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The Cities 97.1 Sampler (also titled Cities Sampler and The Cities’ Sampler) was a series of albums, cassette tapes and CDs containing “live in studio” recordings from Studio C located at radio station Cities 97.1, KTCZ-FM in Minneapolis at 97.1 MHz. It occasionally contained live tracks recorded from local concerts in the Twin Cities. It was released annually during the holidays from 1989 to 2018. New volumes would appear each November at local Target stores in time for Christmas gifts. In later years the sampler was also available on Target.com. Proceeds benefited Minnesota charitable organizations. The albums, cassettes and CDs usually generated over $500,000 every year for Minnesota charities. In the last several years, the recordings sold quickly, disappearing within minutes in many stores.

The 16th volume, released on November 11, 2004, had a print run of about 35,000 copies. In Forest Lake, Minnesota, the local Target store ran out of its shipment of discs in seven minutes.[1]

On October 1, 2018, KTCZ-FM announced that the upcoming sampler (volume 30) would be the last.[2] It sold out in stores the same day and online later that night after a technical glitch was resolved freeing the remaining copies for online purchase. Throughout the 30 years of its run, the sampler raised over $13 million for Minnesota non-profits and charities.[3][4]

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 1: The Cities’ Sampler (1989)

Pressings: 10,000[5] Format: Cassette tape & CD[5]

  1. Bruce Cockburn – “If a Tree Falls”
  2. Yanni – “Street Level”
  3. Al Stewart – “Year of the Cat
  4. Leo Kottke – “Mona Ray
  5. Oceans – “Second Chance”
  6. Peter Himmelman – “It’s Not in Vain”
  7. Chris Daniels – “When You’re Cool (the Sun Shines All the Time)”
  8. Marti Jones – “Tourist Town”
  9. Richard Souther – “Cross Currents
  10. ‘Til Tuesday – “J For Jules”
  11. Kenny G – “Silhouette
  12. David Lanz / Paul Speer – “Behind The Waterfall”
  13. Bruce Hornsby – “Till the Dreaming’s Done”

The Cities’ Sampler Vol. 2: Collectibles (1990)

Pressings: 10,000[6] Format: Cassette tape & CD[6]

  1. U2 – “Hallelujah Here She Comes
  2. Mannheim Steamroller – “Skateboard”
  3. Stan Meissner – “One Chance”
  4. Melissa Etheridge – “You Can Sleep While I Drive
  5. Bobby Schnitzer – “Summer Samba
  6. David Wilcox – “Four Lane Dance / Saturday They’ll Be Back Again”
  7. Bob Marley – “Waiting in Vain
  8. Ottmar Liebert – “Surrender 2 Love”
  9. Gregson & Collister – “This Tender Trap”
  10. Shawn Colvin – “Steady On
  11. Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel – “Immigrant”
  12. Cowboy Junkies – “Decoration Day”
  13. Ralf Illenberger – “Marimba (Rain Dance)”

The Cities’ Sampler Vol. 3: Songs for the Earth (1991)

Pressings: 10,000[7] Format: Cassette tape & CD[7]

  1. Sting – “We Work the Black Seam”
  2. Merl Saunders featuring Jerry Garcia – “Blues from the Rainforest”
  3. Chris Rea – “The Road to Hell
  4. Nils Lofgren – “Silver Lining”
  5. Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians – “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall
  6. Hoopsnakes – “The River Trail”
  7. 10,000 Maniacs – “Poison in the Well”
  8. Hothouse Flowers – “Giving It All Away”
  9. Ann Reed – “Styrofoam”
  10. Vinnie James – “Here Goes Tomorrow”
  11. Roger McGuinn – “The Trees Are All Gone”
  12. Midnight Oil – “Antarctica”
  13. David Arkenstone – “Yosemite”

The Cities’ Sampler Vol. 4: Keepsakes (1992)

Pressings: 12,000[8] Format: Cassette tape & CD[8]

