Jason Isbell -- Modest Mouse

Last weekend in Chicago was blast. Unfortunately, there's been hell to pay all week as I've been playing catch up on neglected work. At any rate, Jason Isbell and his band, the 400 Unit, friggin' killed it last Saturday at the Cubby Bear. I've been rockin' the hell out of his debut solo effort, Sirens of the Ditch, so I was well prepared to hear them focus on that material. Fortunately, not only did they play the majority of the album, but they broke out some of Isbell's classic Drive-By Trucker tunes. Highlight of the set: hands down, "Decoration Day." Below you can snag that tune and one of my favorites off Sirens of the Ditch.

Jason Isbell - chicago promenade
Drive-By Truckers - decoration day

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The rock didn't stop there. I also managed to check out Modest Mouse the other night. It was a long time coming considering I've been a fan of the band for the past 7 years and still hadn't seen them live. They were as awesome as I'd always hoped they'd be. Much more comprehensive of a set than I'd imagined too. Also, that Johnny Marr really held it down on lead guitar. For some [rather stupid] reason, I was under the impression he would just be standing on the side of the stage going through the motions. Not the case. Not at all. Highlight of their set: tough call, but I'm going with the closer, "Spitting Venom."

Modest Mouse - spitting venom