The Reader polled dozens of critics to arrive at an absolutely indisputable ranked list of several hundred records that will definitely not start any arguments.
By organizing concerts, mentoring young musicians, and connecting players from across the States and abroad, he models the commitment and generosity that keep the scene viable.
Between now and Sunday, your live-music options include Ty Segall, Mudhoney, the Rempis Percussion Quartet, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the North Coast Music Festival, and the African Festival of the Arts.
Critics' Choices and other notable concerts: Nile, the Great Society Mind Destroyers at Psychfest, Freedy Johnston, Between the Buried and Me, Frode Gjerstad, Behemoth, and more
By Monica Kendrick, Brian Costello, Peter Margasak, Jessica Hopper, Ann Sterzinger, Bill Meyer, and Kevin Warwick