  1. Gary Moore – “Story of the Blues”
  2. James Taylor – “Pretty Boy Floyd
  3. Del Amitri – “This Side of the Morning”
  4. Wailing Souls – “Shark Attack
  5. Sarah McLachlan – “The Path of Thorns (Terms)”
  6. Modern Relics – “Blue House
  7. Chris Isaak – “Wicked Game
  8. The Rembrandts – “Just The Way It Is, Baby”
  9. Holiday Ranch – “Separation”
  10. Crash Test Dummies – “Superman’s Song”
  11. Lowen and Navarro – “We Belong
  12. Peter Buffett – “Jenny C
  13. The BoDeans – “Good Things

The Cities’ Sampler Vol. 5: Rarities (1993)

Pressings: 12,000[9] Format: Cassette tape & CD[9]

  1. Bruce Hornsby – “Passing Through (Live)”
  2. Melissa Etheridge – “Yes I Am (Live)”
  3. Sonia Dada – “You Ain’t Thinkin’ (About Me)”
  4. Judybats – “Being Simple
  5. Big Head Todd and the Monsters – “Bittersweet
  6. Widespread Panic – “Wondering”
  7. 4 Non Blondes – “What’s Up
  8. Jeff Arundel – “No Escape”
  9. Dada – “Dog
  10. Zachary Richard – “Come on Sheila”
  11. David Baerwald – “China Lake”
  12. Marc Cohn – “The Rainy Season
  13. David Lanz / Paul Speer – “Out of the Shadows”

The Cities’ Sampler Vol. 6: Gems (1994)

Format: Cassette tape & CD[10]

  1. Gin Blossoms – “Allison Road
  2. Indigo Girls – “Three Hits”
  3. Billy Pilgrim – “Get Me out of Here”
  4. Freddy Jones Band – “In a Daydream”
  5. October Project – “Bury My Lovely”
  6. Bruce Cockburn – “Tie Me at the Crossroads”
  7. Kenny Loggins – “Return to Pooh Corner
  8. Sam Phillips – “Baby I Can’t Please You”
  9. The Delilahs – “Who’s Gonna Stop Me”
  10. Ben Harper – “Walk Away
  11. David Arkenstone – “Under the Canopy”
  12. Peter Himmelman – “Dixie the Tiny Dog”

The Cities’ Sampler Vol. 7: Essentials (1995)

Format: Cassette tape & CD[11]

  1. Little Feat – “Romance Without Finance”
  2. Freedy Johnston – “Bad Reputation
  3. Dave Matthews Band – “Ants Marching
  4. Shawn Colvin – “Window to the World”
  5. Martin Zellar – “East Side Boys”
  6. Sonny Landreth – “South of I-10
  7. Paula Cole – “Happy Home”
  8. Billy Pilgrim – “Sweet Louisiana Sound”
  9. Todd Snider – “Alright Guy”
  10. The Jayhawks – “Waiting for the Sun
  11. Tina and the B-Side Movement – “Paper Doll”
  12. Big Mountain – “Fruitful Days”
  13. James McMurtry – “Melinda”

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 8 (1996)

Format: Cassette tape & CD[12]

  1. The Wallflowers – “6th Avenue Heartache
  2. Keb’ Mo’ – “That’s Not Love”
  3. The Why Store – “Lack of Water”
  4. Amanda Marshall – “Birmingham
  5. Del Amitri – “Tell Her This”
  6. Anders Osborne – “Pleasin’ You”
  7. Bob Dylan – “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall
  8. Edwin McCain – “Alive”
  9. The Badlees – “Fear of Falling
  10. Brian Setzer and His Orchestra – “Rumble in Brighton”
  11. Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans – “Bright Night Train”
  12. Lyle Lovett – “Private Conversation”
  13. Jackopierce – “Trials”
  14. The Freddy Jones Band – “Hold on to Midnight”
  15. Golden Smog – “Ill Fated”
  16. Dog’s Eye View – “Everything Falls Apart
  17. Jeff Arundel – “Harmon Killebrew”

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 9 (1997)

Format: CD[13]

  1. Sister Hazel – “All for You
  2. Widespread Panic – “Hope in a Hopeless World”
  3. Duncan Sheik – “Barely Breathing
  4. Jonny Lang – “Lie to Me
  5. Storyville – “Bitter Rain”
  6. Corey Stevens – “It’s Over”
  7. Ugly Americans – “Vulcan Death Grip (Of Love)”
  8. Tim Mahoney – “Talk to Me”
  9. Chalk Farm – “Lie on Lie”
  10. Luther Allison – “Move from the Hood”
  11. Abra Moore – “Four Leaf Clover
  12. The Honeydogs – “Your Blue Door”
  13. Semisonic – “FNT”

