[caption id="attachment_28517" align="alignnone" width="445" caption="Architecture play The Burlington this Thursday"][/caption] Welcome to Weekly Diversions! This is our new weekly show calendar in which we preview our local show picks for Monday through Thursday.

MONDAY

NETHERFRIENDS Longtime fans of one time Chicago-based psychedelic-pop musician Shawn Rosenblatt, better known as the brainchild of Netherfriends, should probably know about his ambitious project from a couple of years ago to write and record a song in all 50 states. I thought that last year's very solid, Middle America, would represent his method of delivery for songs from that project - i.e. release a few at a time as a collection of sorts. But I was dead wrong as Rosenblatt recently unveiled the massive project as 50 Songs 50 States, which is exactly what it sounds like. The entire album is available to pre-oder right now at Netherfriends.us ahead of it's official release date of July 4. Also appearing are Jamaican Queens and Charlatan. (Richard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Monday, 5/20. The Empty Bottle. 21+. FREE.

TUESDAY

JC BROOKS AND THE UPTOWN SOUND And now for something a little different. Soul rockers JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound will celebrate the release of their new album Howl all week and they start today (Tuesday, May 21) with a free jam session and Q&A at Saki in Logan Square, as part of Saki's new monthly series "Off the Record," presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The event sounds like a blast and, really, there's no better way to hear JC Brooks & The Uptown wail than live and in person. If you can't make it to Saki, JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound will also have a legit record release party at Mayne Stage on Saturday, May 25. (Audrey Leon) 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, 5/21. SAKI. FREE!

WEDNESDAY

VELCRO LEWIS GROUP Funky psych rockers The Velcro Lewis Group are returning to the scene with a new album Open the Sky due in August out on Beyond Beyond is Beyond Records. Velcro Lewis Group blends heart-wrenching soulful vocals [provided expertly by co-vocalists Velcro Lewis (AKA Andy Slater) and Hawk Colman] with groovy, old school R&B flavor. No matter what the band does, they always bring the party. Also appearing tonight are hardcore outfit Broke N Ugly and psych rockers Dead Feathers. Austin's Scorpion Child will headline. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, 5/22. Double Door. 21+. $8-10.

THURSDAY

ARCHITECTURE Dreamy, lush, pensive – all of these descriptors work for Architecture’s brand of pop. The local duo, comprised of Melissa Harris and Rebecca Scott (also of shoegazers Panda Riot), really impressed contributor Joseph Montes (read his review here) and I with their debut EP, when we we’re young. And the band continue their reign as one of Chicago's most aurally provocative bands with their new-ish 7", diamond mind, that's still available to order via their Bandcamp. Also appearing are Landmarks and Father Costume.(Richard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Thursday, 5/23. The Burlington. 21+ $7. By Staff  \  comments

T to the G to the I to the F! Seriously, Friday could not have come sooner, but it's all good because we have some great shows to turn your weekday frown upside down. This time we're talking about the last ever Dick Wolf! show at the Burlington, and Outer Minds at the Hideout. Up and ATOM!

FRIDAY

DICK WOLF! It's time to pour one out on the curb for local math rockers DICK WOLF! No, the band is not breaking up, but they are changing its name to Vaya. And since I thoroughly enjoy the At The Drive-in album of the same name (useless info), it's probably a good thing. Get your twitchy, touchy-feelie tap rock (with some sweet pop harmonies thrown in for good measure) on for one pseudo last time for a good cause: the show is actually a benefit for Haitian musicians. Also appearing tonight are Automata, Young Marshall, and Pleasure Centers. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/17. The Burlington. 21+. $8. THE FUNS The Funs love their fuzz pedal. The local duo can create quite a racket without it though with their grime-covered guitars and grit-filed drums tones, but when the fuzz is unleashed it completely engulfs for a sound even more buzz-sawed. Yet The Funs still manage to work in the jangly and at times even reach an eerie melodiousness. Also appearing are Todayshits and Hollow Mountain.(ARichard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/18. Cole's. 21+. Free.

SATURDAY

OUTER MINDS If ever there was a local band on the verge of something big, it's Outer Minds. The band earned a spot at Pitchfork Music Fest last year because of its brand of fun psych-pop tunes, and then they played SXSW this year grabbing the attention of the New York Times. It's not for nothing. Outer Minds craft sharp, groove-oriented songs that are infused with plenty of middle eastern mysticism and driven by droning, hypnotic organ. Also appearing tonight are alternative rockers Sybris. (Audrey Leon) 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 5/18. The Hideout. 21+. $12. By Staff  \  comments

The Quick Fix showcases the best of Chicago music news, views and stories from around the interwebs and blogosphere that we might have missed.

