Duluth's Trampled by Turtles made a new goal while writing and recording their latest album "Stars and Satellites." They wanted to make an album that "breathes." What does that mean? From the band's standpoint, they were able to step out of their musical comfort zones and create an album as a whole rather than several segmented pieces that feel like a live show.

Current fans have responded strongly to that song "Little Talks" as well, making it #1 on the Chart Show for the past few weeks, inducted into the Hall Of Fame. Thank you. You and the rest of the public radio audience across America have enabled these six young musicians to come to Austin, Texas and experience something truly magical. A massive crowd at a legendary venue like Stubbs singing along to songs that are 'not yet available' in the traditional sense of that word in the USA.

Mac Wilson's review of the much-anticipated new release by The Shins.

Nope, The Honeydogs didn't get that "rock 'n roll formula" memo. Or if they did, they ignored it. And we should thank them for it. While it's true that "What Comes After" is The Honeydog's first studio recording they've released in six years, it is also true that with this10th studio effort, they've released the best CD of their career.

When Andrew Bird's mind is allowed to roam - and his violin and looping-pedals allowed to follow wherever he might lead them - beautiful music is simply the end product, be it in the form of a finely-burnished pop song or a more wistful sonic rumination.

One thing I have always enjoyed about Dr. Dog is their focus on songs. Songwriting today can sometimes seem like a lost art form. But there are plenty of classic Dr. Dog tunes on this album, full of their signature harmonies, sharp songwriting, great melody and sing-along choruses.

When I think of Nada Surf, I can't help but think of the word "earnest." not only in terms of their heartfelt lyrics, but their striving. This is a band that will always try. If this band were a student, they'd be that moderately-bright kid who consistently delivers B-grade essays, but just isn't cut out for AP.

So what is the sound? I still have no adjectives that work, but where it comes from might be a unique quality of our community at this time, coming from a skill-laden collaboration of artists willing to be brave and knowing that there is an audience out there, on the radio and in the clubs, that is willing to support them when they are.

Van Etten has crafted a record bursting with meticulous sonic details, while also leaving plenty of space -- sonically and lyrically -- for contemplation.

From those who surge to unrivaled exposure in short amounts of time like Polica and Night Moves to experimental artistry that many bands will never match like you find in Brute Heart; from seasoned veterans who claim membership in too many acts to count like Haley Bonar and Halloween, Alaska, to the wild genre-crossing found in Mystery Palace and Doomtree - this thirst to constantly explore and collaborate is what makes the state so unique and active.