The Current Music Blog: February 2007 Archive
Stiff little fingers at The Buffering Stream, 2/1
Posted at 7:14 AM on February 1, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
(2 Comments)
Marketing Genius or Moron?
Posted at 7:50 AM on February 1, 2007
by Dale Connelly
(4 Comments)
The goal of marketing is to get attention, right? But what if your brainstorm draws the interest of police, the FBI and Homeland Security? And what if you took pictures while you were creating this panic? You would get arrested, that’s what.
And you would get a lot of attention.
Jeff Beck
Posted at 11:42 AM on February 1, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(15 Comments)
The walking rock encyclopedias around The Current are probably going to laugh at me for this one, but I should know more about Jeff Beck.
There's a new recording that I want to check of the Jeff Beck Group, featuring Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, playing at a bar in Dallas in 1968. The reviews call Jeff Beck "instrumental napalm." Not to mention his late-'60s hair cut is H-O-T.
Help take me to school. Share your favorite Jeff Beck memories, albums, etc.
Working the crowd..
Posted at 4:13 PM on February 1, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Admit it, somewhere deep down inside you've always wanted to be in a music video. Maybe you're not interested in "Tawny Kitaen-ing" it across the front of a sports car. But what about blending into a crowd shot in a Bright Eyes video? A little more up your alley? They're shooting a video tomorrow in LA and if you're interested you can get more info here. Do you think I should offer up bonus points if you wear a Whitesnake t-shirt to the taping?
The Buffering Stream is raw and unpasteurized, 2/2
Posted at 7:03 AM on February 2, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
Gotten Under The Radar?
Posted at 11:21 AM on February 2, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(3 Comments)
I promise this is the last time I am going to mention the year 2006!
But part of my end of year ritual is buying a stack of magazines to make sure I haven't missed anything about the past year. The best review of '06 this year,including Top Tens from some of our fave artists like Colin Decemberist and Tad Hold Steady, is in a magazine that I have missed reading until now. Ironically it's called;
Under The Radar!
It's a quarterly, so the present issue does look forward to this year and has articles on many of the big new albums that we're playing;
The Shins, The Good, The Bad & The Queen and cover stars Modest Mouse.
I have often been disappointed that even some of my fave maagazines have useless websites, not so with these guys, who keep a great archive and an updated site;
undertheradarmag.com
Can You Bounce This?
Posted at 4:38 PM on February 2, 2007
by Barb Abney
Or would you prefer to Bounce That? Make a Girl Talk video.
A couple of artists have made new material available for your listening pleasure LONG before the release of their new albums.. Tracy Thorn (Everything But The Girl) and Kings Of Leon.
Today is your last chance to vote in the Plug Independent Music Awards.
Music on the tube tonight.. The Format on Carson Daly.
Here are a couple of good reasons to wake up early this weekend.. Sounds Eclectic will feature a live session with Corinne Bailey Rae and new tracks from The Shins and Jill Cuniff (formerly of Luscious Jackson) tomorrow morning at 5am. And then catch Sound Opinions at 9am with Lupe Fiasco as a live guest and new music from Norah Jones and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Then on Sunday morning at 5am wake up for American Routes with a look at Small Town Hipsters: folks that started in small towns and made it big featuring Nancy Wilson & Dickie Landry
The Return of the Supergroup!
Posted at 9:25 PM on February 2, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
This is, apparently, old news, but I'm gonna post it anyway. Why? Because it's exciting.
I've been a huge Wold Parade / Sunset Rubdown fan for a while now, but I just discovered Swan Lake. Talk aboot a Canadian supergroup: Dan Bejar from the New Pornographers, Spencer Krug from Wolf Parade, and Carey Mercer from Frog Eyes (great band, but I have to be in the mood.)
As my better half says: "Canadians are kicking our butts ... in rock and roll and healthcare."
I love Dan Bejar, well, for two reasons. 1) He sounds like a latter-day Robyn Hitchcock, and 2) the county in Texas I grew up in was called Bexar (an indigenous word pronounced "Bey-har.") And Krug? Oh, god--don't get me started. That warbling voice. Those overblown lyrics.
Here's a fun game. You, too, can produce your own Spencer Krug song titles. Find that Greek tragedy book still sitting on your shelf from college. Open to any page and find a line. Find nine more. Make up ten of your own Spencer Krug-esque song titles using these lines. Here's a few of mine, pulled from Euripides' The Trojan Women: "They Who Are Sad Find Somehow Sweetness in Tears--The Song of Lamentation and the Melancholy Muse," "How Strange a Way to Call On Gods," "Balestar of this Earth Now," "The Flame of the Clouded Sacraments," "I Shall Look No More on the Bodies of My Sons" and--one more--"The Multitudes of Our Children Stand." Okay, one more (I could do this all night): "In the Vile Marriage, The Sorrows," which I think was the ancient Greek version of "Grounds for Divorce."
Any new millenium supergroups rockin' your world?
The Double Neck Axe
Posted at 12:12 PM on February 4, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(7 Comments)
Why doesn't anybody play this anymore? With all the campy retro styles that come and go these days, we could use the double neck comeback. Come on all you hard rockers! Can someone get to work on this, please?
Project?
Posted at 1:08 PM on February 4, 2007
by Jill Riley
(38 Comments)
Since when is it that if you're in a band, you call it a project? I don't get it. The trend these days is for a musician to be a band and then have 20 other projects on the side. Doesn't that just mean you're in multiple bands? Whatever.
So many questions at The Buffering Stream, 2/5
Posted at 7:21 AM on February 5, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
Return to Work, Proceed to Step In It
Posted at 1:19 PM on February 5, 2007
by Steve Seel
(3 Comments)
Okay, perhaps it wasn't the most judicious choice, after a week off, to begin my return to the airwaves this afternoon by being critical of the entire state of Florida. My intent was to say something akin to, "Yes I went to Florida, and yes, it's warm there and frigidly cold here, but I'm thrilled to be home because the Twin Cities is an amazing, exciting, wonderful place to live." That probably would have been more karmically productive than the negative way I worded it.
For the record, I really was talking about the thing we have that many places don't: one of the coolest, most satisfying, diverse, alive, and healthy music and arts scenes in the country, and how our current brutally punishing cold conditions (and our inclination to sometimes be envious of different ones) can sometimes make us wish for a life elsewhere. My true message: take heart, fellow Minnesotans. Our life here is one to be treasured.
Dre Day approaches: February 18
Posted at 4:38 PM on February 5, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(1 Comments)
Dre Day approaches. That's Feb. 18, the birthday of the legendary Dr. Dre, and a yearly show in his honor at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis. You can probably still find posters hanging around town from past Dre Days, with just the rapper's face on them and no other details, as though they were left by Shephard Fairey or something.
I've never made it to a Dre Day before, but I'm going this year. Looks like the best holiday in February. And according to my desk calendar, Dre Day also happens to fall on the Chinese New Year this year. That should tide me over until Thin Lizzy Tribute Day on March 17.
Have you ever gone to Dre Day? Got a favorite Dr. Dre song? Thin Lizzy? Will attending the Dre Day tradition bring me good luck? I could use some good luck.
The Buffering Stream can feel its toes again, 2/6
Posted at 7:26 AM on February 6, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
(2 Comments)
Catchin' zzzzz's...or the lack thereof
Posted at 9:23 AM on February 6, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(7 Comments)
Norah Jones' latest album, Not Too Late, is apparently a swell listen...if you can stay awake, that is. Quite a few reviews, such as this one from PopMatters, note how easy it is to drift off while listening to the record. I suppose this makes it the natural counterpart to the Shins' Wincing the Night Away, the title of which refers to frontman James Mercer's well-documented struggles with insomnia. Wincing's lead track may be called "Sleeping Lessons," but it appears that the best sleeping lesson one could give Mercer would be to simply put on the new Norah Jones album. What do you think: is releasing an album that is the aural equivalent of warm milk necessarily a bad thing? What other albums or artists do you turn to in order to help falling asleep?
Purple Raining
Posted at 12:33 PM on February 6, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(5 Comments)
Was it just hometown pride, nostalgia for 1984, a complete disgust with most forms of top 20 music these days, or just my imagination? Was the Prince half-time display the best one in recent memory? I was really hoping he'd pull out those old staples of his wardrobe, the butt-less pants, but he was quite dignified up there in all that rain. (Could've done with less of the dancers, though.) The real money should have been on what he was going to play, rather than on the outcome of the game. "Purple Rain" were a no-brainer, and I was not surprised (but completely delighted) to hear "Let's Go Crazy" - but the Foo Fighters? THE FOO FIGHTERS????? Who saw that coming?
