Category Archive: Music News | The Current Music Blog | The Current from Minnesota Public Radio

Get A Taste Of Sigur Ros' "Valtari"

Posted at 9:37 AM on May 17, 2012 by The Current (0 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

Courtesy photo

Icelandic quartet Sigur Rós is about to return from a four-year hiatus, time away which fostered a variety of projects including frontman Jónsi Birgisson's acclaimed solo album Go in 2010.

Their new record Valtari looks to be another ethereal exploration of post-rock, each song spanning between 5 to 9 minutes. It's what Sigur Rós fans have come to expect and love.

It's out on May 29 in the States, but The Current will be playing the entire album tonight starting at 11 p.m. Join David Campbell as he attempts to pronounce the names of each track, notoriously known to be influenced by the band's special brand of Vonlenska (or Hopelandic in translated terms — or just non-literal language).

However, if you can't wait up that long, the whole world can literally engage in a "group listen" starting at 7 p.m. tonight. Keep your eyes on the widget below and watch the time count down until we all collectively hear the new record together.

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Founder Of Marshall Amps Dies

Posted at 12:40 PM on April 5, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Marshall amps are used by famous musicians such as Slash (left) from Guns N' Roses — BBC

It's a bittersweet day for musicians and audiophiles alike — news broke this morning that Jim Marshall, founder of some of music's greatest guitar amplifiers, has passed away at 88. He suffered from cancer and several strokes.

Paste gives a nice summary of his life and company Marshall Amplification, which was founded in 1962. Early customers included Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend and Jimmy Page.

Mötley Crüe bass player Nikki Sixx said on BBC News today that Marshall was "responsible for some of the greatest audio moments in music's history - and 50% responsible of all our hearing loss."

New song from Garbage hits the web

Posted at 10:30 AM on March 21, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Photo courtesy of the artist

It has been six years since Garbage instituted their hiatus — in that period of time, many probably forgot about the band and the hits they created throughout the '90s and early aughts. In an unexpected twist though, the alt-rock Madison-born group is now back in the spotlight. They'll be releasing Not Your Kind Of People on May 15, their first album since Bleed Like Me in 2005.

The whole crew is back for this effort, and they recently let loose the first single from the new record for free on their website, dedicated to their "most amazingly loyal fans" in the words of frontwoman Shirley Manson. The song is called "Blood For Poppies," and you'll be able to grab a physical version of it as part of a Record Store Day limited edition release on April 21.

They are hitting the road in celebration of the album with US dates all falling between April and May. There's no plans for a Twin Cities show as of yet.

Grab the song below and leave your thoughts in the comments!

Show Announcement: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

Posted at 10:30 AM on March 5, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Minnesota Public Radio / Photo by Nicholson Kenney

Yet another piece of exciting news that Barb just let the world know: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes are coming back to the Twin Cities, this time at the Cabooze Outdoor Plaza on May 25, 2012.

In 2009, the 10-piece band released Up From Below which went on to become a major sensation, selling over 275,000 copies alone in the United States.

Tickets for the concert go on sale this Friday, March 9 at 12 p.m.

To prepare yourselves, check out their session at The Current in the UBS Forum from 2010.

Show Announcement: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Posted at 9:51 AM on March 5, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Photo courtesy of the artist

We have quite a few special tour announcements happening throughout the day on the station, and if you weren't around at 7 a.m. during The Morning Show, you probably missed the following bit of news.

Recent Grammy nominees, and soon-to-be deemed Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Red Hot Chili Peppers are heading to Target Center on October 30, 2012.

It's part of their upcoming I'm With You world tour, and tickets for the Minneapolis date will go on sale this Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m.

Stay tuned — there's another biggie during Barb's shift!

First Listen: Bruce Springsteen - "We Are Alive"

Posted at 11:59 PM on March 1, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Photo by Danny Clinch

Bruce Springsteen's newest album Wrecking Ball is just around the corner, and his team has been releasing a new track each day as part of a feature called "Bruce's Song Of The Day."

We've got a song you can hear below, but only for 24 hours! After that, you'll be able to stream the album in its entirety starting Monday, March 5. But don't forget — the album stream will only be live for two days. On March 6, Wrecking Ball will see its official release.

From the Boss' new (and 17th) album:

R.I.P. Davy Jones of the Monkees

Posted at 12:11 PM on February 29, 2012 by Brett Baldwin (10 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

Sad news for fans of The Monkees, we recently learned that Davy Jones passed away this morning at Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart, Florida. He had complained of chest pains the previous evening at his home in Indiantown, Florida.

Davy Jones started out as a stage actor, and got a contract with Screen Gems — who originally put together the television program The Monkees — was shortlisted for the auditions.

He got the part, and sang lead vocals on many of the group's songs, including "I Wanna Be Free" and "Daydream Believer."

After the TV show was cancelled, the Monkees starred in a feature film Head (1968) and over the next couple years, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork left the band. The television show ended up in syndication in the 1970s and kept the band name alive for a major revival/reunion in the mid-1980s.

A marathon of The Monkees ("Pleasant Valley Sunday") aired on MTV in 1986, and Nickelodeon begain re-airing the show daily. By that time, temperatures had cooled and the majority of the band were amenable to a reunion. They came to Minnesota in August of 1986. With "Monkeemania" sweeping the state, Minnesota Public Radio News put together an audio feature on how the Monkees came together and eventually exerted more creative control over their music... and how the kids of the 80s fell in love with the Monkees all over again:

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And hear the sad tale of a young girl who couldn't go see the Monkees because she had strep throat:

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Tunes you might hear

Program Director Jim McGuinn writes:

I was / am a HUGE Monkees fan. I saw them on Sat mornings around 1970 when I was tiny and it made me want be in a band.

Since we were a little short on Davy/Monkee songs in our system, I just dug thru my iPod and loaded a few more gems to the Current's database. And came across some pretty random factoids about some of these songs too:

Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow - like "I'm a Believer," this one's written by Neil Diamond, and features the classic challenge: "Mary... I love you... Sandra... I love you." Who will it be?

