Pert' Near Sandstone Backyard Bonfire Pre-sale

Posted at 10:48 AM on May 10, 2012 by Brett Baldwin (0 Comments)
Filed under: Live Events, Local

The Current is proud to present the best backyard bonfire around: an all-day party, August 18th, at The Cabooze Outdoor Plaza, featuring a barn burnin' line-up of local musicians:

• Pert' Near Sandstone
• Dead Man Winter
• Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles
• Pistol Whippin' Party Penguins
• The Cactus Blossoms
• San Souci Quartet
• The Farmhouse Band

Details:

August 18, 2012 (This is an all-day event)

18+ SHOW

3:00PM DOORS

4:00PM SHOWTIME

Pre-sale: May 10, 2012 from 10 am - 10 p.m

website: E-tix

password: paradisehop

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My Morning Jacket and Special Guests at Somerset

Posted at 11:00 AM on April 30, 2012 by The Current (13 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Trampled By Turtles performs in The Current studios, April 2012

Big news to announce this morning, especially for all you roots rock enthusiasts out there. 89.3 The Current and Vita.mn are presenting a very special show at the Somerset Amphitheater on Friday, August 10, bringing together My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses and quickly rising Duluth quintet Trampled By Turtles under one roof.

For those who weren't able to snag tickets to this year's sold-out Rock The Garden, this is a great time to see Trampled By Turtles in action as well as RTG veterans My Morning Jacket. Band Of Horses has also been tough to catch in the past year or two with consistently sold-out performances in the Twin Cities.

Rain or shine, the Somerset, WI event will be an all ages affair, so bring the whole family! Tickets go on sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. through Ticket Web.

Pre-sale Info

Related Content

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The Brick opening soon in downtown Minneapolis

Posted at 8:00 AM on January 11, 2012 by Andrea Swensson (3 Comments)
Filed under: Local, Music News

Downtown Minneapolis is soon to be home to a new rock club: The Brick, a new venue owned and operated by concert promoter AEG Live, is slated to open this spring in the space formerly occupied by Christian rock club and youth-oriented ministry Club 3 Degrees.

The announcement of a new venue in that section of downtown is a surprising one, especially given its proximity to the similarly sized Epic (which is located directly across 5th St. from the Brick) and Minneapolis landmark First Avenue. AEG says they are in the process of remodeling the former 3 Degrees space, and expect the capacity of the new venue to be upwards of 2,000, which will put it in direct booking competition with the other downtown venues.

"We've been searching for several years for the right space and the right time to become more deeply entrenched in the vibrant Twin Cities marketplace," says Joe Litvag, the senior vice president of AEG Live who oversees their Midwest operations. "The Brick will compliment AEG's already-positive presence at Target Center, and we're thrilled to offer a first-class intimate option for the music lovers that will set us apart from others in town."

AEG won't confirm any of their upcoming concert plans, but news of the Brick began to spread locally yesterday following a tour announcement by Jane's Addiction, who posted to their website that they have a show booked at the new club with Black Box Revelation on March 19. The promoter says that their local talent buyer, Brad Saks, has already put in numerous offers for bookings and they plan on announcing 8-12 shows by the end of the month, presumably including the Jane's Addiction show.

The venue's general manager, Jeff Kehr, says he expects a wide variety of acts to perform in the club. "Our goal will be to welcome all genres of music and all audiences to experience this versatile facility," he says. "The venue itself will lend itself well to all types of touring artists, from rock, country and pop to R&B, jazz, comedy and more."

In addition to a two-tiered concert space, the building will also be home to a lower-level bar called the Basement at the Brick, which will be open to concertgoers on show nights and to the general public Thursday through Saturday nights.

Club 3 Degrees vacated their location at 111 N 5th St. last March, and are now hosting sporadic events at Epic.

Continue reading "The Brick opening soon in downtown Minneapolis"

Polica debut "Lay Your Cards Out" video with help of Jay-Z

Posted at 12:49 PM on January 10, 2012 by Andrea Swensson
Filed under: Local

Poliça

The video was filmed locally and directed by Chris Hadland, whose style you may recognize from his work on the collaborative MPLS.TV video series City of Music. The simple, sultry aesthetic of the video is the ideal complement to Channy Leaneagh's stirring voice.

Watch it here:

Video: Brother Ali drops new track, free download

Posted at 4:06 PM on January 3, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Local

MPR Photo / Nate Ryan

Brother Ali answers those who complain about the length of time between his albums with the new track "Writers Block."

From Rhymesayers:

As Brother Ali and Jake One put the finishing touches on his upcoming new album Mourning In America and Dreaming In Color, the two start the year off right with a free new track titled "Writer's Block"...enjoy!

They're also offering a free download of the track on their site.

New Release from Lazerbeak

Posted at 12:18 PM on January 3, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Local, Music News

MPR / Nate Ryan

Lazerbeak is undoubtedly one of our favorite artists here at The Current whose most recent record Legend Recognize Legend produced a great session, lots of memorable tunes, and a spot on the first installment of our Local Current compilation.

Now the beat-master is back. Teaming up with the esteemed DJ Plain Ole Bill, Lazerbeak is releasing 20 tracks (compiled from 150 original beats) which haven't seen the light of day yet. They're calling it LAVA BANGERS.

Check out the tracklist below and listen to two songs: "Cement Blocks" and "Knight Fighter."

Playlist

The Local Show Staff's Top Ten of 2011

Posted at 2:25 PM on December 30, 2011 by Bethany Barberg
Filed under: Local, The Local Show

As 2011 wraps up it is time for one final look back at the past 12 months of local music. Check out each Local Show staff member's Top Ten (and sometimes more) favorite songs of 2011. Tune into the Local Show this Sunday at 6PM to hear ten of the best local debuts and hear each staff member chat about their top picks.

David Campbell - Host of The Local Show
Little Man - Found Is A Passion - Orbital Amusement EP
Haley Bonar - Candy Machine Gun - Golder
Night Moves - Country Queen - Colored Emotions
Polica - Wandering Star - Give You The Ghost
Big Quarters - Perfect Match - Party Like A Young Commie
Brian Just - We Don't Break Bread - If You Like To Be Alone Or If You Need To Be With Someone
M.anifest - Suffer - Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America
Buffalo Moon - Kind to Me - Selva Surreal
Peter Wolf Crier - Settling It Off - Garden of Arms
The Bombay Sweets - I Take You Alone - The Bombay Sweets
Doomtree - Bangarang - No Kings
Matt Latterell - Hostage and Wash Your Hands - Life On Land
Baby Boys - All My Friends - unreleased
Dragons Power Up! - Ballahol - The Best Love Is Free Vol. 2
Low - Try To Sleep - C'mon
BadNraD - Bad Girl - Bad Girl EP

Jon Schober - Local Music Assistant
1. John Maus - Keep Pushing On (4evr and evr)
2. Sea Weeds - Fall Boi
3. Hollow Boys - America Modern
4. Kasey McKee - Don't Fool Me
5. The Blind Shake - Hurracan
6. Hot Freaks - Boo
7. Buffalo Moon - Kind To Me
8. Food Pyramid - Last Shuttle To the Red Planet
9. Night Moves - Horses
10. Gramma's Boyfriend - We R Ctrl

Lindsay Kimball - Assistant Program Director
1. Polica - Wandering Star
2. 4onthefloor - Lion Hearted
3. Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps - Tank Top
4. Communist Daughter - Ghosts
5. Doomtree - Bangarang
6. Halloween, Alaska - Dance By Accident
7. Night Moves - Horses
8. No Bird Sing - After Life Insurance
9. Kid Dakota - Fiber Optic Failure
10. Adam Svec - Forest For the Trees
11. We Became Actors - Swimming Pools

Bethany Barberg - Local Music Assistant
Night Moves - Country Queen
Crimes - Gold in Your Eyes
Polica - Wandering Star
Mason Jennings - Well of Love
Haley Boanr - Silver Zephyers
Brian Just - Electric
Dead Man Winter - Wasteland
Charlie Parr and Nicholas Mrozinski MN Beatle Project Vol. 3 - Rocky Raccoon
The Cloak Ox - Wax Museum
Alpha consumer - Storms coming (Sleep Tight)
The Bombay Sweets - I Take You Alone
Low - Try to Sleep
Seaweeds - Fall Boi
The Color Pharmacy - Violin Winds
4onthefloor - On Tuesday
Matt Latterell - Wash Yer Hands

Sophie Frank - Production Intern
Wizards Are Real - Stay Golden
Hollow Boys - American Modern
Fire In The Northern Firs - Flavor Savior
Halloween, Alaska Empire, Waist
4onthefloor - Lionhearted
Polica - Wandering Star
John Maus - Believer
Peter Wolf Crier - Settling It Off
Crimes - Scene Of The Crime
Mystery Palace - Lose It All

David Safar - Music Director
Brute Heart -- Blindfolded
Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps -- Tank Top
Doomtree -- Little Mercy
Haley Bonar -- Raggedy Man
Halloween, Alaska -- Empire Waist
Howler -- I Told You Once
Low -- Try To Sleep
Mason Jennings -- Raindrops on the Kitchen Floor
Peter Wolf Crier -- Settling it Off
Sims -- Bad Time Zoo
Spyder Baybie Raw Dog and 2 Percent Muck -- Grocery Store
The Blind Shake -- Hurr-A-Can
The Cloak Ox -- Wax Musuem
The Jayhawks -- Pouring Rain at Dawn

Derrick Stevens - Production Manager
1. Haley Bonar - Money
2. Halloween, Alaska - Empire Waist
3. Sims - Burn It Down
4. Dead Man Winter - Nicotine
5. Dessa - Mineshaft
6. 4ontheFloor - Workin' Man Zombie
7. Rogue Valley - Onward and Over
8. Villa Rosa - Uma Thurman
9. Caroline Smith & The Goodnight Sleeps - Strong Shoulders 10. Mally - Lights Off

Andrea Swensson to cover local music at The Current

Posted at 12:58 PM on December 22, 2011 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Andrea Swensson
Photo: Ben Clark

We're thrilled and proud to announce today that Andrea Swensson, long-time music editor and critic for City Pages, will join The Current's team as writer for a new music blog about the vibrant Minnesota music scene.