I feel like the U2 performance from the year following 9/11 can't really be counted as a normal half-time show, what with it being so emotional and dramatic and the country looking for a time and place to weep and scream collectively, while wearing football jerseys no less. So, with that exception, what's the best half time show you remember?
Soul Asylum and ... Cyndi?
Posted at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2007
by Steve Seel
(3 Comments)
Local musician Wain McFarlane needs a kidney. Some friends are going to help out, by throwing a benefit concert at Myth on March 10th. Soul Asylum, Mint Condition, Lifehouse, and ... Cyndi Lauper. A nutty lineup to be sure. But it just goes to show how many different kinds of folks are willing to come out for a good friend. Personally, I think the pure illogic of the bill could in fact make for something magical and wonderful.
This is what I call a Party Line!
Posted at 2:49 PM on February 6, 2007
by Barb Abney
When some concert-goers had their phones swiped, Bloc Party invites them backstage! Did they have Party lines in this part of the country? It's where all the locals are basically on the same phone line. You might pick up the phone and hear one neighbor's conversation with another. You'd have to wait in line to use the phone. Freaky.
Stay up or set your DVR for James Hunter on Leno. Calexico will be on Conan. My pick for the evening is Paul Weller on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Dreams of the South Pacific at The Buffering Stream, 2/7
Posted at 7:08 AM on February 7, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
Musicheads
Posted at 10:56 AM on February 7, 2007
by Bill DeVille
(1 Comments)
The new episode of Musicheads is up. You can download it here. Join the discussion at Gather
"Headliner" Band
Posted at 4:09 PM on February 7, 2007
by Mary Lucia
(32 Comments)
Yesterday my rock band in my mind was called "Astronaut Love Triangle"
Today we are "Furious Bidding War"
Watching the mercury at The Buffering Stream, 1/8
Posted at 7:11 AM on February 8, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest
Posted at 9:45 AM on February 8, 2007
by Bill DeVille
(2 Comments)
While we're in the midst of this nasty cold spell maybe a springtime music festival is just the ticket. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is set for April 27-29 & May 4-6. Featuring a pretty amazing lineup & you'll be helping the Crescent City get back on it feet!
Official SXSW Line Up Is Announced
Posted at 1:44 PM on February 8, 2007
by Lindsay Kimball
(1 Comments)
For those of you eagerly counting down the days (only 34) until the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, I have exciting news. The musichead's version of spring break has announced its official 2007 line up. This should give us ample time to start making predictions on what bands will be the next big thing.
Take the Coltrane!
Posted at 2:44 PM on February 8, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
With the recent passing of Alice Coltrane and the launch of a new Jon Coltrane podcast it's a great time as any to explore the music of two of the most innovative players in the history of jazz.
To say their music wasn't a bit out there at times is certainly an understatement, but I always think it is those that consistently hone their craft all the while innovating and coming up with new sounds for us to dig that makes for the best artists.
What other musical couples can you say that about?
Would you like Eyeliner with those tears?
Posted at 2:48 PM on February 8, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(2 Comments)
Here's one of my favorite break up song requests so far..
The Cure "Pictures of You"
Like (I imagine) many of the other suggestions you have received, my suggestion has a personal connection.
When I discovered my girlfriend (from high school) cheated on me when we went away to college, I broke up with her by sending her a letter that included the full lyrics of this song
along with a torn up picture of the two of us that I had mounted on the same sheet of paper that included the lyrics.
Oh, I was so melodramatic then. I am sure I was wearing all black and my bangs surely hung down over my eyes.
No worries Robert Smith Jr., there are certainly many more melodramatic folks out there like you.
Any more dramatic, juicy or restraining-order-worthy break up stories?
Send them our way!
Venus and Life on Mars
Posted at 3:48 PM on February 8, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
What to do? Venus is back in action this Saturday at First Avenue with her new band, the House of Flowers. The show is part of a fetish ball, Les Fleurs du Mal, and I don't have anything appropriate to wear--I am a square with little fashion sense and am also too cheap to ever spend the ch-ching for a decent corset.
Venus played an acoustic set a couple of weeks ago during The Current’s live broadcast from Gluek's, hosted by Mary Lucia. Venus played Mary’s request for David Bowie’s "Life on Mars." Nice.
But I’m still interested in seeing the fully amplified House of Flowers. Venus’s last band, All the Pretty Horses, broke up more than a year ago and they were known for a dramatic stage show--all glam, metal, fishnet stockings and antics with a chainsaw.
I’m going to the show on Saturday. I’ll just wear black and rat my hair. Any favorite tales from a past Venus performance? Any fashion tips for me (keep it clean)?
Here lies The Buffering Stream, 2/9
Posted at 7:37 AM on February 9, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
Such Great Lows
Posted at 8:59 AM on February 9, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(24 Comments)
There's more than one way for a song to be ruined. Sometimes an ex ruins it for you. Sometimes it's advertising.
I've been trying to compile my responses for the Current's big Love Songs and Break-Up Songs countdown on Valentine's Day. Naturally, I had to start with my favorite love song. It's the Iron and Wine cover of the Postal Service's "Such Great Heights." It was my wedding song.
(Here, I'll hold your hair back for you. Good. Now brush your teeth.)
But, seriously. "Such Great Heights" was a pretty solid song to begin with--a modern classic, if you ask me--and Iron and Wine brought such warmth and intimacy to a song that was otherwise cool and airy.
But then a few M&Ms on a bad trip ruined my wedding song forever. I don't even understand what the concept of this commercial is.
Any of your favorite songs tarnished forever by advertising?
Does Bright Eyes sound like Kansas to you?
Posted at 2:47 PM on February 9, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(7 Comments)
Or at least the Bright Eyes song "Motion Sickness"? Every time I hear that song, I think of Dust in the Wind.
Like a Rainbow in the Dark!
Posted at 4:48 PM on February 9, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(1 Comments)
Shin sighting!
Some of the folks who kept the party rockin' after the great sold-out Shins show made their way to Grumpy's Bar in Downtown Minneapolis for their "Staraoke" night. After some post-show drinks the crowd was treated to a stellar karaoke performance of Ronnie James Dio's "Holy Diver" by Shins bassman, Dave Hernandez.
Though the delivery was spot on it was hard to picture the cute and cuddly Hernandez as the prince of evil himself but it was a grandiose effort none the less.
What indie rock star would you like to see doing up a karaoke classic?
Vote the Rock.....
Posted at 4:59 PM on February 9, 2007
by Barb Abney
No, I'm not suffering from dyslexia. If you're a Myspace junkie like myself, no doubt you're being inundated with "Vote for me" messages from some of your favorite bands. Here in the states they're vying for the "honor" of being Spin.com's Band of the Year. And across the Pond it's the Brit Awards. Sure, I'll show my love for Cold War kids in the Spin contest. But as much as I love The Raconteurs I fear huge telephone surcharges if I actually text in for the Brit contest.
If you'll be vegging on the couch tonight and looking for music, catch The Bird and The Bee on Carson Daly or Solomon Burke on Leno.
The Bird and the Bee are everywhere! Listen to them along with Nic Harcourt on Sounds Eclectic tomorrow morning at 5am.
Then at 9am don't miss the Valentine's edition of Sound Opinions.
Prince where's the crown!
Posted at 1:26 PM on February 10, 2007
by Bill DeVille
(5 Comments)
Now that a week has passed, I realize how cool & how truly GREAT it was to have Prince perform the halftime show at the Superbowl. There has been some pretty good halftime shows in recent years. U2, Aerosmith, & the Rolling Stones come to mind. Of course there there was a few disasters along the way. Before Justin & Janet who knew what a wardrobe malfunction was!?
Who should do the halftime show at 2008 Superbowl? My vote is for the Police. Who are reuniting at the Grammy's tomorrow night, or Led Zeppelin! They have been kicking around a possible tour this summer.
