For more than a decade, I've made it a tradition to compile my favorite albums of each year come January, using the months prior to revisit and reevaluate hundreds of albums. Though the pandemic cut live music out of the picture, there were still so many incredible new recordings to help music fans get through...

Thundercat - It Is What It IsBassist, producer and songwriter Thundercat has consistently stunned listeners with his unabridged creativity and originality, and his follow-up to 2017s Drunk is no different. It Is What It Is, co-produced by frequent collaborator Flying Lotus, spreads an incredible amount of sounds and ideas across 15 songs, but still flows cohesively....

Pearl Jam - GigatonIts always a noteworthy album release day when Pearl Jam drop a new record. Gigaton, their first record since 2013s Lightning Bolt, adds another set of 12 fiery alternative rock tracks to the bands ever-growing discography. The high-energy, riff-driven tracks are led by Eddie Vedders politically-charged lyrics and intense vocal delivery. Outside of...

Circles Around the Sun - Circles Around the SunSupergroup Circles Around the Sun return with their third full-length record. The self-titled album marks a stylistic shift for the band, leaning harder on funk and dance music to create their most fun work yet. The record also contains the final recordings of guitarist Neal Casal, made...

Jonathan Wilson - Dixie BlurMulti-instrumentalist Jonathan Wilson returns with Dixie Blur, a new studio album of lush folk-rock tracks that cement the artist as one of the most exciting songwriters in the scene today. Produced by Wilcos Pat Sansone in Nashville, the record boasts a Southern sound, leaning on a vaguely country backing throughout. Delicate,...

David Byrne on Saturday Night LiveAs far as late-night television performances go, it would be difficult to top Talking Heads frontman David Byrnes return to SNL after 31 years away. Byrne brought his magnificently choreographed American Utopia act to perform the classic Once In A Lifetime and Toe Jam from his Broadway musical. Its a blissfully...

Real Estate - The Main ThingJangly indie-rockers Real Estate return with their first record since firing their guitarist. The Main Thing shows growth for the band without losing their iconic sound, with strong songwriting and musicianship intact. If anything, the record finds the band taking more risks, and even collaborating with Sylvan Esso on breezy...

Califone - Echo MineA new record from Chicago songwriter Tim Rutilis Califone is never a simple thing. Fluttering between folk, experimental noise, electronics, rock and more, the songs seem to blossom organically but unpredictably, a thrilling ride for fans and listeners that has led to a devoted fanbase. Echo Mine begun as music for Robyn...

Pitchfork Music Festival returns for its 13th year, taking place at Union Park July 17-19. The eclectic lineup ranges from alternative, indie and hard rock to funk, hip-hop, folk and more.Featuring headliners Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Run The Jewels and The National, the lineup is noticeably missing a significantly older, nostalgic name at the top...

Evanston brewery Temperance Beer Co. and music venue S.P.A.C.E. will continue their annual music festival, Out Of Space, featuring shows at the brewerys outdoor space between June 25 and 28 and at the Canal Shores golf course between August 6 and 9. The performers at Temperance Beer Co. will be Big Boi, Drive-By Truckers...