A look ahead at shows worth seeing (and hearing) this week …
TAME IMPALA
Tame Impala — an acclaimed Australian trio that played Lollapalooza’s first day in August — just delivered a sophomore set that is the very opposite of a slump. “Lonerism” is still rife with sheepish lyricism but is much bolder and full of confident pop sensibilities. The heady swirl of the guitars, the obvious nods to Todd Rundgren, harmonic achievements that would bewitch Fleet Foxes — it’s a heady mixture and not so tame in concert.
The Amazing opens at 9 p.m. Nov. 13 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark. Tickets: $19. Call (800) 514-ETIX; metrochicago.com.
BOB DYLAN & HIS BAND
Bob Dylan is a pathological touring musician, a critic-proof rock and folk icon who apparently is going to stay on the road until he’s buried alongside it. Swinging back through in support of his fine new album, “Tempest,” he rocks an arena after a few years of playing Chicago theaters. Americana overload: Mark Knopfler opens the show.
At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison. Tickets: $49.50-$131.50. Call (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com.
AMANDA PALMER
The acclaimed singer from the Dresden Dolls is on tour now with a solo backing band, and the name of the group is significant: the Grand Theft Orchestra. Palmer was lambasted earlier this year for soliciting musical support from local musicians in each tour stop, promising to compensate them with beer and hugs. This after raising a record $1.2 million via Kickstarter to record her latest album. Musicians and musicians’ unions decried the attempt (Chicago’s Steve Albini called Palmer an “idiot”), and she agreed to pay the players. A few picket signs still wouldn’t be out of line this weekend, anyway.
At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark. Tickets: $25. Call (800) 514-ETIX; metrochicago.com.
JAMES McMURTRY
I’d forgotten how much I enjoy Fort Worth’s James McMurtry (son of novelist Larry) until recently, when I compiled a playlist of storm-related songs in the advent of Sandy. McMurtry’s “Hurricane Party” became the list’s raison d’etre, and I pulled out some old LPs. An old song of his, “Talkin’ at the Texaco,” sums up rural boredom better than anybody. This bill, with the Gourds opening, should be one fun night of down-home yuks.
At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Park West, 322 W. Armitage. Tickets: $25. Call (800) 514-ETIX; jamusa.com.
