northern lights records (former)

A record store that existed until the 90's, Northern Lights Records was located at the corner of 7th street and Hennepin Ave. The former location of the Music City record store, the site has since been renovated to become part of the Pantages Theatre.

In late 1979, Hüsker Dü recorded the Northern Lights Demos here with friend/co-worker Colin Mansfield. As Mansfield recalled:
"I was involved in recording most (probably all --it's a long time ago) of the recordings made in the basement of Northern Lights. Both Greg and I were working there (Greg in the record/head shop, and I was setting up Twin Cities Imports in the basement)."

The track listing for this demo:
Picture Of You
Can't See You Any More
The Truth Hurts
Do You Remember?
Sore Eyes

Greg Norton (bass player for Hüsker Dü) worked at Northern Lights. In an interview he recalled:

"When the band started, I was working at a store called Northern Lights. The owner was kind enough to allow us to practice in the basement after the store closed. For the first year, we practiced every night."

This entry is featured in the blog post Remembering Hüsker Dü.