Kot in the Act:: Shows You Can’t Miss

By Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

Oct. 19–A-Trak, Cool Kids, Kid Sister: When he isn’t serving as Kanye West’s DJ, A-Trak ( 1 )is a nonpareil party-starter, and this should be a terrific showcase for two of Chicago’s rising hip-hop stars: MySpace.com phenoms Cool Kids and Kid Sister. Sunday at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. $16-$18; 773-276-3600.

2. Annie Lennox: The former Eurythmics singer embarks on a rare solo tour behind her latest disc, “Songs of Mass Destruction.” Even the slick Glen Ballard production can’t dull the edges in Lennox’s siren call. Friday at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. $50, $65, $80 (sold out); 312-902-1400.

3. Bruce Springsteen: The Boss is back on his game with the E Street Band on his latest album, “Magic,” which puts guitars at the forefront and finds the singer brooding about more darkness on the edge of town. Sunday-Monday at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. $95, $65; 312-455-4500.

New Pornographers: With Neko Case as a secondary lead vocalist to band leader A.C. Newman, this Vancouver outfit is loaded with great voices and top-notch songwriters, all of whom conspire to make some of the grandest, giddiest pop tunes of our time. Friday at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. $24; 773-549-0203.

Queens of the Stone Age: Josh Homme makes metal sexy again, without resorting to spandex-era cliches. Thursday at the Riviera, 4746 N. Racine Ave. $28; 773-275-6800.

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greg@gregkot.com

IN THE WEB EDITION: The latest music news at chicagotribune.com/gregkot.

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