1. Roma di Luna – Casting the Bones

With their 3^rd release, husband and wife duo Alexei Casselle and Channy Moon Casselle complicated things. They added James Everest on bass, Michael Rossetto on Banjo (Spaghetti Western String Co.), Ben Durrant on Electric Guitar, and a slew of other local musicians on sax, trumpet and backing vocals. All the extra "noise" does not take away from Roma di Luna's well crafted neo-folk songs. Channy's haunting vocals are magnified with James's funky bass lines and Ben's electric guitar compliments Alexei's acoustic. Alexei's background in hip-hop is clear with songs about relevant social issues that tell a story and create a certain mood. Roma di Luna make folk records for the modern day listener with a deep appreciation for their predecessors, i.e. the Carter Family. For fans of the Anthology of American Folk Music.

2. First Communion Afterparty – Sorry for all the Mondays, and to Those Who Can't Sing

First Communion Afterparty is a psychedelic rock collective from south Minneapolis comprised mainly of young adults with an unwavering affinity for the days of yore when music was about a sense of community. The band formed in 2005 as a group of kids with similar musical tastes, and eventually evolved organically into a true family of artists who practice religiously and dream of starting a hippie commune in Portland, OR. Known for their enigmatic live shows, the group released a vinyl-only live album in 2006 that won them a spot on City Pages' Picked2Click in 2007. Their sound is influenced by a wide variety of bands – from the Warlocks, the Black Angels, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre, to Spiritualized and the Verve. The band's debut album, Sorry For All the Mondays and To Those Who Can't Sing, is tableau of psychedelic instrumentation illuminated by "Mama" Carin Burno's soulful vocals. Ross Raihala of the Pioneer Press says that the album "reverberates with a certain dark, timeless beauty." The achieved sound is wise beyond the band's years -- nostalgic for children of the 60's and exciting for a newer generation.

3. Pistol Whippin' Party Penguins – Steep & Thorny Way to Heaven

The Pistol Whippin' Party Penguins are a local bluegrass-inspired jam band whose debut album, Steep & Thorny Way to Heaven, was produced by Ben Kyle of Romantica. The band describes their own personal brand of sound fusion on their Myspace page: "The Pistol Whippin Party Penguins combine folk, rock, blues, bluegrass, and lackluster comedy to create something so thick you can't scoop it with a shovel." For fans of fiddles, and Trampled By Turtles.

4. Crescent Moon feat. Big Trouble – Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble

Heiruspecs' Sean McPherson had a plan. With his brother, Steve, the two set out to form a band that revisits the sprawling instrumental covers of yesteryear. The result, Big Trouble, covers classics and modern day favorites and promises to "blow your mind softly." Big Trouble has toured the Twin Cities, bringing grooves to the stage in their own right, as well as backing for artists like Joanna James, P.O.S., and Crescent Moon (Odd Jobs, Kill the Vultures, Roma di Luna). Their collaboration with the latter went so well, they decided to record an album together: Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble. Chris Riemenschneider of the Star Tribune says, "the six-track disc finds Crescent spewing out dark and weary-sounding tunes over gritty, smoky, bluesy and raw rock 'n' roll." So go out and get in big trouble!

5. Doomtree – False Hopes

Doomtree is a sensational local hip-hop collective, oozing with talent and love. It's members share an unwavering penchant for teamwork, support, and artistic expression. Their latest, False Hopes, is not to be confused the respective False Hopes EP's from members Dessa and Cecil Otter. This False Hopes is a collaboration among all members, and contains the rarities and b-sides that didn't make the cut on their much anticipated upcoming album. From the group's website: "So, friend, consider this sack-full of songs not as a true album, but rather a collection of "specials" that didn't quite fit in with the family. They are all beautiful in their own right, but a few unfortunate idiosyncrasies […] have prevented them from meeting the Doomtree Family Gold Standard and making the proverbial A-team." Each member of Doomtree is multi-talented and brings something special to the table. They are: Cecil Otter (emcee/producer), Dessa (emcee/vocalist), Mike Mictlan (emcee), Sims (emcee), P.O.S. (emcee/producer), Paper Tiger (producer/DJ/graphic designer), Marshall Larada (producer/DJ/visual artist), Lazerbeak (producer/musician), Turbo Nemesis (DJ/Engineer), Emily Bloodmobile (producer), and Tom Servo (producer/DJ). Their combined force is undeniable. Pick up Doomtree's False Hopes and rejoice in love and hip-hop.

6. Lamont Cranston – Rock Awhile

Lamont Cranston is a Minneapolis Music legend. The band began in 1969 under the direction of Pat "Lamont" Hayes: vocalist, guitarist, and world-renowned harmonica player. There have been many incarnations of the lineup since their start nearly 40 years ago, but the music is unchanging. The band took their name from the alter ego of a comic book hero, "The Shadow", who was "Lamont Cranston" by day. They had a national hit with "Upper Mississippi Shakedown," and have shared the stage with numerous musical legends – from Bonnie Raitt to the Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd is a fan) to the Rolling Stones. Their album, Rock Awhile, is a collection of their early recordings – from 1975 through 1978. It includes hits as well as previously unreleased tracks. A must-have for fans of the band or the era!

7. Willie Murphy – Devil in the Whitehouse

Willie Murphy is a legendary fixture in the Minneapolis music scene. From his Myspace page, "Willie Murphy, guitar/piano blues man, is one of three charter members of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame along with Bob Dylan and Prince." Murphy began playing the piano at age four and started writing songs in High School. After graduation, he teamed up with "Spider" John Koerner, with whom he recorded a critically acclaimed album for Elektra Records and toured internationally before the two split to embark on their own creative endeavors. Since then, Murphy founded celebrated 70's funk group Willie & The Bees, as well as his own record label (Atomic Theory). He has recorded numerous solo albums, including his latest, Devil in the White House, at his own Cockroach Park Studios. As the title suggests, listeners are in for a topical dose of Murphy's candid brand of blues. Pick one up, just in time to a elect a new devil in the white house!

8. Roma di Luna – Face of My Friends

First, there was local hip-hop icons Odd Jobs. Then, Oddjobs became Kill the Vultures. Kill the Vultures' MC, Crescent Moon (Alexei Casselle), has emerged with his own solo project, Roma Di Luna, which deviates from Oddjobs and KTV's hip-hop roots. On Face of My Friends, Alexei explores a more folk-inspired sound with acoustic guitar and is complimented beautifully by violin and lilting vocals from wife Channy Moon. Each of the seven songs on Face of My Friends is both powerful and haunting, illuminated by Moon's stunning singing voice.

9. Dessa – False Hopes

Local hip-hop fans are undoubtedly familiar with the Doomtree collective, a group of rappers and DJs whose lyrics are as deep as their friendships. Doomtree's resident female emcee, Dessa Darling, is an inspiring fixture in the group. Dessa (born Maggie Wander) began as a spoken word poet, and branched out musically when she met her Doomtree counterparts. Being of German and Puerto Rican descent, Dessa raps about cultural identity, but focuses more on innate human struggles. She explains, "my route is to say I'm a girl trying to pay rent, trying to find love, trying to find connections to the people around me, trying to make a little money with my art. I just like to write about being a person." In 2005, Dessa released False Hopes, an album that landed her a spot on the Star Tribune's list of their Top Ten Local Releases of 2005. On the album, Dessa collaborates with beatmakers Lazerbeak, Tom Servo, Paper Tiger, and Butcher's Butcher, as well as fellow Doomtree members Cecil Otter and Sims. Violinist and Minnesota music veteran Jessy Greene also lends her instrumentation to the project. A Jerome Grant recipient for her work with spoken word, Dessa is the voice of a generation of women who want to have their voices heard. Her genuine talent, humility, and creativity are highlighted by her truly lovable personality. "My personality is a little bit academic, considerably depressive, goofy, and full of some serious anger," Dessa says. The voice of a generation, indeed.

10. Mirah – Old Days Feeling

Mirah is a lo-fi singer/songwriter from the Northwest whose unmistakable voice and rich musical career have made her a national indie favorite. Her love of making music blossomed when she attended Olympia, Washington's Evergreen State College and solidified her working relationship with close friend and Microphones' member, Phil Elvrum. Elvrum helped Mirah land a spot on indie label K Records, where she recorded several critically acclaimed albums in a stripped-down style that showcased her unique, childlike voice. The K Records website more thoroughly describes the appeal of Mirah's earlier works, "These albums were an exploration of the territories beyond lo-fi, aiming to transcend mere technical limitations and to push the boundaries of 'indie-rock' towards a more meaningful communicative goal." Throughout the years, her sound became more experimental and grandiose (2007's Share This Place was a collaboration with orchestra Spectratone International) – not at all a bad thing, but certainly straying from the bare-bones compositions fans were used to. Her latest, Old Days Feeling, is an aptly titled collection of Mirah's older, rare and unreleased tracks – released on Minneapolis' own Modern Radio record label. Jesse Ashlock of epitomic.com describes the feel of the album. "There's a kind of deceptive simplicity to both the music and the lyrical content that upon closer listening yields to reveal a provocative and sensual complexity." For fans of lo-fi and strong female musicians – similar but not at all relegated to the likes of Regina Spektor and Kimya Dawson.

