Cloud Cult debuted a new track today in tandem with an announcement that they would headline the second of two back-to-back Current birthday parties later this month. It’s our first chance to survey the sonic landscape of their forthcoming Love, which is due out March 5 on their own Earthology Records, and “1 x 1 x…

As voted on by listeners and readers

2012 was a prosperous time for Minnesota music, and it’s hard to believe that the year is already drawing to a close. Why not usher in 2013 with the help of a little local music? Below, we’ve rounded up some of our top choices for New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Twin Cities. All shows…

It’s the end of an era, though one which many would argue has been winding down for years now. The 400 Bar, which was once a mainstay of the local music scene and has recently slowed down to presenting only a handful of shows a month, has announced that they will vacate their West Bank…

The local team's picks in anticipation of our top 20 countdown this Sunday night on The Local Show

Early 2013 is going to be an especially exciting time for fans of Alan Sparhawk. Next month his Retribution Gospel Choir will release a new two-song, 42-minute-long LP via Duluth imprint Chaperone Records, and on March 19 he’ll celebrate his 20th year fronting slowcore band Low with the release of their latest studio album, The Invisible…

I tried to find a little something for everyone this week, whether you feel like partying it up for the holidays or not. There are also quite a few reunions and special appearances happening this week, including the return of the Ashtray Hearts! Party on, Wayne… Monday, December 24 Jewbilee 20127th St. Entry, Minneapolis8:00 PM,…

Happy Friday, party people! I have lots of goodies to share with you today, including videos that preview a pair of brand-new EPs that are going to sneak their way onto store shelves before the year is through. Happy holidays, and hope to see you out at the clubs.   1. Heiruspecs MC Felix steps…

Former Turf Club manager, St. Paul Music Club co-founder, and Mammy Nuns bass player Leah Rule passed away this morning after a two-year battle with cancer. She was 44. Leah’s husband Rob Rule broke the news on her Facebook page and Caring Bridge site today. “Early on this morning of the winter solstice, Leah left us. She…

Love it or hate it, we’ve gotten around to that time of year when seasonal music is all but unavoidable. Thankfully, we have plenty of musicians here in the Twin Cities who are revamping the holiday canon and updating the classics for a new generation of music fans. Here’s a look at some of the…