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Top In-Studios of 2011

Posted at 7:00 AM on December 14, 2011 by The Current


Our most viewed in-studio performances of the year.

It has been a very busy live music year for the Twin Cities. Bands are starting to flock in greater droves to our isolated abode in the Midwest, even ignoring the traditional "winter cut-off" date that tends to see touring acts avoiding us at all costs.


With the advent of more performances comes an increase in artists stopping by The Current studio. 2011, more than any other year, was perpetually filled with our favorite musicians dropping in to play a few tunes for you, the listener. So we decided to track what your favorite sessions were and help everyone revisit what a great year for music it really was. Based on our highest traffic pages this year, here are the top in-studios of 2011.


1. Atmosphere

April 15, 2011

Local duo Atmosphere released highly anticipated The Family Sign very early on in 2011, but this didn't stop people from talking about them the rest of the year. A more emotional and experimental album, it obviously had a large affect on fans and curious bystanders, making this in-studio the highest viewed by a longshot.

2. Foster The People

April 8, 2011

There may not be any greater success story this year than Foster The People. The California trio emerged out of nowhere with debut Torches, gaining Gold certifications in the US, Canada, and Australia shortly thereafter. Critical praise accompanied the rise, proving that they aren't just a one-hit wonder.

3. St. Vincent

October 3, 2011


A former member of Sufjan Stevens' band and The Polyphonic Spree, Annie Clark defined her own sound a few years back and became an indie darling. No one can shred a guitar like Annie Clark. No one.

4. Polica

December 2, 2011


Polica is the newest local buzz-band to emerge, and they're a young one at that. Only active since September, they've already recorded their first album with the help of Ryan Olson (GAYNGS, Digitata) and Jim Eno of Spoon.

5. Works for Words

April 20, 2011


Not exactly an in-studio, but worth mentioning because all of you seemed to really like it. Works for Words showcased local artists who have penned notable lyrics in recent years. Curated by Jeremy Messersmith, the Fitzgerald Theater played host to Chris Koza, Lucy Michelle, Dessa, Brian Tighe, and others as they performed original works and covered some of the greats like Tom Waits and Daniel Johnston.

6. Lissie

January 20, 2011


Lissie is one of those break-out artist fairy tales that don't happen too often. She had only released an EP before she saw herself touring with Lenny Kravitz, Joshua Radin, and Band of Horses. People took note - she signed to Fat Possum and later Columbia Records within the span of just a few years.

7. Liz Phair

January 20, 2011



Liz Phair's career is now almost 20 years old having started with the hughly sucessful Exile in Guyville back in 1993. Since that time, the engimatic songstress has explored every genre possible with varying results. However, no one can say she hasn't revolutionized the way people think about and hear music.

8. Low

April 15, 2011


Low is a major success story for Minnesota and for the music world. Slow-churning rock and roll has never sounded so natural, and husband-and-wife duo Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker have perfected their chemistry and style throughout the years.

9. Glasvegas

June 1, 2011


This Scottish band was credited for sending the 2000s UK music scene out with a bang. Their debut, self-titled record topped the charts across Europe and brought the band to the States six times in the span of a year.

10. Bob Mould

June 16, 2011


Bob Mould will never settle for a quiet day. He co-founded one of our greatest exports with Hüsker Dü, started Sugar later on, and has now written a book. He brought his talent and wisdom to the UBS Forum in June.

We love lists as you can see. So it's time for that daily reminder that it's not too late to vote for your Top 89 of 2011. We'll be counting down your favorite albums of the year on New Year's Eve, but we need your ballots first!


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