Nice Tix: Scott Weiland, Adele, and the Wailers forget one key ingredient

Ten years ago Scott Weiland released his surprisingly good solo album, 12 Bar Blues. It delved into glam, cabaret, pop and trip-hip (it was 1998, after all). Now, after continually alienating himself from bandmates, he's back on his own with Happy in Galoshes, recorded right here in Chicago with Steve Albini. The first single, "Paralysis," embarrassingly parodies David Bowie. Hell, it's more of an impression than a homage. Albini's trademark snare thwack and the "crashing car" refrain kinda recalls the Thin White Duke's seminal record, Low, in particular, "Always Crashing the Same Car," (of course). The Stone Temple Pilot frontman is thin and white, at least. Despite it's muddled, half-baked state, it sure as hell beats Velvet Revolver.

Weiland headlines an entertaining bill with Eagles of Death Metal and Cold War Kids at House of Blues on December 18. Tickets are on sale now.

Adele went to the same performing arts school as Amy Winehouse, and seemingly took the same Blue Eyed Soul 101 courseload. Her record is the blandest and most ballad-y of the Brit bunch, and it lingered overlooked for most of the year. An appearance on Saturday Night Live fixed that. Just last week, Adele wandered her London stomping grounds for a long spot on CBS Sunday Morning. Her January gig at Park West will certainly sell out in a flash. Tickets are on sale this Saturday.

The whole "old band plays a classic record straight through" concept is getting old. It's merely a way to drum up seemingly credible buzz for the endless string of reunions. But none of these shows has been quite as ridiculous as the Wailers performing Exodus at House of Blues. Ah, I can't wait to hear Bob sing "Jamming" and "One Love"…hey, wait! Tickets are on sale now.

The rest of the week's concert announcements:

NOVEMBER
19 Drew Emmitt Band; Morse Theatre. Advance $20, day of show $25.
20 Melvins + Big Business; Reggie's Rock Club. $20.
28 Brian McKnight + Jennifer Hudson; Star Plaza Theatre. $56–$71.

DECEMBER
4 Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings; Vic Theatre. $22. 18+
6 Brendan Bayliss & Jake Cinninger; Park West. $20. AA
14 Love Is All; Empty Bottle. $12.
16 Saliva + Theory of a Deadman + Hollywood Undead; House of Blues. $28.50–$30. AA
17 Marc Broussard + Josh Hoge; Park West. $20. 18+
17 Shinedown + Saving Abel; House of Blues. $28.50–$30. AA
18 Scott Weiland + Eagles of Death Metal + Cold War Kids; House of Blues. $28.50–$30. AA
19 Scotland Yard Gospel Choir; Double Door. $10.

JANUARY
19 Adele; Park West. $20. AA
23, 24 Styx; Genesee Theatre. $55. Jan 24, Star Plaza Theatre. $37.
23 The Wailers perform Exodus; House of Blues. $24.50–$25.50. 17+
25 Jewel; Star Plaza Theatre. $38.50.

FEBRUARY
18 Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt; Rialto Square Theatre. $55–$69.50.