Little Boots @ L.A.'s Echoplex earlier on tour (more by Wei Shi)

today in Chicago
* Deer Tick, Twin Peaks @ City Winery Chicago
* Little Boots, Avan Lava, Feathers @ Lincoln Hall
* Alice Russell, ¡ESSO! Afrofunk Jambeat, DJRC @ Township
* The Cliks, Swimsuit Addition, The Recruitment @ Ultra Lounge
* Dillinger Escape Plan, The Faceless, Royal Thunder @ Reggie's
* The Mirandas, The Morons, Max Clarke & The Cut Worms @ Empty Bottle

Deer Tick play their second of two shows at City Winery Chicago tonight.

RSVP for free admission to The Mirandas, The Morons, and Max Clarke & The Cut Worms at the Empty Bottle.

Little Boots, Avan Lava, and Feathers play Lincoln Hall.

We're giving away a four-day pass to HoZac Blackout Fest 2013.

The Breeders played "Cannonball" and "Drivin' On 9" on Fallon last night. Check out the footage below.

The National have a new video for "Sea Of Love." Check it out below.

Follow @bvChicago on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook.

Follow bvChicago on Instagram.

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Wednesday?"

Tera Melos @ Metro, October 2011 (more by Grant MacAllister)

today in Chicago
* Free Energy, The Kickback @ Lincoln Hall
* Tera Melos, TTNG, My Dad @ Subterranean
* Otis Clay, Katherine Davis @ City Winery Chicago
* William Tyler, Brokeback, Rebecca Gates @ Hideout
* Killing Joke, Czar, DJ Philly Peroxide @ Empty Bottle
* Ghostface Killah, Adrian Younge, Venice Dawn @ Abbey Pub
* Crusader, Thunderunderus, Wizardcastle, Dragon Feeder @ Township
* Dana T, Shiloh, The Boombox Face, The Film Society @ The Music House
* He's My Brother She's My Sister, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas @ Schubas

Tera Melos, TTNG, and My Dad play Subterranean tonight.

William Tyler, Brokeback, and Rebecca Gates play the Hideout.

Killing Joke, Czar, and DJ Philly Peroxide play their first of three shows at the Empty Bottle.

Ghostface Killah headlines Abbey Pub tonight.

The National performed "Sea of Love" and "I Need My Girl" from their forthcoming album Trouble Will Find Me on Fallon last night. Check out the footage below.

Follow @bvChicago on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook.

Follow bvChicago on Instagram.

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Friday?"

Deerhoof @ Ecstatic Music Festival 2013 (more by David Andrako)

today in Chicago
* Young Man, T'Bone @ Schubas
* ITAL, Container @ The Burlington
* Matt Costa, The Blank Tapes @ SPACE
* The Slackers, The Pinstripes @ Reggie's
* Floor, Thrones, Bongripper @ Subterranean
* Implodes, Population, Acteurs @ Empty Bottle (Free Show)
* Deerhoof, The Delphines, People Get Ready @ Lincoln Hall

Deerhoof, The Delphines, and People Get Ready play Lincoln Hall tonight.

Implodes, Population, and Acteurs play a free show at the Empty Bottle.

ITAL and Container play The Burlington.

The National have a new single called "Demons." Take a listen to the track below.

Follow @bvChicago on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook.

Follow bvChicago on Instagram.

What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Monday?"

Nine Inch Nails fan @ Lollapalooza 2012 (more by James Richards IV)

The official Lollapalooza 2013 lineup has been announced, even though you already got a good peek at it when it leaked in full last week. The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, Kendrick Lamar, Phoenix, The National, Baroness, and MANY more are slated to perform in Grant Park from August 2-4.

Three-day passes are long gone, but single-day tickets go on sale this Wednesday (4/3) at 10AM CST.

Check out the full Lollapalooza 2013 lineups-by-day below...

Continue reading "Lollapalooza 2013 lineup announced (The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age & many more)"

EDM Chicago are pointing to what looks like an official lineup poster for Lollapalooza 2013. Though it's a tad bit blurry (there's a clearer image at the bottom of this post), it features The Cure, Mumford & Sons, The Killers, Nine Inch Nails, Phoenix, The Postal Service, Vampire Weekend, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, The Lumineers, The National, Kendrick Lamar, Grizzly Bear, Lana Del Rey, Azealia Banks, Local Natives, Beach House, Cat Power, Alt-J, Foals, Death Grips, Disclosure, Father John Misty, Baroness, Jessie Ware, and MANY more.

