Bright Eyes - "Shell Games"

New single from The People's Key, which will be out via Saddle Creek on February 15.

25 Favorite Albums of 2010

Arcade Fire - "The Suburbs" Beach House - "Teen Dream"

The Black Keys - "Brothers" Cloud Cult - "Light Chasers"

Deer Tick - "The Black Dirt Sessions" Deerhunter - "Halcyon Digest"

Delta Spirit - "History From Below" Dr. Dog - "Shame, Shame"

First Aid Kit - "The Big Black and Blue"

Frightened Rabbit - "The Winter Of Mixed Drinks"

Gayngs - "Relayted" Gorillaz - "Plastic Beach"

Ima Robot - "Another Man's Treasure" Johnny Flynn - "Been Listening"

Kanye West - "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"

LCD Soundsystem - "This Is Happening" Local Natives - "Gorilla Manor"

The Morning Benders - "Big Echo" Mumford & Sons - "Sigh No More"

The National - "High Violet" The New Pornographers - "Together"

The Tallest Man on Earth - "The Wild Hunt" Vampire Weekend - "Contra"

The Walkmen - "Lisbon" The Whigs - "In the Dark"

My 50 Favorite Tracks from 2010

At the request of @abbybischoff, I give you a condensed list of my favorite tracks from 2010, in no particular order - technically they're alphabetical, so I suppose that's a particular order.

Bright Eyes - "Coyote Song"

The artist that opened musical doors for me back in high school.

Dinner Belles - "Runnin' To Ravenna"

via La Blogotheque

First or last?

Will Ricky Rubio decide to stick with putting "Ricky" on his jersey, or will he conform to the NBA norm and put "Rubio" on the back? Until Ricky flies to Minnesota next season, this is all I can really discuss.

Wildbirds and Peacedrums

via La Blogotheque

Now this is the kind of boxing I could get into.

The Morning Benders - "All Day Day Light"

If you haven't already, check out the album Big Echo by The Morning Benders.

Hardwood Classics: Muskies vs. Pipers

At this year's State Fair, fans will be given the opportunity to vote on which former Minnesota ABA team – Muskies or Pipers – they would like the Timberwolves to honor by wearing their uniforms for select games next season (2011-12) as part of the NBA's Hardwood Classic Games.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - "Fiya Wata"

Jade performed this song at Lollapalooza, but I hadn't heard it before, so imagine my excitement to hear the tune once more!

Lollapalooza 2010

Arcade Fire - "Wake Up"

Final song from Lollapalooza 2010 is an encore from Arcade Fire. The masses turn into the world's largest choir.

MGMT - "Time To Pretend"

My MGMT experience comes full circle when I hear "Time To Pretend" live after hearing it for the first time on The Hype Machine in 2007.

Jamie Lidell - "Multiply"

In one of the more memorable moments of the weekend, we stumbled-upon Jamie Lidell (a day after his set) performing in a small tent between the main stages. I wasn't smart enough to record the portion where he stood right next to us to have us sing along.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - "Om Nashi Me"

The gang closes out the set with "Om Nashi Me" as Alex plays to the crowd.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - "Brother"

Alex serenades the audience with an encore of "Brother" - he's sitting amongst the masses.

Minnesota goes 'Cuse

The Timberwolves drafted Orange in back-to-back years, so I thought the team should change the uniforms to reflect the growing trend. The uniforms will be even more relevant once Kahn snags Melo next summer (IALTO).

I had so much fun making the 'Cuse jersey, I thought I'd try a few more options.

Gayngs - "The Gaudy Side of Town"

My name is Kyle and I approve this use of auto-tune. Gayngs is a Minneapolis-based band and you can hear more from them here.

When are you getting yours?

Coming to an NBA arena near you ...

New Release: Cloud Cult - "Light Chasers"

This is the Minnesota natives' first studio album in two years and it's available online through the Cloud Cult store. The official release is on September 17, but if you're like me, you have a hard time with patience with the anticipation of new releases. This album is a perfect combination of each and every element that makes up this unique ensemble and is clearly the culmination of a two-year project.

