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Pop/Rock

E Street Band sax player Clarence Clemons dies
Clarence Clemons, the larger-than-life saxophone player for the E Street Band who was one of the key influences in Bruce Springsteen's life and music through four decades, has died of complications from a stroke he suffered about a week ago. He was 69.June 18, 2011
Bob Mould looks back on Hüsker Dü with 'rage and melody'
Bob Mould, co-founder of the seminal Minneapolis punk band Husker Du, as well as the hit-making alt rock group Sugar, has written an autobiography. It's called "See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody," and it chronicles a turbulent time in Mould's life.June 14, 2011
Boy from the north country: Bob Dylan in Minnesota
A new documentary from Minnesota Public Radio News explores Bob Dylan's Minnesota roots and how they influenced the evolution of his music.May 21, 2011
Chan Poling performs in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser studio
Minneapolis native Chan Poling has been in the business of entertaining since 1977. Jeremy Messersmith, the Laurels Quartet and Brian Roessler join Chan to perform some of his favorite film themes. Film-music expert Andy Trudeau will also join us to discuss some familiar cinematic scores.Midmorning, May 20, 2011
Songs about me: narcissism in popular music
A recent analysis of the last three decades of hit song lyrics shows a trend in recent years toward narcissism and hostility in popular music. Is today's popular music indicative of increasing self-absorption, or is defining a generation by the Billboard charts a bit of a stretch?Midmorning, May 16, 2011
Patti Austin in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser studio
Grammy-award winner Patti Austin stops by to talk about her 53 year musical career, a career that began at age 4 on the stage of the famed Apollo Theater.Midmorning, March 7, 2011
Dancers explore the darker side of the Carpenters' story
For people of a certain age, the prospect of an evening of Carpenters music probably raises some mixed emotions. The brother-sister team of Richard and Karen Carpenter pumped out hit after hit in the 1970s. However behind the scenes the Carpenters were troubled. Karen struggled with an eating disorder which was to claim her life in 1983. That facade of pop music happiness covering a real life tragedy forms the basis of a new dance presentation in Minneapolis this weekend.March 4, 2011
Rodney Crowell in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser Studio
What do you get when you grow up poor, as an only child of a drunk father and a holy-rolling mother? How about an acclaimed musician, songwriter and now author of the book "Chinaberry Sidewalks." Hear Rodney share his story, through words and songs.Midmorning, March 1, 2011
1989: the Trashmen
More than a surfin' bird.February 6, 2011
The return of the Jayhawks
After more than a decade apart, the original members of the Jayhawks have reunited. They joined Midmorning to talk about what brought them back together, and what's to come. The band also performed several songs, including a new song that will be part of its upcoming album.Midmorning, January 31, 2011
Inside college admissions
Many college applications are due at the end of the year, and most students have saved the dreaded essay and resume of activities for last. Midmorning discusses the undergraduate application process: how to navigate it, and whether the current admissions criteria can tell you if a student is worthy of attending a college.Midmorning, December 14, 2010
Ike Reilly's Thanksgiving tradition means Minneapolis rock and roll
Whether it's food, family, or the four-day weekend, Thanksgiving is about traditions. One musical tradition that has come to mark the holiday in the Twin Cities is Ike Reilly at First Avenue. The fiery Chicago rocker and singer songwriter has made his Thanksgiving eve show in the mainroom an annual event. Reilly told Chris Roberts of Minnesota Public Radio's Arts Unit that he and his Minnesota fans have a lot in common.November 24, 2010
Singer Darryl Holter celebrates Minneapolis' West Bank
Darryl Holter returns to the West Bank of Minneapolis to celebrate a time and a place.October 12, 2010
At Sound Unseen, a quest for the Kinks
A mid-life crisis leads some people to buy expensive cars, take exotic trips, or even engage in illicit relationships. Journalist Geoff Edgers mid-life brought on a desire to try to get his favorite British band of the sixties to reform.October 6, 2010
The Current Presents - Born Here: Chicano Rock
Jacquie Fuller chats with Miguel Vargas, musichead and host of KFAI's Radio Pocho. From Richie Valens to Los Lobos and beyond, we'll listen to some really cool tunes, get a mini-history lesson from Miguel, and explore the Mexican-American experience through the lens of popular music.September 26, 2010