Bloodiest | Photograph by Saverio Truglia

Howdy, folks! In this edition of Weekend Diversions, we talk Bloodiest at the Empty Bottle, The Queers at Reggie’s Rock Club and more.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

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Excellent news for fans of the rhythmic psych-rock of Chicago’s A Lull.

According to their website, the band has signed to Los Angeles’ Mush Records and will release their new full length Confetti on April 12, 2011, on LP, digital and that classic compact disc format.

Additionally, the album will be released in Europe licensed to Something In Construction Records, and the band announced a new single/remix EP is on the way this February.

In the meantime, you can check out the video for the first official single from Confetti, titled “Weapons For War”, right here. Plus, be sure to catch A Lull at Lincoln Hall on Thursday, January 13, as part of Tomorrow Never Knows 2011.

Mavis Staples | Photo by Richard Giraldi

Guhhh…we’re still stuffed full of Tofurkey, but it’s our Friday duty to bring you all our picks for top weekend shows.

In this BLACK FRIDAY edition of Weekend Diversions, we dish on Mavis Staples at Park West, Lawrence Peters Outfit at The Hideout, Gold Motel at the Subterranean and much more.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

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No Age

Seriously though, is fall not the best time for new music? We’ve got new a new Kanye hitting the street (officially) next week, a brand new Girl Talk album earlier this week AND new Daft Punk on the way? Deeelicious.

Anyway, it’s Friday, so time for our picks for top weekend shows. In this edition, we talk No Age at the Lincoln Hall, Tim Kasher at Schubas, Catburglars at Beat Kitchen and a whole lot more.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

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The Chicago Bluegrass and Blues festival will return for its third year this December 3 – 5 with perhaps its biggest event ever with multiple venues and big names.

Last year saw the festival was a one-day, one-venue event in November, but this year’s festival has blossomed into a weekend-long bluegrass and blues celebration that takes place at the Double Door, the Congress Theatre and Lincoln Hall.

On Friday, December 3, the festival will take over the Double Door, and will boast of lineup that includes Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons, local soul-pop outfit The Right Now, Great Divide.

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It’s back! Chicago’s top winter music festival, Tomorrow Never Knows returns for its seventh year from January 12 – January 16, 2011. TNK has become one of Chicago’s most anticipated musical events because not only is it in a dead time, musically and weather-wise, but it serves up the best of both national and local acts.

UPDATE: There’s been a few updates to the lineup from the TNK 2011 Facebook page. First off, Oberhofer, Cloud Nothings and Jaill have been added to the Handsome Furs show on Saturday, January 15, at Schubas. Bone and Bell will open for Markéta Irglová on Thursday, Januar 13, at Schubas. Local indie rockers Lionlimb have been added to the S. Carey show on Sunday, January 16, at Schubas, and Sun Airway will support The Helio Sequence at Lincoln Hall on Wednesday, January 12. You can find the complete, updated lineup after the jump.

Additionally, five-day pass holders for Tomorrow Never Knows 2011 will get free shuttle ride between Schubas, Lincoln Hall and The Metro courtesy of the Chicago Trolley Company!

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In case you haven’t been paying attention, Chicago’s The Autumn Defense is the side project of Wilco’s John Stirratt and Pat Sansone. Our own Jason Shough reviewed The Autumn Defense’s new album, Once Around, last week, a day before its November 2 release.

Well, now Once Around is out, we thought we’d give you a taste with the record’s opening track, “Back of My Mind”. The song is a chilled out, little pop ditty with some nice vocal harmonies and George Harrison-esque guitar leads. Perfect tune for what could be the final day of comfortable weather here in Chicago until April. Jam on it below:

Dig it? Be sure to catch The Autumn Defense on Saturday, November 20, at Lincoln Hall. Tickets are on sale right now at LincolnHallChicago.com for only $15!