Tuesdays aren’t necessarily known to be the best day of the week, but that all changes when the Queen of Cool herself, Kim Gordon, is in town. On June 23, Metro in Chicago played host to the iconic musician who took time out to share a set that proved she’s as influential as ever.
As a founding member of Sonic Youth – one of the most artistic and experimental rock bands of all time – Gordon could very well have relied on a setlist full of fan favorites, but there was no need to play the hits, so to speak. Earlier this year, Gordon released some of the best music of her career in the form of Play Me, her third solo studio album.
At Metro, she delighted the packed audience by sharing a setlist that featured the record, cover to cover, with a few surprises added in for good measure. Gordon’s unmistakable, deadpan vocals mesmerized with a stream of consciousness gravitational pull that enhanced the purity and truth of every lyric, which often examined the modern human condition with a biting clarity.
The Fiery Furnaces – comprised of Oak Park’s own Eleanor and Matthew Friedberger – opened the show with a set that featured as much music as possible in a short amount of time. Eleanor’s vocals and storytelling were as compelling as ever as Matthew drew fans in with his intricate keys.
Check out photos of Kim Gordon and The Fiery Furnaces playing Metro below and click here to pick-up tickets to see Gordon on future tour dates. More information can be found at Kimaltheagordon.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
