The Psychedelic Furs + The Jesus and Mary Chain in Chicago

Whether you're unfamiliar with the bands or not, everyone has probably heard the songs Love My Way or Pretty in Pink by the Psychedelic Furs once. No matter your age, you've also probably seen the movie Pretty in Pink, named after the song! But, if you're like most people and were disappointed by the ending, at least it uses one of the greatest 80s New Wave soundtracks of all time. The Jesus and Mary Chain weren't so famous due to the lyrical content of their songs, getting most of their releases banned from radio. Even so, they're among the most cited influences in the post-punk, shoegaze, and noise-pop genres.

This last Sunday, I got the chance to see them perform at Salt Shed with fellow UIC Radio member Mick (DJ/Host of Car Radio), and I couldn't be happier with my experience. I missed all but the last song by the supporting artist, Frankie Rose, but from what I could tell, it was similar to JAMC's sound: reverbed and delayed with indie pop energies. I was very sad to miss out, but I've added a few of her most recent albums' songs, which I highly suggest you listen to. Here's my favorite:

I hear not only post-punk influence but even 60s indie sounds like Shangri-las or Velvet Underground in her music, who are also inspirations to the bands she opened for. Luckily, I didn't completely miss out on her tasteful talent because it was such a surreal moment when she took the stage with Jim Reid (lead singer of JAMC) to perform the last few songs of JAMC's set! It felt ethereal and moving, something akin to my spirit being cleansed by a powerwasher of soothing sound.

The Jesus and Mary Chain was the band that made me want to go to the concert in the first place. I love the Psychedelic Furs, but I usually like noisier performances, which is what JAMC is known for. They would let their echo and reverb machines build up into screeching noise only to release it with the most satisfying breakdowns. Despite the overpowering breakdowns, their set was still complete with a persistent, driven energy that only becomes more euphoric the longer it goes on.

I've always loved the more psychedelic side of post-punk, and this was my first time hearing something like this live. It was an unforgettable experience for little 14-year-old me, who first found one of JAMC's songs from a The Walking Dead episode and had their taste in music sent down a path they never came back from. As the set ended with Just Like Honey, my journey into the dreamy, dark, passionate, and piercingly romantic world that JAMC creates left me in a daze where I almost forgot The Psychedelic Furs were playing next.

I'll start by saying I've listened to only some of The Psychedelic Furs' discography and I like a couple of their albums a lot, albums that I own on CD and am very familiar with. I went into this concert expecting to find more of The Psychedelic Furs' music that I liked and to enjoy the performance on top of seeing JAMC, who I love dearly. Still, I was taken aback by the raw energy in the venue once The Psychedelic Furs took the stage. Between their all-black classy outfits, the fantastic stage lighting, and the beautiful sounds being played, I was instantly transported back to all my memories associated with their music and more. It was a truly blissful experience to remember the times in high school when I'd take walks in my suburban neighborhood at sunset or when I was at the lake with my friends, where I'd experience peace like no place on earth. There were countless other memories, but when music opens up that part of you, it's a reminder of the power it holds. It reminded me of what first made me love music, and to experience that live will always be an unforgettable moment for me.

This show made me grateful for live music and its effects on you, and kudos to these two bands who have been performing since the 80s and are still putting on amazing shows. If you haven't, I suggest checking out The Psychedelic Furs and The Jesus and Mary Chain's music. They are integral influences to much of today's music, carrying on the torch of indie rock from Beach Boys and Lou Reed to the artists of today like Slowdive or even TV Girl. Whether going through their most popular songs on Spotify or watching Pretty in Pink to hear that fantastic New Wave soundtrack, it'll be an excellent way to dip your feet in some oldies that aren't so well known.

(Images and video by me :P)