Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

Big weekend for music in Chicago. We’ve got Taste Of Randolph and Peace Fest. That’s not to mention MGMT at the Riviera, Fiery Furnaces and Eyehategod at the Empty Bottle and the triumphant return of the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir at the Subterranean.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Friday

MGMT
Regardless of what you think of MGMT’s polarizing sophomore effort, Congratulations, the band seems to have weathered the initial “What the fuck is this?” shit storm that initially hit upon it’s release. They’re selling out mid-size venues all over the country and even have reached almost-headliner status at festivals. Yes, Congratulations has replaced the electro-dance rock that made the singles from Oracular Spectacular so catchy and accessible for acid surf rock at it’s finest. Anyone who read interviews with MGMT masterminds Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden during their early days or even listened to Oracular Spectacular‘s non single tracks probably didn’t find such a jarring change between albums one and two quite a surprise. I really enjoy, screw it, I LOVE Congratulations. The album, for those awaiting MGMT’s follow-up, seemed completely out of left field, and the powerful and epic moments that replaced Oracular‘s catchy choruses are arena ready. Better yet, if you miss them tonight at the Riviera’s sold out show, you can catch them in August at Lollapalooza. Nice. (Richard Giraldi)

7:30 p.m. Friday, 6/18. Riviera Theatre. All Ages. SOLD OUT.

FIERY FURNACES
The Brooklyn-via-Chicago brother-sister duo of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger bring their twisted art-rock sensibilities back to the Empty Bottle tonight. Although perhaps twisted doesn’t really apply to them anymore seeing how their latest release, I’m Going Away, was more rooted in the 1970′s classic arena rock of the Elton John variety. So, basically for the Fiery Furnaces, it was pretty normal. But normal in a good way. The songs were still fun and catchy. So for those who missed them at their two gigs this past NYE in Chicago (Like me), tonight should be a blast. (Richard Giraldi)

10:00 p.m. Friday, 6/18. The Empty Bottle. 21+. $15.

PEACE FEST
As Chicago’s summer festival season gets under way, let’s take a moment to give peace a chance… at the Chicago Peace Fest in Lincoln Park this weekend. The three-day Peace Fest kicks off noon on Friday, June 18, at 1700 N. Stockton Drive, just south of the Lincoln Park zoo. It has never been easier to embrace love and rebellion with free music provided by a nice slice of Chicago’s music scene. There will be everything from rock to jam bands to punk and electronica. There will also be drum circles, art and vendors. Come support your favorite local acts like 1/2 Mad Poet (Friday, 6/18, 6 p.m.), Wanton Looks (Saturday, 6/19, 7 p.m.), and White Mystery (Sunday, 6/20, 7:40 p.m.) when they play Chicago Peace Fest June 18th through 20th. (Audrey Leon)

12:00 p.m. Friday, 6/18, Saturday, 6/19 and Sunday 6/20. 1700 N. Stockton Drive. All Ages. FREE.

Saturday

EYEHATEGOD
New Orleans’s Eyehategod make a pretty ugly metal/punk fusion racket. They’ve been kicked around, played musical chairs with members, called it quits, and yet somehow here they are still unwilling to go away. Their history and their sound just go hand in hand at this point. Chicago’s Nachtmystium just released their follow up to the fucking amazing “Assassins: Black Meddle Part 1″. “Addicts: Black Meddle Part II” expands on their slow departure from black metal and into a world all their own. Chicago’s Plague Bringer, Columbia’s Strong Intentions, and Chicago’s holy shit that guitar sound is heavy as fuck Weekend Nachos flesh out the flesh ripping bill. And that’s just Saturday. Sunday, Eyehategod and Nachtmystium are joined by The Atlas Moth, Yakuza, and the ridiculously named Bongripper. Fuck it, go both nights. Your flesh will grow back. Right? (Ross Meyerson)

8:00 p.m. Saturday, 6/19 & Sunday, 6/20. Empty Bottle. 21+. $20 advanced, $25 door.

SCOTLAND YARD GOSPEL CHOIR
Yes! The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir are back. Pretty remarkable this is. You all know the story by now so let’s cut to the chase. …And The Horse You Rode In On is a damn brilliant record that got lost in the post-accident chaos. Let’s reboot and go give these guys a proper hand not only for being a great band but for surviving all the shit they’ve been through. While you’re there check out Chicago’s indie pop popsters Very Truly Yours as well as Wells-next-the-Sea. Bring your hankies because this promises to be a bittersweet evening. (Ross Meyerson)

Doors 9:00 p.m./show 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 6/19. Subterranean. 17+. $10.

TASTE OF RANDOLPH
See below.

Sunday

TASTE OF RANDOLPH
I’ve never been to the Taste of Randolph before and really had no intentions of ever going. That is until….Superchunk! What? I know we’re all getting older (Mac is 42, I’m, ugh, 40), so I guess I can see the logic in this. But logic be damned. Superchunk on tour is a rare treat these past 10 odd years. At this point they could open for Jim Belushi at the House of Blues and I’d be there. And, guess what. They’ve an album coming out in September. Brand new and stuff. Majesty Shredding, from the songs I’ve heard, promises to be a much more rocking Chunk than we’ve heard in years past. I could go on and on but I’ll temper my enthusiasm for now. Oh, Califone, Headlights and the Love Language also hit the West stage this day. But Superchunk! The ‘Chunk! Man, big crowds, sweaty backs, and fried food has never sounded this good to me. (Ross Meyerson)

2:00 p.m. Saturday, 6/19 & Sunday, 6/20. Taste Of Randolph. All Ages. $10 donation.

Russian Circles

Russian Circles offer powerful, deft instrumental rock. Brings to mind fellow instrumentalists (and Chicagoans), Pelican. With Plague Bringer (industrial/grindcore insanity/awesomeness) and Lichens.

Friday, 5/1 at Bottom Lounge. $12/14

OFFICE

OFFICE = lively pop collective with taut guitars, synth-driven euphoria, and hooks that would have Nick Lowe dancing along to. With The Loyal Divide, Kyle Andrews, The Seedy Seeds, Coltrane Motion.

Sat, 5/2 at Double Door, $18/20.

Aleks and the Drummer

Aleks and the Drummer are an echo-y grimy keyboard/drum duo with an enticing cabaret-pop awareness. Fresh off their recent Dave Sitek-produced EP, the band will likely not disappoint. With Jeremy Jay(breezy, Californian pop), Kristeen Young, Bengal Lancer.

Sat, 5/2 at Empty Bottle, $ 8