Category Archive: Musicheads
Musicheads Essentials: The Afghan Whigs - Gentlemen
Posted at 12:00 PM on May 8, 2012
by The Current
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Filed under: Musicheads
Released in autumn 1993, Gentlemen was the band's major label debut on Elektra Records. The album was released at exactly the mid-point in The Afghan Whigs' recording career. They'd done a lot of touring and had paid a lot of musical "dues" by that time. The band was crawling free of the "Grunge" genre tag they often got looped into because of their time on the Sub Pop record label... And while Greg Dulli, Rick McCollum, John Curley and Steve Earle could do their share of rocking, they simply couldn't be pigeonholed like that.
From the opening sounds of "If I Were Going" to the mostly instrumental closing track "Brother Woodrow / Closing Prayer," Gentlemen shifts from breathy (and at times spoken) moments to moody scorchers that wail and scream. Disconnected bad-boy Greg Dulli leads the charge with a sneer in his voice, singing over guitar licks so filthy a good girl would blush.
The lyrics on "Debonair", "What Jail Is Like", "Fountain And Fairfax" and Gentlemen's title track delve into dark tales of alcohol, drug and physical abuse with such clarity, guilt and honesty that you might ask ,"Is this misogynistic guy the real Greg Dulli or a character?"
The only song on Gentlemen that was actually recorded in the band's hometown of Cincinnati is the opening track, "If I Were Going," which features the sounds of driving across a bridge between Kentucky and Cincinnati (the band achieved this by holding a microphone out of a car window). It segues smoothly with a "click" into the title track, which sets us up with that unforgettable opening line: "Your attention, please."
Gentlemen is arguably the band's biggest commercial success, garnering them airplay on alternative radio, MTV and the late night talk show circuit. In many circles The Afghan Whigs aren't "a Cincinnati band," they are the Cincinnati band.
You've probably heard me talk about my adoration for this band. Perhaps you've heard me say that The Afghan Whigs changed my life. That sounds profound and unbelievable, but it's true. At the very least they changed my taste in music forever. Prior to the discovery of this band, my musical taste leaned mostly towards hair-metal, with a healthy dose of Prince and a dab of grunge. I grew up in a rural area about an hour from Cincinnati. And I had absolutely no attachment to or awareness of the "local scene" in Cincinnati until I was in my mid-twenties.
Luckily, my best friend, Robbie had moved to the city and had much better musical taste than I did. Whenever we got together we would talk about music and exchange cassettes, CDs and good old mixtapes in hopes of swaying the other's taste. He had been listening to lot of "alternative" music on 97X, this weird radio station in Oxford, Ohio whose signal couldn't quite reach my hometown. I distinctly remember when he would carry on about this band and I'd heard their name mentioned on one of the Cincinnati stations (though they didn't play any of their songs).
In the spring of 1994, Robbie insisted that I should see my first Afghan Whigs show. They were playing an arena show in Dayton, Ohio along with The Breeders and Guided by Voices. A week before that show, Robbie and I had one of our regular music exchanges. I gave him my copy of the Type O Negative CD Bloody Kisses. In preparation for the show, he loaned me his copy of Gentlemen. I had never heard anything like it before. Sure, the metal I had enjoyed for so long talked a lot about drinking and sex, but not like this. This was something cerebral, yet darker — something with real depth and disturbingly honest lyrics.
I spent a week with the CD, not realizing the band had released three albums prior to this one. I thought that I would know all the lyrics to all their tunes by the time of the show. I felt like I had cheated. After all, there were some repeated lyrics between "If I Were Going" and "Debonair." The show date came, and while they played a lot of material from Gentlemen, I didn't know as much of their material as I thought I would. And then something amazing happened. In the middle of one of their own tunes, they launched into a Prince cover. I remember the look on Robbie's face as I was singing along to a song he didn't know. From that moment forward, I became a Whigs fan and follower.
We would go to every show in the Cincinnati area. Back then, we would get a couple every year. And at least we could always be assured we'd get a show around the holidays, where lead singer Greg Dulli would dedicate songs to his mom from the stage. We saw all of their shows at Bogarts, a couple at Southgate House, even their "Gato Negro" show at Sudsy Malones. I remember once attending a Howlin' Maggie show where they stopped their set so we could watch The Whigs on Letterman. I have seen this band perform live more than any other, with Twilight Singers (Greg Dulli's other project) coming in second.