Cuddy Toy and Daddy's Song - Two Harry Nilsson compositions, who wrote some dark songs. We think of Davy as the sweet and innocent, but the lyrics to these two are dark and sad.

Valleri - One of the Monkees last hits, it features a pretty cool guitar part and some rockin' vocals from Davy Jones.

Zilch - A little wordy nonsense ("Mr. Dob Dabaolina Mr Bob Dabolina"), and the birth of the line sampled in Del Tha Funkee Homosapien's - "Mistadobalina"

Star Collector - one of the first songs ever to feature the Moog synth back in 1967 (Mickey Dolenz bought on of the first ever made with that sweet Monkee money) - a song about groupies co-written by Carole King!

You and I - Neil Young on a Monkees song? You betcha! This one written by Davy Jones, about the fleeting nature of fame and being a teen idle. From later in their career and early in Uncle Neil's.

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Jack White Releasing Debut Solo Album

Posted at 11:39 AM on January 30, 2012 by The Current (2 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

Out of all the things Jack White has done as a musician (see White Stripes, Raconteurs, Dead Weather, Third Man Records), it's hard to believe he still hasn't released a solo album.

Well, that's about to change. News on the horizon today confirms that his debut Blunderbuss will be out April 23 and 24 on Third Man Records and Columbia respectively.

The first single off the record, "Love Interruption," will be available for purchase digitally on Tuesday, January 31, and it will be available as a 7" on February 7. Stream it below.

Produced by White and recorded at his own Third Man Studio in Nashville, Blunderbuss has been described by White as "an album I couldn't have released until now. I've put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas."

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Drinkify: The Perfect Drink for That Perfect Song

Posted at 4:03 PM on January 25, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

It's never too late to hop on a bandwagon, and for those of you who still have not discovered the power of Drinkify — well, it's about time you learned a little thing or two about drink and music pairings.

Are you in a gritty music mood and need a cocktail that complements the tuneage? Drinkify's got you covered. Are you at a band's CD release show and want to make sure you enjoy the performance with the right beverage in tow? Drinkify's got you covered. What about the first dance at your wedding? Are you buggin' out and stealing sips inbetween twirls? Drinkify's got you covered.

Input your band of choice and Drinkify will spit out what beverage is best to indulge in. Some suggestions naturally imply alcohol poisoning while others are tricky little devils, doused in copious amounts of harmless fruit juice, yet proving lethal five hours later when you've forgotten to make a tally on your arm.

For instance, the electro-clash of Peaches is best served next to a 10 ounce bottle of straight Vodka. And the twee, cutesy vibes of The Ting Tings go best with one chilled PBR. When searching local band Koo Koo Kangaroo, we are offered an interesting mix of 12 ounces of Absinthe and 12 ounces of honey in a highball glass, presumably for parents who must endure their crazy children after one too many pixie sticks. What results do you get?

The most appropriate mix for "The Current" is a healthy concoction:
10 oz. Red Bull, 10 oz. Laphroaig Scotch, another 10 oz. Red Bull, 1 oz. Cachaça —
granted, they mean the band "The Current," but nonetheless...

Wilco Releases iTunes Session

Posted at 7:30 AM on January 24, 2012 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

MPR / Julia Schrenkler

iTunes has been putting out some great sessions recently including well received installments by Beach House, My Morning Jacket, and The Head and The Heart. Now we can add Wilco to that list as their 8-song recording is due for release today.

It was recorded at their Chicago loft in December and features new versions of songs that were included on their most recent album The Whole Love. The last track is a cover of "Cruel To Be Kind" featuring Nick Lowe who opened up for them on their two-night stint in Minneapolis last fall.

You can grab "Dawned On Me" as our Song of the Day, check out the tracklist, and watch a video of the "Cruel To Be Kind" recording process below.

Tracklist

1. Dawned on Me
2. Born Alone
3. I Might
4. Black Moon
5. Whole Love
6. War on War
7. Passenger Side
8. Cruel to Be Kind (feat. Nick Lowe)

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New Album From Bruce Springsteen

Posted at 1:58 PM on January 19, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Brad Barket/Getty Images

"The Boss" is back in business. The music world is buzzing today over the announcement that Bruce Springsteen has finished his 17th studio album, Wrecking Ball, and it will be gracing shelves on March 6.

There's a few things to point out which make this record especially noteworthy. We've heard two of the tracks before: the title song was debuted at Giants Stadium in fall 2009 and the other one, "Land of Hope and Dreams," was performed regularly throughout the E Street Band's 1999 reunion tour.

Wrecking Ball was produced by Ron Aniello (who has also worked with Guster), and the album features Tom Morello on guitar, former Pearl Jam drummer Matt Chamberlain, and of course members of the E Street Band.

Just to make you Bruce fans flip a little more, there will apparently be a world tour right after the release — cross your fingers for a Twin Cities date. You can listen to the lead track below.

Tracklist

1. We Take Care of Our Own
2. Easy Money
3. Shackled and Drawn
4. Jack of All Trades
5. Death to My Hometown
6. This Depression
7. Wrecking Ball
8. You've Got It
9. Rocky Ground
10. Land of Hope and Dreams
11. We Are Alive

The Return of Mickey Murray

Posted at 12:09 PM on January 12, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

On this week's Current Presents, Bill DeVille interviews a man named Mickey Murray. Does the name sound familiar? It may not ring a bell right away, but his cover of Otis Redding's "Bamalama" is a great way to get reacquainted. In 1967, Murray produced his own rendition of the famous track and quickly sold over a million copies.

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Well on his way to James Brown-esque comparisons, his single "People Are Together" two years later essentially ruined any potential at a long-term career. In 1970, King Records shelved his debut album after African-American DJs in the south denied airplay for fear of retaliation amidst the racial tensions permeating the country at the time.

