Episode 15 tees off with music from La Crosse alt-rock trio Porcupine, before settling into some funky folk from Minnesota-proud solo act Adja Gildersleve, and music from Duluth folk/roots duo The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Winona acoustic duo Tour Funk, and Twin Cities shoegaze/psych/indie/drone acts Chatham Rise and Gospel Gossip.

I kick off the show with music from Porcupine, because they’ve been so prolific, creative, and consistently awesome for at least the past six years. But for whatever reason, they have flown relatively under the radar in the Twin Cities area. Their vinyl releases and high-quality music videos really make the act standout here in the Driftless, but Dan Tennyson of [Twin Cities blog] Rift Magazine sums up Porcupine’s appeal and cred in a review of “The Sensation of Being Somebody” by saying:

“The mark of any band worth their creative salt knows how to utilize their influences and achieve an original sound but also how not to be redundant when they capture that sound. The 3 musicians that comprise La Crosse, WI’s Porcupine have become so adept at this skill that the recordings are both effortless to listen to but also challenge the listener in a way few rock acts are able to. It’s true that in all likelihood none of the members of Porcupine have a phone number that begins with 612, 651, 952, or 763. But the Twin Cities music scene would do well to accept and embrace this band as adoptive sons. It’s been almost 4 years since the release of Porcupine’s last full length “The Trouble With You”. In that time they satiated appetites with “Live at the Warehouse” and a split 7” with Copenhagen duo Metal Ghost. But anyone that followed the band was intently awaiting their next complete studio recording.”

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Porcupine
“You Go First”
The Sensation of Being Somebody
Hang Up Records / SP. Records
2013

Porcupine
“Feels Like I’m Close”
The Sensation of Being Somebody
Hang Up Records / SP. Records
2013

Tour Funk
“Song for the Wind”
Live at Midwest Music Fest 2013
Independent
2013

Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank
“In The Morning”
Traveling Show
Consider It Correspondence Music
2009

Adja Gildersleve
“Five Oh Seven”
Minnesota Nice
Independent
2012

Chatham Rise
“Fall In”
Chatham Rise
Picture In My Ear
2013

Gospel Gossip
“Shadows are Bent”
Sing Into My Mouth
Guilt Ridden Pop
2007

Theme Music:
Mike Munson
“Over Now”
Mike Munson
Independent
2013