Aside from the poster looking extremely real, most of these artists have already been confirmed or were at least strong possibilities. The official lineup will arrive on April 9, which is also when single-day passes - all that's left at this point - will go on sale (at 10AM CST).

Head below for a clearer picture of the leaked lineup...

Continue reading "could this be the full Lollapalooza 2013 lineup?"

Vampire Weekend @ Pitchfork Festival 2012 (more by Chase Turner)

The Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot reports that Phoenix, Vampire Weekend, The Killers, and Mumford & Sons are among the confirmed headliners for Lollapalooza 2013, which is set to take place from August 2-4 in Chicago's Grant Park. Kot also divulged that The National and The Postal Service have been "confirmed by multiple industry sources." The full lineup will be announced sometime in April.

As discussed, Early Bird three-day passes go on sale next Tuesday (3/26) at 10AM CST. There's also a very limited, secret sale happening sometime this week... keep your eyes peeled.

Who would you like to see on this year's lineup? Let us know.

DOWNLOAD: The Hood Internet - "Won't Fuck Us Over" (feat. BBU & Annie Hart) (MP3)

As mentioned, Chicago beatsmiths The Hoot Internet are gearing up for the release of their debut LP, FEAT, due out on October 2 via Decon. Much like its title suggests, the album features a slew of special guests including Class Actress, Cadence Weapon, AC Newman, Annie Hart, ShowYouSuck, Zambri, Hooray for Earth, BBU, the Rosebuds, Astronautalis, and many more. Rolling Stone have premiered FEAT's lead single "Won't Fuck Us Over," which SLV STV explained began as a cover of The National's "Mr. November." The track features vocals from Annie Hart of Au Revoir Simone and verses from local hip hop group BBU. You can download it at the top of this post.

The Hood Internet head out on a West Coast tour later this month, with support from Tanya Morgan and Psalm One. Check out their tour schedule below, along with a video of their recent A.V. Club Undercover episode, where they covered The Pretenders' "Back On The Chain Gang" with Dan Didier (The Promise Ring/Maritime), Angela Mullenhour, and Ellen Bunch (both of Coins).

Continue reading "check out a new track from The Hood Internet featuring BBU & Annie Hart (MP3)"

photos by Grant MacAllister, words by Zach Pollack

On Tuesday night (12/6), The National headlined Chicago's Aragon Ballroom with tour-mates Local Natives and Wye Oak.

First of three, Wye Oak kicked things off with a Civilian-heavy set while most of the concert's attendees started to file in. This was by far the biggest venue I've seen them play, and something I could definitely get used to. Singer Jenn Wasner's voice wafted throughout the space as she and partner-in-crime Andy Stack continued to skillfully play on. Congrats to Wye Oak on landing the top spot on AV Club's 'Best of 2011' list.

Local Natives were up next, taking the stage for their final set on this tour. "We were supposed to be hibernating in sunny LA working on recording a new record," said frontman Taylor Rice. After a long pause he finished with, "...but we heard the calling of The National!" They played two brand new songs (the same two Tim heard in Austin on 12/4), which both received warm responses from the crowd. As always, the band sounded impecable live, shedding new light on the songs from their 2010 debut, Gorilla Manor.

Around 8:45PM, Brooklyn's The National began their 90-minute set with the High Violet track "Runaway." Save for a "thank you" here and there in-between songs, frontman Matt Berninger didn't address the crowd much (he hadn't had his fill of white wine yet). This picked up with the high energy track "Squalor Victoria," which saw Matt thrashing about the stage. Currently on their last run of High Violet shows, the band sounded full and practiced, though a bit tired if anything. This by all means didn't color the show lackluster, and the sold out Aragon Ballroom crowd seemed to agree; swaying back and forth approvingly. With auxiliary members Kyle Resnick and David Nelson handling trumpet and trombone duties, horn-heavy songs like "Conversation 16," "England," and "Fake Empire" translated extremely well live.

Exiting the stage shortly after playing "Empire," the band then retured for a four-song encore. The show's closing number "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks," makes for one of my all-time-favorite National moments. Joined by Wye Oak and Local Natives, the Dessner brothers traded their electric guitars for acoustics, and all on-stage belted out the song with no microphones (the crowd did too) at the top of their lungs.

More pictures from the Aragon Ballroom show, and their setlist, below..