He Rode a Blazing Saddle
Posted at 11:10 AM on February 11, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(1 Comments)
I love the New York Times Obituary pages. Slightly morbid, perhaps, but true. It was here that I found out about the death of the singer, Frankie Laine. If you grew up in the late 50's and early 60's, you'll remember him as the booming voice of the "Rawhide" theme. But if, like me, you grew up in the 70's you remember him for a different reason. Frankie Laine sang the theme song to one of the funniest and most politically incorrect films of all time: Mel Brooks's "Blazing Saddles." It was a sprawling mess with a ton of memorable scenes and characters. You'll recall Sheriff Bart (Cleavon Little) with a gun to his own head, basically holding himself hostage; Gene Wilder as the substance-abusing gunslinger; Alex Karras as Mongo; Mel Brooks as the daffy Mayor; and who will ever forget the campfire scene? But, believe it or not, whenever I think of "Blazing Saddles" what comes to mind first is that beautiful voice of Frankie Laine beltin' out those lyrics:
"He conquered fear and he conquered hate
He turned dark night into day
He made his blazing saddle a torch to light the way."
Watch for him during the "In Memoriam" portion of tonight's Grammys.
Unfortunately, Whenever I Hear or See Tony Bennett...
Posted at 7:15 PM on February 11, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(26 Comments)
...I now think of Alec Baldwin.
It's Hard to Soar With The Eagles When You Are Surrounded By Turkeys.
Posted at 9:00 PM on February 11, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(17 Comments)
The Grammys really stumped me this year. Some great records received some recognition, but they again, there was that little tribute to the Eagles... Oh yeah, long overdue on that. (Not) "My Humps"??!?!? Best Pop Performance?? What in the blazes? That's like the worst song ever written. (Of course, the Pussycat Dolls were in the same category, so go figure.) Interesting how much the Dixie Chicks have been re-embraced this year, though there were a few people in cowboy hats NOT clapping when they won Song of the Year. Local boy Dan Wilson sure got a lot of face time - good for him! Nice props for Wolfmother, Bob Dylan, Gnarls Barkley, and The Flaming Lips.. but did anyone need to see Lionel Richie do "Hello"?? In 2007? The answer is, of course, "no". And don't get me started on Christina Aguilera doing James Brown. Seriously, don't get me started. As for the much ballyhooed Police reunion - "eh". Sure it was good to see "Roxanne" done the way it it supposed to be played, and not just by Sting solo, but the hype had me hyped more than that one song delivered, I have to say.
(Note: I had to look up some of these winners since they weren't all a part of the live show, unfortunately; check here for the full list of nominees and winners.)
We only read about it at The Buffering Stream, 2/12
Posted at 6:58 AM on February 12, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
(3 Comments)
What defines a band's sound?
Posted at 1:27 PM on February 12, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(2 Comments)
The Current Song of the Day download today is the new one from Trans Am, "Obscene Strategies."
I wasn't expecting a kind of '80s dance tune from Trans Am today, but then, what would I expect from them? For a band described as "techno/prog rock," they could pretty much make any sort of record they wanted. DJ Barb Abney thought she heard a little Prince in today's song. I'm almost positive the drum fill is a sample from Tone Loc's "Wild Thing." The song is cool, by the way.
But what is it that makes a Trans Am song stand out as a Trans Am song? They've been around a looooooong time and specialize in instrumentals, but without a singer or a regular genre, it's not easy to define their sound. I find it difficult to understand a band if I can't identify them, even if their songs are great.
Bursting musical bubbles and balloons..
Posted at 3:20 PM on February 12, 2007
by Barb Abney
(6 Comments)
We'll start with the Radiohead Let Down (pun intended). Seems that a previously mentioned release date for the band was fabricated.
And this ought to go over like a lead balloon... Rumored Led Zeppelin tour is NOT imminent. The UK tabloid The Sun has removed the story that they posted last week. Looks like this rumor rears pretty regularly. 2002 2003 I can understand wanting them to reunite. But wanting it doesn't make it so... or else I'd look more like Andie MacDowell!
Making plans for the day after Valentines Day? Why not an AIR listening party? They've got a new website and if you sign up for their newsletter, you'll be invited to the party!
Nine Inch Nails have thrown us another bone... the tracklist to their forthcoming release.
Idlewild's new release Make Another World will be available in the US and Canada soon .. March 6th - Digital Release/ April 3rd - Physical Release.
Tunes on the telly tonight..
The Fray on Leno
Rickie Lee Jones on Letterman (she'll also be the featured artist on our Song Of The Day Podcast on Wednesday).
Getting all post-post-ironic at The Buffering Stream, 2/13
Posted at 9:05 AM on February 13, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
Working out
Posted at 3:21 PM on February 13, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(3 Comments)
Complaining about the music at the gym is like wishing a work colleague who sits near you wouldn't type so loudly -- why bother? The soundscape isn't going to change, you need to be there, so you might as well put your headphones on, crank it up, and control your own aural environment.
What's your favorite music to work out to? Which tunes are in the warm up, heavy cardio and cool-down portions of the work out?
For me, I take a kickboxing class and the iPod is not an option because I need to hear what my teacher is saying. And while he's awesome, I could do with a change in the playlist--which features a heavy rotation of the Jackson family oeuvre, from the Jackson 5 to the Thriller era to an entire CD of remixes of Janet's "Nasty." That music is great is small doses, but this has been going on for months.
I'd love to hear what a Current DJ would cue up for a good jab, cross, hook, cut, cut, front kick, roundhouse work out.
Music television may never be the same!
Posted at 3:32 PM on February 13, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Last week there was some chatter about some people losing their jobs at MTV/VH1. The story is heating up at this moment with an update.
Al Gore is branching out again! From internet creator to politician to movie maker. Now he's reportedly planning a musical fest.
Rob from Pinback is playing some solo dates which were just announced.
Tunes on the telly tonight..
Lily Allen on Conan
Regina Spektor on Carson Daly
The Buffering Stream wears its heart on its sleeve, 2/14
Posted at 7:08 AM on February 14, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
(2 Comments)
Arcade Fire "Keep The Car Running"...My favorite song today...
Posted at 2:15 PM on February 14, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(5 Comments)
It's my job to basically dig around for the best new music for us to play and feature here at The Current. Doesn't usually feel like work if you catch my drift.... We get sent so much new music and find so many unknown musical jewels out there it seems everyday I've got a new favorite song. Today it's Arcade Fire's "Keep The Car Running" from their forth coming album Neon Bible. That song fills me with an unknown desire to just immediately get up from my desk, leave the building and sprint down the street for absolutely no reason what so ever. As absurd as that sounds, what's your favorite song you've discovered today from listening to The Current?
For you, I'm a pushover..
Posted at 2:51 PM on February 14, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
Long Winters are coming to town! Admittedly, I am a fan of these guys and was really looking forward to a date in the Twin Cities they were to play last year. Well, you know how these things sometimes happen.. they didn't come to town after all. So, I am thrilled to share the new tour date, March 21st at 400 Bar along with with Bound Stems and Stars of Track & Field!
Muse wins BRIT for British Live Act.
This seems like the perfect time to do a festival update... as three or four have finally posted line-ups!
All Tomorrow's Parties (the dirty 3, vs the fans)
Benicassim
Bonnaroo
Again, if you're planning on attending ANY festival, let me know. I'll get a handful of The Current stickers in your hot little hands to pass out at the fest. More info here.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight..
The Apples in Stereo on Conan
Norah Jones on Letterman
Madeleine Peyroux on Jimmy Kimmel
KT Tunstall on Craig Ferguson
Several people have asked my choice for best love song/breakup song of all time. My sweetie and I list our song as "There Is No If" from The Cure. As for break-up tune, I'll go with Throwing Stones from Paula Cole. Mark Wheat and Danny Siegleman are really the experts. I can't wait to hear the tunes tonight! In the meantime, Wanna share your pick for either/both categories?
One more day of The Buffering Stream :( 2/15
Posted at 7:16 AM on February 15, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
(3 Comments)
Mark Wheat Saved My Marriage!
Posted at 8:58 AM on February 15, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(3 Comments)
They’re called "driveway moments" - when you’re so riveted by the radio, you sit in your car just listening - but they needn’t happen in a driveway. Sometimes they happen in the parking lot of the Uptown Kowalski’s.
Remember this blog about a week ago - all my whining about advertising ruining cherished songs? Well, Wheat played my wedding song, Iron & Wine’s cover of “Such Great Heights,” as part of his 50 Greatest Love Songsshow last night (clearly, some of you love that song, too!) He started the song just as I pulled into a parking space at the grocery store.
