Weekly
Spins: Beastie Boys ⢠To the 5 Boroughs
Beastie Boys To the 5 Boroughs (Capitol/UMe) In 2004, Beastie Boysâ sixth album found the bicoastal trio of MCA, Mike D and Ad-rock returning to and celebrating their place of origin. To the 5 Boroughs finds the group in full flourish with an album full of infectious grooves, dizzying pastiches of inscrutable (and probably costly) […]
Spins: Robin Trower Live! expanded 50th anniversary 2xLP
Robin Trower Live! expanded 50th anniversary 2xLP (Chrysalis) Robin Trower is an enduring guitar hero from the golden age of classic rock and roll. The veteran British musician is still thrilling fans with work including 2025âs Come and Find Me and packing theaters as an energetic octogenarian. Still, most fans will prize 1974âs Bridge of […]
Spins: Violent Femmes ⢠The Blind Leading the Naked 40th anniversary
Violent Femmes The Blind Leading the Naked 40th anniversary (Craft) This reissue of Violent Femmesâ third album arrives on âCandlelight Swirlâ vinyl in celebration of its 40th birthday. For The Blind Leading the Naked, the Milwaukee alt-punk trio parted ways with Mark Van Hecke, producer of the bandâs landmark 1983 debut and its follow-up. The group […]
Photo Gallery: Lollapalooza 2026 – Day One (Part One)
Lollapalooza Grant Park Chicago, IL July 30-August 2nd Recap and photos by Curt Baran Day One Lollapalooza, the massive, annual four-day music festival, once again landed back at its home in Chicagoâs Grant Park for its 2026 run. It featured dozens of bands, sprawled out over four days, all on the cityâs front lawn. Day […]
Live Review: Wet Leg at The Vic Theatre ⢠Chicago
Wet Leg The Vic Theatre Chicago, IL July 29, 2026 Review by Jeff Elbel. Photos by Curt Baran. Hailing from the Isle of Wight in the UK, indie rock quintet Wet Leg performed a bit of time traveling magic in addition to crossing the Atlantic Ocean for their first appearance in Chicago this year. The […]
Stage Buzz: Lollapalooza, Ben Folds, Guns Nâ Roses
The biggest event of the summer is finally here! Lollapalooza kicks off this weekend, bringing four nights of music, fun, and good vibes to end your summer right. As always, this yearâs lineup is stacked, featuring Clipse, Turnstile, Olivia Dean, Charli XCX, YUNGBLUD, Lorde, sombr, Wet Leg, The xx, Loathe, Haue & Freddy, Viagra Boys, […]
Live Review and Photo Gallery: Rush at United Center ⢠Chicago
Rush United Center Chicago, IL July 22, 2026 Review by Jeff Elbel. Photos by Curt Baran. The unexpected reignition of Rush has emerged as the must-see concert tour of the year, as witnessed on Wednesday by an ecstatic audience at the United Center. In addition to touching 13 of the Canadian rockersâ 19 studio albums, […]
Stage Buzz: Lollapalooza 2026 Undercard Preview ⢠Chicago
The Braymores ⢠Thursday, July 30 ⢠BMI Stage ⢠1:00 p.m Chicagoâs Braymores deliver a familiar blend of folk and roots rock, recalling bands nurtured in the city, including The Insiders and Way Down Wanderers.  Add a dash of atmospheric shoegaze to their mix, and itâs a more than interesting result. Their surprisingly solid […]
Live Review: The Church at Park West ⢠Chicago
The Church, 2026 The Church Park West Chicago, IL July 7, 2026 Review by Jeff Elbel Led by founding member Steve Kilbey, Australian rockers the Church filled Park West with dreamy psychedelia, inventive alternative pop, and searing rock on Tuesday. âWhen I was young and getting started, the man opened the big book of […]
Stage Buzz: Evanescence, Bob Dylan, Muse, Taste of Westmont
Over 20 years ago, we were swept away by Evanescence thanks to âBring Me to Life.â Amy Leeâs soaring vocals paired with heavy guitars were unlike anything at the time. Lee and the rest of the band continue to captivate audiences around the world. The band brings its world tour with Spiritbox and Nova Twins […]
Stage Buzz: Of Montreal, Buju Banton and Stephen Marley, Louis Tomlinson
Once upon a time, Of Montreal was an indie rock band making waves with their blend of psychedelic pop, funk, and R&B. Now, 20 albums deep into their career, theyâre indie rock veterans. Taking their new album, aethermead, on the road, the band will perform at Thalia Hall with CorMae this Tuesday, June 30th. Grab […]
Stage Buzz: Kim Gordon, âWeird Alâ Yankovic, The Human League
Kim Gordon will always be remembered for her groundbreaking work with Sonic Youth, but over the years, she has broken out to pave her own successful solo career. Now on her third album, the singer continues to prove why she remains one of the most impactful forces in music. Gordon brings the âPlay Meâ […]
Stage Buzz: The Strokes, Sheila E, Chicago Pride Fest, Taste of Randolph
Our favorite New York City (home of the NBA world champion Knicks) rock band is finally back. The Strokes are returning with their first new album in six years, Reality Awaits. Though we have to wait a little longer for the new record, the band will bring the highly anticipated âReality Awaitsâ tour to the United […]
Live Review: Amy Grant at City Winery ⢠Chicago
Amy Grant City Winery, Chicago, IL Monday, June 15, 2026 Review and live photo by Jeff Elbel âI just love songs that start conversations,â said singer-songwriter Amy Grant when introducing âThe 6th of January (Yasgurâs Farm)â to an attentive, sold-out room at City Winery Chicago on Monday. Known for clean-cut and uplifting radio hits […]
Photo Gallery: Mumford & Sons at Wrigley Field ⢠Chicago
Mumford & Sons Wrigley Field Chicago, IL June 11, 2026 Recap and Photos by Curt Baran Ah, the perils of an outdoor concert during a Chicago summer. For those assembled to see Mumford & Sons at Chicagoâs Wrigley Field on Thursday night, well, Ma Nature threw âem a curveball. Freakishly weird weather blew through the […]
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