Sometimes Duluth feels very far away. Unless bands from the area are playing regularly in the Twin Cities, it's typical for some of the brightest acts from the North Shore to get overlooked. Last year, we got a ton of tips regarding musicians producing incredible work just a few hours from The Current's home-base. One of the bands we heard most often was Southwire, and we have a feeling that Minnesota is going to be talking a lot about them this year.

This week on New Hot, read about a local band releasing their debut, a UK-based act who got their launch through MySpace and a band who was remixed by the London Contemporary Orchestra. These are our three recommended releases for Tuesday, February 12.

From The Rolling Stones to The White Stripes, the list of artists who have covered Otis Redding songs may surprise you. We pick the best in this special playlist.

Nashville's Kopecky Family Band recently stopped by The Current's headquarters and played an intimate take on the tune "Are You Listening."

Forget chocolates and flowers. This year, show you care by requesting a romantic song for that special someone.

What artists have never won a Grammy but should have? Give us your suggestions and we'll pick some to play for today's 9:30 Coffee Break.

The Australian singer and writer assembles a string of slow-burning ballads that seethe and surprise, punctuated by Warren Ellis' gorgeous strings and bits of Cave's own grabby, pervy innuendo.

Oasis got into a fight, R.E.M went to their first recording session and Dylan went to number one Today in Music History.

If a young Otis Redding tried to break into the industry today, he would find the path to fame offers a range of new avenues.

The end of the week is upon is, which can only mean one thing: Time to reward yourself with a few minutes away from the grind by sampling a few procrastination-worthy music videos. Actually, this week’s offerings are so substantial that there’s about an hour’s worth of entertainment below—we have Retribution Gospel Choir to thank…