First it was records. Then eight-tracks, then tapes, then CDs and now MP3s. But a new invention is taking the music world by storm: Festivals.

This summer, America (and Arizona) will be home to the greatest musical events in the world. Now is the time to finally get out your stars and stripes, eat a hot dog and blast “”Proud To Be an American”” out your car window at full volume, on the way to these shows:

This festival may be in Manchester, Tenn., aka nowhere, but it boasts some spectacular bands. Most importantly, this is going to be Radiohead’s first American show since 2004, when they played at the great Coachella.

Their new album is coming out any time now, so expect them to play newer stuff as well as your old favorites, like “”Creep”” and “”Paranoid Android.”” (Oh, I do hope!) Also, go to this festival if you want to catch The Streets, Death Cab for Cutie, My Morning Jacket and many more.

The festival that’s controlled by the popular online music review Web site may not be as big and grandiose as Bonnaroo, but it is in an actual city (that may or may not have running water).

Indie rock greats like Spoon, Art Brut, Devendra Banhart and the Silver Jews will accompany dozens more bands in Chicago.

Only problem is, this whole thing is going on at the same time Radiohead is playing in California, June 29 and 30. You have to make a choice, folks!

Just to let everyone know, this international rock star has just announced a date at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., June 24. Speaking as somebody who has seen this guy in person (front row actually), he is an absolutely amazing performer. Last time, he had a robot break-dancer dressed in white on the side of the stage, acting out all of the songs. His next show should be equally compelling.

This is probably the only festival during the summer that doesn’t have anything to do with Radiohead, and it will probably be the worse for it. Nevertheless, this one will feature more than 1,500 artists in over 20 venues instead. Aside from being a comedy, dance, film, literary and visual arts festival, there will be some great bands too. Grab a plane ticket to Seattle if you want to see Kanye West, Mates of State, Feist, A Tribe Called Quest and much more.

Someone at the arts desk has a hard-on for Built To Spill, and for the first time it’s not me! We want you all to get a hard-on for this band as well when it comes to the Rialto Theatre July 6. The new album, You In Reverse, just came out last month, so expect to hear some newer goodies before they get stale. Unlike most of the best shows this summer, you’ll only have to pay $15 to get in or $17 at the door.