The Chicago Cubs clinched the National League Central Division Title this weekend, so I thought it was appropriate to make sure that everyone out there learns the lyrics to 'Go Cubs Go' (not 'Go Cubs Win', as manager Lou Pinella hilariously referred to it one day during a post-game conference).

So, when the Cubs make their way to the World Series, make sure you know the words for the post-game celebration:

Baseball season's underway
Well you better get ready for a brand new day
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.

You're singing now ...
Go, Cubs, go
Go, Cubs, go
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today
Go, Cubs, go
Go, Cubs, go
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.

Watchers is another Chicago band that goes to great lengths to distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack. Opening for New York City's Golem didn't come off as strange of a pairing as I thought it would, because Watchers throw a bit of everything into the mix. I don't mean that as a dis' on either group, I guess I'm trying to say that after seeing both bands, it actually ended up being a great blending of bands that complimented each other well in their own quirky ways.

Although they clearly lean towards the raucousness of an early 80's punk band, Watchers deviate enough to let you know its not all "yeah-yeah, oi-oi, rah-rah" punk rawk. The influence of dub, jazz, and reggae gives Watchers a bit more room to work with, and I believe it kept the audience on their toes for most of their set. I've seen the Watchers numerous times in the past year or so (they've been around for much longer, but inexplicably dropped off my radar between 2003-2006), and each performance is full of energy, most of it dictated by vocalist Michael Guarrine and his killer dance moves. This show provided an added bonus, as special guest Dan Nash (of the previously mentioned Jai-Alai Savant) filled in on bass (the band is searching for a permanent replacement), and he was absolutely locked in with the drumming tandem of Damien Thompson and Jess Birch, and complimented the guitar work of Ethan D'Ercole.

Heres a video i took of "Slicker Pays" from their Schubas set, off their latest album Vampire Driver

The mighty Pitchfork posted a great video today from some festival they did this summer... you may have head of it. </sarcasm>

I missed Califone's performance, so I was excited to see that it was captured for the rest of the world to see. I did, however, catch them at West Fest, one of Chicago's many neighborhood block parties that occur throughout the summer. I really enjoy listening to Califone records, but the live experience is much more intense for a band that sounds so restrained on record. Their latest effort, Roots and Crowns, was released in 2006 and made its way into my top 10 records of the year. The song featured in this video is 'Pink and Sour', also featured on my Chicago mix (I really am quite the arbiter of taste). If you look closely, you'll notice the band is also joined by 2 members of the Bitter Tears, another great Chicago band that will have a doubletimefeel.com feature sooner or later (hint: trombone!).