All day long I’d been telling folks how the husband and I don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day. You know, being my cynical self: it’s too commercial, it’s meaningless, I feel like it doesn’t belong to me, it’s just there to make single people feel bad and married people feel pressured ...
But then ...
Maybe it was hearing my name mentioned on air (seriously - that never loses its thrill, even when you work on air.) Or maybe it was Wheat just reminding me that, yeah, it was my wedding song. Or maybe the Valentine’s Day vortex finally sucked me in. I felt like I couldn’t get out of my car - I had to stay and listen to the song in its entirety. And I did. I sat there, much to the chagrin of folks who really wanted my parking space, and I listened. And I called the hubby - who was still stuck in class at the U - and held my phone up to the car speaker so he could hear it, too. And I felt like my bones were made of vanilla pudding.
(Even better—M&Ms never so much as crossed my mind. Not even the pink, red and white ones.)
Wheat! You saved my song! You dug it out from the dumpster of commerce and buffed it to its original wedding-day shine! Oh, the redemptive power of public radio! Glory, glory! Pass that contribution basket right on over here!
Later, the old man and I sang along our best Kirsty and Shane impersonations as Mark played "Fairytale of New York" (so FUN to call your husband a scumbag), then snuggled on the couch to Neil Young's "Harvest Moon." This Anti-Valentine ended up having a pretty sweet evening after all.
Was that entire set not quality radio, y’all? They were your picks, and they made for one heck of set. I have to admit--it made me feel smug and wonderful to know we have such smart listeners. Not that I ever thought otherwise--but you really blew me away last night!
I couldn’t stay up for Danny’s set, but I’m going to listen right now, because I still love a good breakup song.
What did you think of last night’s sets? Did you hear one of the songs you suggested? It’s the second-to-last day of our Member Drive, which seems a good time to ask about your Driveway Moments. What has The Current done for you lately? And what will you do for The Current?
Black Lips free download
Posted at 10:05 AM on February 15, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(23 Comments)
Today's Song of the Day free download is the Black Lips' "Not a Problem." The young guys from Georgia mine the Nuggets-era sound on this song, but I think this release only hints at how raw and awesome they are live.
The Black Lips opened up for the Dirtbombs at the 7th Street Entry last spring, and when they first began their set, I thought, “Yup, the next generation of whipper snapper garage rockers.”
Then they got to me. Maybe it was the one guitarist’s gold teeth; maybe it was the singer’s mustache, maybe it was the way they seemed genuinely into their music, while being eccentric and kind of unstable. It gave me hope for the future.
Since then, I’ve read about them in Vice magazine (the Black Lips record is on Vice Records label), which claims them as their house band right now because they’re a great band who also occasionally get kicked out of clubs. I’ve read reports about vomiting and other bodily fluids (kind of gross, true). But aside from the opening scream -- its bite muted by production -- and the raw scream-singing found in the chorus, the song sounds like uncomplicated Byrds-inspired garage rock. Check out the free download. I wonder if I’ll ever get tired of that garage rock?
Everyday Sunshine, again?
Posted at 3:15 PM on February 15, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
Fishbone is set to release a new album in April. I am a huge fan of 1991 era Fishbone. I must admit, I haven't kept up with them since. We can reaquaint ourselves with Fishbone here.
Hooray for POS on reaching a larger audience! He's currently out on the road with K-OS. It was just announced that he'll be hitting the traveling trail with the punksters on The Warped Tour.
Hope you bought your tickets early... Coachella is SOLD OUT!
Keeping in touch with The Hold Steady while they're out of the country... The guys just posted a video someone made for their boyfriend using the tune "First Night".
Tunes On The Telly Tonight..
Nas on Letterman
What's your favorite ELO song?
Posted at 3:20 PM on February 15, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(16 Comments)
Come on, you all have one....
ELnO will be playing our fabulous listener appreciation party on the 27th. (Details here) They are taking requests for the set list, so let's hear it. What do you want to hear as you shake your disco-loving groove thang at the Varsity Theater? I've already put in for "Turn to Stone". And "Xanadu" is (hopefully) a given.... so what else?
The Buffering Stream signs off, 2/16
Posted at 7:16 AM on February 16, 2007
by Hans Eisenbeis
(3 Comments)
Cold War Kids kicked off stage!!
Posted at 4:59 PM on February 16, 2007
by Barb Abney
..truly! And in front of a star studded audience, as well!
Roky Erickson is touring! Can't catch him on the road but want to lend him a hand? Give to the Roky Erickson trust fund..
It's never too early to plan ahead for St. Patty's Day. Check out some Limited Edition Flogging Molly tunes that are being released on green vinyl! They've also posted dates for their upcoming tour here. And for those of us who love a little trivia, did you know that the frontman of the band used to be in Fastway?
You may remember when these guys stopped by The Current a while back ...Birdmonster have now sequestered themselves in an isolated cabin in the woods to work on new material. Before they left civilization they were kind enough to post a video of themselves doing a live cover of Billy Joel on stage.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight..
The Thermals on Carson Daly
Here in this land of 10,000 Bands..
Posted at 2:42 AM on February 18, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(3 Comments)
I am constantly checking out new music in this here twin towns. There really isn't a night of the week there isn't a decent MN musician working it out on stage somewhere for someone. Often with no cover charge!
Here's some of my favorite and the more interesting MN acts i've seen or heard lately:
Jennifer Markey is a wonderful singer/songwriter who along with her Buckboard Boys play original songs and a bevy of tradtional material making the familiar all her own.
Estate are a knob twiddling, ankle twitching electro-pop, soul twosome who easily are the most fun band I've come across the last year. Their debut, "The Vacation", is already a dance-party classic!
The Haves Have It are all Twin Cities transplants who've made Minneapolis their home and have made quite the noise. I haven't seen them yet but look forward to feeling the rawk in person as they have been quite busy taking over stages across town.
Then there's the old faves, Fog(who name-drop yours truly(!?) on a new song, "What's Up Freaks?") and my old friend and former bandmate, Jim Ruiz, who now that he's jumped on the myspace train will hopefully have some new sounds to soothe us all in the '007..
Aside from you or your girlfriend's band, who else is worth checking out?
The Stream: 02/19/07
Posted at 8:47 AM on February 19, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
June Carter Cash tribute in the works.
February 19 history bits...
* Birthday of Smokey Robinson (1940)
* Birthday of Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi (1948)
* David Gilmour joins rock group Pink Floyd in 1968
* In 1991, Rap group Public Enemy joins Irish singer Sinead O'Connor in boycotting the 1991 Grammy Awards. PE protested that the rap award would not be presented during the live TV ceremony.
Dre Day update: The fifth annual Dre Day down at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis last night (Sunday) was packed. When the ladies of the Black Blondie took the stage around midnight, they were rocking a full house. Dr Dre turned 42 yesterday.
Locals Maps of Norway jump up to #66 this week in the CMJ Top 200 airplay list.
The Stream: 02/19/07 was compiled by DJ Barb Abney and Christina Schmitt.
A Sugary Sweet Suite
Posted at 12:30 PM on February 19, 2007
by Steve Seel
(23 Comments)
Well, I'm among those who are digging the new one from Sloan, "Never Hear the End Of It." (Today's My 3 Songs featured a tune from the disc that blew me away for all it's pop-sugary sing-along-ness -- "Last Time in Love"). The extra-special conceit of the disc, though, is that all the songs are strung together as one continuous suite. All 30 of them. Pretentious or ingenious? I'm going with ther latter. Especially as it dovetails with Mark Wheat's prediction that the album as we know it is going to die in the next year or so, unless artists come up with something that makes their albums distinct concepts. What's original about this to me is that it's the first such concept album I can think of that's pure bubblegum. Who else can claim that mantle?
(P.S. Sloan's "Never Hear The End Of It" will be dicussed further on this week's Musicheads).
Presidential Links..
Posted at 1:48 PM on February 19, 2007
by Barb Abney
.. I dunno, I thought it might be a bit funny if someone was to google "presidential links" and wind up here! Perhaps I should have stuck with "Presidents Day Links".
