Live music photos
Monkey
Journey to the West (XL)
Brilliant former Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn ups the stakes in the eclecticism race with this album version of his kung-fu pop-opera. Oh, and it’s in Mandarin. Sept 23.
Deerhoof
Offend Maggie (Kill Rock Stars)
At some point, another Flaming Lips will come along—a band that cuts kooky art records in the underground before going pop. We’ve got our money on these San Franciscans, now a quartet (again) with fresh second guitarist Ed Rodriguez. Oct 7.
Brian Wilson
That Lucky Old Sun (Capitol)
After rebuilding his “lost” Beach Boys album, Smile, Brian Wilson looks to once again bottle concept-album sunshine with collaborator Van Dyke Parks. Sept 2.
Missy Elliott
Block Party (Atlantic)
The B-girl of surreal bubblegum pop returns after three years with another slice of sci-fi swerve and future croon. She’s never failed to deliver at least four sick singles. Nov 11.
Kid Sister
Dream Date (Downtown)
If Missy somehow fails us and M.I.A. was honest with her declaration of “last show ever” on the Bonnaroo Festival stage this year, Chicago’s got the female neon-hip-pop front covered with our own Kid Sister. Her magnetic, celebrity-deserving personality will have the city rooting for world domination. Oct 21.
Check out the other sections in our 2008 Fall Preview:
ART | BOOKS | CLUBS | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | GAY & LESBIAN | KIDS | MUSEUMS & CULTURE | MUSIC | OPERA & CLASSICAL | RESTAURANTS & BARS | SHOPPING | SPORTS & REC | THEATER | TV & DVD