twin shadow
hollow days

A harrowing tune of despair set to a poppy backbeat has become Twin Shadow’s style as of late. After what happened to him it’s no wonder (check out this NPR Article for more info.) But he’s come back with some stellar tunes and this one had us humming all day.

He is currently not touring but you can read LPL’s review of his opening set for Børns in Issue #30

meat wave that’s alright
lifestyles wail
split 7”

These two local indie rock troopers have become fixtures in the Chicago scene the past few years and it’s fitting they team up for a split 7.” “That’s Alright” has the Meat Wave trio grinding in typical fashion behind spacy vocals; while Hanna Hazard’s scream singing lights up Lifestyles single chord repetition filled tune. You gotta take a listen to this. You got 5 min and 8 sec right!

Meat Wave is on tour with Cursive at the moment and they are swinging through Thalia Hall on November 15th. Tix are $20 - $30.  
Lifestyles currently has no upcoming dates.

acid dad
living with a creature

A driving rocker from these impressive New Yorkers who broke onto the scene with their stellar debut last Spring. This is the first track we’ve gotten since and it’ll knock you around the room a bit!

Acid Dad is hitting the Empty Bottle this Friday, November 2nd! Tix are $10. $12 doors.

natalie prass
no future in our frontman

Natalie Prass’ contribution to Matthew E. White’s  protest song project: having different artists do versions, in their style, of the same tune; and taking aim at our current leader in the process.

She rolled through last month. We covered it in issue #29. Take a look!

living hour
bottom step

This lullaby of a tune from these Canadian folk rockers lulled us away from a terrible weekend in the news and made us long for a world without tragedy and suffering. Or at least one where they aren’t embraced by the powers that be. Sam Sarty’s voice just calms the nerves.

They just came through The Hideout a month back, hopefully they swing back through after their new record “Softer Faces” drops March 1st.

other notable jams this week

• Y La Bamba / Mujeres

• Spencer Zahn & Half Waif / A Life Apart

• pronoun / you didn’t even make the bed

• Beach House / Alien

• Bierut / Gallipoli

• The Palmer Squares , Probcause / Paralyzed

• AFI / Get Dark

• Tiësto / Grapevine

ty segall
class war

A protest song of sorts by rocks resident prolific scholar; bringing in elements of early Detroit hard rock and blending it with california stoner rock he creates a sound that is strictly Ty. He can truely do anything he wants.

Segall is coming to Thalia Hall for an acoustic “In The Round” show on Nov 2nd. Tix are $28.

action bronson
Prince Charming

The East Coast’s resident bearded MC spits a rather mature tune, which makes us excited for new album White Bronco, dropping Nov. 1st!

Bronson isn’t coming through Chicago again soon.

the front bottoms
End of summer (now I know)

A summer love jam to end out the season completly. Only these guys know how to hit the chords just right and bring us back to summers of our youth in the middle of October.

These boys are opening for Manchester Orchestra on December 8th. Tix are going for $32.50

the o’jays
above the law

There is no question what this one is about. From the opening line of these soul legends new tune you know who it’s pointed at, and after sixty years in the game their funk still knows no bounds.

None of their dates are bringing them our way.

kadhja bonet
childqueen outtakes

A three track grouping of tunes that didn’t make the cut for this years standout record Childqueen. While vinyl length probably kept these off the original they still fit right in with this smart, beautiful album. Check them both out.

She was here this summer and we don’t expect her back until the Spring.

other notable jams this week

• Calliope Musicals / Cosmic Poison Arrow

• Tina Boonstra / Find You

• Sasha Sloan / Chasing Parties

• Jealous of the Birds / Marrow

• Billie Eilish / when the party’s over

• Clara Mae / Sorry For Writing All The Songs About You (Acoustic) EP

• Robert DeLong / See You In The Future EP

• Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross / Mid 90’s (Original Music From The Motion Picture) EP

• Martin Garrix / BYLAW EP

girlpool
Lucy’s

A fuzzed out full band track from this L.A. duo that displays Harmony Tividad’s new vocal range after starting hormone treatments to transition from female to male. We can’t wait for more from these two as they traverse this change in dynamic.

