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.