The Goondas have been compared to everyone from Mick Jagger to the Stooges to Steven Tyler. But these post-punk, gritty, blues-infused local stalwarts have a sound and look all their own.

With a long career of ground-breaking music that began in the early '90s, singer-songwriter Liz Phair has moved from indie label goddess with the release of her debut "Exile in Guyville" in 1993 to selling over three million records across the globe including her latest, "Funstyle."

Born Elisabeth Maurus, singer-songwriter Lissie started performing songs as the age of nine, while playing the title part in the musical "Annie." She started opening for touring bands that came through Fort Collins, Colo. when she was in college before producing her debut EP, "Why You Runnin'?," in 2007. Her powerful voice launched her career, and her debut album "Catching a Tiger" came out in the summer of 2010.

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.