• • Extremely rad local imprint Notes and Bolts are offering something special for local experimental and noise enthusiasts. An ONO/Piss Piss Piss Moan Moan Moan Split 7", which is limited to 100 copies with a 1.5" button and an poster included. You can pre-order this bad boy at Notesandbolts.net now until June 1.
• • Lollapalooza revealed their daily schedule today, which includes some very tough choices including Nine Inch Nails or Lana Del Rey.
• • Gapers Block reviews London indie folk outfit Daughter's recent stop at Lincoln Hall.
• • Timeout Chicago lists the best summer fests in Chicago.

By Staff  \  comments

[caption id="attachment_30559" align="alignnone" width="445" caption="An Aesthetic Anaesthetic perform at Reggie's on Monday, May 13"][/caption] Welcome to Weekly Diversions! This is our new weekly show calendar in which we preview our local show picks for Monday through Thursday.

MONDAY

AN AESTHETIC ANASTHETIC As much as I dug AAA's release, Before the Machinery of Other Skeletons, their most recent release, NAMES, tops it because of it’s mix of brutal riffs and humor that mostly comes from the album art and song titles. I mean, the titles speak for themselves with “Billy Rape Cyrus,” and “Randy Quaidludes,” but the music is serious business as proven with the mammoth climaxes and gut-punching riffs – all of which are crystal clear thanks to the impressive board-work of Sanford Parker. Also appearing are The End of the Ocean, Rocket Miner and Rhone. (Richard Giraldi) 8:00 p.m. Monday, 5/13. Reggie's . 17+. $10.

TUESDAY

HEALTH&BEAUTY One thing that will never change about Health&Beauty is mastermind Brian Sulpizio's commitment to making great music. The local mostly folk/sometimes electric eclectic rockers released the dreamy acoustic album GUNS in February, which features many reasons to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride ahead. And if you haven't, place Health&Beauty's cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" on the very top of your playlist. Also appearing tonight are local experimental poppers Conductive Alliance and Portland ambient/garage rockers Hands In. (Audrey Leon) 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 5/14. Subterranean. 21+ $8.

WEDNESDAY

PEOPLES TEMPLE OF AMERICA Peoples Temple of America aren’t flashy. In fact, they may be the opposite of flashy. But what’s most engaging about their music is that raw minimalism that’s driven by a punk rock edge. The indie rock trio’s steady, watery guitars are the perfect foil for lead singer Ben Leach’s urgent delivery that will undoubtedly catch be attention of Japandroids and Titus Andronicus fans. Also appearing are T'Bone, Yeesh and Evasive Backflip. (Richard Giraldi) 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, 5/15. Township. 21+. $5.

THURSDAY

JEREMY DAVID MILLER Jeremy David Miller may be better known as one of five parts of Chicago rock outfit Rambos, but Miller is an artist in his own right, unleashing the equally theatric (compared to Rambos) acoustic folk/country album Lepus in late 2011. Miller exhibits a cheeky sense of humor through all his strong observations (ex: "One Million Graves (For One Pretty Dame" and "All I Want to Do Is Dance"). Also appearing tonight is Ryan Anderson of roots rockers Go Long Mule. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Thursday, 5/16. The Hideout. 21+ $5. By Staff  \  comments

[caption id="attachment_30526" align="alignnone" width="445" caption="White Mystery play The Hideout on Friday, May 10"][/caption] Hey, folks! It's time to shrug off that work week and get ready to rock. We're itching to talk about some great shows this weekend featuring White Mystery, Metz and more. Ch-ch-check it out.

FRIDAY

WHITE MYSTERY It's post-4/20, so that means White Mystery has dropped another record for us to bash around to. This year, it's Telepathic, a full-length that finds White Mystery in their usual wheelhouse - fuzzy guitar and drum party anthems. But this time around, White Mystery are trying some new things within that wheelhouse including have drummer Francis White take over on vocals, an acoustic ballad and some guitar riffs from Alex that are downright Sabbath-like or even grungy. Telepathic was recorded in San Francisco, so maybe the West Coast air did the band some good as they continue their plan of world domination. Also appearing are Austin's A Giant Dog and local hip-hop sensation Psalm One. (Richard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/10. The Hideout. 21+. $8-10.

SATURDAY

BIKE COPS If you dig jangly guitars and good-time vibe-age, then Bike Cops are local outfit you need to check out. They, like many of their local contemporaries and often gig-mates, go for the whole “less is more” garagey/surf rock approach. But they do interject some interesting mayhem into their songs, which works quite well. The band are currently recording the follow-up to their most recent, Piehl Sessions Vol. 1, but that release showcases that aforementioned mayhem quite well like on the rollicking and stumbling mid-section of “Whiskey Drinker." They manage to bend the familiar just so that it keeps the listener’s attention. And that in itself is a win. Also appearing are Energy Gown, Night Beats and Strychnine. 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 5/11. Subterranean. 17+. $10.