So we lost the album forever it seemed. However, Minneapolis-based Secret Stash Records dug up the original tunes and decided that it was time for the world to finally hear the genius of Mickey Murray. The re-issued vinyl for People Are Together is out January 17 (with a limited run of a 45 originally released on Federal Records), and Murray will be town for a show at the Cedar Cultural Center on January 21.

This Sunday at 9 p.m., January 14, tune in to hear Bill DeVille talk with the legendary soul singer, now in his 70s working the job he's had for decades as a barber in Augusta, GA.

Watch the video below to find out more information about his career and the album.

Bon Iver Making Saturday Night Live Debut

Posted at 2:28 PM on January 11, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Photo by D.L. Anderson

Things are continuing to look up for Justin Vernon and his crew. On the heels of multiple Grammy Award nominations, Bon Iver then ended up ranking #1 on Pitchfork's best albums of 2011 (as well as ours), and it was also confirmed that the band is one of the main-stage acts for this year's edition of Coachella.

Things are moving fast for the Eau Claire collective, so you mind as well throw another thing into the mix. Announced today, Bon Iver is confirmed to make their Saturday Night Live debut as the musical guests for February 4th's show.

As viewers probably know, the musical guest isn't just relegated to the stage (where, by the way, all nine members will reportedly be in attendance). You can also expect that Mr. Vernon in particular will make appearances in sketches throughout the night alongside that week's host, Channing Tatum (also making his debut).

The Brick opening soon in downtown Minneapolis

Posted at 8:00 AM on January 11, 2012 by Andrea Swensson (3 Comments)
Filed under: Local, Music News

Downtown Minneapolis is soon to be home to a new rock club: The Brick, a new venue owned and operated by concert promoter AEG Live, is slated to open this spring in the space formerly occupied by Christian rock club and youth-oriented ministry Club 3 Degrees.

The announcement of a new venue in that section of downtown is a surprising one, especially given its proximity to the similarly sized Epic (which is located directly across 5th St. from the Brick) and Minneapolis landmark First Avenue. AEG says they are in the process of remodeling the former 3 Degrees space, and expect the capacity of the new venue to be upwards of 2,000, which will put it in direct booking competition with the other downtown venues.

"We've been searching for several years for the right space and the right time to become more deeply entrenched in the vibrant Twin Cities marketplace," says Joe Litvag, the senior vice president of AEG Live who oversees their Midwest operations. "The Brick will compliment AEG's already-positive presence at Target Center, and we're thrilled to offer a first-class intimate option for the music lovers that will set us apart from others in town."

AEG won't confirm any of their upcoming concert plans, but news of the Brick began to spread locally yesterday following a tour announcement by Jane's Addiction, who posted to their website that they have a show booked at the new club with Black Box Revelation on March 19. The promoter says that their local talent buyer, Brad Saks, has already put in numerous offers for bookings and they plan on announcing 8-12 shows by the end of the month, presumably including the Jane's Addiction show.

The venue's general manager, Jeff Kehr, says he expects a wide variety of acts to perform in the club. "Our goal will be to welcome all genres of music and all audiences to experience this versatile facility," he says. "The venue itself will lend itself well to all types of touring artists, from rock, country and pop to R&B, jazz, comedy and more."

In addition to a two-tiered concert space, the building will also be home to a lower-level bar called the Basement at the Brick, which will be open to concertgoers on show nights and to the general public Thursday through Saturday nights.

Club 3 Degrees vacated their location at 111 N 5th St. last March, and are now hosting sporadic events at Epic.

Continue reading "The Brick opening soon in downtown Minneapolis"

Track debut: The Shins' "Simple Song"

Posted at 11:39 AM on January 9, 2012 by The Current (4 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

Do you remember the days when it seemed there was a new release from The Shins every time you looked around? We got spoiled. So it was no surprise that when third album Wincing the Night Away made the rounds, and the band subsequently dropped off the map, that many folks surmised the now iconic act had broken up or gone on hiatus.

In some respects, both scenarios proved true. Frontman James Mercer went on to work with Danger Mouse and form the band Broken Bells. During that time, all of the other founding members of The Shins moved on to pursue additional personal and professional projects.

But all good things don't necessarily have to come to an end. The fourth album from The Shins, Port of Morrow, will be released sometime in March, and Mercer has employed a whole new crew to help bring those songs to fruition.

We'll be playing the first single of the album, "Simple Song," on The Current's airwaves at 3:30 p.m. CST today. Tune in to hear how it sounds and leave your comments below. Remember, it's been five years since any new material — does it live up to your expectations?

Tracklist

1. The Rifle's Spiral
2. Simple Song
3. It's Only Life
4. No Way Down
5. September
6. Bait and Switch
7. Fall of '82
8. For A Fool
9. 40 Mark Strasse
10. Port of Morrow

Related Stories:
The Shins perform live in The Current studio (2005)

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TV Roundup: Sharon Van Etten and tUnE-yArDs

Posted at 9:34 AM on January 6, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

MPR / Nate Ryan

Two of indie music's fastest rising stars performed as musical guests on television last night. First up on Jimmy Fallon was the highly respected Sharon Van Etten who is preparing for the release of her third album Tramp on Jagjaguwar, February 7. (She'll be playing at The Cedar on Feb. 18.)

This was a notable occasion as a musician — it marked her television debut. And what better way to end the show than with Tramp's brilliant first single, "Serpents." In attendance with her was Aaron Dessner of The National (who also produced the record), and the release will feature basically every major Northeast band of the past few years including Wye Oak, The Walkmen, Julianna Barwick, Doveman, and even some contributions from Zach Condon of Beirut.

And on Jimmy Kimmel, audiences were treated to two songs by Merrill Garbus and her tUnE-yArDs outfit. Just like her live shows, she spent a good deal of time first setting up the loops that anchor her songs, something that live television is definitely not used to. But it works in the end and illustrates just how well Garbus has perfected this sonic experiment over the years. The two tracks performed come from her newest record w h o k i l l: "Bizness" and "You Yes You."