Cities Sampler Vol. 10 (1998)

Format: CD[14]

  1. Marc Cohn – “Walking in Memphis
  2. Sister 7 – “Know What You Mean”
  3. Eagle-Eye Cherry – “Save Tonight
  4. Kenny Wayne Shepherd – “Blue on Black
  5. Shawn Colvin – “Sunny Came Home
  6. Everything – “Hooch”
  7. Semisonic – “Closing Time
  8. Cowboy Junkies – “Miles from Our Home
  9. Barenaked Ladies – “Break Your Heart”
  10. The Connells – “Crown”
  11. Susan Tedeschi – “You Need to Be with Me”
  12. Fastball – “The Way
  13. Martin Zellar and the Hardways – “Time and Time Again”
  14. Alana Davis – “Crazy
  15. Agents of Good Roots – “Smiling up the Frown”
  16. Patty Griffin – “One Big Love
  17. Grant Lee Buffalo – “Truly, Truly
  18. Sonia Dada – “You Don’t Love Me Anymore”

Cities Sampler Vol. 11 Radio Playlist Collection (1999)

Pressings: 27,000[15] Format: CD[15]

  1. Natalie Merchant – “Break Your Heart
  2. Jeremy Toback – “You Make Me Feel”
  3. Shawn Mullins – “Shimmer”
  4. Kim Richey – “Come Around”
  5. The Push Stars – “Minnesota”
  6. Sheryl Crow – “Anything but Down
  7. Los Lobos – “Oh Yeah”
  8. Julian Lennon – “It’s Good to Be Lonely”
  9. Sinéad Lohan – “No Mermaid
  10. Fastball – “Fire Escape”
  11. David Wilcox – “Never Enough”
  12. Shannon Curfman – “I Don’t Make Promises (I Can’t Break)”
  13. Old 97’s – “Murder (or a Heart Attack)”
  14. The Gufs – “Surrounded”
  15. Joe Henry – “She Was a Hammer”
  16. Mick Sterling – “Soul of a Woman”
  17. Tangletown – “See Right Through”

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 12 New Names + New Music (2000)

Pressings: 27,000[16] Format: CD[16]

  1. Jonny Lang – “Breakin’ Me”
  2. The Pretenders – “Human
  3. Train – “I Am
  4. Melissa Etheridge – “Angels Would Fall
  5. Counting Crows – “A Long December”
  6. Daniel Cage – “Sleepwalking”
  7. Beth Hart – “L.A. Song”
  8. Sister Hazel – “Change Your Mind
  9. The Jayhawks – “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”
  10. Tracy Chapman – “Three Little Birds
  11. Lyle Lovett – “What Do You Do”
  12. Kevin Bowe – “Sweeter World”
  13. Bruce Cockburn – “Last Night of the World”
  14. Pat McGee Band – “Runaway
  15. Shelby Lynne – “Life Is Bad”
  16. Martin Zellar – “Blown Kisses”
  17. John Hiatt – “Before I Go
  18. Cracker – “Be My Love

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 13 (2001)

Pressings: 30,000[17] Format: CD[17]

  1. David Gray – “Babylon
  2. Blues Traveler – “Run-Around
  3. Five for Fighting – “Easy Tonight
  4. Dido – “Here with Me
  5. The Wallflowers – “Sleepwalker
  6. Semisonic – “Chemistry
  7. The BoDeans – “Fadeaway”
  8. Travis – “Sing
  9. Bob Schneider – “Metal and Steel
  10. Tonic – “If You Could Only See
  11. Coldplay – “Yellow
  12. Iffy – “Double Dutch”
  13. The Cranberries – “Analyse
  14. Josh Joplin Group – “Camera One
  15. Lifehouse – “Hanging by a Moment
  16. John Hiatt – “Ridin’ with the King”

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 14 (2002)

Pressings: 30,000[18] Format: CD[18]

