Strand of Oaks in Chicago...

In Chicago this past weekend we saw Strand of Oaks. This band is the vehicle for songwriter Tim Showalter and it's the second time I've seen them. First time was 2015 and I blogged about it at this link.  The band played at Lincoln Hall which is a part of the world famous Schuba's Tavern music venue.   

Going to see Strand of Oaks is a little like going to a Mountain Goats show. It's a room full of nerds rocking out and singing all the lyrics. Even though I probably own five of his cds and I can't say I know any of the lyrics it's music that makes me feel good. If you have ever had some kind of set back, injury, illness, career changes, struggled with being fat, had relationships go bad or sat in your room wondering if these songs you were writing would ever be played in front of a room full of people that felt the same way as you I bet you will like this music.    

The band has that anthemic rock song sound that someone compared to the late Meat Loaf. I don't know much about Meat Loaf other than he got good critical reviews, sold 65 million records that are still selling and appeared in 50 movies. He probably had some ups and downs during all that but they have not connected with me. Maybe it's because I'm in my room with them old songs of mine and if I start buying Meat Loaf records at this late date after I'm gone the kids will see them and say, "See I told you he was sick." 

Both times I have seen Strand of Oaks the backing band has delivered guitar fireworks

I also suggest you check out Tim's guitar player Pat Finnerty. He was the opening act and did a combination of comedy and song as a guitar and drum duo. Very funny and the you tube channel is What Makes This Song Stink. Some kind of reaction to all the youtubers coving the opposite thing, what makes this song great. I don't know if he does anything on Meat Loaf but if you click here you can start to understand how bad Kid Rock really is. warning, there are bad words and all said by Kid.  .