The new local music blog will chronicle the active Minnesota music scene through reviews, updates and news with frequent posts. Swensson will also appear on-air periodically to discuss significant events with The Current hosts.

"I'm looking forward to surrounding myself with so many passionate local music fans," Swensson said. "I've always loved covering Minnesota music, and this will be such a cool opportunity to share my knowledge about the scene online and on-air."

The blog will launch the week of January 9, 2012.

A note from Andrea Swensson:

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New Polica Album Available Now

Posted at 12:22 PM on December 20, 2011 by The Current (2 Comments)
Filed under: Local, Music News

Local band Polica seems to just keep gathering steam. Sold out shows, tours with high-profile artists, and blog love across the world have made this four-piece and their tunes highly sought after. Until now, there's only been a handful of tracks to keep us satisfied until the Valentine's release day of their debut Give You the Ghost in 2012.

Well, it's time to stop buggin' out (or maybe it's time to begin). The band has actually released the album early through iTunes as a holiday gift. No word on how long this is going to stay live, but the Internet sure is in a tizzy over this one folks.

You can grab the album here. Check out our Polica artist page featuring their recent in-studio, photos, video, and other related content.

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Atmosphere + Rhymesayers bring 'Welcome to Minnesota' Tour Back for 2012

Posted at 8:56 AM on December 12, 2011 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local

The Current photo / Nate Ryan

This February, Rhymesayers and Atmosphere bring you the Second Annual "Welcome To Minnesota Tour," with performances from Atmosphere, Kill The Vultures, Big Quarters, MaLLy and DJ sets throughout the night from BK-One. Join these artists as they tour throughout their home state of Minnesota. The tour begins February 20th in Mankato and makes subsequent stops in Bemidji, Minneapolis, Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud. Last year, all of the shows sold out in advance so make sure you get your tickets early!

Tickets for the "Welcome To Minnesota Tour" go on sale Friday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. CST and are available through Ticketmaster. Tickets for the Minneapolis and St. Cloud shows are also available at Fifth Element (2411 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN | 612.377.0044) in Uptown.

Visit the Atmosphere artist archive

Check out Slug's Morning Show interview

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Wilco's Set Lists at the State Theatre

Posted at 10:58 AM on December 8, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local

Wilco was in town the past few nights at the State Theatre, and with the companion dates fans got a chance to see two very different shows. Highlighting over 25 songs for each performance, the band touched on much of their newest album The Whole Love as well as their extensive back catalogue.

Check out the set lists from each night below (with special guest Nick Lowe!). While you're at it, take a gander at our latest Theft of the Dial with frontman Jeff Tweedy.

If you got a chance to attend, let us know which song was your favorite.

December 6

December 7

Polica Announces Debut Album, First Ave Show

Posted at 10:25 AM on November 30, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local, Music News

We've been waiting for this news for a while now. The Internet is in a tizzy this morning from the announcement that local band Polica has finally set a date for their debut album. Give You the Ghost will be released on February 14, 2012.

As you may have heard, Polica is a mash-up of talent from GAYNGS, Roma di Luna, and Bon Iver featuring Channy Leaneagh, Ben Ivascu, Drew Christopherson, and Chris Bierdan. They have only been on the local circuit for a few months, but in that time they've recorded 11 songs, had them produced by Ryan Olson, and then mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon fame down in Austin, TX.

You'll be able to get a sneak peak of the new tracks during an instudio performance on The Current this Friday night at 7 p.m.

Check out the track-listing below and view a slideshow of their recent show at the Turf Club.

CD Release Show

Videos: The New Standards at the Fitzgerald Theater

Posted at 10:44 AM on November 30, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Live Events, Local

The New Standards have released a special album, The New Standards and Friends Holiday Show, to commemorate their annual concerts over the past five years at the Fitzgerald Theater. They've gotten some of the best local musicians together like Jeremy Messersmith, Haley Bonar, and the Wilson brothers to help record classic tracks from their catalogue as well as traditional holiday songs.

Two new videos of past shows at the Fitz are here to further pump up your excitement for The 5th Annual New Standards Holiday Show happening this Friday and Saturday. Take a gander at performances of "Snow Days" and "Lullaby" below.

Snow Days from The New Standards on Vimeo.

Lullaby from The New Standards on Vimeo.

Read a review of The New Standards and Friends Holiday Show by David Safar here.

Video: Pert Near Sandstone Perform "Snake Charmer"

Posted at 2:30 PM on November 29, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local

"City of Music," the video series from Twin Cities media collective MPLS.tv (and also recently has gone national), added a new addition to their repertoire today with local band Pert Near Sandstone and their performance of "Snake Charmer" off the recently released Paradise Hop.

City of Music: Pert Near Sandstone perform "Snake Charmer" from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.

Indie Musicians Pay Tribute to Bob Mould

Posted at 9:21 AM on November 23, 2011 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local, Music News

Cool news out of the Bob Mould camp last night: the Hüsker Dü/Sugar frontman was honored with a tribute concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. This was no small affair. As Pitchfork reports, a multitude of indie talent was on board to play covers of the influential musician including Britt Daniel of Spoon, Ryan Adam, No Age, and The Hold Steady.

Mould was around to join in on many of these covers, but this one by Ryan Adams is a more personal affair.

Dave Grohl got on stage with Bob Mould and plowed through 3 Hüsker Dü classics:

If your Bob Mould fix isn't yet quenched by the time you work your way through the coverage of last night's performance, check out two sessions he has done at The Current, one in 2009, and another very special engagement in the UBS Forum earlier this summer.

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CD Review: Doomtree - No Kings

Posted at 11:42 PM on November 20, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: CD Reviews, CD of the Week, Local

Contribute now and get "No Kings" as a thank you gift.

Per usual, you have the expected -- yet unknown -- match-ups of the MCs from song-to-song to keep you guessing, but there is also a lot of collaborative production taking place as well (watch the video they made about writing the record). It's those combined forces that make the album sound big and layered with lots of texture, while maintaining a balance between being abrasive and sounding too polished.

Vocally, each MC adds a specific highlightable quality: Cecil Otter, excellent creative technical writing; Sims, great technical rapping; Dessa, diversity of style; Mike Mictlan, aggressiveness; and P.O.S., pure personality and wit.

8 of the 12 tracks have at least 4 of the 5 MCs in the crew and those generally result in the best cuts on the album. The exception to the rule is "Punch Out", which only features Sims & Mike Mictlan on a brutally beautiful Lazerbeak beat. Clocking in just shy of two minutes, it attacks... and abruptly ends in a flurry of maniacal drum rolls, and leaves you wondering what hit you.

Other track highlights include "Beacon", "Bangarang", "No Way" and, the full crew effort, "Fresh New Trash."

"Fresh New Trash" features all 5 MCs and is produced by all of the crew's producers: Cecil Otter, Lazerbeak, Paper Tiger, and P.O.S. It's tracks like this that get your mind wondering which producer added what elements to the song. It serves the album well as the closing track, leaving you hungry for more Doomtree -- both as a collective and as individual members.

While listening to this album, I can't help but think how effectively it is going to translate into the live show. The huge sound is going to fill any room, the sense of urgency in the music will captivate the audience, and the constantly rotating cast of MCs will never leave time, need or want for a breather. Sounds like a perfect set up for the best Blowout yet...

—Kevin Beacham, Redefinition Radio host

Contribute now and get "No Kings" as a thank you gift.

Tune-in December 9 at 7 p.m. for an In-Studio Session with the entire Doomtree crew.

Behind the Scenes of Doomtree's "No Kings"

Posted at 9:24 AM on November 16, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local, Music News

No Kings: Writing Process from Doomtree Records on Vimeo.

If you can't wait until next Tuesday to grab your copy of the new Doomtree album No Kings, never fear - crew member Lazerbeak tweeted this behind the scenes look at the recording of the record.

Remember, The Current is hosting a special UBS Forum session with the entire collective on December 1st, and we're giving away tickets to more than a handful of lucky listeners to come and watch. You can enter the giveaway here.

The New Standards & Friends Holiday Show

Posted at 12:38 PM on November 15, 2011 by Jon Schober (1 Comments)
Filed under: Live Events, Local

Track List

The New Standards & Friends Holiday Show is available for orders from Pretty Good Goods, Freewheel Bike Shop, and Patina Stores now, and can also be found in-store at the Electric Fetus as well as at Brit's Pub. Plus, during the week of Nov. 28, 2011, when you contribute to The Current, you'll get the CD as a thank you gift.

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See Doomtree Live at The Current!

Posted at 8:55 AM on November 14, 2011 by The Current (9 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Doomtree is gearing up for two huge events: the release of their collaborative CD No Kings (out Nov. 22; check out a couple sample tracks) and their annual blowout, which has been blown out to 7 nights at First Ave's 7th St. entry and Mainroom in December. We're lucky enough to nab an in-studio session with the whole crew on December 1st, and we want you to be a part of it.

Here's how it works: we'll be giving away 10 pairs of tickets on-air all week, so tune-in to win! We're also drawing 10 pairs of tickets from the form below.

If you win, you and a friend will come to MPR Headquarters at 1 p.m. on Dec. 1st for a special 1:30 pm performance hosted by Mark Wheat.

Check out the rules.

Processing...

