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Concert Thu Nov 18 2010
Preview: DJ Shadow @ Park West 11/19
DJ SHADOW is live in Chicago Friday! That exclamation should be all the instigation you need to pop open a new browser, type in www.parkwestchicago.com and purchase a concert ticket.
If, for some reason, you still need to be persuaded -- DJ Shadow is a legend. He's credited with creating experimental instrumental hip-hop style associated with the London-based Mo' Wax label. Maybe you remember his album Entroducing from 1996? It won a Guiness award for being the first full length album to be created entirely from samples. It has also made hundreds of "best album ever" type lists. And it's really, really awesome.
Rumor has it Shadow is sampling and mixing old and never-been-heard-before material on this 2010 North American tour in support of his new album a return to form (out in 2011). Shadow hasn't released an album quite like Entroducing, and he promises that a return to form won't sound anything like his past albums. He has leaked a couple of tracks. The tracks are night and day; breakbeats and folk.
If you still need a reason to go, DJ Shadow has made it a point to make sure his live show moves your feet and captivates your senses. He's been mixing from inside a giant light- and image-producing orb called "the Shadowsphere." Shadow's goal is to "put a show together that could compete on any level with rock, pop and rap bands at European festivals....and to satisfy not only the fans who know [him], but people who are seeing [him] for the first time." From the looks of it, Live from the Shadowsphere is holding its own.
Finally, the venue adds a little intrigue of its own. The show is at the infamous Park West theater. The theater opened in the 1920s and over the years has amassed a seedy resume. It's dabbled in burlesque and adult film but, after a makeover, became a concert venue in 1977. Rumor has it that the made-over venue has a pretty kicking multimedia system.
Now, go buy your ticket.
The Show is at Park West Theater. 18+ / Starts at 9pm. The $3o ticket (plus convenience fees) will be worth it.
aaron / November 18, 2010 9:58 AM
park west had TERRIBLE sound the last time I was there (around two years ago), hope they've gotten their act together