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Knob Creek’s Whiskey Professor Educates Office

“After Knob Creek you’ll be Spin-ing,” Scott Masson of Chicago-based quintet Officejoked to a hometown crowd last night (Nov. 20) at Schuba’s. Providing alesson in whiskey/bourbon 101, Knob Creek’s “Whiskey Professor”literally warmed up the invitation only crowd with shots of free boozein preparation for a performance from the local new wave-infusedfavorites. Cranking out nine tracks from recent LP A Night at the Ritz,Office appeared at ease on stage, and as the evening continued to heatup, members shed articles of clothing, albeit a scarf, a hat, and asweater from three different individuals.

Skipping radiodarling “Q&A,” Office substituted in songs like almost-title track,”The Ritz,” and the eerily Weezer-esque “Company Calls.” But no onesong garnered as much audience zeal as closer “Oh My God.” As frontmanScott Masson screamed the heartbreaking chorus, “Oh my God / Oh my God/ I really need somebody!” you could almost taste the extra Knob Creekshots being gulped down to alleviate the ache of patrons sanssignificant others.

We asked:Office is signed to ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha’s labelScrathchie/New Line Records. Which song from Iha’s former band wouldyou love to see Office cover?