This Day in Music History: Michael Stipe's Birthday

Posted at 7:30 AM on January 4, 2012 by Jill Riley
Filed under: Music News

Birthdays:
Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) is 52

This Day in Music:
In 1957, Fats Domino recorded "I'm Walking" in New Orleans. The single would eventually make to it to #4 on the pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart.

In 1964, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles was reviewed by Billboard: "This is the hot British group that has struck gold overseas. Side A is a driving rocker with surf-on-the-Thames sound and strong vocal work from the group."

In 1965, CBS purchased the Fender guitar company, a favorite among rock musicians, for $13 million.

In 1970, Performance, starring Mick Jagger as a jaded and decadent rock star, finally premiered in London two years after the film had been completed.

In 1994, Pearl Jam's Vs. was the second best-selling CD in America.

New Release from Lazerbeak

Posted at 12:18 PM on January 3, 2012 by The Current
Filed under: Local, Music News

MPR / Nate Ryan

Lazerbeak is undoubtedly one of our favorite artists here at The Current whose most recent record Legend Recognize Legend produced a great session, lots of memorable tunes, and a spot on the first installment of our Local Current compilation.

Now the beat-master is back. Teaming up with the esteemed DJ Plain Ole Bill, Lazerbeak is releasing 20 tracks (compiled from 150 original beats) which haven't seen the light of day yet. They're calling it LAVA BANGERS.

Check out the tracklist below and listen to two songs: "Cement Blocks" and "Knight Fighter."

Lazerbeak "Cement Blocks/Knight Fighter" by doomtree

Playlist

1. Mighty Jungle
2. Walk It Out
3. Smash Hit
4. LRL
5. Bully
6. Ay Bay Bee
7. Like That
8. Xylophone
9. Had Enough
10. Sweat Set
11. Finally Back
12. Cement Blocks
13. Knight Fighter
14. Ghostdust
15. Buffalo Plaid
16. Eleventh Hour
17. Thimble Man
18. Skronked Up
19. Cloud Crawl
20. Lift Every Voice

New Polica Album Available Now

Posted at 12:22 PM on December 20, 2011 by The Current (2 Comments)
Filed under: Local, Music News

Local band Polica seems to just keep gathering steam. Sold out shows, tours with high-profile artists, and blog love across the world have made this four-piece and their tunes highly sought after. Until now, there's only been a handful of tracks to keep us satisfied until the Valentine's release day of their debut Give You the Ghost in 2012.

Well, it's time to stop buggin' out (or maybe it's time to begin). The band has actually released the album early through iTunes as a holiday gift. No word on how long this is going to stay live, but the Internet sure is in a tizzy over this one folks.

You can grab the album here. Check out our Polica artist page featuring their recent in-studio, photos, video, and other related content.

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Behind the Scenes: Craig Finn's New Album

Posted at 10:42 AM on December 15, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

MPR Photo / Eamon Coyne

Earlier this summer, Craig Finn of Hold Steady and Lifter Puller fame announced that he was working on a new solo album. Clear Heart Full Eyes is due out January 24 on Vagrant, so we don't have long to wait. However, an insightful video has just sprung up on the Internet detailing his recording process and the stories behind many of the songs featured on the release.

Give it a watch and check out additional content below the video.

Craig Finn "Clear Heart Full Eyes" from Helms Workshop on Vimeo.

Additional Content:
Craig Finn Theft of the Dial
Craig Finn and Chuck Klosterman on Wits™
Craig Finn Song Debut
Details on Clear Heart Full Eyes

The Shins Announce New Album!

Posted at 11:52 AM on December 14, 2011 by The Current (2 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

How long has it been since our Shins craving had its fix? Eleven years since acclaimed debut Oh, Inverted World and almost five since Wincing the Night Away. Well, it's time to stop stressing (if you were) or just remember that the band actually still exists. Sure, most of the original members have left and frontman James Mercer has been around with Broken Bells. But there is nothing quite like another Shins album, and today we now know that we're going to get a new one next March.

The announcement was made today through a newsletter on the band's website. We get few details as these things typically go, however we did get a tracklisting out of it. If you were lucky in the past few years to see Mercer live, you most likely heard some early incarnations of these songs.

Tracklisting
1. The Rifle's Spiral
2. Simple Song
3. It's Only Life
4. No Way Down
5. September
6. Bait and Switch
7. Fall of '82
8. For a Fool
9. 40 Mark Strasse
10. Port of Morrow

Check out an instudio they did with us the year The Current launched back in 2005!

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The Art of Wilco

Posted at 11:37 AM on December 14, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Photo: Autumn De Wilde

The Chicagoist has a great article this morning about the art of lead tracks on Wilco's albums. Marcus Gilmer takes a deep look at how each of these songs from the past 16 years have continually redefined the sound of the band and the band members themselves, as often times there have been line-up changes between releases.

We're still on a Wilco binge following their two sold-out shows at the State Theatre and a recent Jeff Tweedy Theft of the Dial on the station. Revisit that content and read a review of their newest record The Whole Love by Mac Wilson.

City of Music: Battles

Posted at 12:45 PM on December 13, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Our friends at MPLS.tv have launched another installment of City of Music for Pitchfork. With the aim of filming bands amidst Minneapolis backdrops, we're always excited to see their newest collaboration, and this one with Battles is a great one indeed.

Performing an 8-minute version of "Africastle," the lead track from newest album Gloss Drop, City of Music gives the band and the viewer a "guided tour of Minneapolis."

Check out a recent City of Music feature with local band Mystery Palace here.

List Roundup: The Best Music of 2011

Posted at 11:09 AM on December 7, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Ah, list season! Just like Christmas decorations on display during Halloween, best-of music lists have been creeping up earlier and earlier. We saw some blogs had already posted reviews in June this year. Granted, they were mid-year compilations, but a careful eye would see that many of the albums that people thought were the best by this summer ended up not making the cut by December. Publications are trying to beat each other to the punch in order to definitively predict the cream of the crop.

