Whether or not you're excited for the fall semester to begin, the impending stress of assigned readings, exams, and academic papers is just around the corner. Like many college students, one of the best ways to let loose is to take advantage of the great music venues Minneapolis has to offer. Crack open the overpriced tallboys, and get ready for ringing ears.

Conor Oberst with Phoebe Bridgers

Where: Palace Theater

When: September 7

Beautiful lyrics mixed with folky guitar chords is what the Bright Eyes' singer does best. While he, unfortunately, won't be playing songs from "LIFTED" or "Fevers and Mirrors," his latest solo album "Salutations" is a mature folk album that you won't want to miss live.

Frankie Cosmos with IAN SWEET

Where: Triple Rock Social Club

When: September 29

To be honest, I'm more excited to see IAN SWEET. Frankie Cosmos is amazing and an uber-talented musician, but I just recently discovered the opener and it seems like they've got a great energy that will translate into a fun and emotional show.

Future Islands with Jenny Besetzt

Where: Mainroom

When: October 1

OKAY, GUYS! Words cannot properly express how god-damn excited I am to see Future Islands perform. They're weird and wonderful and have created some of the best electro-dance tunes since the 80s.

TORRES

Where: 7th Street

When: October 6

I may or may not have the biggest crush on this Nashville singer. Her sophomore album, "Sprinter," moved her sound toward a more heavy, St. Vincent-esque sound with distorted guitars, and it seems like her upcoming album is going to blow everyone out of the water.

Kurt Vile & Courtney Barnett

Where: Palace Theater

When: October 25

I was fortunate enough to catch Mr. Vile's set at Lollapalooza last year, and it was one of the best performances I saw at the festival (nothing will top Radiohead, though). When I found out he was going to be touring with the scrappy Australian singer-songwriter my heart almost caved in. Their music styles seem so complimentary, and this show is definitely going to be one for the books.

Ariel Pink

Where: Fine Line

When: October 26

If you haven't listened to "Pom Pom" yet, please go fix that immediately. Pink is considered one of the godfathers of hypnogogic pop and chillwave. He's a fantastic instrumentalist, and I've been dying to cross him off my must-see list.

The Lemon Twigs

Where: Fine Line

When: October 27 and 28

These Long Island brothers gave the world a resurgence of baroque pop mixed with the best elements of glam rock, and I will forever be grateful. Since they're signed to 4AD (same label as Ariel Pink, Grimes, Future Islands, and Purity Ring), I'm expecting great things from this show.

Turnover with Elvis Depressedly

Where: Triple Rock Social Club

When: November 8

I have yet to see Turnover, but I did see Elvis Depressedly play at Varsity when they opened for The Front Bottoms a couple years ago. I'm excited to hear a (hopefully) longer set of theirs. If you're into sad lo-fi indie rock, you best be at Triple Rock on November 8.