Lykke Li at The Metro, 5/23, $26. We can't quite put our finger on why we're all so obsessed with this Swedish songbird. It could be haircut envy, or it could be that she's taking over the planet with her pop sweetness and melodic, girly sounds. Either way, this is a good show, for real.
The Metro, 3730 North Clark Street (at Waveland Avenue); 773-549-4140.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy at Millennium Park, 5/23, FREE. It's that time again, friends! Millennium Park's Free Music Mondays are back in full effect. Get good—and we mean very good—at slipping out of the office early enough to score a seat (or grassy spot). Will Oldham plays under the name Bonnie "Prince" Billy these days (don't ask), and we're thrilled to have him in town to kick off summer. Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street (at Michigan Avenue); 312-742-1168.
Adele, 5/24 at The Riv, Sold Out. Why on earth did we include a sold out show in this list? We'll tell you. When Adele reads this, we want her to know how much we love her and how much we rely on her tunes to get through our day. Further, we highly suggest you track down tickets through any (legal) channel that you can.
The Riviera Theater, 4746 North Racine Avenue (at Broadway Avenue); 773-275-6800.
Denison Witmer, 5/27 at Schubas, $10. Care to unplug? We have a show for you. Relax while you cozy up to an evening of emotional lyrics and easy-to-love melodies. Those seeking something a bit more hardcore should seek their rock elsewhere. We're taking it easy tonight.
Schubas, 3159 North Southport Avenue (at Belmont Avenue); 773-525-2508.
This Will Destroy You, 5/28 at Bottom Lounge, $15. Bonus: With their newest album Tunnel Blanket hot off the presses, this band isn't wasting any time making the rounds to The Windy City. Falling gracefully into the post-rock genre (this is getting ridiculous), we find their tunes as welcome around the office as we do on a road trip, or hangin' porchside with our pals. This one is 17 and up, for those of you so often shut out due to lack of years.
Bottom Lounge, 1375 West Lake Street (at North Ogden Ave); 312-666-6775.