The Current Music Blog: April 2007 Archive
rain songs
Posted at 11:04 AM on April 1, 2007
by Bill DeVille
(26 Comments)
With all this rainy weather we've been having, rainy day song's come to mind. I think my favorite would have to be Bob Dylan's "Buckets of Rain"...Ok, it's not even about rain, but it's such a great song from what I think is his best album, Blood on the Tracks.
What is your favorite rain song?
The Stream 04/02/07
Posted at 7:00 AM on April 2, 2007
by Barb Abney
Thanks to Mac for a head's up on this one..
The new Wilco album Blue Sky Blue won't be released until May 15th. But you can hear it today on the official Wilco site (click on the bird).
Al Gore's Live Earth Concert set for 07/07/07 won't be "live" in DC.
Bon Savants ready to hit the studio to record new tunes.
They stopped by and recorded an in-studio with us in November.
Glastonbury tickets are sold out.
Rosebuds have announced dates with an expected stop by the Twin Cities in June. They did an in-studio back in November, 2005.
Today In Music History:
1939 - Marvin Gaye was born.
1941 - Leon Russell was born.
1953 - David Robinson (Cars drummer) was born.
1961 - Keren Jane Woodward (Bananarama singer) was born.
1987 - Buddy Rich died.
1996 - Guitar Gabriel (Robert Lewis Jones) died.
Live On Air Blogging 04/02/07
Posted at 9:05 AM on April 2, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
Regina Spektor on Carson Daly
The Noisettes on Craig Ferguson
11:40 am Twilight Singers and The BellRays
If you're a fan of Greg Dulli related music you should bookmark Summerskiss an excellent way to stay informed.
The BellRays did an in-studio last year.
11:30 am Local Music - Vicious Vicious
They have an upcoming show and new album in the works. More on their Myspace.
11:10 am Low
They stopped by for an in-studio last Friday. They were discussed on Musicheads last week, as well.
10:55 am Owen
Will be appearing at The Varsity Theater along with Rocky Votalato. Learn more at the official site or Myspace page.
10:20 am Fujiya & Miyagi
Are are playing First Avenue on May 9th . Hear them recorded live from our SxSW showcase.
10:10 am Song Of The Day Info - Maria Taylor
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Maria Taylor with " A Good Start" from her new album, Lynn Teeter Flower. She has a few shows in the near future. More info on her Myspace page. She did an in-studio last April.
9:55 am Gruff Rhys
His second solo album 'Candylion' (his debut, ‘Yr Atal Gehhedlaeth’ was in Welsh) was released earlier this month. His official site..
9:50 am Rainer Maria
It's been almost five months since the band announced their break-up. When we feel nostalgic we can always listen to their in-studio from last May.
9:45 am Local Music - The Jayhawks
Gary Louris did an in-studio early last June. Tim O'Reagan did an in-studio late last June.
9:35 am Loose Fur
"Hey Chicken" video. I posted a Tweedy-related (Wilco) bit in The Stream this morning.
9:25 am Local Music - Beight
Have a few shows in the works.
9:20 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.
9:05 am Sia
She stopped by The Current for an in-studio appearance last April. Her new disk Lady Croissant will be in stores tomorrow.
The Poetics of Pop
Posted at 12:10 PM on April 2, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(18 Comments)
As a creative writer and music lover, I'm always thinking of ways to consolidate my passions. Last night, I wrote a proposal for my "dream" course (I moonlight as an adjunct instructor): "Lyrics and Music: The Poetics of Pop." My dream is to teach an intro to creative writing course that uses song lyrics and stories/poems about music for inspiration. Imagine this reading list: Greil Marcus, Chuck Klosterman, Nick Hornby, and David Berman's (Silver Jews) book of poetry, Actual Air. And that's just for starters! Would you sign up for that kind of class? And what would you add to the reading list? (Sleaze alert! Anything you post is fair game for my course proposal.)
On a related note: This morning, Michael Wells - the Current's Web producer - sent us a link to The Onion. Their A.V. Club complied a list of 26 songs that are "just as good as short stories." When you think of the wealth of great narrative songs out there, you can imagine that boiling it down to 26 must have been a daunting task! How many didn't make the cut? For instance--not one Elvis Costello song in the bunch! What about songs like "A Kinder Murder," with its Larry McMurtry-esque narrative of small-town drama? Or "Watching the Detectives," a song whose bare-bones feel has always reminded me of Raymond Carver's spare short stories? This leads me to my next question for you: What songs did the A.V. Club miss? Like The Onion writers did, back it up with a good reason. Whose writing do the lyrics remind you of? What, in your opinion, makes that song as good as a short story? Please write in complete sentences. Be prepared to share your answers with the class.
Then repeat after me: I've got it bad, so bad, I'm hot for teacher.
You're so sweet. A+.
"My 3 Songs" for Monday, April 2nd
Posted at 2:07 PM on April 2, 2007
by Steve Seel
"For a city so rich in music history," says Tommy Augustin of Memphis, TN, "Memphis has the worst radio stations known to man." So he tunes in to The Current online to enjoy the only station he can think of "who would play these three tunes."
1) Teitur, "Feel Like a Thief"
2) The Dismemberment Plan, "Gyroscope"
3) The Postal Service, "Brand New Colony"
Great set, Tommy. I'd not been terribly familar with Teitur before you requested them as part of this set; you remind me to listen to more. And as for the Dismemberment Plan, well, I'm a pretty huge freak, so it's always great to get a request for them.
On the flipside, I'm very, very familiar with the "I hate FM radio in this city" experience -- the three other towns I lived in before moving here all fell into that category -- which, sadly, is just the norm for life in America these days, as many of us know. Anyway, we're doing what we can to make up for it here at the Big C, so thanks for the props (and for being a contributor to the solution with your request).
In other news, did you hear that one of your bands is reuniting for a coupla' shows? (Yay ... and may this be the start of something).
The Stream 04/03/07
Posted at 8:56 AM on April 3, 2007
by Barb Abney
Silversun Pickups are coming to town with Snow Patrol later this week. Win some SSPU goodies here.
If you think you know your metal bands, here's a fun way to waste a few minutes.
Read what your favorite artists think about Joni Mitchell.
Today In Music History:
1941 - Jan Berry ( Jan & Dean) was born.
1944 - Tony Orlando was born.
1949 - Richard Thompson was born.
1962 - Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins) was born.
1969 - Jim Morrison was arrested by the FBI.
1990 - Sarah Vaughan died.
1996 - Roosevelt "Booba" Barnes died.
Live On Air Blogging 04/03/07
Posted at 8:59 AM on April 3, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
11:50 a.m. The Waterboys
I just read a fascinating article that Mike Scott wrote for The Guardian.
11:30 a.m. A Random Discovery.
My friend Pete just sent me this link to The Hold Steady's "Take Me out To The Ballgame"
11:15 a.m. The Kooks
Have upcoming festival and U.S. dates.
10:40am - Ted Leo & The Pharmacists
Playing First Avenue on April 25th along with Love of Diagrams.
In June, 2005 they performed an in-studio for The Current.
10:25 a.m. The Magic Numbers
Played an in-studio in November, 2005.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - I'm From Barcelona
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring the Sweedish band I'm From Barcelona with "Collection Of Stamps" from the album Let Me Introduce My Friends. Tour date and more info on their official site and/or their Myspace page.
9:50 a.m. Cloud Cult
Stopped by last week for an in-studio performance. Their new disk The Meaning Of 8 won't be released officially for another week. But you can pre-order it now from their website.
9:35 a.m. Johnny Rotten
The P.I.L. frontman has an online "diary".
9:20 a.m. Antibalas
Antibalas are coming to First Avenue on April 24th. They played our SxSW showcase.
9:05 a.m. Jarvis Cocker
The new disk Jarvis is in stores today. It is The Current's CD of the week. He will be curating the Meltdown Fest this summer. He recently asked readers of his Myspace blog for suggestions on bands he should check out.
"My 3 Songs" for Tuesday, April 3rd
Posted at 1:50 PM on April 3, 2007
by Steve Seel
Jon Lien of Spring Valley said he simply wanted "to rock out while eating my soup and sandwich," and thought these tracks would do the trick for him.
1) Bob Dylan, "Isis"
2) The Smiths, "Big Mouth Strikes Again"
3) The Decemberists, "The Perfect Crime #2"
The Stream 04/04/07
Posted at 8:51 AM on April 4, 2007
by Barb Abney
Yesterday Clap Your Hands Say Yeah sent out a Myspace bulletin that said they were playing an open-to-the-public show this Saturday afternoon. More info.
The new Dntel album will be released on the 24th of April. But you can get in on a remix contest now.
Here's a contest to win Walkmen, Kaiser Chiefs, The Little One and Annuals tickets.
An interesting Silversun Pickups photo blog.
Mates Of State's rock n roll parenting tips.
If this ISN’T a late April Fool’s joke I’m going to buy these shoes!!
Today In Music History:
1915 - Muddy Waters was born.
1952 -Dave Hill (Slade) was born.
1968 - Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and Buddy Guy met up for an all night blues session after hearing the news of Martin Luther King's assassination.
1980 - Johnny Borrell (Razorlight) was born.
Live On Air Blogging 04/04/07
Posted at 9:11 AM on April 4, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Noon-ish Tunes On The Telly Tonight:
WED
Brandi Carlisle on Leno
CYHSY on Conan
Joss Stone on Letterman
Jill Cuniff on Carson Daly
11:55 a.m. Local Music - Walker Kong
They were recently featured on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Check their official site for updates.
11:50 a.m. Local Music - These Modern Socks.
They have a couple of dates in the near future.
11:40 a.m. Albert Hammond Jr.
Looking for for a good laugh? Read the Tour Diaries on his Myspace page.
11:20 a.m. Mando Diao
Will be touring the states with Pop Levi and The Films.
11:10 a.m. The Fratellis
Are playing Coachella and more stateside dates.
10:55 a.m. Anais Mitchell
Will be touring a little in the next few weeks.
10:40 a.m. Air
Will be playing First Avenue on May 2nd.
10:25 a.m. Local Music - Matthew Hope
He's got a show in town later this week.
10:20 a.m. Feist
Her new album, The Reminder, will be released on May 1st. You can preorder it here and grab a limited edition lithograph. At the time there's only one US date (Bonnaroo) but there are other tour dates, webisodes and other goodies on her Myspace page.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info – EL-P
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring EL-P with the tune " Smithereens (Stop Cryin')". It's from I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, which is in stores now. He played our SxSW showcase.
More info on his official site or Myspace page.
10:00 a.m. The Bird And The Bee
Were here for an in-studio last fall. They're currently on the road with Lily Allen. More info on their Myspace page.
9:35 a.m. Apples In Stereo
Their latest video is now posted on their Myspace page.
9:20 a.m. Kristin Hersh
Dropped by for an in-studio performance in February.
9:15 a.m. Sloan
Sloan will be coming to town with Small Sins, playing the Fineline on May 18th.
9:10 a.m. Tori Amos
Tori will release American Doll Posse on May 1st. At the time there are no announced American dates. But there are several European shows on her official site.
9:00 a.m. Sonya Kitchell
Did an in-studio last year. She’ll be playing Bonnaroo in June.
Metallica, Don't Make Me Turn This Saab Around!
Posted at 3:03 PM on April 4, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(21 Comments)
Well, I'm only surprised that it didn't happen sooner; A Swedish couple is fighting the government to name their baby girl after the legendary metal band.
I feel I need to tell you this; If we hadn't named our daughter Minnie, we were leaning toward Pantera.
Unfit Pirate
Posted at 7:36 AM on April 5, 2007
by Dale Connelly
(2 Comments)
Here’s a can’t-fail idea:
Hire Keith Richards to play a pirate in the movies.
How could it go wrong? Keith Richards behaves badly. Pirates are bad.
The more Keith Richards-y he acts, the better the publicity. Right?
The Stream 04/05/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 5, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Tonight Pete Yorn, Steve Earle, Badly Drawn Boy, The Holmes Brothers, Joseph Arthur, M. Ward and others will celebrate the music of Bruce Springsteen for charity.
Have you seen this yet? I cannot get enough of Alanis' version of The Black-Eyed Peas tune "My Humps".
Morrissey's Sanctuary no longer in the US. (Sanctuary Records, that is).
Pitchfork's got the scoop on The New Pornographers new album.
Wilco have announced some dates.
Today In Music History:
1950 - Agnetha Fältskog (ABBA) was born.
1950 - Anna Ulvaeus (Aha) was born.
1951 - Everett Morton (English Beat) was born.
1954 - Stan Ridgeway was born.
1981 - Bob "The Bear'' Hite of Canned Heat died.
1985 - Thousands of radio stations around the world simultaneously play "We Are the World" to raise money to feed starving people.
1998 - Colin "Cozy" Powell died in a car crash.
Live On Air Blogging 04/05/07
Posted at 9:03 AM on April 5, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Kaiser Chiefs on Conan
11:55 a.m. Robbers on High Street
Will be playing a few shows with Fountains of Wayne.
11:35 a.m. RJD2
Will be playing First Avenue on the 21st along with Happy Chichester. He played our SxSW showcase last month.
11:10 a.m. Son Volt
Will be playing at First Avenue on Monday. They have news about their upcoming Letterman appearance and more on their official site.
11:00 a.m. Local Music - Dance Band
Have a few upcoming shows posted on their Myspace page.
10:35 a.m. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Their in-studio performance from September, 2005.
10:20 a.m. Brother Ali
Monday night, Fifth Element we will be opening at Midnight to sell Brother Ali's Undisputed Truth. Meet him, have him sign your album and get some freebies! You can pre-order the album now and get some goodies too! Brother Ali is no stranger to The Current's airwaves, hear an in-studio from December, 2005 and his performance at our recent SxSW showcase.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info – Thomas Dybdahl
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Thomas Dybdahl with the tune " Always". It's from Science, which is in stores now. More info on his official site or his Myspace page.
10:00 a.m. Pearl Jam
They're headlining Lollapalooza. Mike McCreedy recently wrote an update on their official site.
9:55 a.m. Future Clouds & Radar
Learn more about these Texans on their Myspace page.
9:40 a.m. Tracey Thorn
Tracey Thorn (Everything But The Girl) solo info here.
