Witnessing (from what feels both like a great distance and yet not so far away) current events unfold in Minneapolis, it’s been hard to know what to say. But two statements keep ringing like bells within me:
1. Fuck ICE. Abolish it, burn it down and damn it all to hell.
2. Minnesota remains a land of heroes. For years, the state has grown and housed a number of my musical heroes (more in a moment), But the early days of 2026 remind me that Minnesota also knows heroes who wear the clothes of good neighbors, teachers, social workers, community organizers and more.
Being willing to say something, I also wanted to play something.
So I compiled a playlist that features 30 (of the many, many) musical treasures to ever call Minnesota theirs. I hope this little musical primer can prompt continued reflection on what makes a place great—as well as thoughts of solidarity for people who deserve to live and love without fear. Here’s the set:
01. The Jayhawks, “Quiet Corners and Empty Spaces” (2016)
02. The Hold Steady, “Stuck Between Stations” (2006)
03. Tapes ‘N Tapes, “Just Drums” (2005)
04. Poliça, “Dark Star” (2011)
05. Dessa, “Fire Drills” (2018)
06. Prince, “Nothing Compares 2 U” (released in 2018)
07. Soul Asylum, “Black Gold” (1992)
08. Sugar, “If I Can’t Change Your Mind” (1992)
09. Bad Bad Hats, “Get What I Want” (2018)
10. Semisonic, “Secret Smile” (1998)
11. Kelley Deal 6000, “Canyon” (1996)
12. Lizzo, “About Damn Time” (2022)
13. Lazerbeak, “Buffalo Plaid” (2012)
14. Sounds of Blackness, “Everything is Gonna Be Alright” (1994)
15. Bob Dylan, “Most of the Time” (1989)
16. Gayngs, “The Gaudy Side of Town” (2010)
17. The Bad Plus, “The Radio Tower Has a Beating Heart” (2010)
18. Atmosphere, “Wild Wild Horses” (2008)
19. Night Moves, “Mexico” (2019)
20. Low, “Laser Beam” (2001)
21. The Cactus Blossoms, “Mississippi” (2016)
22. The Replacements, “Unsatisfied” (1984)
23. Your Smith, “Hey There’s My Girl” (2025)
24. Golden Smog, “Looking Forward to Seeing You” (1998)
25. Retribution Gospel Choir, “What She Turned Into” (2008)
26. Lifter Puller, “Lifter Puller vs. The End of the Evening” (2009)
27. Doomtree, “Bangarang” (2011)
28. Charlie Parr, “Don’t Send Your Child to War” (2011)
29. Hüsker Dü, “Never Talking to You Again” (1984)
30. Trampled by Turtles, “Alone” (2012)
