Minneapolis seems to have exploded in 2011 with a host of fantastic records. This list originally published at Reviler's Best Of Local 2011. Shout out my homegirl C-Rocka.
Greg Grease – The Giving Tree
The city's quiet secret weapon, the multi-talented Greg Grease not only writes throwback rhythms over warm J Dilla-inspired beats, he makes the beats, plays drums, directs video and has a line of fine garments & accessories. Check out The Giving Tree's highlights “Love It Or Leave It Alone”, “Dreams”, “Got Till its Gone” , “Flying Kites” and “Your Welcome”.
Greg Grease – The Giving Tree -download
Villa Rosa – Blue Diamond Island
Muja Messiah and Maria Isa join forces, sample Nina Simone on “Blindfolded”, shout out Fela Kuti on “Watch Out”, they even had production of Doc McKinney (Drake/The Weeknd/Muja Messiah) on “Uma Thurman”. NPR's All Things Considered called them “Something rare in hip-hop”.
Villa Rosa -"Blindfolded"-mp3
Manifest – Immigrant Chronicles: Coming To America
Ghana's favorite son in Minneapolis spreads his wings with a thorough effort . With hits like “Fiyah”, “Suffer”, “Motion Picture”, “Asa” and “Heaven” Manifest should be getting even more love. The man recently went on tour with Damon Albarn (Gorillaz/Blur), Tony Allen ( Fela Kuti) and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, expect big things from chale.
Manifest-"Suffer"-mp3
Buffalo Moon – Selva Surreal
Lead by Ecuadorian singer Karen Freire and her mates from South Dakota take a trippy indie ride into the bomba nightlife with gorgeous melodies via Stereolab and echoes of Astrud Giberto. Released on local powerhouse indie Moon Glyph.
Buffalo Moon -"Moses Baby"-mp3
Sims –Bad Time Zoo
Doomtree's Sims grabs heavy production from Lazerbeak, a mask and off to the races.
Sims-"Burn It Down"-mp3
Malamanya – Malamanya ep
This group seemed to come from nowhere with a unique take on Cuban son. With a fascinating lead vocalist Adriana Rimpel, and a grant from American composers, the future looks bright.
The Cloax Ox -Prisen
Andrew Broder, Dosh and friends.
The Cloax Ox-"Vacuum Cleaner"-mp3
Elite Gymnastics – Ruin
The city's first official entry into “chill-wave”/new disco era, Pitchfork, Fader & Gorilla Vs Bear notices.
Elite Gymnastics -"Omamori"-mp3
Illuminous 3 –Montessori
Spirited south siders' revisit their elementary school, wag out over production by Mike Swoop.
Illuminous 3 ft. P.O.S. -"No Kings"-mp3
Pink Mink –Pink Mink
A nice look back at the Riot Grrrl movement. Chrissy Hunt and Arzu Gokcen make like their record collection and visit Babes In Toyland, Sleater-Kinney and early Hole, take notice.
Pink Mink -"Black Door"-mp3
Marijuana Deathsquads-Crazy Master
Experimental jet set squad led by Gayngs wizard Ryan Olson, aided by P.O.S., 2 drummers and chaos.
Marijuana Deathsquads-"Crazy Master"-mp3
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