Longtime fans waiting for a return-to-form can finally breathe a sigh of relief: Rufus Wainwright is back in the game.

On the day of their sold-out show at the 7th St. Entry, Family of the Year stopped by The Current studio to play a few songs.

Twin Shadow takes the sounds of New Wave and post-punk and weaves them into a sleek and somber take on contemporary indie-pop.

Dirty Projectors, the shapeshifting herd of arty indie-rockers led by oddball mastermind Dave Longstreth, have crowned the strange and surprising first decade of their existince with their smart, accomplished fifth full-length Swing Lo Magellan.

From the Ground Up: That's the title of Americana singer-songwriter John Fullbright's debut studio album, but it is also a fitting description of the path Fullbright's career has followed.

Sleep Study's craft comes in their songwriting, joining the ranks of other established lyricists in the Twin Cities like Chris Koza, Jeremy Messersmith and Adam Levy. Coupled with strong chemistry within the band and an updated '70s aesthetic as heard on their first single "Flower Girl," the group has been making waves since their formation last summer.

Forget the dragon, 2012 is the Year of the Alabama Shakes. The band has launched into national prominence and is in town for a sold-out show at First Avenue.

Spiritualized's appearance at First Avenue in May was the first in years, and a ravenous Twin Cities fanbase welcomed Jason Pierce and his band back with open arms. For those who missed it, The Current recorded and aired the entire show, and now we're able to provide it for you to stream online.

It's not hyperbolic to suggest that Sigur Ros is one of the world's greatest live bands, creating a hypnotic, almost overwhelming experience. Hear the group, back on tour after four years, as it plays a sweeping two-hour set at Brooklyn's Prospect Park Bandshell during Celebrate Brooklyn.

Martin Dosh has been playing in the Twin Cities music community for years, penning his first solo album a decade ago. After a successful streak on Anticon Records and consistent touring with Andrew Bird, the multi-instrumentalist is planning to release new material at the beginning of 2013.