The synth-pop duo of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel, better known as Phantogram, just released their second new song in as many weeks.  "Celebrate Nothing" dropped this morning, along with an announcement that a new EP is just 4 days away.  The new EP as well as a much anticipated new full length album "Voices" are the first signs of new music from this energetic duo since their 2011 EP "Nightlife".  No official news on the LP release just yet, but I wager to say it isn't all that far off.  There have been teases on their Facebook page on a number of occasions.

Any Bob Dylan fans out there???  Yeah, me too.  If your Dylan collection leaves a little something to be desired, then here is your chance to not only fill in the blanks, but to own the ultimate Bob Dylan archive.  Dubbed the "Bob Dylan Complete Album Collection Vol. 1"

If you are "Old School" and want the CD's, for $255.50 you can have all 35 studio albums, 6 live albums and a double disc called side tracks containing miscellaneous  tracks not found on any of the other 40 some odd CDs in the box set.

For me, the harmonica shaped USB drive is the ticket.  I mean really, how freaking cool is this thing.  Coming in at a measly $319.98, its a steal and will be available on November 15th.

19 Year old singer songwriter Holly Henry had all 4 judges on NBC's The Voice fighting over her on last night's second episode of the season.  Her rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist" got Blake Shelton to turn his chair around within just seconds of hearing her angelic young voice.  She repaid his enthusiasm by choosing him to be her coach for the season.

Graduating from Hopkins High School just last year, Holly Henry (Heinrich as the world knew her before) is a self proclaimed songwriter without much singing experience.  We're looking forward to rooting for another Minnesota musician....  Good luck Holly!!!

There is a ton of great music going on this week in the Twin Cities.  Here are just a few to consider if you are looking for a little live music...

Thursday 9/26:

Will Sparks @ The Marquee
Doors: 9:00pm  Get Tickets
This 20 year-old Australian has been killing the international electro-house scene...  His remix of Blurred Lines (below) has dominated the Beatport charts.  It's a great chance to get your dance on...

Cold War Kids @ First Avenue
Doors: 7:30  $22.00  Get Tickets
With their latest album "Dear Miss Lonelyhearts" released just months ago, they deliver a more polished thoughtful album than we have seen to date.  The addition of Dann Gallucci (Modest Mouse guitarist) on both sides of the soundboard adds a sound and feel you have to experience to appreciate.



Friday 9/27:

Caroline Smith @ First Ave  with Solid Gold
Doors: 8:00  $15  Get Tickets
This is a "local" music 2-fer...  Caroline Smith (and the Goodnight Sleeps) delivers authentic folk instrumentals with an indie rock vibe, bringing a sound that is undeniably captivating.  The addition of Solid Gold sets this up to be one of the best Indie Rock evenings on the calendar for quite a while.


North Mississippi All Stars @ The Cabooze
Doors: 8:00  $15  Get Tickets
With the recent release of the critically acclaimed "World Boogie is Coming", North Mississippi All Stars bring their brand of southern rock.  Make it to this show and there is zero chance your feet don't stomp.


Saturday 9/28

Nine Inch Nails @ Xcel Energy Center:
Doors: 8:00  $35.50 - $97.00  Get Tickets
With the release of "Hesitation Marks", their first album in 5 years, the band reunites to tour North America and beyond.  The album has been well received and the tour has been touted as a "Must See".

Papadosio @ The Cabooze
Doors: 8:30  $15  Get Tickets
Get your electro jam band on...  Blurring the lines between EDM and Jam Band, Papadosio brings a blend of sounds few other attempt.  If you like Umphrey's McGee or STS9, you're gonna want to check these guys out...

White Iron Band @ Northrup
Doors: 5:00  FREE
Get your MN Pride on for free.  Head on over to the U of M campus and pull up a piece of grass on the lawn in front of the Northrup Auditorium.  Be ready for a little foot stompin' honkey tonkin'...

Last night, Samuel Bean better know as Iron & Wine took the stage to a capacity crowd at First Avenue in Minneapolis.  The show had been listed as "Sold Out" for weeks, but upon arrival at the doors tickets were still available, but obviously not very many.  As a fan of Iron & Wine from a few years back, I had envisioned Bean on stage with his acoustic guitar and that was about it.  Memories of "Such Great Heights" and its simplicity are what had me hooked on his brand of melodic sound.  As Iron & Wine took the stage it was glaringly obvious that things had changed, as a dozen people and instruments found their spots and set up shop.


They made the switch from big band to Bean solo a few times, creating a rising and falling tempo to the show.  While solo on stage, the room seemed to shrink.  As fans shouted requests from the floor Bean would respond directly to them.  When a robust "Boy with a Coin" came from the audience Bean's retort had the whole place laughing...  He said "I have played this song for every show for the last fucking seven years. If you eat the same fucking meal for the same seven years, it's time to try something else."   

To finish off the evening, Bean returned to the stage for a one song encore, the emotional and quintessential Iron & Wine track "Love Vigilantes".  Bean stood in front of the microphone and said "I'm gonna do one more then send you on your way"...



While we enjoyed the musical stylings of Iron and Wine, just across First Avenue legions of 50-somethings sat inside Target Center suffering through The Eagles.  One of the many requests shouted at the stage was "Hotel California", to which Bean replied, "Just lean your head out the window"... Thankfully, Iron & Wine ended about 20 minutes before The Eagles, allowing most of the crowd to avoid the walking sea of baby boomers.  

In whole, it was a great show.  If I had to come up with a complaint it was that when accompanied by the full band, Bean's vocals were at times drowned out.  The big band sound was a welcomed surprise, but if the sacrifice was to override Bean's melodic voice, it wasn't worth it in my opinion. 

Setlist

The Desert Babbler
Carousel
Kingdom of the Animals
Tree By the River
The Trapeze Swinger
Sixteen Maybe Less
Belated Promise Ring
Baby Center Stage
Monkeys Uptown
Such Great Heights
Boy With a Coin
Upward Over the Mountain
Resurrection Fern
Waves of Galveston
Caught in the Briars
Sundown (Back in the Briars)
Jezebel
Grace For Saints and Ramblers
Low Light Buddy of Mine
Your Fake Name Is Good Enough For Me

Encore
Love Vigilantes