Rainbow selection

R.E.M. + Modest Mouse + The National
Jun 6, 7pm | United Center
R.E.M. presented its new album, Accelerate, as a lean, mean return to form, but take off the hype blinders and the disc is another excuse to hit the arenas. In fairness, the new stuff actually shifts the band’s stick out of first gear for the first time in more than a decade. Modest Mouse 2.0, with ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and the beautiful, brooding National make this a rarity: a solid arena show from top to bottom.
Actual cost $37.50–$85
What it’s worth a hybrid SUV tank of gas

Alicia Keys
Jun 7, 8pm | Allstate Arena
Something about Keys oozes entitlement: She slipped into the diva role just a little too easily. Musically, she seems divided between baring her soul and aiming for the charts, and between old and new school. Her extracurricular career awkwardly weaves in similar fashion, from a scene-stealing role as an assassin in Smoking Aces to a bizarre Dove-pimping deodorant-commercial-slash-sitcom on MTV with Nick Lachey. But in the end, it comes down to the music, and the singer’s third album, As I Am, has shown staying power.
Actual cost $49.50–$125
What it’s worth a year’s supply of Dove cucumber-scented Go Fresh deodorant

NEXT>>