  1. John Mayer – “No Such Thing
  2. Shannon McNally – “Now That I Know
  3. The Calling – “Wherever You Will Go
  4. Dishwalla – “Somewhere in the Middle
  5. Five for Fighting – “Superman (It’s Not Easy)
  6. Natalie Merchant – “Just Can’t Last
  7. Big Head Todd and the Monsters – “Again and Again”
  8. David Gray – “Sail Away
  9. Rubyhorse – “Sparkle”
  10. Indigo Girls – “Moment of Forgiveness”
  11. Coldplay – “Trouble
  12. Nickelback – “How You Remind Me
  13. David Pirner – “Never Recover”
  14. Gin Blossoms – “Til I Hear It from You
  15. Pete Yorn – “Strange Condition
  16. Suzanne Vega – “Widow’s Walk”
  17. Bob Schneider – “Big Blue Sea
  18. Bonnie Raitt – “Fool’s Game”
  19. Elvis Costello – “45

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 15 15th Anniversary (2003)

Pressings: 30,000[19] Format: CD[19]

  1. Jason Mraz – “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)
  2. Counting Crows – “Miami
  3. Kathleen Edwards – “Six O’Clock News”
  4. Coldplay – “Clocks
  5. Nickel Creek – “Smoothie Song”
  6. Tori Amos – “Strange”
  7. Matchbox Twenty – “Push
  8. Jack Johnson – “The Horizon Has Been Defeated
  9. The Thorns – “I Can’t Remember”
  10. Ben Harper – “She’s Only Happy in the Sun”
  11. Ziggy Marley – “True to Myself”
  12. John Hiatt – “Memphis In the Meantime”
  13. Alice Peacock – “Bliss”
  14. Guster – “Amsterdam
  15. The Suburbs – “Life Is Like”
  16. Eastmountainsouth – “You Dance”
  17. The BoDeans – “Good Things
  18. Peter Himmelman – “Dixie the Tiny Dog”

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 16 (2004)

Pressings: 35,000[20] Format: CD[20]

  1. Sting – “Fields of Gold
  2. Sarah McLachlan – “Angel
  3. Finn Brothers – “Won’t Give In”
  4. John Mayer – “Clarity
  5. Jonny Lang – “Red Light
  6. The Jayhawks – “Save It for a Rainy Day
  7. Dido – “White Flag
  8. Five for Fighting – “100 Years
  9. Damien Rice – “Volcano
  10. Alanis Morissette – “Ironic
  11. Maroon 5 – “This Love
  12. Keri Noble – “Talk to Me”
  13. Guster – “Careful
  14. Trip Shakespeare – “Snow Days”
  15. R.E.M. – “Electrolite
  16. Bob Schneider – “Come With Me Tonight
  17. Big Head Todd and the Monsters – “Bittersweet
  18. Jason Mraz – “You and I Both

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 17 (2005)

Pressings: 35,000[21] Format: CD[21]

  1. Howie Day – “Collide
  2. Rachael Yamagata – “Worn Me Down
  3. Snow Patrol – “Chocolate
  4. Los Lonely Boys – “Heaven
  5. Joss Stone – “Right to Be Wrong
  6. Lenny Kravitz – “Believe
  7. David Gray – “The One I Love
  8. Mike Doughty – “Looking at the World…”
  9. Anna Nalick – “Breathe (2 AM)
  10. Blue Merle – “Burning in the Sun”
  11. Jamie Cullum – “All at Sea
  12. Ben Lee – “Catch My Disease
  13. Ringside – “Tired of Being Sorry
  14. Mindy Smith – “Come to Jesus”
  15. Better Than Ezra – “A Lifetime
  16. Carbon Leaf – “Life Less Ordinary”
  17. Mark Knopfler – “Brothers in Arms

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 18 (2006)

Pressings: 35,000[22] Format: CD[22]

