It’s officially Funk & Soul Week in the Twin Cities, and the fine folks at Secret Stash Records have something happening nearly every day to mark the release of their hot new rarities compilation. But the funk and soul celebrations are just the tip of the iceburg in terms of local happenings; several artists have…

Purity Ring have risen so quickly in popularity that their first-ever headlining show in Minneapolis was upgraded from the 7th St. Entry to First Avenue’s Mainroom and managed to still nearly sell out. On Friday night, they played their entire catalog of songs with spectacular light-up cocoons dangling overhead and drums that flashed to their…

For the opening night of their first tour together, David Byrne and Annie Clark (who performs as St. Vincent) were quick to offer up a series of disclaimers, with Byrne saying he hoped they didn’t make too many mistakes and Clark joking, “I have my toes crossed.”  But those apologetic statements proved entirely unnecessary as…

Local music notes from the week of September 10-14

Local bands that deserve must-hear status this week

There’s something bold and even confrontational about kicking off a show with the line “I’m just as f***ed up as they say.” But Emily Haines of Metric did just that last night at the State Theater, setting the bar high for a set of honest, from-the-heart lyricism set to throttling new wave and bursting arena…

When Ben Kyle climbs the stairs to perform on the Cedar Cultural Center’s stage tonight, he’ll not only be celebrating the long-awaited release of his new album. Tonight also serves as the Twin Cities’ first introduction to Ben Kyle, the solo artist, after nearly a decade spent performing with popular alt-country band Romantica. It wasn’t…

Our September 23 episode features Eau Claire county and we need your submissions!

Many of the bigger shows are moving indoors as the temperature declines into that oh-so-perfect fall crispness, but there are still a few chances to take in some live music outdoors this week. Ladies and gentlemen, another busy week of Twin Cities gigs awaits you… Monday, September 10 Fairfax, AKKitty Cat Klub, Minneapolis9 p.m., free,…

Expect the unexpected. That’s been the name of the game for Totally Gross National Product, who for three years running have produced a masterfully chaotic showcase of their label’s talent and this year threw their largest party yet at new Nicollet Ave hotspot Icehouse. If anything could further cement Totally Gross label operators Ryan Olson,…