Today on the Song Of The Day we featured a tune from RJD2's forthcoming new release The Third Hand (due in stores March 6th). You might want to consider pre-orderring this one. If you do pre-order you'll get an exclusive digital ep and you'll also have the chance to have Rjd2 DJ a party for you!
If you missed the Grammys but wanted to see Dan Wilson accepting his with The Dixie Chicks go to Dan's site for Youtube footage.
Radio 4 have been asked to record some songs for an upcoming movie based on Joe Strummer.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight..
Silversun Pickups on Leno
The Holmes Brothers on Conan
The Stream: 02/20/07
Posted at 7:31 AM on February 20, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(18 Comments)
Internet chatter for February 20, 2007
- Buzz for Al Gore's S.O.S. festival grows
- Buzz for SXSW continues
- Under your skin: Two new releases from mid-'90s darlings Luscious Jackson: Luscious Jackson's Greatest Hits and former LJ lead singer Jill Cuniff's solo album, City Beach.
- Can't wait until March 6 to get the new one from Arcade Fire? Then check out the String Quartet's Tribute to Arcade Fire’s Funeral.
- Music history bits for February 20
* 1960: Jimi Hendrix, rock and roll guitarist, plays his first gig
* 1967: Birthday of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain
* 1974: Cher files for separation from husband Sonny Bono
YouTube Is The Drug
Posted at 1:53 PM on February 20, 2007
by Steve Seel
(5 Comments)
Sometimes, it's all I can do to prevent myself from searching YouTube for every single video or musical television appearance that had a galvanizing effect on me when I was 18. Well, I've now realized I've become a hardcore junkie, because I've moved on to watching videos that weren't even really meaningful to me, but just bring back memories. I will even watch things that are vaguely boring, just so I can see them again. Last week it was Queen videos (can you say "Radio Ga Ga"?) Nothing, though, compares to anything I can drum up that's an appearance from Fridays. (We've discussed Fridays before, haven't we?) I'm talking about things like this amazing bit of otherwise lost history. Sadly, there's almost none of it there, since I guess nobody's folks had a VCR in those days. Why isn't the show available on DVD? Because it seems that the video distribution rights are being held up by the cast's most well-known alumnus.
Festivals, Tours, Freebies, Toys and Feuds
Posted at 2:51 PM on February 20, 2007
by Barb Abney
(45 Comments)
The Hold Steady, Arcade Fire, Bjork are just a few of the bands playing this year's Sasquatch Festival held in Washington state on Memorial Day weekend. Here's the Sasquatch homepage.
Some incredible artists have just announced tours! Tragically Hip, Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) and Adult. will all be rolling through the Twin Cities in the near future. The Moz is
rumored to be planning on a tour too! Oh, and The Toadies are reuniting for a brief tour, as well.
Tim Fite's new album Over The Counter Culture was released today. You might enjoy his Hip Hop samplings. You'd definitely enjoy the price.. FREE.
Speaking of Hip Hop, if you're looking for a new way to show your love of Chuck D. and Flava Flav, perhaps introduce a youngster to an action figure that's NOT the star of an animated series.. go here!
Noel's picking on Liam again! There's some reported back and forth going on between Noel and Thom Yorke, as well. Apparently it's hidden cryptically here.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight..
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals featuring Charlie Musselwhite on Carson Daly
K-os on Letterman
We like the blips, the blips that go bleep!
Posted at 3:43 PM on February 20, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(1 Comments)
Twin Cities fans of electronic music will want to make note of this week's Spark Festival of Electronic Music and Art going down at the University of Minnesota.
The exhausting schedule of events includes local and international purveyors of the constantly evolving genre.
Amongst many performances, events include a Headphone Festival, "circuit bending" workshop with locals, Beatrix*JAR and an appearance and lecture from one of electronic music's founding pioneers, Morton Subotnick, whose 1967 "Silver Apples on the Moon" is a landmark piece of blip and bleepery.
So what's your favorite record of audio weirdness?
Sneak Peek of The Current at South By Southwest!
Posted at 4:19 PM on February 20, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(3 Comments)
Do you find yourself reading all the upcoming reviews of 2007's SXSW and wish you could go too? Fear not! The Current is bringing SXSW to you Minneapolis, with it's live broadcast direct from Buffalo Billiards on the famed 6th Street Thursday 3/15 and Friday 3/16 from 11am-7pm. We've been slaving away to bring you the hottest new acts direct from Austin, TX!
We're still booking the broadcast but right now we've got some fairly well loved folks coming to talk and play for us! Andrew Bird will be droping by and playing from his new album Armchair Apocrypha with Minneapolis's own Dosh who is touring with him at his gigs in Austin. Sondre Lerche is playing selections from his new album The Phantom Punch with a full band. Brother Ali is representing Minneapolis's Rhymesayers in Austin and will be showcasing selections from his forthcoming release The Undisputed Truth. Money Mark will be playing with his band and giving us sneak peeks of his new release Brand New By Tomorrow. Definative Jux Records mastermind, EL-P, will be showcasing with a live band in what's shaping up to be 2007's most highly anticipated underground hip hop album titled I'll Sleep When You're Dead. RJD2 is going in a completely diffrent direction playing songs with a four peice band from his new release The Third Hand.
SXSW is a great festival to go see some of your favorite artists, but really you could go to Coachella, Lollapalooza or Bonnaroo to see the same favorites. One of the most complelling things that draws us to SXSW is all the new music! Who's going to be the next big thing for 2007?
We're rolling the dice and booking some of the new artists that are buzzing around the festival. Literally exploding onto the music scene with their new album Writer's Block, Peter Bjorn & John from Sweden will be at our live broadcast. Fujiya & Miyagi are one band that are too catchy for their own good. Traveling from Brighton, England they'll be performing songs for us from their new album Transparent Things [Deaf, Dumb and Blind]. You might be familiar with this name, Tom Morello. Ring a bell? Ding ding...that's right...Tom Morello is the master guitarist from Audioslave and Rage Against The Machine. If you're a fan you might know he also performs as a solo acoustic artist under the pseudonym The Nightwatchman. Tom will be playing selections from his forth coming release One Man Revolution. Afrobeat outfit Antibalas will be dropping by the broadcast with their 11 piece outfit playing music from their new release Security. Fresh off the boat from across the pond are the UK's The Young Knives. This three piece band packs a punch and will be playing songs for us from their new release Voices Of Animals And Men. Also, traveling from afar for us is one of Diplo's side projects, Bonde Do Role from Brazil. Named one of Rolling Stone's 10 artists to watch, they have a new album coming in 2007 called Bonde do Role With Lasers.
And this isn't even the end of the list! We've got some other great acts we're trying to nail down for our SXSW broadcast. So please, cross your fingers and say a little prayer that we'll make them offers they can't refuse.
If you could go to SXSW who would you like to see? Who do you think is the next big artist
of 2007? Here's the list of the artists showcasing this year at the festival...
Eepy Bird Sighting!
Posted at 4:40 PM on February 20, 2007
by Tony Lopez
What do you get when you mix 101 two-litre bottles of diet Coke and 523 Mentos? Ahhh, yes, indeed, it's fun time!
EepyBird.com is a great way to waste time and still fool yourself into thinking you're learning something. Check it out!
All You Can Eat
Posted at 3:10 AM on February 21, 2007
by Jill Riley
(2 Comments)
Ladies and gentlemen, start your deep fryers! Let the fish fries begin!
Internet chatter: 02/21/07
Posted at 7:31 AM on February 21, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(4 Comments)
- Remember the talk about a Van Halen/David Lee Roth reunion and tour? Well, forget it.
- Crowded House reuniting for Coachella.
- Further opportunities to "Vote The Rock"
Spin.com's Artist of the year
Yahoo Music's Who's Next - Music history bits for February 21
1958: The very first Gibson model Flying V guitar is shipped from a factory in Kalamazoo, Mich.
1961: Birthday of Ranking Roger (English Beat)
1980: Vocalist Bon Scott of AC/DC falls unconscious and dies in a friend's car after an all-night drinking bout.
Internet chatter for February 21, 2007 was compiled mostly by DJ Barb Abney with help from Christina Schmitt
Musicheads
Posted at 9:42 AM on February 21, 2007
by Bill DeVille
This weeks episode of Musicheads is up. We discuss new releases by Bloc Party, Lucinda Williams & Sloan. Join the discussion at Gather
Introducing the Rokkengoot
Posted at 1:25 PM on February 21, 2007
by Michael Wells
(3 Comments)
Okay, so that's not the real name of this beautiful guitar made by Zachary Guitars. It's actually called "120300" which doesn't have as nice a ring to it, IMHO.