  1. Amos Lee – “Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight”
  2. The Fray – “Over My Head (Cable Car)
  3. Katie Melua – “Just Like Heaven
  4. Dave Matthews Band – “Dreamgirl
  5. Mat Kearney – “Nothing Left to Lose
  6. Bonnie Raitt – “I Will Not Be Broken”
  7. Shawn Mullins – “Beautiful Wreck”
  8. Snow Patrol – “Chasing Cars
  9. KT Tunstall – “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
  10. Death Cab for Cutie – “Soul Meets Body
  11. Sia – “Breathe Me
  12. Dan Wilson– “Baby Doll”
  13. Goo Goo Dolls – “Better Days
  14. Sonya Kitchell – “Let Me Go”
  15. James Blunt – “High
  16. Guster – “One Man Wrecking Machine
  17. Honeydogs – “I Miss You”
  18. Train – “Cab

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 19 I-35W Bridge Collapse (2007)

Pressings: 30,000[23] Format: CD[23]

  1. Shawn Colvin – “Crazy”
  2. Ryan Adams – “Two
  3. John Mayer – “Your Body Is a Wonderland
  4. Augustana – “Boston
  5. Colin Hay – “Overkill”
  6. Colbie Caillat – “The Little Things
  7. Lifehouse – “First Time
  8. Sarah McLachlan – “Push
  9. Plain White T’s – “Hey There Delilah
  10. Corinne Bailey Rae – “Put Your Records On
  11. Gomez – “See The World
  12. Patty Griffin – “Heavenly Day
  13. G. Love – “Beautiful”
  14. Mozella – “Amnesia”
  15. Damien Rice – “9 Crimes
  16. Brandi Carlile – “The Story
  17. Romantica – “Fiona”
  18. Keane – “Nothing In My Way
  19. Counting Crows – “Anna Begins”

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 20 20th Anniversary (2008)

Pressings: 30,000[24] Format: CD[24]

Disc One

  1. Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours
  2. Needtobreathe – “More Time”
  3. Ingrid Michaelson – “The Way I Am
  4. David Gray – “Twilight”
  5. Matt Nathanson – “Come On Get Higher
  6. Duffy – “Mercy
  7. Matchbox Twenty – “3AM
  8. A Fine Frenzy – “Almost Lover
  9. Gavin Rossdale – “Love Remains The Same
  10. Bell X1 – “Eve the Apple of my Eye”
  11. Darius Rucker – “Let Her Cry
  12. Jeremy Messersmith – “7:02”
  13. Sara Bareilles – “Love Song
  14. Brett Dennen – “Ain’t No Reason
  15. Landon Pigg – “Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop”
  16. Lowen and Navarro – “We Belong

Disc Two

  1. Missy Higgins – “Where I Stood
  2. Jack Johnson – “Times Like These”
  3. Sheryl Crow – “Love Is Free
  4. BoDeans – “Hearing
  5. OneRepublic – “Stop and Stare
  6. Brandi Carlile – “Turpentine”
  7. Eric Hutchinson – “Rock and Roll
  8. Augustana – “Sweet and Low
  9. Tristan Prettyman – “Madly”
  10. The Waterboys – “Fisherman’s Blues
  11. Dave Barnes – “Until You”
  12. Brendan James – “Hero’s Song”
  13. Newton Faulkner – “Teardrop”
  14. The Glad Version – “Can’t Wait For October”
  15. Paolo Nutini – “Everybody’s Talkin'”

Album artwork designed by Jenny Plott at Spangler Design Team

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 21 Road Trip Tunes (2009)

Pressings: 30,000[25] Format: CD[25]

  1. Jason Mraz – “1,000 Things”
  2. Ingrid Michaelson – “Maybe
  3. Rob Thomas – “Her Diamonds
  4. Donavon Frankenreiter – “Life, Love and Laughter”
  5. Erin McCarley – “Pitter Pat”
  6. Eric Hutchinson – “OK, It’s Alright With Me
  7. Snow Patrol – “Crack the Shutters
  8. Matt Nathanson – “All We Are
  9. The Fray – “You Found Me
  10. Cary Brothers – “Blue Eyes
  11. Adele – “Right as Rain”
  12. Jakob Dylan – “Something Good This Way Comes”
  13. Parachute – “She Is Love
  14. James Morrison – “Nothing Ever Hurt Like You
  15. Tyrone Wells – “More”
  16. Amos Lee – “What’s Been Goin’ On”
  17. The Jayhawks – “Two Hearts”
  18. Mat Kearney – “Closer To Love
  19. Meredith Fierke – “Train’s Song”
  20. Ray LaMontagne – “You Are The Best Thing”

