Monday, April 8
Celebrate the release of "Recurring Dream," the new record from Chicago shoegaze quartet Implodes, Monday at the Empty Bottle. "Recurring Dream," is the follow-up to the bands' 2011 debut, "Black Earth," and it is another gorgeous and hazy set of fuzzed-out jams. Watch the beautiful video for "Recurring Dream" song "Scattered in the Wind," here. Local post-punk five-piece Population, will celebrate the release of the terrific new "White Crosses EP," out on HoZac Records. Dark and pulsating, the record is eerily reminiscent of Joy Division or The Cure. Opening the show is local duo Acteurs, comprised of Brian Case (Disappears) and Jeremy Lemos (White/Light). The duo released the fascinating, "Cloud Generating," earlier this year. This show will be the duo's live debut as Acteurs and it is not to be missed. DJ Scary Lady Sarah will spin tunes throughout the night. Empty Bottle. 9 p.m.
Noise-pop outfit Deerhoof come to town in support of their 2012 record, "Breakup Song." With Brooklyn-based indie rockers People Get Ready, who released their self-titled debut full-length record last year. The punchy garage-pop of Milwaukee's The Delphines open. Lincoln Hall. 7 p.m.
It's CHIRP Night at The Whistler with Brooklyn-based indie-rock trio Les Racquet and local chamber-pop quintet Hemmingbirds. Les Racquet are touring behind their new record, "Whale Hail." Hemmingbirds recently released, "The Vines of Age," an impressive follow-up to 2010s, "Death Wave." Accomplished songs such as, "My Love, Our Time is Now," "Line of Bones," and "Toxic Noise," make this easily one of my favorite local records of the year. Watch the video for "Toxic Noise," here. The Whistler. 9:30 p.m.
Also Monday: "Beyond Was All Around Me," the new record from local pop outfit Young Man isn't released until tomorrow, but get a preview of new songs at Schubas. With local indie-rock trio T'bone. 8 p.m.
And: When the Lollapalooza line-up was announced last week, it was great to see local production team Supreme Cuts on the bill. Monday at the Double Door, it's a Lollapalooza Opening Day Party with Supreme Cuts, Echodroides and Team Bayside High. At the event this evening, you can win passes to the festival as well as munch on food from Lollapalooza's Chow Town curator,
Graham Elliot. Double Door. 9 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9
"The Stand-In," the second full-length record from Nashville-based singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose is full of solid country-rock. Terrific tunes such as, "Menagerie," "No One To Call," "Only a Clown," "Old Numbers," and "Waitin'," are all highlighted by Rose's beautiful voice. Opening the show is Andrew Combs, another Nashville-based singer-songwriter. Combs released, "Worried Man," his full-length debut last year. Schubas. 8 p.m.
It's the second night in Janet Bean's April residency at The Hideout. The residency will highlight various projects that Bean has been involved with over the years, and Tuesday the focus will be on Bean's band with James Elkington (Zincs), The Horse’s Ha. In March, the band posted on their Facebook page that they would be signing with a new label, and a follow-up to, "Of the Cathmawr Yards," their 2009 record, is in the works. The Hideout. 9 p.m.
The 2013 Revival Tour rolls through Chicago featuring a night of acoustic jams with Hot Water Music's gravelly-voiced leader Chuck Ragan, Rise Against's singer Tim McIlrath, The Loved Ones' Dave Hause, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Jenny O. and Seattle's Rocky Votolato. House of Blues. 6:30 p.m.
Also Tuesday: Check out the lush electro-pop of Memory Tapes at Subterranean. The project of New Jersey-based musician Davye Hawke, Memory Tapes are supporting their latest record, 2012s, "Grace/Confusion." With Sleep Over and local dream-poppers Sister Crystals. Listen to, "For So Long," the first single from Sister Crystals' forthcoming record, here. Subterranean. 8 p.m.
And: Stoner-rock band Fu Manchu will perform, "The Action is Go," their 1997 record, in its entirety. With Minneapolis rock duo Bloodnstuff and the Chicago-based sludge quartet Jar'd Loose. Double Door. 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 10
Copenhagen, Denmark quartet Iceage come to town behind their recently released second record, "You're Nothing." The record is a loud, aggressive and blistering collection of hardcore, and the twelve tunes are over in less than 30 minutes. With Violent End, a new outfit featuring members of Raw Nerve, Manipulation and Vile Gash. Local hardcore trio Final Grin open. Empty Bottle. 9:30 p.m.
A pummeling night of rock and roll is on tap at Ultra Lounge headlined by riff-heavy local trio The Swan King. With menacing Cambridge, Massachusetts' trio The Proselyte, the scorching punk-metal of local four-piece Hay Perro and Razors. Ultra Lounge. 8 p.m.
Also Wednesday: "Inheritance," the new record from Virginia-based seven-piece indie-folk band, The Last Bison, has drawn comparisons to The Decemberists, Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons. See them with local four-piece Odd Folk, who yes, play folk music, and recently released the arresting, "Spit Blood," which you can listen to here. Schubas. 8 pm.