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Pert' Near Sandstone's Official Video for "Solid Gone"

Posted at 4:07 PM on November 11, 2011 by Bethany Barberg (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local, The Local Show

The beloved string-shredding band Pert' Near Sandstone is releasing their fifth album "Paradise Hop" on November 15th they will begin the celebrations tonight at The Cabooze. PNS will be joining David Campbell on The Local Show this Sunday for a live performance and a chat. Get your Pert' Near Sandstone fix started with their official video for "Solid Gone."

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Dessa's Line-up for Doomtree Blowout

Posted at 11:20 AM on November 10, 2011 by Jon Schober
Filed under: Live Events, Local

You may have heard about that massive "Doomtree Blowout" at First Avenue and the 7th St. Entry happening the first week of December. Seven days of curated showcases from the Doomtree crew - it's definitely a huge endeavor.

But any reservations can safely be put aside. City Pages has been breaking some of the line-ups. We've heard from Sims who has booked Brother Ali, Astronautalis, and One Be Lo, Mike Mictlan who has confirmed over a dozen acts like Benzilla, Toki Wright, and Kill the Vultures, as well as P.O.S. who is bringing along his friends Polica and Marijuana Deathsquads, both bands of which share multiple members.

The news today comes in Dessa's announcement for her show on Tuesday, December 6, which will feature up and coming talent like I, Collosus, Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble, and Hannibal Buress. Read more about the artists here.

New Video for Mark Mallman's "Minneapolis"

Posted at 2:01 PM on November 9, 2011 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local

You've heard this new song from Mark Mallman on The Current's airwaves the past few months and now he has produced a video for the track. As an homage to the city, it features the typical frames of cornfields and our visually striking skyline (but only in clay form), and then throws in some of his trademark oddities like intruding aliens.

Mallman is playing two shows on New Year's Eve at the 7th St. Entry in 3D. We don't know what that all entails, but we believe it will exceed expectations.

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Picked to Click Winners

Posted at 12:48 PM on October 18, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local

It's that time of year again -- time for City Pages to announce the winners of their annual Picked to Click poll. Each year, City Pages asks local musicians, critics, and others involved in the music scene to name their favorite up and coming local bands. Andrea Swensson came by to reveal the winners on-air.

This year, the winners are The Cloak Ox, who recently stopped by The Current for a session on The Local Show with David Campbell. The runners-up include Polica — an exciting new project from Roma di Luna's Channy Moon Caselle — as well as Night Moves, Howler, 4onthefloor and many more. Check out the list below, with videos from The Current archives! Head over to City Pages for an expanding archive ballots, videos and full profiles of each of the bands.

1) Cloak Ox

2) Polica

3) Night Moves

4) Howler

5) Robust Worlds

6) tie - 4onthefloor

6) tie - BloodnStuff

7) Nightosaur

8) tie - Gramma's Boyfriend

8) tie - MaLLy

9) Umami

10) tie - Dreamcrusher

10) tie - Elite Gymnastics

New Doomtree track: The Grand Experiment

Posted at 6:30 PM on October 14, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Download the track.

See also the news about Doomtree's annual blowout (times seven): 7 Days of Doomtree

New Kid Dakota album

Posted at 3:08 PM on October 12, 2011 by Lindsay Kimball
Filed under: Local

It's been a while since we've heard from Darren Jackson a.k.a. Kid Dakota since he moved back home to South Dakota, but he's out with a new album entitled Listen to the Crows as They Take Flight. Recorded in Minneapolis before the move west, this new effort promises the same artful songwriting. You can stream it here and find it here on LP, CD, and download. Definitely check out the cool splattered, clear vinyl.

The Seven Days of Doomtree

Posted at 5:06 PM on October 11, 2011 by Lindsay Kimball
Filed under: Local

Looks like you've got a good excuse to skip one of those holiday parties...

Sunday, December 4 - 7th Street Entry - Curated by Sims
Monday, December 5 - 7th Street Entry - Curated by Mike Mictlan
Tuesday, December 6 - 7th Street Entry - Curated by Dessa
Wednesday, December 7 - 7th Street Entry - Curated by P.O.S.
Thursday, December 8 - 7th Street Entry - Curated by Cecil Otter
Friday, December 9 - Mainroom - DOOMTREE BLOWOUT VII
Saturday, December 10 - Mainroom - DOOMTREE BLOWOUT VII followed by the After Party in the 7th Street Entry

Tickets to on-sale on Saturday at Noon.

In addition to the blowout in December, Doomtree are finishing up their new record No Kings due out next month.

Current Presents: The Secret Stash Records Story

Posted at 5:40 PM on October 6, 2011 by Jim McGuinn
Filed under: Local, The Current Presents

Over the past decade the music industry has shrunk from a high of about $14.5 billion in sales in 2000 to $6.9 billion in 2010 - less than half. But one area that has seen growth in the decade has been the boutique re-issue label. One breakthrough was the re-issue of '70s R&B singer Shuggie Otis' Inspiration Information on David Byrne's Luaka Bop label, selling 110,000 copies, or about 5x what it did initially in 1974. Since that tmie Seattle label Light in the Attic has been reissuing records by the likes of Serge Gainsbourg, Karen Daulton, Bettye Davis, and a compilation of Seattle's '60s funk scene called Wheedle's Groove that later turned into a documentary film. Chicago's Numero Group has put out compilations documenting soul and funk scene from cities like Columbus and Cleveland, and their 6-album vinyl boxset of Syl Johnson sold out all 1,000 copies in advance. Clearly, something is going on - as music fans tired of the same old classic rock and soul albums have fallen for the well done re-issues that shine a light on previously unknown gems. African funk, freak folk, krautrock - the labels that have a passion and an ear for these records are finding a growing audience that wants to discover these nearly forgotten artists and sounds.

Locally, Secret Stash Records has been building a catalog of releases since just 2009 and will celebrate their newest album from Ghana's Vis-a-Vis with a club night at Club Jager on October 14. This Sunday (10/9) on The Current Presents we'll hear from the label's Eric Foss and Will Gilbert, and hear Secret Stash releases from Africa, South America, Persia, and Haiti.

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Songlist:

Bossa 70 - Think
K Frimpong - Hwe Hwe Mu Na Yi Wo Mpena
Vis-à-vis - Obi Agye Mi Dofu
Pena - El Mayoral
Eva Ayllon - Ruperta
Black Sugar - Too Late
Los Destellos - Constelacion
Googoosh - Respect
Mehrpouya - Soul Raga
Tabu Combo - Ti Gran Mou'n
Vis-à-vis - Abusuafo

Today In Music History: Tommy Stinson Is 45!

Posted at 5:56 AM on October 6, 2011 by Steve Seel (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local, Music History

Birthdays:

David Hidalgo of Los Lobos is 57.
Matthew Sweet is 47.

Today in:

1969 - A George Harrison song became the A-side of a Beatles single for the first time, when The Beatles released "Something" backed with "Come Together."
1978 - Mick Jagger apologized to the Rev. Jesse Jackson for offensive lyrics in the Rolling Stones song "Some Girls," but he refused to change the words.
1980 - Former Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) was arrested after a barroom brawl in Dublin. He was ultimately acquitted of the charge.
1998 - Bruce Springsteen made an appearance in Britain's High Court in order to prevent the unauthorized release of a compact disc called "Before The Fame," which was recordings he had made prior to 1972. Bruce was involved in a similar case in the US. The recordings had been sold to record labels by his former manager. Springsteen won the case and the material was never released.

Birthday Highlight:

Tommy Stinson is 45 today. Thomas "Tommy" Eugene Stinson began playing bass at the age of 11, and before long was playing in his older brother Bob's band Dogbreath along with drummer Chris Mars. As local music fans are well aware, the rest is history. After frontman Paul Westerberg came on board and the band eventually emerged as The Replacements, the band's manager Peter Jesperson became Tommy's legal guardian as the boys ventured out on tour to eventually become one of the greatest bands in the history of indie rock. Tommy's resume' today includes his own bands Bash n' Pop and Perfect, two solo albums, and of course, a long-running gig as the bassist for Guns n' Roses. From Tommy's brand new album One Man Mutiny, we played "Meant To Be."

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Dining With Dara: It's The Hops

Posted at 12:27 PM on October 5, 2011 by Steve Seel
Filed under: Dining with Dara, Local

Listen:

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"Whether you're powerfully thirsty, or simply have a few acres of well-drained farmland and the desire to get in on the ground-level of the newest locavore trend, I have one word for you: hops.

Hops, of course, are the ingredient added to beer to make it "hoppy" -- that is, astringent, perky, brisk, floral- and spicy-scented, and above all, bitter. They're in season right now; hops harvesting has been taking place all through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas over the past month, and the first few weeks of October will see the release of a number of local "wet hopped" beers which showcase the aromatic complexity of fresh hops.

I talked to Todd Haug, brewer at Surly, and he told me that the difference between fresh hops and the more typical dry hops used for beer brewing, is like the difference between fresh basil and dried basil -- they're very different animals, as it were. They also require a completely different brewing process.

Surly "Wet" will be released Oct. 10, at Tracy's Saloon, after which it will be distributed around the state.

Lift Bridge Brewery "Harvestor" is due out on Oct. 8 at the Stillwater Harvest Festival, and will go to bars after that.

The Brau Brothers "100 Yard Dash", from Lucan, Minn., is available now."

Dara Moskowitz-Grumdahl, veteran Twin Cities food and dining authority, is a five-time James Beard Award-Winning food writer who is also Senior Editor at Minnesota Monthly and author of Drink This: Wine Made Simple.

Dessa Drops By To Talk "Castor, The Twin"

Posted at 12:25 PM on October 4, 2011 by Steve Seel
Filed under: Local, Morning Show

This morning we were super happy (as always) to welcome our friend Dessa to the Morning Show to talk about her brand new release Castor, The Twin which is officially coming out today.

