Best Twin Cities concerts 2012

Photo by Nicola Losik

5. Father John Misty at Fine Line, 10/31/12 (Slideshow)

"'Have a great Halloween, you Scandinavian vampires' Tillman teased as he left the stage." This would be Father John Misty's third performance in the Twin Cities in just a matter of a few months.

Photo by Steve Cohen

4. The Afghan Whigs at Varsity Theater, 10/28/12 (Slideshow)

There's no way this show wasn't going to make this list. Afghan Whigs frontman Greg "Dulli showed the first of several stratospheric climbs with his vocal cords. As the night unfolded, more evidence of the "midnight rides" he now takes with his upper range flew at the adoring crowd like the sharpest of needles. This was a crowd ready to bleed for him."

Photo by Erik Hess

3. Totally Gross National Party at Icehouse, 9/9/12

Icehouse proved itself a heavyweight music venue hosting a Sunday night party for the ages courtesy of Minneapolis record label Totally Gross National Product. Though Marijuana Deathsquads' Tamper. Disable. Destroy mixtape was theoretically the reason for the show, the night  also featured P.O.S, Polica, Slapping Purses, Solid Gold, Plain Ole Bill, MaLLy, Crescent Moon, Mike Mictlan, Andrew Broder, Leisure Birds, Tha Clerb, Tender Meat, Votel, Heavy Deeds and more.

Photo by Erik Hess

2. P.O.S. releases We Don't Even Live Here at First Avenue, 10/26/12 (Slideshow)

From Erik Thompson's review: "How's home doing, y'all?" P.O.S. then asked us. "It's been a minute since I released a record. Thanks for sticking with me. Thanks for your insane support over the last couple days. I feel like I've been coming apart at the seams, but you all have helped hold me together with all of your comments and your amazing support." It was a touching moment from a true class act, and the only time Stef would address his health struggles during the show.

Photo by Erik Hess

1. Twin Cities Funk and Soul All Stars at Cedar Cultural Center, 9/22/12 (Slideshow)

"There was a sense of the extraordinary at the Cedar Cultural Center on Saturday night," writes Dave Hoenack. And it's true. Rarely does one get to say that a concert is important. But rarely is there this type of history-defying ensemble on stage.