Probably the top 4 most comment-inspiring year-end music lists come from NPR, Stereogum, Paste, and Pitchfork (although the latter hasn't appeared on the web yet, they have posted the worst album covers of 2011 just for kicks). You can read as many lists as you want, but more often than not, you may be scratching your head and thinking, "What is that album they're talking about?"

So make your own rules. The Current's Top 89 of 2011 is live and we want you to help us compile the best albums of the year. Don't hesitate - your ballot is important. The longer you wait to cast those votes, you may just end up forgetting about it. And no one wants to hear a Top 89 countdown they didn't participate in, right?

Here's the ballot. Tell us what you think and feel free to open up a dialogue in the comments below.

TV Roundup: Iron & Wine and My Morning Jacket

Posted at 10:25 AM on December 1, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Photo courtesy of the artist

Another great round of late-night performances on television last night. This time, Jimmy Kimmel brought in My Morning Jacket who were the headliners at our Rock the Garden installment this summer. They played the bombastic track "Outta My System" off their new album (and one which we really love), Circuital.

Jay Leno highlighted Iron & Wine's new track for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1. Say what you will about the merit of the Twilight movies - you can't deny that some great artists have recently contributed songs to the soundtracks. Sam Beam brought in strings and back-up singers for a rendition of "Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version)." Check out his session with The Curent earlier this year.

R.I.P. Altered Zones

Posted at 3:45 PM on November 30, 2011 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

Sad news on the blogosphere front. Pitchfork's baby music site, Altered Zones, is closing shop as many of its contributors have now moved on to create their own websites, record labels, and radio programs.

Altered Zones launched last summer and paid particular attention to bands on the D-I-Y and underground fronts. Through that mission, it profiled a number of Twin Cities bands that had yet to find a sizable audience like Buffalo Moon, Food Pyramid, and Velvet Davenport. Because of the exposure, many of these bands are now well-known throughout the world.

The editors of Altered Zones will be creating a new project called Ad Hoc in 2012. Here's hoping they continue to write about the music of Minnesota.

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2011 Grammy Nominations

Posted at 1:36 PM on November 30, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Oh, The Grammy's. Traditionally a showcase of what is popular and questionable in terms of talent has started to move into a more underground focus within the past few years. Whereas Arcade Fire may not be underground in our sense of the indie sphere, it certainly was to Grammy watchers who crucified the band via Twitter when The Suburbsbeat out records from Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Lady Antebellum in 2010.

This year, buzz surrounds Adele's 21 and Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy which is eligible for a nomination this year instead of last, much like Current faves Mumford and Sons. Bon Iver's self-titled sophomore release also fared incredibly well, earning him nominations in the categories of record of the year, single of the year and that mind-boggling "new" artist award too.

Record (single) of the Year

"Rolling In The Deep" by Adele (In studio performance)
"Holocene" by Bon Iver
"Grenade" by Bruno Mars
"The Cave" by Mumford & Sons
"Firework" by Katy Perry

Song of the Year

"All Of The Lights" by Kanye West
"The Cave" by Mumford & Sons (In-studio video)
"Grenade" by Bruno Mars
"Holocene" by Bon Iver
"Rolling In The Deep" by Adele

Best New Artist

The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex

Album of the Year

21 by Adele
Wasting Light by Foo Fighters
Born This Way by Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans by Bruno Mars
Loud by Rihanna

Best Alternative Music Album

Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Death Cab For Cutie - Codes And Keys
Foster The People - Torches
My Morning Jacket - Circuital
Radiohead - The King Of Limbs

Best Dance/Electronica Album

Cut Copy - Zonoscope
Deadmau5 - 4×4=12
David Guetta - Nothing But The Beat
Robyn - Body Talk, Pt. 3
Skrillex - Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites

Best Rock Album

Jeff Beck - Rock 'N' Roll Party Honoring Les Paul
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown
Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
Wilco - The Whole Love

Best Rock Performance

Coldplay - "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall"
The Decemberists - "Down By The Water"
Foo Fighters - "Walk"
Mumford & Sons - "The Cave"
Radiohead - "Lotus Flower"

Best Rock Song

Mumford & Sons - "The Cave"
The Decemberists - "Down By The Water"
Coldplay - "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall"
Radiohead - "Lotus Flower"
Foo Fighters - "Walk"

Best Folk Album

The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
Steve Earle - I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Eddie Vedder - Ukulele Songs
Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest

All nominees are available at Grammy.com/nominees

TV Roundup: The Dodos, Neko Case, and Morrissey

Posted at 10:47 AM on November 30, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Photo by Mike Hulthusen

Late-night talk shows are moving away from mainstream musical guests and more into the indie realm. So we were happy to see three of our favorites as the talent highlighted on Jimmy Fallon and Conan last night.

The Dodos were joined by Neko Case who you may remember provided backing vocals for their album No Color released in March. As for Morrissey, it's a particularly big deal when he steps out into the limelight as it doesn't happen very often. He played a new track called "People Are the Same Everywhere."

Polica Announces Debut Album, First Ave Show

Posted at 10:25 AM on November 30, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local, Music News

Photo by Nate Ryan / MPR

We've been waiting for this news for a while now. The Internet is in a tizzy this morning from the announcement that local band Polica has finally set a date for their debut album. Give You the Ghost will be released on February 14, 2012.

As you may have heard, Polica is a mash-up of talent from GAYNGS, Roma di Luna, and Bon Iver featuring Channy Leaneagh, Ben Ivascu, Drew Christopherson, and Chris Bierdan. They have only been on the local circuit for a few months, but in that time they've recorded 11 songs, had them produced by Ryan Olson, and then mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon fame down in Austin, TX.

You'll be able to get a sneak peak of the new tracks during an instudio performance on The Current this Friday night at 7 p.m.

Check out the track-listing below and view a slideshow of their recent show at the Turf Club.

