Greg Swan, managing editor

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Mini Mansions reinvent the nightmare video

Holy. Crap…

Mini Mansions recently released their self-titled debut album on Rekords Rekords (a new label owned by Queens of the Stone Age front man Josh Homme). Mini Mansions includes Queens of the Stone Age bass player Michael Shuman.

The play 400 Bar on . . . → Read More: Mini Mansions reinvent the nightmare video

Union Shakedown release debut EP

Minneapolis indie/blues/rock band Union Shakedown are releasing their debut self-titled EP this Saturday, November 13 at 400 Bar with The Fattenin’ Frogs and Hip Replacement.

Check out the first track . . . → Read More: Union Shakedown release debut EP

Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr playing 400 Bar tonight

Stream the band’s new . . . → Read More: Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr playing 400 Bar tonight

Dignan play 400 Bar, July 11

McAllen, Texas band Dignan play 400 Bar on July 11 opening for The King and the Thief.

Here’s a track off Cheaters & Thieves:

MP3: Dignan – . . . → Read More: Dignan play 400 Bar, July 11

Peggy Sue's Long Division Blues live outside Minneapolis

If you missed Peggy Sue at 400 Bar last week, you’re in luck.

The band recorded this video outside Minneapolis just for Perfect Porridge.

Check. . . . → Read More: Peggy Sue's Long Division Blues live outside Minneapolis

UK’s Peggy Sue play 400 Bar tomorrow

You should go. I’m . . . → Read More: UK’s Peggy Sue play 400 Bar tomorrow

Australian Sister/Brother Rock Duo BugGiRL coming to 400 Bar

According to the PR folks, BugGiRL are an old-school breed of road warrior. Old school rock work ethics, with an old school rock sound. One look at the sister/brother power-duo and you can tell this band takes no prisoners.

Here’s their video for “Blood Sweat & Beers”

BugGiRL play Minneapolis’ 400 Bar on . . . → Read More: Australian Sister/Brother Rock Duo BugGiRL coming to 400 Bar

The Candles coming to burn down the 400 Bar

Today I’m checking out The Candles, which is a solo project from Josh Lattanzi, best known for playing bass for Albert Hammond, Jr., Ben Kweller, and The Lemonheads.

This is unobtrusive chill rock reminiscent of Fountains of Wayne’s older stuff or perhaps material that could’ve been on the Dumb & Dumber soundtrack (which I dig, btw).

Here’s the single:

The Candles : “Here or Gone” (mp3)

Definitely good background music for cranking out the work today. The group’s debut album, Between The Sounds, will be released April 13th.

The Candles will be playing at the 400 Bar on February 20th with . . . → Read More: The Candles coming to burn down the 400 Bar

Langhorne Slim will set you free

A few years ago I caught a stirring SXSW set by songwriting troubadour Langhorne Slim and became an instant fan.

He was gritty, emotional and honest — all the best attributes of today’s crowded songwriter genre.

This week Kemado Records releases Slim’s new album, Be Set Free, which is a 38 minute romp through simpler times, love and reflection.

Here’s the single:
Langhorne Slim : “I Love You But Goodbye” (mp3)

Favorite tracks include “Cinderella,” “Back to the Wild,” and “Yer Wrong.”

Be Set Free is poppier than previous Slim work, and although I like the album, I much prefer Slim live.

Here’s an acoustic version of “Back . . . → Read More: Langhorne Slim will set you free

The millenial generation's Koyaanisqatsi: Sufjan Stevens' The BQE

Although I studied classical music in college and was a regular patron of the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra growing up, I have little doubt that reviewing a new classical album would never have happened if it didn’t have Sufjan Stevens name attached to it.

The BQE is a film and musical suite — composed by Sufjan Stevens — exploring New York City’s Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. The performance featured 36 performers including a band, a wind and brass ensemble, string players, a horn section, projected film footage of the expressway and five hula hoopers.

I received an advance review copy of the album and listened . . . → Read More: The millenial generation's Koyaanisqatsi: Sufjan Stevens' The BQE