Boys -- and particularly the heartbreak they've caused -- are the centerpiece of the new sophomore album from Adele, the 22-year-old British singer-songwriter and 2009 Best New Artist winner at the Grammys.

Though members of local band Alpha Consumer play with other artists--locals Dosh, Fat Kid Wednesdays, Happy Apple, and Haley Bonar--they rock the Twin Cities hard first and foremost as Alpha Consumer.

Most notable for his work as the drummer of Wisconsin-hailed Bon Iver, Sean Carey -- who goes by S. Carey -- unintentionally started a solo side project while on tour.

The King Is Dead will touch most people in the same ways: as a breezy, enjoyable album that cuts down on the details and focuses on the pleasurable aspects of music and life. This is a solid way to ring in 2011.

Tapes n' Tapes formed out of Carleton College and quickly found success including positive reviews from Pitchfork and Gorillas vs. Bear as well as signing to a major label within a year of their debut record.