(Tracks is a feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila! Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

You Can’t Make A Ghost Without It’s Sheet: Paragraphs

Paragraphs You Can’t Make A Ghost Without It’s Sheet is the first six song record recorded by the Minneapolis instrumental quartet.  This band first hit our radar back in 2009 while playing a string of shows in the Twin Cities area.  Paragraphs strikes an interesting compromise in their music between ambiance and minimalism, and their DIY approach to making music in the 21st century stretches beyond the studio.  This band could be a model for any artist who has aspirations of charging forth with cavalier enthusiasm.  Truth be told, we heard of them because they insisted on being heard, giving us regular updates on what they were up to all over town.  We’re thankful they did, because they’re not in the business of wasting anyone’s time!  Other locals have taken notice too, including folks over at Switchblade Comb, Reviler.org, Vita.mn, and More Cowbell.

You can connect with Paragraphs via their Myspace or Facebook pages.  The band also keeps everyone up-to-date through their Twitter page.  In preparation for their next album, the band has even began a Kickstarter page to allow their fans to lend a helping hand.  In a modern world full of online promotional possibilities, Paragraphs is leaving few stones unturned.  The best way to get yourself a copy of this album is at a show, so next up?  Catch Paragraphs at the Whole Music Cafe on the UofM campus this Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7:30PM.

“Let’s Meet Halfway (and Fall Apart)” by: Paragraphs

Self-Titled: The Sextons

We were very pleasantly surprised recently when we opened the old P.O. Box and found ourselves a copy of The Sextons self-titled release.  This band had for all of 2009 slipped right under our noses, reminding us once again how much righteous music lurks just beneath the bustling veneer of the Twin Cities.  This band writes pop songs that come with all the allureable trappings, and we wouldn’t be surprised if locals get taken hook, line, and sinker in 2010.  We expect more buzz on the horizon!

The Sextons maintain an active Myspace page – the second best way to connect with the band and stream some tunes.  But what is the best way to connect with them, you might ask?  Hands down, at their CD Release show on March 5 at Sauce Spirits and Soundbar.  Doors open at 8:00PM, and they’ll be supported by mainstays These Modern Socks and The Small Cities.  Want an album ahead of time?  Go grab yourself one directly from the band by following this link.

“Full of Holes” by: The Sextons

posted February 15th, 2010 at 11:08 am MN Rock, Tracks Paragraphs, The Sextons

(Tracks is a feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila! Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

Recessionista: The Mood Swings

Recessionista is the third album release from local fuzzpop rockers The Mood Swings.  If you’ve been fortunate enough to catch a recent episode of Susstacular somewhere in the Twin Cities, then you likely have a clue what’s in store.  This band rocks beginning to end and never lets up.

Recessionista dropped last November and was greeted by praise from St. Paul’s Pioneer Press.  You can connect with The Mood Swings via Myspace or Twitter.  Snag an album from  susstones.com or follow this link to hit up iTunes!

“Recessionista” by: The Mood Swings

Cast Off: Avenpitch

Local electropunk outfit Avenpitch have been leading a charge against same-old-boring-rock-n-roll for several years now (in my words, not theirs).  Cast Off is plump with pop and punk ambition; invitingly familiar without betraying your need to listen to the other.

Plenty of ink has been spilled over Cast Off, and you can read it all HERE.  Connect up with Avenpitch via Myspace,  Facebook, or the band’s website, and then pick up a copy of Cast Off directly from the band through this link (CD Baby/iTunes alternatives are offered as well).

“Disappear” by: Avenpitch

posted January 15th, 2010 at 10:17 am MN Rock, Tracks Avenpitch, The Mood Swings

(Tracks is a feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila! Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

Someday Soon: Cedar Avenue

Cedar Avenue takes its name from one of Minneapolis’ most iconic Ave.’s.  And why not, since after all, its particularly well known for the number of live music venues that inhabit its historic structures.

