James Mercer

Critics' Picks: Howler, Tanlines, White Denim, and more

Said the Whale

Big Lake releases new single "Eight Weeks"

​Local indie-rock quintet Big Lake have captured the hearts of Twin Cities music fans in rather small doses, releasing one all-too-brief EP after another, in addition to their captivating, but all-too-infrequent, live shows. But while fans of the band wait patiently for a full-length album fro ... More >>

The Shins release new track, "Simple Song," and reveal new album plans

​James Mercer has had no shortage of creative outlets over the last few years. But his main band, the Shins, have kept remarkably quiet since 2007's Wincing The Night Away, other than announcing that they were leaving their longtime label Sub Pop in '08. Mercer has now formed his own record la ... More >>

Broken Bells at First Avenue, 12/6/10

Photos by Steve Cohen​Broken BellsDecember 6, 2010First Avenue, MinneapolisIf you were not at Broken Bells at First Avenue on Monday night, you missed what was probably one of the tightest rock shows to pass through the venue this year. Seriously. (No, for real. I'm not just saying that to be a je ... More >>

Eyedea tribute, the New Standards, Andrew Bird, and more

Photos by Steve Cohen​Broken BellsDecember 6, 2010First Avenue, MinneapolisIf you were not at Broken Bells at First Avenue on Monday night, you missed what was probably one of the tightest rock shows to pass through the venue this year. Seriously. (No, for real. I'm not just saying that to be a je ... More >>

Broken Bells

Photos by Steve Cohen​Broken BellsDecember 6, 2010First Avenue, MinneapolisIf you were not at Broken Bells at First Avenue on Monday night, you missed what was probably one of the tightest rock shows to pass through the venue this year. Seriously. (No, for real. I'm not just saying that to be a je ... More >>

Ra Ra Riot

Photos by Steve Cohen​Broken BellsDecember 6, 2010First Avenue, MinneapolisIf you were not at Broken Bells at First Avenue on Monday night, you missed what was probably one of the tightest rock shows to pass through the venue this year. Seriously. (No, for real. I'm not just saying that to be a je ... More >>

Critics' Picks: Tokyo Police Club and more

Photos by Steve Cohen​Broken BellsDecember 6, 2010First Avenue, MinneapolisIf you were not at Broken Bells at First Avenue on Monday night, you missed what was probably one of the tightest rock shows to pass through the venue this year. Seriously. (No, for real. I'm not just saying that to be a je ... More >>

Modest Mouse: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

Photos by Steve Cohen​Broken BellsDecember 6, 2010First Avenue, MinneapolisIf you were not at Broken Bells at First Avenue on Monday night, you missed what was probably one of the tightest rock shows to pass through the venue this year. Seriously. (No, for real. I'm not just saying that to be a je ... More >>

Mandrew: The Wonderful World of Mandrew

Photos by Steve Cohen​Broken BellsDecember 6, 2010First Avenue, MinneapolisIf you were not at Broken Bells at First Avenue on Monday night, you missed what was probably one of the tightest rock shows to pass through the venue this year. Seriously. (No, for real. I'm not just saying that to be a je ... More >>

These Songs Will Change...Your Socks

How can the Shins' new album hope to live up to the hype?

The World Is Going To Hell. Why Worry?

The Shins find the fun in despair

Short Cuts

The Shins find the fun in despair