Carb up before a Hot Chip show, because you’ll be burning calories on the dance floor. Clad in white-painted pantsuits, the quintet, increased to seven for their live show, turned on the fog and drum machines for their stage entrance that had the sweaty crowd cheering in anticipation for a party on Saturday night in…

Shredders – “Suburban Base” Shredders have had a busy month. The Doomtree offshoots released their second album, Great Hits, on Aug. 30. The same day, they performed a half-hour set at the State Fair and filmed a culinary explosion with The Current. This week, they’ve dropped a tricked-out “Suburban Base” video directed by Paper Tiger…

When Mychael Wright opened Golden Thyme Cafe almost two decades ago, one of the first reactions he got was a laugh. A group of curious kids had stopped by to see what kind of business was being opened and, when they heard it was a coffee shop, they told him it wouldn’t last long. “I…

The classic-album tour is, at bottom, a slightly cynical exercise. A band (or whomever) goes out, recreates their best-known or -loved LP or CD (depending on era) in the order released, throws in some greatest hits for the encore; commemorative T-shirts and tote bags do brisk business. No one is challenged, and everyone goes home…

This week, individuals and organizations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area are celebrating MSP Welcome Week: a Make It. MSP. initiative designed to roll out the red carpet for valued newcomers to our area. We thought we’d do our part by offering this introduction to Minnesota music via ten songs and videos recorded in our…

The Who landed at Xcel Energy Center on Friday night, continuing the St. Paul venue’s recent monthly streak of hosting legendary British rockers – following ELO in July and Queen in August. For this tour, dubbed Moving On, the Who enlisted the musical forces of a 48-piece orchestra. So, naturally, suites from the band’s rock…

Hello! This is writer Cecilia Johnson, announcing that today we have a special Friday Five for you. Over the last few years, I’ve gotten to know a particular group who always prioritize visuals alongside their music. Maple & Beech are a synth-pop/dance-rock band who started as a Tyler Tholl solo project and picked up Pete…

Before a presidential candidate steps onto stage or opens their mouth, a playlist can communicate the candidate’s persona, their values, and who they’re trying to reach. Is what’s blaring over a sound system for rally-goers waiting for hours, rain or shine, an old song or a new release? Is it a deep cut or a…

Lizzo’s ode to blissful singlehood, “Truth Hurts,” reached number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart yesterday, making her one of only six female rappers to hit that mark in the chart’s history. This year also marks the first time since 2012 when six singles by female artists have reached number one. As any longtime Lizzo…

Members of the Duluth music scene are mourning the loss of one of its key members. Rick Boo, co-owner of Carmody Irish Pub and Brewing, died of an undisclosed cause on Aug. 28. To those who knew him he was a champion for the Duluth music scene and an advocate local artists just starting out.…