Tom Lynch

Not really at all, in fact, like the teen-splotched emotive garbage of an artist like Avril Lavigne, Canada’s twin-sister duo Tegan and Sara, who solidly broke through with 2004’s "So Jealous," have grown up a bit—now in their mid-twenties comes "The Con," full of the expected power pop and melody, and gleaming from dutiful production. The emotions still run high—you don’t come to this band for its lyrical content—but the songs, a bit more complicated than in previous endeavors, take shape one by one as the record passes along. Keyboards and other accessories flare up the otherwise simple song structures and progressions, and even vocally the two sound more comfortable (both sisters sing, trading lead duties). This band has blasted into the American mainstream quite swiftly, having appeared on an episode of "The L Word" and having its songs dashed amongst "Grey’s Anatomy" and "One Tree Hill." But, with "The Con," the two have kept their collective songwriting head and churned out pretty pleasing material.

Tegan and Sara play August 7 at the Lakeshore Theater, 3157 North Broadway, (773)472-3492, at 8pm. $25.

(2007-07-31)

Also by Tom Lynch

Widespread Euphony
Chicago three-piece Zelienople has been crafting devoted ambient soundscapes for years now, and, unlike some peers in the genre, has resisted all manners of pretentiousness and utter dreariness
(2007-07-24)

Tip of the Week
As it did last summer, the Wicker Park Fest boasts the season’s best music lineup, one that will, unlike most other street fests, not make you sick to your stomach
(2007-07-24)

Tip of the Week
Inspired by the true story of Amy Biehl, an American Fulbright scholar who was, while in South Africa, viciously stoned to death while she drove her student home from class, "Forgive Me," the latest from author Amanda Eyre Ward ("How to Be Lost," "Sleep Toward Heaven"), is taut, powerful and deeply melancholy, a message of memory and responsibility
(2007-07-24)

Fearless
When the idea arose that I scavenge the city to find adventurous beer concoctions, I cringed. I don’t do new things very well. I’m a member of that crowd who will try anything, just as long as we’ve tried it before and liked it. But, I thought, what the hell—I’ll just make someone come with me, so I won’t puke alone
(2007-07-24)

Bright Lights, Big City
(2007-07-17)

Tip of the Week
(2007-07-17)

Soundcheck
(2007-07-02)

Criminally Yours
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Tip of the Week
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Tip of the Week
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Fest Quest
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Tip of the Week
(2007-06-22)

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