The Australian band's major label debut on Columbia, the album (whose title is usually shortened by fans to "10, 9, 8") was a ferocious explosion of political anger, driving guitars and drums, and anthemic melodies; Midnight Oil would water things down considerably on later albums to reach a broader MTV audience. We played "Read About It."

Mankwe Ndosi is no stranger to fans of Twin Cities hip-hop. A onetime back-up vocalist for Atmosphere who has been working closely with Medium Zach of Big Quarters, it seems that Ndosi has been quietly moving closer and closer to center stage in recent years. And given the strength of her full-length debut, Science and…

Local music notes from the week of July 16-20

Joe Jackson's third album wasn't quite as successful as his first two - for some reason the record wasn't promoted in the United States like the previous pair and no singles were released here - but it was received extremely well by critics and fans. "Beat Crazy" shows Jackson embracing reggae even more fully and explicitly than on his first two albums. We played the title track.

You know it’s going to be a good session when an email goes out warning the MPR staff that the band “is bringing the big amps” and it’s going to get loud. Such was the case with today’s UBS Forum session by Soul Asylum, which invited about 100 Current fans into the studios for a…

Here's a taste of the new music we've added to our mix of songs this week on 89.3 The Current, featuring new music from Bloc Party, Stars, Band of Horses and more.

Local bands that deserve must-hear status this week

It’s not unusual for bands to request special drinks, food, or other accommodations be made available to them backstage while they are playing a show. But last night at First Avenue, Liars co-founder Aaron Hemphill made one big request: That a tattoo artist be sent backstage to tattoo Prince’s glyph on his finger before the…

A solo project from the fretless bassist, saxophonist and composer from the band Japan, we played the song "Buoy," featuring Karn's Japan bandmate David Sylvian on vocals.

The Queen of Country Music passed away Monday, July 16th at the age of 92. Kitty Wells recorded about 50 albums, had 25 Top 10 country hits and toured from the late 1930s until she quit the road in 2000. She was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976.