Album artwork designed by Jenny Plott at Spangler Design Team

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 22 Live From Studio C (2010)

Pressings: 33,000[26] Format: CD[26] Retail: $24.97[26]

  1. One eskimO – “Kandi”
  2. Lifehouse – “Halfway Gone
  3. Brandi Carlile – “That Year”
  4. David Gray – “Fugitive
  5. Five For Fighting – “Chances
  6. Sara Bareilles – “King of Anything
  7. Amos Lee – “Learned A Lot”
  8. The Avett Brothers – “I & Love & You”
  9. Sarah McLachlan – “Forgiveness”
  10. Rogue Valley – “Rope Swing Over Rogue Valley”
  11. Guster – “Do You Love Me
  12. Keane – “My Shadow
  13. Colbie Caillat – “Fallin’ for You
  14. Big Head Todd & The Monsters – “Broken Hearted Savior
  15. Court Yard Hounds – “The Coast”
  16. Cedar Avenue – “7 Years”
  17. John Mayer – “Heartbreak Warfare
  18. Ingrid Michaelson – “Ode to Mexican Food”

Bonus tracks for Frequent Listener Club Members (free digital download):

  1. Cedar Avenue – “After All”
  2. Big Head Todd & The Monsters – “Beautiful”
  3. One eskimO – “Amazing”
  4. Train – “Hey, Soul Sister

Album artwork designed by Melissa Schmitt at Spangler Design Team

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 23 (2011)

  1. Adele – “Someone Like You
  2. Amos Lee – “Windows Are Rolled Down
  3. Matt Nathanson – “Faster
  4. The Head & The Heart – “Lost In My Mind”
  5. Sara Bareilles – “Uncharted
  6. Fitz and the Tantrums – “We Don’t Gotta Work It Out”
  7. Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs – “For the Summer”
  8. Lissie – “When I’m Alone
  9. Mat Kearney – “Hey Mama
  10. Neon Trees – “Animal
  11. Scars on 45 – “Heart on Fire”
  12. O.A.R. – “Heaven”
  13. David Gray – “Only the Wine”
  14. Farewell Milwaukee – “Always Be Your Man”
  15. Mumford & Sons – “The Cave
  16. Ellie Goulding – “Lights
  17. The Civil Wars – “Poison & Wine
  18. Florence + The Machine – “Dog Days Are Over
  19. Michael Franti & Spearhead – “Say Hey (I Love You)

Album artwork designed by Melissa Schmitt at Spangler Design Team

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 24 (2012)

  1. Brandi Carlile – “That Wasn’t Me
  2. Tyrone Wells – “Freedom”
  3. Tristan Prettyman – “My Oh My”
  4. The Fray – “Heartbeat
  5. Mayer Hawthorne – “The Walk”
  6. Haley Reinhart – “Free
  7. Eric Hutchinson – “Watching You Watch Him”
  8. Ed Sheeran – “The A Team
  9. Imagine Dragons – “It’s Time
  10. Gavin DeGraw – “Not Over You
  11. The Lumineers – “Ho Hey
  12. Meiko – “Stuck On You
  13. Grouplove – “Tongue Tied
  14. Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks
  15. Dessa – “Dixon’s Girl”
  16. Jason Mraz – “I Won’t Give Up
  17. Graffiti6 – “Free
  18. Missy Higgins – “Hello Hello
  19. Of Monsters and Men – “Little Talks

Bonus tracks for Frequent Listener Club Members (free digital download):

  1. Ingrid MichaelsonGhost
  2. Meiko – Leave the Lights On
  3. Ben Howard – Black Flies

Album artwork designed by Jeff Kaphingst at Spangler Design Team[27]

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 25 25th Anniversary (2013)

Pressings: 40,000[28] Retail: $32.97[28]