They are coming to Bottom Lounge on October 30th. Buy some tix here.

the muckers
it’s better without you

This New Yorker by way of Iran (yes you read that right) psych rock quartet is gearing up to release their first studio EP and the first track is a rager, sweeping us up in it’s delicious guitar insanity. You gotta listen to this one.

No current tour dates have Chicago on their radar.

speedy ortiz / dtmfa
bigger party (adult swim singles)

Taking its title from the anagram coined by Dan Savage “Dump The Motherfucker Already”, Sadie Dupuis’ new fuzzed out tune is the perfect pre breakup tune. If you’re thinking about walking away this is the song to build up the courage.

Speedy Ortiz has already had a couple dates in Chicago this year. We’re hoping they are back in the Spring.

frances cone
wide awake

The third single off the Nashville quartets forthcoming Late Riser, due out Jan. 18th on Living Daylight, is a gorgeous little number that shows off Christina Cone’s emotional chops.

They are coming this Friday to Lincoln Hall opening for Tall Heights. Get your tix here.

frigs , jamie mccuaig
crop circles

Singer Bria Salmena claims this new tune is a break up song that purely lives in this recording “and was never intended to be played live.” Which is really too bad because its a killer slogger from the Toronto post punks who made a big splash this year with their debut Basic Behaviour.

The Empty Bottle hosted them in September so we don’t expect them back any time soon.

faux furrs
canopy ep

Spacey and astounding, Chicago’s Faux Furrs have released a killer EP to follow up last years impressive Taxonomy. If you haven’t gotten to see them live yet get to their next show! They don’t have one on the books yet, but when they do we’ll let you know. Till then take a listen.

other notable jams this week

• Willy Nelson / Vote ‘Em Out

• Mick Jenkins / Understood

• Run The Jewels / Let’s Go (The Royal We)

• The Ting Tings / Estranged

• RAT BOY / INTERNATIONALLY UNKNOWN

• Pistol Annies / Stop Drop and Roll One

• Doc Robbinson / The Musicol Sessions (Vol 2) EP

• ALMA / Cowboy

• Sia / I’m Still Here

Soccer Mommy
Henry

We’ll listen to Sophie Allison sing anything and this reworking of an old song is kind of perfect. Dreamy and lethargic it’s the right tune for these lazy fall weekends.

She just played last week at Lincoln Hall. It sold out so fast we couldn’t scoop up tix, but we covered her Schubas show  in issue #5.

courtney barnett
small talk

Released as part of the Mom+Pop 10th anniversary box set this track was recorded during the sessions for this years Tell Me How You Really Feel, and fits right in with the opinionated Aussie’s newest repertoire.

She is coming back to Chicago next Thursday October 18th at The Riv with Waxahatchee opening. We can’t believe this show is not sold out! Get tix right here!

sharon van etten
comeback kid

We’re all about artists evolving their sound and this is a wholly new one from guitar goddess Sharon Van Etten. The first single off forthcoming Remind Me Tomorrow, dropping January 18th on Jagjaguwar, has left us highly intrigued to hear more.

We’re sure she’ll roll through once the new record drops.

kurt vile
one trick ponies

A rambling folk rocker of a tune that only Kurt Vile seems to be able to pull off these days. The third and final single before we get new record Bottle It In this Friday.

The Riv is hosting him on December 22nd with Jessica Pratt in support. Snag some tix here.   

Haley heynderickx , Max GARCÍA Conover
among horses iii EP

Every year record label Son Canciones has sponsored a collab project between two musicians who are sequestered at a farm for a week with plenty of instruments available and charged with creating and recording music. This year’s pairing was the incomparable folk artists Haley Heynderickx and Max Garciá Conover, the latter has a weekly song challenge on Patreon. Check that out here.

