Chicagoist is starting to think we're bad luck for business. First Carson's folded, but only the location we frequented. Then CompUSA pulled their plug, not just in Chicago, but half of their locations in the U.S. Now we've discovered that the Virgin Megastore on Michigan — a store we just visited yesterday — is going bye-bye. Seriously, we feel like we need an exorcism here. more ›

Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month is almost half over. What have you done to celebrate it? If you have yet to feel the flow, here are some recommendations: * There’s still room enough on the bandwagon for you, so pick up copies of Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco’s new albums. Rhymefest’s Blue Collar dropped earlier this week and Fiasco’s Food and Liquor has an official release date of August 8th though it leaked to the Internet faster... more ›

How does a band know when they've made it? Is it the large house? Five cars? Nah, it's when someone yells, "Sell Out!" We have two cases of that syndrome brewing right here in the Windy City. Fall Out Boy have responded to criticism that they watered down their sound in order to get that coveted TRL spot with a big FU. Bassist Pete Wentz puts it eloquently: "I didn't decide that I wanted to... more ›

With one show already sold out and the others soon to follow, time's running out if you want to catch former hometown boy Common at the House of Blues next week. But with tickets in the $35 dollar range, there's a cheaper alternative if you want to BE (get it?) up close and personal with the man. more ›

You have been dwelling in karaoke obscurity for long enough, my friend. Chicagoist knows how you’ve spent your nights at Louie’s Pub perfecting your craft with nothing more than canned music and your own flop sweat to support you. We’ve noticed how you rocked the crowds last Sunday night during Stanley’s Kitchen’s live band karaoke. Now you’re ready for the big time and the national spotlight. One question though: you can do a British accent right? more ›

,, starring Paris and Nicky’s madre Kathy, and it looks promising. more ›