Music notes: Kanye, Lamar play United Center next week

In the spotlight

Chicago native Kanye West has been so overexposed lately, whether because of his frequent public hissy fits or his relationship with reality TV star Kim Kardashian, that it's easy to overlook the music he creates. But make no mistake: West is a gifted artist who, with each album, expands the sonic boundaries of hip-hop. His latest record, “Yeezus,” is startlingly minimal and abrasive, bringing the sounds of Chicago's underground house and drill-rap scenes to the masses. West is playing the first of three hometown shows next week; his opener is Kendrick Lamar, a rising star in the hip-hop world.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Tickets start at $39.50. Go to ticketmaster.com.

Tribute times 2

Two of the most distinctive voices in rock history will get a lavish tribute this weekend when the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre hosts “Broken Arrow & Positively Fourth Street: Tributes to Neil Young and Bob Dylan.” Broken Arrow will get things started with its comprehensive Neil Young show, followed by Positively's homage to Dylan.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $30. Go to metropolisarts.com.

Feel-good pop

Who doesn't like a dose of ABBA every now and then? The Swedish pop group delivered a slew of irresistible dance-pop hits back in the 1970s and 1980s, including such staples as “Take a Chance on Me,” “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo” and “Mamma Mia.” The original group doesn't tour anymore, but fans can relive the band's heyday next week in St. Charles by seeing the renowned tribute band ABBA Salute.

7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets start at $29. Go to oshows.com.