When we toss around records that we've really loved in 2010 thus far, both Matthew Dear and Four Tet always seem to get mentioned, almost in the same breath. Both artists have such a sharp sense of melody and an inherent sense of rhythm that it is hard not to to latch on to their brand of electro-fused music. Lucky for us both are playing tomorrow night at The Metro . more ›

So many albums and so many music careers are marked by "the great buildup." Artists are expected with each new release to top their subsequent and if they should choose to explore new territory, fans expect a logical progression. Much effort goes into the layout of an album's tracklisting, ensuring just right placements to hold attention and provide a crescendo of enthusiasm that peaks at the album's close, enticing you to hit play from the beginning and recreate that rush again and again. It's a rare treat then when you find an artist who goes against this grain and realizes that more powerful than the buildup is the breakdown. more ›

What do The Gap, American Airlines, the main titles for Little Miss Sunshine and Royal Bank of Scotland have in common? They all use the same typeface: Helvetica. Born in 1957 its clean, "neutral" look was revolutionary. 50 years later, and it's omnipresent. If you keep your eyes peeled you'll see it everywhere around you, on practically every city street, in every newspaper and magazine and, most of all, in advertising. Why? As Finlo... more ›

Here’s your dilemma: you never got around to getting your hands on Bloc Party’s Silent Alarm album before the track-by-track remix version was released last month. Money’s tight so you’re not sure which one to pick up. Fear not, gentle reader, for Chicagoist wants to give them both to you. That’s right, we’re giving away three Bloc Party prize packs including the original Silent Alarm CD and the Silent Alarm Remixed CD featuring Four Tet,... more ›

One of the best weeks for live music in the city wraps up this weekend with two fests: Adventures in Modern Music at Empty Bottle and Estrojam 2005. more ›

Day 1 of Intonation offered several acts worth mentioning. Chicagoist's faves on Saturday were Head of Femur who hang with depressive indie god Conor Oberst and have opened for Wilco, Magnolia Electric Co. who emulate the Old 97s Fight Songs era, and Four Tet who is a mad mixer and got the evening rolling for all the acts following him. Day 2 of Intonation definitely had more excitement and buzz surrounding it. From the... more ›

Hate festivals, but want to see some of the bands anyway? A few of the bands playing Intonation Festival this weekend will also be playing at other venues around town. So click around and see if anything is of interest. First up, Four Tet will be doing an in-store at Reckless Records at 3161 N. Broadway on Friday at 5:30 pm. Free. The Go! Team will be at the Double Door on Friday night with... more ›