And: Brooklyn-based indie-rock quartet Country Mice play Bottom Lounge behind their recently released record, "Hour of the Wolf." With local six-piece folk-rockers Exit Ghost, who recently debuted some new songs for Daytrotter, and you can listen to that session here. The Bad Arts open. Bottom Lounge. 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 11
Brooklyn-based indie-rock band The Men burst onto the scene back in 2012 with their breakthrough third record, "Open Your Heart." The album was a gritty combination of punk-rock, Kraut-rock and country. "New Moon," the bands' new record is another winner with a focus on tighter, more accessible songs. From the catchy country-twang of opener, "Open the Gun" to the '70s-era Rolling Stones-influenced stomp of "The Seeds," the new direction never fails to impress. With Gun Outfit and Skrapyard. Lincoln Hall. 9 p.m.
Rhye is a Los Angeles-based duo comprised of Canadian producer-vocalist Mike Milosh and Danish multi-instrumentalist-producer Robin Hannibal. The duo's sultry new record, "Women," is highlighted by Milosh's sensual vocals, which at times will remind you of Sade, and tunes such as "Open," "The Fall," and "Verse," are absolutely stellar. Schubas. 9 p.m.
"Wyoming," the new record from the Mississippi duo known as Water Liars is a strong collection of pleasing roots-rock. Opening song, "Sucker," starts with a gentle acoustic guitar and builds to a rousing anthem replete with delightful harmonies. Other highlights include the upbeat folk-rock of "Linens," and the lovely, sparse acoustic number "How Will I Call You." With The Gunshy and Paul Cary. The Burlington. 9 p.m.
New Jersey-based Screaming Females head to town in support of "Chalk Tape," the trio's new seven-song EP. The group is led by the powerhouse vocals of singer Marissa Paternoster and while the EP doesn't shred as hard as, "Ugly," their 2012 full-length record, songs like "Wrecking Ball" and "Sick Bed" will still have some heads banging. Watch the video for "Chalk Tape" track "Poison Arrow," here. With The Treasure Fleet and The Brokedowns. Subterranean. 8 p.m.
The great Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith comes to City Winery behind his latest record, "Forever Endeavor," which is another collection of heartfelt pop perfection. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Brooke Waggoner will be playing Lollapalooza in August, but see her play songs from her new record, "Originator," in a more intimate setting. City Winery. 8 p.m.
Also Thursday: Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ and his Pro Era crew bring their Beast Coastal Tour to Reggie's with Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers and DJ Statik Selektah. Reggie's Rock Club. 6 p.m.
And: It's been 25 years since Living Colour released, "Vivid," their monster debut album that contained hits, "Cult of Personality," and "Glamour Boys." See them at Park West and party like it's 1988. 8 p.m.
Friday, April 12
Legendary folk-troubador Billy Bragg hits town behind his first new record in five years. The activist and political singer-songwriter is as sharp as ever on the recently released, "Tooth & Nail." He settles in for three shows this weekend at City Winery. With Australian singer-songwriter Kim Churchill. 8 p.m. Bragg and Churchill will also perfom on Saturday and on Sunday. Del Barber will open.
Nashville-based quartet The Kingston Springs impressive self-titled debut record is full of tightly packaged fuzzy garage-rock, bluesy riffs and upbeat '70's style rock-and-roll. Tunes like "Sweet Susie," "Weight of this World," and "Sa Betise," lay a nice foundation, while more contemplative, acoustic numbers such as "Lover" and "German Girl" are perfect complements to the more upbeat material. Remember that time when you saw The Whtie Stripes, Kings of Leon or The Black Keys at that small club and you haven't stopped talking about since? In a few years you might be able to add The Kingston Springs to your story. Wise Fool's Pub. 9 p.m.
"Earth Rocker," the new record from Germantown, Maryland's long-running stoner-rock band Clutch rips forcefully through 11 songs highlighted by singer Neil Fallon's growl. Aggressive, heavy and upbeat, tunes such as "Oh, Isabella," "Earth Rocker," and "Crucial Velocity," are all face melting jams. Stoner-rock? Hardcore? Metal? Who cares what you call it when the songs are this good. With Orange Goblin, Lionize and Scorpion Child. House of Blues. 7:30 p.m.
A big week for Chicago shoegaze quartet Implodes is capped off Friday at saki when Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events presents another Off The Record Listening Party. Implodes will play some songs from, "Recurring Dream," their great new record, and they will be accompanied by visuals from Chicago filmmaker Chris Hefner. Stick around after the performance to hear "Recurring Dream," from front to back on sweet, delicious vinyl. And to make things even cooler, the live set will be recorded for an Epitonic saki Session and available for free download. Awesome. saki. 7 p.m.