The result is a gorgeous six song collection that will leave you breathless and wanting more out of the two. This one comes highly recommended.

Conover is not currently on tour but Heynderickx is opening for Gregory Alan Isakov at The Vic on November 7th. Grab some tix here.

anderson .paak , kendrick lamar
tints

This is what you get when two artists at their peak meet to do a track. A funky, extremely listenable tune, that seems to have just missed that summer jam window. But since they are “tinted” maybe they missed it on purpose. Damn this tune is good. Lamar lays down a killer verse and .Paak is his regular funky self.

Neither artist is hitting Chicago anytime soon.

Stand Atlantic
lost my cool

Once again an Australian band has wowed us with their power pop sound. “Lost My Cool” is the trios second single off their debut full length Skinny Dipping, set to drop October 26th on Hopeless Records.

We hope they come through this Winter after their album hits big. From what we’ve heard it has the potential.

other notable jams from this week

• The Regrettes - California Friends

• Halsey - Without Me

• Typesetter , Lydia Loveless - Technicolor

• WILD - Just Begun

• Radkey - Rock & Roll Homeschool

• Psydell - Skadder

PEEL
NEVER NOT DEAD - EP

Punk rock Chicago style: dirty, snide and broad shouldered. This new EP dropped a couple weeks ago and we were slow on the uptake, but now we can’t get enough.

We can’t wait to see them again at Do Division on Friday June 1st! (see our Fest Guide, coming out next week, for more info!)

CHILDISH GAMBINO
THIS IS AMERICA

How does Donald Glover get cooler? Release our song of the summer, that’s how. This is twentieth century Michael Jackson territory. Yeah, we said it.

He is hitting up the United Center on Sept. 8th and there are plenty of tix available.

THUNDERPUSSY
BADLANDS

A slow burner from the Seattle glam rockers leaves us eagerly  awaiting the whole album, set to drop May 25th.

Thunderpussy is playing Cobra Lounge on Monday May 21st. It’s only $12. What else are you going to do on a Monday . . .

WILDERADO
YOU DON'T LOVE ME

This track builds and builds until it is full on sonic beauty. We can’t wait for a full album after all the EPs they put out last year.

They were just in town in March so we may have to wait awhile till they come back around.

PARQUET COURTS
MARDI GRAS BEADS

Delivered in their typical dissonant vocal style, this new single from upcoming album, Wide Awake! sounds like a Beach Boys tune gone a bit sour. If you love them as much as we do, you know that’s a good thing.

Still no Lolla aftershow announcements but we are praying these guys play one.

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Hatchie - Sleep

• Natalie Prass - Lost

• Valley Queen - Supergiant

• Welles - Rock N Roll

• REMMI - Good With It

• Beatrice Deer - Atungak

• Beach House - Black Car

BIRDS OF CHICAGO
SUPERLOVER

A folky, soulful tune from this half Chicago based duo. Their 3rd and last single off new album Love in Wartime, which comes out Friday. Look for a review in our next issue!  

They played here a couple weeks ago and have no dates set for Chicago at the moment.

NEEDTOBREATHE
DARLING

Ballads can almost always work if done correctly and this one from South Carolina’s NEEDTOBREATHE is rather moving. It’s off their new LP Forever On Your Side, due out Aug. 28th. 

NEEDTOBREATHE is playing Northerly Island on September 8th. Tix start at $30. 

SNAIL MAIL
HEAT WAVE

Yet another single off Lindsey Jordan’s upcoming record, Lush, due out June 8th. As we have said before this is indie rock gold, and at only age 19. Damn. 

We can’t wait to see her at Sub T on Saturday June 16th. Tix are still available for $15.

ONEOHTRIX POINT NEVER
BLACK SNOW

Atmospheric beauty from note one. The first single off new album Age Of, out June 1st.

