RECOMMENDED Chicago’s beloved three-piece assault of Steve Albini, Bob Weston and Todd Trainer, collectively known as Shellac, released “Excellent Italian Greyhound,” an excellent riot with an excellent title, the band’s first record since 2000’s “1000 Hurts.” Typical in its noisy oddity, Shellac continues to pulse and burn through garage and punk formations, keeping the score minimal and driven by Albini’s scraping, biting vocals. Opener “The End of Radio,” featuring Albini at an all-time high in sarcasm, is one of the best sprawling outputs of angst you’ll hear all year (follower “Steady As She Goes,” a bit more accessible—but not by much—is swell, too). The record’s not necessarily an improvement on the sound Shellac has crafted since its debut in 1994’s brilliant “At Action Park,” but it sure keeps the train chugging along. The seven-year vacation didn’t change a damn thing. The band rarely plays, even around these parts, so it’s always a scream when the three venture out into the cold—this week’s residency at Hideout, with six shows in all (including a pair of daylight shows, beginning at noon), will be a fun exercise in open, but scathing, noise. (Tom Lynch) Thursday, December 13 at Hideout
Still Breathtaking: A Preview of Sting at Ravinia Festival Sting's solo catalog boasts more than a dozen studio albums. He may not rack up the hit singles like he once did, but he remains a compelling writer, musician and performer.
Last Punks Standing: A Preview of Mekons at Hideout Mekons have endured by refusing to adhere to anyone's ideas regarding what is and isn't punk rock (which is in and of itself a defiantly punk attitude).
