Eric Koskinen: Live

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Eric Koskinen recently recorded his live performance at St. Paul’s historic James J. Hill Library for the Real-Phonic Radio hour, and he’s releasing the performance as an album simply called Live. The lead single “Will You Feel My Love” is a nostalgic country-fueled track about the trials of keeping the old romantic flame going strong. While Koskinen questions love standing the test of time, there is no question that his guitar playing is smooth as ever. He recently stopped by Radio Heartland to talk about recording the album and his process of playing live.

Sims: Lights Out Paris 10-year anniversary reissue

Doomtree founding member Sims is celebrating 10 years since the release of his solo debut Lights Out Paris with a deluxe vinyl reissue. Not only is it the first time the album is available on vinyl, but it’s remastered and ready for a fresh listen. The double LP comes with a load of extras which includes a Sims t-shirt, poster, and remixes by Doomtree DJ Lazerbeak. Oh, and access to a private Ustream show with the man himself on July 15. You can snag some Doomtree nostalgia today—and read the first half of Andrea Swensson's two-part conversation with Sims on the Local Current blog.

Lukulele Slim: We've All Got Baggage By Now

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One half of hip-hop duo Jellyfish Brigade (Wisconsin/Minneapolis transplants) is debuting some solo work. Lukulele Slim is breaking away from the heavy production, embracing a ukulele and bright melodies. The track “The Universe Doesn’t Care (That’s Okay)” may sound a tad grim, but Lukulele will turn that perspective around at once when you hit play. It’s about acceptance, moving forward, and the world moving on. We’ve All Got Baggage By Now is out today via Minneapolis collective Polkadot Mayhem.

Tabah: Time Will Come

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Tabah is a fresh new sound for Minneapolis to hear. Think of a more psych-folk version of Southside Desire and you might land sonically close to this five-piece. The single “Curtain Call” is a soft introduction to Cecelia Erholtz’s vocal warmth and rippling guitar. The track has some nice psychedelic hiccups that speed the track along before a quick catch of the breath returns you to the initial sonic embrace of the band. Tabah’s debut Time Will Come drops today.

Marah in the Mainsail: Thaumatrope

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Folkcore, indie bluegrass, or punkgrass—however you want to attempt to define Marah in the Mainsail, they are have created a new collage of genre-bending songs for you to enjoy. “Your Ghost” falls into a strong groove powered by banjo, guitar work, and call-and-response lyrics. It’s a fun, pumped-up folk jam that has style—and the vocals definitely have sass. You can get a live peek on Thursday as Marah in the Mainsail will be at the Turf Club to celebrate the release of Thaumatrope.

Aaron Bolton is a senior at the University of Minnesota. Currently he is a co-host on Radio K’s Off The Record and is the music reporter at Radio K. He hopes to continue a career in music journalism.