The Twilight Hours listening party at Kings Wine Bar

Kings Wine Bar (4555 Grand Avenue South) and local music go together like macaroni and cheese. Recently, Kings began hosting CD listening parties for Minnesota musicians. The events are curated by HowWasTheShow's David de Young (full disclosure, that would be me), who also maintains the all local playlist at the South Minneapolis restaurant. To date Kings has played host to Mayda and Romantica. (Patches & Gretchen and music writer - and Kings' employee - Jim Walsh's The Mad Ripple are on tap for February.)

This Tuesday, January 19th at 9PM, Kings welcomes The Twilight Hours and will spin Stereo Night, the band's 2009 debut, a record that is a favorite among Kings staff and ranked at number 4 in the Star Trib's annual critics' poll.

Personally, the ballot I cast in that poll placed the album at the number 1 spot. The songs have a blend of strength and fragility that stuck with me from my first listen. When I heard the record on beautiful cherry red vinyl for the first time, it was the tipping point; it's been a while since my choice for album of the year was so easy. (BTW, if you're trying to think of the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your sweetheart, I'm betting a copy of Stereo Night on red vinyl would score you more points than a box of chocolates or flowers.)

The Twilight Hours' Matt Wilson and John Munson will be on hand for the event at Kings on Tuesday. Join us then, and visit their website for details on upcoming live dates.