There are few voices in music today as instantly recognizable as Xiu
Xiu’s Jamie Stewart. Whether whispering, whimpering, or wailing,
Stewart sings his impressionist, fractured confessionals in a voice
that bleeds hurt while grasping at hope. It is not,
obviously, a voice for everybody. But for those who find commiseration
in Xiu Xiu’s songs, it is gut wrenching. Xiu Xiu is completed by
Caralee McElroy on keys and Ches Smith on drums; live, the trio is
manic-depressive, swinging from pacific calm to epileptic thrash with deceptive care. (Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison St, 324-8000. 9 pm,
$10, all ages.)