1. Roma di Luna – Casting the Bones

With their 3^rd release, husband and wife duo Alexei Casselle and Channy Moon Casselle complicated things. They added James Everest on bass, Michael Rossetto on Banjo (Spaghetti Western String Co.), Ben Durrant on Electric Guitar, and a slew of other local musicians on sax, trumpet and backing vocals. All the extra "noise" does not take away from Roma di Luna's well crafted neo-folk songs. Channy's haunting vocals are magnified with James's funky bass lines and Ben's electric guitar compliments Alexei's acoustic. Alexei's background in hip-hop is clear with songs about relevant social issues that tell a story and create a certain mood. Roma di Luna make folk records for the modern day listener with a deep appreciation for their predecessors, i.e. the Carter Family. For fans of the Anthology of American Folk Music.

2. Romantica – America

Romantica is a local band whose genre is best described as Americana, although it encompasses a much broader range of pop, folk, alt.country, and R&B. Lyrically, they're in a poetic category all their own. From the band's website: "Romantica manage to deliver an understated heart-to-heart in an envelope of melodic charm and sarcastic wit: too smart to be sentimental, too sweet to be taken too seriously." Frontman Ben Kyle was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland – a biographical anecdote that holds weight in Romantica's lyrical themes and musical sounds. Kyle met bassist and "multi-instrumentalist" Luke Jacobs in college, and later added percussionist Mark Hedlund to form what Minneapolis music fans now know as Romantica. In 2004, they released their debut album, It's Your Weakness That I Want, an aptly titled array of instrumentally inventive love songs. 2007's America is the band's second studio endeavor, released on 2024 Records. City Pages' Sarah Askari delivers a succinct description of the new album, "America [is] an album of lush, richly orchestrated pop-folk made rural by twangy pedal steel and keening fiddle parts (courtesy of occasional Golden Smog collaborator Jessy Greene)." For fans of Sufjan Stevens, Johnny Cash, Wilco, and the Replacements.

3. First Communion After Party – Sorry for all the Mondays and to Those Who Can't Sing

First Communion Afterparty is a psychedelic rock collective from south Minneapolis comprised mainly of young adults with an unwavering affinity for the days of yore when music was about a sense of community. The band formed in 2005 as a group of kids with similar musical tastes, and eventually evolved organically into a true family of artists who practice religiously and dream of starting a hippie commune in Portland, OR. Known for their enigmatic live shows, the group released a vinyl-only live album in 2006 that won them a spot on City Pages' Picked2Click in 2007. Their sound is influenced by a wide variety of bands – from the Warlocks, the Black Angels, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre, to Spiritualized and the Verve. The band's debut album, Sorry For All the Mondays and To Those Who Can't Sing, is tableau of psychedelic instrumentation illuminated by "Mama" Carin Burno's soulful vocals. Ross Raihala of the Pioneer Press says that the album "reverberates with a certain dark, timeless beauty." The achieved sound is wise beyond the band's years -- nostalgic for children of the 60's and exciting for a newer generation.

4. Mirah – Old Days Feeling

Mirah is a lo-fi singer/songwriter from the Northwest whose unmistakable voice and rich musical career have made her a national indie favorite. Her love of making music blossomed when she attended Olympia, Washington's Evergreen State College and solidified her working relationship with close friend and Microphones' member, Phil Elvrum. Elvrum helped Mirah land a spot on indie label K Records, where she recorded several critically acclaimed albums in a stripped-down style that showcased her unique, childlike voice. The K Records website more thoroughly describes the appeal of Mirah's earlier works, "These albums were an exploration of the territories beyond lo-fi, aiming to transcend mere technical limitations and to push the boundaries of 'indie-rock' towards a more meaningful communicative goal." Throughout the years, her sound became more experimental and grandiose (2007's Share This Place was a collaboration with orchestra Spectratone International) – not at all a bad thing, but certainly straying from the bare-bones compositions fans were used to. Her latest, Old Days Feeling, is an aptly titled collection of Mirah's older, rare and unreleased tracks – released on Minneapolis' own Modern Radio record label. Jesse Ashlock of epitomic.com describes the feel of the album. "There's a kind of deceptive simplicity to both the music and the lyrical content that upon closer listening yields to reveal a provocative and sensual complexity." For fans of lo-fi and strong female musicians – similar but not at all relegated to the likes of Regina Spektor and Kimya Dawson.

5. Chris Koza – Dark, Delirious Morning

In 2005, after the release of his debut album, Exit Pesce, Rob van Alstyne of the Pulse reviewed Chris Koza as, "an under-the-radar-music-stunner-phenomenon." Shortly after, he won BEST NEW ARTIST (both by the jury and the critics' choice) from the Minnesota Music Awards committee. His follow-up album, Patterns, garnered even more press – including a nod in the Star Tribune, which compared the widespread appeal of his music to the widespread appeal of pornography. His latest, Dark, Delirious Morning, is a beautifully crafted logical next step for Koza, who creates worlds in his mind and paints vivid pictures with lyrics and melodies. His attention to detail is evident in the disc's refined sound. City Pages contributor Bob Longmore describes the album's appeal. "At the heart of each song is a simple melody, but like a latter-day Elliot Smith, Koza layers on instruments and sounds, creating mood and intensity." Longmore also comments on Koza's magnificent story telling. "Each story is filled with imagery so strong you can feel the accordion game tickets in your pocket or smell the bourbon and dirt at the track." Chris Koza's journey is one worth embarking on. Pick up Dark, Delirious Morning and groove towards a bright, lucid afternoon.

6. Café Accordion Orchestra – Germaine

This eclectic Minneapolis five-piece plays a unique blend of vintage Swing, Latin, American, and French café music. Their inspiration comes from the bands that played in Parisian Cafés and bistros in the first half of the 20^th century. Their repertoire includes swing, ballads, tangos, rumbas, and more. All five members are passionate, talented, and humorous; a combination that fans adore. Their latest, Germaine, is the seventh album for the ensemble, featuring a cornucopia of the their favorite songs to play throughout the years. Combining Latin sounds, American standards, and a French feel, Café Accordion Orchestra weaves beautiful tapestries of sound.

7. Doomtree – False Hopes

Doomtree is a sensational local hip-hop collective, oozing with talent and love. It's members share an unwavering penchant for teamwork, support, and artistic expression. Their latest, False Hopes, is not to be confused the respective False Hopes EP's from members Dessa and Cecil Otter. This False Hopes is a collaboration among all members, and contains the rarities and b-sides that didn't make the cut on their much anticipated upcoming album. From the group's website: "So, friend, consider this sack-full of songs not as a true album, but rather a collection of "specials" that didn't quite fit in with the family. They are all beautiful in their own right, but a few unfortunate idiosyncrasies […] have prevented them from meeting the Doomtree Family Gold Standard and making the proverbial A-team." Each member of Doomtree is multi-talented and brings something special to the table. They are: Cecil Otter (emcee/producer), Dessa (emcee/vocalist), Mike Mictlan (emcee), Sims (emcee), P.O.S. (emcee/producer), Paper Tiger (producer/DJ/graphic designer), Marshall Larada (producer/DJ/visual artist), Lazerbeak (producer/musician), Turbo Nemesis (DJ/Engineer), Emily Bloodmobile (producer), and Tom Servo (producer/DJ). Their combined force is undeniable. Pick up Doomtree's False Hopes and rejoice in love and hip-hop.

8. Charlie Parr – 1922 Limited Edition

Folk troubadour, Charlie Parr mixes country with blues, with folk, and with soul. Recorded with an old school sound, Parr evokes serious emotion with a simple strum of his guitar. He currently lives in Duluth with his wife and his two young children. His first album, 1922, illustrates Parr's progression as an artist. While the original pressing is over and gone, Charlie's back with a limited edition version to cure your cravings. A must have for fans of Parr, or the genre in general

9. Irv Williams – Finality

88-year-old Irv Williams epitomizes the phrase "local jazz legend." Williams, a tenor saxophone player, took up the instrument at age eleven, after his doctor (also his father) prescribed the clarinet to strengthen his young, ailing lungs. He fell in love with the horn and soon graduated to the sax. Since then, Williams has created an historic name for himself, as evidenced by his induction into the Minnesota Jazz Hall of Fame, among other honors. In his lifetime, he has shared the stage with such great talents as Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Fletcher Henderson, just to name a few. His loving nickname, "Mister Smooth," is the best way to summarize his sound. Andrea Canter of jazzpolice.com attempts to explain the inexplicable. "Irv sounds like that old saxman who turns up in the movies, playing in a quiet corner of the bar while some romance falls apart—a touch of melancholy, not intrusive, but hard to ignore, making the moment memorable regardless of its outcome." Williams' latest, Finality, is his self-proclaimed last album, and was recorded in one day. The record features classic and original songs, as well as backup from fellow local musicians Peter Schimke (piano), Kenny Horst (drums), Gordon Johnson (bass), and Loren Walstad (guitar). The disc made Star Tribune contributor Chris Riemenschneider's "Best Local Albums of the Year (so far)" list in June of 2008 and has become an instant classic in the libraries of jazz-heads and general music lovers alike.