Cloud Cult - Running With The Wolves

Official Rube Chat Draft Talk

Check out a replay of dozens on disappointed Timberwolves fans during the 2010 NBA Draft. I suppose this isn't anything new.

Black Cab Sessions: Band of Horses

Band of Horses perform "Ode to LRC" from Cease To Begin on Black Cab Sessions. Check out their new album Infinite Arms.

....

Beach House
I scrolled down the Black Cab page and couldn't resist posting this Beach House lick. Here they are performing "Heart of Chambers".

Lollapalooza 2010: The Playlist

Here is the playlist for the artists on my 2010 Lollapalooza schedule.

My Lollapalooza 2010 Schedule

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

I had to make a handful of tough decisions, but overall, I'm satisfied with who I'll be able to check out.

Day 1: The Big Pink/The New Pornographers > Cymbals Eat Guitars/Devo; Dirty Projectors > Matt & Kim; The Black Keys > Hot Chip/Jamie Lidell and for good measure The Strokes > Lady Gaga (I would imagine it (Lady Gaga) will be quite the spectacle)

Day 2: Wild Beasts/Stars > Blues Traveler (nostalgia); The xx > Dawes; The xx/Grizzly Bear > Gogol Bordello (I would image this is out of control); Edward Sharpe > Spoon (also missed a chance to see them in 2005); Phoenix > Green Day (nostalgia - I may catch the beginning)

Day 3: I am honestly completely content with my decisions for this day.

I've never been to a festival of this magnitude before and any suggestions from seasoned vets would be appreciated. I plan on sending live tweets/pics/videos via my Twitter account.

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros perform in the pleasantly organic La Blogotheque environment. The ensemble's carefree nature continues to draw me to them. If I could go on an exotic expedition into the wild with any band, I would definitely choose these guys. I wonder if they need a maracist?

Numba Six

Thanks to Ryan Velgersdyk for being more artistic than me in three minutes than I will be in a lifetime - follow him on Twitter @velgies

My Cousin Makes Music

If you like female musicians, then you should turn out to my cousin's CD release party.

Danielle Thrush

Danielle on MySpace

Danielle on Twitter

Danielle on Facebook

Danielle's Records

If you live anywhere near Farmington, Minnesota and don't have anything going on June 19, 2010, I can't imagine a better place to be. Bring a date. Bring your parents. Bring your date's parents.

The Black Keys - "Next Girl"

Song of the Day: B.O.B. - "The Kids (feat. Janelle Monae)

nice little sample of Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend - "Holiday"

Song of the Day: Kanye West - "Power"

Wilco - "Country Disappeard"

via La Blogotheque

Song of the Day: Arcade Fire - "Month of May"

The Tallest Man on Earth - "The Wild Hunt"

via P4K

Song of the Day: Tokyo Police Club - "Wait Up (Boots of Danger)"

Male Bonding - "Year's Not Long"

Song of the Day: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - "Sink/Let It Sway"

Jamie Lidell - "A Take Away Show"

via La Blogotheque

Song of the Day: Thee Oh Sees - "I Was Denied"

Yuck - "Georgia"

Song of the Day: Man/Miracle - "Pushing and Shoving"

Echo and The Bunnymen - "Killing Moon"

Song of the Day: Sarah Blasko - "All I Want"

I'm pretty sure that's a saw in the background. I'm pretty sure that's cool.

Ramona Falls - "Russia"

Song of the Day: The Black Keys - "Tighten Up"

Here's the video.

The Mynabirds - "Numbers Don't Lie"

released by an old favorite: Saddle Creek Records

Song of the Day: Julian Lynch - "Just Enough"

MGMT

Live on Letterman.

Young Loves - "Rotten Fruit"

Song of the Day: School of Seven Bells - "Babelonia"

Tame Impala - "Solitude Is Bliss"

Song of the Day: Devendra Banhart - "Foolin'"

Here's the bizarre video.

