In past years, residencies have been an oasis in the cold, dark winter months. But this season, the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening live music again.

This past year saw the release of possibly the most provocative song ever written about a piece of home furniture. 

The Current’s program director Jim McGuinn recaps radio and personal highlights tied to the Top 89’s number one song of 2021.

Kokou Kah is a rapper who describes his music as a “true fusion.” The artist, currently living in Brooklyn Center, is part of the lineup at First Avenue’s Best New Bands on Jan. 7.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what are the best albums of 2021?

From moving memoirs to fascinating essays, 2021 saw a wealth of riches for music-loving bookworms. Here are our critic’s ten favorites.

The song is accompanied by a music video shot on location in Rochester, Minn., and Minneapolis.

Thank you for voting in our Top 89 countdown! The Current’s Best New Albums of 2021 include work by Japanese Breakfast, Jon Batiste, and Low.

Two bands end the year by entering the Chart Show Hall of Fame, that would be Kacey Musgraves with “justified” and Courtney Barnett’s “Write a List of Things to Look Forward To”.

Reflecting on the life of writer Joan Didion — one of Mary Lucia’s personal heroes — Mary recommends the documentary ‘Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,’ available on Netflix and directed by Didion's nephew, Griffin Dunne.