I like to make these lists as if they're playlists, not in order of merit, my 'album of the year', trying to represent my musical faves of 2012 and flow together in sequence to make a nice set that hopefully reflects the year in general. This track is perfect to start with. Just as an artist should, the lead off track from Ali's brave new album tells some of the story of our community through his life. I hope the rest of this list does what a DJ should, tell another story about us, The Current community, through some of my favorite tunes.
Break out band of the year.
First solo and he didn't let us down. Loved the concept of all boy and all woman band alternating nights on tour. Dominated our chart with several 'singles' but it's a complete album too.
Loved how this band grew this year in every way. Rock The Garden was a massive highlight for us and this was the 'theme' song used for the video highlight reel. Perfect.
Really pleased that they have followed up their massive debut with a very solid second and this came out of the gate, rockin as hard as they ever have.
After discovering them for myself in Iceland last year, it was another highlight to see them at SXSW and have this song blow up so hooj!
The boss and I happened upon them at SXSW, the last band we saw. I liked their psychedelic multi-rhythm thing. I had suggested that this would be the year of the double drummer ! Mercury Music Prize nomination, just the beginning.
Getting to introduce them at SXSW on NPR another highlight of my year.
Still, happily stunned at how well they've done, just debuted on the BBC TV Show 'Jools Holland'. A great local export, in another awesome year for MN music.
This is MY country now. Becoming a citizen will stand out for me this year and when she played this at RTG she implored everyone to vote and won new friends, who might not normally listen to her challenging tunes, just by the spirited performance style.
The election, my first to vote in, was also a big deal this year. This song is so timely and honest and in the moment.
Mark Wheat, Host
Mary Lucia, Host
Barb Abney, Host
Steve Seel, Host
Jill Riley, Host
Bill DeVille, Host
Jim McGuinn, Program Director
Jade Tittle, Assistant Producer & Host
David Safar, Music Director
Mac Wilson, Host
Jacquie Fuller, Host
Derrick Stevens, Production Manager
Lindsay Kimball, Assistant Program Director
Jon Schober, Local Music Assistant/Music Assistant
Brett Baldwin, Managing Digital Producer
Leah Garaas, Intern
Nate Ryan, Associate Web Producer, Multimedia
Jake Rudh, Host
Matt Perkins, Marketing Manager
Scott Olstad, Associate Web Producer
Peter Valelly, Associate Web Producer
Andrea Swensson, Local Current blogger