She chatted with us about the idea behind the CD, the musicians involved, and some of her upcoming shows and projects (including her almost totally sold-out show at the Fitzgerald Theater on October 28th).

Listen

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Bon Iver covers Bob Dylan's "With God on Our Side"

Posted at 10:30 AM on October 4, 2011 by Lindsay Kimball
Filed under: Local

Bon Iver is known to throw a cover or two into live sets. In the past, he's covered Feist, Peter Gabriel, and Bonnie Raitt. While playing two sold out shows in the Twin Cities in early September, he played a cover of Bjork's Who Is It, which he also pulled out at the 930 Club in Washington D.C. and The Pabst Theater in Milwaukee.

At a show in Portland, Oregon on September 24th, he debuted a new cover - Bob Dylan's With God on Our Side. Check out the video below.

Win Dosh Tickets

Posted at 9:06 PM on September 23, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local

The Local Show is giving away 5 pairs of tickets to see Dosh!

Enter for a chance to win tickets for you and a friend to see the Twin Cities premiere multi-instrumentalist (and multi-band member) Dosh in a unique and up-close setting, September 29th at McNally Smith. The event will be emceed by Local Show and Radio Free Current host David Campbell. Enter by midnight on Monday September 26th.

Remember, there are no tickets to this event; winning is your only way in!

Enter the Giveaway
Rules

Download: New EP from Sims + Lazerbeak

Posted at 1:37 PM on August 29, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

The Doomtree collective is continuing to churn out new releases, and today brings news of a new EP — Wildlife — from Sims. In an email release, Sims noted: "Lazerbeak and I are proud to present you with the Wildlife EP, a small collection of songs that we made in 2009 and 2010."

You can download the EP from Sims' Bandcamp site.

Sims will be at the MPR booth at the State Fair on Wednesday at 4 p.m.; He most recently visited our studios in February.

Video: Low 'Especially Me'

Posted at 11:07 AM on August 19, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Local legends Low are back with a new video from April's C'mon release on Sub Pop.

You may recall, the previous video "Try to Sleep" featured John Stamos; this time, they took a more band-centric approach, with vocalist and drummer Mimi Parker riding through the NYC subways. Good stuff.

Related Features

Low in-studio (2007)

The Local Show is doing a request show!

Posted at 11:48 AM on August 15, 2011 by David Safar (10 Comments)
Filed under: Local, The Local Show

This coming Sunday on The Local Show we are taking your requests. What's your favorite local track at the moment? Tell us what you want to hear.

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Video: Mystery Palace - "Lose it All" (City of Music)

Posted at 12:06 PM on August 9, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Mystery Palace was on the Local Show this past weekend; and Dan Huiting and the fine folks at City of Music / MPLS.tv put together another great video, this time for the song "Lose it All."

City of Music: Mystery Palace perform "Lose it All" from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.

Looks like a killer basement party. Check out the live version of "Lose it All" on the Local Show, or download the album version from the Song of the Day page.

New video: John Maus' sci-fi version of rural MN

Posted at 11:49 AM on July 27, 2011 by Nate Ryan
Filed under: Local

While it's hot outside right now, John Maus' new music video reminds us that 6 months ago it was cold snowy world here in Minnesota. The video was filmed near his home town of Austin, MN and features the snow-swept landscape that is rural Minnesota in the winter.

Maus was in-studio at The Current July 17 as part of the Local Show.

Thursday night: Spoutstock!

Posted at 4:12 PM on July 26, 2011 by Jacquie Fuller
Filed under: Live Events, Local

I've been working on a Current Presents about writers and their favorite songs (airs Sunday, August 7), so the intersection of writing and music has been on my brain a lot lately. In addition to be having an amazing music scene, Minnesota boasts a solid literary community, too, with three of the nation's most successful small presses (Milkweed, Greywolf, and Coffee House) located here in the Twin Cities, as well as other independent presses like Spout Press. This Thursday night, these two communities - writers and musicians - will come together for Spout Press' annual fundraiser, Spoutstock. Spoutstock is a cover song contest and fundraiser - each year with a new roster of performers and celebrity judges. This year, Spoutstock celebrates the press' ninth year with performances by Nice Purse, The Fontanelles, Pilla, Long Straight Forever, Little Man, Paul Metsa, Jerome Mayne, Natalie Lovejoy and some surprise guests. Mom told me never to judge others, but this time it's for a good cause - I'll be serving on the panel of judges alongside Peter Scholtes from City Pages and Lori Barbero of Babes in Toyland (squee!) The fundraiser kicks off at 8:30 p.m. at Mario's Keller Bar in Northeast Minneapolis, and you can learn more at Spout Press' website.

CD Review: Haley Bonar - Golder

Posted at 3:36 PM on July 18, 2011 by The Current (2 Comments)
Filed under: CD Reviews, CD of the Week, Local

Contribute today and receive Golder as a thank you gift.

It's no secret that this was the direction she was moving toward. The sparse instrumentation and simple production on her earliest records have gradually given way to bigger sounds over time. However, I was unprepared for what I found on Golder. It's massive. Deep, explosive drums, robust and rumbling bass, walls of fuzzy guitar and keyboards that would leave Mr. Spector drooling... and then there's the vocals. Unique combinations of reverb and delay expertly applied by engineer Brent Sigmeth give Bonar's already more-than-pleasing voice an unprecedented breadth and an otherworldly presence; a beauty of the highest order.

Though the song writing is all Haley, this record feels like a band record — a group effort, built by many rather than few. Credits confirm the involvement of members of the now defunct Spaghetti Western String Co. Michael Rosetto, Nicholas Lemme and Ethan Sutton contributed banjo, mandolin and cello respectively. Drummer Luke Anderson and multi-instrumentalist Michael Lewis on the bass make up a powerful and driving rhythm section. Guitar wizards Jacob Hanson and Jeremy Ylvisaker do the work of five guitarists.

Everyone's contributions are in perfect taste, matching some of Haley's best material to date. The ping ponging tremolo guitar, flying saucer sounds and electric piano in a grain silo make the already potent "Anyway Rattlesnake" lethal. On "Silver Zephyrs," the shimmering wall of sound and lazy groove speak in union with Haley's lyrics. The instrumental excursion "Leo" (a great gesture of equality, illustrative of the importance of the band on this album) speaks volumes in emotion without using a word. Songs like "Wendy Bird" and the McCartney in outer space "Daddy" are a fresh and slightly augmented take what Haley does when she is performing by herself. But it's the first track on the album that should be crowned best in show.

"Candy Machine Gun" sounds like some silly San Francisco collection of musical hippies from 1967. Nope. It's gold. It's golder than gold. Beginning like something from her 2003 album The Size of Planets, just a strummed acoustic guitar and Haley singing a descending lyric-less phrase. But by the second pass, you know you are in for something completely different. Drums of war announce the lazy but airtight hypnotic sixteenth note groove that drives the song. The bass blows the bottom out and you're floating. "We began where we began..." A simple repeating melody for the verse. Cymbals crash like waves. A cello drones. Guitars swell and ricochet robotic and trance inducing tremolo bouncing through the bridge. "I try to figure out...who you were at all..." A smart chorus. "...something of a garden, something of a martyr, I'm helpless in your hands..." This has gotten serious. "Lemonade flavored poison..." It all builds until it looks like it will break, and then does. There's another repetition of the phrase that opens the song, but with extra sauce. In the second verse, a banjo mirrors the drums adding pulse. You feel it growing again. More. Bigger. They oblige. Haley's voice like fireworks in the eye of the storm and you along for the ride. Toto in the bike basket. It all grows to a point where you aren't sure it can support the weight. A final repetition of the opening phrase built broad with harmonies slashes like lightning as the sky meets the ground in an explosive collision sending everything back from whence it came.

Too visceral? Yep. Bad grammar? There's no other way to say it. Haley Bonar and her mighty, musical companions have created something marvelous indeed. Now go and tell your friends and let's make her famous.

-David Campbell, host

Contribute today and receive Golder as a thank you gift.

(Oh yeah. Did I mention they can pull it off live?)

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The Interns Guide to Minnesota Vinyl: Episode 2 - The Needle Doctor

Posted at 1:03 PM on July 18, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

The interns at Secret Stash Records are at it again:

Take a peek at Part 2 of the "Intern's Guide to Minnesota Vinyl" as Billy and Lee venture over to the Needle Doctor and discover how they got started and how their clientele has changed over the years.

See the first installment (Shuga Records) here.

Band plus Band: Wugazi's '13 Chambers'

Posted at 9:40 AM on July 14, 2011 by Brett Baldwin (7 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Wugazi, the suprisingly good mash-up of the Wu-Tang Clan and Fugazi, just released 13 Chambers on July 13. Doomtree founding member Cecil Otter co-produced the album with Swiss Andy. Scratches are provided by local DJ Plain Ole Bill (P.O.S. and others have had him behind the ones and twos).

The execution is fantastic, but the idea is sheer genius. So it got me thinking. What other band smash-ups would sound good? What other names are just plain amusing? Ridiculous? Sublime?

Listen to 13 Chambers and give us your best #bandplusband suggestion.

The formula is simple: 1/2 band name + 1/2 band name = ridiculously awesome #bandplusband name.

Twitter user Magnetbox illustrates:

How clever can you be? What would sound really great? Let us know in the comments. And if you want to share your band name mashups on Twitter, use the #bandplusband hashtag.

Listen to the entire Wugazi 13 Chambers album.

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Atmosphere debut "Last to Say" video

Posted at 4:42 PM on July 13, 2011 by Brett Baldwin (3 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Local rap heroes Atmosphere debuted a new video for "Last to Say" on MTV2 today.