Unfortunately they have no Chicago dates yet in support of the new album.

KAILEE MORGUE
F**K u

A little tween pop ditty from this Phoenix phenom with just an EP under her belt. We expect a full length in the fall or winter for sure. 

No Chicago dates yet for Kailee Morgue. Come to Chicago! 

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Saltwater Tap - Lockdown

• Aloe Blacc - Brooklyn In The Summer

• illuminati hotties - Patience

• River Whyless - Motel 6

• Meg Myers - Numb

tANK AND THE BANGAS
SMOKE. NETFLIX. CHILL.

One of the best acts we saw last year at North Coast. A great musical collective from New Orleans surrounding Tarriona “Tank” Ball who is as infectious as she is talented. 

They are gracing a stage at Lolla this year. Please do an aftershow, please do an aftershow, please do an aftershow. If we say it three times it will come true, right? 

FIDLAR
ALCOHOL

What a blistering tune from this punk foursome from LA. Their bio on Spotify simply reads “Fuck it dog, life’s a risk.” Ha! 

If you have never seen them live you are in for a treat the next time they come around. They clearly give no fucks and have a blast doing it. 

TANCRED
QUEEN OF NEW YORK

The second single from forthcoming album Nightstand. (Due out June 1st) Confessional indie pop at it’s finest. 

She just played at the Sub T on April 8th. Hopefully she makes it back in support of this one.

SCREAMING FEMALES (FEAT. sAMMUS AND MOOR MOTHER)
END OF MY BLOODLINE - REMIX

Who says hip-hop / rock crossovers are a thing of the past. This is crazy good, please check it out. 

They just played a sold out show in Chicago last month but we wouldn’t be surprised to see Screaming Females back in the fall. Neither Sammus nor Moor Mother are playing Chicago soon.

COURTNEY BARNETT
CITY LOOKS PRETTY

A nice rolling pop rock tune. The third single from the highly anticipated new album Tell Me How You Really Feel. (due out May 18th) 

Barnett is playing a sold out show at the Chicago Cultural Center on May 21st. But is returning to play Pitchfork on Friday July 20th.

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Cherub - All In

• Janelle Monae - I Like That

• Leon Bridges - Beyond

• Frankie Simone - LOVE//WARRIOR

• Manic Focus / Umphrey’s McGee - Whistle Kids (Manic Focus remix)

• Confidence Man - Try Your Luck

Varsity
a friend named paul

The third single from the upcoming album from local indie lo fi pop outfit Varsity. A bouncy, jaunty tune about a, well, a friend named Paul

They are holding their record release party, for new album Parallel Person (which we will review next week) at the Empty Bottle on Friday, and it’s only $8! With Divino Nino and Beach Bunny in support. Role on in there and support local music, Surfers!

birds of chicago
never go back

This americana group spans from Chicago to Vancouver and produces some really fine tunes. This is the second single from upcoming new album Love In Wartime (out May 4th), and it soul’s up the place for sure!

Birds of Chicago are currently touring Europe but just played Thalia two weeks ago and, by all accounts, rocked it.

kamasi washington
the space travelers lullaby and fists of fury

Two long singles from upcoming album album Heaven and Earth, which it seems will be a concept album of sorts. Plenty of room for Washington to spread the wings of his sax and let it soar.

He will be at The Riv Nov. 3rd. Tix go on sale this Friday, but pre-sale is up and running and it shouldn’t be too hard to get a code. $36.75 before fees.

cherry glazerr
juicy socks

First new tune since last year’s Apocalipstick, and it is indie pop gold. Blast this one in the car for sure.

No Chicago dates for Cherry Glazerr yet this year.

tenille townes
living room worktapes (EP)

There is something about that old school country sound that this twenty four year old evokes that caught our attention, but it’s her heartfelt lyrics and modern stories that kept us around. These four tunes are a testament to this artists talent, and she has a bright future.

