1 Vic Mensa & Jesse (The Vic) Mensa went full-bore political this year with his confrontational single, “Camp America.” He shares the bill with The Neighborhood’s Jesse Rutherford. September 6
2 Weyes Blood (Thalia Hall) The lush production of Natalie Mering’s fourth album, “Titanic Rising,” might not translate to the concert stage, but her serenity-in-the-shadow-of-doom message surely will. September 30
3 Aldous Harding (Empty Bottle) The New Zealand singer-songwriter tours her remarkable new album, “Designer,” whose infectious tunefulness lures the listener into complex ambiguities. September 24-25
4 The Black Keys (United Center) After a five-year gap, the blues-rock duo has returned with a back-to-basics new album, “Let’s Rock,” the title of which might be a mission statement for this tour. September 27
5 Lizzo (Aragon Ballroom) The soul-pop diva tours her album, “Cuz I Love You,” which continues her ascendancy in the charts, the culture and the entire time-space continuum. September 28
Robert Rodi is an author, spoken-word performer and musician who has served as Newcity’s Music Editor since 2014. He’s written more than a dozen books, including the travel memoir “Seven Seasons In Siena,” and his literary and music criticism has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Salon, The Huffington Post and many other national and regional publications. Contact: robert@newcity.com