10. Polara – Beekeeping

Quintessential local rockers, Polara, are back with their first full-length album in six years! Their fifth album to date, Beekeeping, is 11 tracks of jam-packed psychedelic rock. Released on Susstones Records, member Ed Ackerson's own label, the new disc has been hailed as some of Polara's best work. From the label's website: "Beekeeping is teeming with the trademark Polara sound – adventurous, exciting "pysch" excursions featuring always amazing instrumental and vocal contributions, all contained within a concise 3-4 minute pop song framework." In his own words, Ackerson describes the band's intention for the album. "We're still here, and we're still happy. That's the motivation, that's why we have to put these milestones out once in a while. It's like a postcard from our universe to the universe at large." With a notably more mature sound, while still maintaining the unhinged vibrancy of youth, Polara's Beekeeping belongs in your local music collection.

1. Roma di Luna – Casting the Bones

With their 3^rd release, husband and wife duo Alexei Casselle and Channy Moon Casselle complicated things. They added James Everest on bass, Michael Rossetto on Banjo (Spaghetti Western String Co.), Ben Durrant on Electric Guitar, and a slew of other local musicians on sax, trumpet and backing vocals. All the extra "noise" does not take away from Roma di Luna's well crafted neo-folk songs. Channy's haunting vocals are magnified with James's funky bass lines and Ben's electric guitar compliments Alexei's acoustic. Alexei's background in hip-hop is clear with songs about relevant social issues that tell a story and create a certain mood. Roma di Luna make folk records for the modern day listener with a deep appreciation for their predecessors, i.e. the Carter Family. For fans of the Anthology of American Folk Music.

2. Best Friends Forever – Romance Conflict Adventure

Local pop-rockers Best Friends Forever are back with a new sophomore album. Real life best friends Bri Smith and Jes Seamans have teamed up with new drummer, Joe Rand, to produce a fun-filled indie-pop artifact. Their CD Release show on August 17^th, 2007 at the Varsity Theater commemorated the girls' 12^th year of friendship, adding genuine flair to their collective moniker. Known for a delightful sense of novelty, BFF's sound is vintage pop inspired, creating a perfect backdrop for their smart and quirky lyrics. City Pages' Christopher Jensen describes the album's appeal: "Witty, cuddly, and undeniably funny, Romance Conflict Adventure captures BFF's lyrical potency as much as their rare bond in melodious harmony." For fans of Dance Band, Brother and Sister, and the Moldy Peaches.

3. A Night in the Box – Write A Letter

Imagine yourself at a Southern Baptist church in 1940, except the choir is a group of white kids from Minneapolis who don't necessarily sing about Jesus. For some reason, you feel the need to jump up and flail about. Whether it's Jesus or the Devil that possesses you, who really cares? With unavoidably toe-tapping, hand-clapping, hook-laden bluegrass, A Night in the Box captivates both local rock fans and seasoned lovers of a down-home southern sound. Original members Travis Hetman, Alex Dalton, and Clayton Hagen were joined by violinist Kailyn Spencer to round out the quartet and their eclectic mix of instrumentation (including banjo, fiddle, guitar, and drums). Write A Letter, the band's sophomore full-length album, was recorded in three days and "[adds] a mixture of accessible pop hooks with their quintessential gritty sound," according to their label's (Afternoon Records) website. Pick it up and stomp your feet!

4. Chris Koza – Dark, Delirious Morning

In 2005, after the release of his debut album, Exit Pesce, Rob van Alstyne of the Pulse reviewed Chris Koza as, "an under-the-radar-music-stunner-phenomenon." Shortly after, he won BEST NEW ARTIST (both by the jury and the critics' choice) from the Minnesota Music Awards committee. His follow-up album, Patterns, garnered even more press – including a nod in the Star Tribune, which compared the widespread appeal of his music to the widespread appeal of pornography. His latest, Dark, Delirious Morning, is a beautifully crafted logical next step for Koza, who creates worlds in his mind and paints vivid pictures with lyrics and melodies. His attention to detail is evident in the disc's refined sound. City Pages contributor Bob Longmore describes the album's appeal. "At the heart of each song is a simple melody, but like a latter-day Elliot Smith, Koza layers on instruments and sounds, creating mood and intensity." Longmore also comments on Koza's magnificent story telling. "Each story is filled with imagery so strong you can feel the accordion game tickets in your pocket or smell the bourbon and dirt at the track." Chris Koza's journey is one worth embarking on. Pick up Dark, Delirious Morning and groove towards a bright, lucid afternoon.

5. Crescent Moon feat. Big Trouble – Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble

Heiruspecs' Sean McPherson had a plan. With his brother, Steve, the two set out to form a band that revisits the sprawling instrumental covers of yesteryear. The result, Big Trouble, covers classics and modern day favorites and promises to "blow your mind softly." Big Trouble has toured the Twin Cities, bringing grooves to the stage in their own right, as well as backing for artists like Joanna James, P.O.S., and Crescent Moon (Odd Jobs, Kill the Vultures, Roma di Luna). Their collaboration with the latter went so well, they decided to record an album together: Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble. Chris Riemenschneider of the Star Tribune says, "the six-track disc finds Crescent spewing out dark and weary-sounding tunes over gritty, smoky, bluesy and raw rock 'n' roll." So go out and get in big trouble!

6. Romantica – America

Romantica is a local band whose genre is best described as Americana, although it encompasses a much broader range of pop, folk, alt.country, and R&B. Lyrically, they're in a poetic category all their own. From the band's website: "Romantica manage to deliver an understated heart-to-heart in an envelope of melodic charm and sarcastic wit: too smart to be sentimental, too sweet to be taken too seriously." Frontman Ben Kyle was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland – a biographical anecdote that holds weight in Romantica's lyrical themes and musical sounds. Kyle met bassist and "multi-instrumentalist" Luke Jacobs in college, and later added percussionist Mark Hedlund to form what Minneapolis music fans now know as Romantica. In 2004, they released their debut album, It's Your Weakness That I Want, an aptly titled array of instrumentally inventive love songs. 2007's America is the band's second studio endeavor, released on 2024 Records. City Pages' Sarah Askari delivers a succinct description of the new album, "America [is] an album of lush, richly orchestrated pop-folk made rural by twangy pedal steel and keening fiddle parts (courtesy of occasional Golden Smog collaborator Jessy Greene)." For fans of Sufjan Stevens, Johnny Cash, Wilco, and the Replacements.

7. Vampire Hands – Me & You Cherry Red

With a sound that cannot be easily pinned down, Vampire Hands straddle genres with their mind-bending version of musical bliss. Vocalist/maraca-extraordinaire Colin Johnson (Thunder in the Valley, the Chambermaids) is joined by vocalist/bassist Chris Bierden, as well as brothers Chris (guitar) and Alex Rose (drums). Vampire Hands emerged on the Minneapolis music scene in 2006. Later that year they were chosen (cursed?) for City Pages annual Picked2Click issue. The band spent the winter of 2008 hold up in their practice space, preparing themselves for the whirlwind that is their second album, Me & You Cherry Red, 25-minutes of jam-packed atmospheric rock'n'roll. The disc focuses on percussion and imagery. Chris Polley of Radio K explains, "Picture the elongated yellow-nailed, powder white digits of an undead hand wrapping slowly around an imminent victim's smooth and ripe throat - this is the eerily hypnotic and frighteningly captivating world of Vampire Hands." Steve McPherson of Reveille Magazine says, "Me & You Cherry Red is a dusty little gem of a record with a fine balance of electronic and organic elements, of sprawling fuzziness and concise melodies, of expansive experimentation and straightforward songwriting." Pick one up and prove the curse is broken!

8. Pert' Near Sandstone – Live: Just Outside of Sandstone

Pert' Near Sandstone is a bluegrass string band whose infectious, "new timey" sound has raised an awareness in the Minneapolis music scene to the virtues of bluegrass. The band consists of numerous classic bluegrass instruments, like the banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. The band's name is an homage to their roots – most members grew up in Brooklyn Park which, for all intensive purposes, is "pert near" the sandstone of the Mississippi. PNS got their big break on Oprah, when they were finalists in an Oreo & Milk Jingle contest and found their own success with bluegrass after the release of the hit movie that made the genre cool again, O Brother Where Art Thou. In 2005, the band released Live-Just Outside of Sandstone, an aptly named live endeavor featuring fifteen tracks with two original songs. In Live, the boys explore their genre's musical roots and delight with toe-stomping instrumentation.

9. Café Accordion Orchestra – Germaine

This eclectic Minneapolis five-piece plays a unique blend of vintage Swing, Latin, American, and French café music. Their inspiration comes from the bands that played in Parisian Cafés and bistros in the first half of the 20^th century. Their repertoire includes swing, ballads, tangos, rumbas, and more. All five members are passionate, talented, and humorous; a combination that fans adore. Their latest, Germaine, is the seventh album for the ensemble, featuring a cornucopia of the their favorite songs to play throughout the years. Combining Latin sounds, American standards, and a French feel, Café Accordion Orchestra weaves beautiful tapestries of sound.