Cedar Avenue (the band) is just beginning to make its mark on the Twin Cities.  The song below, “Radio,” showcases the male/female, dual vocal talents of members Jesse Mathews and Derrin Shafer (I’ve been a sucker for the male/female vocal thing since Lily Liver, remember them?)  Cedar Avenue will be performing a release show for Someday Soon on Saturday night, Dec. 12, at the Varsity Theater.   They’ll be joined by The Alarmists, This World Fair, and Will Hutchinson.

Pick up a digital copy of Someday Soon at iTunes, and while you’re floating around the net, visit the band’s Myspace page as well.

Free Download

“Radio” by Cedar Avenue

Well, Here We Are Then: Joey Ryan & The Inks

Well, Here We Are Then could comfortably occupy a spot in your music collection alongside such great albums as The Byrds’s Mr. Tambourine Man or  just about anything by Roy Orbison.  Joey Ryan & The Inks really know how to bring what worked in the past back to the present.

The release show for Well, Here We Are Then will be taking place at the Triple Rock Social Club on Dec. 18, and the band will be supported by local talents Yer Cronies, New Century Masters, & Big Lake.

After downloading your copy of “Shame On Me Once (Shame On You Twice)” below, swing over to the band’s Myspace page and listen more.  Copies of Well, Here We Are Then will certainly be on hand at the show.

Free Download

“Shame On Me Once (Shame On You Twice)” by Joey Ryan & The Inks

posted December 10th, 2009 at 1:37 pm MN Rock, Tracks Cedar Avenue, Joey Ryan & The Inks

(Tracks is a feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila!  Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

Invincible Criminal: Mark Mallman

Mark Mallman is a Minneapolis mainstay, and over time, it seems everyone has had a good word or two to say about him, from Rolling Stone to the Chicago Sun Times.  Just visit his web page, you’ll see!  It’s all well deserved too, especially with the release of Mallman’s newest album Invincible Criminal.  Twelve finely crafted pop tunes, and in our opinion, a collection of the best to come out of Minnesota this year.

Visit Mark Mallman’s website or myspace pages to listen to songs from Invincible Criminal, become his fan on facebook, then pick up your copy from Badman Records or iTunes.  Mallman is next slated to play the Turf Club in St. Paul on Nov. 7.

Free Download

“White Leather Days” by: Mark Mallman

Cascade: Mercurial Rage

Mercurial Rage typically graces Twin Cities clubs in a single month more often than many bands do in a single year, and their hard work shows both on and off stage.  Cascade is the band’s first full length release on Minneapolis’ Susstones record label.

Mercurial Rage can be connected with via Myspace, Facebook, or the band’s website.  You can pick up your own copy of Cascade at the Electric Fetus, or shop it on iTunes, Amazon, or at the Susstones shop.  The song below, “Star,” is the first tune off the new album.

Free Download

“Star” by: Mercurial Rage

posted October 26th, 2009 at 2:16 pm MN Rock, Tracks Mark Mallman, Mercurial Rage

(Tracks is a weekly (or bi-weekly) feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila!  Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

Freeway Surrender: The 757’s

In many ways, The 757’s embody what Minneapolis rock music is all about.  Stripped bare, no bullshit rock and roll, born in the blue collar bars that dominate our streets and communities.  The 757’s have been featured on My Old Kentucky Blog, the 89.3 The Current Live show, and numerous other local periodicals both on and offline.

You can connect with the band through their website, or become their friend on either Myspace or Facebook.  Pick up a copy of Freeway Surrender via www.the757s.com or on iTunes, and catch The 757’s at the Uptown Bar on August 22.

Free Download

“Teenage Logic” by: The 757’s

…and The Second Law of Thermodynamics: Maudlin

…and The Second Law of Thermodynamics was released at the tail end of 2008, but so what?  It’s real home is in 2009, and this collection of post-grunge rock tunes are reminiscent of everything alternative music hasn’t become.  Where has the anger and resentment gone that was so front and center in the music of the mid-90’s?    Into Maudlin, that’s where.

