The Current Music Blog: October 26, 2007 Archive

The Stream 10/26/07

Posted at 8:49 AM on October 26, 2007 by Barb Abney

Saul Williams to give away his new album.

Melissa Auf der Maur (Smashing Pumpkins, Hole) to make a comeback.

Today In Music History:
1951 - Bootsy Collins was born.
1958 - Bill Haley and his Comets played the first rock 'n' roll concert in Germany.
1963 - Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs) was born.
1965 - Queen Elizabeth II presented The Beatles with their MBE's at Buckingham Palace.

"My 3 Songs" for Friday

Posted at 1:03 PM on October 26, 2007 by Steve Seel

Donald Lorr of St. Paul has today's set: "Seems like we are surrounded for wolf songs these days," he says. (I've wondered why this is myself. Odd phenomenon). "I can't seem to get them out of my head. Especially these."

1) TV On the Radio, "Wolf Like Me"
2) Bonnie "Prince" Billy, "Wolf Among Wolves"
3) Sea Wolf, "You're A Wolf"

For The Somewhat More Adventurous -- Hey! That's You

Posted at 1:34 PM on October 26, 2007 by Steve Seel

Just wanted to let you know of something a little off-the-beaten-path that you might dig -- something happening tonight that yours truly also happens to be introducing beforehand. It's a concert by the Minnesota Orchestra called "Future Classics" (which I also hosted last year) which presents music by a group of emerging composers who write cool, genuinely un-stodgy stuff. The composers, roughly from their early 20s to late 30s, all participate in a week long "summit" of sorts (known as the Composer Institute -- more about that here) that explores the state of "classical music" (whatever the hell that means anyway) as it stands today, and encourages true innovation and the breaking down of musical barriers. Why, that's what we do here on The Current as it relates to popular music. (Since you might have been wondering why I'm so on-board with this thing).

Anyway, it would be cool if you went. Last year, the folks at the Minnesota Orchestra were positively giddy that actual mohawks were spotted in the audience at Orchestra Hall -- apparently a first. How could we up that ante this year? I'm thinking some serious Devendra Banhart aesthetic would be nice, but it's up to you.

However, if you can't swing it, it will be broadcast live on Classical MPR (KSJN 99.5 in the TC's), and hosted by Brian Newhouse and Melissa Ousley.

Song Of The Day - Telly Tunes 10/26/07

Posted at 4:06 PM on October 26, 2007 by Barb Abney

Tunes On The Telly Tonight/Tomorrow:
Raul Midon on Leno
Spoon on SNL

Song Of The Day Info - Mark Mallman - Twin Town High Vol. 9
Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Local music from Mark Mallman with the tune "Remember the 20th Century" from the Twin Town High Vol. 9 compilation which is available now.
More on Mark Mallman here and/or here.
More on Twin Town High Vol. 9 here.

Guest DJ Set 10-26-07

Posted at 10:03 PM on October 26, 2007 by Mark Wheat

Jesse Saunders is known as 'The Originator of House' music and he literally wrote the book on the subject! House as a term to describe music was shortened from 'The Warehouse' in Chicago where he used to DJ in the early 80's but Jesse says;
" Some say House Music is a Feeling that can't really be defined. It takes you there... Musically, House Music is a fusion of many different musical styles with its parents being Disco and R&B. The musical grandparents and aunts and uncles that define House music include Classic Rock, New Wave, Gospel, Electro, Jazz and believe it or not Electronica, which in those days came from Europe in the form of Kraftwerk (Germany) and Alexander Robotnic (Italy). It's sound is an intense 4 on the floor, a percussive and repetitive open high hat, and a crisp syncopated snare. The basslines are heavy and melodic and pianos were a heavy influence in the early part of the movement. "

This set was an excerpt from a compilation called 'Made 2 B Broken';
01 DJ Ernan "Cum with Me"
02 Jesse Saunders "Feelin Me" (Gruv Mix)
03 Mikie Smithers "Dance with the Unknown"
04 Angel "So N Luv"
05 Splash "Nite By Nite"
06 Jesse Saunders "Everybody" (Get Up Mix)

He'll be spinning at Foundation next Friday Nov 2nd, 10pm.