Less than a month after my first Afghan Whigs show, I interviewed at 97X (WOXY.com). As I started my car after the interview, The Afghan Whigs' tune "Rebirth Of The Cool" was playing on the station. I was lucky enough to secure that job and to spend 12 years with that station before moving to Minneapolis. Members of The Afghan Whigs made multiple stops by the station, whether it was to perform, do an interview or take listeners questions in an online chatroom. It wasn't until the station was leaving the airwaves that I became aware of that station's effect on vocalist Greg Dulli as he was growing up. To quote him (from a Cincinnati Enquirer interview) "...So, viva WOXY. You messed me up good. " The very last song I played on the station was an Afghan Whigs song.
When the band broke up, Robbie and I certainly went through a mourning period. Luckily, The Twilight Singers shows in Cincinnati always seemed to become a mini-reunion of sorts, with Greg calling former band members and friends to the stage to play.
Gentlemen is my constant companion, whether it's a road-trip soundtrack or a crutch to get me through dark times. Robbie passed away last year... but when I play this record (which I do often), I imagine we're together again. When the notice that the band was reuniting for some dates hit my inbox last year, I squealed like a little girl at the opening line: "Your attention, please!"
Essential tracks: "What Jail Is Like," " If I were Going/Gentlemen," " Debonair," " Be Sweet"
(For a more comprehensive look at the story behind and making of Gentlemen, I highly suggest the 33 1/3 book written by Bob Gendron.)
Barb Abney can be heard weekdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on The Current. Abney came to The Current in 2006 from Cincinnati's WOXY.com, one of the premier alternative stations in the country. She DJ'd there for 12 years and built a radio and online community of music nerds.
Musicheads Essentials: The Best of the Faces
Posted at 11:02 AM on April 19, 2012
by The Current
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Filed under: Musicheads
They thought of themselves as a very special live band, bent on ensuring that everyone had a real good time, so they never made the one great album (although they did record four). Perhaps this was because of the unique situation of having four members who could write songs — and two or 3 that wanted to sing! And so this compilation represents their contribution to rock history, an essential musical link. They were Mods from the sixties, which is where their name comes from, who had been inspired by the glam rock of the early 70's; (In the sleeve photo, Rod has a satin jacket, no shirt and a big necklace fit for a Queen... or Freddie Mercury at least!) and helped set the stage for punk, with their disregard for authority and the constant potential for anarchic collapse on stage during their shows. This is where British rock was right before The Sex Pistols. In fact 35 years ago "God Save The Queen" was suspiciously kept out of the Number One slot by one of Rod's first solo hits after being banned by the BBC!
They are also an interesting and possibly unique amalgam of influences that I can hear echoed in some of the new bands we play today. They pay homage to some of the American rock and soul that inspired them, even on this Greatest Hits compilation including great covers of The Temptations and Chuck Berry. In a recent Rolling Stone interview Ronnie Wood talked about the first rehearsals being a jam of Booker T and Meters songs, they have a funky side to them too. And they were one of the first British bands to do well over here, constantly touring to the point that they called Detroit their second home. This resulted in them writing about the country in a romantic and thrilling way as only visitors could. The first time I heard the word Minnesota was in their song "Pool Hall Richard"! This made a bizarre new cocktail when added to their quirky British heritage. I can't think of another band that made the piano rock harder! They were born out of the working class roots of pub rock, but were one of the first bands to make a rock show feel big enough to fill an American stadium.
I was drawn to the Twin Cities by its music scene 20 years ago, and Jim Walsh, local music writer, loves telling the story of the Faces playing here and what an impression they made, especially on The Replacements. Tommy Stinson STILL rocks the Faces hair style and the only time I ever met Paul, sharing our love of this band was our first conversation. Our friend John Munson covered "Ooh La La" with his band The Flops and it's a regular at any hoot. Its lyric is one of the strongest archetypal ideas of rock: "I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger!"
