbling-distance from The Metro. The mix-matched chairs, tables and billiard balls complement it's equally eclectic clientele. That said, if anyone knows of a better Wrigleyville bar, I'd like to hear it, drink there, and then tell you why you're wrong.

photos by Pegs. Thanks Pegs.