The subject matter is heavy — Atmosphere is no stranger to that — and the video mirrors the song's topic: the cyclical nature of domestic violence.

Slug (aka Sean Daley) said in the article on the MTV site:

This is a song that I've wanted to write for a long time, and I guess I've been waiting for the proper music to join it. So when Anthony (Ant) handed me this beat, I felt like this could be the opportunity. Domestic violence is something that everyone has dealt with, directly or indirectly.

When Atmosphere joined us in-studio last April, we produced our own video of the same song.

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The Interns Guide to Minnesota Vinyl

Posted at 10:26 AM on July 6, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Local online record distributor Secret Stash Records is embarking on an ambitious project: the Intern's Guide to Minnesota Vinyl. From their site:

The "Interns Guide to Minnesota Vinyl" was started as a way to showcase the record stores, turntable and accessory retailers, and DJs that operate out of the Twin Cities. Nationally, Minneapolis has a reputation for being a very music-savvy city, so being able to highlight some interesting stories and indie vinyl stores is the perfect way to show the state's vinyl depth. Over the course of the next several weeks, the "Guide" will provide countless tips and tricks for finding the hippest in all things spinning.

In the first part of the series, they visit NE Minneapolis' Shuga Records.

Related Features

Shuga Records hours/directions

Random Vinyl

New track from The Chambermaids

Posted at 12:23 PM on June 24, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Twin Cities' The Chambermaids are working a new album, and posted the first single, "China Blue," to YouTube today.

As they describe it:

"China Blue," the new single from the Twin Cities based band The Chambermaids, represents the next phase of post-shoegaze reverb rock. Dreamy yet concise, noise but pop, the chiming wall of Jazzmasters tells the story of someone trying to pass as an adult and failing... but unaware that she is failing.

Personnel:
Neil Weir - guitar and vocals
Martha Weir - bass and vocals
Nate Nelson - guitar
Alex Rose - drums

Released on Guilt Ridden Pop
Recorded and mixed at The Old Blackberry Way in May and June of 2011
Mastered by Huntley Miller at HM Mastering

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Who's Your Favorite Minnesota Artist?

Posted at 8:17 AM on June 22, 2011 by Brett Baldwin (26 Comments)
Filed under: Local

With the help of our listeners, we pick an iconic Minnesota artist to feature on-air once an hour over the Fourth of July holiday. Last year, you chose Atmosphere; the year before that, Prince. Now, the polls are open for the 2011. Who will it be? You tell us.

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Debut: The Jayhawks - "She Walks in So Many Ways"

Posted at 4:12 PM on June 17, 2011 by The Current (11 Comments)
Filed under: Local

The newly reunited Jayhawks are setting the wheels in motion to promote their new record Mockingbird Time. We've got the lead single, "She Walks in So Many Ways":

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If it sounds familiar, it's because they played the song when they visited MPR News' Midmorning program last January.

Their new 12 song record will be released on September 20 on Rounder Records. Mockingbird Time features contributions from all the group's original members, but Mark Olson and Gary Louris were the primary songwriters.

Mockingbird Time was recorded at The Terrarium Recording Studios in Minneapolis during the winter of 2010.

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Video: "Calgary" by Bon Iver

Posted at 3:08 PM on June 15, 2011 by Brett Baldwin (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local

The new video for "Calgary" made its debut today, and true to Bon Iver's local routes, Dan Huiting and Andre Durand of MPLS.tv / City of Music fame were at the helm of the video, which was filmed in April 2011 in Fall Creek, Wisconsin.

Check it out, and let us know if you have any idea what's going on in it.

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Tapes 'n Tapes 'n Mary Lucia take over Austin, MN!

Posted at 2:55 PM on June 10, 2011 by The Current (2 Comments)
Filed under: Local, The Current Road Trip

Photos | Recap | Video

Recap

A Note from Jade, Road Trip producer:

Hey Everyone!

June 4, 2010 marked the last of our scheduled Current Road Trips and it was a great way to go out. The day was perfectly sunny and warm for a road trip down to Austin, MN. There was a pit stop at a creepily abandoned road house with a giant sign reading "Fine Foods"; the SPAM museum was bigger, louder and more SPAM-y than we could have ever hoped; and the show at the beautifully restored Paramount Theater was the perfect cap for the evening.

Each show has its own spirit — and this one was no different. 300 people (young and old) filled the auditorium of the theater. A highlight for me was watching the crowd jump to their feet and rush to the foot of the stage and dance for the final Tapes 'n Tapes song. Mary had everyone in the room laughing and on the edge of their seat for the big reveal of the winner for Rock The Garden Tickets (over 150 people entered to win). Our engineers Michael DeMark and Erik Stromstad made the show sound flawless and Nate Ryan did some crazy photo/video camera work that I'm really excited for everyone to see.

Other moments that made the Tapes n' Tapes show for me:

• -The squealing/shrieking girls (it was definitely Tapes n' Tapes "Beatles" moment)
• -The Cloud Machine (you'll have to ask Mary to describe it for you)
• -Mary Lucia dressed up as a Hormel employee
• -Babies, grandparents, teenagers and even some relatives of the band all in the audience

Thanks again to Tapes 'n Tapes and everyone who came out to the show in Austin, MN!

Video: Tapes 'n Tapes - "Insistor"

Photos by Nate Ryan

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First Listen: Bon Iver

Posted at 2:30 PM on June 9, 2011 by The Current (4 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Justin Vernon of Bon Iver / Photo by D. L. Anderson

Bon Iver: Bon Iver
(Bon Iver comes out June 21.)

Audio has been removed from this feature.

"Beth/Rest," the closing song on Bon Iver, is an absolutely diabolical bit of provocation. A plodding tangle of electric keyboards and guitar solos, the track seems at first as if its title ought to include the parenthetical, "Love Theme From Tequila Sunrise 2." Bon Iver singer-songwriter Justin Vernon has compared "Beth/Rest" to the best-known work of Bruce Hornsby, and his appreciation is utterly sincere: The very opposite of an ironist, he boldly opts to close his massively anticipated new album with sounds 25 years out of style.

Jarring as it is, "Beth/Rest" is like the plucky runt of this litter; the song you may well find yourself embracing with the expectation that it'll be unloved by everyone else. Whatever it is, it's not safe. Vernon understands that the most fearless musical expression is raw, naked emotionalism -- that a wink is a pose, a pose is a mask, and a mask is a forgery, so why bother with any of that? When he belted out Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon a few weeks back, the last thing Vernon was doing was kidding. For five minutes, warmth had become the new cool.

Bon Iver is a grand, chance-taking record: It sheds the raw nerviness of 2008's perfect For Emma, Forever Ago and replaces it with arrangements so lush and vivid, it can be hard to make out much of what Vernon sings. Out June 21, the whole record dares to be dreamy, and to let Bon Iver's ever-growing backing band paint pictures while Vernon's words dissipate into the ether. Most of these 10 songs induce gasps at one point or another, for any number of reasons: from the forceful jolt of an orchestral boomlet, the delicate shhhhhinnnnng of finger cymbals, or an impeccable bit of vocal phrasing by Vernon, who can still make seemingly slight inflections hit like punches.

Still, an overarching purpose here -- the specific messages to these songs -- can be oblique and hard to locate. Even the titles mostly signify and evoke places rather than feelings: "Calgary." "Minnesota, WI. " "Hinnom, TX." "Lisbon, OH." Listen to Bon Iver 50 times, and you may still struggle to remember which title matches which song, and why. But the journey to familiarity with the record is circuitous to the point of impossibility. For all its emphasis on place, it beckons you to come get lost.

— Stephen Thompson, NPR Music

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Local Music Exchange vets The Bright Light Social Hour's Minneapolis show tomorrow!

Posted at 4:20 PM on June 3, 2011 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Live Events, Local

Austin, TX band The Bright Light Social Hour were one of the bands we spotlighted with our Local Music Exchange back in March, with the infectiously bluesy dance-rock number "Back and Forth." Now, the quartet has embarked on their first-ever national headlining tour in support of their self-titled debut album and live EP, and they'll be in Minneapolis tomorrow night for a show at the Fine Line Cafe! If you enjoyed their Local Music Exchange track, or are interested in checking out one of the most exciting bands coming out of Austin, be sure to head downtown for this show! Go to the Fine Line's site for tickets, and check out The Bright Light Social Hour's site for more information on the band, their album and EP, and the ongoing saga of bassist Jack O'Brien's mustache.

Local Music Exchange is a project where The Current teams up with a radio station in another city to show them what the Twin Cities music scene has to offer and to learn about their local scene as well. We teamed with Austin's KUT in March, and we'll be partnering with Seattle's KEXP in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned for more!

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Track Debut: Bon Iver - "Calgary"

Posted at 1:13 PM on May 16, 2011 by The Current (3 Comments)
Filed under: Local

You heard it here first. "Calgary" by Bon Iver. Pretty catchy tune, isn't it? We'll add it to our rotation, but for those of you who want to hear it right away, click "play" on the widget below.

The song is called "Calgary" and will be released along with the rest of the Bon Iver album June 21, 2011 on Jagjaguwar.

Track listing

A.
Perth
Minnesota, WI
Holocene
Towers
Michicant

B.
Hinnom, TX
Wash.
Calgary
Lisbon, OH
Beth/Rest

Press Release

First it was For Emma, Forever Ago. The soul in a refraction of icicles. A moment hanging like breath on air. And yet life - even still life - is not still. The story is not a story if it does not unravel. Your eyes you may cast backward, but the heart is locked in the chest and must beat forever forward. Bon Iver, Bon Iver is the frozen beast pressing upward from a loosening earth, one ear cocked to the echo of the ghost choir still singing, the other craving the martial call of drums tumbling, of thrum and wheeze. The desolation smoke has dissipated, cut with strips of brass. Celebration will not be denied, the cabinet cannot contain the rattle, there is meat on the bones.

