Got to Be Something Here: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound

(Paperback)

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Beginning in the year of Princes birth, 1958, with the recording of Minnesotas first R&B record by a North Minneapolis band called the Big Ms, Got to Be Something Here traces the rise of that distinctive sound through two generations of political upheaval, rebellion, and artistic passion. Funk and soul become a lens for exploring three decades of M

Reviews

"Got to Be Something Here nails the atmosphere that I grew up in. Clubs, policies, and things that didnt make sense back then, after reading this book make all the sense in the world. I think anyone who wants to understand musicians who hailed from North Minneapolis needs to read it. There are answers in these pages."Andr Cymone

"Anyone seeking to understand the community of black culture workers that birthed Prince and his peers should read Andrea Swensson's definitive history of the rise of the Minneapolis sound."Zaheer Ali, New York University

"Prince didn't come from nowhere (though Chanhassen is pretty close!). In Got to Be Something Here, Andrea Swensson explains the roots and context of a musician who changed the world. The book is scholarly and supremely well-researched, but as cool, gripping, and fun as any of his Purple Majesty's finest grooves."Jim DeRogatis, author and co-host of Public Radios Sound Opinions

"This is a book that reminds us that culture has no dead ends, only detours."City Pages

"Got to Be Something Here is both an inspiring and an infuriating read."The Current

"Andrea Swensson, is the first major book to discuss the Twin Cities unique contributions to African American music; it should go without saying that it comes highly recommended to anyone who reads dance / music / sex / romance."Princesongs.org

"Whats surprising about Got to Be Something Here is how much farther and deeper it goes, how richly detailed it is, how it captures a past at risk of fading away."MinnPost

"An illuminating slice of Twin Cities cultural and political history."Star Tribune

"Andrea Swenssons new book, Got to Be Something Here: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound, is a tour de force that sheds light on a greater story that needed telling."Twin Cities Geek

"By combining these political and cultural realities, Swensson provides readers with a comprehensive vision of not only the best in popular music studies but also how individuals within disrupted neighborhoods can survive and prosper nonetheless, making sense, finding relevance, and taking pleasure in their everyday lives."Minnesota History

"As a denizen of the city [Swensson] has a geographical advantage to many writing on Prince and brilliantly draws on local detail." Matt Thorne, The Social

"Got To Be Something Here is an important and necessary book, but its also a really fun read. Swensson clearly writes with a lot of knowledge, but also with a lot of love for all of the musicians who toiled away in the Twin Cities without ever getting their proper respect. Hopefully this book will not only educate you, but will inspire you to go listen to a lot of these overlooked gems." Scratched Vinyl

Author Bio

Andrea Swensson is an author, podcast host, and music journalist living in Minneapolis. She is the host and coproducer of the Official Prince Podcast, where she has interviewed dozens of Princes collaborators, and she contributes freelance writing to Artful Living and Star Tribune. Previously, Swensson hosted The Local Show at Minnesota Public Radios 89.3 The Current and was the music editor of Minneapolis alt-weekly City Pages.