Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Dan Mangan has been making sturdy, smart music for nearly a decade now. In September, he released his third full-length album, "Oh Fortune."

Coldplay's music has always sounded universal and huge, but they take on an enormity on Mylo Xyloto that alternately thrills and leaves the listener distant.

In terms of cultural anthropology, the Liminal Phase is the transitional threshold between two existential planes in one's life. In terms of the Twins Cities music scene, Liminal Phase is Adam Levy's latest experimental project. Leaving behind traditional song structure and form, Liminal Phase creates instrumental soundscapes blending together jazz, psychedelia and improvised works.

Forming in 2001 in Ames, Iowa, the Radiohead-esque four-piece that make up the Envy Corps, have been through several ups and downs in their ten years as a band.

With their debut record under their belts, the Saratoga Springs, New York duo Phantogram, are ready with a new EP entitled Nightlife. Joshua Carter and Sarah Barthel, who have been friend since junior high, continue to make infectious beats set against their ethereal indie pop sound.