music from mn #8

When I say "Music from Minnesota" what's the first thing that jumps into your head? My guess is that it's probably Prince or Bob Dylan, maybe even Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. That's not a bad thing either. Those are some huge names in music history. Music from Minnesota has grown though. The Twin Cities is a flourishing musical hotbed on par with all of the traditional greats like Brooklyn, L.A., and Seattle. Don't believe me? Watch and listen as we explore an entire playlist of Minnesota music acts without having to use any of the obvious Heavyweights (Prince, Bob Dylan, Semisonic, Soul Asylum, and Atmosphere).


1. Sound Asleep by Solid Gold featuring P.O.S. - Are you hearing this?!?! Sheesh this is good! I just recently discovered this song, but it is already one of my favorites. I like it more every time I hear it!


2. Raggedy Man by Haley Bonar


3. Not The Kid by Communist Daughter - For me, this song has a 60's Donovan vibe to it. Goes down smooth like Mellow Yellow. (wink, wink)


4. Wandering Star by POLICA - Like Jessica said last week, this band is blowing up! They seem to be gaining steam by the day and for good reason too. These tracks are moody and haunting. So SOO good!


5. Bright Bright Bright by Dark Dark Dark - Please don't let the absolutely comical band and song title combo fool you. This song is gorgeous.


6. Freak Out by Tapes 'n Tapes


7. Settling It Off by Peter Wolf Crier - Another one of Jessica's professed loves. What a great band name too, huh?


8. Victory by Trampled by Turtles - Palomino was one of my favorite albums of 2010. If you didn't think it was possible for Blue Grass to melt your face off, listen to "Wait So Long". You've been warned! These guys are also releasing a new album in April, so keep a look out.


9. How Deep Is That River by Mason Jennings


10. Dillinger Eyes by Jeremy Messersmith - Mr. Messersmith is one of the more Successful acts to come out of Minnesota lately. His past couple of albums have been really solid, with his most recent "The Reluctant Graveyard" probably being his best work to date.


11. Back of Your Neck by Howler - Howler is another band that is blowing up, but these guys are doing it on a global scale. NME named them the #3 best band of 2011. They also recently just signed with a major British label (Rough Trade) and are now label mates with the likes of My Morning Jacket, The Strokes, and The Decemberists. Look out for Howler!


12. The Gaudy Side of Town by Gayngs - They're not as much of a band as they are a collection of awesome artists jamming together on one long, coooool, smooooth, album. Gayngs is a who's who of local and Midwest indie artists including Justin Vernon and Mike Noyce of Bon Iver, Har Mar Superstar, P.O.S., Dessa, Channy Moon Casselle of POLICA, members of Solid Gold and many, many more.


The Twin Cities music community is thriving thanks to talented, and creative acts such as these. You can go downtown almost any weekend and find a pretty great show. While we may have been cursed with some crummy weather, we have been blessed with a local culture that values some pretty amazing music, no matter what your taste.