Maudlin has a Myspace page featuring more Maudlin music, but the cool kids hang at the band’s online blog: http://ismybandcool.com.  They also buy Maudlin music at the Electric Fetus or Cheapo Discs, and in less cool fashion, iTunes.  Check Maudlin out at the Turf Club this Saturday night, August 15, and knab another free mp3 by Maudlin from the Borangutan Downloads page.

Free Download

“Stacy Dahl” by: Maudlin

posted August 11th, 2009 at 11:16 am MN Rock, Tracks, Uncategorized Maudlin, The 757's

(Tracks is a weekly (or bi-weekly) feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila!  Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

Wonder Subtly Crushing Us: Ice Palace

Minneapolis’ Ice Palace combine the best of garage and folk rock into a single package, crafting songs at one minute driven by crushingly distorted guitars, and then cooling it down acoustically like a soft breeze off the Plains.   Fans of Wilco and Golden Smog take note!  The band has shown up in numerous places both on and offline, but some of these include The MN Daily, Daytrotter, and Northern Outpost.

Go pay the band a visit on their Myspace page and leave a comment, then if you just can’t wait, purchase your copy of Wonder Subtly Crushing Us via the Ice Palace webpage.  You can also snag an album locally at The Electric Fetus or Cheapo Discs.  Ice Palace will play the Turf Club this Friday, July 31.

Free Download

“Lily” by: Ice Palace

Normality EP: SueCity

Few bands in the cities play straight-up, drop-kick rock ‘n roll as well as SueCity, and for good reason we’re always keeping a close eye on what’s coming next from the Mankato residents.  Rumor has it an LP is on the way, but for now, you can batter your eardrums with Normality, their current EP.  SueCity has been featured here on Borangutan and in the MSU Reporter.

The band has both a Myspace and Facebook fan page set up to feed you all the juicy updates and gossip on the forthcoming album.  Want to knab an EP?  Visit the band at an upcoming show at The Rock Nightclub on July 31.

Free Download

“Diesel Train” by: SueCity

posted July 27th, 2009 at 9:55 am MN Rock, Tracks Ice Palace, SueCity

(Tracks is a weekly (or bi-weekly) feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila!  Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

Power of 2 (Self-titled LP)

Power of 2 are an instrumental rock duo with crushing drum beats and accented guitar melodies.  Their new self-titled debut contains nine songs of pure energy, perfect for any high-spirited moment.  The band has been featured in Rift Magazine and on Minnesota’s local Mind Inversion music blog.  They have also been cited on Radio K’s nowlikephotographs website.

You can check out more Power of 2 music via the band’s Myspace page, and you can become a bonafide fan by joining them on Facebook.  The Power of 2 album can be purchased locally at Treehouse and Eclipse Records.  Upcoming concert dates include July 17 at the Hexagon Bar and August 20 at the Uptown Bar.

Find another track by Power of 2 available on the Borangutan Downloads page.

Free Download

Square Knot by: Power of 2

A Good Time Was Had By All: The Golden Bubbles

From the small town of Wells, MN come The Golden Bubbles, a piano pop trio who adopted the name after a local dancehall.  In the last year the band has been featured in the UofM’s MN Daily and Reveille Magazine.  Reviews of their latest album A Good Time Was Had By All can be viewed at Volante Online and Minnesota based Perfect Porridge.

You can listen to more tunes and connect with The Golden Bubbles via their Myspace page, and you can also drop them a message on their Facebook fan page.  Get your copy of A Good Time Was Had By All through CD Baby.

The Golden Bubbles will play Kernel Days in Wells, MN on Aug. 16, and Riverfront Park in Mankato, MN on Sept. 12.

Bonus! Download another tune by The Golden Bubbles via the Borangutan Downloads page.