And I'm proud to say they can still bring it after all these years — April 14, 2012 they were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland! Rolling Stone recapped the event:
"Ooh La La" was a lot of fun, but they absolutely destroyed with "Stay With Me." Ron Wood played guitar with fiery passion, almost like he was trying to prove to Mick and Keith that he's in fighting shape for a Rolling Stones tour. Ian McLagan demonstrated that he's still one of the greatest keyboardists in rock and roll, and drummer Kenny Jones still has the chops that got him Keith Moon's old job in the late 1970s. Here's hoping that one day Rod comes to his senses and agrees to a tour with these guys.
Rod Stewart had the flu so he couldn't attend but it's not like he's retired! Still able to tour constantly after his revitalization as an American standards singer, he's been inducted before and could argue that he's the most successful solo artist of his peer group in the early seventies when this band formed. The one deceased member Ronnie Lane was a much loved bass player and songwriter, lost too soon to Multiple Sclerosis.
They made me dance, sing and think I could achieve anything! As long as you take music seriously enough to build a life around while always remembering to have fun, that's all you need!
Mark Wheat is heard weekdays 6-10 p.m. on The Current and has been a DJ with the station since it launched in 2005. He tries to emulate his hero, the late, great BBC DJ John Peel, introducing new music to the audience by mixing it with songs they know and love.
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: The Best of the Faces"
Musicheads Essentials: Talking Heads - Remain in Light
Posted at 11:30 AM on April 5, 2012
by The Current
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My pick this time for Musicheads Essentials is the 1980 avant-pop masterpiece from Talking Heads, Remain in Light. Written during a chapter of extreme creative exploration for the band, Remain in Light is not only considered by many to be Talking Heads' crowning achievement, but one of the greatest albums of the 1980s.
After working with experimental music mastermind Brian Eno for albums two and three, Talking Heads reconnected with Eno in a recording studio in the Bahamas to brainstorm ideas for their fourth LP. The band had already begun toying with a novel new approach to songwriting: one based not on melodies or traditional song forms, but looped, repeating instrumental riffs, written collectively, inspired heavily by the improvisatory structures of African music. Eno, electrified by what he heard, jumped in to helm the project that would wind up as one of the most kinetic, stunningly innovative examples of whimsical hybrid-rock ever committed to tape.
I first encountered Remain in Light through the song that counts as most people's intro to the record: the stupefyingly weird and wonderful "Once in a Lifetime," which in a way serves as a perfect summation of all the elements that make up the album as a whole. Propulsive, simultaneously funky and totally alien, it was as disorienting as it was impossible to sit still for. In my mind, "Once in a Lifetime" is one of the greatest songs in rock history — a spasmodic burst of 20th century angst melded to one of the most original, inspired grooves ever.
From there, the album stretches out in either direction with a set of infectious, thumpy tunes that all contain one overriding characteristic: none contain more than one chord each. Every composition is focused around its core groove, its structure in every case assembled in painstaking detail. From the sweaty "Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)" to the frenetic "The Great Curve," each track sounds like a snippet of some perpetual composition that we've joined in progress and that will go on forever after the fadeout.
Remain in Light is required listening for anyone interested in successful pop avant-gardism — one of the finest examples in rock music of raw experimentation yielding something surprisingly accessible and enjoyable. To this day, the album stands alone as a snapshot of pure invention, sounding like nothing else before or since.
— Steve Seel
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Musicheads Essentials: The Clash - Sandinista!
Posted at 10:40 AM on March 22, 2012
by The Current
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Filed under: Musicheads
I was asked to debut a new feature called Musicheads Essentials. It didn't take long to figure out what to do. I picked my favorite all-time album — or should I say albums? — The Clash's Sandinista! Back in 1980, I rushed off to my favorite record store after reading the Rolling Stone headline, "The Clash Drop The Big One." Indeed they did. It was a sprawling three-record set, which is still unheard of! I purchased the original vinyl for something like $8.99. The band had their royalty rate restructured to get it out at that low price.
Why is this album essential? Because The Clash were one of the most exciting bands in the world at that time. Sandinista!, the highly anticipated follow up to their rock masterpiece London Calling, is a joyride around the world. It was recorded in London, Manchester, Jamaica and New York, and it appears The Clash soaked up plenty of culture along the way. They touch on genres like reggae/dub, Celtic, jazz, gospel, rockabilly and even hip-hop/rap on the tune "Magnificent 7."
