Regardless of what happens tonight or hopefully tomorrow with the Chicago Cubs in the World Series, there’s always going to be music happening to either help us forget the sports-related disappointment or help us celebrate. With these five shows happening in Chicago this week, whatever your mood, these acts will help you elevate it.
*** = Josh Terry’s recommended show.
Wednesday
Jens Lekman, Emmy the Great
Lincoln Hall
2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-2501
Charming Scandinavian singer-songwriter Jens Lekman has been a favorite of mine for well almost a decade now. Next year marks the 10-year anniversary of his second album, “Night Falls Over Kortedala,” which contains so many songs that are simultaneously witty, heartfelt and kind of goofy (in the best way). He has a rewarding discography that culminates with 2012’s “I Know What Love Isn’t” and 2011’s EP “An Argument With Myself.” While he takes his damn time between releases, let’s hope he debuts some new material.
Tickets: Lh-st.com
Thursday
Ricky Eat Acid, Kitty, Jonah Baseball
The Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600
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Ricky Eat Acid is the electronic project of prolific and multifaceted musician Sam Ray, who many also know for his indie rock songwriting vessel Teen Suicide. On Thursday, he’ll be playing songs from REA’s new ethereal album “Talk To You Soon” while his wife, rapper Kitty, will open along with Detroit producer Jonah Baseball.
Tickets: Emptybottle.com
Friday
Sims, Air Credits
Schubas
3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508
Air Credits’ new album “Broadcasted” is phenomenal. With this collaboration between RedEye favorites rapper ShowYouSuck and production duo the Hood Internet (who last week mashed-up “Go Cubs Go” with Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem”), you’d be wrong to miss the local supergroup opening up for Doomtree rapper Sims.
Tickets: Lh-st.com
Saturday
Mitski, Fear of Men, Weaves
Thalia Hall
1807 S. Allport St. 866-777-8932
All three of these acts have had an incredible 2016, from Toronto’s art punks Weaves to the New Yorker-approved Mitski. Fans who missed Mistki’s super sold-out Lincoln Hall show this summer have no excuse to miss her at Thalia.
Tickets: Ticketweb.com
Sunday
Hiss Golden Messenger, Tift Merritt
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-728-6000
Hiss Golden Messenger’s M.C. Taylor’s long fascination with folk and Americana has made for one of the best projects in the genre over the last few years. The band’s latest album, “Heart Like A Levee,” is a worthwhile starting point for anyone looking to add a little twang and jagged-edged lyricism into their lives.
Tickets: Oldtownschool.org
***Jeff Rosenstock, Hard Girls, Katie Ellen
Beat Kitchen
2100 W. Belmont Ave. 773-281-4444
Over the past couple of years, I’ve seen former Bomb the Music Industry! leader Jeff Rosenstock a handful of times, most recently at a very raucous Wicker Park Fest afterparty at GMan for an acoustic set. His new solo album “Worry” is very likely his best offering yet, and I can’t wait to hear songs like “Wave Goodnight To Me” live.
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Tickets: Ticketfly.com