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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Three Here-comes-the-sun reasons to get your drink on at The Burlington tonight…

1. Chicago quintet Hollows are celebrating its new 7-inch Hot Sand with a free show. What could be better than that? The four ladies and one fellow of Hollows create some outstandingly catchy garage pop jingles replete with spooky organ provided by lead singer Maria Jenkins. Don’t let these girls (and guy) fool you with their adorable outward appearance because underneath all those groovy girl-group-esque harmonies lurks a darker, tougher interior as exhibited on the Halloween appropriate “Shadows in the Dark.” Of course, you won’t be scared for long because the group will have you dancing in no time. I’m pretty sure this is how Stella got her groove back.

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Talk about being aptly named.

Chicago outfit Thunders sways between full-tilt, explosive alternative rock madness and bluesy pysch rock bliss on its new album Beautiful Baby in the Bummer of Love (available via Bandcamp).

The group summons the spirits of bands like – the heavily influenced by Nirvana – The Vines or Verbena. Both acts exhibit fierce guitar prowess anchored by snarling, twang-filled vocals.

The song’s title track goes the way of bluesy psych with slow grooves and a chorus of “oohs and ahhs” that slowly erupts into a symphony of crunchy, distorted, squealing guitars and thudding drum beats. Any kid raised on a stedy diet of grunge would be proud. Listen to “Beautiful Baby in the Bummer of Love” below:

As we noted in our Daily Diversion earlier, you can catch Thunders ignite the canons at Ultra Lounge with Jacuzzi Boys, Mickey and Hollows. Tickets are $10.

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Three here-comes-the-rain-again reasons to put on a wet suit and splash down to Ultra Lounge tonight…

1. On the surface Miami trio Jacuzzi Boys seem to be riding that same nostalgia wave that most new generation garage rock bands can’t live without. However, the group’s scuzzy surf rock throwback and canned vocals provide the fuel for an excellent party. The tunes on Jacuzzi Boys’ sophomore album Glazin’ should get you spazzing out in the dance floor with seizures of delight. You can still listen to the whole album over at Spin.com.

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It may be October, but the recent bout of unseasonable warmth here in town needs some groovy post-summer jams.

Thankfully, retro-poppers Hollows have captured that exact sun-and-fun experience on their new tune “Hot Sand.” The track, along with a studio version of “Shapeshifter,” will be released on 7-inch via Soft Power records on Oct. 17.

“Hot Sand” takes Hollows in a less spooky direction as some of their past material (such as “Shadows in the Dark” or “Johnny Appleseed”) and increases the surf-rock quotient. The end result is a bouncy track with plenty of fun organ and Hollows’ trademark sugary sweet harmonies.

Hot Sand by Hollows Chicago

You can catch Hollows along with glam punks Mickey at Ultra Lounge this Thursday, Oct. 13 with Miami’s own Jacuzzi Boys. Tickets are $10.

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So many shows, so little time. This weekend is brimming with excitement thanks to the brand-new Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements fest happening in Eckhart Park and featuring the likes of Shellac, CAVE, A Lull, Hollows – to name a few. We’re also talking about the Reggie’s Live stage at the Bash on Wabash featuring White Mystery and tons more shows.

Clouds, Schmouds. Let’s rock.

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Is it me or does it feel like everyone and their mother have a show in town on Saturday night? Well, like the highlander, there can only be one (or two).

Here are our top picks for this weekend’s must-see shows.

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