She is slated to open for Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town this summer but she is opening for Steve Moakler at Joe’s on Weed Street on May 18th. It’s $10 / $12 door, we call that a steal to check her out before she becomes a country music star.

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Brothers Osborne - Weed, Whiskey And Willie

• Calpurnia - Louie

• Sigrid - Raw (EP)

• Frank Turner - Make America Great Again

• Speedy Ortiz - Villain

• Florence + The Machine - Sky Full of Song

• Half Waif - Back in Brooklyn

• Le Butcherettes - spider/WAVES

dERMOT KENNEDY
MIKE DEAN pRESENTS: DERMOT KENNEDY

We know we normally do singles here but this is a five song EP, and this was such a big week, give us a break. That said. Go listen to this now. Trust us. If you don’t have twenty three minutes, spare four and listen to “Swim Good.” If it doesn’t affect you, you’re dead inside.

Kennedy will hopefully be back in the states from his native Ireland in the fall!

SUDAN ARCHIVES
NONT FOR SALE

A funky little tune from this twenty three year old singer who produces music with african, electronic and R&B influences. Do yourself a favor. Listen to it.

After a great showing at SXSW, she has hit the overseas circuit, but hopefully she’ll be back soon!

SHAKEY GRAVES
MANSION DOOR

Folk rock at it’s best. Nuff said there we think.

They are playing The Vic on May 22nd - 7:30PM and it is unfortunately sold out.

MIDDLE KIDS
ON MY KNEES

Fuzzy catchy indie rock that will have you humming these chords for days.

Lincoln Hall is hosting them on June 9th at 9PM - $15

TAUK
SHAPESHIFTER i: cONSTRUCT

The first part of a continuing series this EP comes from the New York jazz jam greats right before fest season starts.

Tauk is playing this Friday, April 13th at the Concord. Check it out! Only $16. We’ll be there. What else are you doing on a Friday at 9PM!? And with Steady Flow and EGI opening it works as a primer for SCamp, which is almost a month away!

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• The Coathangers - Gettin’ Mad And Pumpin’ Iron

• Beach House - Dark Spring

• Shallou - Vignette

• Chromeo feat. DRAM - Must’ve Been

• Drake - Nice for What

    (Yeah we were surprised by this quality cut from Drake as well.)

MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA
NO HARD FEELINGS

Andy Hull and company put out this moving cover of this Avett Brothers tune and to say it’s moving is not good enough. It brought us back to the old MO days when they didn’t rock as hard and Andy still played songs he had written at 16.

Snail Mail is playing Sat. June 16th at the Sub T. Which makes us think she is also playing a street fest that weekend! Keep an eye out!

BILLIE EILISH
BITCHES BROKEN HEARTS

This 16 year old may be the next Lorde, just saying. Her lyrics show an age beyond her years.

Another artist we would like to see at Lolla, but alas. (Quit trying to tempt us Dionysus!)

BIG FREEDIA
RENT

We can never, ever, get enough of this NOLA bounce queen! Do it, do it, do it. Listen to this now!

She’s been playing a ton with Tank and The Bangas! Please just make the trip up the Mississippi, both of you! 

HINDS
FINALLY FLOATING

This little rocker from these Barcelona natives got us nodding, then toe tapping, on to headbanging by the end. Our first test review was a Hinds show way back in January (which seems like an eternity ago), and we can’t wait to see them again . . .

Good thing they are returning to Lincoln Hall on May 15th - 8PM - $16 ($18 doors)

GNASH
THE BROKEN HEARTS CLUB

A does it all musician hits all the right buttons on this little folk ditty.

He is opening for All Time Low in Peoria this Saturday and it is sold out. Hopefully he’ll swing thru on a headlining tour this summer! 

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Bloodboy - Is Now a Good Time to Ruin Your Life? 

