Janet Jackson makes low-key return on ‘Unbreakable’
When Janet Jackson last released a new studio album — "Discipline," in 2008 — she was trying to find her way back onto the pop charts that she dominated for...
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Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins figures out how to rise above
It was ridiculously early in the day by hip-hop standards. Mick Jenkins was wondering who the heck was going to show up before noon on a blazing-hot weekend to see...
Madonna gets personal at United Center
Even before Madonna took the stage Monday at the United Center, the senses hit overload. Warrior dancers hoisted crosses, Mike Tyson issued threats from the video screen, fake blood streamed...
10 concerts to watch for this fall
The outdoor festival season is still kicking, but most of the must-see shows are moving indoors as the autumn looms. Among the hundreds of choices, here are 10 shows that...
Disclosure finds subtler brand of dance music on ‘Caracal’
British electronic duo Howard and Guy Lawrence struck platinum straight out of the box in 2013 with Disclosure's debut album, "Settle." The album most notably launched singer Sam Smith, whose...
Shamir on the road that led to the ‘Ratchet’ album
Shamir has an acclaimed album, "Ratchet," and he's still getting his head around the notion that he's on a label (XL) that has included such luminaries on its roster as...
Keith Richards brings grit to bare-bones solo offering
The Rolling Stones are on a once-a-decade recording schedule (they just announced plans to make a new studio album next year, which would be their first since 2005). But Keith...
Farm Aid at 30 not in a celebrating mood
Neil Young looked even more grim and purposeful than usual when he took the stage Saturday at Northerly Island. Farm Aid was wrapping up its 30th year, but Young wasn't...
Vince Staples digs for truth amid carnage
On "Jump off the Roof," one of the more harrowing songs on Vince Staples' immersive debut album, "Summertime '06" (Artium Recordings/Def Jam), the listener peers into the mind of a...
AC/DC stomps at Wrigley Field
With his cap pulled low over his eyes, red knickers and unruly hair that never met a stylist, 60-year-old Angus Young still looks like a schoolboy tiny enough to fit...