Duluth is on the map. People know it. Sure, it’s a picturesque outpost in the Great Lakes region that lends itself to outdoor adventure tourists. It was even Outside Magazine’s 2014 “Best Town in America.” But that’s not quite what I mean. In 2010, I was in London chatting with two Czech gentlemen who eventually asked…

Here’s one bad thing that didn’t happen in 2016: there were no ceiling collapses at Minneapolis music venues. There was still plenty of local venue news, though — both happy and sad. The year’s big closing was Mill City Nights — though that turned out to be only temporary. Operators AEG said in September that they’d be closing the venue they’d…

When Bob Dylan was announced as the winner of 2016’s Nobel Prize in Literature, Minnesotans rejoiced. The first rock star ever to win the Nobel, and he’s one of our own! Born and bred! Or…is he? Throwing cold water on the prairie party, many pointed out that Dylan was nowhere near the Gopher State when…

I’ll admit: I wasn’t eager to leave the house on Saturday night. Outside, the darkness pressed in on my city block, and the air numbed any skin it could reach. But I’d planned on going to First Avenue to see Low and their holiday show, so I zipped up my jacket, pulled on my neck…

Today's top music news stories include Patti Smith's performance on behalf of Bob Dylan at the Nobel Prize ceremony, word of Prince's plans for a reality series, and underground venues facing new scrutiny.

The Current's Mike Novitzki shares his top local songs of 2016.

It's December, and you know what that means: year-end lists. Here's what music The Current's staff was excited about in 2016!

College contributor Michael Flicek shares his favorite songs, and local songs, of 2016.

The Current's digital producer Leah Garaas shares her top songs and albums of 2016.

The Current's DJ Shannon Blowtorch shares her top songs of 2016.