LONESOME STILL (Original Oultaw Country) Hipsters, two-steppers, and even grizzled country purists agree Lonesome Still might be the best-kept secret in Chicago’s country music scene. You’ll hear the influence of the band’s blues, rock, and folk roots as they create a unique retro-country sound anchored by lead singer Michael O’Briant’s Johnny Cash-baritone, sweetened by Kary Ream and Emily Albright’s perfect harmonies, not to mention Emily’s fiddling. Add Chicago music scene veterans Tony Wittrock on lead guitar, Josh Piet on bass, Dave Huizenga on rhythm guitar and vocals, plus Lance Helgesen on drums, and you’ve got a recipe for a new, exciting country mix.

ERIN EDMISTER & 3 TONS (Country Rock/Alt Country) http://www.3tons.org/