Craig Finn has been an integral part of Minnesota music since his work in Lifter Puller during the 90s, and his subsequent turn as the frontman of The Hold Steady in New York created some of indie music's most compelling and critically acclaimed records. Now Finn is taking a short breather from the full band approach to focus on a more personal and reflective style.

Property purchased by Seedy Underbelly owner John Kuker

Five local bands that deserve must-hear status this week

'I was like a man possessed,' he says

Nominees page features 125 bands and counting

Public service will take place February 18

With most Bon Iver followers still debating whether it was awesomely defiant or boldly stupid for Justin Vernon to decline performing at the Grammys because he would be forced into a collaboration with unknown other artists, Vernon and his band appeared on Saturday Night Live last night to play “Holocene” and “Beth/Rest,” just as he…

Vicious Vicious features the talent of three local music mainstays: Erik Appelwick, Martin Dosh, and James Buckley. When not playing in a multitude of other projects, they reunite to record material, and the past few years have seen them hard at work at their latest self-titled effort. Releasing a self-titled album well into a band's career usually indicates a sort of reinvention of sound, and Vicious Vicious has certainly illustrated how flexible their creative direction can be.

Van Etten has crafted a record bursting with meticulous sonic details, while also leaving plenty of space -- sonically and lyrically -- for contemplation.

Local music notes from the week of January 30-February 3