A Mad Undertaking: The Aadam Jacobs Collection

The Aadam Jacobs Collection is an ongoing effort to digitize 10,000 bootlegs captured from the late 80s onward in the Chicago area thanks to the titular Aadam Jacobs. You should absolutely read the origin story before you dive into the collection.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a "bootleg person," I think this collection is worth poking around in. The sound quality varies per show of course but everything I've heard has been quite enjoyable. Here are just a few that I've run into that you may want to listen:

• They Might Be Giants - Dec 1988, Cabaret Metro
• Nirvana - July 1989, Dreamerz
• Depeche Mode - March 1985, Aragon Ballroom
• The Replacements - Nov 1987, Riviera Theater
• Lambchop - May 1997, The Metro
• Folk Implosion - Feb 2000, Schubas Tavern
• The Faint - Oct 2000, Fireside Bowl -
• Neutral Milk Hotel - May 1997, Lounge Ax
• Mogwai - Sept 1999, Metro

That is barely the tip of the iceberg. There's plenty in there you may not recognize but it's a lifelong project form Jacobs that will continue to have new offerings for the foreseeable future. Definitely worth being aware of and keeping up with.