Polica - Give You the Ghost
1. Amongster
2. I See My Mother
3. Violent Games
4. Dark Star
5. Form
6. The Maker
7. Lay Your Cards Out (feat. Mike Noyce)
8. Fist, Teeth, Money
9. Happy Be Fine
10. Wandering Star (feat. Mike Noyce)
11. Leading to Death

CD Release Show

They've also announced a CD-Release show at First Avenue on February 14. If you buy tickets right away (they go on sale Saturday @ noon) you'll get a free download of "Wandering Star."

Stream New Songs from The Black Keys

Posted at 2:16 PM on November 29, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

The Black Keys are an indie success story, going from the underground to worldwide popularity within just a few years. It makes sense - their tunes resonate with a lot of people, especially here in the Twin Cities where they have been able to sell out venues time and again.

Well, the boys are back. El Camino, their seventh full-length, will be released on December 6. You may have heard first single "Lonely Boy" here on The Current, and now here's your chance to hear more. The Black Keys are giving fans a chance to stream five songs over at their website. Take a listen and let us know what your preliminary thoughts are.

Indie Musicians Pay Tribute to Bob Mould

Posted at 9:21 AM on November 23, 2011 by The Current (1 Comments)
Filed under: Local, Music News

Cool news out of the Bob Mould camp last night: the Hüsker Dü/Sugar frontman was honored with a tribute concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. This was no small affair. As Pitchfork reports, a multitude of indie talent was on board to play covers of the influential musician including Britt Daniel of Spoon, Ryan Adam, No Age, and The Hold Steady.

Mould was around to join in on many of these covers, but this one by Ryan Adams is a more personal affair.

Dave Grohl got on stage with Bob Mould and plowed through 3 Hüsker Dü classics:

If your Bob Mould fix isn't yet quenched by the time you work your way through the coverage of last night's performance, check out two sessions he has done at The Current, one in 2009, and another very special engagement in the UBS Forum earlier this summer.

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Polica Doing Daytrotter Session on Tuesday

Posted at 11:50 AM on November 21, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

Photo by Graham Tolbert

As the mystery behind Polica grows stronger and with only a couple of released songs under their belts, the esteemed Daytrotter studio in Rock Island, IL is helping to bring the band's music to a larger audience tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. CST. They'll be recording what is sure to become a high-profile session, joining the scores of other local bands who have had the chance to enter the Daytrotter archives like GAYNGS, Mason Jennings, and The Cloak Ox.

As you may know, the local act only debuted this August and are taking their time releasing their first full-length produced by Ryan Olsen of GAYNGS and Jim Eno of Spoon. In just a few short months though, they skyrocketed to second place on the 2011 City Pages Picked to Click poll.

Check out a slideshow of their recent performance at the Turf Club.

Tribute to the Replacements

Posted at 3:31 PM on November 18, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

In anticipation of a very special Replacements tribute at First Ave next Friday, a video dropped today on Consequence of Sound showing Craig Finn of The Hold Steady and Patrick Stickles of Titus Andronicus singing a cover of "Bastards of Young," later joined by the great Tommy Ramone who produced the song and the rest of the acclaimed album Tim back in 1985. Here's the video from New York City's Bowery Electric.

89.3 The Current and Gimme Noise presents a special performance of the debut album from The Replacements, Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash on Friday, Nov. 25, featuring special guests in both the Mainroom and 7th St. Entry like The 4onthefloor, Red Pens, Night Moves, Martin Devaney, and BNLX. More information can be found here.

Take Our Replacements Trivia Quiz

Post-Oasis: Gallagher Brothers Update

Posted at 4:50 PM on December 5, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

With Liam Gallagher's band Beady Eye playing a show in the Twin Cities tonight, it seemed like the right time to take a look back at Oasis and the work that its erratic sibling duo has done since.

Oasis has always had a turbulent history. So it wasn't surprising when the Gallagher brothers parted ways in 2009 after a backstage scuffle. But the band still hasn't left many people's minds, and both Liam and Noel have begun solo projects of their own to fill the void.

Noel started Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds in 2010, featuring some high-profile musicians like former Oasis pianist Mike Rowe, Jeremy Stacey of The Lemon Trees, Russell Pritchard of The Zutons fame, and percussionist Lenny Castro. "High Flying Birds" is a reference to another iconic band from a few decades prior, that of Jefferson Airplane. The song appeared on a compilation album in 1974.

Read Mary Lucia's review of the album, and here's the lead track, "The Death of You and Me."

Liam went on to form Beady Eye in collaboration with previous members of Oasis. They started Beady Eye Records as an avenue to release their material in the UK and Ireland, and use Dangerbird Records for distribution in the US, home to influential stateside artists like Minus the Bear and Hot Hot Heat. The debut is called Different Gear, Still Speeding, and the band is already working on a new release for 2012. Here's a song off the album called "The Roller."

Behind the Scenes of Doomtree's "No Kings"

Posted at 9:24 AM on November 16, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Local, Music News

No Kings: Writing Process from Doomtree Records on Vimeo.

If you can't wait until next Tuesday to grab your copy of the new Doomtree album No Kings, never fear - crew member Lazerbeak tweeted this behind the scenes look at the recording of the record.

Remember, The Current is hosting a special UBS Forum session with the entire collective on December 1st, and we're giving away tickets to more than a handful of lucky listeners to come and watch. You can enter the giveaway here.

Tribute to Heavy D

Posted at 1:04 PM on November 11, 2011 by The Current
Filed under: Music News

AP Photo/David Goldman

Genre-crossing MC Heavy D passed away on Tuesday and understandably caused much sadness for people who have followed his extensive career. Starting all the way back in 1986, he went on to release multiple Platinum and Gold-certified albums with the band Heavy D & the Boyz as well as starting a solo career in the late half of the 1990s.

To celebrate his life, Kevin Beacham, host of Redefinition Radio on The Current, will be delving into the career and exploits of Heavy D this Saturday at 11PM. He has written a great post over at Fifth Element that explores the enormous depth of Heavy D's catalog and will serve as a nice companion piece to the show.

