Chicago - November 06, 2009

Music to Your Ears

Big Star Taqueria and Bar Opens

You’ve heard the Big Star commotion. The boys (Paul Kahan, Donnie Madia, Terry Alexander, Eduard Seitan, Peter Garfield) are at it again, this time with a honky-tonk taqueria in the old Pontiac space opening Monday.

You’ve gotten a taste: pork-on-a-spit tacos and dulce de leche milk shakes, courtesy of chef Justin Large (Blackbird, The Publican, Avec).

And a buzz: 50 rare whiskeys; 40 small-batch tequilas; one vodka, gin, and rum; and dollar Schlitz, courtesy of Michael Rubel (Violet Hour).

You’ve heard. But you haven’t really listened. So we asked Big Star to make a playlist just for you. The tunes are so edgy and offbeat that most of them aren’t on iTunes. We gave you the links we could. For the rest, you’ll have to go hear for yourself. Hit it, boys.

“Pain, Loneliness, and Misery,” by Frankie Treat

“Please, Please, Bartender,” by Sonny Joe Ivy 

“Stained and Lit,” by Red Red Meat

“Crying Lonely Tears,” by Karen Louise Sawyer

“(Quicksilver Daydreams of) Maria,” by Townes Van Zandt

“Blame Loneliness,” by Big Bill Johnson

“I’ll Never See Him Again,” by Elsie Shaw

“Wild Horses,” by Gram Parsons

“High Fashion Queen,” by The Flying Burrito Brothers

“Heaven in Your Arms,” by Weldon & Wanda Rogers

“Heartful of Tears,” by Bill Tyler & the Cedar Valley Boys

“Love Comes to Me,” by Bonnie “Prince” Billy

“Please, Please Come Back,” by Johny Wade & Skitter Bob

“Help Me Lift You Up,” by Mary Margaret O’Hara

“I Am the Cosmos,” (country version) by Chris Bell

Big Star, 1531 North Damen Avenue, at Pierce Avenue (773-235-4039).

Photo: Grant Kessler / Courtesy of Big Star

  Cool Kids, Foodies, Music, Neighborhood Gem, Scenesters