10. Mel Gibson & The Pants – Sea vs. Shining Sea

Mel Gibson & The Pants are a delightfully named, equally talented sextet of Minneapolis musicians who share a genuine love for making music. Their third release, Sea vs. Shining Sea is a veritable who's who of local musicians. Aside from the anchoring talents of the band members themselves, Sea vs. Shining Sea is illuminated by guest appearances from Doomtree's Sims, Mictlan, and Dessa, as well as Crescent Moon of Kill the Vultures and Jake Luck of Thunder in the Valley. MG&TP have a unique, cacophonous sound that combines hip-hop, rock, and electronic beats. On their Myspace page, the band provides an elusive and intriguing description of the album: "The seas are exploding with battles, it's time they were brought to the surface."

1. Roma di Luna – Casting the Bones

With their 3^rd release, husband and wife duo Alexei Casselle and Channy Moon Casselle complicated things. They added James Everest on bass, Michael Rossetto on Banjo (Spaghetti Western String Co.), Ben Durrant on Electric Guitar, and a slew of other local musicians on sax, trumpet and backing vocals. All the extra "noise" does not take away from Roma di Luna's well crafted neo-folk songs. Channy's haunting vocals are magnified with James's funky bass lines and Ben's electric guitar compliments Alexei's acoustic. Alexei's background in hip-hop is clear with songs about relevant social issues that tell a story and create a certain mood. Roma di Luna make folk records for the modern day listener with a deep appreciation for their predecessors, i.e. the Carter Family. For fans of the Anthology of American Folk Music.

2. Romantica – America

Romantica is a local band whose genre is best described as Americana, although it encompasses a much broader range of pop, folk, alt.country, and R&B. Lyrically, they're in a poetic category all their own. From the band's website: "Romantica manage to deliver an understated heart-to-heart in an envelope of melodic charm and sarcastic wit: too smart to be sentimental, too sweet to be taken too seriously." Frontman Ben Kyle was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland – a biographical anecdote that holds weight in Romantica's lyrical themes and musical sounds. Kyle met bassist and "multi-instrumentalist" Luke Jacobs in college, and later added percussionist Mark Hedlund to form what Minneapolis music fans now know as Romantica. In 2004, they released their debut album, It's Your Weakness That I Want, an aptly titled array of instrumentally inventive love songs. 2007's America is the band's second studio endeavor, released on 2024 Records. City Pages' Sarah Askari delivers a succinct description of the new album, "America [is] an album of lush, richly orchestrated pop-folk made rural by twangy pedal steel and keening fiddle parts (courtesy of occasional Golden Smog collaborator Jessy Greene)." For fans of Sufjan Stevens, Johnny Cash, Wilco, and the Replacements.

3. Irv Williams – Finality

88-year-old Irv Williams epitomizes the phrase "local jazz legend." Williams, a tenor saxophone player, took up the instrument at age eleven, after his doctor (also his father) prescribed the clarinet to strengthen his young, ailing lungs. He fell in love with the horn and soon graduated to the sax. Since then, Williams has created an historic name for himself, as evidenced by his induction into the Minnesota Jazz Hall of Fame, among other honors. In his lifetime, he has shared the stage with such great talents as Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Fletcher Henderson, just to name a few. His loving nickname, "Mister Smooth," is the best way to summarize his sound. Andrea Canter of jazzpolice.com attempts to explain the inexplicable. "Irv sounds like that old saxman who turns up in the movies, playing in a quiet corner of the bar while some romance falls apart—a touch of melancholy, not intrusive, but hard to ignore, making the moment memorable regardless of its outcome." Williams' latest, Finality, is his self-proclaimed last album, and was recorded in one day. The record features classic and original songs, as well as backup from fellow local musicians Peter Schimke (piano), Kenny Horst (drums), Gordon Johnson (bass), and Loren Walstad (guitar). The disc made Star Tribune contributor Chris Riemenschneider's "Best Local Albums of the Year (so far)" list in June of 2008 and has become an instant classic in the libraries of jazz-heads and general music lovers alike.

4. Doomtree – False Hopes

Doomtree is a sensational local hip-hop collective, oozing with talent and love. It's members share an unwavering penchant for teamwork, support, and artistic expression. Their latest, False Hopes, is not to be confused the respective False Hopes EP's from members Dessa and Cecil Otter. This False Hopes is a collaboration among all members, and contains the rarities and b-sides that didn't make the cut on their much anticipated upcoming album. From the group's website: "So, friend, consider this sack-full of songs not as a true album, but rather a collection of "specials" that didn't quite fit in with the family. They are all beautiful in their own right, but a few unfortunate idiosyncrasies […] have prevented them from meeting the Doomtree Family Gold Standard and making the proverbial A-team." Each member of Doomtree is multi-talented and brings something special to the table. They are: Cecil Otter (emcee/producer), Dessa (emcee/vocalist), Mike Mictlan (emcee), Sims (emcee), P.O.S. (emcee/producer), Paper Tiger (producer/DJ/graphic designer), Marshall Larada (producer/DJ/visual artist), Lazerbeak (producer/musician), Turbo Nemesis (DJ/Engineer), Emily Bloodmobile (producer), and Tom Servo (producer/DJ). Their combined force is undeniable. Pick up Doomtree's False Hopes and rejoice in love and hip-hop.

5. Front Porch Swingin' Liquor Pigs – Halfcocked & Fully Loaded

Aptly named, The Front Porch Swingin' Liquor Pigs are a genuine good time. With a folk and country inspired sound, the Liquor Pigs (as they're known to fans) cannot be pegged down to just one sound – dabbling in everything from bluegrass to blues and beyond. Their 2002 sophomore release, Halfcocked & Fully Loaded, was voted onto numerous local top ten favorites lists that year. Known primarily for their organic, energetic live shows – the disc does its best to capture the enigmatic zeal of the band. For fans of fun and a down home, front porch sense of community.

6. Charlie Parr – 1922 Limited Edition

Folk troubadour, Charlie Parr mixes country with blues, with folk, and with soul. Recorded with an old school sound, Parr evokes serious emotion with a simple strum of his guitar. He currently lives in Duluth with his wife and his two young children. His first album, 1922, illustrates Parr's progression as an artist. While the original pressing is over and gone, Charlie's back with a limited edition version to cure your cravings. A must have for fans of Parr, or the genre in general.

7. Charlie Parr – Jubilee

Folk troubadour, Charlie Parr mixes country with blues, with folk, and with soul. Recorded with an old school sound, Parr evokes serious emotion with a simple strum of his guitar. He currently lives in Duluth with his wife and his two young children. His 2007 release, Jubilee, was recorded in a Garage in Duluth MN with guest vocalists Emily Parr and Dave Simonett (Trampled By Turtles).

8. Café Accordion Orchestra – Germaine

This eclectic Minneapolis five-piece plays a unique blend of vintage Swing, Latin, American, and French café music. Their inspiration comes from the bands that played in Parisian Cafés and bistros in the first half of the 20^th century. Their repertoire includes swing, ballads, tangos, rumbas, and more. All five members are passionate, talented, and humorous; a combination that fans adore. Their latest, Germaine, further explores their range of musical talents.

9. Best Friends Forever – Romance Conflict Adventure

Local pop-rockers Best Friends Forever are back with a new sophomore album. Real life best friends Bri Smith and Jes Seamans have teamed up with new drummer, Joe Rand, to produce a fun-filled indie-pop artifact. Their CD Release show on August 17^th, 2007 at the Varsity Theater commemorated the girls' 12^th year of friendship, adding genuine flair to their collective moniker. Known for a delightful sense of novelty, BFF's sound is vintage pop inspired, creating a perfect backdrop for their smart and quirky lyrics. City Pages' Christopher Jensen describes the album's appeal: "Witty, cuddly, and undeniably funny, Romance Conflict Adventure captures BFF's lyrical potency as much as their rare bond in melodious harmony." For fans of Dance Band, Brother and Sister, and the Moldy Peaches.

10. Chris Koza – Dark, Delirious Morning

In 2005, after the release of his debut album, Exit Pesce, Rob van Alstyne of the Pulse reviewed Chris Koza as, "an under-the-radar-music-stunner-phenomenon." Shortly after, he won BEST NEW ARTIST (both by the jury and the critics' choice) from the Minnesota Music Awards committee. His follow-up album, Patterns, garnered even more press – including a nod in the Star Tribune, which compared the widespread appeal of his music to the widespread appeal of pornography. His latest, Dark, Delirious Morning, is a beautifully crafted logical next step for Koza, who creates worlds in his mind and paints vivid pictures with lyrics and melodies. His attention to detail is evident in the disc's refined sound. City Pages contributor Bob Longmore describes the album's appeal. "At the heart of each song is a simple melody, but like a latter-day Elliot Smith, Koza layers on instruments and sounds, creating mood and intensity." Longmore also comments on Koza's magnificent story telling. "Each story is filled with imagery so strong you can feel the accordion game tickets in your pocket or smell the bourbon and dirt at the track." Chris Koza's journey is one worth embarking on. Pick up Dark, Delirious Morning and groove towards a bright, lucid afternoon.

