The A.V. Club’s Undercover: Summer Break Explores Chicagoland

Tuesday, The A.V. Club released the latest Undercover mini-series in its entirety. Titled “Summer Break,” the song list features seven season-appropriate jams from George Gershwin to Alice Cooper. To sweeten the deal, The A.V. Club took the show on the road, pairing each video with exclusive Chicago locales that would make even Ferris Bueller jealous.

Maps & Atlases cover “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Croft at the Threadless warehouse
Although Threadless is known near and far as the champion of the online communal T-shirt design niche, the company still maintains a very cool physical presence in Chicago. In addition to its retail location on North Broadway, its headquarters boasts a basketball court, some airstream trailers, enough kooky wall art to spark envy in H. R. Pufnstuf, and a dancing cookie.

Yellow Ostrich covers “In The Summertime” by Mungo Jerry on WBEZ’s deck
For the second installment, The A.V. Club took advantage of Chicago Public Radio’s WBEZ deck on Navy Pier. All skyline and boats, this vantage point highlights what’s great about Navy Pier while managing to evade the ever-present hoards of tourists with snow-cone dribble.

Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes covers “Ask” by The Smiths on Tim’s deck
While Navy Pier placed Yellow Ostrich in the thick of things downtown, for Josh Caterer’s cover, The A.V. Club headed for a roof deck a little farther west, capturing the full scope of America’s greatest skyline (if Oprah says it, it must be true). Adding another layer of hometown pride are musicians Elia and Ethan of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir and cellist Jenny Choi.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. covers “Summer Babe” by Pavement on the Throop Troop’s deck
Another video, another scenic porch to be taken advantage of. Still on the West Side, this A.V. Club-er’s abode boasts views of the Sears—er, Willis—Tower, John Hancock, and the St. John Cantius Parish off Chicago Ave.

Owen covers “Summertime Rolls” by Jane’s Addiction at Hot Doug’s
As all Chicagoans know, Hot Doug’s is a beacon of unparalleled dining. While one commenter likened the packed establishment to a Potbelly’s (blasphemy!), this video should melt the hearts of any previous diner. Sadly, Kinsella isn’t wearing the Hot Doug’s Black Flag tee.

Crooked Fingers cover “Summertime” by George Gershwin on the Tribune Tower
Kicking things up a notch, Crooked Fingers performed on the Tribune Tower’s 22nd floor observation deck overlooking Michigan Avenue. Built in 1923, the building was envisioned as the “most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world” and remains an iconic piece of Chicago architecture.

Les Savy Fav covers “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper on a yacht
To wrap things up, The A.V. Club set out to conquer Lake Michigan, the final frontier in any Chicago experience. Three pairs of sunglasses aside, frontman Tim Harrington stressed the necessity of adequate sun protection by hijacking Chicago editor Marah Eakin’s hat before letting the good times really roll.