SUNDAY

METZ It is easy to see why Toronto grunge rockers Metz have shared a stage with the likes of Death From Above 1979 and Mission of Burma. The trio turn up the bass nice and loud for maximum fuzz and employ an old-school punk approach: play fast, play loud and get the fuck out. Also appearing tonight are Indiana art punks TV GHOST. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Sunday, 5/12. Lincoln Hall. 18+. $15. By Staff  \  comments

[caption id="attachment_30506" align="alignnone" width="445" caption="Roach Beach play this Thursday at Quenchers"][/caption] Welcome to Weekly Diversions! This is our new weekly show calendar in which we preview our local show picks for Monday through Thursday.

MONDAY

FOUL TIP Foul Tip is a new project from T'Bone drummer Ed Bornstein and multi-instrumentalist Adam Luksetich. The The jist of the band is this: They were once a band in Iowa. Then they weren't. And now they are again except in Chicago. I'm certainly glad they are as should fans of Death From Above 1979. Foul Tip's mostly bass and drum attack are on point with DFA's most aggressive numbers. But Foul Tip, like T'Bone, keep it lighthearted with seemingly silly songs with silly hooks, "No Pets Before Sets," being morphed into post-punk ravers. Also appearing are Banned Books and No Safari. (Richard Giraldi) 8:00 p.m. Monday, 5/6. Township. 21+. $25.

TUESDAY

OOZING WOUND Featuring two members of the now defunct Cacaw (drummer Kyle Reynolds and guitarist Zack Weil), Oozing Wound will have old-school thrash fans elated with their massive riff barrage, which should also appeal to those who currently dig High on Fire. Their October 2012 release, Vape and Pillage, is head-bang ready with cuts like the careening “Two Forces” or the thunderous “Sustained by Hatred (Rambo 4).” Also appearing are Mounds and Black Pus, which features Brian Chippendale of Lightning Bolt. (Richard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, 5/7. Empty Bottle. 21+ $10.

WEDNESDAY

STRYCHNINE Strychnine produce the kind of guitar rattling rock that goes best with a cheap beer or maybe one of those cheap beer + shot combos. Part frantic garage, part dive bar soul and part jazz odyssey, this Chicago trio is dirty in all the right places. You should absolutely peep their latest, A Terrible Way To Go, up for download now on their Bandcamp page. Also appearing are Massive Ego, The Sueves and Esoteric Tapioca (whose celebrating his tape release). (Richard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, 5/8. The Burlington. 21+. $5.

THURSDAY

ROACH BEACH Local trio Roach Beach combines the crunchiness of Seattle grunge with some SoCal stoner punk and smooth blues riffs. Singer George Hunter howls along with enough wounded soul on Roach Beach's track "How's the Band," to guest star on a Mark Lanegan record. The dream of the 90s is alive at Quenchers tonight. Also appearing tonight are Blizzard Babies, Blasted Diplomats, and Pink Torpedo. (Audrey Leon) 8:00 p.m. Thursday, 5/9. Quenchers. 21+ $5. By Staff  \  comments

Let's get the party started...

FRIDAY

THE CELL PHONES It's really no secret how much Loud Loop Press loves The Cell Phones. The local outfit's rhythm section – Justin Purcell, drums; Ryan Szeszycki, bass – wag a fierce, pounding assault that infiltrates every pore on your body, jostling every cell until you’re arms are flailing and feet are kicking up dust. What really makes The Cell Phones rise to the ranks of arty dance punks before them, namely Yeah Yeah Yeahs, is frontwoman Lindsey Charles’ incredible vocal prowess. The girl can sing, ladies and gents! Hop on the bandwagon and catch them tonight with the Embraceables and the Claudettes. Oh, and by the way, their debut LP is streaming now RIGHT HERE. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Friday, 5/3. The Hideout. 21+. $8-10.

SATURDAY

LIGHTFOILS Chicago quintet Lightfoils is legit. The delectable shoegaze group harnesses the raw energy of big vocals and even bigger melodies combined with soaring guitar and drums to light up your ear drums with pure sonic pleasure. Look for the band to release its debut full-length later this year. Joining Lightfoils tonight is Maren Celest and headliners Pure X. (Audrey Leon) 9:00 p.m. Saturday, 5/4. Beat Kitchen. 17+ $10. T'BONE T’Bone is one hell of a power trio, and they kill with a hybrid of punk, math and melodic indie rock with skillful musicianship, what makes them stand out is that they keep their sense of humor about things with lyrics that embrace the tongue-in-cheek. Their debut, Mt. Trashmore was one of my favorites from 2011, and I’m excited about their next move. A couple new T’Bone songs have already made their way on the internet like the rocker “Song Of Praise,” or this melodic new untitled jam. Also appearing are The Cairo Gang and Big Smoke City. (Richard Giraldi) 9:00 p.m. Saturday, 5/4. Cole's. 21+. Free.

SUNDAY

Celebra Cinco de Mayo! By Staff  \  comments