Today In Music History: 30 Years Ago, A Classic Collaboration

Posted at 6:12 AM on October 26, 2011 by Steve Seel
Filed under: Music News

Birthdays:

Bassist and singer Bootsy Collins is 60.
Guitarist Keith Strickland of The B-52's is 58.

Today in:

1958 - 7,000 fans rioted at the first rock concert held in Germany. Bill Haley And The Comets incited the pandemonium.
1965 - The Beatles were made Members of the British Empire by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
1992 - Pearl Jam broke a first-week sales record by selling 950,000 copies of Vs. in seven days.
1993 - Roman Catholic churches in San Juan, Puerto Rico, opened their doors for the night and urged residents to tie black ribbons on trees to protest Madonna's first concert there.

History Highlight:

Today in 1981 - thirty years ago - David Bowie met with Queen in Montreaux, Switzerland, to record "Under Pressure" in an all-night session. Bowie had originally come to the studio to provide backing vocals for another song which ended up being scrapped, so he and the band started improvising instead. The result was one of the greatest songs of the 80s, one of the greatest collaborations in the history of rock, and (many critics have argued) the greatest bassline of all time. (There's debate as to who wrote the bass part - Queen bassist John Deacon claims Bowie came up with it, and Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor insist it was Deacon's creation).

Today In Music History: The First Heavy Metal Song?

Posted at 6:27 AM on August 17, 2011 by Steve Seel
Filed under: Music News

Birthdays:

Singer Kevin Rowland of Dexy's Midnight Runners is 58.
Bassist/singer Colin Moulding of XTC is 56.
Singer Belinda Carlisle of The Go Go's is 53.

Today in:

1966 - John Lennon again stoked the flames of controversy. This time, in Toronto, he expressed his support and admiration for young American males crossing the border to dodge the draft.
1969 - The three-day Woodstock Music and Art Fair concluded in upstate New York. One of the day's memorable moments was Pete Townshend of The Who knocking Yippie Abbie Hoffman off the stage during the performance of "Tommy."
1986 - Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen played his first concert with the band since losing his left arm in a car accident in 1984.
2001 - Guitarist and keyboard player Jay Bennett left Wilco. Bennett was the second member of Wilco to split in six months, following drummer Ken Coomer's exit in March.

History Highlight:

Today in 1964, the single "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks was released in Britain. It was the group's breakthrough hit, establishing them as one of the top British Invasion acts in the United States, reaching #7 later in the year. "You Really Got Me" was an early hit song built around power chords, and was heavily influential on later rock musicians; American musicologist Robert Walser wrote that it is "the track which invented heavy metal."

New Coldplay track: Is it workin' for ya?

Posted at 9:33 AM on June 3, 2011 by The Current (10 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

Coldplay released their new single "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" late Thursday night, and to use the parlance of Musicheads, we want to know, is it workin' for ya?

At time of writing, there are only 301 views on the YouTube clip, but over 4,000 likes, so we know there are tons of people out there who love this band.

From various formats for feedback, we also know that Coldplay can bring in the hate as much as they bring in the love.

So we want your help. You're going to hear the song a couple times over the weekend, and we want to know what you think about how this song fits with the Current.

And it should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway: since Coldplay is polarizing, let's keep the discussion about the song and the band, and remember to be respectful to one another re: tastes/opinions, yeah? YEAH!

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Last LCD in NYC

Posted at 12:02 PM on April 4, 2011 by Lindsay Kimball
Filed under: Music News

Neil Young sang that it was better to burn out than to fade away. LCD Soundsystem, the brain-child of 41-year-old producer, DJ, and DFA label co-founder James Murphy, have taken that cue going out with an explosive last show at Madison Square Garden Saturday night.

Streams of people dressed in black and white poured in Madison Square Garden, a room built to be a boxing arena. Those wearing anything with color stood out. Ties were the favored accessory, which prompted the security guard next to me to ask why there were so many ties at rock show. This wasn't just a rock show; it was a dance party funeral of sorts.

Liquid Liquid, a popular band in the early '80s opened up the first two of four Terminal 5 shows leading up to the final performance, opened the final show with a 30 minute set. And shortly after 9 p.m., LCD Soundsystem took the stage with 10cc's "I'm Not in Love" playing in the background before they tore it up with "Dance Yrself Clean." The arena was on its feet, jumping up and down, as the nearly 4-hour dance party began.

The first set, about an hour long, kept the energy high. Mid-way through, they busted into "Daft Punk is Playing at My House." The rumor was that Daft Punk might show up, and you could sense that everyone was waiting for that moment. Daft Punk never showed. Then again, this wasn't a house party. It just felt like one.

Rarely played live LCD Soundsystem performed the entire 45:33 album for their second set. This was for the super fans as there was a slight lull in energy, but LCD brought out some of their guests during this song - comedic musician Reggie Watts on "Part Two" and Terminal 5 opener Sh** Robot and The Juan McLean on "Part Five."
The biggest surprise of the night occurred during the third set when Win Butler, Will Butler, and Regine Chassagne of Arcade Fire joined James Murphy on stage to sing "North American Scum." They stood off to the left, singing and dancing, and then spent most of the rest of the show on the side of the stage watching. As a huge fan of the band Suicide, it was fitting that James Murphy threw in an Alan Vega cover when they played "Bye Bye Bayou."

The pulsing rhythm characteristic of "Someone Great" began the fourth set and continued into the iconic "Losing My Edge" while photos and names of bands mentioned in the name-checking song were flashing up on the two big screens. The set ended with "Home," the last song on the "This is Happening."

Sensing and hoping that this couldn't be the end, James Murphy stepped on stage for the final set. He announced that he was only going to play three more songs. Then it was done because if it were to go any longer, it'd be about an ego and not the music. The first song was "All I Want" from the new album, and then he went into a Harry Nilsson cover "Jump Into the Fire." James Murphy took a pause before the last song thanking everyone and thanking his family that was in attendance. Just before the first notes of the last song, he stated that he was wearing his father's watch and began the slow, sentimental close to the show with "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down." It was a fitting end to the show and their ten-year career.

