Sadly, most know Ben Lee as either arm candy to the starlets or a mediocre adult-alternative singer. But back in the day, when he was a wee kid fresh outta Australia, he could write a mean tune. He rose to fame after spending some time in Chicago and recording an album with Brad Wood featuring cameos by various local scenesters including a young lady by the name of Liz Phair. That was a fine solo disc, but we always really loved his previous work with the much messier yet ingratiatingly poppier band Noise Addict. more ›

The Pitchfork Music Festival kicks off its 2008 edition this weekend at Union Park, and we're going to highlight some of the "can't miss" acts of the weekend on Chicagoist over the next few days. Today we'll tackle the Friday night line-up, filled with nostalgia, brio, blood, sweat, tears, and louder than a Bomb Squad production. more ›

It seems like yesterday that Chicagoist got an excited email from a fellow Dinosaur Jr fanatic, which bore the news that one of our fav formative-years bands would be playing a three-night stand at the Abbey Pub this spring. Like an 80-degree day after a weeks of 50’s, the time is nigh and the choppin’ starts tonight. more ›

We swore My Chemical Romance just left town in a haze of mascara and Queenesque choruses, but the inclusion of MCR on so many year-end, best-of lists means there’s money to be made. So the black parade marches again with local heroes Rise Against who seem to be cast in the unfortunate role of second to bands for whom they’ve paved the way. Allstate Arena, March 1, 7:30 p.m., $30, all-ages. On sale tomorrow at... more ›

Celebrate Ben Franklin's 300th birthday with the Bikini Bandits and Phillyist! (NSFW). Speaking of Mr. Franklin, send in a picture of Ben (or Ed Rendell) with a red tongue and win a free t-shirt. And they might have the next YearlyKos in Philly. more ›