1. Roma di Luna – Casting the Bones

With their 3^rd release, husband and wife duo Alexei Casselle and Channy Moon Casselle complicated things. They added James Everest on bass, Michael Rossetto on Banjo (Spaghetti Western String Co.), Ben Durrant on Electric Guitar, and a slew of other local musicians on sax, trumpet and backing vocals. All the extra "noise" does not take away from Roma di Luna's well crafted neo-folk songs. Channy's haunting vocals are magnified with James's funky bass lines and Ben's electric guitar compliments Alexei's acoustic. Alexei's background in hip-hop is clear with songs about relevant social issues that tell a story and create a certain mood. Roma di Luna make folk records for the modern day listener with a deep appreciation for their predecessors, i.e. the Carter Family. For fans of the Anthology of American Folk Music.

2. Chris Koza – Dark, Delirious Morning

In 2005, after the release of his debut album, Exit Pesce, Rob van Alstyne of the Pulse reviewed Chris Koza as, "an under-the-radar-music-stunner-phenomenon." Shortly after, he won BEST NEW ARTIST (both by the jury and the critics' choice) from the Minnesota Music Awards committee. His follow-up album, Patterns, garnered even more press – including a nod in the Star Tribune, which compared the widespread appeal of his music to the widespread appeal of pornography. His latest, Dark, Delirious Morning, is a beautifully crafted logical next step for Koza, who creates worlds in his mind and paints vivid pictures with lyrics and melodies. His attention to detail is evident in the disc's refined sound. City Pages contributor Bob Longmore describes the album's appeal. "At the heart of each song is a simple melody, but like a latter-day Elliot Smith, Koza layers on instruments and sounds, creating mood and intensity." Longmore also comments on Koza's magnificent story telling. "Each story is filled with imagery so strong you can feel the accordion game tickets in your pocket or smell the bourbon and dirt at the track." Chris Koza's journey is one worth embarking on. Pick up Dark, Delirious Morning and groove towards a bright, lucid afternoon.

3. Doomtree – False Hopes

Doomtree is a sensational local hip-hop collective, oozing with talent and love. It's members share an unwavering penchant for teamwork, support, and artistic expression. Their latest, False Hopes, is not to be confused the respective False Hopes EP's from members Dessa and Cecil Otter. This False Hopes is a collaboration among all members, and contains the rarities and b-sides that didn't make the cut on their much anticipated upcoming album. From the group's website: "So, friend, consider this sack-full of songs not as a true album, but rather a collection of "specials" that didn't quite fit in with the family. They are all beautiful in their own right, but a few unfortunate idiosyncrasies […] have prevented them from meeting the Doomtree Family Gold Standard and making the proverbial A-team." Each member of Doomtree is multi-talented and brings something special to the table. They are: Cecil Otter (emcee/producer), Dessa (emcee/vocalist), Mike Mictlan (emcee), Sims (emcee), P.O.S. (emcee/producer), Paper Tiger (producer/DJ/graphic designer), Marshall Larada (producer/DJ/visual artist), Lazerbeak (producer/musician), Turbo Nemesis (DJ/Engineer), Emily Bloodmobile (producer), and Tom Servo (producer/DJ). Their combined force is undeniable. Pick up Doomtree's False Hopes and rejoice in love and hip-hop.

4. Romantica – America

Romantica is a local band whose genre is best described as Americana, although it encompasses a much broader range of pop, folk, alt.country, and R&B. Lyrically, they're in a poetic category all their own. From the band's website: "Romantica manage to deliver an understated heart-to-heart in an envelope of melodic charm and sarcastic wit: too smart to be sentimental, too sweet to be taken too seriously." Frontman Ben Kyle was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland – a biographical anecdote that holds weight in Romantica's lyrical themes and musical sounds. Kyle met bassist and "multi-instrumentalist" Luke Jacobs in college, and later added percussionist Mark Hedlund to form what Minneapolis music fans now know as Romantica. In 2004, they released their debut album, It's Your Weakness That I Want, an aptly titled array of instrumentally inventive love songs. 2007's America is the band's second studio endeavor, released on 2024 Records. City Pages' Sarah Askari delivers a succinct description of the new album, "America [is] an album of lush, richly orchestrated pop-folk made rural by twangy pedal steel and keening fiddle parts (courtesy of occasional Golden Smog collaborator Jessy Greene)." For fans of Sufjan Stevens, Johnny Cash, Wilco, and the Replacements.

5. Heroine Sheiks – Journey to the End of the Knife

Legendary noise rockers, the Heroine Sheiks, are back with their fourth studio album, Journey to the End of the Knife. Their name is a clever moniker that stems for the late-nineties supermodel phenomenon, Heroin Chic. The band began in 1999 and has had an impressive career that saw them headlining for such opening acts as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Fiery Furnaces, Interpol, and Gogol Bordello. After relocating back to Minneapolis from New York City and completely reworking the lineup, original member and proverbial tie-that-binds Shannon Selberg keeps the torch burning for fans of the Heroine Sheiks, as well as his previous band, the legendary Cows (R.I.P.). The new lineup includes a tour-de-force of Minneapolis musicians, including bassist Jesse Kwakenat of the STNNNG and Sarah Huska of Ouija Radio ..board.

6. Polara – Beekeeping

Quintessential local rockers, Polara, are back with their first full-length album in six years! Their fifth album to date, Beekeeping, is 11 tracks of jam-packed psychedelic rock. Released on Susstones Records, member Ed Ackerson's own label, the new disc has been hailed as some of Polara's best work. From the label's website: "Beekeeping is teeming with the trademark Polara sound – adventurous, exciting "pysch" excursions featuring always amazing instrumental and vocal contributions, all contained within a concise 3-4 minute pop song framework." In his own words, Ackerson describes the band's intention for the album. "We're still here, and we're still happy. That's the motivation, that's why we have to put these milestones out once in a while. It's like a postcard from our universe to the universe at large." With a notably more mature sound, while still maintaining the unhinged vibrancy of youth, Polara's Beekeeping belongs in your local music collection.

7. A Night in the Box – Write A Letter

Imagine yourself at a Southern Baptist church in 1940, except the choir is a group of white kids from Minneapolis who don't necessarily sing about Jesus. For some reason, you feel the need to jump up and flail about. Whether it's Jesus or the Devil that possesses you, who really cares? With unavoidably toe-tapping, hand-clapping, hook-laden bluegrass, A Night in the Box captivates both local rock fans and seasoned lovers of a down-home southern sound. Original members Travis Hetman, Alex Dalton, and Clayton Hagen were joined by violinist Kailyn Spencer to round out the quartet and their eclectic mix of instrumentation (including banjo, fiddle, guitar, and drums). Write A Letter, the band's sophomore full-length album, was recorded in three days and "[adds] a mixture of accessible pop hooks with their quintessential gritty sound," according to their label's (Afternoon Records) website. Pick it up and stomp your feet!

8. Café Accordion Orchestra – Germaine

This eclectic Minneapolis five-piece plays a unique blend of vintage Swing, Latin, American, and French café music. Their inspiration comes from the bands that played in Parisian Cafés and bistros in the first half of the 20^th century. Their repertoire includes swing, ballads, tangos, rumbas, and more. All five members are passionate, talented, and humorous; a combination that fans adore. Their latest, Germaine, further explores their range of musical talents.

9. Paper Tiger – False Hopes

In the surefire tradition of self-deprecating humor, sensational local rap collective, Doomtree, has taken to releasing debut EP's for all of its artists under the same title: False Hopes. Resident Doomtree DJ, Paper Tiger, is no different. A wizard of turntables, Paper Tiger creates a swelling, introspective mood with his version of False Hopes – a record that earned him comparisons to the likes of Rjd2 and DJ Shadow. The disc is wholly instrumental, with the exception of sparse guest vocals from fellow Doomtree member, Dessa, on the last track. Pick it up and watch the evolution of hip-hop history.

10. Sims – Lights Out Paris

Sims is yet another member of celebrated local hip-hop collective, Doomtree. One notable difference between him and his peers, however, is that Sims' debut album is a full-length, and not titled False Hopes. His album, Lights Out Paris, is a critically acclaimed peak into the psyche of Sims, the "dark, angry, angsty, neurotic" one of the group. He is joined by fellow Doomtree members Cecil Otter, Dessa, Mictlan, and P.O.S., as well as Crescent Moon of Kill the Vultures and Roma di Luna. City Pages' Peter S. Scholtes says, "Doomtree's Sims is the best evidence yet that talent nurtured at the bottom can surface with sudden force. His voice sounds like Q-Tip crossed with a Beastie Boy." Lights Out Paris is a must have for collectors of quality hip-hop!

1. Chris Koza – Dark, Delirious Morning

In 2005, after the release of his debut album, Exit Pesce, Rob van Alstyne of the Pulse reviewed Chris Koza as, "an under-the-radar-music-stunner-phenomenon." Shortly after, he won BEST NEW ARTIST (both by the jury and the critics' choice) from the Minnesota Music Awards committee. His follow-up album, Patterns, garnered even more press – including a nod in the Star Tribune, which compared the widespread appeal of his music to the widespread appeal of pornography. His latest, Dark, Delirious Morning, is a beautifully crafted logical next step for Koza, who creates worlds in his mind and paints vivid pictures with lyrics and melodies. His attention to detail is evident in the disc's refined sound. City Pages contributor Bob Longmore describes the album's appeal. "At the heart of each song is a simple melody, but like a latter-day Elliot Smith, Koza layers on instruments and sounds, creating mood and intensity." Longmore also comments on Koza's magnificent story telling. "Each story is filled with imagery so strong you can feel the accordion game tickets in your pocket or smell the bourbon and dirt at the track." Chris Koza's journey is one worth embarking on. Pick up Dark, Delirious Morning and groove towards a bright, lucid afternoon.

