Wits Playlists

Posted at 4:00 PM on May 22, 2012 by Barb Abney (0 Comments)

I've been asked over-and over about the music I've played during the Pre-show Tweet-ups and/or intermission at Wits, this season. So, I thought I'd gather my playlists and post them in a couple of formats for those that might be curious.

If you're coming to a future taping of Wits, please Tweet your request to me in advance of the show at @BarbAbney.

March 30 - Tim Meadows and Rhett Miller
via iTunes

April 13 - Andy Richter and Reggie Watts
via iTunes

April 27 - Fred Willard and Dan Wilson
via iTunes

May 11 - Paul F. Tompkins and Aimee Mann
via iTunes

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What's New on The Current This Week

Posted at 11:41 AM on May 22, 2012 by Peter Valelly (0 Comments)

Cold Specks – "Winter Solstice"

Cold Specks is the music alter-ego of Canadian-born, London-based Al Spx (also a pseudonym). Specializing in deep, dark soul with roots in both gospel and goth (she's coined the term "doom soul" to describe her music, while some on the Current staff prefer "gothpel"), the 24-year-old singer-songwriter is slated to drop her debut album I Predict a Graceful Expulsion this week on the British indie label Mute Records. Check out the video for the aching, lovely first single "Winter Solistice" below.

Willie Nelson – "Just Breathe feat. Lukas Nelson"

The country legend's latest LP, Heroes — which, as far as I can count, is amazingly enough his seventieth studio album — is a romp through new songs, country classics and some unexpected covers, with guests as wide-ranging as Merle Haggard, Sheryl Crow and, yes, Snoop Dogg (appearing, of course, on a song called "Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die"). There's one guest, however, who appears on nearly every song and adds a touchingly personal feel to the record: Nelson's son Lukas. This single showcases their family chemistry as they tackle a Pearl Jam song. Enjoy!

Hacienda – "Savage"

San Antonio, Texas-based alt-rockers Hacienda are about to release their third full-length album Shakedown on June 19th. This track is a spacious, mid-tempo indie number that showcases the group's laidback vocals over a synthy pulse.

Sigur Ros – "Varud"

The Icelandic post-rockers' sixth studio full-length Valtari — which we aired last week and which you can hear in its entirety here — finds the band further exploring the out-there soundscapes that have defined their sonic identity to date, with a stronger focus on ambient atmosphere and electronic texture. This track weds Jonsi's delicate vocals to a softly shapeshifting psychedelic soundscape.

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Garbage: After An Absence, Always The Oddball

Posted at 10:20 AM on May 22, 2012 by Peter Valelly (0 Comments)

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