Free Download

Progress by: The Golden Bubbles

posted July 13th, 2009 at 9:00 pm MN Rock, Tracks Power of 2, The Golden Bubbles

(Tracks is a weekly (or bi-weekly) feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila!  Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

All The Places We Would Rather Be: Two Harbors

After releasing a self-titled debut album in 2006 under the name Colonial Vipers Attack, Two Harbors members Chris Pavlich, Kris Johnson, and Shawn Grider reformed the group with bassist Jeremy Bergo to release All The Places We Would Rather Be.  The band was determined to make a record that captured their live spirit and depth (Two Harbors Myspace), and by all accounts All The Places We Would Rather Be does just that.

Two Harbors have recently been featured on 89.3 The Current’s local show with David Campbell.  The band’s first single “You Pulled The Rug Out” has also received regular airplay on 89.3 The Current.  You can catch them next at susstacular! on July 11th.

Follow Two Harbors or listen to more music on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter.  Pick up your copy of All The Places We Would Rather Be at susstones or at The Electric Fetus or Cheapo Discs.

See the live performance of “You Pulled The Rug Out” HERE.

You can also view Borangutan’s review of Two Harbors’ album and live performance HERE.

Free Download

“What I Keep Inside”

The Hearts We Broke On The Way To The Show:
The Idle Hands

The Idle Hands new album The Hearts We Broke On The Way To The Show will not be officially released nationally until September 8, but already cuts off the preceding Loaded EP are making their way onto radio stations and iPods.  In the months leading up to all the recent buzz, The Idle Hands have done live, in-studio performances on both the UofM’s Radio K and 89.3 The Current’s local show with Chris Roberts.  Their first single “Loaded” was featured as “song of the day” on The Current, and it has received healthy rotation on that station as well.

You can follow The Idle Hands on Myspace and Facebook.  Purchase your copy of the Loaded EP on iTunes. The Hearts We Broke On The Way To The Show is also currently available locally for purchase at both The Electric Fetus and Cheapo Discs, a special pre-release treat for the local listeners the band loves.  Check the band out on July 12 at Barbette’s Bastille Days.

The following track “Secretary” is off The Hearts We Broke On The Way To The Show and is not found on the Loaded EP. The single “Loaded” is found on both the EP and the new LP.

Free Download

“Secretary”

posted June 29th, 2009 at 10:38 am Tracks The Idle Hands, Two Harbors

(Tracks is a weekly (or bi-weekly) feature on Borangutan that showcases local artists and their recent album. Many local artists generously donate their music to Borangutan writers, and part of our mission is to take that music and place it in your ears. Voila!  Each feature offers a free, limited-time mp3 download (one track) from the highlighted artist’s album, and links to where you can listen to or purchase more.)

Swell: Speeds the Name

Minneapolis’ Speeds the Name add modern flavor to a classic west coast sound.  They have recently been featured in the City Pages, on Minneapoliscast, and will soon be making an appearance on Minnesota’s Northern Outpost.  Their new album Swell was released on May 30th of this year.

Speeds the Name have both a Myspace and Facebook fan page where you can connect with the band and listen to more tracks from Swell.  The album can be purchased from CD Baby, or just as likely, directly from the band at a show.  Upcoming concert dates include June 19th at the Uptown Bar.

Speed’s the Name is also a featured artist on Borangutan’s Download page.

Free Download

Lemons by: Speeds the Name

Falcon Arrow (self-titled EP)

Falcon Arrow need no six-string to rock, nor a vocalist to deliver the words.   The message is in the music, and this instrumental duo is on a mission to spread their art near and far.  Falcon Arrow has received recent rotation on the UofM’s Radio K, and they were featured on Northern Outpost back on June 5.

You can find Falcon Arrow’s home on Myspace, and their self-titled EP can be purchased through CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes.  However, do note that supplies are limited!  Falcon Arrow has indicated they will have several copies available at their show tonight at Big V’s.  They’ll be playing Big V’s again on July 18, and then at the Turf Club on July 29.

Falcon Arrow will also soon be featured on Borangutan’s Download page.

Free Download

Petit Bit by: Falcon Arrow

posted June 15th, 2009 at 9:23 am MN Rock, Tracks Falcon Arrow, Speed's the Name