Tune Traveling on Thursday: Music From Minneapolis

We're not really spanning the globe in this edition of Tune Traveling. In fact, since the first post, Scotland, I haven't been able to do another post of this type. But some things have sorted out and Scene 13 has been moved back up to a top spot on my daily priority list. So, time to get the blog back up and running in a timely fashion.

Today, we're checking out a few bands that make their home in Minneapolis. Why'd I choose Minneapolis? They've got some great bands. But, being completely honest, I was listening to Retreat From the Sun by That Dog this morning, and "Minneapolis" is my favorite song on that album. Wish the reason for the choice was more intriguing. I've included a link to that song at post end.

Photo courtesy of Afternoon Records

Formed in 2006, One For The Team is (currently) a quartet that formed in 2006. Frontman and songwriter Ian Anderson wanted to write music that didn't really fit into his then current gig with the band Aneuretical. With three releases in three years, two full-lengths and one EP, One For The Team is best known for back and forth boy/girl vocal exchanges.

Listen To: Good Boys Don't Make Noise by One For the Team

Photo courtesy of Last.fm

Made up of brother/sister duo Chris and Kate Farstad and friends Micky Alfano and Mark Ritsema, Mouthful of Bees has been called "endlessly catchy". Kate's drumming has been described as a "raucous" counterpart to Alfano's melodic bass. Their sound is a mixture of driving tempo and melodic interludes. It's catchy, toe-tapping and edgy all at the same time.

Listen to: The Now by Mouthful of Bees

Photo courtesy of Last.fm

Described as an electronic dance group (I don't know why, but that description just makes me laugh), The Battle Royale recently signed to Afternoon Records (coincidentally all three bands have put out records on this label). They've put out two albums since signing in 2006, and a third full length is expected by summer's end 2009 (they better get off the stick). See what you think.

Listen to: Racecar by the Battle Royale

EXTRA LISTEN - Minneapolis by That Dog!