Continue reading "The National, Local Natives, & Wye Oak @ Aragon Ballroom (pics, review, setlist)"

Wye Oak @ Lollapalooza 2011 (more by Grant MacAllister)

Wye Oak have just announced that they'll be releasing a 7" of their last two contributions to the A.V. Club Chicago's Undercover series. In 2010 they performed The Kinks' "Strangers" with Jonathan Meiburg (of Shearwater), which will be the A-side. Their return to the office earlier this year with Callers' Don Godwin, produced a fantastic-rendition of Danzig's "Mother" which will be the B-side. You can pre-order the 7" now.

The duo will hit Chicago on December 6th, supporting The National at their sold out Aragon Ballroom show.

Head below to view both A.V. Club Undercover performances and the 7"s art/tracklisting..

Continue reading "Wye Oak to release A.V. Club Undercover 7" (Kinks/Danzig), playing Aragon Ballroom w/ The National, Local Natives"

Sharon Van Etten @ Lincoln Hall in April (more by Grant MacAllister)

Brooklyn-based, singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten is getting ready to release her as-of-yet untitled follow up to 2011's Epic via her new label Jagjaguwar.

Currently, she only has one announced show, and that's a supporting slot for her friends The National on December 13th at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. Van Etten has just added two more shows to her schedule, which are both right here in Chicago! She'll play Lincoln Hall on February 16th & 17th with support from Shearwater. Tickets go on sale this Friday (11/11), at noon CST.

Stay tuned to BrooklynVegan for a possible full tour to hit other cities.

Furthur have a fall North American tour coming up, which doesn't exactly hit Chicago, but does hit Rosemont, IL's Allstate Arena on November 18th. Pre-sale tickets are available until 10PM CST tonight (9/15).
Password: bobphil.
Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow (9/16), at 10AM CST.
According to JAM Productions, "This will be Bob Weir, Phil Lesh and their band mates' only Chicago-area stop this year." All of their dates are listed below.

As recently mentioned, The National have announced their last run of High Violet shows happening throughout the fall/early winter. They'll play Chicago's massive Aragon Ballroom on December 6th with Wye Oak and Local Natives. Pre-sale tickets will be available from 10AM to 10PM CST tomorrow (9/16). Password: violet. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday (9/17), at 10AM CST.

Tim Minchin is playing the Vic on November 10th.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday (9/17), at 10AM CST.

Maria Taylor, Dead Fingers, and The Grenadines are playing Sub-t on November 11th.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday (9/17), at 10AM CST.

Wilco are playing the Civic Opera House on December 24th. Tickets will be on sale on Saturday, 9/24, at 10AM CST. Stay tuned for info on a 9/23 pre-sale as well.

Continue reading "Furthur, The National, Wilco & other Chicago tix & presales"

Matt being Matt @ Academy of Music in Philly (more by David Andrako)

Indie rock kingpins The National have just announced a fall North American tour featuring varied and notable support throughout.

They'll hit Chicago's Aragon Ballroom on December 6th, with Wye Oak and Local Natives. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (9/17), at noon CST.

Other dates will see: The Walkmen, Sharon Van Etten, Neko Case, and others performing opening duties. Head below to view all 2011 tour dates..

Continue reading "The National to play the Aragon w/ Wye Oak & Local Natives on tour this fall (dates)"

photos by Josh Darr

On Sunday night (4/24) Arcade Fire, and The National played their second of three UIC Pavilion shows.

The National started the night off with as always, a passionate, and engaging set. Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Perry joined the band for "Afraid Of Everyone" and "Conversation 16". He, and Aaron Dessner recently worked together on Little Scream's debut LP The Golden Record. Touching on tracks from their expansive catalog, not just their latest release High Violet, The National slid in comfortably to round out the bill.

On the heels of their extraordinary headlining set at Coachella, Arcade Fire took the stage at UIC Pavilion to face a sold-out, Chicago crowd. Kicking off their set with the powerful "Month of May", the GRAMMY-toting group quickly commanded the crowd's full attention. Digging back to 2007's Funeral, the canucks then whipped out the classic "Rebellion (Lies)", complemented by Win Butler's introductory jaunt into the audience. With much recent practice to speak of, Arcade Fire have truly perfected their stadium show.

Head below to view more pictures, and the 4/24 setlist(s).

