Spring is finally here and the only thing better than the scent of flowers in the air, is the sweet sound of new music from a multitude of talented artists.  With so many great albums being released while April showers bloom into May flowers, you’ll want to make sure your music library is at the top of your Spring cleaning list.

Some notable releases come from music veteran’s like Iggy and the Stooges and The Flaming Lips, both of the bands will be releasing new tunes this April.  The Flaming Lips are following up last year’s “The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends” with their 14th studio album “The Terror,” which was released April 2. 

The Indie Rock scene is also gearing up for notable releases this April and May.  The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are set to release their fourth studio album “Mosquito” April 16, as a follow up to 2009’s “It’s Blitz!,” which featured the hit “Heads Will Roll.”  Many fans are eagerly anticipating the band’s new album after a four-year wait.

“I get their song ‘Maps’ stuck in my head a lot,” said Carisa Marconet, a sophomore communications and media major.  “They make great music and have been around for awhile, so I’m excited for new music.”

Iggy and the Stooges are reuniting for their second studio album since 1977’s “Raw Power” with the original lineup of Iggy Pop, James Williamson and Scott Asheton.  Iggy announced in video statement that “Ready to Die” would be released April 30.

East Coast indie pop rockers, Vampire Weekend are releasing “Modern Vampires of The City” May 7. The band is known for their quirky sound and witty lyrics, and fans are hoping to hear again on the new release.

“I really liked their last album,” said Marconet.  “They have a really interesting sound.  I’m excited to see what’s in store for their next album.”

“Modern Vampires of the City” will be the band’s third studio album, following the success of 2008’s “Vampire Weekend” and 2010’s “Contra.” 

Pop Rock trio, Paramore, will be releasing a new self-titled album on April 9.  The new album is a follow up to 2009’s “Brand New Eyes” and the band’s fourth studio album.

“I’m excited [for the new album] because the last time they came out with an album was four years ago, so it’s been a while,” said Mandie Lederer, a junior communications and media major.  “I can’t wait to hear what is sounds like, if it’ll be their usual sound or different.”

 Additionally, it’s also the first album since the departure of the band’s guitarist Josh Farro and drummer Zac Farro, who cited internal band conflict between lead singer Hayley Williams and the brothers as the reason they left.  The conflict has left some Paramore fans apprehensive about the sound of the new music, but Lederer isn’t one of them.

“The majority of the band is [lead singer] Hayley Williams,” said Lederer.  “I’m sure it will still be great music.”  

The hip-hop scene will also be treated to new music this Spring.  Odd future leader, Tyler the Creator released his third album “Wolf,” April 2. 

Spring is also treating Chicagoans to a load of great shows in the venues across the city.  Several pop and rock bands will be performing April and May, and a few even have tickets still available. 

For those of you who appreciate classic folk rock, catch Fleetwood Mac at 8 p.m. performing in the United Center, April 13 or Allstate Arena, June 14.  T.J. McHugh, a freshman communication’s major was able to nab seats for the June show and can’t wait for the experience.

“I’m going with my family who are all fans,” said McHugh.  “It’s going to be fun to relive my childhood and see all the greatest hits and classics live.”

The band’s infamous history of relationship and break-ups between band members that creates an interesting dynamic on stage that McHugh is excited to see.

“They’re on stage singing songs about each other,” said McHugh.  “It’s very legendary and a good band to see.”

So sway and sing along to classics like “Landslide” and “Go Your Own Way”, if you can grab some tickets on stubhub. Prices start at $115 for the April concert and $95 for the June concert. 

Close to campus at The Vic, The Black Crowes will be rocking out at a pair of shows April 17 and 18.  For around $93, you can grab a pair of tickets to one of the sold-out shows and have a chance to make it to the barricade while the band performs songs like “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks To Angels” live.

If you’re more of an RnB or Pop fan, multi-talented songstress Alicia Keys will be gracing the stage at 7:30 p.m., April 18, at the United Center.  Keys is known for her heart-wrenching piano ballads and collaboration’s with other talented musicians like Jay-Z.  Join Keys and opener Miguel for the Set the World on Fire tour, tickets are available through ticketmaster still and are priced between $70.53 – $140.65 including taxes and convenience fees. 

Another pop rock band will be gracing the streets of Chicago this May.  Paramore with their opener Kitten, will be performing at 8 p.m., May 9, at the Chicago Theater. to support their new self titled album.

“They were my favorite band from high school,” said Lederer.  “I’m ready to rock out to all my old favorite songs.”

 Hear them play their new single “Now” live along with classics such as “Misery Business”, tickets are available through Stubhub starting at $69.00. 

For those of you who eagerly anticipated Fall Out Boy to come off of hiatus, you can catch their “Save Rock n Roll” tour at the Riviera Theater on May 16 at 7 p.m.  For the first time since the band’s 2009 hiatus, you’ll be able to hear their hits “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs” and “Sugar We’re Going Down” live.

“I’m really glad they’re making music again, they’re a huge part of my musical experience,” said Rachael Driussi, a sophomore Political Science major.  “I didn’t get a ticket, so I hope [Fall Out Boy] adds another show.”

The Chicago show, along with the rest of the tour sold out almost immediately after tickets went on sale, however some tickets are still available through stubhub starting at $125.

If “Simple Song” has been sitting at the top of your most listened to playlist, make sure you get over to the Aragon Ballroom, May 19.  The Shins will be stopping by Chicago on their spring tour and are sure to pack the house.  Get there on time at 7 p.m. to hear Ra Ra Riot open the show with a bang.  Tickets are available through the Jam Productions website for $43.38 including taxes, convenience, facility, and order fees.  

Anyone who’s a fan of pop music right now can catch Marina and the Diamonds, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. The show was recently moved from The Vic to The Riviera Theater due to high demands for tickets from her fans. 

“I feel like her music just speaks to my soul,” said Terry Lilja, a junior Psychology and Sociology double major.  “I fell like [going to] their concert will bring their music to another level.” 

If you don’t want to miss up an opportunity to hear “Primadonna Girl” or “I am Not a Robot” live, grab tickets for $25 (not including convenience fees) from etix.com before they’re sold out again.

Just down the street from the Riviera, at the Aragon Ballroom, Indie Rock band Of Monsters and Men will be making their way back to Chicago to performing on May 22. 

“They put on a really good show,” said Megan Daley, a senior journalism major.  “The last time I saw them in December, they were great.  It’s nice to see good things happen to good bands.”

Make sure to catch them playing “Little Talks” live, and be sure to keep in time with the sway of the crowd.  Tickets are sold out through the venue, but are available on stubhub starting at $60.

With so many new albums and concerts to look forward to, springtime in the city is already looking beautiful.  So embrace the sunshine, shed your winter coats, and bike down the lake shore trail, all while humming some new tunes.   

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