9:20 a.m. Joseph Arthur
Will be releasing Let’s Just Be on April 17th. Why wait? You can pre-order it now.
9:05 a.m. Jarvis Cocker
His new disk Jarvis is in stores now. It is The Current's CD of the week. He will be curating the Meltdown Fest this summer. He's also signed on to play the Latitude Festival in Suffolk. More info on his Myspace page.
"My 3 Songs" for Thursday, April 5th
Posted at 2:12 PM on April 5, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
"I made a mix tape, and started with these three and really enjoyed them one after another. Very pretty songs," says Andrew Wylie of Eagan.
1) Andrew Bird, "Sovay" (live on The Current)
2) The Softlights, "Girlkillsbear"
3) Sufjan Stevens, "That Was the Worst Christmas Ever"
"Sufjan's Christmas song isn't very Christmasy -- is that a word?" he continues (I'd say it's a word). "It's more about the winter months and making something beautiful out of a bad situation."
By the way, if you enjoyed that Andrew Bird song, you can hear it as part of Mary Lucia's interview in our on-air performance archive (if you didn't catch it today, I would highly recommend it). Andrew was one of the first guests we ever had on the station, and that particular moment had a lot of meaning for me. Hearing this song always, always chokes me up.
Winona Forever
Posted at 3:49 PM on April 5, 2007
by Mary Lucia
(2 Comments)
Do you have a tattoo you now regret getting?
Another Legendary Venue Closes
Posted at 9:25 PM on April 5, 2007
by Mark Wheat
The Hammersmith Palais in London was made famous by a Clash song, but to many it was the site of some very memorable nights of live music for over 60 years!! After a long battle against developers it has been closed. The last show was The Fall who have just started the tour in support of their new album. Typically they caused a bit of a stir according to the NME;
http://www.nme.com/news/27473
And there's some awesome stories about people seeing shows there at the Fall's fansite;
http://www.thefall.info/fallsite/?p=346#comments
Today's Lawsuits
Posted at 6:43 AM on April 6, 2007
by Dale Connelly
Here are two cheerful music related court actions for your consideration.
Kevin Costner, a mere actor, could have been REALLY famous if not for the people holding him back.
And Keith Urban (the painter) is TOO famous, perhaps because he shares a name with Keith Urban (the musician).
Can't we all just get along?
The Stream 04/06/07
Posted at 8:30 AM on April 6, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Some acts have been announced for the Minnesota State Fair. While this isn't on the State Fair's site, it would be cool to see Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars at the fair.
The Cinematic's version of Jeff Buckley's "Grace".
More on the David Bowie curated Highline Fest. (Thanks, Wheat)
Today In Music History:
1937 - Merle Haggard was born.
1965 - Frank Black (Pixies) was born.
1968 - Apple Corps Ltd. opened their offices in London.
1968 - Pink Floyd announced that Syd Barrett had left the group.
1971 - Carly Simon was introduced to James Taylor after a concert.
1979 - Rod Stewart married Alana Hamilton.
1998 - Wendy O Williams (The Plasmatics) died from self- inflicted gunshot wounds.
Live On Air Blogging 04/06/07
Posted at 8:57 AM on April 6, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish Tunes On The Telly Tonight/Tomorrow Night:
Albert Hammond Jr. on Conan
Bloc Party on Carson Daly
Aqualung on Letterman
Elvis Costello on Austin City Limits
11:45 a.m. Rufus Wainwright
The new album, Release The Stars will be in stores on May 15th. Check his official site to hear the first single and for a handfull of upcoming dates.
11:20 a.m. Sia
She stopped by The Current for an in-studio appearance last April. Her new disk Lady Croissant, is in stores now.
11:15 a.m. Azure Ray
Orenda Fink's new project. The latest on Maria Taylor.
10:55 a.m. The Who
If you missed their recent dates in the states there's still time to catch them in Europe. Trivia about "Happy Jack". (warning: this site is VERY addictive).
10:45am - Ted Leo & The Pharmacists
Playing First Avenue on April 25th along with Love of Diagrams.
In June, 2005 they performed an in-studio for The Current.
10:36 a.m. Local Music - Dallas Orbiter
New music update on their official site. Preview some of their new stuff on their Myspace page.
10:35 a.m. RJD2
Will be playing First Avenue on the 21st along with Happy Chichester. He played our SxSW showcase last month.
*Breaking News about Wilco/Low*
More Cowbell has the scoop. Thanks for the info, Kyle.
10:15 a.m Norah Jones
Her show with M. Ward at The Orpheum next month has sold out.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info – Local Music - Roma Di Luna
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Roma Di Luna with the tune "These Tears Ain't Mine" from their debut album, Face Of My Friends. More info on their official site or Myspace page.
9:55 a.m. Arcade Fire
Will be playing the festival circuit this summer! Coachella. Highline. Sasquatch
Latitude. T in the Park. Oxegen. Carling Weekend - Reading. Carling Weekend - Leeds.
9:45 a.m. Charlotte Gainsbourg
See the video for 5:55. (click on videos)
9:25 a.m. Local Music - The Danforths
Learn all about 'em or tell the world about 'em on their Minnewiki entry.
9:10 a.m. Brendan Benson/The Raconteurs
Did an in-studio in August, 2005. In August, 2006 Brendan and the other Raconteurs recorded a live show at First Avenue.
9:06 a.m. Dean and Britta
They are playing a free show tonight in L.A. Sadly, the show is sold-out. They are about to wrap up their tour.
"My 3 Songs" for Friday, April 6th
Posted at 1:12 PM on April 6, 2007
by Steve Seel
Today's guest DJ is serving our country. "I would love to hear my favorite Minnesota Bands," says Tim Irwin. "I'm in the air force and stationed in Charleston, SC, so I really miss hearing local music! I listen to 89.3 everyday I can, here at work and at home. Thank you so much!"
1) A Whisper in the Noise, "The Carpenter's Coalmen"
2) Hallowween, Alaska, "Call It Clear"
3) Low, "When I Go Deaf"
Neko Case is the new David Bowie
Posted at 2:21 PM on April 6, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(11 Comments)
Let me explain that. The music of David Bowie has long been the common ground that I've relied on when I meet new people, move in with new roommates, etc. A lot of people like the guy and his music allows us all to have something to talk about, and listen to, with each other.
In the last year, I've found that Neko Case does the same thing for me. You?
What music do you rely on to break the ice with new people in your life?
Guest DJ Set 4/6/07
Posted at 10:08 PM on April 6, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(4 Comments)
Since the start of the year, once a month, we have been featuring sets put together by DJ ESP Woody McBride. The first he did for us, ambient music designed to chill out and relax to, is now available on a cd. Thanks to local cd manufacturers Copycats, we were able to take a thousand down to Austin Texas for SXSW. We handed them out to our guests who came to see the live performances, apparently Fujiya & Mijagi really liked it!!
It features 19 tracks all by local, independent artists, curated by Woody. More details at; thetimelessinstitute.com
This weeks set was much more upbeat, exploring some of the new tracks that will be featured on his next solo cd release coming in May. He has a busy spring planned playing some big festivals in Europe and on April 22nd, Earth Day in St.Croix Falls WI ; djesp.com
a mental debacle
Posted at 4:12 AM on April 7, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(9 Comments)
Ever have those revelatory moments when listening to particular pieces of music? Especially those instances when you realize that someone else's theory about something is true, and you've been wrong all these years? Here's what happened to me: I was listening to R.E.M.'s Murmur this afternoon. Maybe the fact that it was Good Friday had put me in the mood to listen to "Talk About the Passion," but there I was, crouched over with the headphones listening to the songs I knew so well. But something wasn't quite right; the verve and vigor I was used to from early R.E.M. was strangely absent. Then I realized where it was, and that's when I gasped and actually said aloud,
"Ohmigod, Reckoning really IS better than Murmur!"
What are your moments like this? Or would you rather just tell me why I had it right the first time? Come on, I know some of you are just itching to jump in on this one. Any takers?
Surf's Up Sunday!
Posted at 6:47 PM on April 7, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(3 Comments)
This week on The Local Show, our publicist (and a rocker in her own right), Christina Schmitt, is filling in for Chris Roberts. The focus of the show is garage and surf rock from way back when, and she's dug up some real gems. My favorite: The Overtones' "Calhoun Surf," released in 1981 on the legenday local label Twin/Tone (the label that also helped propel the careers of The Replacements, the Suburbs, and the Jayhawks.) Surf music in the midwest? Well, why the hell not? On a windy day, there might be some radical waves on Lake Calhoun. Think the fact that there's no surfable water for miles means the Midwest shouldn't jump on the surf music bandwagon? Go tell that to Ronnie Lake--she'll change your mind faster than you can say "hang ten."
As an ex-Texan newly arrived to the Twin Cities (it'll be two years in August), I'm quickly learning that there's more to this area's musical history than Prince and The 'Mats, and The Local Show has been schooling me every Sunday evening for some time now.
What's your favorite piece of local music lore? Little known bands that I should be looking into? Local music gems lost in the cracks of history? C'mon ... school me!
"Song for Red," April 7, 2007: Passover Edition
Posted at 7:29 PM on April 7, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(1 Comments)
Well, Passover is nearing an end and that can mean only one thing: flour tortillas and cake! Following the dietary restrictions of the holiday is important and taking time to reflect on one's place in the world is something everybody should do, regardless of your belief system. But, as Passover nears I get a hankerin' for that leavened goodness. Don't get me wrong: I love matzah, but it's not called the bread of affliction for nothing.
I converted two years ago and tonight's SFR, "That Old Black Magic," is by that famous Jewish convert, Sammy Davis, Jr.
Hey, whenever you have a couple hours to kill, check out Jewsrock.org. Now, we all know Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond and the Beastie Boys are Jewish. But, did you know, Mark Bolan was, too? So is Marianne Faithfull. And, believe it or not, so is Malcolm McLaren, the inventor of The Sex Pistols. Jewsrock.org is very entertaining. Find out who's who in the Challah Fame, test your Jewish rock literacy in "Jew or Not" and don't be late for Shul of Rock for some fascinating reading! Oy Vey!
The Stream 04/09/07
Posted at 8:58 AM on April 9, 2007
by Barb Abney
James Iha isn't on board for the Smashing Pumpkins reunion.
There are conflicting reports on whether Tool will be touring in the next few months.
Get your copy of Brother Ali's The Undisputed Truth tonight at midnight!
See The Frames at First Avenue for $1.
Ireland will host the fourth annual Electric Picnic.
Today In Music History:
1970 - Paul McCartney announced official split of Beatles.
1980 - Albert Hammond Jr. was born.
1988 - Dave Prater (Sam & Dave) died in a car accident.
1989 - Bill Wyman announced his upcoming marriage to 19-year old Mandy Smith.
1998 - George Michael was arrested for lewd conduct.
Live On Air Blogging 04/09/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 9, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
11:50 a.m. Greg Laswell
Dropped by for an in-studio performance last August. For a few laughs read his dog forums blogs on his Myspace page.
11:50 a.m. Local Music - Dear Machine
Find out what frontman Jason Shannon has been up to lately on his Myspace page.
11:40 a.m. Jamie T
Hear more of his tunes on his Myspace page.
11:20 a.m. Son Volt
Will be playing at First Avenue Tonight.
11:10 a.m. Travis
The new album, The Boy With No Name will be released in May. More info on the forthcoming disk and tour dates on their official site.
10:50 a.m. Feist
Her new album, The Reminder, will be released on May 1st. You can preorder it here and grab a limited edition lithograph. At the time there's only one US date (Bonnaroo) but there are other tour dates, webisodes and other goodies on her Myspace page.
10:40 a.m. Tracey Thorn
Tracey Thorn (Everything But The Girl) solo info here.
10:30 a.m. Local Music - Hello Blue
Are doing some touring. More info and plenty of kitty pictures on their Myspace page.
10:20 a.m. The Pierces
This New York band have been getting quite a bit of buzz lately. Learn more on their Myspace page.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Bright Eyes
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Bright Eyes with the tune "Four Winds". You can find the tune on the Four Winds ep it will also be on Cassadaga which will be in stores tomorrow. More info on the official Bright Eyes site or the Bright Eyes Myspace page.
9:45 a.m. Sloan
Sloan will be coming to town with Small Sins, playing the Fineline on May 18th.
9:35 a.m. Ani Difranco
Willl be playing a limited number of shows this summer.
9:30 a.m. The Futureheads
Have been our in-studio guests twice. First in the summer of 2005 and then late last summer. They'll be opening a few dates for Pearl Jam later this summer.
9:20 a.m. Jarvis Cocker
Will be curating the Meltdown Fest this summer. He's also signed on to play the Latitude Festival in Suffolk. More info on his Myspace page.
9:15 a.m. Sondre Lerche
Have you heard his live set from our SxSW showcase? See what else he's up to on his official site.
9:10 a.m. The Good, The Bad and The Queen
You can view their upcoming schedule and a new video and listen to more of their music on their official site. It wasn't so long ago when Steve Seel chatted them up. If you missed it before, listen to the archived interview.
"My 3 Songs" for Monday, April 9th
Posted at 1:00 PM on April 9, 2007
by Steve Seel
(5 Comments)
Bill Slobotski of St. Paul presented his "mathematical" My 3 Songs today. He says:
"I have been a math nerd my whole life. I was always good at numbers as a young child, and my love for math accelerated in high school where weekend trips to math tournaments, memorizing 'pi,' watching Carl Sagan's Cosmos, and rolling 20 sided dice with my friends were my forte'."
He continues to explain:
1) Ladytron, "True Mathematics" -- not just the title, he says, but an example of how "sine waves" and "digital signal processing ... can be used to stimulate our brains."
2) The Pixies, "Alec Eiffel" -- "...a tribute to the French engineer who designed the Eiffel tower. In the video for this song, the Pixies offer very brief glimpses of mathematical formulas that make us subliminally more intelligent ... and toward the end of the song, the non-standard time-signatures remind us that rock music does not have to be in 4/4 subdivisions."
3) The Soviettes, "1308" -- "The series '1308' happens to occur at the 24,291st decimal place of pi. Nerd!" (That was Bill's interjection at the end there, not mine).
The only thing I have to say about that last point, Bill, is that I hope didn't memorize pi out that far. If that's the case, what are you doing requesting "My 3 Songs" sets instead of plugging your brain into some kind of supercomputer to solve the problems of interstellar travel?
The Stream 04/10/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 10, 2007
by Barb Abney
(6 Comments)
Download free John Vanderslice remix album.
Hold Steady jam with The Boss.
Now, That's What I Call Indie.
New Flaming Lips DVD.
The scoop on Common's 7th album.
Meat Puppets reform!
Details on new M.I.A. release.
Al Gore's Live Earth in New York?
Guess what? Location officially announced
Today In Music History:
1959 - Brian Setzer was born.
1959 - Katrina Leskanich (Katrina And The Waves) was born.
1964 - Alan 'Reni' Wren (The Stone Roses) was born.
1976 - Frampton Comes Alive was the #1 album.
1990 - Tom Waits took Doritos Chips to court for using a sound-alike on radio ads.
1999 - A charity tribute concert for the late Linda McCartney was held in the UK.
Live On Air Blogging 04/10/07
Posted at 9:05 AM on April 10, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
11:55 a.m. Ted Leo
Did an in-studio back in 2005.
Writes some hysterical material on the official website.
Is playing First Avenue later this month with Love of Diagrams.
11:40 a.m. Matt and Kim
They are getting quite a bit of attention these days. Learn all about them from this interview.
11:25 a.m. Brother Ali
The Undisputed Truth is officially availalble now! You can order it online.
The Undisputed Truth is also the Current's CD Of The Week.
If you like to plan ahead, mark your calender for the June 8th show at First Avenue. In the meantime, listen to his SxSW performance or an in-studio from December, 2005.
11:10 a.m. Cloud Cult
Played an in-studio for us a couple of weeks ago.
"Chemicals Collide" video.
More info on their Myspace page.
10:55 a.m. The Last Town Chorus
Have upcoming dates with Dean & Britta and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. They'll be coming to The Cedar with Michael Penn next month. More dates/info on their Myspace page.
10:35 a.m. Badly Drawn Boy
Played a very intimate show for us at The Fitz last month.
10:30 a.m. The legendary Jim Ruiz Group
Have a live date next month!
10:25 a.m. (as promised) Michael Franti Links
See live shows here.
Watch "Franti-V" here.
10:20 a.m. Antibalas
Antibalas are coming to First Avenue on April 24th. They played our SxSW showcase.
10:15 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Au Revoir Simone
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Au Revoir Simone with the tune "Fallen Snow". It's from the album The Bird Of Music. Here's a nice write up from The Tripwire. Here in the Twin Cities we'll have a couple of chances to see these gals live. They'll be in town with Peter, Bjorn & John and Fujiya and Miyagi next month. They'll return in June with Voxtrot. More info on their official site and/or their Myspace page.
10:00 a.m. Small Sins
Will be playing at Fine Line Music Cafe next month with Sloan.
9:50 a.m. The Alarmists & Voltage: Fashion Amplified
The Alarmists have been our in-studio guests before. Tomorrow they'll be playing Voltage: Fashion Amplified with The Plastic Constellations, Black Blondie, The Mood Swings, Dance Band and others at First Avenue.
9:45 a.m. The Shins
Have you heard their Van Halen cover? They played "Hot For Teacher" when they played an in-studio two years ago.
9:40 a.m. Owen
Owen was here for an in-studio last week.
9:35 a.m. XO As A Book
Read This 33 1/3 Blog Entry.
9:20 a.m. The Stills
Yep, they've been here.
9:15 am Gruff Rhys
His second solo album 'Candylion' was recently released. Learn to build a Candylion on his Myspace page.
SFA Q&A on MPR.
9:10 a.m. In-Studio Mania
Wow, each artist I have played so far this morning have been guests in our studio!
Alexi Murdoch in-studio.
Sia in-studio.
Josh Rouse in-studio.
Kevin Devine's in studio.
Will Kong be Hooj!?
Posted at 10:53 AM on April 10, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(2 Comments)
New Release Day is hooj again!! Tonight we will play a dozen tracks from cds that reach stores today. To prepare for tonights show I start here;
allmusic.com
The search engine at the top of the page is a valiant attempt at encyclopedic coverage of every style of music. It can be 'clunky' because of the logistics of massiveness on the web, but I like its newly revamped front page. Some of the same new releases as we play are highighted down the right hand side and today the "editors choice" on the left hand side featured a recent release by one of our homegrown talents who have just returned from a long hiatus ...Walker Kong.
"My 3 Songs" for Tuesday, April 10th
Posted at 12:21 PM on April 10, 2007
by Steve Seel
(4 Comments)
Christopher Goyette from Mpls provided today's '80s flashback. He says, "These are three songs to put on the soundtrack of my life. I'll be listening to them when I sam eighty."
1) Joy Division, "Transmission"
2) REM, "Talk About the Passion"
3) The Cure, "Just Like Heaven"
Thanks Christopher. Now, on a related subject:
I have to admit, I was trepidatious about playing the Cure tune -- not because it's bad; quite the contrary -- but because, like so many other great songs, most of the life has been simply pummeled out of it by corporate radio overplay. Everybody knows this. For me, it had been just long enough since I'd heard it that my ears could actually receive it anew and enjoy it ... and thus, recall how the song actually makes me feel (complete with all of the attendant flashbacks to 1987), rather than wanting to cover my ears in annoyance. But how about you? Is that tune irrevocably ruined for you (assuming you liked it at one time)? Are there other great songs that have been destroyed for you by radio overkill? And most importantly -- and interestingly, to me -- have we played anything here recently that you thought was "dead to you," to quote Stephen Colbert, but you now have discovered is not?
This Week's Best Line About Iggy Pop
Posted at 1:31 AM on April 11, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
Just in time for this week's Musicheads -- which features discussion of the reunion disc from The Stooges -- comes Ben Ratliff's review in the New York Times of the band's Monday night show at the United Palace Theater. A favorite moment is Ratliff's description of Iggy, which may be the best I've ever read:
"Try to take your eyes off him. How he re-enacts fear, rage, sex, abject boredom, universal love and lethal cynicism, while dancing with originality, remembering lyrics and maintaining the delicate middle-state between having pants on and not having pants on, is why he is he, and you are merely you."
The rest of the review, plus pictures and video feature, here.
(Updates: links)
Twinkies
Posted at 3:11 AM on April 11, 2007
by Jill Riley
Any Minnesota Twins fans out there? Stadium thoughts?
All I know is it was sure nice to watch the St. Paul Saints with the sun shining on my face last season.
More Than A House
Posted at 7:27 AM on April 11, 2007
by Dale Connelly
The Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash house near Nashville burned down yesterday.
It’s sad to see this part of their story lost for good.
But on the positive side, it decreases the chance there will ever be a Johnny Cash shrine on the scale of Graceland.
You can see some scenes from inside the house as part of the video for “Hurt”.
We played that song on the Morning Show today, along with Roseanne Cash's song about the house and the memories it holds for her, "The House On the Lake" from her recording "Black Cadillac".
The Stream 04/11/07
Posted at 8:59 AM on April 11, 2007
by Barb Abney
The White Stripes have confirmed June 19th as the release date for Icky Thump. Here's a shot of the album cover art.
The former home of Johnny Cash has been destroyed by a fire.
Vince Neil offers The Motley Cruise in January.
Video footage of Radiohead in the midst of the recording process.
Pete and Kate. The new Sonny and Cher?
Blur's drummer is running for a seat on Westminster Council.
Today In Music History:
1945 - Robert Fripp (King Crimson) was born.
1954 - Chris Difford (Squeeze) was born.
1958 - Stuart Adamson (Big Country) was born.
1959 - Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) was born.
1966 - Lisa Stansfield was born.
1981 - Eddie Van Halen married Valerie Bertinelli.
Live On Air Blogging 04/11/07
Posted at 9:01 AM on April 11, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish Tunes On The Telly Tonight
LCD Soundsystem on Letterman
Rickie Lee Jones on Leno
11:50 a.m. The Fratellis
Will be back in the states in a couple of weeks.
11:35 a.m. Spoon
Apparently their new album will be called Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. This info along with some secret tour dates can be found on their official site.
11:25 a.m. Local Music - Brother Ali
The Undisputed Truth is the Current's CD Of The Week. Listen to his SxSW performance or an in-studio from December, 2005.
11:15 a.m. Rainer Maria
Performed an in-studio just six months before they announced their break-up.
10:55 a.m. Jose Gonzalez
He was our in-studio guest last summer. He'll be returning to The Twin Cities next month for an appearance at The Cedar.
10:40 a.m. Dan Wilson - Benefit Album Info
For New Orleans: A Benefit For The Musician's Village Habitat For Humanity.
10:25 a.m. Local Music - Dance Band & Voltage: Fashion Amplified
Tonight they'll be playing Voltage: Fashion Amplified with The Plastic Constellations, Black Blondie, The Mood Swings, The Alarmists and others at First Avenue.
10:20 a.m. Money Mark
Played our SxSW showcase last month. He has some upcoming solo dates in the UK this spring. And he'll be teaming up with The Beastie Boys for summer festival dates. More info on his official site.
10:15 a.m. Hot Chip
Their in-studio from last November. They're coming back to the states next week.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Blonde Redhead
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Blonde Redhead with the tune "Spring And By Summer Fall" from their 7th full length 23. Out now in states and on April 23, in Europe. They're currently touring along with Midinght Movies and will stop by First Avenue this Sunday evening. More tour dates and other info on their official site.
10:00 a.m. Guillemots
They're currently recording the follow up to Through the Windowpane.
9:50 a.m. Tori Amos
Will release American Doll Posse on May 1st.
9:40 a.m. Peter, Bjorn & John
Are are playing First Avenue with Fujiya & Miyagi and Au Revoir Simone on May 9th .
9:30 a.m. Local Music - Jeremy Messersmith
Has some upcoming dates.
9:25 a.m. Fat Freddy's Drop
Learn more about this band on their official site or Myspace page.
9:05 a.m. Ray LaMontagne
Has just announced some new tour dates for this autumn. On sale information and the scoop on his Abbey Road session, on his official site.
Blonde Redhead and if they're creepy looking or not
Posted at 1:01 PM on April 11, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(4 Comments)
Today's Song of the Day podcast is the latest from Blonde Redhead, "Spring And By Summer Fall."
I think this song is great -- so why is that band taking hits from the media right now?
Blonde Redhead is coming to town this Sunday at First Avenue, and look what City Pages had to say about them... "Blonde Redhead may be the creepiest-looking indie-rock band around (we blame the identical twin brothers)..." ~ City Pages, 04/11/06
Ooh, and Pitchfork thinks the band has taken the wrong path and turned sophisticated, talking about how the album's name, "23," signifies to numerologists an upheaval and change in trajectory.
What do you think of the new Blonde Redhead song? And do you think they're the creepiest looking band? I can think of creepier myself.
"My 3 Songs" for Wednesday, April 11th
Posted at 1:44 PM on April 11, 2007
by Steve Seel
"These are just three of my favorite songs that put me in a great mood whenever I hear them," says Haley Rosendahl of Eagan. Plenty good enough, Haley.
1) Of Montreal, "So Begins Our Alabee"
2) The Thermals, "Pillar of Salt"
3) Loney, Dear, "I Am John"
Lollapalooza Line-Up
Posted at 3:58 PM on April 11, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(144 Comments)
Lollapalooza is scheduled to happen again this year and the line up is looking pretty darn fabu...with Minny representing with Tapes N' Tapes and The Hold Steady Supposedly it's:
Pearl Jam, Daft Punk, Ben Harper, Muse, Iggy & The Stooges, Modest Mouse, Interpol, My Morning Jacket, Satellite Party, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Snow Patrol, The Roots, Patti Smith, Kings Of Leon, The Black Keys, Regina Spektor, Spoon, Lupe Fiasco, TV On The Radio, Pete Yorn, G. Love, Paolo Nutini, Amy Winehouse, LCD Soundsystem, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Silverchair, Femi Kuti, Yo La Tengo, Hold Steady, Jack's Mannequin, Stephen Marley, STS9, MIA, Slightly Stoopid, Blonde Redhead, Sparklehorse, Sean Lennon, !!!, Blue October, Son Volt, Motion City Soundtrack, Polyphonic Spree, Peter Bjorn & John, Silversun Pickups, CSS, The Rapture, The Wailers, Roky Erickson, Tapes N Tapes, Heartless Bastards, The View, The Cribs, The Fratellis, Ghostland Observatory, Tokyo Police Club, Rhymefest, Soulive, Cold War Kids, Annuals, Fields, Electric Six, Jim Noir, Elvis Perkins, Sam Roberts, Black Angels, Charlie Musselwhite, Aqueduct, Juliette & The Licks, Dios, Viva Voce, David Vandervelde, Los Campesinos!, Chin Up Chin Up, Ryan Shaw, Colour Revolt, Satin Peaches, Illinois, Arckid, Mickey Avalon, The 1900s, Bang Bang Bang, Bound Stems, High Class Elite Carey Ott, Matt Roan
But, then after scanning the names one band in particular caught my eye.....Silverchair. What the??? Silverchair?? The greezy, flannel toteing, teen grunge sensation from down under? Please don't tell me there's a Silverchair resurgence on the horizon.... I had to blog about this. Don't mean to be hating on them or anything but I hadn't even thought of Silverchair in at least 15 years....so random....
The Stream 04/12/07
Posted at 8:59 AM on April 12, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Mick Jones (The Clash) and Tony James (Generation X) are recording together.
Interpol announce some North American dates.
Noel Gallagher to release solo album.
Ziggy Marley will kick of Subway Music In The Zoo Concert Series.
Today In Music History:
1940 - Herbie Hancock was born.
1956 - Alexander Briley (Village People) was born.
1958 - Tony James (Sigue Sigue Sputnik) was born.
1958 - Will Sergeant (Echo and Bunnymen) was born.
1988 - Sonny Bono was elected mayor of Palm Springs, California.
1992 - Lisa Bonet filed for divorce from singer Lenny Kravitz.
1999 - Boxcar Willie died of leukemia.
Live On Air Blogging 04/12/07
Posted at 9:04 AM on April 12, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Of Montreal on Conan
K-OS on Craig Ferguson
11:55 a.m. Klaxons
Have been recruited for new Chemical Brothers disk.
11:45 a.m. Local Music - The Rank Strangers.
Will be playing the Missing Numbers release party along with The Slats and Faux Jean. They're also recording their 7th album. More info on their Myspace Page.
11:20 a.m. Shout Out Out Out Out
They're more than just a fun-to-say name!
11:10 a.m. LCD Soundsystem
Dates and news. They're playing Lollapalooza too!
10:55 a.m. Mando Diao
Will be coming to town next month along with The Films and Pop Levi, playing The 400 Bar.
More Dates on their official site.
10:50 a.m. The Postmarks
Have upcoming dates with Smoosh.
10:30 a.m. Low
Their CD release show is at First Avenue this Saturday night.
Their in-studio from late last month.
10:15 a.m. Sparklehorse
Are playing Lollapalooza. They stopped by for an in-studio in February.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Nostalgia 77
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Nostalgia 77 with the tune "Little Steps" from the album Everything Under The Sun. European tour dates and other info on the official site. More tunes on the Myspace page.
9:40 a.m. Sondre Lerche
If you own the Phanotm Punch album, you should check out some of the interesting exclusive content on his website that you can only access with the CD. More information on his official website.
He played our SxSW showcase last month.
9:30 a.m. Babyshambles Related
NME has a review of Pete Doherty's solo performance last night.
9:15 a.m. Aqualung
He's returning to the states next week for some solo dates, as well as a supporting slot on tour with The Fray. More tour dates and an interesting "Making the album" video on his official site.
Click here to listen to his in-studio performance from last month. Click here to hear his in-studio from May, 2005.
9:05 a.m. Laura Veirs
Saltbreakers was released earlier this week. She's currently touring in Europe but will return to the states for some dates this summer. More info on her official site.
Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt
Posted at 12:00 PM on April 12, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(7 Comments)
Novelist Kurt Vonnegut died yesterday at age 84. I try not to get too bummed out about the passing of people I don't even know, but Vonnegut has a special place in my heart. In high school, I devoured his books. His pointed humor and cynicism struck a chord within the teenaged me, that still resounds in me at 33. Vonnegut made me want to write, and gave me permission to write whatever the hell I wanted--reality was not a boundary. As a public figure, he seemed warm, generous, and gracious--something you don't see too often in this day and age, when celebrity writers act and are treated like rock stars. Vonnegut was a rock star, but he acted like your curmudgeonly old uncle.
This morning on The Morning Show, a listener, Meg, sent us a link to an awesome site that catalogs bands influenced by Vonnegut. Apparently, for instance, Elvis Costello's "Man Out of Time" was based on Billy Pilgrim, the main character in Slaughterhouse Five. (Which, by the way, continues to be pretty timely book these days.) Thanks for the link, Meg. And thanks to all the folks who sent their Vonnegut tribute suggestions to The Morning Show, including Carol in Blue Earth, whose favorite quote from The Sirens of Titan is this:
Just imagine that your Daddy is the smartest man who ever lived on Earth, and he knows everything there is to find out, and he is exactly right about everything, and he can prove he is right about everything. Now imagine another little child on some nice world a million light years away, and that little child’s Daddy is the smartest man who ever lived on that nice world so far away. And he is just as smart and just as right as your Daddy is. Both Daddies are smart, and both Daddies are right.
Carol says it's a "great passage that shows his goal of world peace ... the universe has room for all kinds of people to be right and not agree."
Here's my Vonnegut story. I saw him read about ten years ago in a packed college auditorium. After an hour reading and a lengthy Q&A, he said to the audience, "Now I have a question for you." He asked if we'd ever had a teacher dramatically impact our lives for the better. We all nodded. Then he said, "I want you to turn to the person next to you and say that teacher's name aloud." And we did. An entire auditorium rang with the music of these names...
And then Vonnegut walked off stage without a word.
"My 3 Songs" for Thursday, April 12th
Posted at 1:41 PM on April 12, 2007
by Steve Seel
Taine Hatch-Rymer of Fond du Lac, WI submits today's noonday set.
1) The Shins, "Fighting in a Sack"
2) Death Cab for Cutie, "I Will Follow You Into the Dark"
3) Motion City Soundtrack, "The Future Freaks Me Out"
"I just saw The Shins in Milwaukee two Fridays ago, and I was bummed that they didn't play this," says Taine. As for the Death Cab: "This is the song my boyfriend played the night he told me he loved me for the firrst time, and yesterday was our eight month anniversary." (Congrats!) Finally, "I'm in college right now -- two years in -- and so (the Motion City Soundtrack song) rings pretty true for me right now."
Rock & Roll Dream
Posted at 2:55 PM on April 12, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(2 Comments)
I had another rock & roll dream last night. I have them fairly often, but last night's was so vivid, and so bizarre, I thought I'd share it.
It was the aftermath of some concert in downtown St. Paul. I was walking through St. Paul's RiverCentre (the convention space) in throngs of people, when I ran into none other than The Band's Robbie Robertson. He looked exactly as he did on the cover of the Band's 1968 self-titled album [he's on the far right], and he seemed happy to see me. We began catching up on old times (it had apparently been a while since we had seen each other), but it was too crowded, so we went into an adjacent room, which also happened to be the Band's dressing room. I presume it was their show that had just gotten out. In the rush, I made sure to get Robertson to autograph my CD copy of The Band, something I hadn't been able to do the last time I'd seen them. I turned and saw Garth Hudson, sitting silently at his organ. As he silently signed my album, I noticed Richard Manuel sitting at a table over in the corner. (Apparently Levon Helm and Rick Danko were otherwise occupied) Manuel was not in his heyday, a la Robertson; he was in his strung out phase, much as he appeared in "The Last Waltz". I strolled up to him and told him it had "been a while" and handed him the CD to sign. He gave me a bit of a glare and said, "Last time you were here, you got wine." I replied with, "Yeah, I just wanted you to sign a copy of their first album--" before I froze, and corrected myself, "--wait, the self-titled album was actually your second album, and Music from Big Pink was your first." Manuel looked confused and wondered, "Which one WAS our first??" I told him it was Music from Big Pink. At this point, the conversation shifted completely; he told me what song he had heard on the radio this morning (he never actually said that, it's just one of those dream things where you figure out exactly what he meant). He looked at me, and said in his signature drawl, "'Rape Me'", undoubtedtly referring to the Nirvana song. He immediately followed up by saying the song had "No redeeming qualities whatsoever." At this point, I woke up, which is disappointing, because it would have been interesting to discuss modern music with the late Richard Manuel.
A couple of interesting things about this dream: Manuel killed himself in 1986, which makes it interesting that he referenced a Kurt Cobain song, of all things. Secondly, there were only three Band members present. For some reason, I was reminded of the Secret Machines, who are (or at least were) also a trio. I had gotten the chance to talk with the Secret Machines when they performed in the Current studios last fall, and perhaps I was engaging in a rapport with the Band members that I would if I were to run into the Secret Machines again. Lastly, and most interestingly, Garth Hudson collaborated with the Secret Machines on their latest album, playing accordion on a track. What a very strange dream.
Anyway, I know all of you have had rock-related dreams from time to time. Any interesting ones you'd like to share?
The Stream 04/13/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 13, 2007
by Barb Abney
Before he was a Stripe he was a Hentchman. Old Jack White tunes to be reissued.
Bowie reissues and 80's era "Best Of" CD/DVD set on shelves in June.
Silversun Pickups have hit #7 on Billboard's charts.
Ozma to release new album, Pasadena next month.
Takka Takka getting some love from SPIN.
Today In Music History:
1946 - Al Green was born.
1951 - Peabo Bryson was born.
1980 - Jason Voorhees drowned while attending summer camp.
2000 - Metallica filed suit over alleged piracy of their music.
Where are you this weekend?
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 13, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(5 Comments)
Woah, here's a great weekend of local music.
The biggies first: Low's show 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, at First Avenue with Charlie Parr and Lonely, Dear. Low should get a stipend from the state of Minnesota for making everyone look cool by association. Here's a review of their new SubPop release, Drums and Guns.
And if you've missed the hullabaloo about Brother Ali's new CD, check out this week's City Pages' cover story. He'll be at the Fifth Element record store in Minneapolis Monday night for a free record signing. Then he'll perform at the Pizza Luce Duluth on Tuesday, and be back in town to wrap up his tour June 8 at First Avenue. Someone give this man a stipend, too.
Then there's the show more folks should be talking about because it's FREE and features members of International Noise Conspiracy. It's tonight, Friday, at Memory Lanes. The band is called The Vicious -- they're from Sweden and will be playing some dark, cool garage rock in the middle of the bowling lanes. One local connection? I will be at this show. 11 p.m. Memory Lanes, Minneapolis.
Others are torn and must go tonight instead to Nils' birthday bash at Big V's in St. Paul (yeah, I'm talking to you, Nick and Brett!) I'll cut them some slack: The guy is a friend to many, and playing his party is The Chambermaids, Total F&#!@ing Blood and Vampire Hands. $5. 9 p.m.
I know I'm not catching all the cool local shows this weekend. Share what you got!
Live On Air Blogging 04/13/07
Posted at 9:01 AM on April 13, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
The Shins on Leno
Joseph Arthur on Conan
Cold War Kids on Craig Ferguson
Peaches on Henry Rollins (Marilyn Manson will also be a guest but won't be performing)
11:55 a.m. RJD2
Will be playing First Avenue on the 21st along with Happy Chichester. He played our SxSW showcase last month.
11:35 a.m. Flaming Lips
Pitchfork has the scoop on their forthcoming DVD. Have you heard the chit chat between Mary Lucia and Wayne Coyne at last year's State Fair? Listen here.
11:30 a.m. Local Music - Mandragora Tango Orchestra
Have an East Coast tour coming up soon.
11:15 a.m. Bjork
Her new album Volta will be in stores in May. Dates in the states beyond Coachella and info on her upcoming SNL performance on her official site.
11:00 a.m. Afghan Whigs
Their greatest hits collection titled Unbreakable will be released on May 15th. You can pre-order it here.
10:55 a.m. Local Music - Brother Ali
The Undisputed Truth is the Current's CD Of The Week. Listen to his SxSW performance or an in-studio from December, 2005. The CD release show is June 8th at First Avenue.
10:40 a.m. White Rabbits
Their new disk Fort Nightly will be in stores on May, 22nd. They'll be playing The 400 Bar with Richard Swift. They also have upcoming dates with Mystery Jets and The Cribs. Learn more on their official site or their Myspace page.
10:30 a.m. Joan Armatrading
Will be in town in June at The O'Shaugnessy
10:20 a.m. Local Music - Omaur Bliss
Has some upcoming shows.
10:05 am Song Of The Day Info - Local Music - Missing Numbers
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring local music from Missing Numbers, with "False History" from their album, More Salt?. Hear from them again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Their official CD Release will be april 21st with Rank Strangers, Faux Jean, and the Slats at St Paul's Turf Club. Learn more about her on them on their official site.
9:45 a.m. Modest Mouse
They are playing next Friday and Saturday at The Orpheum. More tour dates and an interesting contest on their official site.
9:30 a.m. Local Music - Captain Yonder
They'll be releasing their new album Good-Bye, Woland! on May 1st. More info and upcoming tour dates on their official site.
9:20 a.m. Brandi Carlisle
She stopped by for an in-studio in December, 2005.
9:15 a.m. Joseph Arthur
Will be releasing Let’s Just Be Tuesday. Why wait? You can pre-order it now. He'll be playing at The Varsity later this month.
He's made a couple of in-studio appearances here. First in March, 2005 and last October.
9:05 a.m. Headlights
They recorded a live version of this tune when they appeared in-studio here at The Current.
"My 3 Songs" for Friday, April 13th
Posted at 2:18 PM on April 13, 2007
by Steve Seel
(2 Comments)
Dave Gellerman of New Hope MN wanted to hear some "songs with animals in them ... sort of."
1) The Suburbs, "Cows"
2) Iggy Pop, "Dog Food"
3) The B-52s, "Rock Lobster"
So technically, yes, the Iggy song may be about what the animal in question consumes rather than said animal itself -- but I think Iggy is the animal in this case, don't you?
BTW, here's an Iggy conversation you might enjoy being a part of. (It's over in Musicheads discussion-land).
NYC dead or alive?!?
Posted at 10:13 PM on April 13, 2007
by Mark Wheat
Took a deep listen to the LCD Soundsystem cd this week and think that it should be certified a classic, milestone work, a dark side ...a sgt.pepper?!?
Anyway the last track is a little different sounding and a little sad, as James Murphy suggests that his beloved NYC as a vibrant city full of innovative art is dead, the gentrification continues. We already know about CBGB's now this.
Guest DJ Set ; Mark Farina
Posted at 10:26 PM on April 13, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(3 Comments)
The session was tracks 7 thru 14 from his brand new cd "House of OM" and he'll be playing next Friday, 4/20 at Foundation in downtown Mpls. There's a great bio on his Air Farina site
the Return of the Power Trio from the Planet Orange!
Posted at 11:50 PM on April 13, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
Last time the Black Angels were here I had to miss their show for some other commitment. However I sort of had my own private show when they came in for an in-studio performance. Not a bad consellation prize, eh?
I am doubly psyched I finally get to see them Monday in the 7th Street Entry with Vietnam because one of the best bands I have seen in years is also playing, Green Milk from the Planet Orange.
It's really hard to describe this band but imagine what three dudes from Japan who play a spaztic form of speed-metal, punk and jazz might sound like. If you are a fan of Slayer, Mr. Bungle or the Boredoms then you'd better find yourself in the front row prepared to have your face melted!
"Song for Red," April 14, 2007
Posted at 7:34 PM on April 14, 2007
by Tony Lopez
Al Green celebrated his 61st birthday yesterday and I would be shirking my duties if I didn't acknowledge this. He's probably my favorite R&B and soul singer and Red has been duly indoctrinated in the joys of the Right Reverend.
Tonight's SFR is "Look What You Done For Me."
Many happy returns good sir!
Decemberists at the U of M? I wish!
Posted at 11:04 AM on April 15, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(1 Comments)
But there is a University of Minnesota - Decemberists connection. Carson Ellis, the artist responsible for most of the Decemberists' album art, contributed her work for the cover of the latest issue of Dislocate, the national literary journal run by students at the U of M.
I'd been a big fan of her work before I even realized (dusting off my Her Majesty CD one day) that she also did stuff for one of my favorite bands. Come to think of it, a lot of my favorite artists have done album art, like Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine, who did all that cool art on Andrew Bird's last album. Who's your favorite album or rock poster artist?
Note (added 4-15-07, 1:29 PM): The Editor-in-Chief at Dislocate, Emily Freeman, just informed me that, in addition to the cover art, Carson Ellis provided three pieces to the interior of the journal. They're from a book she's been working on with her partner, Decemberists front-man Colin Malloy. Also, I updated that headline so as not to plant any false hopes!
Block Party Rockin'!
Posted at 1:51 PM on April 15, 2007
by Danny Sigelman
(1 Comments)
Because we can never get enough Low or block parties, I was so excited to hear the band will be headlining my neighborhood'sf irst annual block party this year!
Equally groovy are the additions of my buds, Chooglin' and MC/VL on the bill as well. How cool is it there are so many opportunities for outdoor music and fun in this town?!
I have a great memory from my college radio years of hosting one of the first Cedarfests on the West Bank. It was the year Babes In Toyland were really blowing up and we had them headlining the Radio K stage. Right before the band was to hit the stage a man named "Spider" John Koerner walked up to a couple of us who were hanging out behind the stage. He introduced himself(as if we didn't know who he was!) and asked if he could play a little. Babes were getting ready to hit the stage and the crowd was ready to go nuts. We announced we had a special guest and Spider John set up his harmonica and plucked his guitar with a short but sweet blues set. It set the perfect tone like a calm before the storm kind of feeling. My friend, Jim and I just smiled at each other. It was incredible. I recently saw the film Factotum and noticed "Spider" John in a scene that takes place in Palmer's bar on the West Bank.
Speaking of Radio K, I will be making a triumphant return to their airwaves for their Spring Powersurge this Wednesday 4-6pm. Might have to spin a litte Koerner, Ray and Glover to bring it back all full circle!
Lyrics in Today's News
Posted at 8:36 AM on April 16, 2007
by Dale Connelly
The rap lyrics debate continues.
The stupid lyrics debate continues.
The chicken-and-egg discussion continues.
Like a familar song, it's nice to know some things never change.
The Stream 04/16/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 16, 2007
by Barb Abney
The National to tour with Arcade Fire.
Bob Mould, Radio 4, Annuals and members of Mercury Rev (Harmony Rockets) to play Callum Robbins benefit show tonight at New York's Bowery Ballroom. Tickets are still available.
Wanna be on the new Les Savy Fav album?
Frank Black to release two albums before autumn.
Today In Music History:
1924 - Henry Mancini was born.
1939 - Dusty Springfield was born.
1935 - Bobby Vinton was born.
1947 - Gerry Rafferty was born.
1956 - Buddy Holly released his first single, "Blue Days, Black Nights''.
1963 - Jimmy Osmond was born.
1964 - Dave Pirner was born.
1999 - Skip Spence (founding member of Jefferson Airplane) died.
Live On Air Blogging 04/16/07
Posted at 9:09 AM on April 16, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish - Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Lily Allen on Leno
The Black Keys on Conan
11:30 a.m. Belle & Sebastian
You've gotta appreciate their honesty.
11:10 a.m. !!!
Will be in town next month.
11:05 a.m. Local Music - Brother Ali
Click here to hear his SxSW performance or an in-studio from December, 2005. The CD release show is June 8th at First Avenue.
10:55 a.m. Nada Surf
Their Karmic ep to be re-released in June.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Gruff Rhys
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Gruff Rhys with the title track from his latest album Candylion. More info on his official site. More tunes on his Myspace page.
10:00 a.m. Cat Power
Will play some U.S. dates in July.
9:50 a.m. Local Music - Supraluxe
Have an elevator phobia problem.
9:35 a.m. Rocky Votolato
Stopped by for an in-studio appearance last October. His current tour will wrap up later this week. Check his official site for the remaining dates.
9:20 a.m. Andrew Bird
He played our SxSW showcase last month. Here's his entertaining appearance on children’s television as “Dr. Stringz”. Full list of tour dates and more info on his Myspace page.
9:10 a.m. The Frames
Are playing First Avenue tomorrow night. Current info on his Myspace page.
pigeons
Posted at 4:15 PM on April 16, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(1 Comments)
Mary Lucia and Nikki Tundel were just having a chat about pigeons -- love 'em or hate 'em.
I have to say if you lived in my apartment building, which serves as the stoop for recently displaced pigeons in my neighborhood, you would hate them. They all sound like they've been smoking asbestos -- nasty, nasty!! I just wish they lived somewhere else, that's all.
The Prince Show
Posted at 4:56 PM on April 16, 2007
by Mary Lucia
(2 Comments)
"You've scared Prince with your singing."
"Prince wants you to sit on the giant cupcake and hold the cherry"
Funniest thing I've seen on SNL in years
The Stream 04/17/07
Posted at 8:53 AM on April 17, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
Another way to add to your Wilco collection... Toys!
New Stephen Malkmus record coming our way early next year.
Bryan Ferry on the scandal sheet next to Don Imus?
Cowboy Junkies celebrate an anniversary by playing Trinity Sessions live.
Today In Music History:
1955 - Pete Shelley was born.
1964 - Maynard James Keenan was born.
1970 - Johnny Cash played at The White House. (Nixon reportedly requested "A Boy Named Sue")
1974 - Vinnie Taylor (Sha Na Na) died.
1987 - Carlton Barret (The Wailers) was killed.
1989 - Linda McCartney died.
Live On Air Blogging 04/17/07
Posted at 9:10 AM on April 17, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Silversun Pickups on Jimmy Kimmel
Ben Harper on Carson Daly
11:45 a.m. Cake
Will be playing in Minnesota later this week.
11: 35 a.m. Trans Am
Will be playing Triple Rock on Friday April 27th. Full dates and more band info here.
11:10 a.m. Ted Leo and The Pharmacists
Will be playing First Avenue next Wednesday night.
10:50 a.m. Bloc Party's singer, Kele
Is apparently not a fan of Pete Doherty. "lang. adv."
10:35 a.m. Brandi Carlisle
Will be doing an in store in Minneapolis next month.
10:20 a.m. Fujiya & Miyagi
Are are playing First Avenue with Peter, Bjorn & John and Au Revoir Simone on May 9th .
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Maximo Park
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Maximo Park with the tune "Our Velocity" from the album Our Earthly Pleasures. See this video and get more info on their official site or their Myspace page. They'll be coming stateside this summer and will be playing The Varsity in July.
9:35 a.m. Beirut's Lon Gisland
According to the Ba Da Bing Records site it is pronounced Lon Guy-land.
9:30 a.m. The Long Winters
Did you catch the UFO chat they had with Steve Seel last month? If not, listen to their in-studio performance.
9:20 a.m. Amy Winehouse
Her Myspace page notes that she'll be playing The Varsity Theater next month.
9:10 a.m. Bright Eyes
Cassadaga is The Current's CD Of The Week. Find out how to get your own copy here. More info on Bright Eyes on the official Bright Eyes site or the Bright Eyes Myspace page.
...And Now We Know Why
Posted at 2:33 PM on April 17, 2007
by Lindsay Kimball
Last Friday Lily Allen, who was scheduled to play the Mainroom at First Avenue on May 24th, cancelled her US tour due to "a scheduling conflict." (Hmmm...oops! I forgot that I was going to tour a country for two months??) She posted on her MySpace blog yesterday that she is tired and just wants a break. You can still catch her if you're in New York or Los Angeles or attending Bonnaroo or Coachella.
4.29 - Coachella
5.15 - Los Angeles @ The Wiltern
6.12 - New York City @ Roseland
6.15 - Bonnaroo
New Releases 4/17
Posted at 10:34 PM on April 17, 2007
by Mark Wheat
These are the new albums that we featured tonight;
Rock Plaza Central "We Are Not Horses"
The Noisettes "What's The Time Mr.Wolf"
Nine Inch Nails "Year Zero"
The Cowboy Junkies "At the End of Paths Taken"
Joseph Arthur "Let's Just Be"
(6 of the songs are co-written by local,
Kraig Jarrett Johnson)
The Stream 04/18/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 18, 2007
by Barb Abney
Jesus & Mary Chain have announced more festival dates.
Lily Allen explains the show cancellations on her Myspace blog.
*Actually, Lindsay Kimball scooped me on this one*
Ben Lee's new album Ripe will arrive near autumn.
Video of Tom Morello and Zack De La Rocca playing together last weekend.
The fifth annual US Air Guitar Challenge is coming to The Varsity Theater on June 16th.
The scoop on the new Devendra Banhart album.
This Day In Music:
1924 - Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown was born.
1946 - Skip Spence (Moby Grape) was born.
1958 - Lee Pattinson (bassist Echo and Bunnymen) was born.
Live On Air Blogging
Posted at 9:08 AM on April 18, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Sparta on Conan
Son Volt on Letterman
G. Love on Carson Daly
11:45 a.m. Fountains Of Wayne
Their new album Traffic And Weather is available now. They'll be playing First Avenue this summer. More dates and info on their official site.
11:20 a.m. In-Studio Klaxons
They were in town playing The 7th Street Entry. They have more dates over the next couple of weeks including Coachella. You can try to win free tickets or meet them. More info here. They also mentioned returning to the states in September when they've wrapped up the rest of their festival dates. Learn more about them on their Myspace page.
10:40 a.m. Local Music - Ice Palace
They performed live on The Local Show with Chris Roberts on the 11th of last month. They have a couple of upcoming shows in town, find out when/where on their Myspace page.
10:30 a.m. Pretty Girls Make Graves
Remaining dates of their final tour.
10:20 a.m. Bright Eyes
Cassadaga is The Current's CD Of The Week. Find out how to get your own copy here. More info on Bright Eyes on the official Bright Eyes site or the Bright Eyes Myspace page.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Pop Levi
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Pop Levi with the tune "Sugar Assault Me Now " from his debut album Return To Form Black Magick Party. He's coming to The 400 Bar soon. Learn more about him on his Myspace page.
9:50 a.m. Gomez
Were here just about a year ago. They'll be returning to the states in July for a handful of dates.
9:40 a.m. Au Revoir Simone
They'll be in town with Peter, Bjorn & John and Fujiya and Miyagi next month. They'll return in June with Voxtrot. More info on their official site and/or their Myspace page.
9:30 a.m. White Stripes
No new "official" news to report, other than Icky Thump will be release June 19th.
9:20 a.m. Aqualung
See the US tour dates and an interesting "Making the album" video on his official site.
Here's his in-studio performance from last month. Here's his in-studio from May, 2005.
9:10 a.m. Thomas Dybdahl
Dropped by The Current for an in-studio a couple of weeks ago.
My 3 Songs for Wednesday
Posted at 1:09 PM on April 18, 2007
by Bill DeVille
Todays set was selected by Amy Schneider in Minneapolis. She selected the songs for her and her "cellmates" listening at work...
Flaming Lips: Fight Test
Fiona Apple: Sleep to Dream
The Clash: I Fought the Law
Bands use kittens to market music
Posted at 4:21 PM on April 18, 2007
by Melanie Walker
(5 Comments)
Although I hate to admit it, I too surf You tube from time to time. It seems to me in my You tubing adventures that I'm bumping into more and more music videos with kittens as the reoccurring theme. Could it be that independent bands are using kittens as a ploy to market their new music? If so it's genius.
Bjork "It's Oh So Quiet"
Spoon "Sister Jack"
LCD Soundsystem "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down"
Fatboy Slim's cover of "The Joker"
Psapp - "Side Dish"
Arctic Monkeys "Comedy Capers"
The White Stripes "Fell In Love With A Girl"
The Postal Service "Brand New Colony"
Jay Dee aka JDilla "Wild"
Although this may not be the deepest post you've read all day, it's most definitely the cutest....
Gang Font In Studio 4/18
Posted at 7:29 PM on April 18, 2007
by Mark Wheat
Check out the reviews and interviews and the back story to this wonderful collaboration, here.
White Stripes blow-by-blow
Posted at 10:41 PM on April 18, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(1 Comments)
NME has a wonderfully weird account of listening to the new "Icky Thump". Aside from the suits that they are wearing, which are based on 'pearly kings and queens' of Cockney lore, they have several songs with bagpipes?!?!
The Stream 04/19/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 19, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
The National's new one Boxer won't be available in stores for over a month. But if you pre-order it here you'll also get a free 7".
Joanna Newsom will open on Bjork's US dates.
Bono and The Edge to write music for Spiderman on Broadway.
New Pornographers new album Challengers in stores August 21st.
Listen to "3's & 7's" the new Queens Of The Stoneage tune.
This Day In Music:
1942 - Alan Price (Animals) was born.
1951 - Luther Vandross was born.
1964 - The Elvis movie "Viva Las Vegas'' premieres.
1995 - "King" Herbert Whitaker died.
Live On Air Blogging 04/19/07
Posted at 9:13 AM on April 19, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Annuals on Conan
11:50 a.m. The Charlatans UK
Will be supporting The Who on a few dates.
11:40 a.m. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Have you heard their in-studio with Mark Wheat? Check it out.
11:20 a.m. Local Music - Manplanet
This is all I could find about the band. If you're in a local band you should send The Local Show your music!!
11:10 a.m. Mike Doughty
He visited our town last week. Read all about it on his blog.
10:50 a.m. Dinosaur Jr.
Helping to support independent/public radio.
10:40a.m. Aqualung
Is playing The Fineline next month. See more tour dates and an interesting "Making the album" video on his official site.
Here's his in-studio performance from last month. Here's his in-studio from May, 2005.
10:30 a.m. Tommy Guerrero
Is playing a $5 show in San Fran tomorrow night.
10:20 a.m. Happy Chichester
Is playing First Avenue on Saturday along with RJD2. Hear more tunes and learn more about him on his Myspace page.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Rock Plaza Central
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Rock Plaza Central with the tune "My Children, Be Joyful" from the album Are We Not Horses?. Check their upcoming tour dates and learn more about them on their official site or Myspace page.
9:50 a.m. The View
On their official site you can see their new videos and read all about their upcoming double A-side release
9:40 a.m. Willowz
Were recently featured as SPIN's "artist of the day". Learn more about them on their official site.
9:30 a.m. M. Ward
Is no stranger to performing in our studios. April, 2005. September, 2006. He'll be in town with Norah Jones for a sold out show at the Orpheum next month.
9:20 a.m. Air
Will be playing First Avenue on May 2nd. More Air info on their official Pocket Symphony site.
9:10 a.m. Bright Eyes
Are at the top of the Billboard Internet Album charts. Cassadaga is The Current's CD Of The Week. Find out how to get your own copy here. They'll be in town next Wednesday evening.
There's a Tear in My Cerveza
Posted at 12:57 PM on April 19, 2007
by Jacquie Fuller
(1 Comments)
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times published an article about the immigration debate in Nashville, where an "English first" law is being proposed (thanks to my friend, filmmaker Jim Mendiola, for the link.) The article began with a narrative about a music store, Nashville Used Music. In addition to all the standard country music fare--slide guitars and banjos and whatnot--the owner has started selling push-button accordions, a primary instrument in conjunto (aka norteño) music. Though heavily influenced by German polka, you could say conjunto is the Mexican version of country music--sentimental, nostalgic, pastoral, and often embraced by the working class. The article uses the sale of accordions at Nashville Used Music to illustrate the city's changing demographic. In doing so, the article seems to suggest that with a resistance to this influx of immigrants, comes a resistance to the music they bring with them, especially in a city legendary for country music.
What we know today as country and alt-country music wouldn't exist, of course, without the trailblazers of the genre: Roy Acuff, Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family--as well as those who they inspired: Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash. It's one big, family tree. We play a lot of those artists here on 89.3 The Current, too, as so many songwriters and rockers claim classic country as an influence. Where would bands like Wilco or My Morning Jacket be without these artists?
Country music is uniquely American. What a lot of people don't realize, though, is that conjunto music--and its predecessor, the even more sentimental ranchero--has had a presence in the U.S. just as long as early country. Like country, it gained popularity in the early part of the 20th century, sharing sensibilities and roots and a nostalgia for "simpler times." And in the same way that musical genres influence one another today, country and conjunto engaged in a whole lot of cross-pollination. This music has been developing since the time of the Southwestern vaqueros (the predecessor to the cowboy.) In Texas, the pastoral folk music of northern Mexico (ranchero) blended with the Polka music of German immigrants to form the hybrid of conjunto. Country, too, is a hybrid, with its roots largely attributed to the folk music of Appalachia. But Tennessee isn't the only place that country developed--Texas lays claim to a lot of it, too. Much of the country sound was forged in Texas' dance halls, where German, Czech, and Mexican folk sounds merged. The contribution of conjunto and ranchero to the canon of country music is often overlooked.
I'd go so far as to say that conjunto has impacted rock'n'roll. The next time you hear someone rocking out on a Hammond organ, raise your beer to accordion great Augie Meyers of the Texas Tornadoes, who influenced the likes of Elvis Costello. And the next time you're cruising down Lake Street, and you hear that polka-sounding music pumping out of the car next to you at the stoplight ... well, maybe it won't sound so foreign. It is, after all, country music's cousin. And, fortunately for us, music doesn't concern itself with borders.
"My 3 Songs" for Thursday, April 19th
Posted at 1:59 PM on April 19, 2007
by Steve Seel
Joe Abdo of Minnetonka recently caught Modest Mouse in Sioux Falls, SD, and was so blown away that he was inpsired to submit an all Modest Mouse set today (but one with a soft cream filling in the center).
1) Modest Mouse, "Life Like Weeds"
2) Sun Kil Moon covering Modest Mouse, "Space Travel is Boring"
3) Modest Mouse, "March Into the Sea"
Seeing MM play "at a tiny venue that held about 200 people" was his second time seeing the band, and he says, "I can't help but proclaim that Isaac Brock is one of the best front-men in the game today. His lyrics have a Virginia Woolf/Charles Bukowski influence, as evident by his self-destructive behavior: He mutilated himself on the stage during the song "Tiny Cities Made of Ashes" slicing a 12-inch gash across his chest and bleeding though his white shirt for the remainder of the show." (Note to Isaac: #1 -- don't do that. Just don't. Absolutely nothing good can come of it. #2 -- Iggy owned that move 30 years ago).
Joe continues, "My angle for this three song set comes fomr the fact that MM just put out and incredible album. With the addition of Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, the boys now have a dash of brit pop rock, and frankly, it works." Also, he notes that he does prefer to SKM version of "Tiny Cities Made of Ashes," as it helps to highlight the "Brockian lyrics." Thanks Joe!
Obviously, it's a big week for MM around here. First, there's their two shows at the Orpheum this weekend, Friday and Saturday. Second, "We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank," is one of the discs discussed on this week's Musicheads, hosted by Bill DeVille. Download the podcast here, then join the discussion about the disc (and this weeks other two) on Gather.com here.
The Stream 04/20/07
Posted at 8:59 AM on April 20, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
If you have a burning question for The Shins, here's your opportunity to ask.
Win a trip to see The Walkmen, Little Ones, Annuals and Kaiser Chiefs in San Francisco.
Grizzly Bear to host MTV2's Subterranean this Sunday night at 1am.
Mouse On Mars and The Fall's Mark E. Smith collaborated on the Von Südenfed project coming out on Domino. see their new video here. More info on their Myspace page.
!!! have announced more tour dates including a stop in Minneapolis at the Fineline on May 9th.
Today In Music History:
1945 - Jimmy Winston (Small Faces) was born.
1948 - Craig Frost (Grand Funk Railroad) was born.
1951 - Luther Vandross was born.
1959 - Dolly Parton released her first single 'Puppy Love'.
1971 - Mikey Welsh (Weezer) was born.
1991 - Steve Marriott (Small Faces, Humble Pie) died.
1992 - 'A Concert For Life' a tribute to Freddie Mercury and for aids awareness at Wembley Stadium.
2006 - after a court hearing just hours earlier, Pete Doherty was arrested on suspicion of drug possession.
Live On Air Blogging 04/20/07
Posted at 9:01 AM on April 20, 2007
by Barb Abney
(3 Comments)
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight/This Weekend
Morrissey on Jimmy Kimmel
Regina Spektor on Letterman
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals on Henry Rollins
Bjork on SNL
11:55 a.m. Bonde Do Role
Their live performance at our SxSW broadcast.
11:45 a.m.CocoRosie
The Adventures Of Ghosthorse and Stillborn is in stores now. Learn more about them on their official site.
11:30 a.m. Dntel
The new album, Dumb Luck will be released next Tuesday. But you can get in on a remix contest now.
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 A.m. Astrid Swann In-Studio Performance
The Finnish artist will be in town all weekend, playing Tonight, Tomorrow night and Sunday night at Rossi's. More dates in Madison, Wisconsin and in Helsinki on her Myspace page.
10:15 a.m. Sondre Lerche
Here's his appearance at our SxSW Showcase.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Local Music - JoAnna James
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring local music from JoAnna James, with the title track to her latest Back Of My Mind. Hear from her again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Her CD release show is next *Friday night at The Varsity Theater along with Chris Koza and Stook. Learn more about her on her official site or her Myspace page.
* The show is actually Thursday night, thanks to Jennifer for pointing it out.
10:00 a.m. Fujiya & Miyagi
Are are playing First Avenue with Peter, Bjorn & John and Au Revoir Simone on May 9th .
9:50 a.m. Cloud Cult
Their in-studio performance from last month.
Their tour diary.
Their Myspace page.
9:40 a.m. Tracey Thorn
Tracey Thorn (Everything But The Girl) solo info here.
9:30 a.m. Local Music - Ninotchka
Looks like there's no new news. If you're in a local band you should send The Local Show your music!!
9:20 a.m. Jarvis Cocker
Jarvis Cocker has a handful of US dates planned and is still searching for supporting bands. Make suggestions by sending him a message through his Myspace page. (make sure to include a link to the band's site)
9:10 a.m.Let's Go Sailing
They were SPIN's "Band Of The Day" yesterday. Check out their upcoming dates and hear other tunes on their Myspace page.
"My 3 Songs" for Friday, April 20th
Posted at 2:21 PM on April 20, 2007
by Steve Seel
Micah P from River Falls, WI, put together a set today in honor of the local label Afternoon Records, who are having their 4-year anniversary party this weekend. "I thought, since you play 'My 3 Songs' at 12 noon, it would be appropriate, well earned, and much too long overdue to shout-out to Afternoon Records and all the music being released" through them. Micah's picks:
1) A Night in the Box, "Conductor Man"
2) One for the Team, "Tame the Beast"
3) Mouthful of Bees, "The Now"
Speaking of that last tune, Chris Riemenschneider wrote a nice piece in the Strib this morning that talked about hearing it right here on the station; his article showcases the band and also touches on how Afternoon Records' Ian Anderson has become "king of finding great bands too young to buy him off with a drink." Well put.
Sound the Alarm!
Posted at 3:40 PM on April 20, 2007
by Lindsay Kimball
(1 Comments)
The boys in The Alarmists have recorded their first full-length and follow up to their debut Detail of Soldiers. Recorded in their own Instrument Control studios, The Ghost and the Hired Gun is set to be released on July 17th. More details coming soon I'm sure, but in the meantime, mark your calendars:
May 25 - @ Uptown Bar with The Debut, White Light Riot, and The Future
July 17 - CD Listening Party @ Kitty Cat Klub
July 20 - CD Release Party @ First Avenue Mainroom
Also, The Alarmists have announced their replacement for keyboardist, Joe Kueffler. Jorge Raasch will be playing with the guys beginning in May. Read more on their site.
4/20 Guest DJ Set; Jason Heinrichs
Posted at 10:04 PM on April 20, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(749 Comments)
Another local set!!
Jason is the musical master behind Roomsa featuring Lady Sarah on vocals. They have a new cd out called "Oceans" and will be playing at Foundation next Friday 4/27. Jason will also be joining David Drone & Brian Gerrard in the VIP Room at First Ave tomorrow Sat 4/21.
Earth Day
Posted at 1:28 PM on April 21, 2007
by Bill DeVille
(2 Comments)
Sunday is Earth Day. A GREAT day to celebrate this planet we are lucky enought to live on! A perfect day to take a walk instead of a drive or to pick up trash around your neighborhood or to decide to never again throw your cigarette butts out the window.
I was trying to think of a few great songs to play for Earth Day. Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" & Dramarama's "What Are We Gonna Do" came to mind.
Can you think of any great Earth Day songs?
"Song for Red," April 21, 2007
Posted at 7:36 PM on April 21, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(1 Comments)
One of my favorite things about being a dad is the very simple idea of knowing that my daughter is asleep in the next room.
One of my favorite things is hearing her get up early in the morning (and I'm talking sun barely visible over the horizon early) and sashay into our room. She never just walks into a room; she makes an appearance.
One of my favorite things is watching her eat.
OK, all together now: Awwwwwwwwwww...
Tonight's SFR is John Coltrane's version of "My Favorite Things."
Your Worst Monday Mistake
Posted at 8:49 AM on April 23, 2007
by Dale Connelly
Pity the poor researcher who came up with this reason for visiting Minneapolis for an article about "Underrated Cities" on MSNBC: "The city's revitalization has spread to banks of the Mississippi, where the booming Mill District has shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels catering to style-savvy travelers, many of whom come for the tax-free shopping."
Pity anyone who makes the trip to Minnesota to save a few bucks on a handbag!
But we all make mistakes, right? I've made too many factual errors to list here, and even mispronounced my own name once. What's your worst?
The Stream 04/23/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 23, 2007
by Barb Abney
Nick Cave's new project, Grinderman will release their first single next month.
Feist announces US tour dates. She'll play along with Grizzly Bear at Pantages Theatre on June 20th.
Smashing Pumpkins Zeitgeist info.
All Smiles, new project of Jim Fairchild of Grandaddy.
This Day In Music History:
1936 - Roy Orbison was born.
1955 - Captain Sensible was born.
1975 - Badfinger's Pete Ham commited suicide.
1976 - The Ramones released their self titled debut album.
1978 - Sid Vicious filmed his version of 'My Way' for the film 'The Great Rock n Roll Swindle.'
1991 - Johnny Thunders died of an overdose.
Live On Air Blogging 04/23/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 23, 2007
by Barb Abney
11:45 a.m. The Hold Steady
Their in-studio from last October.
Their in-studio from March, 2005.
11:30 a.m. Teenage Prayers
Were recently interviewed by the NHL.
10:50 a.m. The Earlies
UK dates and such on their site.
10:40 a.m. The View
Released their latest double a-side single today.
10:20 a.m. Winterpills
Dates and more on their official site.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Cornelius
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Cornelius with the tune "Music" from the album Sensuous, which will be in stores tomorrow. Check his tour dates and learn more about him on his official site.
9:50 a.m. The Young Knives
Have wrapped up their tour of the US and have a few dates back home. Their official site has dates and more.
9:40 a.m. The Early Years
They've recently gained a new band member and will be supporting upcoming dates with Electrelane and The Brakes. Hit their official site for the scoop.
9:30 a.m. The Long Winters
Were in for an in-studio appearance last month. They have a couple of shows left this month. Keep up with them on their Myspace page.
9:20 a.m. Eleni Mandell
Her latest record, Miracle Of Five has been available for a while. She'll be coming to town in June playing 7th Street Entry. More info on her Myspace page.
9:10 a.m. Cloud Cult
Played an in-studio for us last month. Here's the "Chemicals Collide" video. They're still out on the road more info on their Myspace page.
Embrace Me - New Greg Laswell Song
Posted at 11:50 AM on April 23, 2007
by Lindsay Kimball
(4 Comments)
San Diego's Greg Laswell posted a new a new track on his MySpace page. According to Greg's bulletin post, "Embrace Me" is still in its early stages, so I'm curious to hear what it sounds like when it's all finished.
"My 3 Songs" for Monday, April 23rd
Posted at 1:45 PM on April 23, 2007
by Steve Seel
I don't know about you, but today's set pretty much stopped me in my tracks. Andrew John of Mpls desribed his chosen tunes simply as "thoughtful pieces on love and death." Indeed.
1) Sufjan Stevens, "Casimir Pulaski Day"
2) Ben Folds, "Carrying Cathy"
3) Tom Waits, "Take It With Me"
Radio Free Current
Posted at 2:04 PM on April 23, 2007
by Michael Wells
(1 Comments)
Got any plans for May 1? Want some? We've put our music catalog online (16,000+ tracks) in preparation for Radio Free Current. It's going to be an entire day programmed by you. You can check out the music catalog, make your requests, create a three-song set, add a special note or dedication to your tracks - basically it's all going to be up to you. We'll also be playing station IDs recorded by you (see some examples). You've recorded your ID, right? C'mon! You've only got a week left.
Full disclosure: This whole thing really scares the hell out of me. If it doesn't work out, I'll miss all most of you.
The Stream 04/24/07
Posted at 8:50 AM on April 24, 2007
by Barb Abney
NME giving away free White Stripes material.
The scoop on Patti Smith's Twelve, in stores today.
Animal Collective and Electric Soft Parade announce dates.
Dresden Dolls vocalist Amanda Palmer to go solo.
This Day In Music History:
1942 - Barbra Streisand was born.
1957 - David Jay (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) was born.
1958 - Boris Williams (The Cure) was born.
1964 - Paul Ryder (Happy Mondays) was born.
1968 - Keith Moon (The Who) drove his car into a swimming pool.
1990 - Roger Water's road crew discovered an unexploded World War II bomb on the set for 'The Wall' concert in Germany.
1992 - David Bowie married Iman.
1992 - Wilson Pickett was arrested and charged with open container violations after running into an 86 year old man and yelling death threats while driving his car over the mayor's lawn in Englewood, New Jersey.
Live On Air Blogging 04/24/07
Posted at 9:11 AM on April 24, 2007
by Barb Abney
(2 Comments)
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Tom Morello (Nightwatchman) on Tavis Smiley
Corinne Bailey Rae on Letterman
The Stooges on Jimmy Kimmel
Amy Winehouse on Leno
The Format on Carson Daly
11:30 a.m. Bob Mould
I've been a somewhat regular reader of his blog for a while. But somehow I never noticed that he writes for his local paper. He dropped by for an in-studio in July, 2005. He'll be back in the Twin Cities in June for the 3rd Annual Uptown Pride Block Party.
11:20 a.m. Bright Eyes
Will be in town tomorrow night.
11:10 a.m. The Arcade Fire
Have you seen their Neon Bible micro-site? I could spend an hour just clicking around on it. This is where you need to go if you're looking for their upcoming dates and news.
10:40 a.m. Patrick Wolf
His latest, The Magic Position was recently released. There have been a few claims that he will be leaving the industry by the end of the year. You might some clues here. His latest blog entry might allude to that, but I can't find anything "official" on his site.
10:30 a.m. Lou Reed
Will be a guest narrator for the Guy Maddin film Brand Upon The Brain.
10:20 a.m. Local Music - Ruby Isle
Learn all about them.
10:15 My Brightest Diamond
Was recently interviewed by label-mate and close buddy, Sufjan Stevens.
She did an in-studio with us last November.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Charlotte Gainsbourg
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Charlotte Gainsbourg with the tune "The Songs That We Sing" from her album 5:55, which is officially in stores today. You can see this video and learn more here.
9:50 a.m. Thomas Dybdahl
Have you heard his in-studio performance?
9:45 a.m. Local Music - Brianna Lane
Wants YOU to name her new album!
9:40 a.m. Ryan Adams
His new record, Easy Tiger, will be in stores June 26th. There are also a few announced live dates for this spring.
9:30 a.m. Damien Rice
Will be playing Northrop Auditorium on May 15th. He'll also be playing some summer festival dates and such.
9:20 a.m. Feist
Her new album, The Reminder, will be released on May 1st. She'll play along with Grizzly Bear at Pantages Theatre on June 20th. Listen to her in-studio from July, 2005.
9:10 a.m. I'm From Barcelona
Recently won the Newcomer Of The Year Award.
"My 3 Songs" for Tuesday, April 24th
Posted at 1:48 PM on April 24, 2007
by Steve Seel
(36 Comments)
"Biking is one of my favorite passtimes," says Klair Hans of Mpls, "and now that the weather is nice, I see bikers all over the place. If you're wondering how 'My Mathematical Mind' fits in, there's lyrics in that song that say, 'I'm gonna stop riding the brakes,' and as it happens, I ride a bike with no brakes (a fixed-gear bike)."
1) Queen, "Bicycle Race"
2) Spoon, "My Mathematical Mind"
3) Mylo, "Sunworshipper"
Klair continues, "This is a great mix of songs to get people excited about enjoying the nice weather, and I hope it brings more bikers into the sunlight and riding!"
Now, my question: is a "fixed-gear bike" the same as one with what we used to call a "coaster brake"? Or is it true that there exists a bike that genuinely has no braking system? Somebody enlighten me.
In Stores 4/24
Posted at 10:09 PM on April 24, 2007
by Mark Wheat
Here's the new releases that we played tonight;
Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare Domino
Bill Callahan Woke on a Whaleheart Drag City
Detroit Cobras Tried and True Bloodshot
Dntel Dumb Luck Sub Po
Tim Finn Imaginary Kingdom Manhattan
Future Clouds & Radar Future Clouds & Radar Star Apple Kingdom
Bebel Gilberto Momento Six Degrees
Golden Smog Blood on the Slacks Lost Highway
Mando Diao Ode to Ochrasy Mute U.S.
Mouthful of Bees End Afternoon
Joanna Newsom Joanna Newsom and the Ys Street Band EP Drag City
The Nightwatchman One Man Revolution Sony
The Veils Nux Vomica Rough Trade
Are We There Yet?
Posted at 7:17 AM on April 25, 2007
by Dale Connelly
It's only 20 light years away - a new planet discovered by stargazers that seems to be in just the right temperature zone for human habitation.
Everything else about it might be wrong - such as the kind of atmosphere, the strength of gravity and the quality of light from a sun that's only 7 million miles away - but the temperature … that's the key!
Among the problems yet to be solved: How to get there. But more importantly, what will we call it? Right now the name is "Gliese 581c". Not too inspiring. This is a great opportunity to test the limits of the "naming rights" concept. Maybe a very wealthy corporation can finance the trip by naming this potential future home "Pepsi One."
Other suggestions?
Songs that Teach Science
Posted at 8:44 AM on April 25, 2007
by Dale Connelly
(6 Comments)
Some listeners wrote and called to say they enjoyed a song we played called "Dear Boss (Bricks)". I mentioned that the 6th grader who requested the song might soon be studying physics, a science topic the song illustrates with a vivid, painful intensity.
Our listener Lu wrote with a link to a site that lists the song's lyrics and another that includes an Ohio teacher's lesson plan for using the song to teach Newtonian Mechanics.
Thanks, Lu!
It reminds me of another fine, factual science song called "Sodium Chloride" by Kate McGarrigle. (page down a bit to see the lyrics for "NaCL Sodium Chloride").
Are there any other songs crying out for a lesson plan?
The Stream 04/25/07
Posted at 8:51 AM on April 25, 2007
by Barb Abney
Cooper Temple Clause have broken up.
Chris Funk of The Decemberists to release solo album.
Perry Farrell talks Lollapalooza.
Franz Ferdinand cover LCD Soundsystem.
This Day In Music History:
1918 - Ella Fitzgerald was born.
1923 - Albert King was born.
1945 - Bjorn Ulvaeus (Abba) was born.
1964 - Andy Bell (Erasure) was born.
1967 - The Beatles recorded 'Magical Mystery Tour' theme.
1977 - Elvis Presley made the last recordings of his life during a live concert.
1997 - U2's 'Pop Mart' world tour kicked off in Las Vegas.
Spinal Tap Back In Action
Posted at 8:59 AM on April 25, 2007
by Ali Lozoff
(7 Comments)
First there was the VW commercial featuring Christopher Guest (aka Nigel Tufnel) and a nasty guitar solo.
Now it seems all of the members of our favorite mock rock band are going to be cranking it up to 11 for the Live Earth concert taking place in July. Now, that's one has-been / never-been reunion concert I might actually want to take in. Seeing "Big Bottom" done live in Wembley Stadium? Priceless.
Live On Air Blogging 04/25/07
Posted at 9:05 AM on April 25, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Nightwatchman on Jimmy Kimmel
The Fratellis on Letterman
Mavis Staples on Leno
11:55 a.m. Chemical Brothers
Have announced many DJ/tour dates.
11:40 a.m. Rufus Wainwright
His new album, Release The Stars, will be released on May 15th. If you're going to one of his shows this week you'll have the opportunity to pre-order the disk and have him sign it.
11:30 a.m. Ted Leo and The Pharmacists
Are playing First Avenue tonight with Love Of Diagrams.
Here's the in-studio from June, 2005.
11:25 a.m. Local Music - Endless Blue
Are currently working on a new release. Keep up with the process by reading their diary.
11:20 a.m. Air
Will be playing First Avenue on May 2nd. More Air info on their official Pocket Symphony site.
11:10 a.m. Matthew Dear
His new album Asa Breed will be available June 5th. Concert dates and more on the official site at Ghostly records.
11:05 a.m. The Rakes
Will be wrapping up their current tour later this week. I've been enjoying their tour blog.
10:55 a.m. Lucinda WIlliams
Tickets for her upcoming Duluth appearance will go on sale May 5. Complete dates here.
10:50 a.m.Ursula 1000
Will be touring outside of NYC.
10:45 a.m. Cowboy Junkies
Will celebrate an anniversary by playing Trinity Sessions live.
10:40 a.m. The Shins
This is what Jim Mercer's baby will be listening to.
10:25 a.m. Local Music - The Bleeding Hickeys
Their Minnewiki entry is remarkably up-to-date!
10:20 a.m. Richard Swift
Is playing the 400 Bar tonight.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - The Veils
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring The Veils with the tune "Advice For Young Mothers to Be" from the album Nux Vomica. They're coming to the states in June and will be playing 7th Street Entry on June 18th. More info on their official site.
10:05 a.m. Thom Yorke
Has a CD of what he and his Radiohead buddys have been up to... and you don't.
9:50 a.m. Bang Gang
Are giving you the opportunity to win a trip to Iceland. That's right, it's another remix contest!
9:45 a.m. Local Music - Chokecherry
They're playing Triple Rock tomorrow night. More dates and info. If you're in a local band, you should send The Local Show your music!!
9:40 a.m. Graham Coxon
Tickets go on sale next week for his appearance at the Cambridge Folk Festival.
9:30 a.m. Bloc Party
Will be returning to the states in just over a month.
9:20 a.m. CD Of The Week - Arctic Monkeys
Favourite Worst Nightmare is The Current's CD Of The Week. Get your copy when you support The Current online.
Wanna know more about their favorite worst nightmares?
9:15 a.m. Vandaveer
Mark Charles Heidinger (of The Apparitions) and friends make up the band. Learn more about them and their upcoming dates, as well.
9:10 a.m. The Bird and The Bee
If you're disappointed because you missed them out on the road with Lily Allen you might enjoy this.
Sometimes you can believe the hype
Posted at 12:38 PM on April 25, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(4 Comments)
Ok, duh and whatnot, but Steve Seel just played Tapes 'N Tapes's "Insistor" and I truly do dig that band. You? Do you believe the hype?
"My 3 Songs" for Wednesday, April 25th
Posted at 2:42 PM on April 25, 2007
by Steve Seel
(1 Comments)
A "radio" set -- without any of the obvious choices! Hallelujah! Craig Michael of Mpls gets a big gold star for that.
1) The Clash, "Capital Radio One"
2) The New Pornographers, "The Electcic Version"
3) Talking Heads, "Radio Head"
Craig says, "'Radio Radio' by Costello, Ramones 'Rock n' Roll Radio' and Regina Spektor 'On the Radio' would make six songs..." but, as I said, thanks Craig for leaving those off the list for a change. I mean, when do we get to hear "Capital Radio One," for Pete's sake? It's not even "Radio Clash"!!! Bravo.
Speaking of radio, have we all dipped a toe into Radio Free Current yet? If you miss out, you may regret it.
The Pipettes
Posted at 1:40 AM on April 26, 2007
by Jill Riley
(12 Comments)
Go see The Pipettes. If you like The Go! Team, you'll love The Pipettes. And not in a Designer Imposter sort of way.
June 8 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
Their album "We Are the Pipettes" is due to be released in the US on August 28th. That's so far away.
The Stream 04/26/07
Posted at 9:00 AM on April 26, 2007
by Barb Abney
(4 Comments)
Guilty Pleasures have never sounded so good! Check out the video contest too.
Beastie Boys talk about The Mix Up.
The scoop on Interpol's forthcoming release.
White Stripes/Raconteurs news.
This Day In Music History:
1938 - Duane Eddy was born.
1942 - Bobby Rydell was born.
1948 - Stevie Nicks was born.
1960 - Roger Taylor (Duran Duran) was born.
1984 - William "Count" Basie died.
1994 - Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) pleaded guilty to pointing a shotgun at police at her home.
1999 - Sinead O'Connor is ordained as Mother Bernadette Mary, the first woman priest in the Latin Tridentine Church.
Live On Air Blogging 04/26/07
Posted at 9:01 AM on April 26, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
Arctic Monkeys on Jimmy Kimmel
Tony Trischka with Steve Martin & Bela Fleck on Letterman
Brandi Carlisle on Conan
11:50 a.m. Land Of Talk
Have TONS of dates coming up!
11:40 a.m. Klaxons
Last week while they were performing in studio they mentioned returning to the states in September when they've wrapped up the rest of their festival dates. More info here.
11:30 a.m. The National
The Boxer will be available in less than a month, but you can pre-order it here. They're playing The 400 Bar in June. More info on their official site.
11:25 a.m. Local Music - A Whisper In The Noise
Have a couple of dates in the area next month. If you're in a local band, you should send The Local Show your music!!
11:20 a.m. Low
Their in-studio from late last month.
11:10 a.m. CD Of The Week - Arctic Monkeys
Favourite Worst Nightmare is The Current's CD Of The Week. Get your copy when you support The Current online.
11:00 a.m. Silversun Pickups
Playing Coachella this weekend and plenty of dates in the near future. Their in-studio performance from last August.
10:50 a.m. Peter, Bjorn & John
Are are playing First Avenue with Fujiya & Miyagi and Au Revoir Simone on May 9th . Here's their performance at our SxSW showcase.
10:40 a.m. Rickie Lee Jones
The legendary artist dropped by for an in-studio earlier this year. Check her official site for tour schedule and live video.
10:30 a.m. Local Music - Mike Gunther
Has a couple of upcoming shows on the horizon.
10:20 a.m. The Rosebuds
Their 3rd full length Night of the Furies is available now. Learn more about the album by reading the band's blog.
Recently they announced dates with an expected stop by the Twin Cities in June. They did an in-studio back in November, 2005.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Future Clouds & Radar
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Future Clouds & Radar with the tune " Drugstore Bust" from their self-titled album. More info on their official site or Myspace page.
9:50 a.m. Mason Jennings
Has announced this summer concert dates. His blog posts are entertaining. He was in the studio with us just about a year ago.
9:40 a.m. Cloud Cult
Are playing both an acoustic in-store performance and a ballroom in Portland today. More info. Here's their recent in-studio at The Current.
9:30 a.m. Patti Smith
Will play two shows in California before embarking on her European tour.
9:20 a.m. Local Music - Joanna James
Sunday night she was on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Her CD release show is tonight at The Varsity Theater along with Chris Koza and Stook. Learn more about her here or here.
9:15 a.m. Smiths Request Info
So, earlier this week I got a request and immediately received a "back-up" email about the request. I'd like to share it with you. Traci wrote..
Hello Barb,
I just requested The Smiths' "Hang the DJ" and realized after sending
off my request that it probably looked like some sort of comment. It
really wasn't meant to be...that song, unfortunate title and all, just
happens to be one of my favorites from The Smiths. I do not wish for you a hanging or any other sort of unpleasantness.
It made me smile. And it's a great way to remind you about Radio Free Current.
9:10 a.m. Andrew Bird
He's not a stranger to our station... He played our SxSW showcase last month. Here's his in-studio from March, 2005. He'll be playing with Dosh at First Avenue on May 11th. Full list of tour dates and more info.
9:00 a.m. Ani Difranco
Will be playing a rare live appearance in New Orleans Sunday evening at One Eyed Jacks.
"My 3 Songs" for Thursday
Posted at 12:39 PM on April 26, 2007
by Steve Seel
Megan H of Mpls says, "Most of my friends are really into music of all sorts, and are constantly giving me recommendations. There are some I just never listened to until now. These three are the ones I finally listened to this week and can't believe I didn't do so earlier! Now I can't get enough."
1) Frigg, "Jokijenkka"
2) The Decemberists, "O Valencia"
3) Ben Kweller, "Penny on a Train Track"
Love of Diagrams -- fantastic!
Posted at 1:35 PM on April 26, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(1 Comments)
Turn on your radio right now and listen to Love of Diagrams in studio. I saw them open for Ted Leo and the Pharmacists last night. Awesome! I hear Siouxsie Sioux, Gang of Four, Sleater Kinney -- what's not to love?
The Thrilla on 694
Posted at 8:04 AM on April 27, 2007
by Dale Connelly
(2 Comments)
What would cause two people to get out of their car in the middle of I-694 to have a fistfight?
The Morning Show's Living and Loving correspondent B. Marty Barry speculated on what might have led to the altercation. Here's what he said:
B. Marty: It had to start with the driver. Tired of being criticized about speed, about merging, about the map … I hear the someone behind the wheel saying to the passenger:
“If you know so much, why don’t YOU drive for a change!
Then she stops the car … in the middle of the freeway … to make a point that criticizing the driver has ramifications. And she gets out.
Dale: But the passenger got out too.
B. Marty: Well … if the driver stops the car in the middle of the interstate and gets out … and you’re the passenger, what is your first priority?
Dale: I would want to get the car going again.
B. Marty: Right. And the only way to do that is to drive.
So you get out to go around to the driver’s side.
And while you’re out there on the pavement changing places, well, why not throw a few punches? And that, I think, is what happened.
Dale: Would you bet money on it?
B. Marty: I don’t bet money on anything.
Not where human behavior is concerned.
That's what B. Marty thinks. How about you?
The Stream 04/27/07
Posted at 8:49 AM on April 27, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
What everyone will be talking about Monday morning.
Goldrush Contest (don't worry, this has NOTHING to do with panning for gold out west).
Patrick Wolf says he's NOT quitting music.
Ween and others to play "School Of Rock" benefit.
Today In Music History:
1948 - Kate Pierson (The B-52's) was born.
1959 - Sheena Easton was born.
1976 - David Bowie was detained at the Russian/Polish Border, after Nazi books and mementoes were found in his luggage.
1981 - Ringo Starr married Barbara Bach.
1993 - Prince issued a statement saying he was retiring from studio recordings to concentrate on other ventures.
1999 - The Verve announced their split.
2000 - Vicki Sue Robinson died.
Live On Air Blogging 04/27/07
Posted at 9:56 AM on April 27, 2007
by Barb Abney
Noon-ish: Tunes On The Telly Tonight
The Cinematics on Jimmy Kimmel
Jarvis Cocker on Letterman
Kings of Leon on Leno
Jet on Carson Daly
The Mars Volta on Henry Rollins
11:50 a.m. Amy Winehouse
Se'll be playing a sold out show at The Varsity Theater next week.
11:40 a.m. Dinosaur Jr.
The new album, Beyond will be released on Tuesday. More tour dates and info here.
11:25 a.m. Local Music - Moon Maan
Rick McCullom and the gang will release their eponymous debut June 5th. Pre-order the album and learn about the upcoming Callum Robbins benefit that these guys will be playing on the Catlick Records site.
11:15 a.m. Local Music - Walker Kong
They were recently featured on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Check their official site for updates.
If you're in a local band, you should send The Local Show your music!!
10:40 a.m. Kate Havnevik
Learn more about her on her official website. She'll be opening for Air at First Avenue on May 2nd.
10:30 a.m. Local Music - Walt Mink
Walt Mink... The Movie.
10:20 a.m. Mando Diao
Will be coming to town next month along with The Films and Pop Levi, playing The 400 Bar.
More Dates on their official site while you're there, check out their Citizens Toolkit. They played our SxSW showcase and they stopped by for an in-studio back in May, 2005.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Local Music - Nick Robin
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring local music from Nick Robin, with "Skeleton Key" from from his recently released album, Living Off The Land. Hear from him again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Learn more about him here. Hear more of his music here.
9:40 a.m. Maximo Park
Stream Our Earthly Pleasures here. They're coming to The Varsity Theater in July.
9:30 a.m. The Walkmen
Playing a festival in Ottawa, Canada along with The Wrens.
9:20 a.m. Great Lake Swimmers
Will be opening some UK dates along with Built To Spill, Mark Gardener and Magnolia Electric Company. Here in the states they'll be playing along with Eleni Mandell. The new disk Ongiara will be in stores next month. Full tour dates.
9:10 a.m. Bright Eyes
Out on the road. A tune will be featured on The Hottest State soundtrack.
9:00 a.m. Drive-By Truckers
Will be releasing a new album before the end of the year. They'll be spending most of the next 6 weeks or so on the road.
"My 3 Songs" for Friday
Posted at 1:25 PM on April 27, 2007
by Steve Seel
Marisa Grotte of Northfield wanted to request these tunes "because you guys play all of these bands on The Current, but I haven't heard these songs -- at least when I've been listening." (With the exception of the Beruit which I can personally vouch for, I suppose it's possible she's correct about the other two):
1) Arcade Fire, "My Body is a Cage"
2) Beruit, "Elephant Gun"
3) Of Montreal, "The Past is a Grotesque Animal"
Thanks Marisa!
4/27 Guest DJ Set ; Paul Van Dyk
Posted at 10:05 PM on April 27, 2007
by Mark Wheat
(9 Comments)
Playing at Coachella this Sunday and at Myth, in Maplewood on May 10th.
Has been voted the #1 DJ in the world for the last two years by DJ Magazine after a 20 year career that has seen his style of techno steadily receive more and more fans across the globe.
We played the first 6 tracks from Disc 2 of his last full cd "Politics of Dancing Vol 2", but he has evolved beyond the cd with a very effective web based project, VONYC
"Song for Red," April 28, 2007
Posted at 7:30 PM on April 28, 2007
by Tony Lopez
(3 Comments)
Sharing my childhood with Red has been a big deal lately. She's constantly asking me to tell her a story from when I was a boy. For some reason, though, the stories have to be sad. I guess sad stories are just inherently more interesting than happy ones. She's gonna be a tortured artist one day, I just know it.
I've started sharing with her the TV shows I grew up watching. She's caught up on the Fat Albert series. The Addams Family has caught her eye this week. She's getting to know the characters and peppering me with questions about why they do the weird things they do. Gomez and his train-crashing hobby, Morticia and her "black" thumb," and so on.
It's really hard to watch it as an adult, though. The laugh track is so noticeable and the jokes are stale but the cool thing is watching her watch the show and feel connected to me in this unique way.
I'm sure I'm about to relive Land of the Lost, Diff'rent Strokes and Isis very soon. God help me.
a New Order party!
Posted at 1:23 AM on April 29, 2007
by Mac Wilson
(8 Comments)
I recently listened to virtually every song New Order has ever done. In most cases, I limited it to one version of a song (unless there was a radical different between the album mix and the single mix), which still amounted to more than 8 hours of listening to 100 songs. It really was a fun experience; I was able to track the progression of the band's sound and notice little touches I hadn't before. Certain albums (namely Technique) dropped down on my scale, and others (such as Power, Corruption & Lies) gained points in my book.
What do you think? Is this a creative use of my time, incredibly nerdy, or both? Have you ever done this with any of your favorite bands or artists? Can you imagine doing it for Dylan, or Bowie, or Robert Pollard? Next up for me: Blur.
And incidentally, here's my final ranking of the New Order albums, plus my own personal mix tape of their finest songs:
1. Low-Life
2. Waiting for the Sirens' Call
3. Get Ready
4. Power, Corruption and Lies
5. Technique
6. Brotherhood
7. Movement
8. Republic
1. "Regret"
2. "Temptation" [Substance mix]
3. "Love Vigilantes"
4. "True Faith"
5. "Age of Consent"
6. "Blue Monday"
7. "Krafty"
8. "Bizarre Love Triangle" [album version]
9. "Thieves Like Us"
10. "Sub-Culture" [album version]
11. "Perfect Kiss" [single mix]
12. "1963" [Substance version]
13. "Run"
14. "Waiting for the Sirens' Call"
The Stream 04/30/07
Posted at 8:50 AM on April 30, 2007
by Barb Abney
(1 Comments)
Vote on the best Indie Anthems.
Built To Spill announce more dates. They'll be playing First Avenue on June 30th.
The Shortlist finalists have been announced.
Today In Music History:
1933 - Willie Nelson was born
1948 - Wayne Kramer (MC5) was born.
1971 - Darren Emerson (Underworld) was born.
1976 - Keith Moon paid nine cab drivers to block-off both ends of a New York street so he could throw the contents of his hotel room out of the window.
1982 - Rock critic Lester Bangs died of a heart attack.
1983 - Muddy Waters died.
1991 - Nirvana signed with Geffen's DGC label.
2005 - The Dave Matthews Band paid $200,000 after their tour bus dumped human waste on a boatload of tourists in Chicago the previous year.
Live On Air Blogging 04/30/07
Posted at 9:09 AM on April 30, 2007
by Barb Abney
(5 Comments)
Noon-ish - Tunes On The Telly Tonight
*wow, what a coincidence*
Silversun Pickups on Jimmy Kimmel
Silversun Pickups on Carson Daly
Dinosaur Jr. on Letterman
Noisettes on Craig Ferguson
Kaiser Chiefs on Leno
Arctic Monkeys on Conan
11:40 a.m. Low
Their in-studio from late last month.
11:25 a.m. Maria Taylor
We heard a cut from her new album, Lynn Teeter Flower. She has a few shows in the near future. More info on here. She did an in-studio last April.
11:20 a.m. Black Angels
Played an in-studio back in October.
11:10 a.m. Arctic Monkeys
Have 17 singles in the UK's top 200 this week.
10:50 a.m. Kate Havnevik
Learn more about her on her official website. She'll be opening for Air at First Avenue Wednesday.
10:20 am The Pipettes
You 've just heard the tune "Pull Shapes". Now see the video.
10:10 a.m. Song Of The Day Info - Fountains Of Wayne
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Fountains Of Wayne with the tune "'92 Subaru" from Traffic & Weather. They were also featured last week on Musicheads. Tour dates and more info on their official site.
9:50 a.m. Jarvis Cocker
Was one of the featured artists last week on Musicheads. Don't forget, he'll be curating the Meltdown Fest this summer.
9:40 a.m. Feist
Her new album, The Reminder, will be released on tomorrow. She'll play along with Grizzly Bear at Pantages Theatre on June 20th. Listen to her in-studio from July, 2005.
9:30 a.m. The Sea And Cake
Are releasing Everybody, their first album in four years, on May 8th. They have upcoming dates with The Zincs and Loney Dear.
9:10 a.m. Rufus Wainwright
Has a couple of in-store signings/apperarances in the next two weeks.
"My 3 Songs" for Monday
Posted at 2:30 PM on April 30, 2007
by Steve Seel
"My theme is three amazing groups who only released music during the 90s and each happened to only release three albums," says Mike Calvo of Edina. "They've left me wanting for more." He adds, "I'll count the Portishead live album for the purposes of this request."
1) The Sundays, "Skin & Bones"
2) Portishead, "Numb"
3) Electronic, "Vivid"
Champagne eyes
Posted at 4:35 PM on April 30, 2007
by Christina Schmitt
(4 Comments)
Mary Lucia just played a song from Kelley Stoltz, "Are You Electric," that made reference to a lady with "champagne eyes." Which of course reminded me of Neil Young's "Farmer John," whose daughter, of course, also had champagne eyes.
Now when I see champagne listed as a color in, say, a J Crew catalog, it refers to a sort of yellow. I don't often see yellow eyes, so what does champagne-colored eyes mean in these songs? Champagne eyes must be sexy, but why? Do their eyes sparkle? Do these ladies drink so much champagne that you can see it in their eyes? What do you think? Know of any other songs with "champagne eyes" referenced?
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