Disc One

  1. Capital Cities – “Safe and Sound
  2. Tristan Prettyman – “Say Anything”
  3. Alpha Rev – “Sing Loud”
  4. Amos Lee – “The Man Who Wants You”
  5. Bomba De Luz – “Starting to Choke II”
  6. Phillip Phillips – “Home
  7. ZZ Ward – “Put the Gun Down”
  8. Passenger – “Let Her Go
  9. Neon Trees – “Everybody Talks
  10. Vicci Martinez – “Come Along”
  11. Charlie Mars – “I Do I Do”
  12. The Airborne Toxic Event – “Timeless”
  13. Atlas Genius – “If So
  14. The Wild Feathers – “The Ceiling”
  15. Chastity Brown – “Slow Time”
  16. Fun – “Carry On

Disc Two

  1. Family of the Year – “Hero”
  2. Matt Nathanson – “Mission Bells”
  3. Keri Noble – “Make Me Crazy
  4. Walk Off the Earth – “Red Hands
  5. Serena Ryder – “Stompa
  6. The Unlikely Candidates – “Follow My Feet
  7. Delta Rae – “If I Loved You
  8. The Mowgli’s – “San Francisco”
  9. Farewell Milwaukee – “Can’t Please You, Can’t Please Me”
  10. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals – “Stars
  11. Matt Hires – “Restless Heart”
  12. Tegan and Sara – “Closer
  13. Walk the Moon – “Anna Sun
  14. Lissie – “They All Want You”
  15. The Kopecky Family Band – “Heartbeat”
  16. Matchbox Twenty – “Overjoyed
  17. Fitz and the Tantrums – “Out of My League

Album artwork designed by Melissa Schmitt at Spangler Design Team

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 26 (2014)

Pressings: 35,000[29] Retail: $25.97[29]

  1. The 1975 – “Chocolate
  2. Delta Rae – “Bottom of the River
  3. Ben Rector – “Beautiful”
  4. Sleeper Agent – “Waves”
  5. American Authors – “Believer
  6. Ingrid Michaelson – “Girls Chase Boys
  7. Bleachers – “I Wanna Get Better
  8. Neon Trees – “Sleeping With a Friend
  9. Jillette Johnson – “Torpedo”
  10. Phillip Phillips – “Gone, Gone, Gone
  11. Scars on 45 – “Crazy For You”
  12. Echosmith – “Cool Kids
  13. Eric Hutchinson – “Tell the World”
  14. Ed Sheeran – “Sing
  15. ZZ Ward – “Last Love Song”
  16. Brett Dennen – “Out of My Head”
  17. Birdy – “Skinny Love
  18. Aloe Blacc – “Wake Me Up
  19. Mary Lambert – “Secrets

Album artwork designed by Melissa Schmitt at Spangler Design Team

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 27 (2015)

Pressings: 30,000[30] Retail: $22.97[30]

  1. Rachel Platten – “Fight Song
  2. Matt Hires – “Hold You Up”
  3. Vance Joy – “Rip Tide
  4. ZZ Ward – “Love 3X”
  5. WALK THE MOON – “Shut Up and Dance
  6. O.A.R. – “Peace”
  7. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness – “Cecilia and the Satellite
  8. Jamie Scott – “Story of My Life”
  9. Colbie Caillat – “Try
  10. Sheppard – “Geronimo
  11. Elle King – “Ex’s & Oh’s
  12. Matt Kearney – “Billion”
  13. Echosmith – “Bright
  14. Nate Ruess – “Great Big Storm
  15. Meiko – “Be Mine”
  16. Nick Fradiani – “Beautiful Life
  17. Leona Lewis – “Thunder

Album artwork designed by Melissa Schmitt at Schmitt Creative[31]

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 28 (2016)

  1. Ben Rector – “Brand New
  2. Mary Lambert – “She Keeps Me Warm
  3. X Ambassadors – “Renegades
  4. Jamie Lawson – “Wasn’t Expecting That
  5. Andy Grammer – “Honey, I’m Good
  6. High Dive Heart – “Vintage”
  7. Andra Day – “Rise Up
  8. Johnny Rzeznik – “So Alive
  9. Dessa – “Skeleton Key”
  10. Blue October – “Home
  11. Ingrid Michaelson – “Hell No
  12. Brendan James – “Bring My Love Home”
  13. American Authors – “What We Live For
  14. Rachel Platten – “Better Place
  15. Cobi – “Don’t You Cry For Me”
  16. Charlie Puth – “One Call Away
  17. Hailey Knox – “Awkward”
  18. O.A.R. – “I Go Through”
  19. LÉON – “Tired of Talking”
  20. George Ezra – “Budapest