The New Pornographers - "Your Hands (Together)"

Song of the Day: Braids - "Lemonade"

Gayngs - "Cry"

Song of the Day: Wolf Parade - "Ghost Pressure"

Avi Buffalo - "What's It In For"

Song of the Day: Neon Trees - "Animal"

Wild Nothing - "Chinatown"

Song of the Day: Sleigh Bells - "Tell 'Em"

Enemies - "Losses"

via La Blogotheque

Song of the Day: The Love Language - "Heart To Tell"

The Whigs - "Hundred/Million"

I had the pleasure of bringing this crew to SDSU back in 2007. They bring great energy to their live show.

Song of the Day: The Silver Seas - "The Best Things In Life"

The Tenniscoats - "Baibaba Bimba"

Fascinating. Via La Blogotheque.

Song of the Day: Interpol - "Lights"

Horse Feathers - "Belly of June"

Song of the Day: LCD Soundsystem - "Dance Yrself Clean"

Can't. Stop. Listening. To. This. Song. Infectious.

Music Go Music - "Light of Love"

Song of the Day: Crystal Castles - "Celestica"

Midnight Juggernauts - "Vital Signs"

Song of the Day: Phosphorescent - "Mermaid Parade"

Ten by Ten - "Bluebrain"

Song of the Day: The Books - "Beautiful People"

Five Years Older - "The City"

Song of the Day: M.I.A. - "Born Free"

Plants and Animals - "The Mama Papa

via La Blogotheque

Song of the Day: Marching Band - "It Will Never Slip"

Driver Drive Faster - "They May Talk"

Song of the Day: The Futureheads - "Struck Dumb"

Megafun - "Tides"

via La Blogotheque

Song of the Day: Color of Clouds - "Brother"

Best Coast - "When I'm With You"

Song of the Day: Arches - "Comin' Back Again"

Jamie Lidell - "The Ring"

Song of the Day: Secret Cities - "Pink Graffiti Pt. 1"

Doves - "Andalucia"

Song of the Day: Maps & Atlases - "Solid Ground"

I will be checking out Maps & Atlases along with Frightened Rabbit on May 10 at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis.

The Swell Season

I dropped the ball on the week of April 5 - April 9, so here is a Tiny Desk Concert from NPR that I thoroughly enjoyed, featuring The Swell Season.

Band of Horses - "Compliments"

Song of the Day: Deer Tick - "20 Miles"

Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition"

thanks for the recommendation, @codylbrown

Song of the Day: Cats On Fire - "The Borders of this Land"

The Hoof & The Heel - "Fireworks"

NSFW

Song of the Day: Seabear - "I'll Build You A Fire"

MGMT - "Flash Delirium"

It's amazing how they captured exactly what went through my head the first time I heard this song.

Song of the Day: Hole - "Samantha"

Dry The River - "Weights and Measures"

Song of the Day: BRAHMS - "Brought It Out"

Suckers - "Afterthoughts & TV"

I tried to do this by the water fountain at Walmart and they kicked me out.

Song of the Day: The National - "Bloodbuzz Ohio"

Love Is All - "Kungen"

Song of the Day: Trans Am - "Apparent Horizon"

Losers - "Flush"

UK vs Canada : Losers vs. Drake.

Song of the Day: Drake - "Over"

The Pretenders - "Boots of Chinese Plastic"

Song of the Day: Blitzen Trapper - "Heaven and Earth"

Joe Mauer Signs Extension with Minnesota Twins

"Reigning AL Most Valuable Player Joe Mauer made his eight-year, $184 million contract extension with the Twins official Monday. The St. Paul, Minnesota native is a three-time batting champion." - AP

Song of the Day: The Hold Stead - "Hurricane J"
available to stream

Special bonus: Craig Finn is a Twins fan and was raised in Edina, Minnesota.