2. A Night in the Box – Write A Letter

Imagine yourself at a Southern Baptist church in 1940, except the choir is a group of white kids from Minneapolis who don't necessarily sing about Jesus but evoke such an emotion in their audience. With unavoidably toe-tapping, hand-clapping, hook-laden bluegrass, A Night in the Box captivates both local rock fans and seasoned lovers of a down-home southern sound. Original members Travis Hetman, Alex Dalton, and Clayton Hagen were joined by violinist Kailyn Spencer to round out the quartet and their eclectic mix of instrumentation (including banjo, fiddle, guitar, and drums). Write A Letter, the band's sophomore full-length album, was recorded in three days and "[adds] a mixture of accessible pop hooks with their quintessential gritty sound," according to their label's (Afternoon Records) website. Pick it up and stomp your feet!

3. Doomtree – False Hopes

Doomtree is a sensational local hip-hop collective, oozing with talent and love. It's members share an unwavering penchant for teamwork, support, and artistic expression. Their latest, False Hopes, is not to be confused the respective False Hopes EP's from members Dessa and Cecil Otter. This False Hopes is a collaboration among all members, and contains the rarities and b-sides that didn't make the cut on their much anticipated upcoming album. From the group's website: "So, friend, consider this sack-full of songs not as a true album, but rather a collection of "specials" that didn't quite fit in with the family. They are all beautiful in their own right, but a few unfortunate idiosyncrasies […] have prevented them from meeting the Doomtree Family Gold Standard and making the proverbial A-team." Each member of Doomtree is multi-talented and brings something special to the table. They are: Cecil Otter (emcee/producer), Dessa (emcee/vocalist), Mike Mictlan (emcee), Sims (emcee), P.O.S. (emcee/producer), Paper Tiger (producer/DJ/graphic designer), Marshall Larada (producer/DJ/visual artist), Lazerbeak (producer/musician), Turbo Nemesis (DJ/Engineer), Emily Bloodmobile (producer), and Tom Servo (producer/DJ). Their combined force is undeniable. Pick up Doomtree's False Hopes and rejoice in love and hip-hop.

4. Romantica – America

Romantica is a local band whose genre is best described as Americana, although it encompasses a much broader range of pop, folk, alt.country, and R&B. Lyrically, they're in a poetic category all their own. From the band's website: "Romantica manage to deliver an understated heart-to-heart in an envelope of melodic charm and sarcastic wit: too smart to be sentimental, too sweet to be taken too seriously." Frontman Ben Kyle was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland – a biographical anecdote that holds weight in Romantica's lyrical themes and musical sounds. Kyle met bassist and "multi-instrumentalist" Luke Jacobs in college, and later added percussionist Mark Hedlund to form what Minneapolis music fans now know as Romantica. In 2004, they released their debut album, It's Your Weakness That I Want, an aptly titled array of instrumentally inventive love songs. 2007's America is the band's second studio endeavor, released on 2024 Records. City Pages' Sarah Askari delivers a succinct description of the new album, "America [is] an album of lush, richly orchestrated pop-folk made rural by twangy pedal steel and keening fiddle parts (courtesy of occasional Golden Smog collaborator Jessy Greene)." For fans of Sufjan Stevens, Johnny Cash, Wilco, and the Replacements.

5. Crescent Moon w/Big Trouble – Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble

Heiruspecs' Sean McPherson had a plan. With his brother, Steve, the two set out to form a band that revisits the sprawling instrumental covers of yesteryear. The result, Big Trouble, covers classics and modern day favorites and promises to "blow your mind softly." Big Trouble has toured the Twin Cities, bringing grooves to the stage in their own right, as well as backing for artists like Joanna James, P.O.S., and Crescent Moon (Odd Jobs, Kill the Vultures, Roma di Luna). Their collaboration with the latter went so well, they decided to record an album together: Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble. Chris Riemenschneider of the Star Tribune says, "the six-track disc finds Crescent spewing out dark and weary-sounding tunes over gritty, smoky, bluesy and raw rock 'n' roll." So go out and get in big trouble!

6. Muja Messiah – MPLS Massacre

Local hip-hopper, Muja Messiah, wants YOU on his growing list of Myspace friends. A connoisseur of knowledge and a Brooklyn Park Native, he began his career in a local rap group called Five Percent Nation, developing his penchant for teamwork that has carried him through to his most recent endeavor, hip-hop quintet Raw Villa. Born Robert Hedges, Muja Messiah has been known to play with names. His long-running stage name is based on the Arabic word for "soldier," (Mujahideen) and the not-so-subtle image of a Messiah; fighting for deliverance. In December of 2007, Muja was voted one of VIBE magazine's "51 Best Myspace Rappers," a prestigious honor in today's fast-paced, online-community driven culture. On his latest release (with Raw Villa), MPLS Massacre, Muja compiles 27 tracks of pure mix-tape goodness. The disc is, essentially, a catch-all for the B material, not suitable by Muja himself for his highly anticipated "official" album out this summer. But don't be fooled, MPLS Massacre harbors numerous A tracks, including a remake of M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes," a collaboration with fellow local rapper, M.anifest. Minneapolis Star Tribune's Chris Riemenschneider sums up the vibe of MPLS Massacre quite nicely, "[the album] features a mix of thug-leaning tracks, a few party anthems and one political thinker." Muja seeks to acquire one million Myspace friends in time for the release of the aforementioned album, Thee Adventures of a B-Boy D-Boy. Kill multiple birds with one stone: support local hip-hop, check out the buzz, and help a starry-eyed dreamweaver reach his goals of numerical stardom.

7. Romantica – It's Your Weakness That I Want

Romantica is a local band whose genre is best described as Americana, although it encompasses a much broader range of pop, folk, alt.country, and R&B. Lyrically, they're in a poetic category all their own. From the band's website: "Romantica manage to deliver an understated heart-to-heart in an envelope of melodic charm and sarcastic wit: too smart to be sentimental, too sweet to be taken too seriously." Frontman Ben Kyle was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland – a biographical anecdote that holds weight in Romantica's lyrical themes and musical sounds. Kyle met bassist and "multi-instrumentalist" Luke Jacobs in college, and later added percussionist Mark Hedlund to form what Minneapolis music fans now know as Romantica. In 2004, they released their debut album, It's Your Weakness That I Want, an aptly titled array of instrumentally inventive love songs. The disc features cameos by legendary local musicians Jessy Greene and Darren Jackson (Kid Dakota). For fans of Wilco, Ryan Adams, and Damien Rice.

8. Homegrown (Various Artists) – Silage: Foreclosure & Eviction

Local radio listeners will undoubtedly know the name: Homegrown. The local music show, 10 years strong, ran on KQRS and later DRIVE 105 before becoming a casualty of the airwave wars. In its infancy, Homegrown consisted of one local song, played during Mei Young's all-request third shifts on KQRS – a tradition that began on October 29, 1996. From there, it grew into a one-hour local music specialty program featuring live performances by local artists that aired on Sunday nights. After over 10 years of cultivating the local music scene and stressing the importance of local music, Homegrown commenced their final broadcast on May 6, 2007 after a fatal radio format flip. Silage: Foreclosure & Eviction is the staff's Swan Song; a love letter to those who made their ground-breaking radio show possible, and a thank-you to the artists who filled their airtime. The disc features 21 tracks recorded live on Homegrown and a variety of artists and genres. Artists include: Haley Bonar, Brother Ali, Cloud Cult, Little Man, Dosh, MC/VL, Trampled By Turtles, P.O.S., Charlie Parr, and many more. The lingering magic in Studio B will resonate through your speakers as you pay homage to a hometown giant, and rediscover the local artists who make the Twin Cities a booming cultural epicenter.

9. Brother Ali – Shadows on the Sun

Local rapper-turned-national superstar Brother Ali is a truly unique voice in a sea of homogenized superficial hip-hop. Everything from Ali's beliefs to his physicality set him apart and infuses his music with an unparalleled message. A legally blind albino Muslim-convert, Ali has faced his share of adversity, but shows strength with his confidence and optimism. He began listening to hip-hop and performing at a young age, taking every opportunity he could to play an open mic and inspire an audience. He owes his success to his perseverance; Ali approached star-making local label Rhymesayers with a demo tape in 1998. His career took off after the 2000 annual freestyling competition Scribble Jam, where he emerged as a true talent. When his debut full-length, Shadows on the Sun, was released in 2003, it became an instant classic. His lyrics centered on otherwise unexplored territories in hip-hop: albinism and Islam. Produced by Atmosphere collaborator and fellow Rhymesayers artist, Ant, Shadows on the Sun is as catchy as it is poignant. After the album's release, Brother Ali began to garner national attention. Reviewed by trendsetting hub Pitchfork Media, the website had nothing but praise for the rapper. "A Molotov cocktail of Nas' chipped-toothed storyteller, Slug's introspective emo-thug, and Common Sense's wordplay aficionado, Brother Ali has clearly studied the album structures of mid-90s masters." Other publications followed suit and Brother Ali became a sensation. He has since released two follow-up albums, Champion and Undisputed Truth, the latter of which made numerous national bestseller lists. His live performances are filled with raw energy and define him as a true artist. Whether you're a fan of Rhymesayers or have a fondness for Ali's later records, pick up Shadows on the Sun and see where he began and take a lesson in how it's done.