Check out local indie-rockers Santah play songs from their latest record, the irresistable, "You're Still a Lover," at The Burlington. The five song record is highlighted by the rousing anthem, "North Coast," and the upbeat and punchy "Teeth." With local power-pop quintet Future Monarchs and Nashville-based orchestral pop band Colorfeels. The Burlington. 9 p.m.
Also Friday: We should expect to hear, "F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art)," the forthcoming record from legendary Wu-Tang Clan MC Raekwon, sometime later this year, but for now we have the "Lost Jewlry EP" mixtape and an appearance at The Shrine. With Detroit's Guilty Simpson and MC ADaD. 9 p.m.
And: A glorious night of experimental psych with Acid Mothers Temple and Tjutjuna at Empty Bottle. 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 13
"Muchacho," is the latest slab of brilliance from Phosphorescent, the project of Brooklyn-based musician Matthew Houck. Houck's quivering vocals on gentle tracks like the beautiful "Song for Zula," and "Down to Go," are augmented perfectly by the lush pop of "Terror in the Canyons," and "A Charm/A Blade." One of the best records of the year. See them with Strand of Oaks, the project of Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Timothy Showalter. Lincoln Hall. 10 p.m.
In 2012, the great glam-pop band Redd Kross released, "Researching the Blues," their first record in 15 years and the album is as catchy, rockin' and fun as any of their previous releases. The group has been around since the early '80s, but power-pop gems like "Stay Away from Downtown," "Choose to Play," and "Winter Blues," prove the band is still at the top of their game. With Chicago's Outer Minds, who released two great records last year, and local pop band Circles. Empty Bottle. 9:30 p.m.
Last year was the 35th anniversary of the release of Fleetwood Mac's 1977 record, "Rumours," one of the most successful albums in rock-and-roll history. Earlier this year, "Rumours" was reissued as a three-disc set that includes the original record plus live performances, demos, and outtakes. See Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks perform the classics, and hopefully, we'll do it all over again next year when the band will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the great, "Tusk." United Center. 8 p.m.
A terrific night of hip-hop is on tap at Metro headlined by Atmosphere and Brother Ali, two of the strongest artists on the Rhymesayers roster. Last year, Brother Ali released the dazzling, "Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color," and you can watch the recently released video for "Mourning in American and Dreaming in Color" banger, "Work Everyday," here. This year on Record Store Day (April 20), Brother Ali will re-release his 2003 Rhymesayers debut, "Shadows on the Sun," on vinyl. Not to be outdone Atmosphere will release a limited edition 7" under the pseudonym, Demosexual, the first release since 2011's full-length record,"The Family Sign." With Get Cryphy, Akbar and DJ Spontaneous & DJ Pratt. The show Saturday is a reunion for Time Travel Radio, a hip-hop program hosted by Kevin Beacham of Rhymesayers and Minnesota Public Radio, that aired on WNUR until Beacham left to work for Rhymesayers in 2002. Metro. 8 p.m.
Also Saturday: Talib Kweli will be back in town later this year with Black Star, his project with Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), to headline the Takin' It to the Streets Urban International Festival at Chicago's Marquete Park, but you can catch his solo act at the Double Door. 8:30 p.m.
And: Brooklyn-based dream-pop duo Widowspeak play songs from their new album, "Almanac." Local garage-rockers Twin Peaks open. Schubas. 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 14
Brilliant singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright comes to town behind his seventh studio record, last year's "Out of the Game." Old Town School of Folk Music. 8 p.m.
Rufus Wainwright isn't the only son of a famous father that is playing in town this evening. Singer-songwriter A.J. Croce, son of syrupy '70s singer-songwriter Jim Croce, plays at the Red Line Tap. Croce's new record is an ambitious project called "Twelve Tales," with one song being released each month through 2013. You can download the third track, "Tarnished and Shining," which was released last month, here. With Ian Broeker and Dave Johnson. Red Line Tap. 7 p.m.
The Ike Reilly Assassination is in the middle of their three-month residency at Schubas. The band will be previewing songs from their forthcoming record, due out later this year. With Mawcrest. Schubas. 8 p.m.
"Wildflowers," "Shine a Light," and "Matter of Time," the first three songs from "The Maestro and the Elephant," the latest record from Colorado quartet Fierce Bad Rabbit, are about as anjoyable as anything I've heard this year. The entire album is steeped in Americana and so full of passion and energy, that it is nearly impossible not to like. Witness the passion when they join Everything’s Alright, The Toetags. and Yankee at Elbo Room. 8 p.m.
Also Sunday: Teepee, the psychedelic pop project of Erix S. Laurent, will play songs from 2012's, "Distant Love or: Time Never Meant Anything, and Never Will" at an in-store performance at Permanent Records. The catchy garage-pop of local trio Outside World open. 5 p.m.
And: Seattle-based indie rockers Kinski come to town in support of their scorching new record, "Cosy Moments," their first for Kill Rock Stars. Opening the show are a couple of local trio's, Moon and Treasurer. Subterranean. 8 p.m.