Using an IKEA end table, they made a $1500 custom guitar out of $15 worth of wood. According to their site, they can get three guitars from a single table.
(link via BoingBoing.net)
Scooped again!
Posted at 2:49 PM on February 21, 2007
by Barb Abney
(28 Comments)
While I was on air today I found a few little tidbits of info that while not "secret" weren't the most talked about story on each and every Web site/blog. These tidbits make my day and make me feel like an investigative journalist. So, I jot down little notes to myself to mention during my afternoon blogging (exibit A). As I sit down to do so, I check a few of the "big guys" in the blog world to make sure my tidbits aren't "old news" and low and behold, there's my tidbit, my nugget, my gem. I've been scooped by Pitchfork! Granted, their job is to stay on top of music news and report it at the speed of light. Yet, a small part of me still feels like I'm in competition with them. I'm sure these guys don't even know my name. But so many times I've had a great story that I stumbled upon or got an amazing MySpace bulletin and then written up the story went to post and BAM there it is on "The Fork". I'm not an investigative journalist, never claimed to be. But it still makes me want to get the story faster. So, beginning tomorrow morning at 9am I will be live-blogging throughout my shift. If I find an interesting link you'll have it instantly.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight..
Gomez on Leno
G. Love on Carson Daly
Hello Pot? It's me kettle.
Posted at 3:23 PM on February 21, 2007
by Mary Lucia
(2 Comments)
The Stream: 02/22/07
Posted at 7:18 AM on February 22, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
- Missed the recent The Shins's sold out show at First Avenue? You could win a chance to see The Shins in concert in Boston: imeem and The Shins are giving you that opportunity with a poster design contest! The winner will receive two tickets to The Shins' concert in Boston (including flight and hotel accommodations). And the winning design will be printed and handed out at the concert. Contest ends Monday, March 5 at midnight (PT). Enter here.
(The Stream says Thanks to Lindsay in San Francisco for the scoop!) - Local nice guys, Halloween, Alaska have had their tune "Halloween" remixed for inclusion on a benefit compilation for Callum Robbins.
- More festival news: The Cure, Fatboy Slim, Paul Van Dyke and others will be playing the Ultramusic Fest in Miami on March 23 and 24.
- Arcade Fire's Win Butler speaks out against Rolling Stones, U2 and Oasis.
- Music history bits for February 22:
1968: Genesis releases its first single, "The Silent Sun."
1986: MTV celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Monkees by airing "Pleasant Valley Sunday," a 22-hour broadcast of Monkees TV episodes.
1999: Jimmy Chamberlin announces that he has rejoined the Smashing Pumpkins, 3 1/2 years after being ousted from the group for his involvement in the fatal drug overdose of keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin.
The Stream: 02/22/07 was compiled mostly by DJ Barb Abney with help from Christina Schmitt
Live On Air Blogging: 2/22
Posted at 8:58 AM on February 22, 2007
by Barb Abney
(4 Comments)
11:57am Barb out
So, that's a wrap for my first attempt at live on air blogging. Not as distracting as I thought it would be. Quite fun, actually. I'll try it again tomorrow.
FYI... there are no first run "Tunes On The Telly" tonight, sorry.
11:42am Update
I believe Lucinda Williams fever is spreading! She's coming to town in April. She was chatted about on the latest Musicheads and she's playing right now!
11:25 Update
The set I just played featured two bands that are both playing upcoming gigs for us. First Fujiya & Miyagi (who'll be playing SxSW for us) and Dance Band (who will be playing our Listener Appreciation Show next week). We'll be there, will you?
11:05am Update
Any time I play a Semisonic, Trip Shakespeare or solo Dan Wilson tune, I have a friend who emails me and teases me about it because he thinks I have a secret crush. I just dig his music, ya know? Hear more of his new music here.
10:50am Update
Glen Hansard, the frontman for The Frames will be be hosting the Songwriting Course at this year's Listowel Writers Festival, Ireland's largest lieterary festival.
10:30am Update
Looks like Mando Diao are much loved in Germany! Their tune "Long Before Rock n Roll" is our Song of The Day.
So excited to learn that Sondre Lerche is coming to town!
10:06am Update
Rickie Lee Jones is in the house!
10am Update
Charles from Wrens is playing a solo gig with Takka Takka tonight!
9:50am Update
I've said it before and I wanted to test it today. Should the Brazillian Girls' tune "Rules of the game" be a Bond theme?
9:20am Update
Minneapolis band, Keston and Westdal's "Truth is Stranger" album will be made available worldwide next month. Find out about the celebration in honor of that event and where to see them play tonight right here.
9am I just played "Roll Down The Hill" a track from Fields debut disk, 7 from The Village. They're getting quite the buzz. What'd you think of it? Tonight they are wrapping up their dates in support of Bloc Party. But they've got more shows on the way in the UK in April. Learn more about the band .. here.
Taking London by storm
Posted at 11:31 AM on February 22, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(211 Comments)
Can't quite explain the thrill I got from reading a blog entry in one of my favoured UK mags that does a pretty good job of being on the web too, Uncut. The Editor went to see The Hold Steady at the weekend...www.uncut.co.uk/blog
Unlike Craig and the boys, the news of The Police reunion doesn't seem to have anyone in the UK excited at all!! The NY Times reminded us at the weekend that they were once the biggest band in the world, over here. But we haven't played them as a relevant influence and other than Sting's big hits on some stations across the country their band profile seems to be horribly low, for an ex-biggest band in the world. Curious, why is this?
The Stream: 02/23/07
Posted at 7:28 AM on February 23, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
Looking toward the weekend, matches in my hand...
Snow, snow, yeah, yeah, so put the chains on the tires and head out to see some local music...
- Saturday, February 24 at the Hexagon Bar in Minneapolis. FREE!
MC/VL are two fun guys rapping over AC/DC and the like (and will be The Current's Song of the Day download March 2 and guests on Chris Robert's The Local Show on March 4); with Superhopper and the Stereo Textbook Committee (Chicago), a Guided by Voices tribute band. Oh yeah. - Saturday, February 24 at the 7th Street Entry. All ages and ID show. $6.
Mystery Palace CD Release Party
Mystery Palace features former 12 Rods singer Ryan Olcott. Listen to Mystery Palace on 10/22/06 edition of The Local Show.
Sorry for the shameless self-promotion, but The Current is hosting a couple of cool shows we have to plug because, well, they're awesome:
- Tonight at the Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul. $15.
The Current Fakebook with Chuck Klosterman and musical guests Tapes 'n Tapes. Read more about this show in today's Star Tribune: Head to metalhead. - Tuesday, February 27 at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. FREE for MPR members; $8 for member wannabes
The Current Listener Appreciation Party
Dance Band, Chooglin', E.L.nO., Jeremy Messersmith and skits by Lit 6. And discounted Summit Beer. Don't you dare stay home.
Internet chit chat for 02/23/07
Music history bits for February 23
1927: President Coolidge creates the FCC
1959: Lloyd Price’s tune “Stagger Lee” was the Number one billboard hit
1963: Keyboard player Robert Collins is born. ( hee hee Bob Collins)
1999: Courtney Love won Best Female Rock guitarist honor and Melissa Auf Der Maur won best bassist at the Orville H. Gibson Awards
2000: Israeli singer Ofra Haza passed away Tel Aviv
The Stream 02/23/07 was compiled by DJ Barb Abney and Christina Schmitt
Live On Air Blogging: 2/23
Posted at 8:58 AM on February 23, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
Noon-ish
Barb out for the day. Have a great weekend!
Tunes On The Telly This Weekend:
The Arcade Fire on SNL
11:25 am Yay or Ney?
I've heard/been a part of many debates over Scissor Sisters. I can see where they just might be too "kitschy" for some. But when I hear them I can't stop tapping my toes and signing in my best Abba-falsetto. What about you?
11:00 am Bonnaroo Ticket Time!
They're on sale now! Here's the lineup again.
10:40am The Cover Set
So, what did you think? It's no secret that I'm a cover-lover. For me, part of the fun of a cover tune is also sharing the original tune's info.