10. Charlie Parr – 1922 Limited Edition

Folk troubadour, Charlie Parr mixes country with blues, with folk, and with soul. Recorded with an old school sound, Parr evokes serious emotion with a simple strum of his guitar. He currently lives in Duluth with his wife and his two young children. His first album, 1922, illustrates Parr's progression as an artist. While the original pressing is over and gone, Charlie's back with a limited edition version to cure your cravings. A must have for fans of Parr, or the genre in general.

1. Roma di Luna – Casting the Bones

With their 3^rd release, husband and wife duo Alexei Casselle and Channy Moon Casselle complicated things. They added James Everest on bass, Michael Rossetto on Banjo (Spaghetti Western String Co.), Ben Durrant on Electric Guitar, and a slew of other local musicians on sax, trumpet and backing vocals. All the extra "noise" does not take away from Roma di Luna's well crafted neo-folk songs. Channy's haunting vocals are magnified with James's funky bass lines and Ben's electric guitar compliments Alexei's acoustic. Alexei's background in hip-hop is clear with songs about relevant social issues that tell a story and create a certain mood. Roma di Luna make folk records for the modern day listener with a deep appreciation for their predecessors, i.e. the Carter Family. For fans of the Anthology of American Folk Music.

2. Crescent Moon w/Big Trouble – Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble

Heiruspecs' Sean McPherson had a plan. With his brother, Steve, the two set out to form a band that revisits the sprawling instrumental covers of yesteryear. The result, Big Trouble, covers classics and modern day favorites and promises to "blow your mind softly." Big Trouble has toured the Twin Cities, bringing grooves to the stage in their own right, as well as backing for artists like Joanna James, P.O.S., and Crescent Moon (Odd Jobs, Kill the Vultures, Roma di Luna). Their collaboration with the latter went so well, they decided to record an album together: Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble. Chris Riemenschneider of the Star Tribune says, "the six-track disc finds Crescent spewing out dark and weary-sounding tunes over gritty, smoky, bluesy and raw rock 'n' roll." So go out and get in big trouble!

3. Chris Koza – Dark, Delirious Morning

In 2005, after the release of his debut album, Exit Pesce, Rob van Alstyne of the Pulse reviewed Chris Koza as, "an under-the-radar-music-stunner-phenomenon." Shortly after, he won BEST NEW ARTIST (both by the jury and the critics' choice) from the Minnesota Music Awards committee. His follow-up album, Patterns, garnered even more press – including a nod in the Star Tribune, which compared the widespread appeal of his music to the widespread appeal of pornography. His latest, Dark, Delirious Morning, is a beautifully crafted logical next step for Koza, who creates worlds in his mind and paints vivid pictures with lyrics and melodies. His attention to detail is evident in the disc's refined sound. City Pages contributor Bob Longmore describes the album's appeal. "At the heart of each song is a simple melody, but like a latter-day Elliot Smith, Koza layers on instruments and sounds, creating mood and intensity." Longmore also comments on Koza's magnificent story telling. "Each story is filled with imagery so strong you can feel the accordion game tickets in your pocket or smell the bourbon and dirt at the track." Chris Koza's journey is one worth embarking on. Pick up Dark, Delirious Morning and groove towards a bright, lucid afternoon.

4. Doomtree – False Hopes

Doomtree is a sensational local hip-hop collective, oozing with talent and love. It's members share an unwavering penchant for teamwork, support, and artistic expression. Their latest, False Hopes, is not to be confused the respective False Hopes EP's from members Dessa and Cecil Otter. This False Hopes is a collaboration among all members, and contains the rarities and b-sides that didn't make the cut on their much anticipated upcoming album. From the group's website: "So, friend, consider this sack-full of songs not as a true album, but rather a collection of "specials" that didn't quite fit in with the family. They are all beautiful in their own right, but a few unfortunate idiosyncrasies […] have prevented them from meeting the Doomtree Family Gold Standard and making the proverbial A-team." Each member of Doomtree is multi-talented and brings something special to the table. They are: Cecil Otter (emcee/producer), Dessa (emcee/vocalist), Mike Mictlan (emcee), Sims (emcee), P.O.S. (emcee/producer), Paper Tiger (producer/DJ/graphic designer), Marshall Larada (producer/DJ/visual artist), Lazerbeak (producer/musician), Turbo Nemesis (DJ/Engineer), Emily Bloodmobile (producer), and Tom Servo (producer/DJ). Their combined force is undeniable. Pick up Doomtree's False Hopes and rejoice in love and hip-hop.

5. A Night in the Box – Write A Letter

Imagine yourself at a Southern Baptist church in 1940, except the choir is a group of white kids from Minneapolis who don't necessarily sing about Jesus. For some reason, you feel the need to jump up and flail about. Whether it's Jesus or the Devil that possesses you, who really cares? With unavoidably toe-tapping, hand-clapping, hook-laden bluegrass, A Night in the Box captivates both local rock fans and seasoned lovers of a down-home southern sound. Original members Travis Hetman, Alex Dalton, and Clayton Hagen were joined by violinist Kailyn Spencer to round out the quartet and their eclectic mix of instrumentation (including banjo, fiddle, guitar, and drums). Write A Letter, the band's sophomore full-length album, was recorded in three days and "[adds] a mixture of accessible pop hooks with their quintessential gritty sound," according to their label's (Afternoon Records) website. Pick it up and stomp your feet!

6. Roma di Luna – Face of My Friends

First, there was local hip-hop icons Odd Jobs. Then, Oddjobs became Kill the Vultures. Kill the Vultures' MC, Crescent Moon (Alexei Casselle), has emerged with his own solo project, Roma Di Luna, which deviates from Oddjobs and KTV's hip-hop roots. On Face of My Friends, Alexei explores a more folk-inspired sound with acoustic guitar and is complimented beautifully by violin and lilting vocals from wife Channy Moon. Each of the seven songs on Face of My Friends is both powerful and haunting, illuminated by Moon's stunning singing voice.

7. Jeremy Messersmith – Alcatraz Kid

Jeremy Messersmith has been pegged by multiple local journalists as the best under-30 singer-songwriter in the Twin Cities. His story begins in Washington State, where he grew up in a Pentecostal home and was only exposed to traditional religious music. When he was able to listen to the radio, it was primarily oldies, which contributed to his knowledge of melody. He moved to Minneapolis in 1999 to attend North Central University and has since made a name for himself in the local music scene as a beautifully melodic lyricist. Messersmith's latest and first full-length release, Alcatraz Kid, has made many critics' year-end top ten lists for 2006. His acclaimed single "Novocain" has garnered radio airplay and his sound has been compared to that of Elliott Smith and Neutral Milk Hotel.

8. Solid Gold – Who You Gonna Run To?

Solid Gold is the latest psychedelic techno/hip-hop hybrid to take the world by storm. The trio utilizes an artillery of instrumentation to create their unique, infectious sound. Contrasting synthesizers, banjo, opera singing, violin, organs, and more – the music of Solid Gold concocts a mood and atmosphere all its own. The band's debut EP, Who You Gonna Run To?, is six songs of introspective fun. The disc includes several tracks from the band's upcoming full-length, Bodies of Water, as well as b-sides and remixes. With a rapidly growing fanbase in the Twin Cities, Solid Gold is perhaps better known internationally. Most notably, the band played a Vice Magazine concert in London, England and headlined at the Iceland Airwaves Festival in Reykjavik, Iceland where crowds went wild. Check out their myspace page for bonus songs, including a loveable gem: "Sound Asleep" featuring local rapper P.O.S. With unavoidably dancey live-performances and rock solid compositions, school yourself in Solid Gold.

9. Trampled By Turtles – Live at Lucé

Predominantly bluegrass, slightly sardonic, and definitely youthful – Trampled By Turtles has carved a niche for themselves among the talented and the innovative in the local music scene. The Duluth foursome always manages to captivate concert-goers with their energetic live performances and truly unique stage presence. Live at Lucé was recorded live at Duluth's Pizza Lucé location and includes tracks from TBT's first two studio albums: Blue Sky & The Devil and Songs From A Ghost Town. It's a toe-stompin' good time!

10. Willie Murphy – Devil in the White House

Willie Murphy is a legendary fixture in the Minneapolis music scene. From his Myspace page, "Willie Murphy, guitar/piano blues man, is one of three charter members of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame along with Bob Dylan and Prince." Murphy began playing the piano at age four and started writing songs in High School. After graduation, he teamed up with "Spider" John Koerner, with whom he recorded a critically acclaimed album for Elektra Records and toured internationally before the two split to embark on their own creative endeavors. Since then, Murphy founded celebrated 70's funk group Willie & The Bees, as well as his own record label (Atomic Theory). He has recorded numerous solo albums, including his latest, Devil in the White House, at his own Cockroach Park Studios. As the title suggests, listeners are in for a topical dose of Murphy's candid brand of blues. Pick one up, just in time to a elect a new devil in the white house!