• Knox Hamilton - Trade My Trips

• Ramin Djawadi - Heart Shaped Box (From Westworld: Season 2 Soundtrack)

• Jessie Reyez , Daniel Ceaser - Figures, A Reprise

• Tyler, the Creator - OKRA

• Cardi B - Be Careful

Snail Mail
Pristine

Lindsey Jordan is gearing up for her debut full length with this first single, and as Fader put it, “it’s pretty much an indie rock masterpiece.” The full album, Lush will be coming out soon and we can’t wait!

Snail Mail is playing Sat. June 16th at the Sub T. Which makes us think she is also playing a street fest that weekend! Keep an eye out!

Thick
Bleeding

Riotous punk tune from this Brooklyn based trio. Yes, the song is most likely a metaphor and yes it fuckin’ rocks.

We’re hoping the ladies of Thick can find it in their hearts to leave Brooklyn soon and visit us.

Hiss Golden Messenger
Passing Clouds

Smooth yet still folky this little jam from His Golden Messenger has him channeling some soul and that is all just fine with us. (It’s also worth it to go to bandcamp and check out the story of this tune, bring a tissue with you).

We’re hoping for a fall or late summer stop in Chicago for HGM.

Frank Turner
Blackout

This is most definitely a metaphor. And it is deliberate. Turner is not known for his subtlety.

The Englishman will be playing The Aragon on June 23rd at 7PM - $35

Let’s Eat Grandma
Falling Into Me

This Brit synth pop duo of Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingsworth is worth a visit. And their name is the best. Check out these young minds doing their thing.

Not making it stateside in the near future. We’ll let you know if that changes.

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Speedy Ortiz - Lean In When I Suffer

• Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Hide

• AJR - Burn the House Down

• Angelique Kidjo - Born Under Pressure

• Fantastic Negrito - Plastic Hamburgers

• Ray LaMontagne - Such A Simple Thing

PEARL JAM
CAN'T DENY ME

How can you tell when our society is in big trouble? When big bands, with a large listenership, puts out a protest song as divisive as this one. The other part: it’s a damn good rocker.

She is playing May 3rd at Beat Kitchen, opening for Hovvdy: $12

LEON BRIDGES
BAD BAD NEWS

Leon Bridges may have made a name for himself reviving soul and gospel, but he wants to take on jazz and hip-hop with the latest single from his forthcoming album. It’s fresh and it’s fucking great. Can’t wait for the full album. No word on release date, yet.

Bridges is playing Great American Ballpark in Cincy on Aug. 4th, so we thought it was gonna be at Lolla, but alas the lineup came out this week and that is a no on that (see announcements) so maybe they just haven’t announced a date yet for Chicago.

LIL DICKY / CHRIS BROWN
TFREAKY FRIDAY

This is just plain fun. Borderline comedy rapper Lil Dicky pens a tune about switching bodies with Chris Brown and then gets the controversial superstar to appear on the track. It is ridiculousness in carnet. But we think it’s hilarious and we could all use some laughter right now.

No current dates in Chicago for Lil Dicky, but we have seen him and it is totally worth it. Keep a look out, we’re hoping for Northcoast!

EMINEM
NOWHERE FAST

Sure it’s another personal protest song from someone who puts out a lot of them. But when you open with a verse that ends; “This whole country is going nuts / and the NRA is in our way / they’re responsible for this whole production / they hold the strings they control the puppets / and they threaten to take away donor bucks / so they know the government won’t do nothing / and no one’s budging, gun owners clutching their loaded weapons / they love their guns more than our children …” you can keep writing them. Preach all you want Marshall, preach.

Eminem is currently on tour but no Chicago dates so far. 

LILY ALLEN
HIGHER

Ok, look. I liked Lily Allen a lot during the Myspace explosion of her first songs. But I, like most, grew weary of her snark. So I was worried when I saw this new single that it would just be more of the same. It’s pleasantly not so. She’s still talking about a failed relationship, but she’s singing from a place of self-confidence instead of fitting in the cleverest insult. This is a calming song for independence and getting over those who you bring you down. Color me impressed. Let’s hear more soon…

Just Europe and a date in NYC and LA for now. Boo!

