Still Going

Photo by Steve Gullick. From beadyeyemusic.com.
Tuesday, Dec. 6: Beady Eye at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($29-$39)
When he’s not busy quitting Oasis or getting in verbal spats with his brother Noel, Liam Gallagher bides his time fronting Beady Eye. The English rock band is made up entirely of former members (or touring musicians) of Oasis. To Liam’s credit, it seems as if distancing himself from Noel was for the better, as Beady Eye’s debut album – 2011’s Different Gear, Still Speeding – is critically considered the best thing Gallagher has managed since Oasis’ international breakout (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? the band put out way back in ’95. Black Box Revelation opens. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com)

Also: Fort Wilson Riot, Animal In Human Attire, Pearls Of Mercury, and Phantom Tails at The Borg Ward Collective, 8 p.m. ($5)
(823 W. National Ave.)

Wednesday, Dec. 7: Reel Big Fish at The Rave, 7 p.m. ($21.50)
Say what you will about the all-but dead genre of ska or one of its most notable bands, Reel Big Fish, but the goofy California-based group is going on its 20th year of existence. Sure, RBF has parted ways with 13 members, lead singer Aaron Barrett is the only original Fish left, and those BASEketball-type movie cameo offers aren’t coming to them like they used to, but you’ve got to respect Reel Big Fish’s commitment… unless that commitment is actually desperation at this point. Find out which one it is first hand at this show. Streetlight Manifesto, Lionize, and Rodeo Ruby Love open. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com)

Thursday, Dec. 8: Smokey Robinson at Potawatomi Northern Lights Theater, 8 p.m. ($60-$80)

Smokey Robinson is one of the most renowned musicians alive. If you require a description of his previous work to be swayed to see him in concert, perhaps your $60 to $80 is better spent elsewhere. (1721 W. Canal St., paysbig.com)

Also: Pterodactyl, The Jonsers at Frank’s Power Plant, 9:30 p.m. 

(2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., frankspowerplant.angelfire.com)

MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK

Friday, Dec. 9: Wilco at Riverside Theater, 8 p.m. ($44)

Photo by Charles Harris Raleigh. From wilco.com.

Today, Wilco sits as a legendary band that can make nary a misstep with critics. It’s one of the biggest active rock bands in the world and, like them or not, you have to at the very least acknowledge the Chicago band’s talent and its commitment to its craft. It wasn’t always easy for the band that was forged from the ashes of Uncle Tupelo and who was dropped from its major label before it could release 2004 full-length Yankee Hotel Foxtrot – which went on to be written in Sharpie at or near the top of many a critic’s lists of best album of this young century. Though not exactly Yankee… (and what could be?), Wilco’s latest, The Whole Love, still finds the band a beloved darling in the eyes of its passionate and picky fan base. Nick Lowe opens. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave., pabsttheater.org) 

Also: Surgeons In Heat, Icarus Himself, and Animals In Human Attire at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn

(1001 E. Locust St., linnemans.com) 

And: Fahri, King’s Horses, at Cactus Club, 10 p.m. 

(2496 S. Wentworth Ave., cactusclubmilwaukee.com)

Saturday, Dec. 10: Sevendust at The Rave, 7 p.m. ($21-$26)

Although it’d be easy to call Sevendust the Reel Big Fish of mainstream metal (See! I just did it), the band apparently still plays with the same energy it did when it first hit stages in the mid-1800s. Obviously, the cast has changed since this publication’s managing editor threw on a pair of J’NCO jeans and took the train to Chicago to see Sevendust when she was in middle school. But the band trudges on. Judging by Kevin’s review of a Sevendust show from a year ago, they still got it. Eye Empire and Seven Day Sonnet open. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., therave.com) 

Also: Fresh Cut Collective, The Ragadors, The Delta Routine, and I Am Not A Pilot at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 9 p.m. (FREE)

(1001 E. Locust St., linnemans.com)