It's there right away, in the thicker-stringed guitar and military snare of "Perth," and "Minnesota, WI." Anyone who had a single listen to For Emma will peg Justin Vernon's vocals immediately, but there is a sturdiness - an insistence - to Bon Iver, Bon Iver that allows him to escape the cabin in the woods without burning it to the ground. "Holocene" opens with simple finger-picking. The vocal is regret spun hollow and strung on a wire. Then the snare-beat breaks and drives us forward and up and up until we fly silent through the black-star night, our wreckage in view whole atmospheres below. The vocals in "Hinnom, TX" ease to the muffled depths, while the instrumentation remains sparse and cosmic. "Calgary" is a worship song to everything For Emma mourned, and at the point in the final track "Beth/Rest" when Vernon sings, "I ain't livin' in the dark no more" it is clear he isn't dancing in the sunshine, but rather shading toward a new light.

"Bon Iver is often equated with just me," says Vernon, "but you are who surrounds you, and for Bon Iver, Bon Iver I wanted to invite those voices as musical catalysts." Thus on the track "Beth/Rest" and throughout the album, we hear the pedal steel of Greg Leisz (Lucinda Williams, Bill Frisell), the uniquely layered low end of Colin Stetson's (Tom Waits, Arcade Fire) saxophones, the riffing of Mike Lewis' (Happy Apple, Andrew Bird) altos and tenors, and the lush horns of C.J. Camerieri (Rufus Wainwright, Sufjan Stevens). Bon Iver regulars Sean Carey, Mike Noyce and Matt McCaughan contributed vocals, drums and production, Rob Moose (Antony and the Johnsons, The National) helped with arranging and added strings, and fellow members of Volcano Choir, Jim Schoenecker and Tom Wincek provided processing.

Bon Iver, Bon Iver was recorded and mixed at April Base Studios, a remodeled veterinarian's clinic located in rural Fall Creek, Wisconsin. The main recording space is constructed over a defunct indoor pool attached to the clinic. "It's an unique space and destination; it's our home out here," says Vernon, who purchased the structure with his brother in late 2008 with the sole intention of converting it into his ideal recording studio. "It's been a wonderful freedom, working in a place we built. It's also only three miles from the house I grew up in, and just ten minutes from the bar where my parents met." The creation of Bon Iver, Bon Iver was a three-year process, and Vernon says the completion of the studio paralleled the completion of the album. "I was writing and recording in the windows of time snatched between tours in support of For Emma," he says. "When I finally came home to hunker down for a solid stretch there was a feeling of solid ground and an opportunity for liberation waiting in the space for me."

In the absence of solid ground, the whirlwind becomes a whirlpool, and Bon Iver, Bon Iver is Justin Vernon returning to former haunts with a new spirit. The reprises are there - solitude, quietude, hope and desperation compressed - but always a rhythm arises, a pulse vivified by gratitude and grace notes, some as bright as a bicycle bell. The winter, the legend, has faded to just that, and this is the new momentary present. The icicles have dropped, rising up again as grass.

- Michael Perry

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Tune in for Bob Dylan B-Day Programming!

Posted at 4:43 PM on May 13, 2011 by The Current (7 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Bob Dylan will turn 70 next week, and The Current and MPR News have lined up some great Dylan programming to celebrate.

MPR News coverage

Starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, MPR News presents an evening of special Dylan programming. First up is a one-hour documentary from Morning Edition & MPR News producer Jim Bickal called Boy from the North Country: Bob Dylan in Minnesota.

Dylan's Career in Photos

Boy from the North Country: Bob Dylan in Minnesota

Boy from the North Country: Bob Dylan in Minnesota features interviews with many people who knew Dylan during his childhood and during his time in Minneapolis. The documentary will also showcase archival tapes of Dylan performing in Minnesota, as well as a guide to the music he heard while living here and how it influenced him.

At 8 p.m., MPR News will have a special edition of Sound Opinions devoted to Dylan, where veteran rock critics Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis debunk the myths and debate the highs and lows of Dylan's most-well known and prolific period from unplugged to electric.

On Tuesday, May 24 (Dylan's actual birthday), MPR News will replay Boy from the North Country: Bob Dylan in Minnesota at noon.

Dylan on Prairie Home

Though he's never appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, Bob Dylan has had a great influence on the music presented on the show. To celebrate Dylan's 70th birthday on May 24th, PHC scoured the archives for some incredible performances of Dylan songs.

89.3 The Current coverage

At 8 p.m., The Current will play the Sound Opinions special, followed by The Current presents at 9 p.m., an encore presentation of Boy from the North Country: Bob Dylan in Minnesota.

All of this programming is sure to be please both die-hard Dylan-o-philes and neophytes, so don't miss it. And while you're at it, check out our miniature Dylan trivia challenge below:

8 Dylan Songs in 8 Seconds

Can you name all the Dylan songs in this snippet? Post your answers in the comments section.

Stream it:

Or download an MP3 for in-depth analysis.

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New Mark Mallman Video - Put Up Your Collar

Posted at 11:18 AM on May 13, 2011 by Lindsay Kimball
Filed under: Local

Local music darling Mark Mallman has created a new video for his song "Put Up Your Collar" where he runs around town clutching his Mark Wheat award for keeping Minnesota Weird at The Current's 6th Birthday.

Here he is with Mark Wheat accepting his award.

...And now, five months later, that trophy is famous! Check out the video below.

Low cover Toto's "Africa"

Posted at 11:08 AM on May 11, 2011 by Lindsay Kimball
Filed under: Local

As a part of the "Undercover" series, the Onion AV Club invites bands to their office to cover a song, but not just any song. A list of 25 songs is decided by their readers, and when bands come in, they choose one of the songs to cover. Songs are crossed off the list as bands perform them until there are none left.

Check out Duluth's Low, who bravely chose to cover a cheese-tastic songs from the '80's - Toto's "Africa." It doesn't have the booming drums or the anthemic full chorus, but it does have that subtle, shoe-gaze sound that is the trademark of Low.

Low covers Toto

Now compare it to the original.

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Video: Brute Heart (City of Music)

Posted at 10:03 PM on May 9, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

When time allows, we always try to shoot video of our in-studio performances and we make a concerted effort to put together a video up for those who come by for an appearance on The Local Show. But when there are two guests, we don't always have the resources to accomplish that sort of thing... and a great session like the one that Brute Heart performed doesn't have a video.

Luckily for us (and you), MPLS.tv just published a video on City Pages' Gimme Noise blog "City of Music" series.

Dan Huiting and his crew shot the song "Eclipse" in black and white and used a bunch of bones and sticks for noir-ish imagery. Check it out:

City of Music: Brute Heart from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.

Debut: "Not Much Left" by Craig Finn

Posted at 6:22 PM on May 2, 2011 by The Current (3 Comments)
Filed under: Local

We're thrilled to offer fans new exclusive songs by Craig Finn that can't be found anywhere else. "Not Much Left" by Craig Finn of The Hold Steady, was recorded live at Wits™ on April 15 at the Fitzgerald Theater. Finn was backed by John Munson on bass, Steve Roehm on vibes, and Joe Savage on pedal steel guitar.

Listen: "Not Much Left" - Craig Finn

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Video

"I was excited to be able to debut three brand new songs for the audience at Wits," said Craig Finn. "I really appreciated the thought and energy the band put into making the songs come to life."

"The Wits program is a way for listeners to connect with some of the greatest storytellers and musical artists of our time," says program director Jim McGuinn.

Listen to the one-hour version of Wits at The Current Presents page; find more videos at The Wits page.

Photos

Photos by Eamon Coyne / MPR

More Photos at MPR Flickr Wits Set

About Wits™

Wits is a live radio show that brings some the country's leading storytellers, writers and whip-smart funny people to the stage of the historic F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater to shed some light on a subject they're excited about. Guests join host John Moe and musical guide John Munson for a look at the subject through stories, songs and entertaining conversation.

Upcoming Wits shows will feature Sandra Bernhard with musical guest Rosanne Cash on Friday, May 20, and Neil Gaiman with musical guest Josh Ritter on Friday, June 24. Tickets can be purchased through The Fitzgerald Theater's box office at 651-290-1200. Find pictures, tweets and video excerpts of the April 15th and other past Wits programs at MPR.org/Wits.

Related Stories

Don't Call Them Twinkies

Craig Finn's Awesome Membership Pitch

Hold Steady in Studio

Hold Steady Live at First Avenue (entire show July 4, 2010)

Craig Finn talks with Mary Lucia

Hold Steady in Studio

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CD Review: Low - C'mon

Posted at 12:01 AM on May 2, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: CD Reviews, CD of the Week, Local

The band that helped put the Duluth music community on the map returns after four years since the release of Drums and Guns. The trajectory of Low's existence appears to be a mirror image of their music — patient and persistent.

In 2005, after the release of their sixth album, Trust, Low signed to Sub Pop Records and released The Great Destroyer. For fans, it was a long overdue recognition of a band that has championed the sounds of slowcore, a sound that few bands have perfected. Sub Pop brought changes for Low, as they brought on producer Dave Fridmann and their longtime bass player Zack Sally exited the band.

Low's ninth album is a true return to form. With the help of guitarist Nels Cline (Wilco), and banjo player Dave Carrol (Trampled By Turtles), the band used Sacred Heart Studios (housed in a church in Duluth) to create what might be the the best album of their career. C'mon opens with the dreamy and precious sounds and lyrics of "Try to Sleep", the song that has received widespread national attention due a music video starring actor John Stamos.

Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker trade off leading the vocals throughout the ten tracks on the album creating a dialogue that draws you in. Like previous albums, the lyrics are a collection of poems and short stories. The emotions conveyed in these songs are both personal and universal. On "Especially Me", Parker sings, "if we knew where we belong, there'd be no doubt where we're from, but as it stands we don't have a clue, especially me, and probably you." When you are tired of following the message underneath the surface, C'mon delivers a range of sonic diversity. From the naked sounds on "You See Everything", to the epic encore chorus in "Nothing But Heart", Low wears their musical talents on their sleeves.

-David Safar, Co-Music Director

Contribute now and get C'mon by Low.

The Current Road Trip: Austin, MN with Tapes 'n Tapes

Posted at 1:09 PM on April 28, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local, The Current Road Trip

The next stop on The Current Road Trip series will be June 4th, 2011 in Austin, MN with Mary Lucia and Tapes 'n Tapes at the Paramount Theater.

For those unfamiliar with The Current Road Trip, it's an effort to bring the best and brightest of the Twin Cities' musical acts to greater Minnesota. We started in October 2010 with Jeremy Messersmith in Duluth; and in November, we took Roma di Luna to Mankato; and most recently, Dessa Wowed Rochester in April.

About Tapes 'n Tapes

Minneapolis based Tapes 'n Tapes includes Josh Grier on guitar and lead vocals, Matt Kretzmann on keyboards and horns, Erick Appelwick on bass guitar and backing vocals and Jeremy Hanson on percussion. They got together in 2003 and amassed "tapes 'n tapes" of experimental jams, and declared themselves a band by that name. They are a band that prides themselves on making music for all the right reasons — fun and pure love for music. Their most recent album, Outside was released in January of this year, and they will appear at this year's Rock The Garden.

About the Venue

Details

WHEN: Saturday, June 4, 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Paramount Theater, 125 4th Avenue Northeast, Austin
TICKETS: Admission is free and open to the public. All ages are invited to attend.
TUNE IN: The Current can be heard in Austin on KCMP 103.9 FM and online at thecurrent.org.

First Listen: White Light Riot's new self-titled LP

Posted at 3:12 PM on April 26, 2011 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local

White Light Riot's new self-titled LP comes nearly two years in the making. An intensely collaborative effort, the album's dark complexity contrasts the tightly-woven pop of 2007's "Atomism." Nearly every echo and reverb on the album is natural; recorded in stairwells, hallways, and public space. It's imperfect.

Set for release on May 2nd, 2011, the band will celebrate with a show sponsored by The Current on Saturday, April 30th at The Varsity Theater, joined by Rogue Valley, Communist Daughter, and Wishbook.

Related:

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All the Record Stores in Minnesota?

Posted at 11:59 PM on April 15, 2011 by Brett Baldwin (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Record Store Day is Saturday, April 16, 2011. It's a day to support independent music and your local record store. Shops will have exclusive record store releases, in-studios performances and special events.

We put together a list of stores around the state. It's a short list, because, well, that's the state of the industry these days. If we're missing something, please let us know.

You can see the wealth of releases available this year at the official record store day site. Not every store will carry each release, but if we could find information on Record Store Day activities, we put in on the page.

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First Listen: Haley Bonar - Golder

Posted at 8:40 PM on April 13, 2011 by The Current (3 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Titled after the dreams she had about the record cover being shiny gold, "Golder" represents Haley striving to become a better artist, growing with each song she writes.
Recorded at Pachyderm studio (Nirvana, PJ Harvey) in Cannon Falls, MN, Haley and band when in knowing most of the songs in advance, but reconstructed them while in the studio. The songs themselves are largely a reflection of a wonderful and lonely year spent in Portland, Oregon. Haley recently returned to the Twin Cities in July 2010, became active once again in the amazing music scene (including the formation of a punk/new-wave side project Gramma's Boyfriend) and is set to get out on the road and play songs from "Golder."

Stream the entire album

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Listen to individual tracks

1. Candy Machine Gun
2. Anyway Rattlesnake
3. Raggedy Man
4. Sad Baby
5. Silver Zephyrs
6. Daddy
7. Money
8. A Piano
9. Before the Dark
10. Kid October
11. Leo
12. Bad For You
13. Wendy Bird

A note from Haley

My name is Haley Bonar (rhymes with Daily Honor), I am a 28 year old singer/songwriter who resides in the lovely village of Minneapolis, MN. I recently wrote, recorded, and am now getting ready to release my new record "Golder." Titled after the dreams I had about the record cover being shiny gold, "Golder" also represents me striving to become a better artist, growing with each song I write.

Since I can remember, I have been writing songs and singing. I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and was blessed with creative parents and younger siblings who I could direct in our games, theatrics, and dances. In my senior year of high school I recorded and self released my first batch of songs on a self-titled album, my graduation gift from my parents. Beats a Ferrari, right?

Everything changed for me when I left my home state for a new adventure and landed in the metropolis of Duluth, MN. At an open stage called "Experimental Thursdays," I brought my guitar and Farfisa organ and played a few originals and a cover of "California Dreamin'." Little did I know that one of my musical idols, Alan Sparhawk of Low, was in the small audience. When I finished, he promptly approached me and asked me if I would open for Low on their upcoming tour. He eventually released my new album his Chairkicker's Union label the following spring. Before I knew it, I had quit school, crammed my Honda Civic full of gear with my drummer, and was opening for Low across the country I had barely seen. I was twenty years old.

Since then, I have released 3 full length albums and several EPs, including my most
recent EP, "LeO", which is mostly instrumental, and my upcoming LP, "Golder." With "Golder," my band and I went into Pachyderm studio (Nirvana, PJ Harvey) in Cannon Falls, MN, knowing most of the songs in advance, but reconstructing them while in the studio. The songs themselves are largely a reflection of a wonderful and lonely year spent in Portland, Oregon. I returned in July 2010, became active once again in the amazing Twin Cities music scene (including the formation of a punk/new-wave side project Gramma's Boyfriend) and am set to get out on the road to play songs from "Golder."

"Golder," for me, is an evolution into something brighter, heavier, and stronger.

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CD Review: Atmosphere - The Family Sign

Posted at 2:53 PM on April 11, 2011 by The Current (2 Comments)
Filed under: CD Reviews, CD of the Week, Local

• Contribute today and get The Family Sign by Atmosphere

The Family Sign is Atmosphere's 7th official studio album and the group's first in over two years. It is also the second collaboration between co-founders Slug and Ant, and guitarist Nate Collis and keyboardist Erick Anderson, (who've been members of the Atmosphere live band since 2005).

The album is a fourteen-part essay on some of life's most challenging interpersonal issues, and certainly Atmosphere's most personal and intimate to date. The Family Sign finds Slug and co. making great use of the additional players to access previously uncharted sonic realms. When coupled with the complex themes, the result is a much more sophisticated and mature Atmosphere record than its predecessors. In short, The Family Sign is a great leap forward artistically.

The first thing you notice about this album is the complete absence of the old soul sample-based beats and grooves that have long been the cornerstone of Ant's production. They've dabbled in this manner of song construction as far back as When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold — and possibly earlier — this is the first time that an Atmosphere album is heard as a cohesive new whole. They have completed the metamorphosis and become a band. Or a band with a DJ ... with a drum machine ... and no drummer. You get the idea. The cost of this stylistic change is the banging beats that provoke hands in the air and ass shaking (though there's no shortage of that in group's catalog). The payout is access to whole new world of sonic possibility of what Atmosphere can be.

Next you'll notice a change in Slug. The smart-ass, bar fly who spends his time stealing your girl and rocking crowds with his superior rap abilities (WAY better than yours) is completely gone, and in his place, is Slug the man. It's a natural progression for a guy who's recently married, had a baby, and is eyeball to eyeball with his 40's. But make no mistake, The Family Sign is not the birth of Slug-lite. As an emcee, he has never shied away from the commenting on humanity's more complicated issues. In fact, it could be said that artistically it's his bread and butter. With The Family Sign he continues this tradition but from a new viewpoint; that of a man secure with himself, his career, his relationships, and his place in our world. The Slug persona feels like it's gone and speaking in its place is Sean Daley.

Thematically, the heavy stuff is there: the abusive father, failing friendships, and the needy ex-lover all get time on this album. There's even a charming love letter to his new baby mama. But it's the depth and intimacy with which these subjects are addressed, both lyrically and sonically, that set The Family Sign apart from its predecessors and secure its place in the catalog as a great leap forward.

– David Campbell, Host

Listen to "Just for Show"

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Atmosphere Guest DJ on The Local Show

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Minnesota Beatle Project videos

Posted at 1:04 PM on April 11, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Last Fall we introduced you to the second volume of The Minnesota Beatle project. Vega productions has put together a video for one of the songs, "Fixing a Hole" and we recorded another during Pert Near Sandstone's visit to the Local Show in December.

Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons - Fixing A Hole:

Brandon Boulay : Director, Cinematographer, Colorist Brandon Boulay : Director, Cinematographer, Colorist. Starring
Judd Einan and Joel Thingvall. Recorded and Produced at HumansWin!, in Minneapolis MN by Lance Conrad and Jarod Hadaway

Pert Near Sandstone - I Am The Walrus:

Video by Laura Gill. From the Pert Near Sandstone in-studio session, which aired on The Local Show December 5, 2010.

More info and three songs from the MN Beatle Project Vol. 2

New Low video in production... with John Stamos?

Posted at 11:55 AM on April 5, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Our friends in the band Low posted a teaser image from their upcoming video shoot.

Doesn't that look like John Stamos? That's because it IS John Stamos.

His Twitter account confirms it.

