New Video: His Mischief - "Roman Holiday"

From their latest, the excellent The Perfect Lover

His Mischief MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

New Video: P.O.S - "Optimist"

If you head out to P.O.S.' meet-and-greet at Golden Valley, ask him how they did this. Spotted at MySpace and also MWBroadcast. Two down, four more to go.


Director & Editor: Maria Juranic
Producer: Brady Kiernan
Director of Photography: Bo Hakala
Production Company: Rent the Sky

New Live Video: Aby Wolf - "Keara" (@ Cedar Cultural Center)

Aby Wolf herself uploaded this video of "Keara," a track from her recently released solo debut Sweet Prudence. This footage was taken at the CD release party for said disc, which was back in January at the Cedar Cultural Center. "Keara" is defined by luminous multi-part harmonies and a laid-back, shuffle-y feel. Watch the video of the performance at the top of the post.

Sweet Prudence is available now

Aby Wolf MySpace Page

New Kanye West Video - "Heartless"

(via)

Cross-Published on CIMI.

Heiruspecs do expert impression of Barack Obama in new video for "Get Up"

We got an announcement of a CD release show and new self-titled album from Minneapolis hip-hop group Heiruspecs back in September. That show and record won't happen until December, which is still a bit off (although, to be fair, when the hell did October decide it had to come to an end?). But we're starting to see some signs of life from the 'specs.

First off, the group premiered a new song from the upcoming full-length as part of Culture Bully's blog-a-thon for charity. Now, the band has debuted a new video for their song "Get Up". You can watch the Obama-flavored video, which is sure to be the stuff of Michele Bachmann's nightmares, at the top of the post. Listen to their new track at the bottom:

Download: Heiruspecs - "Let it Fly"(via)

Check out what Sean McPherson of Heiruspecs said about music education here. It's a pretty remarkable story about how one teacher can make a world of difference in the life of a student.

Heiruspecs MySpace Page

Speaking of Minneapolis rappers and Obama, have you heard M.anifest's new jam?

Download: M.anifest & Budo - "Age of Obama" (via)

While you're at it, read his essay too.

M.anifest MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)
jon@minneapolisfuckingrocks.com

New Marnie Stern - "Transformer" (Plus: "Transformer" Video)

Download: Marnie Stern - "Transformer"

By perfectly bridging the considerable gap between 1984-era Van Halen and Husker Du circa 1984, Marnie Stern's "Transformer" sees the common ground between both bands: explosive, cathartic, sing-along choruses. Or, to put it another way, they both can kick some serious ass.

Stern's a guitar virtuoso, so it would seem natural that she open a tune with her fret-tapping prowess. But instead of launching into schoolboy fantasies, Stern takes the opportunity to craft introspective lyrics about frustration and personal identity. Under a pummeling double-bass drumline that would make Alex Van Halen smile, Stern rails against personal complacency. "How can I be all these things to you?" goes the first line, with a smattering of raw guitar that would make Bob Mould smile providing the soundtrack for the narrator's existential crisis. (Sorry about the repetitive lines, but there's a lot here that will make a lot of people smile).

Even though there's self-doubt in the lyrics, the music is anything but doubtful. With an energetic, breathless arrangement and skillful songcraft, Marnie Stern has proven the notion that virtuosos can't write imaginative songs by writing one of the best songs of the year. Even though the song was premiered back in August, Stern's publicity people have released it to promote the excellent This is It... album, which will be released next week. Listen to "Transformer", and watch the video, at the top of the post.

Marnie Stern MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)
jon@minneapolisfuckingrocks.com

New Jeff Hanson Video - "If Only I Knew"

Download: Jeff Hanson - "If Only I Knew"

Yesterday, Stereogum debuted the new claymation-tastic video from St.Paul-based singer-songwriter Jeff Hanson. The video is directed by the same gent who worked for Thao and the Get Down Stay Down by helming their "Swimming Pool" video. Watch the vid for "If I Only Knew" here.

The CD release party for Hanson's new album, Madam Owl, is tomorrow at the Triple Rock. Read more here.

Jeff Hanson MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)

New Rhymefest Video - "Stolen"

Throughout Man in the Mirror, Rhymefest's unique Michael Jackson tribute album, the Chicago rapper keeps insisting that El Che, his ravenously anticipated sophomore album, is coming. Alas, there's still no word about an official release date for El Che, but activity surrounding the Chicago rapper has greatly increased (though it may have been at the result of some heinous circumstances).

First, Rhymefest officially dropped two new tracks, "In Between" and "Forces of Nature". Next is a video for track "Stolen", which you can see at the top of the post. It's a poignant blend of animation and live-action concerning the lost of innocence during genocide.

Rhymefest MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)

This article has been cross-published on Chicago is Mildly Interesting