One of the most hyped and acclaimed metal bands of the past few years, Godsmack actually took its name from an Alice in Chains song. The band does draw on some the grunge and post-grunge elements, melding them with an '80s metal sensibility. And Incubus, a current radio favorite, has a bit more going for it than other radio-friendly new metal acts, such as Korn. And for what we might call cerebral rock, check out Counting Crows and Live on Saturday night at the World. Sure, Adam Duritz is a little intense in a self-centered sort of way, but he was an English major and takes his songwriting seriously.
Recent reviews say both bands put on energetic, passion-filled shows.
Shivaree on Saturday at Schubas and Lyle Lovett on Thursday at the Chicago Theatre.