When thinking Chicago progressive metal, two bands ultimately come to mind: Pelican and Russian Circles. Now, neither of these bands are in competition with one another, but you can’t deny both Pelican and Russian Circles have a very similar sonic approach.

But on the Estonian – though they prefer to be labeled “international” – metal Web site Metal Storm, our dear two Chicago prog-metal acts are pitted against each other in the most epic award category of all time. Yes, Pelican and Russian Circles have both been nominated for a 2009 Metal Storm award in the category Best Post-Metal/Avantgarde Metal Album (with a slew of other bands, but whatever). Obviously Pelican was nominated for their latest release What We All Come To Need and Russian Circles for Geneva.

So I plea with you, Chicago. Vote. Vote Now. Vote Often (The Chicago way!). For there can be only one winner for the Best Post-Metal/Avantgarde Metal Album of 2009. Lets at least make it a windy citizen. (PS: Catch Pelican on March 12 at the Beat Kitchen!)

A lot is happening in the world of Pelican. The band’’s first album on Southern Lord Records, What We All Come to Need, originally released last October, is getting the vinyl treatment.

The double-LP hits the streets on February 23 and contains 3 additional tracks not available on the digital release.

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Photo Credit: Carrie Musgrave - livebabylive.com

It’s that time again, we’ve looked ahead and started filling in our calendars with all of the awesome upcoming shows headed to Chicago in the next few months. Being the good guys and gals that we are, we’re sharing our favorites with you, all of which will surely be not-to-miss performances of artists from around the globe that includes an impressive line-up of local acts. Check out below what we think are the hot Winter/Early Spring concerts, local acts are BOLD for easy access, and let us know in the comments what we may have missed.

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Pelican

First off thanks to everyone who came out to the Ugly Christmas Sweater last night! We had a great time and met some really cool people from some sweet Chicago blogs and Web sites.

Feel free to discuss the party here or at the Windy Citizen’s party recap thread.

This weekend, we’re spotlighting tonight’s Flaming Lips performance at 93 XRT’s Big Holiday Concert, Pelican, the Chicago Bluegress & Blues Festival and Russian Circles.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

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The Decemberists - Photo Credit: Richard Giraldi

We’ve already given you a preview of what’s playing in Chicago on New Year’s Eve. We’ve told you about the new club opening up Lincoln Hall and all the great acts scheduled to play there in the coming weeks. Our Daily and Weekly Diversions keep you informed of what’s on the horizon. 

But still, we here at Loud Loop Press felt there were just too many great shows coming up in this fair city of ours that we didn’t want you to miss out on. Below is a compilation of big name concerts we’re spotlighting for the coming months. There’s a little something for everyone, from KISS to Bob Dylan, Scott Lucas to Snoop Dogg and everyone else in between. Maybe we missed a show, if you think we did let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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On October 27 Pelican will release its fourth studio album What We All Come To Need on the Southern Lord label. To promote the release the loud, post-rock quartet will play an in-store performance at 7:00pm October 16 at Reckless Records, 1532 N. Milwaukee Ave.

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