Red Xerox: Chicago Youth Beat 2020-2025 Various Artists — 2026 ReleasedMarch 18 LabelDesert Island Recordings Compiled ByEli Schmitt Runtime~46 min / 12 tracks Album Review … Read more
This edition balances reverence and rebellion. A British Invasion cornerstone reborn in mono. A ‘90s cult favorite finally getting wax. A fragile Irish debut turning … Read more
Joe GlassSnakewardsHallogallo Tapes [2026] “Snakewards delivers a cassette-era gut punch built from quick instincts, rough edges, and sharp guitar-pop hooks.” Album Overview: Joe Glass is … Read more
2025 proved to be another challenging year for music lovers, with so many standout releases that shaping this list pushed us in all the right … Read more
Sharp PinsBalloon Balloon BalloonK/Perennial Records [2025] “A 21-track jangle-pop shimmer with the heart of Alien Lanes and the glow of a lost ’60s classic.” Album … Read more
Sharp Pins Light the Fuse with “(I Want to) Be Your Girl” Balloon Balloon Balloon by Sharp Pins Sharp Pins are back with a new … Read more
LifeguardRipped And TornMatador Records [2025] “A post-punk fever dream—fractured, fearless, and totally electric.” Album Overview: Lifeguard formed in Chicago when its members—Asher Case, Isaac Lowenstein, … Read more
On June 6th, Chicago’s Lifeguard will release their debut album Ripped and Torn on Matador Records. The youthful trio of Asher Case (bass, baritone guitar, … Read more
Excited to hype the upcoming re-release/expanded Sharp Pins record Radio DDR (+ 3 new songs) out March 21st on K/Perennial! Radio DDR is an excellent … Read more
2024 has been an outstanding year for music, with a steady stream of exceptional releases making this year’s list one of the most challenging to … Read more
Sharp PinsRadio DDRSelf-Released [2024] “Sharp Pins’ Radio DDR: where vintage vibes meet indie pop brilliance.” Album Overview: Sharp Pins is the solo project of Chicago-based … Read more