Manchester Orchestra creates music that's is plaintive yet rejoicing, and we find the mixture alluring. The band borrows the nasal whine of glam rock and injects it into a bed firmly rooted in the indie rock that rules the CMJ college set. This creates songs that often feel like they're tripping over themselves with a sense of urgency as they try to convey their own inner truths and emotions through nothing more than a couple musical instruments. This is music that is earnest but never cloying. more ›

Yesterday was Lollapalooza's first ever sell out (as is Saturday), cramming over 75,000 people into Grant Park, and it felt we were jostled by every single one during Radiohead's closing headline set. We bumped into fest curator Perry Farrell and spotted a few other celebs standing at the side of the stages. Also in attendance? The sun. One of the loudest cheers we heard all day was when the first cloud blessed us with its presence...around 5 p.m. Amongst the sun and beer cups was some fantastic music and some performances that left us wanting a little more. more ›

The Annuals have garnered our praise in the past, and they're coming though town tomorrow with Manchester Orchestra (a band that is neither orchestral, nor Mancunian). We're not as familiar with Manchester Orchestra as we are The Annuals, but from what we've heard we expect their catchy indie-pop will go over well. They're music is plaintive yet rejoicing, and we find the mixture alluring. more ›