Continue reading "Arcade Fire, and The National played UIC Pavilion (Night 2 pics & setlist)"

Arcade Fire @ Madison Square Garden in 2010 (more by Bao Nguyen)

today in Chicago
* The Pipettes, Magic Keys @ Schubas
* Talons, Cains & Abels @ The Whistler
* Arcade Fire, The National @ UIC Pavilion
* Maserati, Twin Tigers, Brontosaurus @ Empty Bottle
* Pinto and the Bean, Black Canvas, Is World @ Bottom Lounge
* Official Lollapalooza Lineup Announcement Party @ Debonair Social Club

UPDATE: Pinto and the Bean, Black Canvas, and Is World @ Bottom Lounge has just been canceled.

What else?

Joan As Police Woman @ Prospect Park in 2009 (more by Kyle Dean Reinford)

today in Chicago
* Junip, Acrylics @ SPACE
* Arcade Fire, The National @ UIC Pavilion
* Joan As Police Woman, Bone & Bell @ Schubas
* Uh Huh Her, Diamonds Under Fire @ Double Door
* Emeticide, No thought, Men as Witches, Welkin dusk @ Archer Nemesis

What else?

Black Lips @ Brooklyn Bowl 3/23/2010 (more by Gabi Porter)

today in Chicago
* Arcade Fire, The National @ UIC Pavilion
* Eleventh Dream Day, The 1900's @ Lincoln Hall
* A Lull, Yourself & The Air, Heypenny @ Schubas
* The Boxer Rebellion, We Are Augustines @ Double Door
* Maritime, Tin Tin Can, The Nothingheads @ Empty Bottle
* MNDR (DJ Set), North Shore Pharmacy (DJ Set) @ Beauty Bar
* The Black Lips, Vivian Girls, Outer Minds @ Logan Square Auditorium
* Chicago Thrash Ensemble, Fuck the Facts, Ken Mode, Bongripper @ The Mutiny

TV on the Radio's show at Metro tonight is canceled, due to the untimely death of bassist Gerard Smith.

RIP Gerard.

What else?

Arcade Fire @ Madison Square Garden in 2010 (more by Bao Nguyen)

FRIDAY
Arcade Fire, and The National will play their first of three (4/22, 4/24, & 4/25) shows at the UIC Pavilion.

The Boxer Rebellion, and We Are Augustines will play the Double Door.

Head to the Empty Bottle to catch Maritime, Tin Tin Can, and The Nothingheads.

Lincoln Hall will host Eleventh Dream Day's record release show with special guests: The 1900's.

You'll find The Black Lips, Vivian Girls, and Outer Minds at Logan Square Auditorium.

Schubas will host A Lull's record release show with special guests: Yourself & The Air, and Heypenny.

MNDR, and North Shore Pharmacy will both perform DJ sets over at Beauty Bar.

Chicago Thrash Ensemble, Fuck the Facts, Ken Mode, and Bongripper will play The Mutiny.

SATURDAY
Duran Duran will play the House of Blues.

José González's Junip will be performing at the Empty Bottle along with Acrylics.

Subterranean will host Ezra Furman and The Harpoons' record release show with special guests: Tristen, and The Apache Relay.

DJ ?uestlove will headline The Shrine with support from the Chicago Afro Beat Project.

Steve Ignorant will be playing some Crass songs, and more of his own at the Bottom Lounge.

SUNDAY
Arcade Fire, and The National will play their second of three Chicago shows at UIC Pavilion.

Joan As Police Woman, and Bone & Bell will share the bill over at Schubas.

Junip, and Acrylics will play their second Chicagoland area show in two nights, at SPACE.

Uh Huh Her, and Diamonds Under Fire will play the Double Door.

The National @ Milk during NYC's Fashion Week 2011 (more by Chris Gersbeck)

The National are at it again. This morning they have premiered their new video for the epic "Conversation 16", off of last year's much celebrated High Violet LP. You can view the new video below. As far as upcoming Chicago dates, they'll play three sold out shows at the UIC Pavilion April 22nd, 24th, and 25th supporting Arcade Fire.

Continue reading "The National premier video for "Conversation 16""

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD. Thank you EVERYONE. - arcadefire

Arcade Fire Grammy Awards ad

Arcade Fire just won "Album of The Year" at the Grammys. STRANGE.

The Black Keys also took home a Grammy (to Akron, OH) for best alt-album.

Arcade Fire & The National play the UIC Pavilion April 22, 24, and 25. The 24th and 25th are now SOLD OUT. Tickets are still available for the 22nd, get them asap it will sell out.