The Futureheads tune was a cover of the Kate Bush original Hounds of Love. Devo coverred The Rolling Stones and Shara Worden recorded her version of Nina SImone's "Feeling Good" right here in-studio!
10:10am Song Of The Day
Little Man - Undertow - from the new album Soulful Automatic.
They'll be playing SxSW. Hear them Sunday evening with Chris Roberts on The Local Show.
Learn more on their official site or on their MySpace page.
Subscribe to The Song Of The Day.
9:50am
David Byrne will be speaking on a panel Thursday March 15th at SxSW. Record Companies: Who Needs Them?
9:20am
Are you a David Bowie know-it-all? If so, get in on this contest!
I just played a track from Bon Savants and wanted to let you know they'll be stopping by The 400 Bar next weekend.
Fantasy Covers
Posted at 12:51 PM on February 23, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(10 Comments)
(I could have come up with a really sleazy double-entendre for the title of this entry, but I'm not feeling particularly creative today.)
Barb's awesome cover set this morning got me thinking ... What's your favorite cover?
Here's an even better one: imagine you could ask any band to cover any song. Which song would you choose, and who would you like to see cover it?
Here's mine, and it's really out in left field. I've been on this nostalgic Guns 'n' Roses trip lately, and have been seriously rockin' out to "Estranged" from Use Your Illusion II. Really, it's a pretty solid song--lots of turns and surprises--why did it have to be G'n'R? I think I'd like to hear what Okkervil River could do with a song like that. Nobody can scream like Will Sheff, not even Axl.
So, what's your cover fantasy?
My 3 Songs for Friday, 2/23
Posted at 2:29 PM on February 23, 2007
by Steve Seel
(4 Comments)
Today Michelle Kvenild from Apple Valley had a special dedication to her husband Kory for his birthday. A very personal set that was filled with tons of love, and a fair helping of playfulness in the middle.
1) Tom Waits: "Picture In A Frame"
2) Pigeon John: "Money Back Guarantee"
3) Johnny Cash: "If I Were A Carpenter" (w/ June Carter Cash)
I have to say, that Tom Waits song is powerfully affecting to me. Well, most are ... but this one is one of the sweetest musical love letters I've ever heard, and that's saying quite a lot.
worst song ever
Posted at 12:10 PM on February 24, 2007
by Bill DeVille
(51 Comments)
OK, I walked into a store they other day & there music system was featuring these bad 70's & 80's tunes. I heard "We Built This City" by Starship. I think it's the worst song ever. That line "Kneedeep in the Hoopla" drives me insane. I got outta there in a hurry!
What do you think is the worst song ever?
Arcade Fire on SNL
Posted at 4:16 PM on February 25, 2007
by Jill Riley
(11 Comments)
Saturday Night Live used to be such a HUGE part of my week. I've started watching it again lately and noticed this season SNL has featured a lot of great indie music. Oh, and the hosts have been really good lately too. March 3rd the host is Jake Gyllenhaul (did you know he dated Jenny Lewis at one time?) with musical guest The Shins.
In case you missed Arcade Fire on SNL last night.....
Keep The Car Running
What is that thing she's playing? Or cranking I should say.
The Stream 02/26/07
Posted at 8:55 AM on February 26, 2007
by Barb Abney
(5 Comments)
Today In Music History:
1928 - Fats Domino was born
1932 - Johnny Cash was born
1970 - Beatles release "Hey Jude"
1983 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album goes to #1 and stays there for 37 weeks
British Fest, T In The Park sells out.
Nine Inch Nails have posted a couple of tunes from their new album here..
Milli Vanilli on the big screen? Blame it on the rain or in our case, the snow!
Live On Air Blogging 2/26
Posted at 9:00 AM on February 26, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
11:50
New Supergrass? They're in the studio. Watch for updates here.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Solomon Burke on Conan
11:33
Speaking of Dean Wareham of Galaxie 500/Luna fame.. The album Back Numbers with Britta Phillips will be in stores tomorrow. You have one last day to pre-order and get extra goodies.
11:00 ish
Robyn Hitchcock will be performing at SxSW. The documentary Robyn Hitchcock: Sex, Food, Death and Insects will be debuting there, as well. Can't get to Austin for the occassion? Watch it on the Sundace Channel on Tuesday, March 27. More info here.
10:40
For today's Song Of The Day podcast we're featuring Low's new tune "Breaker". Their forthcoming 8th album titled Drums and Guns will be in stores on March 20th. Looks like you can preorder the album from Sub Pop.
On a related note: This weekend our Song Of The Day podcast was featured in Wall Street Journal! If you're a subscriber you can read it again here.
9:45 Asobi Sexsu are out on the road with The Ataris. Learn more about the tour and their recently released LIVE record here.
Bloc Party will be playing the Live Earth concert on 07/07/07!
9:15 Happy Monday!!
Are you a dog person? Greg Laswell is. When he's touring close to home he takes his puppy along. When he's not, he entertains himself by "messing with" other dog people. Go here and read his "Dog Forum" posts.
My 3 Songs for Monday, 2-26
Posted at 1:04 PM on February 26, 2007
by Steve Seel
(2 Comments)
It was Beatles, Beatles-ish, and a Beatles cover today ... in reverse order from that, submitted by Jim Holzer of Prior Lake.
1) Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs, "And Your Bird Can Sing"
2) Jim Noir, "Tell Me What To Do"
3) The Beatles, "Doctor Robert"
Jim cheekily referred to the Jim Noir tune as "the lost cut from Revolver," and also argued that Susanna Hoffs "has the sexiest voice in rock 'n roll," and I just might have to agree with him.
I am afraid....
Posted at 5:04 AM on February 27, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(2 Comments)
It is my opinion that within the latest Yo La Tengo effort, I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your #$!, there is a pretty fantastic 45-minute effort. Ordinarily, I wouldn't advocate pruning an album like this, but I find it virtually unlistenable in its entirety. BUT, when listened to in individual little portions, there's many excellent, haunting, and subliminally memorable tracks. What are your thoughts? How would you re-cut I Am Not Afraid of You... into a more digestible platter? Do you want it rocking? Jazzy? Intact as-is? I'll chime in with my modified track listing later on; what are yours?
The Stream 02/27/07
Posted at 8:47 AM on February 27, 2007
by Barb Abney
Today In Music History:
1967, Pink Floyd recorded 'Arnold Layne' their first single.
1970 - Jefferson Airplane is fined $1,000. for using profanity on stage in Oklahoma City.
1984 - The Jacksons' Pepsi commercial premieres on MTV.
1991 - James Brown is released from prison after serving two years of a six-year prison sentence, after resisting arrest and a car chase across two States.
Make a video for The Hold Steady and you could win $1000! More info here.
New live Dosh material here. (click on the MP3 link)
Would you like a press pass to a Snow Patrol show? They're looking for a reporter and photographer along each stop on their current US tour. Learn more here.
The Cribs.. new track "Our Bovine Public" posted for your listening pleasure on MySpace. While you're there you can read up on the documentary they made along with Alex from Franz Ferdinand.
Live On Air Blogging 2/27/07
Posted at 9:10 AM on February 27, 2007
by Barb Abney
11:50 Barb-out
Modest Mouse's new disk is in stores on March 13th but you can pre-order it now.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Silversun Pickups on Carson Daly (night 1 of a 4 night residence)
11:25
Takka Takka are currently touring in the UK . They've been getting alot of press lately! You can study up on the whole frenzy of attention on their home page. It seems like just yesterday when the guys stopped by and played an in-studio for us. I guess we can all say "We knew them when..."
10:51
I just played a live version of Black Blondie's "Dressed To Kill A Mockingbird". The tune was recorded here in the studio during their appearance on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. They have a handful of upcoming dates posted on their Myspace page.
10:14
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring the new Dr. Dog tune "Die, Die, Die" from the album We All Belong, which is in stores today. Vote for their video on MTV U. They are currently touring with labelmates, The Teeth. They'll be playing Bonnaroo, The all-ages Philadelphia Popped! Festival and they'll be stopping by the Twin Cities next month. For upcoming tourdates and info see their
official site or their Myspace page.
9:30 Imitosis
I "googled" the word imitosis thinking it was a disease or condition I had never heard of. I came up with this on Wikipedia.
Happy Tuesday!
The Spoon track "The Book I Write" is on the soundtrack to Stranger Than Fiction, which will be released on DVD today.
