Happy Friday! Here’s your weekly look at the latest in Minnesota music videos, starting off with one of my favorite releases of December… RONiiA I think I’ve watched this video at least five times already; the music and the imagery coalesce to create an ode to nostalgia, coming of age, and the restless ennui of tweendom. RONiiA (which…

Lego’s website has an “ideas” section where fans can submit their ideas for new Lego sets and rally support behind their designs. Over 4,000 users are urging Lego to create a Daft-Punk-themed set. “Through costumes, elaborate stage lighting / structures, and even vehicles, Daft Punk have created a visual history that lends itself to Lego,”…

What songs that feature the sound of sleigh bells, but aren't holiday songs, should we play for today's 9:30 Coffee Break?

This morning, Target Center announced that Billy Joel will perform at the Minneapolis arena on May 16. The news came at a press conference preceded by two days of speculation—fueled by a teasing Instagram photo of Times Square in 1999—as to what the venue’s “major concert” announcement would be today. Tickets will go on sale…

“Please bear in mind that I’m just one old girl with arthritis and I have to rest my hands between dolls,” writes British knitter Kate Park, whose handmade Morrissey dolls have become the year’s hottest Christmas gift among music aficionados. Park is so overwhelmed with inquiries that she’s had to stop taking orders, but you can watch…

Nick Lowe accompanied a friend on an errand to a guitar shop in Portland, Ore.; implored to try a guitar by a store employee, Lowe originally dismissed the instrument as "ugly." But after playing it, Nick Lowe bought it. Read the story and learn about the guitar in the latest installment of The Current's Guitar Collection.

In an interview with Savannah College of and Art Design (SCAD) president Paula Wallace promoting his upcoming “i feel ya” exhibition, Andre 3000 gave an indirect shout out to Lizzo when he referenced the “I FEEL YOU, ANDRE.” shirt she wore during her Late Night with David Letterman performance in October. Lizzo took to Instagram…

Let's do a little bit of research and put together a playlist of songs from bands named after real people. What do you think we should play?

Underlining the national prominence of our local hip-hop scene, Pitchfork’s Paul Thompson has just published a round-up of the best Minnesota hip-hop of 2014. “Minnesota Nice is well established,” writes Thompson, “but 2014 was the year for Minnesota Weird in the Minneapolis-St. Paul hip-hop scene.” Topping Pitchfork’s list is thestand4rd, the group who debuted this year…

Comprising sisters, brothers and cousins, the hip-hop/classical hybrid Nocturnal Unit produces a unique sound. “Nocturnal Unit combines the intellect and precision of classical music with the energy and grittiness of hip-hop,” said Rolf Haas, vocalist and violinist of the group. “I am constantly pushing the boundaries of both classical and hip-hop music.” The members of Nocturnal…