We Have Band - "Devisive"

Song of the Day: Big Star - "Thirteen"

High Places - "The Longest Shadows"

Song of the Day: Primary 1 - "The Blue" (ft. Nina Persson)

the beginning audio bend reminds me of watching film strips in kindergarten

The Young Evils - "One Way Route"

Song of the Day: Red Pens - "Hung Out"

Inlets - "Bright Orange Air"

Song of the Day: Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - "Round and Round"

Devendra Banhart - "Baby"

featuring the Strokes’ Fabrizio Moretti, MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden, and GZA

Song of the Day: Efterklang - "Modern Drift"

Eric Copeland - "Fun Dink Death"

Song of the Day: Titus Andronicus - "A More Perfect Union"

The National - "Terrible Love"

live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Song of the Day: Josh Rouse - "I Will Live On Islands"

Bright Eyes/Neva Dinova - "One Jug of Win, Two Vessels" teaser

Bright Eyes/Neva Dinova "One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels" 2010 reissue available on CD/LP/digital on March 23rd via Saddle Creek, featuring four new songs. This is an atypical post for video of the day, but Bright Eyes was my vessel for exploring new and different music - I feel like I owe it to them.

Song of the Day: Bright Eyes - "Happy Accident"
This is one of those new songs.

She & Him - "In The Sun"

Song of the Day: MGMT - "Flash Delirium"

Have you checked out the album art yet?

Goldfrapp - "Rocket"

I feel like I'm in an '80s movie montage.

Song of the Day: Cults - "Go Outside"

Tunng - "Hustle"

Song of the Day: Fyfe Dangerfield - "When You Walk In the Room"

Tucan - "Indian Harmony"

Song of the Day: Dan Black - "Symphonies"

artist recommended by @ilovelumpy

Plants and Animals - "The Mama Papa"

Song of the Day: Gorillaz - "Stylo"

there's also a video

Owen Pallett - "Lewis Takes Off His Shirt"

Song of the Day: The Mint Chicks - "Hot On Your Heels"

band recommended by @codylbrown

La Roux - "In for the Kill"

Song of the Day: The Ruby Suns - "Cranberry"

recommended by @codylbrown

Leslie Early - "Your Car"

Song of the Day: Planningtorock - "I Wanna Bite Ya"

My thoughts on the Timberwolves 'franchise' player.

I loved Al Jefferson a year ago, but now I'm in the group that wants to trade him. His inability to play consistent defense is inexcusable after six seasons, over 250 starts and after logging over 11,000 minutes. Championships are won in the trenches and even though Al’s offensive skill set is unique and undeniably effective, missing defensive rotations and allowing second-chance points will kill any playoff team. Unless you pair Al with a quick, defensive-minded center AND small forward, his offensive prowess won’t make up for his defensive ineptitude in crunch time; if it did, we wouldn’t lose so many tight games down the stretch. A contending team will pony-up for one of the game’s best low-post scorers. The Timberwolves need to continue to pile up the assets and bargaining chips and part of that process is sacrificing talent.

With all of this being said, if we can find a way to win with Al, I would have no issue keeping him around. He's a unique talent and great for the community*.

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Sorry for the departure from music, but I'm also a diehard Minnesota sports fan, so this will happen from time-to-time.

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*I wrote this before Al was arrested for suspicion of DWI. That being said, people make mistakes and Al's apology was sincere.

X-Wife - "Heart of the World"

Song of the Day: Bikeride - "Jennifer"

Spring Offensive - "Every Coin"

Song of the Day: The Craters - "Cool Enough For School"

Bowerbirds - "Nothern Lights"

This time it's official.

Song of the Day: She & Him - "Thieves"

Do you think M. Ward is mad that the band name isn't 'He & Her'?

Tegan & Sara - "Alligator"

Song of the Day: Clem Snide - "The Meat of Life"

Vampire Weekend - "Giving Up the Gun"

featuring RZA, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lil Jon & Joe Jonas

Song of the Day: Broken Social Scene - "World Sick"

Headlights - "Love Song for Buddy"

Headlights will be at Club David in Sioux Falls on February 24.

Song of the Day: Annuals - "Loxtep"

Casiokids - "En Vill Hest"

That cereal is out of control.

Song of the Day: Gold Motel - "Don't Send the Searchlights"

The Low Anthem - "Apothecary"

There wasn't any doubt that this would be the video of the day when I noticed it on La Blogotheque.

Song of the Day: The Morning Benders - "Promises"