It's been a big year for Kings of Leon. Since the release of their fourth studio album, Only by the Night, last October, the Memphis foursome are finally experiencing the success in the U.S. that they've long enjoyed overseas.

They may subscribe to a hard-partying rock'n'roll lifestyle, but Kings of Leon are really a bunch of softies.

"The last time they had pyrotechnics at the Chicago Theatre, I think the city burned down," Fall Out Boy bassist and new father Pete Wentz told his hometown crowd Tuesday night. Chitown's downtown area may have stood intact after the show, but not for lack of trying on the band's part.

Andrew Bird is a modern-day renaissance man. Beyond his multi-instrumental prowess and penchant for quirky, orchestrated chamber pop, Bird has come to define the sort of bookish, detached cool that can't be bought, styled, or practiced in front of the mirror.

Chicago's weather may be barely warm enough for short sleeves, but Jamie Lidell still managed to set Chicago's Abbey Pub ablaze last night (June 4), singing like he was possessed by the soul of Ray Charles.

"I'm going to play some songs for you," Colin Meloy announced rather unnecessarily as he took the stage at Chicago's posh Park West venue last night (April 21).