Album Reviews

Prince| “Nothing Compares 2 U”

Two years after Minnesota lost one of its biggest icons in Prince, we are still receiving classics from him posthumously. The man who made purple more than just a color has had his previously unreleased single “Nothing Compares 2 U” put out by Warner Bros. Records. Originally recorded in 1984 for Prince’s band the Family, it was made famous via a 1990 re-recording by Sinéad O’Connor which spawned her greatest hit.

Various Artists -Revamp: The Songs Of Elton John & Bernie Taupin | Restoration: Reimagining The Songs Of Elton John And Bernie Taupin

Flatbush Zombies | Vacation in Hell

Nat Harvie Trio | Broken Record

Nat Harvie and the two other members of their trio, Sam Williams and Becca DeBoer, have crafted one of the most entertaining debuts by any Minnesota artists recently.

Shrimpnose | Sullen

We’ve all had to face adversity in our lives in one way or another, but Shrimpnose may be proof that it takes time to conquer our demons. Overcoming several obstacles early in his life and till this day, the Minneapolis producer still finds a way to rise up and make music for others to do the same. Investing newfound energy and emotion into his newest project, Sullen, Shrimpnose crafts a peaceful electronica experience.

Dessa | Chime

Doomtree member Dessa is here with her fourth album and its timing couldn’t be any better. When she’s not working on her evolving sound in New York or going back to her alma mater helping participate in neuroscience research (which helped influence the album), Dessa can be found at a local venue jamming out. The Minnesota native’s latest, Chime, blends sounds of classical orchestras, hip-hop instrumentals and soulful pop.

MGMT | Little Dark Age

Black Panther: The Album | Various Artists

Sonny Knight & The Lakers | I’m Still Here

In honor of Black History Month, we’re revisiting a 2014 album from the late Minnesota musician Sonny Knight.

Saint Paul native Knight was an artist who, among other things, helped revive classic soul in a Midwest city known for its funky rhythm and ‘80s icons. His background ranged from a gospel –filled childhood to seeing the world, fighting in Vietnam and later touring with his band The Lakers. Sonny brings a very cultured and honest take and blends genres, allowing music to flow from the soul.

Nightmare on Wax| Shape the Future

Years removed from his group’s conception in the late 1980s, Nightmare on Wax now consists solely of DJ E.A.S.E who dons the moniker and continues to compose some of his greatest music. 

Illism | Love and Loyalty

After two EPs (later re-released on one album) the duo known as Illism, comprised of lyricist Envy and vocalist Fancy, came together again for their debut album Love and Loyalty. Combining elements of Soul and R & B with appearances of 80's Funk, Illism shows nothing but loyalty to their Minnesota roots.

Nai Palm | Needle Paw

With her Zen-filled lyrics and a gentle delivery, Nai Palm, the 23-year-old lead vocalist of the Australian based soul quartet Hiatus Kaiyote, delivers an acoustic barrage on her solo debut Needle Paw. 

Deep State | Thought Garden

Athens, Georgia seems to be the music mill of the southeast having birthed acts like R.EM, Of Montreal and Dead Confederate, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Deep State formed in recent years as a punk band that’s got their toes dipped in southern blues with a love for 60s styles reverb. Thought Garden is their second album since their 2015 release Nice. Collaborative and introspective, the novel Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse sowed the seed for Thought Garden.

Kendrick Lamar | DAMN.

Rapper and wordsmith, Kendrick Lamar graces the radio waves once again with his fourth studio album DAMN. After To Pimp a Butterfly’s Earth shattering success, Kendrick’s fan base can let out a breath of relief knowing the prolific writer’s pen has barely scratched the surface of his genius.