In past years, residencies have been an oasis in the cold, dark winter months. But this season, the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening live music again.

This past year saw the release of possibly the most provocative song ever written about a piece of home furniture. 

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what are the best albums of 2021?

From moving memoirs to fascinating essays, 2021 saw a wealth of riches for music-loving bookworms. Here are our critic’s ten favorites.

The song is accompanied by a music video shot on location in Rochester, Minn., and Minneapolis.

Two bands end the year by entering the Chart Show Hall of Fame, that would be Kacey Musgraves with “justified” and Courtney Barnett’s “Write a List of Things to Look Forward To”.

Reflecting on the life of writer Joan Didion — one of Mary Lucia’s personal heroes — Mary recommends the documentary ‘Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,’ available on Netflix and directed by Didion's nephew, Griffin Dunne.

Minneapolis hip-hop artist Kristoff Krane is recovering from a serious car accident. A MealTrain is available for those who wish to support Krane and his family.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what are the best new/breakthrough artists of 2021?

Performing artist Nakara Forjé has recently published a ‘7 Day Grief Journal for Hip Hop Lovers.’ She tells Sean McPherson about how she hopes to help people work through their grief, whatever that might mean to them.