My 3 Songs for Tuesday, 2/27/07
Posted at 1:49 PM on February 27, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
A trio of "couples" ... That was Rasha Kowalewski's set submitted today.
1) The White Stripes: "My Doorbell"
2) Mates Of State, "Goods (All In Your Head)", recorded live on The Current
3) Kaiser Cartel, "Okay"
Rasha also says, "I remember being surprised that Mates of State was just two people ... to me, "Goods" sounds like a lead singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, and three backup singers!"
Red Dragons They're Not
Posted at 2:08 PM on February 27, 2007
by Steve Seel
(7 Comments)
Wondering what to get for your new tat? Here are some suggestions that include some, uh, odder choices (NYT flash feature). Clearly, there are some corners of celebrity worship I was not aware of.
Rock and Roll ain't supposed to be so 'spensive!
Posted at 3:04 PM on February 27, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(13 Comments)
Argh!
As much as I want to see some of my favorite bands, U2, the Police or the upcoming Roger Waters tour these ticket prices and convoluted requisite "fan club" memberships is getting too out of hand!
I know this isn't big news or anything but I need to vent. Rock and Roll should be for everyone not just for those who can always afford it!
I am infinately more impressed by a band, who load/unload their own gear, and can knock everyone's socks off in a place like the 7th Street Entry for a $5 cover than having to sit in nosebleed seats for a month's rent for another overblown ho-hum concert.
There's something to be said about a band that does it because they just have to then those that simply can and make a mint doing so. "Don't forget about the Underground" as they say, afterall Sting and Bono were there once themselves.
That being said, anybody got an extra ticket, give me a holler! ;)
The Stream 02/28/07
Posted at 8:59 AM on February 28, 2007
by Barb Abney
The Hold Steady, Calexico, Stephen Malkmus and more cover Bob Dylan on "I'm Not There" soundtrack. More info
The Police are coming!! Ross has the scoop!
Today In Music History:
1942 - Brian Jones, Rolling Stones guitarist was born
1957 - Ian Stanley, Tears For Fears keyboardist was born
1966 - Ian Brown, The Stone Roses was born
1970 - Simon and Garfunkel started a six week run at the top of the US charts with 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'
Live On Air Blogging 2/28/07
Posted at 9:09 AM on February 28, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish
Tunes on The Telly Tonight:
Silversun Pickups on Carson Daly (night 2 of a 4 night residence)
11:45am
The Pipettes were just signed to Interscope records. Get the scoop on these ladies before your friends do... official site myspace
Noel Gallagher was nice to someone!! Okay, that's just me being catty. But it's true! He likes The Gossip!
10:55am
He just wrapped up dates in Japan. His new solo effort "Yours To Keep" is in stores next Tuesday. He'll be playing an In-store gig in Los Angeles next week, SxSW, countless headlining gigs and Conan's show in April! More info here.
10:20am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring the Shrift remix of a new Bebel Gilberto tune "Bring Back The Love". It is available on the Bring Back The Love Remix Collection. The new full length "Memento" will be in stores in April. For more information see her official site or Myspace page.
9:35am
I'll admit, I am dragging from staying out a bit late last night at The Current's Listener Appreciation event. I had a great time! I arrived just in time to catch Jeremy Messersmith's last song, wish I had a better sense of direction! I really enjoyed ELnO! If you have the chance to see them play, do so! They played a tune that for years I thought was a Bee Gees tune. Thanks for schooling me, guys. I only stayed until about 11pm, so I missed both Chooglin' and Dance Band at the end of the night and The Lit 6 Project members earlier in the evening. Any reviews you'd like to share?
Low Ri-der and the horn section
Posted at 11:45 AM on February 28, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(27 Comments)
DJ Barb Abney is playing War's Low Rider right now and it's making me laugh, taking me back to my parent's basement when I first rented Cheech and Chong movies.
But besides thinking of juvenile antics, Low Rider is also reminding me of the first times that I really started to appreciate horns in pop music. What would Low Rider be without its "ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba-ba"? What are your favorite horn moments in pop music?
In Case You Missed It...
Posted at 2:07 PM on February 28, 2007
by Lindsay Kimball
(2 Comments)
We had a great time at the Varsity Theater last night for the 2nd Listener Appreciation Party. Thanks to everyone that came out!
I know I wasn’t the only one who wanted dance like it was a Tuesday evening at the Varsity Theater. DJ Soviet Panda started off the night with music from Hot Chip and CSS. Who can sit still to a remix of “Over and Over” and a ‘lil “Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death From Above” filling their ears? If you get enough of the tunes (or didn’t get to hear any at all), DJ Soviet Panda has a weekly gig lined up at on Saturday’s First Avenue with the Too Much Love dance night. Evidently a bunch of people still made it out last weekend despite the blizzard, so imagine Saturday that doesn’t include dressing up like an abominable snowman to get out of your driveway.
Jeremy Messersmith took the stage around 8:30 p.m. to an attentive crowd. You might have seen me singing along to Novocain, Snow Day, and 7:02. Jeremy recalled his favorite Current memories between songs. Evidently drinking a bottle of wine is an appropriate way to celebrate the first time hearing Mary Lucia play Novocain.
Between sets Sam and Herbach from the Lit 6 Project and the Electric Arc Radio Show provided comical dialogue about the Twin Cities’ music and social scene as they introduced each band. They do a radio show (that’s not on the radio) every other Saturday at the Ritz Theater in NE MPLS. I’ve seen the show a couple of times, and for one reason or another, I’m always late and end up in the front row staring up at them. Long story short, it was fun to see them without craning my neck.
By the time Electric Light Orchestra’s lost twins, E.L.nO. (the orchestra-less cover band made up of members of Accident Clearinghouse, Manplanet, and Billy Johnson’s Roadshow) started their set, the audience was ready for the traveling Jeff Lynne wig and sunglasses. If you’re singing, you’re wearing the wig. Who knows what’s growing on that wig, but they make it look gooooood. I found myself standing at the bar right as Don’t Bring Me Down started, and I noticed the guy next to me started singing along. It felt like one of those moments when you look over at the person in the car next to you, and they are singing along with the radio too. They didn’t play Evil Woman, but I got to hear my fave Sweet Talking Woman.
Maybe some of the Chooglin’ guys could have donated some of their horn players, so E.L.nO. could have part of an orchestra, but I’m glad they saved their energy for Chooglin’s energetic set. Fresh off tour, they brought the rock to the Varsity and thanked their facial hair before the end of the set. (Is “pistache” what I heard him say? What’s that?)
The tasty $2 Summits ran out somewhere in the middle of Chooglin’s set, but the party didn’t stop. I’m convinced it’s impossible to not dance to the appropriately named, Dance Band. When Dance Band set foot on stage, those still standing were preparing for a dance off. There was even some crowd surfing. Ok, it was one guy in the air with the help of a couple friends. By the end of the night, the crowd was shouting “Brains” at the top of their lungs while dancing the “Stagger Slide” to a song about zombies. Serious, but zombies aren’t rare in the Twin Cities.
By the end of the night, I did my own Stagger Slide out the door.
Did you have a chance to hit up the show? Are you ready to buy your own Jeff Lynne wig or practice your Stagger Slide for next time?
The Stream 03/01/07
Posted at 10:21 PM on February 28, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
New Ryan Adams coming in June. More info here. You can also stop by the official site and play with all of the fun bells and whistles and blogs.
Have you been watching Silversun Pickups on Carson Daly this week? If you missed last night's episode you can watch it here. While you're there register to win an autographed Gibson Epiphone guitar.
Yesterday SPIN reported that Jay Kay, the Jamiroquai frontman is quitting the music biz.
The Hold Steady on yet another soundtrack! This time for the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie. The soundtrack will be available on March 20th but you can pre-order it now.
Today In Music History:
1904 - Big band leader Glenn Miller is born
1927 - Harry Belafonte is born.
1945 - Roger Daltrey is born
1968 - Singers Johnny Cash and June Carter wed
1970 - Charles Manson's album “Lie'' is released.
1980 - Patti Smith and MC5 guitarist Fred Sonic Smith wed
1995 - Bill Berry collapses in Switzerland due to a brain aneurysm
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Master Archive
- Random Vinyl - 5/24/12
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- Today in Music History: Honoring Gene Clark
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