Yeah, it might be pretty, um, snowy outside. But, like, there’s some totally awesome shows going this weekend. We’re talking Psych Fest at the Hideout, The Runnies at Ultra Lounge, Gaberdine at Subterranean and more!

Let’s go…

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Monday Afternoon Quick Fix runs every Monday afternoon to showcase the best of Chicago music news, views and stories from around the interwebs and blogosphere that we might have missed.

• • Sound Opinions hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis have compiled their year end lists into mixtape form. Curious to see what made the list? Oh, you know, the usual: Wilco, White Mystery, CAVE, — Lindsey Buckingham.
• • Windy City Rock’s Andrew Hertzberg has compiled a nifty list of New Year’s resolutions aimed at becoming a better music blogger.
• • TThe Chicago Tribune thought the MCA’s “sound garden” exhibit was the perfect fit for Andrew Bird’s music.
• • Hopefully, you’re not sick of “Best Of” lists yet, because the Sun-Times broke down the best Chicago concerts of 2011.
• • Gaper’s Block has the deets on reggae outfit Midwest Hype’s EP release party this Thursday at Schubas.

By Audrey Leon  \  comments

Seeing how our staff has distinct tastes and opinions on music, it would be nearly impossible for us to determine a 10 Albums of 2011 list as a single entity without excessive bloodshed. So over the next couple of days, we’ll be posting Top 10 Albums of 2011 lists as determined by individual Loud Loop Press staff members. Today, associate editor Audrey Leon offers up her list for Top 10 Albums of 2011.

I decided to do it a little differently this year. I honestly didn’t think I could find another way to describe how great the new St. Vincent or Wild Flag or Le Butcherettes records were. Therefore, I decided to keep things local and give you my favorite Chicago records of the year. Sounds good, right?And for those who might get perturbed about this list only having 14 albums (including the Honorable Mentions) instead of an (even?) 15, let’s just say the fifteenth was, uh, Wilco? Sure, why not. So, behold my favorite records in 2011 from some very rad windy citizens…

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By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

If there was ever an indicator of how robust and healthy Chicago’s psych rock scene is, look no further than this year’s third annual Chicago Psych Fest adding a second day of festivities.

Brooklyn Vegan Chicago revealed yesterday afternoon that this year’s edition, dubbed “Third Eye Visions,” will once again take place at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia Ave).

Kraut rockers CAVE and experimental jammers Dark Fog headline on Friday, Jan. 20, and Saturday, Jan. 21, respectively. Also tapped for the fest are LLP’s rowdy faves Rabble Rabble, The Velcro Lewis Group, Killer Moon and Verma.

Tickets for Chicago Psych Fest are $10 and can be purchased through the Hideout’s website. The event is 21+.

Get the complete lineup below.

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By Audrey Leon  \  comments

Monday Afternoon Quick Fix runs every Monday afternoon to showcase the best of Chicago music news, views and stories from around the interwebs and blogosphere that we might have missed.

• • Windy City Rock has the deets on The Empty Bottle’s new book club. First meeting is this Sunday!
• • Gapers Block reviewed JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound’s record release party and included a few sweet photos.
• • Per the AVClub, Jeff Mangum is coming to Chicago! Get ready for a road trip, April Ludgate!
• • Local boys CAVE, who play for FREE at the Bottle tonight, get the 7.9 treatment from Pitchfork.

By Richard Giraldi  \  comments

And now three reasons to shake and bake on over to the Empty Bottle this fine autumn evening…

1. It takes a few moments for Bird Names’ brand of bizarro-pop to truly sink in. The Chicago-via-Athens, GA group’s disheveled melodies, whimsical percussion and oddball vocals sound like a mismatch during a casual listen, but more focus reveals intriguing, slinky tempos and an ethereal delivery. LISTEN: “I Caught the Bus to Shit Town Blues”

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By Richard Giraldi  \  1 comment

Oh, CAVE. I remember when they just wee krautrockers on the local circuit, and now they’re all grown up and have graduated to the bandwidth of Pitchfork where the site gave the band a very impressive score of 7.9 for their new album Neverendless. We also reviewed the album, and suggest you read that as well. But we aren’t here to talk about reviews. No, CAVE also have a brand new video for the quirky synth take “Adam Roberts.” The video, created by Isaac Sherman, features pulsating lights and colors engulfing a lone female dancer grooving to the music. You can check out CAVE for yourself next Monday for FREE at the Empty Bottle, but in the meantime, check out the vid below:

By Richard Giraldi  \  comments