What other tricks do they have up their sleeve? Their new album C'mon drops next week. They'll be in our studio next week, tune-in to the Morning Show Friday April 15 to find out... and they're playing a show at First Avenue on Saturday 4/16.

The Current Road Trip: Dessa Wows Rochester

Posted at 6:22 PM on April 4, 2011 by Brett Baldwin (9 Comments)
Filed under: Local, The Current Road Trip

Note from Mark Wheat | Photos | Recap

A Note from Road Trip Host Mark Wheat

Being such a brilliantly lovely day helped. The crowd packed into the Eagle Center was soul affirming. So many people eager to learn more about these wonderful creatures. I was stunned to get so close. Scott the Director seemed pleased by the turn out, but then added; "Most people don't know that you can see more birds on the ice in the winter months, so don't leave it till April to come next time Mark." I won't!!

Visiting the Rochester Posse has always been special. Last time I was there, Mayor Brede gave me a key to the city!! This time it was the magical atmosphere that everyone created at a wonderfully unique event; the staff at the RAC made everything so easy;

The band were a joy to work with, consummate professionals throughout; and the largest crowd ever to visit the space, over 500 people, were gloriously rapt and enthusiastic! Thanks to everyone for coming out!

We couldn't do these Road Trips without the Legacy Amendment Funds and it seems to be exactly what they were designed to do and what public radio does best, expose artists to a community that otherwise might not get to hear them. There were many magic moments during the evening but the best was when Dessa answered the question of which poets she likes by saying Mary Oliver. There were so many gasps of appreciation that it stopped Dessa in her tracks...which doesn't happen often!

Note from Mark Wheat | Recap | Video

Photos by Nate Ryan

Note from Mark Wheat | Photos | Video

Recap by Harley Brown

On Saturday, April 2, (also known as the sunniest, warmest day in weeks) The Current crew embarked on a road trip to Rochester with Dessa. After previous successful Road Trips (to Mankato with Roma di Luna and Duluth with Jeremy Messersmith) we expected this one to be even better.

With Jade at the helm, the photographer's tripod perched next to me, and bagels in the backseat, we were ready for an adventure. After stopping for gas, Mark revealed that he and the missus had their first date in Rochester! We said having an hour-long road trip for a first date was a bold move. But ten years later, it seems to have worked pretty well for them. It was a perfect day for a drive, although I couldn't help noticing how barren--and flooded--the landscape was now that most of the snow had melted. We passed more than a few parks and roads under anywhere from several inches to several feet of water. Fortunately, our road remained clear.

After driving through the charming towns of Red Wing and Prescott, WI, we stopped at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. Our belief systems were temporarily shattered when we thought the river outside the Center wasn't the Mississippi River as we had thought. After consulting our various smart phones and some unsuspecting passersby, we discovered to our relief that we were right all along. The Eagle Center is a graceful, swooping building, much like the birds it represents. In the lobby, Mark stood next to a live bald eagle for pictures and general "oohs" and "aahs." I thought the bird looked fake, but Mark assured me that up close and personal, it was very much alive. After learning a little more about Harriet the Eagle--who was featured on the Colbert Report--we left the building to film Mark in front of the river, where a distinguished gentleman wearing a cummerbund and a fedora approached us. Apparently, he recognized Mark's voice from the radio and wanted to tell him what a huge fan he was.

On our way to Rochester, a car passed us with "D E S A?" scrawled on a manila envelope pressed against the window. We tried to get photographic evidence of it, but the car left our Eurovan in the dust (they must have lost interest when they realized Dessa wasn't with us). We arrived in Rochester just as Dessa was pulling into the Rochester Art Museum driveway! Perfect timing. She drove up with local musician Aby Wolf (an accomplished solo artist who also sings backing vocals on many of Dessa's songs) and Sean McPherson — aka Twinkie Jiggles — of Heiruspecs and McNally Smith College of Music. We followed them into the Art Center, which looks a lot like the Walker in Minneapolis: modern, minimalist décor, lots of open space, and huge windows looking over the Mississippi River.

After checking out the space, we grabbed a bite to each at a local Mediterranean restaurant while Dessa and her crew set up in the beautiful performance space. At 6:45, we returned to the Art Center to find the performance space overflowing with people. Dessa took the stage at 7 and, as she tends to do, blew us away. She is a fierce, dynamic singer who makes eye contact with every single person in the room. Dessa played three or four songs at a time interspersed with Mark's interviews onstage. She told us her mother's reaction to the news that she was joining a hip-hop collective ("What is a Doomtree?") and how the first time she forced Doomtree to show up on time for sound check, they waited an hour and a half for the sound guy to show up.

At the end of her set--which included gorgeous versions of "The Chaconne," "Alibi," and my personal favorite, "The Bullpen"--there was time for a question and answer session with the audience. A sweet, older woman named Dessa said her mother wouldn't let her become a musician; but now, she can live vicariously through the woman with her name onstage. After the performance, I watched the expensive camera equipment while Dessa and Mark graciously answered more questions next to the merchandise table. Besides driving down from the Twin Cities, many of the attendees had come from places like Stillwater and Hudson, WI. The Rochester residents were especially thrilled that the Current was visiting again and asked us to keep coming back. After such a great night, we definitely will!

Note from Mark Wheat | Photos | Recap | Video

The Current Road Trip is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund

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Audio: Chris Koza, Adam Levy and Dessa (with strings!)

Posted at 11:28 AM on April 4, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Singer-songwriter Chris Koza joins rock artist Adam Levy and rapper Dessa were in MPR's Maud Moon Weyerhauser studio to perform live and talk about the third installment of The Southern Songbook series on Midmorning.

This time, they're bringing string players into the mix, as part of the Southern Theater's String Theory music festival.

Details: April 14: The Rites of String: The intersection of song, songwriter and strings at the Southern Theater

Event information

Hosted by Chris Koza and Adam Levy

Guest musicians include Dessa, Mississippi Peace, StarDweller, Martin Devaney and Jake Hyer, Chan Poling, Molly Dean.

With Music Director dVRG and the instrumentalists of Heiruspecs as the house band.

Rockin Rochester Road Trip!!

Posted at 3:24 PM on March 31, 2011 by Mark Wheat (2 Comments)
Filed under: Local, The Current Road Trip

I've always liked alliteration (using words in a row with the same first letter as in the title of this post!) but I thought it doubly appropriate here because Dessa is one of the most literate performers I've come across, she's even written her own book!

Saturday's show at RAC is going to be like an extended session, with me asking questions in between sets of music, so bring your questions too!
We've caught her at a great time, just home from playing a string of shows at SXSW with the Doomtree crew and preparing to go on her first headlining tour to the West Coast. Should be fun!

If it's a nice day we might take the 'long way around' on Hwy 61!
Appropriate route for a Rockin' Roadtrip. Maybe stop by Red Wing for some shoes or pottery (the missus is coming with!) Wabasha Eagle Center is also a possibility since I love seeing the eagles fly by our flat in downtown Mpls and Bob Collins just turned us on to the Eagle Cam!

Check the blog Friday for an entry from her too, I bet she uses some big words!

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Rhymesayers announce Soundset Festival Lineup

Posted at 8:00 AM on March 28, 2011 by Brett Baldwin (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local

Soundset 2011 returns to Canterbury Park to showcase some of the best independent hip hop over Memorial Day weekend.

What started in the Metrodome parking lot four years ago has since turned into one of the biggest music festivals in the country — with over 18,000 in attendance last year. Over 40 artists come together for this one day concert; with this year's event bigger and better than ever.

The lineup includes sets from:

• Atmosphere
• Big Boi (of Outkast)
• De La Soul
• Brother Ali
• Doomtree (P.O.S, Dessa, Sims, Cecil Otter, Mike Mictlan, Lazerbeak, Papertiger)

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Local Show: Minnesota Original's video picks

Posted at 3:03 PM on March 25, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

The producers of tpt's Minnesota Original show are this week's guest during the first hour of The Local Show (airing at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 27). Being a television program and all, they wanted to share some of the video that they've done. Who are we to stop them?

Minnesota Original is tpt's weekly celebration of Minnesota artists. Funded by the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, each half hour episode features a variety of artists working in all disciplines, across all cultures, and concludes with a musical performance. All of the music used to score each segment is created by and credited to Minnesota musicians. Minnesota Original airs Thursdays at 7:30 PM on tpt2. For more information about the series and to view episodes online, visit www.mnoriginal.org.

The Honeydogs, "What Comes After"

Dessa, "Sadie Hawkins"

Spider John Koerner, "Delia"

Nirmala Rajasekar

The Suburbs: Tribute to Bruce Allen

The Jayhawks, "Saturday Morning on Sunday Street"

Song of the Day: "Bunny Valley" by Hildur Victoria

Posted at 11:11 AM on March 25, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Today's song of the day is "Bunny Valley" by local band Hildur Victoria. You can download a free MP3 of the song from our Song of the Day page.

Dan Huiting and our friends at MPLS.tv put together a video of Hildur Victoria performing this song at Sound Gallery Studios as part of their City of Music Series.

City of Music: Hildur Victoria from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.

Tune-in to The Current Sunday at 6 p.m. to hear The Local Show with guests Hildur Victoria. (We'll post a video too -- of their live performance of "Space Blanket.")

The Making of "Tatooine"

Posted at 4:02 PM on March 24, 2011 by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Local

Last fall, a lot of folks got excited about the video for Jeremy Messersmith's "Tatooine"; and rightfully so, it's a great video. If you haven't seen it, it's Messersmith's song along with a 2-D paper animation of the entire original Star Wars trilogy.

During the SXSW Film festival, PBS NewsHour caught up with video's director and animator Eric Power. He talks about the making of the video and working with Jeremy Messersmith.

Watch the full episode. See more PBS NewsHour.

And if you want to see the whole thing, here you go: