The Current Music Blog: March 2007 Archive
Live On Air Blogging 3/1/07
Posted at 9:01 AM on March 1, 2007
by Barb Abney
(4 Comments)
You don't need me to tell you to drive safely this evening. If you're curious about what your route home will look like check it out here.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Silversun Pickups on Carson Daly (Night 3 of 4)
Son Volt on Conan
My 3 Songs for Thursday March 1st 2007
Sara, a St. Paul native who now calls Brooklyn home says she found a set that could satisfy even the hardest to please musical hipsters every time.
T. Rex - Bang A Gong
Spoon - I Turn My Camera On
Beulah - A Good Man Is Easy To Kill
Make your My 3 Songs requests here.
Noon-ish
Could there be an Afghan Whigs novel? Check out the blog post from this site dated 2/15!
11:26
I just played a local tune from Omaur Bliss. Check out his upcoming dates and such here.
10:45am
Earlier I played a set of covers. Joya Landis' take on "Angel Of The Morning". New Mommy, Beth Orton coverring The 5 Stairsteps and DeVotchka's version of "Venus In Furs". Last week there was a lively discussion on our blog about cover tunes. If you missed it, take this opportunity to chime in!
10:13
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring The Arcade Fire's "Black Mirror" the first single from the forthcoming album Neon Bible. The new disk is finally going to be released on Tuesday! You've heard about them playing in churches. Last week they played SNL and sparked quite a conversation over here. They're selling out every date they announce, including Coachella. They are so hot that if you did a Google blog search you'd have enough reading to get you through the weekend. Find more info on their site/fansite or on the Myspace page.
9:22
The Last Town Chorus is releasing the Wire Waltz album next Tuesday. Learn more about the lady with the lap steel guitar and hear her version of "Modern Love" here.
9:05
Less than a month ago Evil Evil records released 200 copies of AWOO on 12" vinyl. - The sleeves are designed and hand silkscreened by Will Munro. Get yours here.
Song of the Day: Arcade Fire's "Black Mirror"
Posted at 10:16 AM on March 1, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(9 Comments)
If you haven't downloaded today's Song of the Day free podcast, why not? You got something better to do?
Seriously, though, the new one from Arcade Fire is lovely darkness--with a string section. For some reason, it makes me feel like going swimming, gliding underwater until I'm out of breath. I don't think a song has ever made me want to go swimming before. Weird.
Linnea Said "I'm Not Busy Enough"..
Posted at 1:54 PM on March 1, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
Ran into the incredibly talented Linnea Mohn at ye ol' coffee shoppe yesterday and got caught up on what she's been up to(not to mention a reccomendation for a particularily hot cinnamon roll!).
Aside from being a star and writer for the TV show, Nate on Drums, Linnea plays in great bands, Coach Said Not To(with her equally talented sister) and Skirt.
Because she just isn't busy enough, she'll also be starring in an upcoming theater production at the Bryant Lake Bowl.
In meantime there's a great opportunity to see CSNT at the upcoming "Talking Volumes" at the lovely, Fitzgerald Theater in a couple of weeks.
Coach Says check it out!!
Lazy and Lovely
Posted at 2:18 PM on March 1, 2007
by Steve Seel
Whatever you think of the music of the band Six Parts Seven, you might have an opinion on the idea of direct and unironic music that exists simply to "curl up inside your ear" and make you happy, as bandleader Al Karpinski said during their in-studio performance. Is there enough room in rock for music that is unabashedly pretty? Is pretty "uncool?" Personally, not only do I not think so, but I'm a bit tired of a particular prejudice I perceive against stuff that might be described as "lovely" or "elegant." Those aren't very rock 'n roll words, in a traditional sense. But I think rock is big enough for those adjectives.
If you listened to Six Parts Seven's in-studio today, I hope you enjoyed it. I thought it went quite nicely with the snow.
Sacred Love
Posted at 8:11 PM on March 1, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(14 Comments)
Every now and then, I've wondered how it is that punk rock didn't become more of a vehicle for black artistic and personal self-expression. With punk's natural themes of alienation and isolation, it seems like we would have seen a lot more black punk bands during its birth. I saw a documentary recently that shed light on this subject, "Afro-Punk." I knew that bands like Fishbone, Suicidal Tendencies and Dead Kennedys were important in getting out, among other things, the fact that punk rock wasn't an exclusively "white" experience, despite all the punk rock and hardcore stereotypes. But I also knew there had to be more to it than that.
In "Afro-Punk," James Spooner chronicles the black experience in punk rock. He traveled all over America: east and west coasts, upper Midwest and deep South. We come to find, through interviews and concert footage, that black punks have been there from the very beginning and have dealt with a whole host of issues independent of the music itself: being alone in a sea of white faces at the clubs, harsh treatment at the hands of other blacks outside the punk scene, lack of family acceptance, and even misapprehension of punks by each other.
One scene was basically an exercise in cognitive dissonance. New York City's hardcore/metal band Cipher's frontman is a guy named Moe Mitchell. While a roomful of white hardcore punks slam, Moe shouts a song describing the cruelties of the Middle Passage and calling for reparations. The irony seemed lost on the audience but not to Moe and the rest of the band.
The interviews are sharp and compelling and Spooner never inserts himself into the film. He leaves it to the scenesters and musicians to tell the story of black punk. We get interviews with members of Fishbone, Orange 9mm and TV on the Radio.
And we get a friendly reminder that the greatest, nastiest and hardest hardcore punk band was black!
Icky Thump
Posted at 6:58 AM on March 2, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(6 Comments)
A few weeks ago, after playing a White Stripes song, I ruminated on the air about how any day, the band could make an announcement that they had banged out an album and would be releasing it within mere months. Hooray! It looks like this spring will bring us the next White Stripes record, bizarrely titled Icky Thump. They always seemed like something from a Tim Burton film, so the title makes perfect sense to me. One of those things we can count on, I suppose: in odd-numbered years, the White Stripes will release an album.
The Stream - snow delay edition 03/02/07
Posted at 9:07 AM on March 2, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Okay, maybe he's NOT quitting music. Jay Kay, Jamiroquai frontman speaks out..
Matt Dillon directs Dinosaur Jr. Video. Info here.
Today In Music History:
1943 - Lou Reed (Velvet Underground) was born
1950 - Karen Carpenter was born
1977 - Chris Martin (Coldplay) was born
1991 - Serge Gainsbourg died
1999 - Dusty Springfield died
Live On Air Blogging 3/2/07
Posted at 9:41 AM on March 2, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish
Barb out. Have a great weekend!
Tunes On The Telly This Weekend:
Silversun Pickups on Carson Daly (Night 4 of 4)
Lily Allen on SNL
11:10am
Steve Earle playing SxSW and NYC dates . Next month he'll also be paying homage to the songs of "The Boss" along with Badly Drawn Boy, Joseph Arthur, Pete Yorn and others. More info here.
10:30am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring the Minneapolis outfit MC/VL. From their debut album titled Stance, we heard "Cold Check It!". Hear them again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Tour dates and more info here..
9:55am
Let's recap the last 48 minutes or so..
We played a Dean & Britta tune. You can hear some conversation on the duo on the most recent edition of Musicheads. They're coming to The Cedar Cultural Center on St. Patty's Day!
We played an in-studio recording from The Heavenly States, rumored to be one of the loudest in-studio acts we've had so far. Decide for yourself.
My 3 Songs for Friday, 3/2/07
Posted at 2:11 PM on March 2, 2007
by Steve Seel
(36 Comments)
A very, very cool set today, with a surreal -- maybe even Dada-ist -- explanation ... from Marlin Cappelpop Anderson (?!).
1) The Meters: "Look-Ka Py Py"
2) Brian Eno, "Needles In the Camel's Eye"
3) Television, "Venus"
Why are you requesting these songs? Marlin answered:
"I can't find my shoes."
Thanks for the absurdist-theater (and killer tunes) on a Friday, Marlin. Or whoever you are.
He's Just a Thriller!
Posted at 12:10 PM on March 4, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
Really, what better way to blow a few thousand yen?
If I were to get some "facetime" with M.J., assuming there's anything left of his, I would like to perform my awesome karaoke version of "Rock With You" and would hit him up for tips on how to moonwalk.
Not that I need it, but I'd humor him none the less..
Better Than a Cruise Missile
Posted at 8:51 AM on March 5, 2007
by Dale Connelly
(2 Comments)
This just in: Disney can chase you around their theme parks with new audio animatronic characters than can be controlled "from thousands of miles away".
How long before the CIA recruits Imagineers to create a lifelike Whitney Houston to lure Osama Bin Laden out of his cave?
Or would the wheels make him suspicious?
The Stream 03/06/07
Posted at 8:54 AM on March 5, 2007
by Barb Abney
(7 Comments)
Want Ben Folds to come to your town? Then stop by this site and demand it!
Birdmonster are out of seclusion and have posted more tour dates on their MySpace page.
D-Plan to reunite for Callum Robbins benefit! Pitchfork has the whole story.
Today In Music History:
1955 - Elvis appears on television for the first time.
1955 - Penn Jillette was born
1957 - Mark E. Smith (The Fall) was born
1958 - Andy Gibb was born
1963 - Patsy Cline passed away
1970 - John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) was born
1982 - John Belushi passed away
2003 - Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks provoked controversy when she said that the band was "ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."
Live On Air Blogging 03/05/07
Posted at 9:07 AM on March 5, 2007
by Barb Abney
(6 Comments)
Noon-ish
The View. Are they the new "Bad Boys" of the UK scene? They've had a run in or two with "the law" recently. But should we expect that the lead singer is suddenly going to turn into Pete Doherty? I guess for now it's wait-and-see. In the meantime, they just refreshed their Youtube page.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Solomon Burke on Leno
Alexi Murdoch on Carson Daly
Patti Griffin on Letterman
11:40 am Best Friends Forever
We're spinning the in-studio performance of the tune "Eisenhower is the father". The local band Best Friends Forever stopped by the Local Show with Chris Roberts back in January. See what the band have planned over the next few qweeks on their MySpace page.
10:50 am
New Elliott Smith!! NME reports on a new 2-CD collection to be released.
10:25 am
For today's Song Of The Day podcast we're featuring Albert Hammond Jr.'s "101" from his debut solo release titled Yours To Keep. The disk will be in stores tomorrow. There's more info about his release, upcoming live shows and Conan O'Brien appearance here.
9:50am
Mark Mallman has several upcoming tour dates posted on his official site.
Here's a link to Menomena's dance/performance art soundtrack.
I just played a track by Fujiya & Miyagi and mentioned that they'll be playing for us at SxSW. More info here.
Nicolai Dunger's forthcoming release is titled RÖSTEN OCH HERREN which roughly translates to THE VOTE AND THE GENTLEMAN according to World Lingo. You can get more info about the disk here.
My 3 Songs for Monday, 3/5/07
Posted at 1:22 PM on March 5, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
Haley Swope of St. Paul likes the British indie. Her set today bounced along with the best of it:
1) Patrick Wolf, "The Magic Position"
2) The Libertines, "Time For Heroes"
3) Guillemots, "Trains to Brazil"
Thanks Annie! I hadn't heard of Patrick Wolf before you suggested this set. And I'm always thrilled to know when somebody is into Guillemots.
"Sabbath" tour Dates!
Posted at 4:28 PM on March 5, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(4 Comments)
As if last week's amazing Wolfmother show at the(much to be desired) Myth Nightclub(my waitress had never heard of PBR before?!) wasn't enough I am just giddy to see today's announced Heaven and Hell tour dates. The tour will be bringing the evil to the Target Center May 6.
This is the reunion of the Dio-era Black Sabbath that put out a few ridiculously dark and strange records in the early 80's. Ozzy's best lady won't let them tour as Black Sabbath, of course, so it's appropriate they would go by the name of the first record created by this version of the band.
I never got to see Dio or Sabbath in my metal days of youth so I am look forward to this one.
I often wonder how after over 20 years of listening to this music I am not a total satan-obsessed, lunatic, violent, worshipper of the dark side like everyone warned we'd become back then?
Maybe I still have all that to look forward?
Missed it the first time around..
Posted at 5:10 PM on March 5, 2007
by Mary Lucia
(23 Comments)
Anyone else stoked that Bad Brains have made a new record with Adam Yauch producing..
Legend has it that back in the day they "played" at Goofy's Upper Deck in MPLS and H.R just stretched the mic chord into the dressing room and sang from back there.
The big day!
Posted at 8:46 AM on March 6, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(7 Comments)
Now that the day has arrived, consider this the official discussion thread:
What are your thoughts on the Arcade Fire's new album, Neon Bible?
The Stream 03/06/07
Posted at 8:53 AM on March 6, 2007
by Barb Abney
The secret is out! Benjamin Curtis has quit Secret Machines.
You may have already heard 50% of the new Nine Inch Nails album... hear the rest in the Twin Cities next week during a listening party. More listening party dates and such here.
The Australian band You Am I will be coming to town on the 19th of this month at The 400 Bar in Minneapolis. Win a pair of tickets to that show or any other date on their upcoming tour.
Wanna be in a video, eh? Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will be taping their new video in Toronto next Monday. If you're interested in being an extra and you've got black clothes with no logos, email your photo to Angela@revolverfilms.com as soon as possible. Their new album will be released May 1st.
Today In Music History:
1944 - David Gilmour was born
1944 - Mary Wilson (The Supremes) was born
1998 - Oasis singer Liam Gallagher faced charges of head butting a fan during a gig in Australia
2004 - David Crosby was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana after leaving his bag in a New York hotel.
Live On Air Blogging 03/06/07
Posted at 9:09 AM on March 6, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Noon-ish
Did Ted Leo suffer from The Norovirus? Read the News section of his site and decide for yourself.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Gnarls Barkley on Conan
Madeleine Peyroux on Jimmy Kimmel
11:40am
The Fratellis new disk is titled Costello Music and will hit the streets next Tuesday. You can pre-order it now through Amazon or BestBuy
11:30am
Burning Spear keeps a journal/blog!! Check it!
Morrissey tour dates will be announced in the next week! More info here.
10:55am An Entire Set Of Touring Artists!
The Presets
The Alarmists
Art Brut
The Young Knives.
10:40am
The new Maria Taylor album 'Lynn Teeter Flower' came out today! Order it here. Maria is also featured on drums in the latest Bright Eyes video "Four Winds". The new Bright Eyes album is titled Cassadaga. It will be released on April 10. Pre-order here and get it nearly two weeks before the release date!
10:20am
Today on our Song Of The Day podcast we're featuring Jesse Sykes and the sweet hereafter with the tune "LLL" from the release Like, Love, Lust & The Open Halls of the Soul. Recently they've toured with Sparklehorse. Dates and more info on the official site or MySpace page.
9:55am
The Broken West have an extensive list of upcoming dates, some with The Walkmen, some with The Long Winters. See full schedule here.
9:40am
Shins as house band at MTVU.
9:15am Happy Tuesday!
We played a tune from Hem a little earlier. Want to know more about this band? You'll find everything you've ever wanted to know and more.. right here.
Have I mentioned that Dean & Britta are coming to town? More info.
My 3 Songs for Tuesday, 3/6/07
Posted at 1:57 PM on March 6, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
A narrative! From Greg Howell of Mankato. "A love story about a tourist to China. He gets his heart broken, eats, and then adopts a child to heal his pain."
1) M. Ward: "Chinese Translation"
2) Biz Markie: "Chinese Food"
3) Devendra Banhart: "Chinese Children"
Man, I could go for an egg roll.
Musicheads: New Arcade Fire!
Posted at 2:12 PM on March 6, 2007
by Steve Seel
(3 Comments)
Hi folks -- Steve here, your friendly Musicheads producer. The new episode is now up, ready for your download, and it's about the new Arcade Fire disc, "Neon Bible." Will there be agreement or dissention in the ranks? Find out, then join the regular discussion here.
What does this mean?
Posted at 3:51 PM on March 6, 2007
by Mary Lucia
(37 Comments)
I share a birthday with Ginger Spice, Jon Benet Ramsey, Andy Warhol and Elliot Smith.
I'm doomed.
I'm in Love with that Song!
Posted at 4:59 PM on March 6, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(4 Comments)
I am at a coffee shop right now and the woman behind the counter has played Peter Bjorn and John "Young Folks" no fewer than four times in a row and counting. Not surprisingly, no one seems to mind.
When the Fog song "Pneumonia" initially came out as a 12" in '02 I remember having never heard any other song like it. I was completely in love with it and had my turntable set on repeat for a good hour or two. It was very much like when Enid in that movie Ghost World falls for that old blues record.
What are some other stick-it-on-repeat-and-pull-off-the-knob tunes that have stuck with you again and again and again?
New Music Highlights
Posted at 10:08 PM on March 6, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(3 Comments)
On a Tuesday night I like to check the new releases of those old formats called cd albums,
just for old times sake. A particularly good batch tonight from;
!!!, Maria Taylor, Albert Hammond Jr. Son Volt, RJD2, Gruff Rhys (a Super Furry Animal)
The Last Town Chorus, The Cinematics and....Arcade Fire.
The reviews seem to be good for Arcade Fire so far, even garnering a full article in the New York Times magazine at the weekend. I'm glad the kneejerk backlash doesn't seem to be happening and we might have another case of indie darlings going mainstrem?!?! Are we changing the stream?! The numbers of mainstream cds being sold is dwindling, but The Shins made it to #2 on Billboard's chart in their first week, so let's try to make 'Neon Bible' #1, wouldn't that be bizarre?!?!
And if you like the exuberant AF sound try another record that was re-issued today ;
'Black Sheep Boy' from Okkervil River, they are going to be down at SXSW and perhaps will get more attention for this record than they did last year when it first came out, it deserves it.
The Stream 03/07/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on March 7, 2007
by Barb Abney
The new Kings Of Leon video "On Call" can be seen here.
Sloan have recently posted their tour dates which include an opening slot for The Police.
Dears guitarist, Patrick Krief has released his debut solo ep. More info on his official site or his Myspace page.
Paul Weller, Ian Brown, The Charlatans and Echo & The Bunnymen to play Versus Cancer show.
OMD to reunite on stage. More info about their homecoming gig here..
LCD Soundsystem contest for the UK.. if you're given a flag at the beginning of a show you'll want to go here to win something from the band.
Today In Music History:
1944 - Townes Van Zandt was born
1945 - Arthur Lee, rocker was born
1946 - Peter Wolf (J Giels Band) was born
1953 - Jules Shear was born
1976 - Madame Tussaud's in London unveils a wax statue of Elton John.
2006 - Ali Farka Touré died
Live On Air Blogging 03/07/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on March 7, 2007
by Barb Abney
(4 Comments)
Noon-ish
Bjork info on the new album, awards show appearance and upcoming dates right here.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
The Rapture on Conan
11:30am
Dan Israel will be celebrating his birthday on stage this Friday night at the Mad Ripple Hootenanny in the basement of at Java Jack's. More info here.
11:10am
I was just reading his blog on Myspace, such a nice way to keep up with an artist. I played the tune "Be Here Now" from the Boneclouds disk and remembered that we have an exclusive version of that tune on our Flash Drive, as well.
10:40am
Low's new release Drums and Guns wil be released on Sub Pop on March 20th. They've announced a few dates on their official site including an appearance at First Avenue on Saturday April 14th.
10:20am
Benjy Ferree will be playing SxSW. Those dates and more on his Myspace page.
10:05am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring !!! with the tune "Heart of Hearts". It's from their third release Myth Takes, which is officially in stores now. They're currently touring internationally. Dates and more info on the official site or MySpace page.
9:35am
My Brightest Diamond, Sufjan Stevens, Clogs and others to appear at Music Now Festival.
9:15am
Right now we're spinning the new Air tune "Once Upon A Time". See the video here.
9:04am
Be Good Tanyas have been nominated for a Juno award. The awards show takes place April 1st. It just seems like the perfect time for a prankster to come out. "..and the award goes to... Oh, we're just kidding, you didn't REALLY win."
The Current SXSW Live Broadcast Update!!!!!!
Posted at 10:04 AM on March 7, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(2 Comments)
If you haven't yet heard, The Current is having a live broadcast at the South By Southwest music conference direct from Buffalo Billiards in Austin TX Thursday 3/15 and Friday 3/16 from 11am-7pm. That's next week! It's going to be some crazy, fun times!
We have already posted our current roster of artists to appear. You can now add Mando Diao to the list as well as Lily Allen!
More updates to come. Hope you will all tune in and for those of you attending drop by...
Warning! It's a...LIST!!
Posted at 11:35 AM on March 7, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(5 Comments)
So the National Association of Record Manufacturers and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame got together and compiled a list of what it deems "the definitive 200" -- apparently the most essential 200 albums in pop history. You can find the full list here, at PopMatters, but the enclosed article also muses on how the list only underscores how important the song is to pop music. Mark Wheat ominously rang the death knell for the album on a recent episode of Musicheads: is this an important question, or not?
And perhaps most importantly of all, in ranking Kid Rock's Devil Without a Cause ahead of Johnny Cash's At Folsom Prison, has the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame proven once and for all that it is completely irrelevant?
"My 3 Songs" for Wednesday, 3/7/07
Posted at 12:18 PM on March 7, 2007
by Steve Seel
(4 Comments)
Marcus Frost of Wayzata thought it would be "a good time to pay my respects to three bands/artists that did it right," he said. "Old school, yes, but still completely relevant. All three were uncompromising and were done with still so much music left in them." He adds, "Get back together Talking Heads!"
1) John Lennon, "Oh Yoko!"
2) The Band, "To Kingdom Come"
3) Talking Heads, "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)"
Nice choices, Marcus. I too wish Talking Heads would give us at least one more record; although I'm not sure of the likelihood of that ... I've read some pretty scathing things that Tina Weymouth has said about David Byrne. I mean, the kind of things you'd think would preclude any possibility of detente. But who knows? Stranger things have happened in music. The Van Halen thing imploded again, but they got as far as posing for a picture. With all that hate between David and Eddie, that's crazy enough, isn't it? So maybe there's hope for The Heads.
Mister Mercer Speaks
Posted at 2:44 PM on March 7, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
James Mercer of The Shins sat down with Salon.com for their "Audiofile" feature for a cool conversation. There's also a podcast version of the chat that you can check out -- the link is underneath the photo of James' nicely unshaven mug.
The Sights are coming to our SXSW broadcast!
Posted at 5:32 PM on March 7, 2007
by Melanie Walker
It is true...just got off the phone with their managment and The Sights are scheduled to play our Live Broadcast from SXSW in Austin, TX! Wish you could be there too? Tune in Thursday 3/15 at 2:15pm central time to hear their performance and interview at www.mpr.org juck click on The Current!
The Stream 03/08/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on March 8, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Robert Smith teaming up with Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll for forthcoming 7” single. More info here.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists new album, Living With The Living will be in stores on the 20th. But you can pre-order it now. There's also a nifty little competition you can take part in to try and win an Epiphone 550 DOT guitar (just like Ted's). Find the "Competition" section of this e-card for details.
There's a "secret" Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players show tonight in NYC at The Sidewalk Cafe at 6th Street and Avenue A in the East Village. More details via their Myspace page.
Pretty Girls Make Graves Farewell tour dates announced. Sadly, they're not saying "Goodbye" to the Twin Cities. Here's the complete list of dates.
After taking a year off, The Shortlist has returned!
SxSW is almost here and it's already time to start planning CMJ.
Johnny Marr to guest on new Crowded House release.
Today In Music History:
1945 - Mickey Dolenz (The Monkees) was born
1958 - Gary Numan was born
1971 - Radio Hanoi broadcasts of Jimi Hendrix's "Star Spangled Banner"
1973 - Paul McCartney is arrested for growing marijuana.
1993 - Billy Eckstein dies of complications from a stroke.
1993 - Fela Kuti arrested on suspicion of murder
Live On Air Blogging 03/08/07
Posted at 9:05 AM on March 8, 2007
by Barb Abney
(5 Comments)
Noon-ish
Robbers on High Street to tour with Fountains of Wayne. More dates here.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Madeline Peyroux on Conan
Razorlight on Craig Ferguson
11:48am
The View to release new single.
11:30am
Info on Ouija Radio and info on Matt & Kim.
11:05am
More details about the forthcoming Afghan Whigs collection.
10:45am
Roxy Music ..band or genre? I just got an email asking this question and I answered "I suppose it could be both, couldn't it? I hope the set I am playing right now is decidedly "Roxy Music". I like it. Way to name a genre, Tim! On a couple of related notes.. Bryan Ferry has released an album of Dylan covers.
Pulp reunion may never happen.
10:05am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Malajube in a collabortation with Pierre Lapointe with the tune "Montréal -40ºC". It's from Trompe-l'Oeil, which is officially in stores now. They're playing tonight in Salt Lake City, Utah. More info on their official site or MySpace page.
9:45am
Andrew Bird is coming to town. He'll be stopping by First Avenue on May 11th. Full list of tour dates on his Myspace page.
9:35am
I could spend HOURS on Mike Doughty's blog! I don't read it that often. So, when I do it always seems like I have to catch up with everything he's doing! Are there artist's blogs that have this effect on you?
Amy Milan stopped by The Current's studios on Sept 29, 2006. You can listen to the complete performance here.
9:10am
FYI Aqueduct is from Seattle.. just don't ever ask him where he's from.
9:05am
The Pipettes have recently posted a new video on their site. While you're there you can view all of their upcoming tour dates and more.
Library Goodies
Posted at 9:42 PM on March 8, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(3 Comments)
There's been many news stories recently about our library system struggling to survive.
It almost seems ridiculous to suggest that there are many great reasons to use them...
books are good, it's that easy! But they also do a good job of supplying other forms of entertainment and education, moral or musical, in tape and DVD form.
This winter we have seen a bunch of classic movies and BBC TV series and last week the missus scored big time with 'Man in the Sand' a documentary that follows Wilco and Billy Bragg as they try to decide which songs to record for their 'Mermaid Avenue' collaboration. Woody Guthrie's family had discovered a pile of over 1,000 songs that he had finished writing lyrics for before he died, Billy and Wilco 'just' added the music. You'll learn a lot about Woody 'the Okemah prophet' and see how he has influenced so many of the artists we play.
Many of these rentals are free, we can help support the system to keep them that way.
The Stream 03/09/07
Posted at 9:10 AM on March 9, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Freebase = Supergroup made up of bass players; Peter Hook (New Order), Andy Rourke (Smiths) and former Stone Roses/current Primal Scream bassist Mani. They'll be getting quite a bit of help from friends on debut release.
Ian Brown (Stone Roses) has recorded a song for the Russian movie Paragraf 78. Hear it here.
John Popper (Blues Traveler) busted for guns and drugs.
The View reschedule missed American dates.
The Little Ones are coming to town with The Walkmen and Kaiser Chiefs Apr 21 at Trocadero.
Neko Case is coming back to town Apr 7 at First Avenue.
Black Angels returning to town Apr 16 at 7th St. Entry.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in town May 22 at First Avenue.
Today In Music History:
1934 - Lloyd Price (1959 single 'Stagger Lee') was born
1942 - Mark Linday (Paul Revere & The Raiders) was born
1958 - Martin Fry (ABC) was born
1966 - The Beach Boys started recording 'God Only Knows'.
1977 - The Jacksons CBS show was aired for the last time on TV
1996 - Noel Gallagher walked off stage during a gig in New Jersey because his hands were too cold to play.
1997 - Notorious BIG was killed
Live On Air Blogging 03/09/07
Posted at 9:13 AM on March 9, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Norah Jones on Leno
The Decemberists on Conan
The Shins on Letterman
11:30am
Ben Kweller's Granny can dance!! See her in the new video for Ben's tune "Penny". The navigation is a bit screwy on the TRL site, but you should easily be able to scroll down to Ben Kweller (it's under B, not K) on the menu to the right.
10:55
Dance Band/BFF playing live tonight.10:25am
Tapes 'n Tapes 'n Klosterman Fakebook reminder. On air this Sunday night 6pm.
10:15am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring the Minneapolis band Ice Palace. From their album titled Bright Leaf Left, we heard "Trampolining!". Hear them again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. They're playing the Minneseries, a FREE weekly local music series taking place every Thursday night at the Nomad. Tour dates and more info on the band's Myspace page.
9:55am
Grizzly Bear cover "Deep Blue Sea"
Have you seen The Cinematics video that features Chris of We Are Scientists? You can see it here.
9:40am
Sondre Lerche's playing our SxSW gig! If you haven't viewed the whole line up yet, do so here!
Tracey Thorn (Everything But The Girl) solo info here.
9:15am
Takka Takka have a new ep available online. Download it here.
SXSW UPDATE: Who is Jamie T?
Posted at 9:33 AM on March 9, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(1 Comments)
I'm thrilled to announce Jamie T to perform at 11:45am at The Current's Live Broadcast from Buffalo Billards in Austin TX.
Who is Jamie T you ask? NME has crowned him to be "the next big thing" and he proved that by recently beating out Jarvis Cocker, Thom Yorke and Lily Allen to win the Best Solo Artist Award at the Shockwaves NME Awards. Not bad for a 21year old from Wimbledon, South London who's been compaired to the likes of Mike Skinner of The Streets and coined the one man Arctic Monkey by his fans. Canvas Magazine best describes Jamie T as "the bastard lovechild of Billy Bragg and Mike Skinner doing his best Joe Strummer impression" Reguardless, with all his singing and swaggering I'm totally won over by the London rude boy. Hope you will be too.
Jamie recently signed with Virgin Records and has a new album releasing 3/13/07 titled Panic Prevention. Listen to Jamie T here. And please be sure to drop by Buffalo Billards if you're in Austin, TX
or tune in online to Jamie T's performance Thursday 3/15/07 at 11:45am at our Live Broadcast from SXSW!
Get out there
Posted at 9:57 AM on March 9, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(3 Comments)
Here's a quick list of local music shows you should check out this weekend -- bands I respect playing at clubs with cheap-to-no cover charge
All the local critics are writing about tonight's CD release party at the Entry for These Modern Socks. Check out what Chris Riemenschneider thinks...
Also tonight, Dan Israel's birthday party. He's playing at the Mad Ripple Hootenanny in the basement of Java Jack's, 46th and Bryant in south Minneapolis. FREE.
Saturday, March 10
We're never going to get over Bob Dylan, so get used to it. Tonight is a particularly strong Bob Dylan Tribute at the Turf Club, with Superhopper, Andrew Broder (Fog), Rank Strangers, etc... In conjunction with the Weisman Museum's "Bob Dylan's American Journey, 1956–1966"
Also on Saturday at the Hexagon Bar
The always loud and heavy STNNNG; plus the new band of Sicbay's Dave Erb, The Yoleus. I will probably be at this show. FREE.
And one more for Saturday: This one has nothing to do with rock, but everything to do with independent artists. One of my favorite visual art galleries, Outsiders and Others, is closing. This is really sad, so stop by their gallery closing party and give them good energy. FREE. 7 p.m. Outsiders and Others, 1010 Park Ave S, Mpls.
One last note: Riot Grrls unite Sunday night at the Triple Rock. My favorite band from last year, Duluth's The Keep Aways, are a must see. With Baby Guts (think manic panic pink hair and Bikini Kill), with Dizzy Obstetrics and Poor Posture.
My 3 Songs for Friday, 3/9/07
Posted at 2:46 PM on March 9, 2007
by Steve Seel
(3 Comments)
Molly Walker of Minneapolis wished her sister Jenny a happy birthday today with her set -- one with some real twists and turns here ...
1) Queen: "Bicycle Race"
2) Frank Sinatra: "Fly Me To The Moon"
3) Beatles: "Rocky Racoon"
Happy birthday Jenny!
(P.S. I don't like Star Wars either, Freddy).
"Song for Red," March 10, 2007
Posted at 7:31 PM on March 10, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(3 Comments)
A quick bit of history: My first night on the job was Saturday, January 29, 2005. That night I began a personal nod on the air to my daughter, Minnie, with something called "The Saturday Night Lullabye." Between 7:30 and 8pm, before she went to bed, I'd play her a song to let her know I was thinking of her. It quickly became apparent, though, that she wasn't taking it as a cue to hit the sack. Instead, the living room became her personal danceteria. I decided to call it "Song for Red," in honor of the curious fact that, despite her parents' dark skin and hair, she's a fair redhead. Go figure!
"Song for Red" is a way for me to stay connected to my family. Four nights a week I get home after Minnie has fallen asleep. I love what I do here and at The Radio Talking Book Network. My work is deeply satisfying to me. But I miss being home.
Minnie is already a little Musichead. "Song for Red" is a collaborative effort. We talk about her week and what she's done, she makes suggestions and we come up with a song together. It's a moment in time when I feel like I'm spinning just for her.
Tonight's "Song for Red" is "I'm Getting Ready to Go" by the great local band The Front Porch Swingin' Liquor Pigs. The three of us met up with some friends last night at the Eagles Club in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. The Pigs play there every Friday night and the best part, other than tearing up the dance floor, is that they start at 7pm. For a family that enjoys being together, I can't tell you how absolutely HUGE this is. I thnk the Eagles Club just found themselves some new regulars.
The Stream 03/12/07
Posted at 8:58 AM on March 12, 2007
by Barb Abney
(11 Comments)
R.E.M.
Working with Bloc Party producer on new album.
Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony tonight
Lou Reed has new music available for your listening pleasure.
Razorlight bassist involved in car accident.
Today In Music History:
1917 - Leonard Chess (founder of the Chess) was born.
1946 - Liza Minnelli was born.
1948 - James Taylor was born.
1955 - Charlie Parker died of a heart attack
1969 - Graham Coxon was born.
1974 - John Lennon made the headlines after a drinking binge with Harry Nilsson where he insulted the Smothers Brothers and punched their manager.
1977 - The Sex Pistols were involved in a fight at London's Speakeasy Club resulting in one the decision to cancel the Pistols contract and production of 'God Save The Queen'.
1979 - Pete Doherty was born.
1983 - U2 scored their first No.1 album with 'War'
2001 - Judy Garland's 'Over The Rainbow' was voted the Song Of The Century by the RIAA.
Live On Air Blogging 03/12/07
Posted at 9:38 AM on March 12, 2007
by Barb Abney
11:55am Hip Hop Is Dead Tour
Nas and crew will be performing at Myth Sunday April 22nd. Full list of dates here.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Dr. Dog on Leno
Amy Winehouse on Letterman
11:30am Some sad news not really related to music.
Richard Jeni has died.
11:10am Peter Bjorn & John..
..will be "kicking off" our SxSW broadcast in less than 72 hours!
See them on Carson Daly Wednesday night.
10:45
The Knife won an award or two at the Swedish grammys. They couldn't make the ceremony. So, they asked some friends to do their "Thank You's".
Get to know The Young Knives through photos and video.
10:10am Song Of The Day info
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Bonde Do Role, the first signing to Diplo's Mad Decent label, with the title track to their forthcoming ep "Gasolina". They're doing some extensive touring along with Diplo. Tour dates and more info on the band's Myspace page.
9:55am
Bright Eyes coming to town Wednesday April 25th. Bright Eyes tourdates and mini site for Cassadaga.
9:40am
I believe this is proof that Joseph Arthur was taught to write by Prince. Read his blog.
9:10am
Air in America.
My 3 Songs for Monday, 3-12-07
Posted at 2:02 PM on March 12, 2007
by Steve Seel
(3 Comments)
Can three songs change a person's "music-listening destiny?" Well, that's what Kristian Bjornard of Minneapolis claimed happend upon being exposed to these tunes by a friend on one "lazy college afternoon."
1) Death Cab For Cutie: "Photobooth"
2) The Shins: "Caring is Creepy"
3) Trembling Blue Stars: " Ghost of an Unkissed Kiss"
Kristian says, "Thanks partially to these tracks, I have come to love everything The Current stands for ... so I dedicate them to 89.3 and my friend Bill." Cool enough! (For the record, we don't pick these things based solely on the ones that lavish praise upon us personally).
Got Guitar Goods?
Posted at 10:23 PM on March 12, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(1 Comments)
Seems like we have been having discussions about the 'resurgence' of classic rock and prog rock influences on contemporary artists for many months now, but we haven't really dealt with the implied issue at hand...virtuosity, skill at playing you instrument. I remember some musicians telling me that playing prog was the inevitable result of learning how to play really well, but some new artists seem to be taking this idea in different directions. Will Hermes, a writer who started his career here in the TC's, had a piece in the NYT this weekend that highlighted two artists who are showcasing their guitar playing
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/11/arts/music/11herm.html
The Stream 03/13/07
Posted at 8:56 AM on March 13, 2007
by Barb Abney
Cake are set to release a new scratch n sniff album of b-sides and rarities that include a cover of Sabbath’s “War Pigs” and Barry White’s “Never, never gonna give you up”. While the actual release date has not been announced, you can learn more about the disk and pre-order it here. While you’re there, submit YOUR video for “War Pigs”, you could win $1000.
On March 27th, Coldplay will release 'The Singles 1999-2006', with all of the band's Parlophone singles on 7-inch vinyl. You can pre-order it now. The US store is also offering a free oversized mug to everyone who pre-orders.
Sub Pop records are giving away a scholarship. Washington and Oregon residents only.
Yesterday Weezer sent out a Myspace bulletin touting the new project from Jason Schwartzman called Coconut Records.
Listen to the new Shout Out Louds single "Tonight I Have To Leave It" from their forthcoming second album "Our Ill Wills".
Ever wanted to help get a band signed? Here’s your chance.
The Hives have been recording in Miami and are set to do a recording session in Mississippi.
Today In Music History:
1939 - Neil Sedaka was born
1959 - Greg Norton (Husker Du) was born
1960 - Adam Clayton was born
1965 - Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds
1975 - Tammy Wynette and George Jones divorced.
1998 - The Smashing Pumpkins filed suit against Sound And Media Ltd., alleging that they released a "book-with-CD" about the band without permission.
2002 - Marc Moreland (Wall Of Voodoo guitarist) died.
Live On Air Blogging 03/13/07
Posted at 9:11 AM on March 13, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Noon-ish
Prototypes will be playing our SxSW showcase Thursday.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
The Good The Bad And The Queen on Letterman
11:40am
DJ Shadow announces tour.
11:20am
Chuck sent me an email in regards to the Flogging Molly tune I just played...
Is he saying "spend a little more at the mall of america" ??? this has been a debate around the office for a while now. I found the lyrics after a google search and found no reference to MOA, unless of course, you refer to it as "The Devil's Dance Floor".
11:15am
An Evening With Peter Doherty? Last week it was announced on the Babyshambles site.
Pete will play two solo shows next month. Expect poetry readings, acoustic songs and special guests. Buy tickets here.
10:55am
Brother Ali and Fifth Element will celebrate the release of his new disk "The Undisputed Truth" next month. He'll also be playing our SxSW showcase How about a preview of what he sounds like live? This in-studio performance from December, 2005 should suffice.
10:40am
Now It's Overhead in-studio performance is here. Band's site.
10:30am
Capitol Sons linkage for upcoming shows.
10:25am
Sondre Lerche is coming back to the Twin Cities at the end of the month. Guess where he'll be on Friday. That's right, our SxSW showcase, baby!
10:10am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring The Young Knives, with "Another Hollow Line" from their debut full length, Voices of Animals and Me. Catch them at our SxSW broadcast. More info on their official site.
9:50am
Fujiya & Miyagi and RJD2 are both playing our SxSW showcase later this week. For more information, refer to this handy-dandy schedule.
9:40am
Citizen Cope was recently interviewed and played interviewer in SurgingMagazine.com. He's also posted some upcoming tour dates. Unfortunately, he's skipping the Twin Cities this time around. We can re-live his previous in-studio performances from August, 2005 and November, 2006.
9:20am
Amy Winehouse is all the rage in the UK right now and with the release of her album, Back to Black, she's garnering a great deal of attention stateside, as well. Her album is The Current's CD of the week right now. If you'd like to try to win tickets to an upcoming show in California, here's a contest you should know about. Learn more about Amy on her official site or Myspace page.
"My 3 Songs" for Tuesday, 3-13-07
Posted at 1:09 PM on March 13, 2007
by Steve Seel
(5 Comments)
A sadly sweet set today from Brandon of St. Paul. He said, "I'm requesting these songs because I just had a very hard break-up with a girl of many years. It was somewhat mutual, but it still sucks." Got yer back, Brandon.
1) Sufjan Stevens, "For All the Widows In Paradise"
2) Wilco, "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart"
3) Ryan Adams, "La Cienega Just Smiled"
(corrected for typos)
SXSW Update: Prototypes added and Jamie T rescheduled to Friday!
Posted at 1:51 PM on March 13, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(1 Comments)
If you haven't heard, The Current is bringing the South By Southwest Music Confrence to you with a 2 day live broadcast from Buffalo Billiards on 6th St. in Austin, TX! We'll be broadcasting live from 11am-6pm Thursday 3/15 and Friday 3/16 with performances by Andrew Bird (w/ Dosh), Sondre Lerche, Tom Morello aka The Nightwatchman, Peter Bjorn and John, Money Mark, EL-P, RJD2, Antibalas, Brother Ali, Bonde Do Role, Fujiya & Miyagi, The Young Knives, The Sights, Mando Diao, and Jamie T!
I'm happy to add Prototypes now to our list of scheduled performances at our SXSW broadcast! We've been playing Prototypes for awhile now, but maybe you're not as familiar with them?
Prototypes are a French trio that formed back in 2003. Part new wave, part garage rock, part folk rock with edgy guitars and sharp syths, Prototypes have redefined nouvelle vague having already achieved a top 10 hit in France and landing a coveted Ipod commercial here in the US with their song "Who's Gonna Sing?" Lead Singer Isabelle Le Doussal has been compared to the likes of Karen O and Blondie with her explosive compelling vocals. They should put on quite a show for us!
Prototypes will be performing live from Buffalo Billards in Austin, TX on Thursday 3/15 at 11:45am. You can listen to them live on the web here. Or if you'll be in Austin for SXSW you can find updated info about their performance as well as our others here.
Jamie T is also still scheduled perform at our live broadcast. Thankfully, he rescheduled to Friday 3/16 at 5pm! I'm especially looking forward to having Jamie T! I can't get enough of this bloke's cheeky swagger and banter. He'll have us all screaming out "London"! Check him out here with Jamie T's new video for his song "Sheila". I love the monkeys!
Who are you looking forward to hearing perform at our broadcast?
Wednesday's Song of the Day
Posted at 3:53 PM on March 13, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(106 Comments)
I hope I don't get in trouble for this, but I couldn't help it. I'm just too excited about tomorrow's Song of the Day. I won't tell you what it is, but I will say it has whistling. And while it's no jaw-dropping Andrew-Bird-type-whistling, it's some of the most infectious whistling since The Andy Griffith Show theme song. It's what our Marketing Manager, Ali Lozoff, calls an "earworm," except this earworm is more like a tapeworm for me. It's feeding off my innards and has started telling me what to do. Lately, it's been telling me to soak up some sunshine and be happy, damnit. It's also been telling me to listen to the Current's live broadcast from SXSW--which I was gonna do anyway. Geez, I don't need a tapeworm to tell me that.
The Stream 03/14/07
Posted at 8:55 AM on March 14, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
The dates for first part of Morrissey’s upcoming tour have been announced on his fansite.
Elvis Costello will play Myth on May 8th. Full list of dates here.
!!! will play Fine Line Music Café May 9th. More dates here.
Imagine Cyndi Lauper, Erasure, Debbie Harry, Dresden Dolls, Misshapes and Margaret Cho all on the same tour!
Travis Morrison (The Dismemberment Plan) to release a new disk. Preview a new track on his Myspace page.
Emily Haines and Feist hang out and Vice magazine was there.
Rick McCollum's Moon Maan will release their self-titled disk on June 5th. But pre-sale begins online next Tuesday right here.
If you happen to be in Nashville, see Flogging Molly do an instore performance and signing tonight at Grimey's Records! More info.
Today In Music History:
1933 - Quincy Jones Jr
1951 - Rick Dees
1952 - David Byrne
1971 - Rolling Stones left England and moved to France to escape taxes
Live On Air Blogging 03/14/07
Posted at 8:59 AM on March 14, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Noon-ish
Trans AM will be playing Triple Rock on Friday April 27th. Full dates and more band info here.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
The Shins on Conan
Peter Bjorn and John on Carson Daly
Aqualung on Letterman
11:40am
The Good, The Bad & The Queen are playing SxSW and New Orleans this weekend. More info here. On a somewhat related note, Graham Coxon just posted a couple of cover tunes (Syd Barrett, Big Star) on his Myspace page.
11:10am
Bloc Party Blogs!
10:50am
If you live in Portland you can catch a screening of The Decemberist DVD this Friday night.
10:40am
Cibelle joined Steve Seel for an in-studio appearance last September.
10:15am
You'd think he'd have his hands full running Merge Records and scattered Portastatic dates. But Mac McCaughan finds time to blog. I found this entry particularly entertaining.
10:10am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Peter Bjorn & John, with "Young Folks" from their full length, Writer's Block. They'll be kicking off our SxSW broadcast tomorrow! See them on Carson Daly tonight. As there is always a balance, I have heard so many people going on and on about this band and this tune. There has to be a negative, right? This is it, a hate blog. I'm hoping it will all work out as good attention in the end. Learn more about the band on their official site.
9:30am
I've heard each of these bands compared to Joy Division and to each other. Do you think they compliment each other? The Editors tune was recorded during an in-studio appearance last year. Interpol have announced details about their latest effort. ANd the Norweigan band 120 days are coming stateside next week.
9:20am
Wilco's new album Sky Blue Sky will be in stores on May 15th. We just played the track "What Light". See the video here.
9:10am
Low's new release Drums and Guns wil be released on Sub Pop next Tuesday. They've announced a few dates on their official site including an appearance at First Avenue on Saturday April 14th.
My Three Songs for Wednesday
Posted at 12:31 PM on March 14, 2007
by Bill DeVille
(2 Comments)
Today's set was chosen by Nikki in St Paul. She apparently LOVES pancakes....who doesn't?!
she chose:
Atmosphere "Smart Went Crazy" (w/the line...Poison in the Pancakes)
Tori Amos "Pancake"
The White Stripes "Hardest Button to Button (w/the lyric...I had a brain that felt like Pancake batter)
Glad she didn't pick John Denver's "Thank God I'm A Country Boy"!
The Stream 03/15/07
Posted at 8:57 AM on March 15, 2007
by Barb Abney
Need a morning chuckle? Art Brut delivers!
Do you have Mac OSX and Garageband 3? Then why not make your own Nine Inch Nails remix? Go here for more info.
Hey New York, here’s a listening party for your pleasure... Hear both Kings of Leon’s Because Of The Times and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Baby 81 tonight at Club Midway. More info here.
Radio 4 and Bob Mould will be playing a benefit for Callum Robbins at the Bowery Ballroom on Monday April 16. Callum is the son of J. Robbins (Jawbox frontman). Learn more about Callum here.
Today In Music History:
1940 - Phil Lesh was born
1941 - Mike Love was born
1944 - Sly Stone was born
1947 - Ry Cooder was born
1955 - Dee Snider was born
1962 - Steve Coy was born (Dead or Alive)
1962 - Terrence Trent D'Arby was born
1963 - Bret Michaels was born
1968 - Jimi Hendrix was called "most spectacular guitarist in the world" by LIFE magazine
Live On Air Blogging 03/15/07
Posted at 8:59 AM on March 15, 2007
by Barb Abney
11:30am
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Grizzly Bear on Carson Daly
10:55am
Peter, Bjorn & John were the victims of theft last night! Someone stole one of their bass guitars!
10:10am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Fujiya & Miyagi, with "Ankle Injuries" from their full length, Transparent Things. They'll be playing our SxSW Showcase in just about 26 hours! Learn more about them on their official site or their Myspace page.
9:50am
Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) is coming to the US this spring and will be playing a date at Guthrie Theater.
The Washington DC band Thunderball will make a SxSW appearance.
9:20am
Lucinda Williams will be playing State Theater on April 11 along with Carrie Rodriguez. Tickets are available and on sale now. tour info.
9:10am
Less than 2 hours before Peter, Bjorn & John kick off our SxSW broadcast !
The Long Winters will be playing 400 Bar next week and will be stopping by The Current for an in-studio performance.
SXSW starts...
Posted at 10:10 AM on March 15, 2007
by Stephanie Curtis
Peter Bjorn and John just arrived. Their bass was stolen last night...so they are trying to make do with two guitars.
The Prototypes
Posted at 11:46 AM on March 15, 2007
by Stephanie Curtis
(1 Comments)
The Prototypes are soundchecking right now...Peter Bjorn and John have left the building. They were a great kickoff.
We made it
Posted at 12:30 PM on March 15, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
Ohmygosh what a crazy morning! Peter Bjorn and John were awesome and played to a packed house. The Prototypes are now rocking the rafters of Buffalo Billiards and people are loving their French accents and fashions. Singer Isabelle is wearing sassy black shorts over a red t-shirt and tights combo, and with her red hair she fits right in with the festive, brightly colored interior of our home away from home.
Already we've run into old friends from home, met people from around the country we've only talked to via email before now, and made a bunch of new fans too, and it's barely noon! Even as I am typing, the Young Knives are walking in the door with their guitars and drums, looking very dapper and ready to rock. more soon....
Austin's Mayor plus Minneapolis people
Posted at 12:45 PM on March 15, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
Being at SXSW is like some weird fantasy world. I just got back from a brunch Spin sponsored at Austin City Hall on the Mayor's balcony. Met the mayor (!), the music director from KPFA Pacifica Radio, SPIN's publisher and a woman who works on trying to get health benefits for musicians and artists in Austin. I asked her if she could set up a branch in the Twin Cities--that would be fantastic.
Our broadcast is crazy busy here at Buffalo Billiards, and in addition to all the new folks, it's fun to see the peeps from the Twin Cities. Just saw Ryan, booker at Turf Club/Big Vs, and Tom from Modern Radio, and Eric from the Varsity Theater and the Cloud Cult kids. Okay, now the Young Knives are getting set to play, so I'll check back in with you in a bit....
Money Making, Money Money Making...
Posted at 1:23 PM on March 15, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(4 Comments)
Wow, I just randomly began a conversation with a nice looking gent and it turned out to be Money Mark! I love SXSW! He's coming up on our broadcast around 3:30 with Mary Lucia, but he's hanging out now, watching the Young Knives - who are very funny and are charming the audience with their tales of merry old England. The Sights are up next, and then The 4th Beastie Boy himself. He's very up on Minnesota politics, believe it or not. A super nice guy.... tune in for that interview; I think he and Mary are really going to hit it off.
It's a balmy 75 degrees outside.... about 82 inside the club, but we're eating all the chips and salsa we can possibly cram into our mouths in between band load in, set up, interviews, photo taking, blogging, and handing out our little oval window clings....
Oh boy, lunch is here! I'll let you know how the chicken tenders are in Texas....
That guitar is HOT
Posted at 1:57 PM on March 15, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
The Young Knives guitarist plays a Burns guitar. Look it up when you get a chance. That guitar is HOT! Andy Gill from the Gang of Four produced The Young Knives new record. Double HOT!
It's A Party Now...
Posted at 4:02 PM on March 15, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(2 Comments)
Slug from Atmosphere just popped into our broadcast... which I think means Brother Ali isn't far behind. It's a full fledged party when Slug is on the scene. He just informed me he's calling the Brother Ali car to find out how far out they are... they had a little delay in Houston but are charging through. Most of the streets around here are blocked off, so I imagine traffic into the area is a nightmare. But those intrepid Minnesotans will make it, I'm convinced. There is a HUGE amount of buzz about Ali downn here, so we expect a big crowd.
We are 60% of the way through our first day and it's going great, but man I can't believe how much work we've already done and how much more there is to do! Our engineers Sam, Josh and Michael are the unsung heroes of this endeavor. You have no idea what it takes to load in, soundcheck, broadcast, record, mix and humor 7 bands a day, in front of a live audience, while operating from a van parked in front of the venue. It's nuts, and we wouldn't be able to do any of this without them, so please, take a second to say a silent "thank you" to those guys for doing what they do.
More when Ali arrives...
Texas heat
Posted at 5:17 PM on March 15, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
Brother Ali just wrapped up playing to a full house here at Buffalo Billiards. I am feeling overheated, which is just fine by me. Brother Ali was a little late because they had to drive from Houston this morning, but they were in top form during their set. Mary Lucia is in top form, too, so make sure to keep listening.
Sondre Lerche is doing a line check right now and should be on in a few minutes. Sondre Lerche has a silver sparkly guitar strap that I'm coveting.
Hope You're Enjoying This As Much As Us
Posted at 5:45 PM on March 15, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(4 Comments)
Hey folks, it's Seel here blogging under Ali's name (can't seem to get the ol' login to work). Sorry I'm so late in checking in with ya from down here in Austin ... but it's been a crazy-wondeful time so far.
It-band of the moment, Peter Bjorn and John, got us off to an absolutely tremendous start this morning. A TON of folks must have battled their hangovers to amble down here at 11am for what was, unsurprisingly, an awesome set -- if anybody had been torn about tearing themselves out of bed to go see a radio broadcast, I'm sure those folks realized the wisdom of their decision by the time the Swedish band started serving up their sweetly wistful brand of of pop to a very receptive crowd, many of those in attendance sitting cross-legged on the floor as if they watched and listened. Then, the power to the building went out. Woo hoo! But our intrepid sound-god Josh was down in the bar's breaker-room and had us back up and running within about two minutes flat. (Wasn't our fault. But hey, by-gones are by-gones). The Swedes were back on the air in no-time and we finished out with two more songs and much hilarious conversation. I can't wait to here it again when we get it up online for ya -- stay tuned for that. More to come!
The Stream 03/16/07
Posted at 6:45 AM on March 16, 2007
by Barb Abney
More info on the Joe Strummer biopic “The Future Is Unwritten” due in UK theaters in May. Plus info on the upcoming soundtrack featuring music from The Clash, The 101ers and Joe along with The Mescaleros.
Blond Redhead will be releasing their 8th album, 23 on April 10th. They’re coming to town April 15th at First Avenue. More info here.
Minneapolis label Rhymesayers has signed a distribution deal with Alternative Distribution Alliance, Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. Thanks to Mark Wheat for the tip.
Win a copy of Modest Mouse’s upcoming release We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank.
Silversun Pickups have announced some new In-Store appearances.
Grizzly Bear recorded live in Minnieapolis.
Today In Music History:
1954 -Nancy Wilson (Heart) was born.
1959 - Flavor Flav was born.
1972 - Andrew Dunlop (Travis) was born.
1975 - "T-Bone" Walker died.
1999 - Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and the late Roosevelt Sykes were inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.
2005 - Billy Joel checked into a rehab
Live On Air Blogging
Posted at 9:04 AM on March 16, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
11:00am-ish
Michael Franti's in-studio performance from October.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Pete Yorn on Conan
Deerhoof on Carson Daly
Tunes On The Telly Tomorrow Night:
Snow Patrol on SNL
10:40am
Sondre Lerche played our SxSW showcase yesterday!
The Shins in-studio performance can be found here.
10:20am
Vietnam did an in-studio for us back in December.
Hot Chip's "Graceland" was recorded during an in-studio performance here at The Current in November..
10:10am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Haley Bonar, with "Captain Captain" from her album, Lure the Fox. Hear from Haley again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts.
Learn more about her on her official site or her Myspace page.
9:40am
Frank Black did an in-studio for us back in November.
9:30am
That TV on The Radio tune we just played ("Dry Drunk Emperor") was recorded during an in-studio performance here at The Current back in October. They spent the last two nights here in the Twin Cities. Here's a local interview.
9:15am
Dean & Britta Are playing at The Cedar Cultural Center on tomorrow!
The Frames had to cancel their SxSW gigs because Glen is workiong on a soundtrack. They'll be playing First Ave. on April 17th.
The Bird and The Bee are currently opening up for Lily Allen on her US tour. They played an in-studio for us back in November.
Plans going out the window
Posted at 10:01 AM on March 16, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(3 Comments)
I had meant to do this before we came down to the SXSW broadcast: Make a list of what I wanted to do and then compare it to what I actually ended up doing. Because the entire festival is chaos and it's easy to be strayed from your original plan.
After we wrapped up yesterday's fantastic broadcast, City Pages music editor Sarah Askari and I headed off the beaten path to see Minneapolis' The Birthday Suits play at Snake Eyes Vinyl. The record store--and its resident cat, Brooklyn--are in a remodeled house on the other side of the freeway, and the bands all played in the backyard. You might be wondering why someone would travel to Austin and then go out and see a local band. Well, you might as well know it, a lot of my favorite bands are from home. The Birthday Suits rocked out as usual, with random people trying to grab the mike away from lead singer Hideo. Sarah and I were distracted for a bit by a guy who, no kidding, tried to jump on 4 different moving cars and then roll off them, get up and try again. Sarah decided it was time for an intervention, and gave him a firm talking to. He ended up being a rather nice guy who was doing something pretty dumb.
Back to SXSW central on 6th Street, where I had hoped to meet up with The Current's music director Melanie Walker. She was heading out to see The Fratelli's, who were playing at 1 a.m. But before I could there, I started to fade after meeting up with the Birthday Suits at the Carbonas show (they're from Georgia, woo hoo). We'll have to get the Fratelli's update from Melanie in bit.
Now it's back to the broadcast with the awesome Antibalas orchestra. I wish all my days started off like this.
Day two....
Posted at 10:07 AM on March 16, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(1 Comments)
We are back at Buffalo Billiards setting up for our second day of broadcasting live. Yesterday was fun, crazy, chaotic, and overall HUGELY successful. We had a packed crowd for Peter Bjorn and John, who were a lovely, sweet, melodic way to start the day. (Last year Jose Gonzalez was our morning guest, which was also a sweet surprise and a nice way to ease into the day.) PBJ were also troopers when the power blew for about 5 minutes.... they stayed on stage and humored the rapt audience until our intrepid engineers found the blown circuit. And then we were back on for the rest of the day. Hometown hero Brother Ali came racing in the door having broken a few speed limits driving here from Houston, and the house went nutty for his new hit "Truth Is". He talked to Mary for quite a while and was thoroughly charming and entertaining. Sondre Lerche was a big hit too, and we could all see why Elvis Costello picked him to open up for him on tour. And even though we couldn't air the entire El-P performance, he had the audience jumping up and down like mad. All the performances are archived on our main site for make sure to check them out if you missed The Sights, Money Mark or the Young Knives.
So as we set up the room and prepare for the second leg of our marathon broadcast we are anticipating the arrival of Antibalas and their 11 piece, horn-laden Afropop sounds. Now THAT is going to wake us up. Look for more updates as the day goes on, as we welcome Tom Morello, RJD2, Bonde Do Role, Andrew Bird with local friend Dosh, Mando Diao, and a late added appearance by Jamie T. who played with Lily Allen the other night and apparently stole the show. Stay tuned....
Better than coffee...
Posted at 11:25 AM on March 16, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(7 Comments)
A once sleepy crowd is now on its collective feat, grooving and moving along with Antibalas. Apparently, no matter what kind of music you like, it is impossible to sit still during an Anitbalas set. Spikey mohaws, receding hair lines, indie-coiffs.... all heads are bobbing and all feet are swaying. I hope it sounds as good on radio as it does in the room - a very full, lively percussion, keyboard, bass and horn mix that reaches into every nook and cranny in the space. On a bright but cool Friday morning, this is the perfect rhythm to wake up to. Even Steve Nelson is swaying back and forth! Now that's the power of mucis. We're off to a great start on day 2.... and there's so much more to come!
Sing along now... "la la la.... la la la .. ." (I can't actually tell what they're saying, but it feels great to raise your voice along with the choir anyway.)
Fujiya & Miyagi on now! Tom Morello sitting next to me :)
Posted at 12:20 PM on March 16, 2007
by Melanie Walker
Right behind me Steve Seel is sitting having a chat with the boys from Fujiya & Miyagi and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world! My job rules. They call this work? I can stop moving! They're sound is so infectious! The room is packed as they play "Ankle Injuries". We've got someone with an airhorn that keeps enthusiastically announcing his love for the guys! I spot Bruce from WXPN in the back dancing his tail feathers off :)
Tom Morello is on next and hanging out next to me ready to hop on stage with his guitar and play us a few songs from his new release as The Nightwatchman. He says hi to everyone. He's super nice :) It's really starting to fill up fast in here for Tom Morello!
Andrew Bird is loading in his gear to soundcheck right after Tom Morello. Things are going wonderfully smooth here despite the craziness! Stay tuned for more updates!
The Fratellis, Malajube, 120 Days, The Panthers, Mando Diao...
Posted at 12:56 PM on March 16, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(1 Comments)
The Fratellis, Malajube, 120 Days, The Panthers, Mando Diao...that was my schedule last night here at SXSW! I first hit up the Vice showcase and got to meet up with The Black Lips and have a drink. Was awsome! I'm going to see them at a Vice VIP after party late late late Saturday night. They can't wait to come to Minneapolis soon!
Also, got to meet some of the guys from 120 Days who were very nice but you could tell they were spent from a day full of playing and interviews. The show was wonderful. Just fun, dancy beats and atmosphereics...kind of like a moden day Joy division but better ;) That's the thing about this crazy festival. These bands work their tail feathers off playing showcases, day parties, confrence stages...sometimes 6-8 shows a day! Can you imagine how intense that is?
Malajube was intense live! Crowd was crazy for them. Was like being in hipster heaven! Panthers were heavy! Like a sped up Black Sabbeth with lots of sweat and head banging :) Caught a second of Mando Diao before The Fratellis came on. I'm looking forward to the Mando Boys dropping by the broadcast tonight for their acoustic session. Should be a packed night!
The Fratelli's were by far my favorite stop of the night! Man...those boys totally rocked my world! Alot of the shows here at SXSW really do feel more like a confrence than a rock show...people just stand there and watch. No dancing, no yelping...just standing...snore...boring. But, The Fratelli's totally pumped the crowd up. Was one of the best rock shows I've been to in awhile! Harmonies were right on cue, songs are just so super catchy! They are a band you can tell really gives the crowd everything when they play!
I'll go out tonight...have some more adventures...take some fun backstage pictures...and give you some more updates tomorrow!
Whistle While You Work
Posted at 1:53 PM on March 16, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(1 Comments)
Our second whistling act is on stage now - Andrew Bird is playing to a big, eager, attentive and appreciative crowd. He's joined by Minneapolitans Dosh - he of the multi-instrument-playing - and bassist Jeremy Ylvisaker. It really is amazing to see Dosh play, either as a solo act or as Andrew's backing band. He's simultaneously playing drums, keyboards and an effects box. He makes us proud to be from the same town, I have to say. Anyway - the uber-hip crowd in here just can't get enough of Bird and the boys.... they're loving it, sitting cross-legged on the floor, packed as close to the stage as the equipment will allow. As crowded as it is, and as energetic as the crowd is, it is incredibly quiet in here while Andrew is talking. They're hanging on his every word. Definitely one of those artists that I feel like we've had a great connection with since we first launched, and to see him get so much well-deserved national attention is just awesome.
Whatever it takes
Posted at 2:26 PM on March 16, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
Tom Morello was here earlier, and I at first didn't recognize him when he walked in the room. I just thought, "Hey, that guy with the guitar slung over his back almost poked me in the eye with his kapo!"
Thankfully, Morello uses his powers for the forces of good -- a famous person who can play arenas when he wants, but for the time being chooses to pick up his acoustic guitar and use his art to activate and inspire people.
He drinks tea. I ran and got his hot water, and he was so polite to me, I felt all proud inside about it.
Bonde Do Role Hearts InSoc
Posted at 3:15 PM on March 16, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(2 Comments)
So it appears Brazillian popsters Bonde Do Role are huge, HUGE fans of former Minneapolis-based popsters Information Society. Apparently they were big in Brazil. I don't know about Japan, but definitely Brazil. They are on a hunt for the first two InSoc releases, which they cannot find anywhere. Considering InSocs roots in the Twin Cities, chances are good someone in our audience has those in their record collection somewhere. If you're looking to unload them, or know where an extra box or two of them might be laying around, go to the band's MySpace page and let them know. You'll be helping spread pro-American feelings to our friends to the South. And possibly altering the course of Brazillian pop culture for years to come.
The Clock Winds Down....
Posted at 3:42 PM on March 16, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(4 Comments)
We're getting near the end here. Just a few more acts to go before we pull the plug and start packing up. RJD2 is sound checking right now. The guys from Solid Gold (the Minneapolis dance band - not the dance show nor the dance club) are hanging out in their black and gold tuxedos looking like they aren't quite ready to let the party end. A little bit of fatigue is setting in, though we are still jazzed about these last few bands. RJD2 sounds like they are going to be a riot. Mando Diao always brings the rock. And we are going to be treated to a special appearance by Jamie T, about whom EVERYONE has been talking today. Apparently he wowed as Lily Allen's opening act last night, so we're looking forward to seeing what the buzz has been about. Two more hours, three more bands... now we're cooking with gas!
"Song for Red," March 17, 2007
Posted at 7:56 PM on March 17, 2007
by Tony Lopez
Tonight's SFR is "2 Much Time On My Hands." No, not them! Local rockers Vicious Vicious are the inspiration for this week's song.
Red's in the first grade and learning how to tell time so we decided to get a clock for her room. I'm beginning to think that was a big mistake. While I'm thrilled that's she's learning about the concept of time, I'm less than enthusiastic about it when she comes into our room at 6:45 in the morning to tell me what time it is.
She crawls into bed with us and I've instructed her not to turn the television on until at least 7:30. She's got too much time on her hands. For the next half hour she dutifully and sweetly whispers in my ear every two minutes, "Daddy, it's 7:11." "Dad, it's 7:13." Daaaaaaadeeeeeeee, it's 7:15." You get the picture.
I propose, from now on, that children must learn how to tell time the old-fashioned way. That'll teach'em.
The History of a Tanya Donelly video...
Posted at 11:13 PM on March 17, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
I remember hearing about the making of this video and thanks to the folks at Northeast Beat there is a video history of it now.
I remember when this was made and they were asking for fans to be extras at the Cafe that day. For whatever reason I couldn't make it down for the video shoot. Though that is just as well as it appears I would've probably ended up being abducted by an alien.
Though if it'd been with Tanya perhaps that wouldn't of been such a bad thing!
Land of 10,000 Graffiti Artists..
Posted at 2:45 PM on March 18, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(1 Comments)
It may have been a bit cool outside but the sun was out this weekend and made for perfect strolling around the neighborhood type weather. After a bit of record shopping, I was able to take in a bit of the Will Work For Food art show.
This was a collection of local visual artists all on display in the now empty Theater Antiques space in Uptown. It is often pretty mindboggling how much creative talent there is in these parts, musically or visually, and often both at the same time.
For the past few years Uptown has been hit by an artist who goes by the name "27". His early pieces tended to be fish or strange men with moustaches. Lately he has been throwing up all sort of odd looking creatures all in his signature style.
He had his first "proper" show this past Fall at the SooVac Gallery in Uptown but it appears he is blowing up all over New York now and is planning on hitting the West Coast this summer.
I suppose I had that much energy too when I was 21!
Camp SXSW over for another year...
Posted at 3:57 PM on March 18, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(2 Comments)
So that's that. The SXSW Music Fest has officially come to an end. Most of my coworkers have already made it home, and Melanie, Christina and I are at the airport waiting to hear those lovely words, "Now boarding for Minneapolis/St. Paul". As much fun as we've had, it will be sooooo good to be home.
Being at this event really is like being at camp. Except for the bunk buds and mosquitos, of course. But we are all thrown together in a short, intense environment where we have to bond together to acheive some goals, and you hang out with people you ordinarily wouldn't get a chance to spend much time with. You're away from the parents and have to rely on each other for survival, and then you get back home and go back to your normal lives, with these fond memories and a scrap book and a bunch of stories that drive your other friends crazy.
We had a really great time at our live broadcast from Buffalo Billiards, and we captured some amazing performances and interviews. The Brother Ali interview and performance might go down as my favorite of the weekend. And not just because our names are spelled the same or because we live in the same area code. He and Mary had a great conversation, and the live version of "Truth Is" rocked even harder than the recording. And the crowd loved him. Last year Tapes 'n Tapes were the Minnesota band with the most buzz at the fest, but this year I'm pretty sure that title goes to Ali.
Outside of our broadcast, I also had a few other super fun festival moments. We all stopped in to the Eclectone / Green Room showcast to support our other Minnesota pals Ruby Isle, Martin Devaney, The Honeydogs, Melismatics and others. It's always fun to root for your home team at an away game.
I also watched Badly Drawn Boy while outside under the starry skies at Stubb's. They played the full band version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and the gazillions of indie rockers, industry folks and music lovers went crazy. People leapt to their feet and sang along at the top of their lungs. It was awsome. They were followed by The Good, The Bad and The Queen, and by squinting really hard, standing on tip toe and concentrating with all my might, I swear I could make out Paul Simonon's cheek bones from where I was standing. Oh, and they sounded pretty good too. Since I am a huge Clash fan, any chance to see some of those guys live appeals to me, and I've liked Damon Albarn's projects for a long time, too. But TGTB&TQ are so far only kinda so-so for me. I respect what they're doing, but it hasn't completely won me over yet. Still fun to see them on that big outdoor stage though.
Seeing the 15 bands on our stage was more than enough for me, so I didn't hit the rest of the fest as hard as I could have. But sitting in a room with 200 other people watching Tom Morello channel Woody Guthrie is pretty freaking cool, so I don't feel like I mised out on anything. Plus I got to experience one of my favorite aspects of SXSW, the Flatstock poster convention, which showcases seemingly hundreds of the best poster artists in the country. I spent a little money and came back with some new art for my walls, which I'm super excited about. It's also another arena in which our local talent shines, as Aesthetic Apparatus, Miss Amy Jo, Burlesque and some other Minnesotans display their wares at the event. Honestly, I ran into more people that I know in Austin this weekend than I ever do going to shows in Minneapolis. It always takes a second to put people into the right context when you run into them 2,000 miles away from home, but there you are just walking down the middle of 6th street with 10,000 other people, and suddenly you're talking to the guys from Little Man and Ol' Yeller. Go figure.
Okay, well, I'm officially signing off on my SXSW blogging. It's been real, truly it has, but I am one tired little gal with some barking dogs on the end of my legs. If you've missed anything, don't despair - all of the interviews are archived on our site, and we'll have some more photos from the event posted in the next day or so. Plus we'll be airing our Best Of special at 6:00 this evening, and we'll have that up on the web tomorrow too. Thanks to everyone who made this whole endeavor possible... from our crew who went down to Texas to those who held down the fort in Minneapolis to all the bands who made time to come by and chat with us to all of the people who stopped by the broadcast. More than a few current and ex-Minneapolitans stopped in to wish us well, including a couple of our volunteers who are always spreading the word about The Current and promoting what we do. A Texas-sized "thankyouverymuch" to all of you.
Camp closed until next year!
Broken Social Scene family tree
Posted at 2:18 AM on March 19, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(2 Comments)
I am issuing a challenge to any ambitious listeners or staffers. Someone draw up a chart tracking the different projects of everyone related to Broken Social Scene. This chart must properly account for the members of all side projects, including but not limited to: Stars, Metric, Apostle of Hustle, and Raising the Fawn. All solo projects must also be tallied, from Jason Collett to Amy Millan to Emily Haines and/or the Soft Skeleton. I have a feeling that if properly done, this could be a new Kevin Bacon Game of indie rock. I draw inspiration for this from this incredible chart I saw years ago that tracked all Eric Clapton's bands in the late '60s and early '70s; it had something like 100 people connected in a web. So what do you say? Anybody up for the challenge?
The Stream 03/19/07
Posted at 8:55 AM on March 19, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
The Alarmists have announced that Joe Kuefler will be leaving the band after next month's Voltage Fashion Amplified at First Avenue. More info on their Myspace page. Hear a performance they recorded in-studio at The Current last summer.
Win copies of "classic" Depeche Mode remastered editions before they are released. Hurry, contest ends soon. You can also buy the Complete Depeche Mode collection here.
Watch Slug get a tattoo while talking about Brother Ali’s “The Truth”. Go here and scroll down a little.
Hamilton Leithhauser, the lead singer of The Walkmen, was arrested while in Austin at SxSW.
The Editors have posted some everyday photos that just happen to be rather star-studded, on their Myspace page.
Today in Music History:
1946 - Paul Atkinson (Zombies guitarist) was born.
1957 - Elvis Presley bought Graceland.
1959 - Terry Hall was born (Specials, Fun Boy 3, Colourfield)
1968 - Donovan traveled to India to study transcendental meditation.
1974 - Jefferson Airplane became Jefferson Starship.
1982 - Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane crash.
1993 - Jeff Ward (Low Pop Suicide) committed suicide.
Live On Air Blogging 03/19/07
Posted at 8:55 AM on March 19, 2007
by Barb Abney
(235 Comments)
Noonish
Nas news.
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Jesse Malin on Conan
11:25am PB&J
Our friends, Peter, Bjorn & John have returned to Sweeden after playing our SxSW showcase. They'll be returning to the states in six weeks or so. Full dates on their Myspace.
11:00am
Three Degrees of separation:
Blanche - Raconteurs - White Strippes
White Stripes will be playing in Minneapolis August 26th and 27th!
10:30am
The Young Knives will be stateside for the rest of the week, then it's back to the UK. More dates via their Myspace.
The Young Knives at our SxSW showcase
10:10am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring New Young Pony Club's "Ice Cream" (used for a 2006 Intel commercial) from their s/t EP. This tune was originally released as a 7" in February 2005. The limited-edition pressing of 1,000 copies sold out in just three days The self-titled, six-track (plus one video) EP includes two of the band's first three singles, released from 2004 through 2006. The full length "The Bomb "is due to be released in the UK today. They've also got a remix contest going on. More info on their Myspace page.
9:50am
Ryan Adams will release Easy Tiger on June 5th.
Amy Whinehouse US tour info (click gigs).
9:30am
Antibalas are coming to The Twin Cities in April. Full list of dates on their Myspace page. If you missed the interview/performance from our SxSW showcase Friday afternoon, catch up here.
9:10am
Mason Jennings is home from his time spent out on the road with Guster. He'll be playing two shows at First Avenue at the end of the month. If you check his latest blog post on his Myspace page you'll find a beautiful Minnesota sky picture.
My 3 Songs for Monday, 3-19-07
Posted at 12:59 PM on March 19, 2007
by Steve Seel
It's all about the twang and the tears today. Rebecca Chernov from Brookline, MA says, "Sometimes, it just feels good to listen to some sad cowboy songs."
1) Neko Case: "Favorite"
2) Bonnie 'Prince' Billy: "Cursed Sleep"
3: Wilco: "Jesus, Etc."
By the way -- have you ever made a request for My 3 Songs? No? It's, easy and quite painless, we swear. Step right this way.
Little Steven discovers Indie Rock!
Posted at 3:31 PM on March 19, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(1 Comments)
Personally I think there are a lot of lines of similarity between the E Street Band and the Arcade Fire. Not to mention the 60's garage sounds Mr. Van Zandt heralds on his excellent radio show but evidentally it's all new and not destined to last according to him.
That is if you can figure out what he is talking about anyway..
Inspirational Music
Posted at 4:20 PM on March 19, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
Saturday night I checked out Dean & Brita at the Cedar Cultural Center. Talk about date night! I saw so many folks snuggling with their significant others, maybe inspired by the husband and wife duo's ability to work together, or by the tender songs on their latest collaboration, Back Numbers. The old man and I certainly put our guns down for the night.
It was the first time I'd been to the Cedar, and I'll definitely go back again. A) I'm an old fart who likes the sit-down shows, and B) I just loved the feel of the place. Something about it makes me feel like I've stepped back in time, and the all-volunteer staff was so friendly. (They kept my chai mug full all night.) I was impressed with the Cedar, but overall impressed with Twin Cities residents' willingness to get involved, from the Cedar volunteers to our 89.3 The Current Street Team. I felt compelled to get off my butt and do something, too.
Inspriring, too, was Brita Philips! Not only does she have an amazing, ethereal voice, but I hope I look that smokin' when I'm in my 40s. I've been feeling kinda down about turning 33 soon, and now I'm looking forward to it, and life beyond it. I hope my better half grows up to look all gnarly-sexy like Dean Wareham, too (or at least stops looking seven years younger than me.)
Oh, yeah, and the music. I was too young to ever get to see Galaxie 500 live, and while Dean & Brita have taken a different path musically, I still heard little glimmers of Galaxie and Luna here and there that made my heart swell. The crowd was great, too--a real mix of ages, and everyone was chill and well-behaved and just happy to be there. The opening act, Michael Holland, was folky and sincere and a little Dylan-esque, and made us all feel like we were recipients of a special gift.
Did you go to the show? What did you think? Brita Phillips: Hot or Totally Hot? Discuss.
SXSW Over Already?
Posted at 4:55 PM on March 19, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(4 Comments)
Melanie Walker Music Director reporting after surviving South By Southwest in Austin, TX...speechless...wow. SXSW felt like a month yet raced by in a flash! I barely slept, barely ate, busted my favorite pair of shoes, lost my voice, and probably damaged my ears beyond repair...but I had a great time :) I was worried about keeping up with the pace of such a marathon of a convention...but suprisingly I held my own. Getting up at 8am for our broadcast at Buffalo Billiards and hitting the sack round 4am was not an easy task by any means but I became this fiend...fueled by my desire to rock...I channeled my inner twenty something and willed myself to do as much as I could in the little time I had there.
The bands I saw were Jamie T, A-Trak, No Age, Redman, Badly Drawn Boy, Andrew Bird, Black Lips, Panthers, 120 Days, Bonde Do Role, Ruby Isle (If I had to pay someone for everytime I saw Mark on the streets of Austin I'd be broke as a joke. Mallman was everywhere!),The Fratellis, Mando Diao, Fujiya & Miyagi, Peter Bjorn & John, The Good The Bad & The Queen , Land Of Talk, Malajube, The Presets, Saturday Looks Good To Me, Spoon, The Stooges, Vietnam...and folks this is nothing compared to the amount of bands most people saw. I only went out after our broadcast was done Thursday & Friday. I even made it to a couple of panels on Saturday morning for discussions on Breaking AAA Careers (whatever AAA means) and A&R at Independent Labels. So, yes I did attend the convention somewhat too ;)
Bands I wish I had seen Wolf & Cub (don't listen to Pitchfork...record rules...), +/-, Thomas Dybdahl, The Early Years, The Gossip, although I saw him on the balcony of our broadcast wish I'd seen Albert Hammond Jr., Junior Senior, Kid Koala, Les Savy Fav, The Little Ones, Los Abandoned, Menomena, Peaches, The Ponys, Pop Levi, The Rapture, Gruff Rhys, The Rumble Strips, Simian Mobile Disco, Spank Rock, Sloan, Voxtrot, The Bravery and Amy Winehouse... Most of these folks will be passing through the Twin Cities soon anyways. It was a compromise of sorts. I'll see them here in Minneapolis. Bands I heard were god awful and I'm glad I didn't go see Mika, Deerhunter, Tilly And The Wall, Paolo Nutini and Mutemath who I actually caught a tiny bit of and was like "What is this? When does Mando Diao go on?" and then I figured out it was Mutemath....nice guys but not my bag...
My night Saturday was cut short after pulling up in a taxi to the Vice Magazine Super Secret After Party with our publicist Christina and Sarah from City Pages to discover ambulances and fire trucks everywhere see the pics. We were told the balcony on the building fell down. Then we heard a wall collapsed. Now that I'm home, I discovered it was only the railing of the balcony that fell down see the pics. Lame. I wish I had stuck around since we heard the next day that the after party had moved to a bridge and continued with bands performing and everything. Although I missed what is always considered a good time with the Vice folks, my body was happy I went to bed at 4:30am instead of 7am :)
With only one power outage (during Peter Bjorn & John), a few slipped swears and ony one cancellation (my new music crush from the UK who lost his voice like me, Jamie T), our Live SXSW broadcast was a huge success! Wasn't EL-P incredible! He had a full band with him. Never seen that before! Too bad he got a little loose with his lips... My favorite band we had was most definitely The Young Knives. It was months of work to book the line up but well worth the efforts. I'm already daydreaming about SXSW '08 :) Suggestions?
SXSW was hipster heaven. If you are a fan of live music at festivals where not only do you see great shows all in one place but meet hoards of like minded musicheads such as yourself, don't mind getting a bit dirty, can ignore the smell of soured day old beer on the sidewalks and the occasional drunk frat boy from Austin that can't hold his liquor then you need to make a trip out to SXSW at least once in your lifetime.
It's an experience that not only fuels my love for new independent music, but it also reminded me of how lucky I am to work for The Current. Not to sound too overly dramatic, but it reminded me of how important The Current is to independent artists and for us to take that responsibility seriously. We vow to bring you the best new sounds the indie scene has to offer. You can count on us ;)
Any other Minnesotans that came to Austin have some great SXSW stories to share?
The Stream 03/20/07
Posted at 8:58 AM on March 20, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
It was recently announced that The Polyphonic Spree have signed on to TVT Records. They will release their 3rd full length, The Fragile Army in June. The album was partially recorded in Cannon Falls, Minnesota.
Carling Weekend line up announced. Reading Fest. Leeds Fest.
Antony Hagerty (Antony & The John sons) says "NO" to bootlegging live shows.
Best of CD and documentary will mark the 10th anniversary of Jeff Buckley's tragic passing.
Today In Music History:
1951 - Jimmie Vaughan was born.
1961 - Slim Jim Phantom was born.
1969 - John married Yoko.
1977 - T. Rex played their final concert.
1982 - Joan Jett and Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" goes to #1.
Live On Air Blogging
Posted at 8:58 AM on March 20, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish
Birdmonster did an in-studio appearance back in September. They're returning to The Twin Cities Friday night and will be joining me for another in-studio session Friday morning.
11:40am
Norweigan artist, Thomas Dybdal recently released his Science album domestically. He'll be dropping by 7th Street Entry on the 31st. More info.
11:20am
Feist's new album The Reminder is in stores on May 1. You can download new first single "My Moon, My Man" now.
Want to be in a Feist video in Toronto? If you're.. 18-35, physically fit, able to attend 2-3 rehearsals (March 20, 21, 22nd) and one shoot day 12-14 hours on March 23rd. Send photo and contact info to feistmusicvideo@gmail.com
11:00am
Flaming Lips Dates.
10:40am
Sonic Youth will perform the Daydream Nation album live..
at the Primavera Festival in Barcelona on June 2
at the Tollwood Festival in Munich June 21
at Columbia Halle in Berlin June 27
at Pitchfork Music Festival July 13
at Berkeley Community Theater in Berkeley, California July 19
at Greek Theater in L.A., California July 20
10:30am
The Golden Republic played an in-studio session in July 2005.
10:20am
Jamie T still has one tour date before his string of US shows comes to a close.
10:15am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring The Pony's "Double Vision" from their 3rd full length Turn The Lights Out, released today. They've got upcoming dates with The Black Lips and Deerhunter. More info on their official site.
10:00am
Six Parts Seven in-studio performance recorded earlier this month.
9:50am
The Ashtray Hearts have a show this weekend.
9:35am
We just played a track from The Now Sound Redesigned, The Free Design's tunes remixed by other musicians. Read up on the collection and The Free Design on their official site.
9:15am
Smoosh will be touring through their Spring Break with The Postmarks. They've also posted a few other tour dates on their Myspace page.
9am
Andrew Bird’s new release, Armchair Apocrypha is The Current's CD Of The Week. Here's his entertaining appearance on children’s television as “Dr. Stringz”.
Texting in Texas
Posted at 9:26 AM on March 20, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(6 Comments)
One last note about SXSW before I dive back into my real life: SXSW may be a festival for rockers to show their stuff, but it's also the place where you see the kids flex their techie skills. You feel old fast when you're slow at texting, trying to figure out which shows you should meet up at, where the party has moved to, which famous person just walked by, etc. Meanwhile, a fashion plate teeters past you, texting with her one hand while chatting to her friend, all while walking down the length of 6th Street in fancy heels. Let’s just say if SXSW were the old west, and I were having a cell phone texting duel, I would probably be dead.
P.S. Does an apostrophe exist in the text messaging world? My Samsung cell seems to have left out the option.
'My 3 Songs" for Tuesday, 3-20-07
Posted at 1:33 PM on March 20, 2007
by Steve Seel
(2 Comments)
"These songs require you to move," says Brandon Smith of Kasson, MN, for today's set. "Each one is the perfect example of how to build a song up as it goes, to add small pieces of music to create your own personal inner-ear-canal mosh-pit."
1) Underworld: "Born Slippy Nuxx"
2) Lamb: "Gorecki"
3) Beta Band: "Dry the Rain"
So can anyone explain to me what exactly it means to be "born slippy nuxx?"
Detroit Rock City
Posted at 5:41 PM on March 20, 2007
by Mary Lucia
I'm stoked to have SSM come by our studios tomorrow to play and chat. "Sick" is one of those songs I've been freaking out on.
Someone who knows me well once pointed out that the songs I like the most seem to be a variation on the Sesame Street theme song.. same beat etc.
New Release Mayhem
Posted at 9:27 PM on March 20, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(4 Comments)
Congrats everyone!!
We made Arcade Fire go to #2 on Billboard!!
Some big releases today that could make it
to that illusive #1 for the indie world this week;
LCD Soundsystem, The Ponys, EL P, Ted Leo, Miguel Migs, The Stooges, Modest Mouse,
Andrew Bird and Low. We played them all tonight and we will feature the last two on next weeks Musicheads. This week it's Chooglin, Ozomatli and Ron Sexsmith, here as a podcast or Tuesdays at 11pm.
The Stream 03/21/07
Posted at 8:57 AM on March 21, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
On April 17th a compilation titled Bridging The Distance, will be released. It will benefit p:ear, a Portland, Oregon program for homeless and transitional youth.The disk features The Decemberists coverring Fleetwood Mac. The Thermals coverring Zeppelin. Chris Walla coverring Johnny Hates Jazz. Viva Voce coverring The Alan Parsons Project. The Minus 5 coverring Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Dandy Warhols coverring The Cult. Britt Daniel coverring Sam Cooke. More info on the album. Official p:ear site.
Pitchfork has full Modest Mouse (including 2 nights next month in Minneapolis!)_ and Bjork dates.
Brooklynvegan has rescheduled dates for The View & Young Knives shows.
Chin Up Chin Up and Minus the Bear dates on More Cowbell.
Chris Cornell is coming to town.
Today In Music History:
1902 - Eddie James "Son" House is born.
1950 - Roger Hodgson (Supertramp) is born.
1984 - A portion of Central Park is named Strawberry Fields in honor of John Lennon.
2000 - Soul Coughing disbands.
Live On Air Blogging 03/21/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on March 21, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noonish
Bloc Party are apparently taping a mini concert for Carson Daly's show today. I assumed the performance was being taped because...
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Gary Jules on Carson Daly
11:45am
In related The Good The Bad & The Queen news, here's new Damon Albarn info.
11:35am
When it comes to The Jesus and Mary Chain, the words "more news coming soon" are such a tease! Do you think they are holding off on scheduling further dates beyond Coachella until they are sure they can get along on stage?
11:10am
Cornelius is back! And he's releasing new music next month! More info on his official site.
10:40am
R.E.M.'s version of #9 Dream is from the forthcoming charity compilation Instant Karma. More info on R.E.M. HQ.
10:35am
Arab Strap stopped by The Current about this time last year and did an in-studio performance.
10:25am
The Cinematics are coming to The Twin Cities next month. Full schedule here.
10:10am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring The Stooges, with "My Idea of Fun" from The Weirdness. Tour dates and more info on their Myspace page.
9:55am
Sondre Lerche is playing the Twin Cities at the end of the month. Just in case you missed it, here's his appearance at our SxSW broadcast.
9:45am
Akai's Myspace page.
Trampled By Turtles playing several dates in the next couple of months.
9:30am
The French Set:
Dimitri From Paris
Coralie Clelment
Phoenix
9:15am
TM Juke info
9am
Gruff Rhys, you know him as the frontman of Super Furry Animals. His second solo album 'Candylion' (his debut, ‘Yr Atal Gehhedlaeth’ was in Welsh) was released earlier this month. His site is a bit clunky, but here it is.
We Still Have the Current!
Posted at 10:35 AM on March 21, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(3 Comments)
Hope this isn't too much of a downer for a Wednesday morning ....
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my little brother, who's stationed in Iraq. He's been there almost a year now, and works with the convoys--dangerous job. This morning on the bus to work, I was listening to M. Ward's "Right in the Head," and I gotta say--that song hits real close to home. In a good way, and in a terrible way, too. In other words--in all the ways good music should. Some songs are just for humming along to, while others are what resonate with you, and even carry you through a tough time.
Ever had a song get you through a rough patch? Which songs resonate with you, personally?
Though I'm not as crazy about Modest Mouse's more recent work as I was of their early stuff, I've been hanging onto "Dashboard" lately like a drowning man to a life preserver: It would've been, could've been worse than you would ever know ... the dashboard melted, but we still have the radio. Wow. Issac Brock is the new Oprah.
What's in a name? The Roots...
Posted at 12:29 PM on March 21, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(4 Comments)
So, I decided to keep surfing my SXSW high and go to see The Roots last night. My love for these guys (especially for my man ?uestlove) runs deep. Their blend of verbal armory and jazz sensibilities makes for not only an incredibly original sound but an amazing live show. I've been told you've never truly appreciated The Roots until you've seen them live. I admit, I never have. So, I wandered on down to First Avenue to see The Roots live in all their splendor. Not just because I love The Roots but because of my whole musical philosophy started with them. They're called The Roots for a reason...
I would like to clear up some misconceptions about hip hop music and how I came to love it. I know a lot of people don't get it. They hear P Diddy and 50 cent and they just tune out, retorting with Hip Hop has no musical substance. It's all empty swagger's and shout outs and hasn't much soul to it. But, not all Hip Hop and Rap is about that. These folks are intelligent, talented individuals who have some incredibly poignant things to say about this world we live in if you just listen. But, I'll admit I had to break through my own misconceptions of Hip Hop before I really got what it was all about.
Most people wouldn't know it but I'm a huge Jazz lover, having my first radio gig as a morning jazz DJ right out of college in Monterey Bay, California, the home of The Monterey Jazz Festival. Jazz was what really lead me to Hip Hop. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, went to private school. My teenage life was as street cultured as Wonder Bread. Hip Hop wasn't the music of choice where I grew up. When I started listening to Jazz I became enamored with the verbal poetics of Gil Scott-Heron, the scat of Louis Armstrong and the free jazz styling's of Sun Ra. Then I discovered The Roots through a DJ in the UK named Gilles Peterson.
Sure I was schooled a bit in hip hop but, it just wasn't my bag until The Roots came along. Then it all came into perspective for me. The Roots Things Fall Apart was one of those cornerstone albums in my musical education. Common was quoted as saying Things Fall Apart attracted a new audience "coffeehouse chicks and white dudes" and me :) It was jazzy, subtle, and unpredictable all at the same time...like jazz. I'd known of The Roots but that album, and especially "Act Two (Love Of My Life)", became my anthem of 1999.
I played it on my show along with the jazz and it blended perfectly, like a mirror reflecting the roots of it's origins. That was it. It was all over for me. My show wasn't jazz anymore. It was everything and anything that fell in-between. Sure, the "jazz fiends" that listened religiously every morning weren't too keen on me playing anything that wasn't strictly jazz. But, a whole new audience was tuning in. They loved The Roots, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Common, Jazzy Jeff and they began to love and appreciate the Sun Ra's and Nina Simone's that connected it all together. I really felt like I was helping to continue jazz's traditions with other audience's.
I learned that if you stand in one place you aren't going anywhere... So, when you're listening to The Current and swaying along with The Decemberists or The Shins and Nas's "Can't Forget About You" comes on. Do me a favor. Don't switch the channel because hip hop's not your thing. Just give it a second..... Hear that? Yup, Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable". That what we do here at The Current. We play you great music new along side the old because we want to help keep the traditions and connect the dots. Just like The Roots...
Wolf, wolf
Posted at 1:49 PM on March 21, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(11 Comments)
Fashion report: The name "wolf" is in a lot of band names recently. Let's see, we have Wolfmother, Wolfbrigade, Wolf and Cub, Peter and the Wolf, Sea Wolf, Guitar Wolf and a really gross band name describing...jeez, I don't even want to say. I just ate lunch.
What other Wolf names did I miss? What's with the wolf trend?
"My 3 Songs" for Wednesday, 3-21-07
Posted at 2:34 PM on March 21, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
Michael Storhaug of Burnsville wanted to share some music that, he says, "I don't believe you've played before, and I was hoping I could share it with people I think would really appreciate it!"
1) Editors, "Munich"
2) Cordalane, "Kissed Awake"
3) Voxtrot, "The Start of Something"
Well Micahel, you're right about 2 out of three of those tunes -- the 2nd and 3rd. As they say, thanks for sharing!
The Flaming Lips ... 3 Questions
Posted at 8:40 AM on March 22, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(5 Comments)
Wayne Coyne is going to be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno this evening, which sort of reawakened our collective (and not really dormant anyway) love of the F'lips around here, sending Jill Riley in search of a copy of The Fearless Freaks, and leading me to realize that it's been way too long (five years? six?) since my last Zaireeka listening party. Which then leads me to ask Question #1: Am I the only dork that actually did this? Four boom boxes and a whole lot of Chex Mix?
What I love about these guys is the way they play with technology. Zaireeka, then the synchronized cassette tape gig in Austin in the 90s (wasn't there for that one), then the headphone tour (was there for that ... twice in two weeks ... awesome), where we all got a pair of headphones and a portable radio, and tuned into a frequency where we were able to hear the live show in the fifth dimension. The furry animal costumes are fun, but I want to see/hear what the next big sound experiment is for these guys. Then again, I missed them at the State Fair, 'cause I was broke, which leads me to Question #2: Other than the downpour, what did I miss? In other words, what are these guys up to now at their live shows?
Oh, there were the puppets, too--we can't forget the puppets. The last time I saw them live in Austin, my friend brought an alien hand puppet. We were close to the stage, and she reached her puppeted arm up towards Wayne. I don't rememeber if he had a nun puppet, or a shark, or what, but he leaned into the crowd and his puppet lips sought out the lips of my pal's alien puppet and they tenderly, gently engaged in some of the sweetest puppet necking I've ever seen. I swear a little tear rolled out of my eye. So, Question #3: What's your best Flaming Lips live show memory?
One day, I'm gonna be in my rocking chair, with the grandkids gathered 'round at my feet, and I'm gonna tell 'em this one: Austin, SXSW 1998 or 99 (alzheimers kicks in early) ... no badge, no wristband, nada ... hopelessly standing in a line of hundreds trying to get in to see the Flaming Lips ... fire marshall says no one else gets in ... start telling this random guy how we drove 70 miles from San Antonio, and saw them just the week before in Dallas, and we're huge fans ... turns out the guy is Scott Booker, the band's manager. I guess he was touched by our rabid fandom, 'cause he walked us to the front of the line, lifted the tent flap, and pushed us in, shouting, "Run! Forrest! Run!"
Sniff ... Fwoop (tissues being pulled from box.)
Was good times. (But I was kind of peeved when Wayne threw confetti in my beer.) Okay ... Your turn. Flaming Lips fans, this one is all you.
Go!
The Stream 03/22/07
Posted at 8:50 AM on March 22, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
Palomar are looking for help with a new video. More info.
Preview two tracks from The National's new release The Boxer, here.
Voxtrot's self-titled album will be out in May, but you can download the first single "Kid Gloves" here.
Acoustic Hold Steady release via Pitchfork.
Status of Jurassic 5 is being questioned.
Today in music history:
1948 - Andrew Lloyd Webber was born.
1956 - Carl Perkins was hospitalized after car accident.
1978 - The Police signed to A&M Records.
1992 - Tears For Fears officially broke up (they reformed in 2004).
Live On Air Blogging 03/22/07
Posted at 9:09 AM on March 22, 2007
by Barb Abney
(8 Comments)
Noon-ish
Lindsey Buckingham on Conan
Wayne Coyne on Leno
11:45am
Find out if The View will be playing in your town here.
11:05am
Amy Winehouse is playing The Varsity in May.
10:50am
Headlights are coming to town April 4th.
Fitzgerald aren't playing any uppcoming shows. However, their side project, Ghost In The Water have a couple of dates next month.
Lou Barlow will be coming to town (with Dinosaur Jr.) May 29th and 30th.
Sloan are coming to town May 18th.
10:30am
Albert Hammond Jr. writes a tour blog! He'll also be playing Conan soon. Find out when and read the blogs on his Myspace page.
10:10am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Air with "Once Upon A Time" from Pocket Symphony. They're coming to Minneapolis on May 2nd. Tour dates and more info on their Pocket Symphony site.
9:35am
Richard Buckner was in studio with us in September and again last month.
Jose Gonzalez did an in-studio for us last June.
9:25am
Preview new music from the Minneapolis band Romantica on their Myspace page.
9:10am
The Little Ones coming to Minneapolis with The Walkmen and Kaiser Chiefs on April 21st.
"My 3 Songs" for Thursday, 3-22-07
Posted at 12:34 PM on March 22, 2007
by Steve Seel
(2 Comments)
A genuine long-distance dedication today -- to us. Like I said the other day, we don't screen for these ... but of course, we're happy to accept the love. Who wouldn't be? Kristina Knoll from Chicago says, "I first discovered The Current approximately one year ago, and instantly fell in love. The music that defines my life -- that defines my happiness -- is played every day. I turn 30 on Friday and these are just a few personal favorites that make me smile ... and I know I can hear them at any given moment on The Current. Thank you!"
1) Mates of State: "Fraud in the 80s"
2) Goldfrapp: "Number 1"
3) The Boy Least Likely To: "Be Gentle With Me"
And happy 30th tomorrow, Kristina!
More music conference madness
Posted at 10:12 PM on March 22, 2007
by Mark Wheat
If you can stand it after all the SXSW craziness, check out;
http://www.wintermusicconference.com/
Miami is the center of the electronic music world right now.
DJ's from all over the world are converging and er...partying?!?!
Some awesome shows lined up with The Cure headlining, rather bizarrely.
Find out more about lots of the DJ's who we have featured on the
Friday Night Guest DJ Set, 10pm tomorrow we'll celebrate the WMC!
The Stream 03/23/07
Posted at 8:55 AM on March 23, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Looking for a reason to visit NYC this summer? Brooklynvegan has NYC summer line-up.
Details on new Chemical Brothers album.
Peter Bjorn and John, Fujiya & Miyagi and Au Revoir Simone to tour together. They'll be stopping by Minneapolis on May 9th. Pitchfork has the dates.
Today In Music History:
1949 - Ric Ocasek was born
1953- Chaka Khan was born
1968 - Damon Albarn was born
1985 - Billy Joel weds Christie Brinkley
Live On Air Blogging 03/23/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on March 23, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Noon-ish
Birdmonster Info. Their show tonight. Their site.
The Fratellis on Conan
Guster on Leno
10:40am
Stream the new Winterpills release, The Light Divides here.
10:20am
Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha is The Curret's CD Of The Week. He played our SxSW showcase last Friday. Find other tour information and news on his official site.
10:15am
Bob Dylan will be a major topic of discussion on Monday.
10:10am Song Of The Day Info
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring local music from Walker Kong, with "Change Your Mind" from their album, Deliver Us From People. The disk will be in stores next Tuesday. Hear from them again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Learn more about her on them on their official site or on their Myspace page.
9:41am
Spellemannprisen is what they call a Norweigan Grammy Award. Thomas Dybdahl has one! And he will be in the Twin Cities at the end of the month. More info.
9:38am
Jeremy Messersmith's upcoming dates.
Sia's in-studio performance at The Current last April.
9:22am
Local artist Sam Keenan has some upcoming dates and more info on his official site or his Myspace page.
Freddie Cruger AKA Red Astaire recently won wins best urban producer/remixer on Swedish deejay awards. Get the scoop on their Myspace page.
9:10am
Jarvis Cocker will be curating the Meltdown Fest this summer. He recently asked readers of his Myspace blog for suggestions on bands he should check out. The solo album "Jarvis" will be released on April 3rd.
9am
See if you can spot Alexi Murdoch on stage with Tom Morello at SxSW. He willl be opening for the Mason Jennings shows next month.
"My Three Songs" for Friday, 3-23-07
Posted at 3:02 PM on March 23, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(1 Comments)
I had a great time as always filling in for Steve Seel today. I usually rock the late night at the Current so tend to play the party jams for folks. But there is something to be said about playing music for people to whistle or groove to while they work. I try to make it a personal mission each time I DJ during a day shift to prevent people from truly getting anything done while at work. I mention that if their boss gets mad they can blame me.
Mary from Golden Valley(my hometown!) picked three perfect songs for lunch break today. She even left her desk to go out to her car to jam the tunes loud with the windows rolled down which I agree with her is often the best way to listen to music.
Beastie Boys "So Whatcha Want?"
Norman Greenbaum "Spirit in the Sky"
The Hopefuls "Pretty Big Mouth" (they play the Triple Rock tonight!)
Thanks Mary, have a great weekend everyone!
what is your favorite sunny day summery song?
Posted at 1:24 PM on March 24, 2007
by Bill DeVille
(12 Comments)
Here we are. Spring seems to have sprung. I was trying to think of my favorite all-time song for a perfect sunny. I think mine would have to be Bob Marley's "Sun is Shining"
How about yours?
"Song for Red," March 24, 2007
Posted at 7:31 PM on March 24, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(2 Comments)
Awwright, awwright, so check it out, dog...it was British Invasion week on American Idol, which meant one of two things: great performances and horrible ones. But, that's the case with AI. There rarely is a middle ground with this show. Red is a big fan and it's fun to watch her reactions to the singers. Except for the time when she said I look like Sanjaya; I didn't find that particularly funny.
Shirley Bassey got two treatments. Lakisha did a rather tame "Diamonds Are Forever" and Jordin was absolutely devastating as she did "I (Who Have Nothing)." And, it also served as a nice reminder that Shirley is Welsh.
But the real treat for me was that The Zombies were represented twice. They're one of my favorite British Invasion bands. Blake the Beat Boxer did "Time of the Season" and Sideshow Bob's little brother, Chris, did "She's Not There." Both stand-out performances.
But, I wish someone had done "Care of Cell 44," tonight's SFR. It's one of their most infectious pop songs and I'm a sucker for that stuff. But, what am I talking about? It's The Zombies. It's all infectious!
The Stream 03/26/07
Posted at 8:55 AM on March 26, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
Are Meg and Jack White being cryptic again? Sure, we all know about their new album (if not, click here and read up), but I still can't solve this puzzle.
In a Myspace bulletin, Rhett Miller of The Old 97's promises that "2007 will be an active year for the 97's"! More info on the official The Old 97's site.
The scoop on new material from The New Pornographers.
New Chemical Brothers release info.
Tori Amos will release her 9th album in May.
Nick Lowe to release first new material in years!
Alice Cooper, Lemmy and Joan Jett to tour!
New Blonde Redhead music on the way. Download first single here.
Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney vocalist) has new tunes in the works. I always grin when I think of Corin Tucker because she named her son Marshall.
Today In Music History:
1886 - Al Jolson was born.
1944 - Diana Ross was born.
1948 - Steven Tyler was born.
1960 - Nena (99 Luftballoons) was born.
1969 - John Lennon and Yoko began their "Bed-in''.
1995 - Eazy-E died.
1999 - Ananda Shankar died.
Live On Air Blogging 03/26/07
Posted at 8:59 AM on March 26, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Mika on Leno
Nas on Jimmy Kimmel
Kings of Leon on Letterman
Joss Stone on Craig Ferguson
11:40am
Robbers on High Street will be playing a few shows with Fountains of Wayne.
11:10am
RJD2 will be playing First Avenue next month along with Happy Chichester. He played our SxSW showcase earlier this month.
10:50am
Robert Pollard to release new music. (go ahead, act surprised!)
10:15am
Dr. Dog played an in-studio back in November. They'll be playing Bonnaroo and Philly's Popped festival.
10:05am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring CocoRosie with "Rainbowarriors" from their album, The Adventures Of Ghosthorse and Stillborn. The disk will be in stores April 9th. Learn more about her on them on their official site.
9:40am
Arcade Fire canel remaining dates on European tour.
9:20am
Pre-order "Everybody" from the record label and you'll receive it BEFORE the release date. They'll also throw in a poster. Pre-order here.
9:05am
Beirut's Shows at The Bowery Ballroom have completely sold out!
We're taking over!
Posted at 12:00 PM on March 26, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
Anybody else noticed the increasing influence of Latin music on "indie" pop/rock? I mean, bands like Calexico are just a given, but how 'bout those horns they contribute to that gorgeous, swelling finale of Arcade Fire's "Ocean of Noise?" It makes me weep into my Tecate! And Andrew Bird's latest, "Imitosis," has enough of a Santana vibe, that I could have played it at my wedding and my tías would have all gone nuts.
I haven't heard Los Angeles band Ozomatli's latest yet (not out yet, although it was discussed on last week's episode of Musicheads), but from what I've heard, it sounds like the Latin aspect of their music might be taking a backseat to a more commercial hip hop sound. ¡Que triste!
Know what else is triste? Lead singer ? of ? and the Mysterians--another famous and influential Latino--is crying 96 tears over his house, which burned down in January. If that weren't bad enough, he lost his pets, too. I have to believe everything happens for a reason--maybe this will bring the band some much deserved attention. Along with groups like the Sir Douglas Quintet, this band inspired a lot of other Chicanitos to get out there and really rock their brown pride. A documentary about the ? and the Mysterians, called Are You For Real, is in the works, with clips already circulating on You Tube.
(P.S. Hyperlinks are the new italics!)
Dylan Dylan Dylan
Posted at 12:44 PM on March 26, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(3 Comments)
Did you hear Steve Seel's interview with Dave Marsh? Was it just me, or did Marsh sound like he was getting a little choked up? What a great interview! Anybody get a chance to see Anne Waldman read? I saw her Saturday night--what a powerhouse that woman is. In addition to being a prolific poet and powerful performer, she's also hard at work on a grant-funded project to digitize recordings of Ginsberg and Kerouac and other Beat writers. When I think of Ginsberg and Kerouac, it's hard not to think that we only have amazing artists like Dylan and Waldman for a short time--they're a handful of the last representatives of an era, and they really are national tresures. My generation and all those that follow are really lucky that we have folks who dedicate themselves to preserving all this cultural history. If you're on campus, especially, drop by the Weisman and say hi to Mr. Seel. He'll be broadcasting until 3 pm.
The Stream 03/27/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on March 27, 2007
by Barb Abney
Wilco's new album will hit stores on May 15th. Pre-order it here to get in
on some great bonuses and contests.
Details about the David Bowie curated Highline Festival.
Could this be the beginning of the real-deal-long-awaited Stone Roses reunion?
The new Travis album, the Boy With No Name will be released in May. More info on the forthcoming disk and tour dates on their official site. However, you'll find no mention of their cancelled Irving Plaza show previously scheduled for May 3rd.
Today In Music History:
1966 - Roy Orbison fell off a motorcycle, fracturing his foot. He was forced to finish his tour on crutches.
1975 - Fergie (Black Eyed Peas) was born.
1987 - U2 performed from a store rooftop in LA to film the video for 'Where The Streets Have No Name'.
2000 - Ian Dury died.
Live On Air Blogging 03/27/07
Posted at 9:01 AM on March 27, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Robyn Hitchcock's "Sex, Food, Death ... and Insects" on Sundance.
Neko Case is playing First Avenue on April 7th.
11:25am
Ron Sexsmith has been nominated for a Juno Award. The ceremony is next week.
11:10am
LCD Soundsystem dates and news.
10:40am
Nas will be playing the Rock The Bells Hip Hop Festival. The line-up includes Rage Against The Machine, Wu Tang Clan, Brother Ali, The Roots, Cypress Hill and many, many more.
10:10am
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring the Minneapolis band Cloud Cult with "Take Your Medicine" from their latest, The Meaning of 8. They're fresh off of the SxSW circuit and are playing CD release shows at The Varsity Theater later this week.
Tour dates and more info on their official site or their Myspace page. They'll also be playing live at The Current and chatting with Mary Lucia at 5pm this afternoon.
10:00am
Mew have announced more US shows. While they aren't coming to our neighborhood, we can take another listen to their in-studio session from last October.
9:50am
Pretty Girls Make Graves keep adding more and more dates to their farewell tour.
9:40am
Bloc Party extend US dates.
9:20am
Sondre Lerche is playing 1st Ave this weekend. He played our SxSW showcase in Austin, Texas.
9:10am
The Decemberists will be playing Summerstage in NYC in July. Pre-sale tickets are available now.
9:00am
Ray Lamontagne has recorded a Live from Abbey Road special. It will be seen on The Sundance Channel on July 5.
Jonathan Richman
Posted at 2:44 PM on March 27, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(4 Comments)
That's it -- DJ Danny Sigelman just totally made my day by playing Jonathan Richman. No matter where my day had started, it always turns out right when I've heard a little Jonathan. He's toured through the Twin Cities numerous times and played a ton of venues around town. What's your favorite show memory? What's your favorite Jonathan Richman and/or Modern Lovers song? I personally dig "Hospital."
What's the Rush?
Posted at 1:03 AM on March 28, 2007
by Jill Riley
(9 Comments)
Any Rush fans in the house?
They're coming to the Twin Cities!
I'm not that great on a drum kit, but you should see me air drum along with Neil!
"Free Will" is my favorite Rush song, only because I used to sing it as "Free Jill".
The Stream 03/28/07
Posted at 7:00 AM on March 28, 2007
by Barb Abney
Ted Leo Caption contest on Brooklynvegan.
Marilyn Mason claims to have written "the all-time gothic anthem" on his next album. Will tour this summer with Slayer.
Tom Morello says playing with RATM again is awesome... but he's not going to quit working on his own thing. Is that a different way of saying "not quitting the day job?
Idlewild update and new release news.
International Pop Overflow Festival hitting The Twin Cities for the first time ever, in early May.
Today In Music History:
1945 - Chuck Portz (The Turtles) was born.
1965 - Steve Turner (Mudhoney) was born.
1969 - Cheryl James (Salt of Salt-n-Pepa) was born.
1974 - Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup died.
1974 - The Raspberries broke up.
1995 - Lyle Lovett and Julia Roberts announced they were separating after less than 2 years of marriage.
Live On Air Blogging 03/28/07
Posted at 8:56 AM on March 28, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish
Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Death Cab For Cutie on Conan
11:55am Chris Koza
Chris Koza will be playing our live broadcast from Gluek's in downtown Minneapolis tomorrow afternoon during Mary's show. He's got a show tomorrow night, as well as other dates over the next few weeks on his official site.
11:25am Low
Low's new album Drums and Guns is The Current's CD Of The Week. See their official site for upcoming dates.
11:15am Rickie Lee Jones
Rickie Lee Jones did an in-studio with The Current's Morning Show last month.
11:00am Dan Wilson - For New Orleans
Just played the Dan Wilson track from this benefit compilation. New Dan Wilson music can be heard here. Dan Wilson's blog-thing.
10:55am Hot Chip
Hot Chip's in-studio interview/performance from last November.
10:50am Folk Implosion
I've never read the Wiki entry for Folk Implosion before. I've seen Laurel Canyon before but never noticed Lou Barlow... looks like I'll have to watch it again!
10:20am Song Of The Day Info - Jarvis Cocker
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Jarvis Cocker with "Don't Let Him Waste Your Time " from the album Jarvis which will be released domestically next month. As we previously mentioned, he will be curating the Meltdown festival. Tour dates and more info on his official Myspace page. Pitchfork has the video.
9:40am Belle & Sebastian and Amy Winehouse
According to Spin Amy Winehouse is the highest charting British female of all time.
Belle & Sebastian featured on new Scottish Indie collection.
9:25am Elbow
Elbow's in-studio performance from April of last year.
9:05am Feist
Her new album, The Reminder will be in stores on May 1st. You can see the latest Feist "webisode" on her Myspace page. You can also hear her in-studio performance recorded in July of 2005.
Genius Grant, Anyone?
Posted at 11:22 AM on March 28, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(43 Comments)
The other day, overnight host Mac Wilson and I got into a conversation--spanning a few blog comments and two emails--where we pretty much just gushed about The New Pornographer's A.C. Newman. I called him a pop genius. Mac--always hesitant to use the word "genius"--agreed. Mac called Newman "an intelligent, well-versed writer and musician who has pretty much rewritten modern power pop."
It all got me thinking--who are the great songwriters of today? Please--don't say Dylan or anyone dead or anyone well on their way to being dead--I want to know who the new guard is. Who are the up-and-coming artists we'll be hosting university-sponsored symposiums on in 50 years? (In addition to A.C. Newman, I cast a vote for Tim Rutili of Califone.) If the Macarthur Foundation gave "genius" grants for songwriting, who would be your pick? Who will the 2040 symposium at the U of M celebrate?
"My 3 Songs" for Wednesday, 3-28-07
Posted at 1:37 PM on March 28, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
Ashley Witt of Minneapolis says, "I'm in my first 'grown up' job, but it's good to hear songs at work that remind me I'm still young and crazy."
1) B-52s: "Strobe Light"
2) Beatles, "Revolution"
3) Arcade Fire, "Wake Up"
I had to laugh imagining what John Lennon would have thought of a set that featured those B-52's lyrics (well hell, any B-52's song, but those lyrics in particular) up against "Revolution." I'm thinking that, for the most part, he probably would have loved it. (As in "free-love").
Thanks Ashley! Hope hearing your set did the trick for ya at work.
worst conversation starters ever..
Posted at 4:41 PM on March 28, 2007
by Mary Lucia
(18 Comments)
No good can ever come from the following remarks..
1. "Would you be available to......"
2. "You probably don't remember but.."
The Stream 03/29/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on March 29, 2007
by Barb Abney
(5 Comments)
The new Kings Of Leon album is titled Because Of The Times and will be in stores next Tuesday. Preview the entire album on their Myspace page.
All of Morrissey's tour dates have been announced. Sorry, Twin Cities, no Moz for us! Brooklyn Vegan has the full list and pre-sale info.
Art Brut's new album, It's A Bit Complicated will be released this summer.
Tegan & Sara will release The Con, their 5th studio effort in July.
NME has details about Patti Smith's album of covers.
Today In Music History:
1940 - Raymond Davis (Funkadelic) was born.
1956 - Patty Donahue (The Waitresses) was born.
1969 - Perry Farrell was born.
1973 - Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show (who sang "The Cover of Rolling Stone") appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
Live On Air Blogging 03/29/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on March 29, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Noon-ish Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Johnny Mathis on Leno
MMJ on Conan
The Bird and The Bee on Carson Daly
Mika on Jimmy Kimmel
Bloc Party on Letterman
11:50 am Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse are playing two nights at The Orpheum Theatre.
11:30 am Bob Sinclair
He's a busy guy! Check out all of these scheduled for the dates this summer! Looks like only one gig in the US, though.
11:20 am Bowie's Highline Fest
Details about the David Bowie curated Highline Festival.
11:10 am Sondre Lerche
Sondre Lerche is playing First Avenue Saturday night. He recently played our SxSW showcase. More dates on his official site.
10:50 am The Good, The Bad & The Queen
On the official The Good, The Bad & The Queen website they're referring to this band as GBQ to save peeps like you and I time when we're blogging about them. Remember when Steve Seel chatted with them?
10:40 am Jamie Lidell
Jamie Lidell's in-studio performance from November.
10:30 am Keston And Westdal
Keston And Westdal are playing a gig this weekend at The Minnesota Museum of American Art. News and future dates can be found on their official site.
10:20 am Low
Low's new album Drums and Guns is The Current's CD Of The Week. See their official site for upcoming dates.
10:15 am Song Of The Day Info - Husky Rescue
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring the Finnish band Husky Rescue with "Diamonds In The Sky" from the album Ghost Is Not Real. Tour dates and more info on their official site and/or their Myspace page.
9:50 am Robbers On High Street
Robbers On High Street will be playing a few upcoming shows with Fountains Of Wayne.
9:30 am Broken Social Scene
If you're listening to the in-studio version of "Major Label Deal" and really digging it, you should listen to the complete in-studio session they recorded in October, 2005.
9:20 am Antibalas
Antibalas are coming to First Avenue on April 24th. Two weeks ago they played our SxSW showcase.
9:10 am Cloud Cult
Cloud Cult stopped by earlier this week for an in-studio appearance. Their CD release shows are tomorrow.
"My 3 Songs" for Thursday, 3-29-07
Posted at 12:54 PM on March 29, 2007
by Steve Seel
If Matt Latterell of Columbia Heights had submitted "My One Song" today and made that song his selection by Scout Niblett, it would have been good enough for me. But instead we got a near perfect radio hat-trick.
1) Deerhoof, "Wrong Time Capsule"
2) The Curtains, "Calamity"
3) Scout Niblett, "Drummer Boy"
Matt says, "These songs have nothing in common other than they are songs I would play if I were a Current DJ." Well there ya go, Matt -- you have demonstrated the My 3 Songs principle in its essence.
"Sir" Bono?
Posted at 4:13 PM on March 29, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(19 Comments)
Well, since he's Irish, no. But Bono received knighthood in the British empire today. And while nobody will be calling him "sir" anytime soon, he did joke to reporters, "You have permission to call me anything you want...Lord of lords, your demigodness, that'll do..."
"Demigodness"? How about demigoddess? Jeez, what a diva!!
The Stream 03/30/07
Posted at 6:21 AM on March 30, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Bob Mould talks about new album.
Video of Conor Oberst talking about new Bright Eyes album, Cassadaga.
In an attempt to sell more albums vs. singles iTunes has launched "complete my album".
Amy Winehouse is a verifiable celebrity now. She's had a run in with the paparazzi!
Interested in an Aqua Teen Hunger Force contest?
Today In Music History:
1945 - Eric Clapton was born.
1962 - MC Hammer was born.
1964 - Tracy Chapman was born.
1967 - The Sgt. Pepper's album cover was staged and photographed.
1979 - Norah Jones was born.
Live On Air Blogging 03/30/07
Posted at 9:01 AM on March 30, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Noon-ish - Tunes On The Telly Tonight/Tomorrow night:
Tonight
Ozomatli on Leno
The Format on Carson Daly
TV on the Radio on Jimmy Kimmel
Tomorrow Night
Arcade Fire on SNL
11:45 am Michael Franti
Played an in-studio at The Current last October. If you buy "Speargear" today you will help support women and children in Bali. More info.
11:40 am Love Of Diagrams
Their full length album, Mosaic, will be released on April 10th. They're currently opening for Ted Leo & The Pharmacists and will playing a show at First Avenue April 25th. More info on the band can be found on their official site.
11:15 am Ice Palace
They were recently featured on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Info on an upcoming performance on their Myspace page.
11:10 am The Frames
Will stop by First Avenue on April 17th. They were discussed recently on Musicheads. Grab the Podcast here.
11:05 am Peter, Bjorn And John
Are playing First Avenue on May 9th along with Fujiya & Miyagi and Au Revoir Simone. PB&J played our SxSW showcase.
10:50 am Brother Ali
Played our SxSW showcase. If you haven't pre-ordered The Undisputed Truth you should read this update, there's only one week left to pre-order the disk and get some nice freebies! The official CD release show is June 8th at First Avenue.
10:45 am Takka Takka
Recently released a new FREE 3 song ep. Get it here. They stopped by The Current for an in-studio performance in October.
10:30 am - Ted Leo
Playing First Avenue on April 25th along with Love of Diagrams. Ted's got ALOT to say.. spend some time with the news section (blog) of the official Ted Leo & The Pharmacists site.
10:15 am The Apples In Stereo
Not to be spammy, but Yep Roc have released some killer Apples ring tones. Sign up for the band's email list and you'll be entered to win a signed silk screened limited edition poster from the band. Email list info on their Myspace.
10:05 am Song Of The Day Info - Mouthful Of Bees
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring local music from Mouthful Of Bees, with "Jessica" from their album, The End. Hear from them again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Learn more about her on them on their official site or on their Myspace page.
9:50 Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Coming to Myth in May.
9:40 am Of Montreal
Will be joined by Elf Power and Dark Meat for a benefit show at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia on April 9. More info on the band's official site. They played in-studio here in May, 2005.
9:30 am Bon Savants
They stopped by The Current in November for an in-studio performance. They "live- blogged"
from The 400 Bar earlier this month.
9:20 am The Pipettes
You 've just heard the tune "Pull Shapes". Now see the video.
9:15 am Mason Jennings
Playing a 2-night stand in his hometown this weekend with Alexi Murdoch opening. He stopped by last May for an in-studio performance.
9:05 am The Nightwatchman
Tom Morello's solo debut 'One Man Revolution' will be in stores on April 24.
Listen to his session at our SxSW Showcase.
9:00 am Bonnie Prince Billy
Dates in Spain this weekend.
Shows this weekend -- yo!
Posted at 9:55 AM on March 30, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(2 Comments)
It's going to rain -- big whoop! Here's some cheap, fun, and local rock action for you all this weekend.
Friday, March 30
Turf Club, St. Paul
9 p.m. $5
Bottomless Pit (ex-Silkworm -- you know, the band that played in the same league as Built to Spill and Pavement, etc.)
The Chambermaids (one of my local favorites, yeah!)
The Bismark (Seattle)
Mute Era (local arty rock with Sho, ex-Sweet JAP)
Friday, March 30
Hexagon Bar, Minneapolis
9 a.m. FREE!
Vicious Vicious (featuring Dosh and Erik Appelwick, also of Tapes 'N Tapes)
Arboretum (from Baltimore on Thrill Jockey Records)
David Karsten Daniels (from Chapel Hill on Fat Cat records)
Parts For All Makes
Friday, March 30
Cloud Cult CD Release shows
The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis
5 p.m. ALL AGES. $13.
Hear Cloud Cult on 89.3 The Current.
Saturday, March 31
Loopy B-Day showcase
Big V's, St. Paul
9 p.m. $5
Can you say hardcore? Can you say Ben Crew, one of the most positive and active punk rockers working it in the Twin Cities (also ex-Sweet JAP)? He's putting on this show with 2 stages and at least 10 bands, including The Deaf and the F&#@! Yeahs (featuring Paddy of D-4 and Takashi, also ex-Sweet JAP). Make sure to check out Ben's band, In Defense.
Saturday, March 31
The Hook Up w/ Unicus & Dj Stage One -- 3rd Anniversary
The Dinkytowner, Minneapolis
9 p.m. 18+ $7; ladies free before 10:30 p.m.
Kanser, The Crest, Ill Chemistry (Carnage & Desdamona)
Saturday, March 31
2nd Annual Electone Records Showcase
The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis
7:30 p.m. $8
with John Ewing, Big Ditch Road, Dan Israel, Mark Thomas Stockert, Joanna James, Martin Devaney, Little Man, Bob McCreedy and The Mad Ripple.
Sunday, April 1
Battle Of the Bands
The Dinkytowner, Minneapolis
4 p.m. ALL AGES.
Great up-and-coming bands compete!
Turf Club is the new St. Paul
Posted at 10:31 AM on March 30, 2007
by Lindsay Kimball
(9 Comments)
In probably one of the most hilarious MySpace bulletin posts I've read in a loooong time, Erik Applewick of Vicious Vicious and Tapes 'n Tapes has decided to re-name St. Paul and start calling it Turf Club. (Unfortunately, I can't link to MySpace bulletins, so you're going to have to trust me.)
Vicious Vicious will be touring the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Turf Club this weekend. Catch them tonight at the Hexagon Bar in Minneapolis with David Karsten Daniels, Arbouretum, and Parts for All Makes and Saturday night at the Turf Club in Turf Club for the Walker Kong CD Release show.
Expect to hear some new material at these shows as Applewick also mentioned that he'll be in the studio today to finish mixing the new Vicious Vicious record, which is expected to come out in late June.
"My 3 Songs" for Friday, 3-30-07
Posted at 3:45 PM on March 30, 2007
by Steve Seel
I'll let today's just speak for itself. Lyndsey Spiczka of Maple Grove says:
"These songs just are where I am in tis moment. Not needing to miss someone, something, or escape to some faraway place from the past. Grateful to be here, happy with who I am becoming and who is in my life, and excited by the slight warmth in the air for the great adventures that spring and summer in Minnesota always brings."
1) Alexi Murdoch, "All of My Days"
2) My Brightest Diamond, "Dragonfly"
3) Husky Rescue, "Summertime Cowboy"
Hard to beat that.
"Song for Red," March 31, 2007
Posted at 7:43 PM on March 31, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(1 Comments)
Our household is a strong supporter of public schools. No education system is perfect, but my wife and I grew up in the public schools and, by God, that's what Red is going to do! Her school happens to be of exceptional quality. It's an International Baccalaureate school in South Minneapolis. Her teacher is great, the curriculum is outstanding and the principal is the kind of hands-on educator that her previous school lacked.
The other day she came home and asked us if we "had ever heard of Charlie Bird Parker." She had learned about him in her "Musical World" class and she seemed particularly excited about how he had acquired his nickname. I knew, basically, that it was because of his strong taste for chicken. But Red shed a little more light on the subject. Apparently, while on a road trip the car he was in struck a chicken that had wandered on to the road. Perhaps feeling that the bird shouldn't go to waste, he insisted on retrieving it. Later that evening the band had a delightful dinner of road-killed yardbird. Mmmm, mmmm good!
Tonight's SFR is a Bird classic, "Koko," remixed by DJ Spooky.
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Master Archive
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