1. A Night in the Box – Write A Letter

A Night in the Box will rock you like a night at the country barn dance turned punk rock showcase. With unavoidably toe-tapping, hand-clapping, hook-laden bluegrass, A Night in the Box captivates both local rock fans and seasoned lovers of a down-home southern sound. Original members Travis Hetman, Alex Dalton, and Clayton Hagen were joined by violinist (and Electric Fetus staff member) Kailyn Spencer to round out the quartet and their eclectic mix of instrumentation (including banjo, fiddle, guitar, and drums). Write A Letter, the band's sophomore full-length album, was recorded in three days and is regarded by the band as their first "true" album, as it features all four members and a more gestated sound. The album is characterized as "adding a mixture of accessible pop hooks with their quintessential gritty sound," according to their label's (Afternoon Records) website. Pick it up and stomp your feet!

2. Heroine Sheiks – Journey to the End of the Knife

Legendary noise rockers, the Heroine Sheiks, are back with their fourth studio album, Journey to the End of the Knife. Their name is a clever moniker that stems for the late-nineties supermodel phenomenon, Heroin Chic. The band began in 1999 and has had an impressive career that saw them headlining for such opening acts as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Fiery Furnaces, Interpol, and Gogol Bordello. After relocating back to Minneapolis from New York City and completely reworking the lineup, original member and proverbial tie-that-binds Shannon Selberg keeps the torch burning for fans of the Heroine Sheiks, as well as his previous band, the Cows. The new lineup includes a tour-de-force of Minneapolis musicians, including bassist Jesse Kwakenat of the STNNNG and Sarah Huska of Ouija Radio ..board.

3. Charlie Parr – King Earl

Folk troubadour, Charlie Parr mixes country with blues, with folk, and with soul. Recorded with an old school sound, Parr evokes serious emotion with a simple strum of his guitar. He currently lives in Duluth with his wife and his two young children. Released in March of 2004, King Earl is Parr's third studio album. It features the strangely lovable characters and chilling imagery that he's known for.

4. Charlie Parr – 1922 Limited Edition

Parr's first album, 1922, illustrates his progression as an artist. While the original pressing is over and gone, Charlie's back with a limited edition version to cure your cravings. A must have for fans of Parr, or the genre in general.

5. Charlie Parr – Jubilee

Parr's 2007 release, Jubilee, was recorded in a Garage in Duluth MN with guest vocalists Emily Parr and Dave Simonett (Trampled By Turtles).

6. Sara Thomsen – Everything Changes

Duluth-based singer/songwriter Sara Thomsen has taken audiences by storm with her evocative lyrics and haunting vocals. Thomsen's fourth solo album, Everything Changes, is: "an intimate portrayel of the heart breaking open and apart, tumbling through transformation with elegance and grace," according to her website. Musically, the album "[peppers] an acoustic folk base [with] hints of jazz, country, latin groove, celtic and bluegrass." For fans of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez.

7. House of Mercy Band – Left Behind

The House of Mercy band was founded over ten years ago and has been making music that transcends conventional spiritual boundaries ever since. The members first met at the Turf Club in St. Paul, where they discovered their mutual love of country gospel music and set up shop in the club's basement to begin writing songs. After searching for a church affiliation, they teamed up with the House of Mercy Church, where they got their name and can be seen every Sunday… usually after a rousing set at the Turf Club the night before. If this seems contradictory, you aren't yet familiar with the band. While their alt.country is served with a side of gospel, it is delivered in a most unpretentious, all-encompassing manner that allows for dancing drunk patrons on Saturday as much penance-seeking church-goers the following morning. Soon-to-be-former bandleader C.P. Larson explains, "House of Mercy is not about saving people through fear but through love, getting rid of the hell-fire and brimstone." Their latest album, Left Behind, was released by the church and is more than a passing reference to the Rapture. City Pages' Sarah Askari explains, "The album title is a tongue-in-cheek reference by a band of grownup and grown-out-of-it evangelicals who now worship a much more forgiving Christ." She continues, "There's no Jesus name-dropping on the record; while the group is full of faith, they've produced a work more faithful to musical ideals than to religious ones. With the purity of old rural gospel harmonizing and the electric-fence guitar twang of country-rock, the disc's seven songs bring (secular) rapture and here-on-earth grace." Clearly, the members of the House of Mercy band do not seek to force belief through fear and guilt; they are simply trying to evoke powerful personal reflection through the universal language of music. Left Behind is also a milestone for the group. Its release commemorates the end of C.P. Larson's reign as bandleader. He will return to his day job as an art instructor at the University of Minnesota, where he is an internationally recognized artist under his real name, Chris Larson. The band will now be led under the direction of Mike "Razz" Russell. Perhaps adding deeper meaning to his final album's title, Larson describes his calm at the end of the journey. "I feel satisfied. That guy I was, C.P. Larson, it's nice to leave him behind." Left Behind is a must-hear for believers and skeptics alike. As Howwastheshow.com's Bob Longmore explains, "you don't have to heed the word to be moved by the music."

8. Maria Isa – M.I. Split Personalities

Maria Isa is a young musician who's exploded on the Minneapolis Reggaetón scene. For those new to the term, Reggaetón is a blend of Spanish Caribbean, American rap, and Jamaican dancehall. To some, it has been described as a "digital boom-click." Isa makes the sound her own by blending other types of world music, as well as R&B. Not only does she deliver a fresh plate of musical sounds and captivating vocals, but Isa is also know for her activism in Puerto Rican culture. Born Maria Isabelle Perez Vega to Nuyorican parents and raised on St. Paul's West Side, Maria Isa has been performing since she was five years old when she enrolled at El Arco Iris Center for the Arts in St. Paul, where she now works as a teacher. In 2002, she formed a group called Raices with classmates and performed Bomba, a "folkloric music and dance of Puerto Rico developed by African slaves brought to the island in the wake of Columbus" (Peter S. Scholtes for City Pages). Bomba is still very much a part of Isa's solo performances, and her live backing band includes members of Raices. Her on-stage persona sends a powerful message to women, especially given Reggaetón's often-misogynistic undertones. In her own words, "I'm going to come on and be like 'I'm wearing clothes, I'm still being sexy, and I've still got something to say.'" In 2006, she joined local Emetrece Productions and began working on her debut album, M.I. Split Personalities. The disc features guest appearances by local phenoms Truth Maze, I Self Devine, and Black Blondie. Maria Isa is the most overtly political performer in the local Reggaetón community, which is made apparent on Split Personalities. Friend and mentor Felipe Cuauhtli (of Los Nativos fame) said he's proud of Isa's outspoken nature and commitment to her culture: "When I see her do the more political stuff, I see that Maria Isa is about an identity, she's about empowerment. And when you make music about the people and for the people, that will make you successful in the end."

9. Vicious Vicious – Parade

Minneapolis music veteran Erik Appelwick has had his hand in just about every local indie project to garner national attention since 2000. Appelwick is a co-founder of the Hopefuls, as well as bass guitarist for local darlings Tapes N' Tapes. He has also produced such local hits as White Light Riot's debut EP, Dark is Light Enough. In 2001, however, Appelwick emerged with a solo project under the alias Vicious Vicious. Since then, Vicious Vicious has released two very well received albums: Blood & Clover and Don't Look So Surprised. Appelwick began writing songs for the latest Vicious Vicious album, Parade, in 2004, but had to put the project on hold when he joined the boys of Tapes N' Tapes on an international tour. Having produced their smash hit, The Loon, he was a shoe-in when their bassist left the band. While Parade has been three years in the making, it is well worth the wait. Megan Wiley of Mpls St. Paul Magazine describes the feel of the album. "Appelwick channels the Beatles in both his CD's cover art—oh-so reminiscent of Yellow Submarine—and his compositions. He mixes that psychedelic sensibility with some playful Beck-like voice changes, heavy piano and synth, some Abba-flavored drumbeats, and Motown bass lines."

10. Vampire Hands – Me & You Cherry Red

With a sound that cannot be easily pinned down, Vampire Hands straddle genres with their mind-bending version of musical bliss. Vocalist/maraca-extraordinaire Colin Johnson (Thunder in the Valley, the Chambermaids) is joined by vocalist/bassist Chris Bierden, as well as brothers Chris (guitar) and Alex Rose (drums). Vampire Hands emerged on the Minneapolis music scene in 2006. Later that year they were chosen (cursed?) for City Pages annual Picked2Click issue. The band spent the winter of 2008 hold up in their practice space, preparing themselves for the whirlwind that is their second album, Me & You Cherry Red, 25-minutes of jam-packed atmospheric rock'n'roll. The disc focuses on percussion and imagery. Chris Polley of Radio K explains, "Picture the elongated yellow-nailed, powder white digits of an undead hand wrapping slowly around an imminent victim's smooth and ripe throat - this is the eerily hypnotic and frighteningly captivating world of Vampire Hands." Steve McPherson of Reveille Magazine says, "Me & You Cherry Red is a dusty little gem of a record with a fine balance of electronic and organic elements, of sprawling fuzziness and concise melodies, of expansive experimentation and straightforward songwriting." Pick one up and prove the curse is broken!