Kot in the Act: Shows You Can’t Miss: Kot in the Act: Shows You Can’t Miss

By Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

Oct. 26–1. Bob Dylan/Elvis Costello: A pairing of extraordinary songwriters in a three-night residency, with Costello opening each night performing solo. Here’s hoping he joins Dylan and his band for a couple of songs. Saturday-Monday at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. $49.50, $69.50, $89.50; 312-902-1500.

Tuung: For trippy electro-folk you can’t do much better than Tuung’s third album, “Good Arrows” (Thrill Jockey). These Brits mix strong melodies, conversational singing, acoustic instruments and electronic textures with laid-back aplomb. Monday at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. $12; 773-276-3600.

The Hold Steady and Art Brut : The Hold Steady have figured out how to frame their rambling narratives with Thin Lizzy-style guitar riffs, while Art Brut (2) turn everyday frustrations into comedic fodder for rock’s most self-deprecating front man, Eddie Argos. Tuesday-Wednesday at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. $20; 773-549-0203.

3. Lupe Fiasco: The West Side native is readying his second album, “The Cool,” and this show should be well-stocked with new songs showcasing his deft rhyming skills and off-kilter subject matter. Wednesday at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. $35; 312-923-2000.

Scotland Yard Gospel Choir: The estimable Chicago band is back with its second album (a nine-song self-titled disc) on an unlikely home (Bloodshot Records). Though the orchestral-folk band doesn’t sound like a natural fit for Bloodshot’s alt-country roster, the blood-on-the-floor passion and queasy honesty underlying the uber-melodic songs certainly is. Friday at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. $8-$10; 773-276-3600.

Tom Brosseau: With a voice so high and pure, this North Dakota folkie can’t help but sound like a lost innocent being led off to the gallows. On his latest album, “Cavalier” (Fat Cat), his eye for the telling detail is as sharp as ever and he’s added a touch of rhythmic thrust to his ballad-heavy repertoire. Thursday with Mum at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave. $15-$18; 773-276-3600.

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