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.

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?

Boldly going where few gay men of color have been allowed to go before, Lil Nas X won the year by joyfully violating cultural taboos and exploiting media far more than it was able to exploit him.

On Dec. 30, Patti Smith turns 75 years old. In honor of this landmark birthday, we’ve compiled a playlist of 75 songs by the legendary artist - as well as by her influences, peers, and protégés.

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

The Suburbs, whose planned New Year’s Eve show has just been rescheduled to February, include one of the Twin Cities’ best-loved, if not best-known, vocalists.

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