MPR News reporter Chris Roberts pops the question

Buzz behind new record is in full force

Local bands that deserve must-hear status this week

Who's got the chops for our dream band?

Help build the rhythm section of our MN dream band

There has been a lot of discussion about gender politics in the Twin Cities art scene this spring. I’m happy to say that even though I’m one of a small number of female music writers working in the area, sexism isn’t something that I encounter very often while doing this job. As I headed out…

Bass.

Who's the lead vox?

The Only Place isn't just an improvement on Best Coast's debut; it's a harsh reminder that it's a steep fall from grace when you start out as a darling of the indie music blogs. Like Weezer's "Pinkerton," this album can't and won't be fully appreciated until fans and critics have their chance to deliver some initial hipster backlash.

If there's one artist in the Twin Cities who has steadily increased their recognition and popularity, it's probably MaLLy. Malik Watkins is only in his mid-20s, but his reputation has been bolstered by encouragement from the Rhymesayers crew and old friends from the high-school days that now collaborate with him side-by-side.