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Courtney Barnett - Need A Little Time

• Q Tip / Demi Lovato - Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

• Flogging Molly - There’s Nothing Left Pt. 2

• Willie Nelson - Me and You

• Portugal the Man / “Weird Al” Yankovic - Live in the Moment

Parquet Courts
Wide Awake

The title track and best single so far from their forthcoming album, due out May 18th. We can’t wait.

Half Waif
Torches

Her releases keep getting better. Just get us the album already please!

She is playing May 3rd at Beat Kitchen, opening for Hovvdy: $12

Beach House
Diva

This is Beach House. This is what they do. Gorgeous.

This duo is gracing us with their presence at the Chicago Theatre on August 18th: $35 and up.  

Calpurnia
City Boy

Never mind that this is Mike from Stranger Things’ (Finn Wolfhard’s) band. It is actually quite good. A fun little garage ditty. Who knows how much more we’ll get from these youngins, but this one entertains us.

The Tallest Man on Earth
An Ocean

The first of a five part audio/video multimedia project, known as When the Bird Sees the Solid Ground, there are two versions of this song – stripped down, with just guitar and voice in the video, and the more expansive version with full horns on the audio-only track.

The Tallest Man on Earth plays Thalia Hall on November 17th and 18th, with no supporting acts. Tickets on sale March 16th.

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Nubya Garcia - When We Are

• George Ezra - Hold My Girl

• Steffany Gretzinger - Save Me

• Years & Years - Sanctify

Frankie Cosmos
Apathy

True, Greta Kline’s music is not for everyone, but it is absolutely for us. Confessional lo-fi at it’s finest.

 
Frankie Cosmos is playing Lincoln Hall on May 7th: $16

The Kills
List of Demands (Reparations)

Still not sure how we feel about these two covering the classic Saul Williams epic ‘04 manifesto. However, it really works in a strange way given the times.

We expect to see the Kills on a fest bill very soon. 

Natalie Prass
Short Court Style

A surprising early funky spring jam from the not normally bouncy Prass. This one will get you moving your feet for sure. Seems someone is reinventing her sound a bit, and we are digging it.

She skips over us this tour, we predict a fest slot at Pitchfork or Lolla.

George FitzGerald, Bonobo
Outgrown

A gorgeous piece from up and comer English producer, backed by the legend that is Bonobo.

FitzGerald is playing the Sub T on May 15th: $15 Early Bird  $20 GA

The Blaze
HEAVEN

Stylized electronic at it’s finest from this French duo, give it a listen, you’ll feel taken away for a few minutes.

Closest the Blaze is coming here before the summer is Sauget,IL in St. Louis at Pop’s Concert Venue April 11th. 

OTHER NOTABLE JAMS FROM THIS WEEK

• Jack White - Over and Over and Over

• CHVRCHES - My Enemy

• Like Pacific - Sedatives

• Tom Misch , De La Soul - It Runs Through Me

Parquet Courts
Almost had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience

A return to earlier form for the alt art rock quartet after several years of experimental work that was well recieved critically but left some fans scratching their heads. A straight up rocking tune.

No Chicago dates set yet this summer. A return to Pitchfork a third time (or is it a 4th) would not be out of the question.

Speedy Ortiz
Lucky 88

With the first tune since their 4 song EP in ‘16, Sadie Dupuis and company return and pick up right where they left off. Witty lyrics, fuzzy guitar and a whimsical feel that just shouldn’t work, but does every time.

Speedy Ortiz is playing the SubT on May 12th: $15

Janelle Monae
Make Me Feel

Janelle dropped two great tracks, but this Prince inspired ditty was the better. (apparently the two worked together on the forthcoming album, Dirty Money, before he passed) This tune is so damn funky. Try not to dance on the train to this one.