Album artwork designed by Melissa Schmitt at Schmitt Creative[32]

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 29 (2017)

  1. Ocean Park Standoff – “Good News
  2. Joseph – “White Flag
  3. Andy Grammer Feat LunchMoney Lewis – “Give Love”
  4. Maggie Rogers – “Alaska
  5. Andrew McMahon – “Fire Escapes”
  6. Tom Walker – “Just You and I
  7. Judah and the Lion – “Take It All Back
  8. The Revivalists – “Wish I Knew You
  9. Alternate Routes – “Safe Haven”
  10. James Blunt – “OK”
  11. LP – “Lost on You
  12. James Arthur – “Say You Won’t Let Go
  13. Muna – “I Know a Place”
  14. John Rzeznik – “Use Me”
  15. Julia Brennan – “Inner Demons”
  16. Fitz and the Tantrums – “HandClap
  17. Tom Odell – “Magnetised
  18. Shawn Hook – “Reminding Me
  19. Phillip Phillips – “Miles”

Album artwork designed by Melissa Schmitt at Schmitt Creative[33]

Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 30 The Final Chapter (2018)

A dedication to all of the Minnesota charities that have been helped by Sampler sales over the past 30 years.

Retail: $14.97[34]

  1. Leon Bridges – “Beyond”
  2. Matt Nathanson – “Used to Be”
  3. Echosmith – “Over My Head
  4. Ocean Park Standoff – “If You Were Mine”
  5. Portugal. The Man – “Live in the Moment
  6. ZZ Ward – “Domino”
  7. Ben Rector – “Drive”
  8. Andy Grammer – “Fresh Eyes
  9. Alana Davis – “32 Flavors
  10. Tim Mahoney – “Lucky Ones”
  11. Bad Wolves – “Zombie
  12. Jade Bird – “Lottery
  13. Plain White T’s – “Your Body”
  14. Blue October – “I Hope You’re Happy
  15. Rozzi – “Never Over You
  16. Judah & the Lion – “Suit and Jacket
  17. A Great Big World – “Younger”
  18. Amy Shark – “I Said Hi
  19. Imagine Dragons – “Destination”

Album artwork designed by Melissa Schmitt at Schmitt Creative[35]

References

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  2. ^ “End of an era: Cities 97.1 Sampler Vol. 30 will be the last”. KARE. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
  3. ^ “The Inspiration Behind Our Sampler Volume 30 Design | Cities 97.1 Sampler 30 | Cities 97.1”. Cities 97.1 Sampler 30. Retrieved 2018-11-14.
  4. ^ “End Of An Era: Final Cities 97 Sampler CD To Be Released Tuesday”. 2018-11-13. Retrieved 2018-11-14.
  5. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  6. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  7. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  8. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  9. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  10. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  11. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  12. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  13. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  14. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  15. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  16. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  17. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  18. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  19. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  20. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  21. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  22. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  23. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  24. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Cover Art Archive | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
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  27. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 24 Packaging | Jeff The Designer LLC”. Jeff The Designer LLC. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  28. ^ a b “Cities 97 Sampler Volume 25: Frequently Asked Questions | Cities 97 Sampler Volume 25 on Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  29. ^ a b “Frequently Asked Questions About the Sampler | Cities 97 Sampler Volume 26 on Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  30. ^ a b “Frequently Asked Questions about the Cities 97 Sampler | Cities 97”. Cities 97. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  31. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Volume 27 – Schmitt Creative”. schmittcreative.com. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  32. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Volume 28 – Schmitt Creative”. schmittcreative.com. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  33. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Volume 29 – Schmitt Creative”. schmittcreative.com. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  34. ^ “Cities 97.1 Sampler Vol. 30, The Final Chapter – Pre-order HERE! | Cities 97.1 Sampler 30 | Cities 97.1”. Cities 97.1 Sampler 30. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  35. ^ “Cities 97 Sampler Volume 30 – Schmitt Creative”. schmittcreative.com. Retrieved 2018-11-08.