Set List (via PitchforkMedia.com)

Dance Yrself Clean / I'm Not In Love (10cc cover intro)
Drunk Girls
I Can Change
Time to Get Away
Get Innocuous!
Daft Punk Is Playing at My House
Too Much Love
All My Friends
Tired/Heart of the Sunrise (Yes cover)

45:33 Part One
45:33 Part Two (ft. Reggie Watts)
Sound of Silver
45:33 Part Four
45:33 Part Five (ft. Shit Robot)
45:33 Part Six
Freak Out/Starry Eyes

Us V Them
North American Scum (ft. Arcade Fire)
Bye Bye Bayou (Alan Vega cover)
You Wanted a Hit
Tribulations
Movement
Yeah (Crass Version)

Someone Great
Losing My Edge/Da Funk (Daft Punk cover)
Home

All I Want
Jump Into the Fire (Harry Nilsson cover)
New York, I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down/Twin Peaks Theme (Angelo Badalamenti cover)

Ode to LCD Soundsystem project

Today In Music History: Vote For Me Or I'll Chop My Own Head Off

Posted at 6:16 AM on February 24, 2011 by Steve Seel
Filed under: Music News

Today in:

1956 - Police in Cleveland invoked a 1931 ordinance prohibiting people under the age of 18 from dancing in public unless accompanied by an adult. Cleveland, apparently, did not rock back at the time.
1969 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience performed its last British concert at London's Royal Albert Hall before breaking up.
1992 - The U.S. Postal Service unveiled two versions of its proposed Elvis stamp; fans were encouraged to vote for their favorite. Ultimately, the younger Elvis version prevailed and the stamp was issued on January 8, 1993.
1998 - Drummer Tommy Lee of Motley Crue was arrested for kicking his wife, actress Pamela Anderson Lee. She filed for divorce. He eventually served four months in prison.
1998 - Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, becoming, Sir Elton John Reginald Dwight.

History Highlight:

Today in 1988, Alice Cooper announced he was running for governor of
Arizona, raising the question (for the first of many times), "What the hell is the matter with Arizona?" Anyway, we played Alice's 'running-for-office' song, "Elected."

Today In Music History: Honoring Lux Interior

Posted at 5:57 AM on February 4, 2011 by Steve Seel (1 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

Birthdays:

Alice Cooper is 63.

Today in:

1969 - In response to Lennon, Harrison and Starr acquiring the services of Allen Klein to represent them the previous day, Paul McCartney hired the law firm of Eastman & Eastman, Linda Eastman's father's law firm, as general legal counsel for Apple. It was the beginning of the end for The Beatles.
1970 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono, shorn of their locks, donated their hair for an auction to raise funds for the Black Power movement.
1977 - Dick Clark's American Bandstand celebrated its 25th anniversary with an ABC-TV special. For the occasion a very impressive all-star band was assembled, consisting of Chuck Berry, Seals & Crofts, Gregg Allman, Junior Walker, Johnny Rivers, The Pointer Sisters, Charlie Daniels, Doc Severinsen, Les McCann, Donald Byrd, Chuck Mangione and three quarters of Booker T & The MG's. They jammed together on Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven."
1978 - On What's Happening!, Rerun got busted by The Doobie Brothers as he attempts to record their concert for bootleggers.

Today's Tribute:

Today in 2009, Lux Interior of The Cramps passed away. The Cramps were comprised of Lux (born Erick Lee Purkhiser) and his wife, Poison Ivy (born Kristy Wallace) and a rotating lineup of backing musicians over the years. Getting their start as part of the early CBGB punk movement in New York, The Cramps were also one of the originators of the so-called psychobilly movement, a fusing of punk and rockabilly styles. Honoring Lux Interior this morning, we played The Cramps' "Human Fly."

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Today In Music History: " 'Scuse Me While I ..."

Posted at 6:07 AM on February 3, 2011 by Steve Seel
Filed under: Music News

Birthdays:

Guitarist Dave Davies of The Kinks is 64.
Guitarist Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth is 55.

Today in:

1959 - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash in Iowa. Holly was 22, Valens was 17 and the Big Bopper was 28.
1968 - Paul McCartney recorded "Lady Madonna" at the Abbey Road studios. The record is credited to The Beatles, but McCartney played with unknown session musicians.
1973 - "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John was the number one song in the country on this day.
1991 - Sinead O'Connor said she would not accept any Grammy Awards, although she had been nominated in four categories. O'Connor claimed the show was all about "false and destructive materialistic values." She had apparently just realized this about the music industry.
2003 - Authorities arrested producer Phil Spector at his mansion in suburban Los Angeles. The body of actress Lana Clarkson had been found in the foyer.

History Highlight:

Today in 1967, a pretty significant event took place in a London recording studio, as Jimi Hendrix laid down the tracks for "Purple Haze." The song was released in March in the U.K. as a follow-up to his first British single "Hey Joe." Time to kiss the sky this morning.

Today In Music History: Are Your Ears Tingling Now?

Posted at 6:08 AM on February 1, 2011 by Steve Seel (1 Comments)
Filed under: Music News

Birthdays:

Singer Don Everly of The Everly Brothers is 74.
Singer Exene Cervenka of X is 55.
Drummer Patrick Wilson of Weezer is 42.
Rapper Big Boi of Outkast is 36.

Today in:

1950 - RCA introduced the 45 RPM record player.
1965 - James Brown recorded "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1968 - Elvis Presley's only child, Lisa Marie, was born.
2004 - Justin Timberlake ripped Janet Jackson's top during the Super Bowl halftime show and exposed her breast.

1964 - The Governor of Indiana determined somehow that the smash hit "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen was pornographic and requested that the Indiana Broadcasters Association ban the record. Although many stations rightfully claimed that it was impossible to exactly decipher the lyrics from "the unintelligible rendition as performed by The Kingsmen," Governor Welsh claimed that his "ears tingled" when he heard the song.

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