Lady GaGa is far from the only queer-friendly musician coming to the Windy City this winter/early spring. Check out these recommendations for five very good, gay-ish live shows we're looking forward to in the coming months, including La Roux, Miike Snow and Tegan and Sara. more ›

That opener, "Crystal Visions," sets a strong template for the rest of the album including gauzy guitars, steady drums, dreamy vocals, and hints and wisps of melody. It's all pretty simple really. So why does the album feel like a strong contender in that inevitable listing of the best albums of 2009? Why would something that sounds so unsurprising keep popping up on our playlists when far more unique tunes get a couple listens before getting filed away in our mental vault. more ›