Pitchfork

So Lily Allen more or less met expectations at Chicago's Double Door last night-- and expectations were admittedly low. Towing along a bassist, a keyboardist/laptop attendant, and a bored-looking horn section, she sleepwalked through set opener "LDN"-- nervously clutching a cigarette and gazing offstage, eyes glazed over, as though imagining all the places she'd rather be-- then launched into a rather tepid rendition of 50 Cent-jacking, non-album Granny dis track, "Nan, You're a Window Shopper".

Allen gained confidence as the set went on, but that set was barely 40 minutes long, so the confidence didn't get very far. Fair enough for a gal with only a couple mixes and one album, which doesn't hit the States until next year. And yet, one hopes for more onstage charisma from Allen, whose excellent Alright, Still shines with wit, a keen sense of humor, and yes, even heart.

Lily has a way to go before she can work a sizable crowd, but she does have the songs, and most in attendance here-- an Internet-savvy bunch, no doubt-- seemed to be enjoying themselves, whether intent on doing so no matter what, or too drunk to notice anything was lacking.

DJ Mark Ronson opened with a very impressive set of mash-ups, pureeing everything from Britney Spears, Lupe Fiasco, and Dizzee Rascal to Thom Yorke, the Smiths, and Regina Spektor. More than anyone else on stage last night, he actually seemed enthused to be performing.

Allen embarks on a tour of UK Academies and Universities this weekend, then opens two gigs for Scissor Sisters. Dates and more photos ahead.

Homecoming:

10-21 Manchester, England - Academy
10-22 Newcastle, England - Newcastle University
10-23 Glasgow, Scotland - ABC
10-25 Edinburgh, Scotland - TBA
10-26 Leeds, England - Leeds University
10-27 Liverpool, England - Liverpool University
10-28 Sheffield, England - Leadmill
10-30 Norwich, England - UEA
10-31 Cambridge, England - Junction
11-01 Bristol, England - Academy
11-03 Portsmouth, England - Pyramids
11-04 Birmingham, England - Academy
11-06 London, England - Astoria
11-24 London, England - Wembley Arena *
11-25 London, England - Wembley Arena *

* with Scissor Sisters