Topics

Pop/Rock

Peter Asher of 'Peter and Gordon' recalls '60s music in new show
Peter Asher began a singing career in 1964, as one half of the group, "Peter & Gordon," but Asher's greatest musical success came in a different form - record producing and management.The Daily Circuit, January 28, 2013
Random Vinyl: The Youngbloods - The Youngbloods (1967)
The Youngbloods are best known for their hit version of "Get Together" (c'mon people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now.) If you dig a little deeper into this record, past the hit single, you'll hear more of a sound reminiscent of The Byrds and The Lovin' Spoonful. We played the side one, track one, Youngbloods original "Grizzely Bear."November 15, 2012
Random Vinyl: Jefferson Starship - Red Octopus (1975)
This record represents that mid-point between the era of Jefferson Airplane and the band's evolution (or devolution) to Starship. This record still had some of the original members of Jefferson Airplane; Paul Kantner, Marty Balin and Grace Slick) and had the big hit "Miracles." Jill can guarantee at least 5 copies are available in each and every record across the country.November 14, 2012
Random Vinyl: Jerry Lee Lewis - The Killer Rocks On (1972)
Jerry Lee Lewis scored his biggest hits in the 50's with song like "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On" and "Great Balls of Fire." The scandal surrounding his marriage to his teenage cousin almost destroyed his music career, but he was able to reinvent himself in the later 60's and 70's as a country act.November 13, 2012
Preview of the new Bob Dylan album
MPR's Cathy Wurzer previews the new Bob Dylan album, Tempest.September 11, 2012
Honey-Do: Woody Guthrie songs
Today would have been Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday. The Current is celebrating with songs by Mr. Guthrie, with some covers ... and other fun stuff thrown in.July 14, 2012
Woody Guthrie and the Troubador Tradition
Woody Guthrie inspired many young musicians to follow be a wandering musician with a message. For The Current's coffee break on July 13, we asked for artists following in the troubadour tradition.July 13, 2012
The Current Presents "Words and Music"
Ever wonder what kind of tunes some of your favorite writers listen to? I wondered the same thing, and knew I couldn't possibly be the only writer who relied on music for inspiration. I decided to create an occasional show to delve into this very question. This time on "Words and Music," I chat with Dylan Hicks, Ethan Rutherford & Jake Mohan of local band Pennyroyal, and poet Rebecca Lindenberg. We'll hear tracks from Smokey Robinson, Smog, Tortoise, Magnetic Fields, and more.May 6, 2012
Dylan Hicks' debut novel "Boarded Windows" reviewed
We can never fully understand the hold some people have on us -- the way some figures loom large in memory and some take on a certain magnetism in the present. Dylan Hicks' debut novel, Boarded Windows, is a tango of sorts, both intellectual and emotional, between a nameless narrator and his shadowy father-figure.May 2, 2012
The Revolution reunites to benefit heart health
On Sunday, Feb. 19, Prince and the Revolution, minus Prince, will reunite for a special concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis.February 19, 2012
Overseas frenzy for Howler; back home, not so much
Howler started when Jordan Gatesmith and Max Petrek met at a Planned Parenthood clinic with their respective girlfriends. Despite their overseas popularity, hometown reception for their garage rock sound has been cool.January 13, 2012
Slideshow: Polica at the Turf Club
Still in its infancy, the new band Polica -- fronted by Channy Casselle formerly of Roma di Luna, and featuring additional members from Marijuana Deathsquads, Vampire Hands and Digitata -- performed to a packed Turf Club on Monday night.November 8, 2011
Mary Jane Alm In Studio
Mary Jane Alm and friends perform music on Radio Heartland from her new record, "Me and the Wild Blue."October 20, 2011
In defense of U2
The TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is the venue for a huge concert Saturday by the Irish rock band U2. When the concert came up in conversation in the newsroom today, it exposed a deeper-than-expected cultural divide. On one side, there was open derision of U2 as dated, overblown and overrated. On the other side, you heard almost sheepish defense of Bono and company from those who have tickets to the concert.July 21, 2011
Musical nomads deliver the 'wow' factor
Featuring horns instead of guitars, and a frontwoman who looks as if she had been lifted from another century, the music of Davina and the Vagabonds doesn't fit the traditional Minneapolis indie rock mold.July 15, 2011