Charlie Parr, Live at the Brewhouse

A longtime favorite in the Duluth music scene, blues-folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Parr is set to release his latest nine-song effort, recorded live at the Brewhouse during his Backslider session series in 2006. Twangy, authentic, and often spiritual, Parr’s music—along with some contributions from friends—is captured on a limited-edition vinyl, with proceeds going to Loaves and Fishes. Parr will release Live at the Brewhouse at—where else?—the Brewhouse in Duluth’s historic Fitger’s complex on December 18.

The Person and the People, Big Whoop

Rocking together since their teens, The Person and the People have turned up the energy and attitude for their debut full-length Big Whoop.  The meandering melodies and polished riffs on 2010’s Zen and the Art of Popular Music EP are replaced with ferocious hooks and pop-rock punch, topped with echoing surf harmonies and stellar percussion. The Person and the People are in top form on Big Whoop, and its clear that these former teen punks have grown swimmingly into their sound together. The Person and the People will be releasing their album on December 19 at the Kitty Cat Klub with Deleter and Queen of France.

A Piano in Every Home, Meridian

Travis Erickson and Jake Pavek—the duo behind A Piano in Every Home—have been playing, writing, and globe-trekking together for the last decade, developing their organic, evocative sound. On their debut album Meridian, Erickson’s warm and understated vocals mingle with thoughtful, gently maudlin lyrics and masterful folk instrumentals. Meridian is charged and introspective with Americana sensibility, like Matt Berninger meets the Great Plains. A Piano in Every Home will release Meridian at Icehouse on December 20 with Ben Burwell of Taj Raj and Bethany Larson.

Various Artists, Rock for the Rules Volume 2

Each volume of Rock for the Rules is described as a love letter to Leah Rule, a Turf Club manager and beloved Twin Cities music figure who passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. With 56 tracks donated by an impressive crew of artists—including an unreleased Slim Dunlap song about the bar that Leah and her husband Rob owned in Wisconsin—Rock for the Rules Volume 2 is a massive celebration of love and life, and a beautiful tribute to the Rules. Proceeds from Rock for the Rules Volume 2 will go to Rob Rule to help pay for medical expenses. The Turf Club will be hosting a listening party for the compilation on December 21, with a performance by Ol’ Yeller. At the show, the Ike Reilly Assassination will also be debuting a new video for the track "Hangin' Around," featured on Rock for the Rules Volume 2.

Bonus: Haley Bonar, Wntr Snds

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Though she was somewhat upstaged by another surprise record release last week, Haley Bonar pleased her fans by unexpectedly dropping a new EP titled Wntr Snds. The spare, seasonal collection was recorded, Nebraska-style, by Bonar alone in her room. Bonar's forthcoming full-length, slated for release this spring, looks to be another matter entirely.

KT Lindemann is a senior at the University of Minnesota, Morris, pursuing studio art and Spanish. She is a native of the Twin Cities and is a wannabe musician, artist, and music writer.