We expect summer dates announced as soon as the album drops. Wouldn’t be surprised to see her as a Pitchfork headliner.

Courtney Barnett
Nameless, Faceless

Her colab with Kurt Vile finished for the moment, Barnett has gone back to her rock roots with this fuzzy garage rock number that made me go listen to her last album, 2015 release: Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit., and remember how damn good that album was. She is in just as fine a form on this track with her biting confessional lyrics in full swing: “Don’t you have anything better to do, I wish that someone could hug you, must be lonely being angry, feeling overlooked” - KPL

Barnett is set to play The Chicago Cultural Center on May 21st which sold out in minutes last Thursday,
and is currently going for around $200 on the resale market. FSF: Fuck Scalpers Forever.

Willie Nelson
Last Man Standing

This is the best Willie song in years. So good I’ve listened to it at least ten times in the past couple days. His songs are always personal and relatable but this one, where he bemoans the death of his compatriots in country music, is a heartbreaking boogie that will keep you dancing and thinking at the same time. Hope you’re around for a lot longer Willie, gonna be a sad, sad day when that light is no longer standing. - KPL

Willie is playing Rockford, IL April 14th and Champaign, IL May 22nd

Beach House
Lemon Glow

“The fuzz is upon us” is how I always feel when experiencing a Beach House track, and this one is near furry with it. The overlaying synth tracks buzz under the dissonant guitar leaving Victoria Legrands vocals to flow over the top, creating a melody that hangs in the brain. -KPL

No Tour info yet for Beach House in 2018

other top tracks from this week

• Brandi Carlile - By the Way, I Forgive You - Quality real Country not that “Pop Country” crap.

• Senses Fail - If There is Light, It Will Find You - Deftly toes the fine line of earnestness that divides punk from emo.

• Ought - Room Inside The World - Post-punk gorgeousness from this quartet from Montreal.

• Geowulf - Great Big Blue - Beautiful synth pop from this new Australian Duo.

• Rejjie Snow - Dear Annie - Irish hip hop that is smooth and sexy and smart.

Loma
Sub Pop

A tragic story over the broken marriage between two of the three members overshadows the gorgeous music this album contains. It shouldn’t. That says enough. -KPL

Loma is playing Schubas May 11th - $12

Car Seat Headrest
Twin Fantasy

Crazy ambitious and crazy good. Will Toledo reworks an album he recorded at 17 and makes a sprawling ten song, hour and eleven minute journey through the sonic landscape of his mind and artistry. If you don’t know Car Seat Headrest you should go listen to Teens of Denial a bunch of times and then come back to this one. Your mind might melt without that experience to prepare you. -KPL

Another band we may have to wait till fest season to see. Please not Lolla (cross fingers).

U.S. Girls
A Poem Unlimited

Low and heavy, sultry and styled, U.S. Girls gives us a gem of an album. So many genres covered and hidden under that distinct sound that comes from Meghan Remy’s crazy soundscapes of old that color these far more accessible tunes. Put it on, it will probably surprise you. -KPL

U.S. Girls are playing the Empty Bottle April 17th - $12

I’m With Her
See You Around

Very fine voices and instrumentation don’t always guarantee a quality product. Many things can go wrong, but none of them did here. The three women who make up I’m With Her (former Nickel Creek fiddle player Sara Watkins, Austin based mandolin prodigy Sarah Jarosz, and frontwomen of Crooked Still, Aoife O’Donovan) where all accomplished solo singer/songwriters in their own right. Together it’s magic. -KPL

I’m With Her is playing Thalia Hall March 1st and it is Sold Out - But Thalia always holds back twenty
or so tickets for that night so if you feel like standing in line for a bit, do it! 

OTHER TRACKS WE ARE ENJOYING

• Ryan Adams - Baby I Love You

• Sophie - Faceshopping

• Frank Ocean - Moon River