We know some folks out there are full of snarky comments in the wake of R.E.M.'s announcement today that they are breaking up. ("Wait, I didn't know they were still around!" Real original.) That doesn't make the band's dissolution any less depressing in our eyes though, especially since the trio finally seemed to have finally regained a bit of the swagger and power they lost when drummer Bill Berry left the band years ago. Since that point they group has drifted somewhat aimlessly trying to discover just who they were anymore, and it seemed like they might have finally begun to find the answer to that quest since this year's Collapse Into Now was their strongest outing since New Adventures In Hi-Fi was released over 15 years ago. more ›

How long have the world’s entertainment editors been waiting to use the headline “Van Halen ‘Jumps’ Into Rock Hall?” Probably forever. more ›

Chicagoist could fill up posts every week with all the great programs being put on by the Old Town School of Folk Music. There are always good shows playing over there and they offer so many classes that Chicagoist can finally justify buying that $20 ukulele at Costco over the summer (and there’s no experience necessary! Woo!) But one of the best things about Old Town is their commitment to youth outreach and making music... more ›

Pop music's greatest curmudgeon, Stephin Merritt � who moonlights in the 6ths (just try and pronounce that band name) and Future Bible Heroes (just try and think of a better band name) � will bring his main project, The Magnetic Fields, to our beloved Old Town School of Folk Music ("Now, not even in Old Town!") for a handful of shows this weekend. Merritt, a self-professed rock music snob, has disdain for nearly all... more ›