Not only did the band bounce all over the world in their musical styles, but Joe Strummer also wrote some of the most political songs the band had ever recorded. In "Washington Bullets," Strummer name checks some of the hot spots of conflict and controversy around the world, and "The Call Up" is about being drafted for war. It wasn't only a Joe Strummer album, though. All four members take a turn at the mic. Even drummer Topper Headon joins in on the fun on the silly disco tune, "Ivan Meets G.I. Joe."
To me, this album is the band's defining moment. They rose to the challenge and followed up their gritty punk and rock masterpiece with a more refined sound, and they did it without losing their edge. This album sounds as vital today as it did when it was released 32 years ago!
— Bill DeVille
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Musicheads: Musicast (11/22/2011)
Posted at 11:13 AM on November 21, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the music news for 11/22:
Doyle Bramhall Dead at 62
Austin, Texas-based blues drummer, singer and songwriter Doyle Bramhall died last week at the age of 62. Bramhall recorded a few albums of his own, most recently Is It News in 2007, though he is probably best known for his work with the Vaughan brothers, Stevie and Jimmie. He was largely involved in establishing Austin's reputation as a blues mecca.
Bramhall on the Austin blues scene:
Robin Gibb Diagnosed with Liver Cancer
Singer Robin Gibb, one of the two remaining Bee Gees, was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier in the year. He's reportedly been in and out of hospitals, canceling several performances and appearances due to intestinal problems, and last week he was admitted to a hospital in England where he was treated for inflammation of the colon. His twin brother Maurice died at the age of 53 due to a twisted small intestine, a congenital condition for which Robin has already undergone surgery.
Robin Gibb "I Started a Joke":
Google Music Launches
Last week saw the launch of Google Music, a service that allows customers access to their music library from any computer or Android device. Paired with the Music Beta site that launched six months ago, customers will be able to upload up to 20,000 songs as well as whatever is purchased to the cloud storage service. Additionally Google Music allows independent artists to sell their music directly to customers through the site. Warner is the only major distributor not on board at this point.
Official Promo:
Occupy Musicians Launches
Monday marked the launch of a new Occupy Wall Street affiliated website called Occupy Musicians. Established as a resource to help organize musicians who support the movement, Tom Morello, Lou Reed, Talib Kweli, Laurie Anderson and Ian McKaye were among the first to register. The site will be responsible for coordinating performances at the many protest sites around the country.
Tom Morello at OWS:
New Legislation Threatens to Make the Internet Lame
Congress is currently considering two pieces of legislation that could change the face of the internet forever. The Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect Intellectual Property Act have come about in order to protect copyrights of artists and labels by prohibiting internet users from posting music and videos. The bills would allow the government to simply block any attempt to post copyrighted material, thereby avoiding lawsuits over copyright infringement. The chance of these passing is pretty high, what with bipartisan support from Congress and the power of lobbyists.
Yo! MTV Raps
After more than 15 years off the air, Yo! MTV Raps will return for just one night on December 4th. Premiering after MTV2's Sucker Free Awards, the retrospective Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts will feature appearances by the show's hosts, Fab 5 Freddy, Ed Lover and Dr. Dre (not the real Dr. Dre). The episode will revisit iconic songs from the show's original runs as well as feature guests like ?uestlove, Busta Rhymes, DJ Khaled, Q-Tip, Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy and Common.
ODB super drunk on Yo! MTV Raps:
Musicheads: The Guest List (11/22/2011)
Posted at 2:29 PM on November 18, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on the Guest List, Bill sits down with Mexican alt-pop singer-songwriter Ximena Sariñana. Her second studio album released in September and she was nominated for two Latin Grammys for her first album, Mediocre. She talks about what's been playing on her iPod lately. She, like so many guests, has discovered St. Vincent recently and is really digging on that. She also has been into an Andrew Bird-esque performer named Kishi Bashi, a multi-instrumentalist and electronic experimentalist. He's also a touring member of Of Montreal and plays back-up for Regina Spektor.
Here's "Bright Whites" off of Kishi Bashi's EP, Room For Dream:
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (11/22/2011)
Posted at 2:11 PM on November 18, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On the Next Big Thing this week, Melanie introduces us to the Belgian garage-rock band Black Box Revelation. Their third full-length, My Perception, came out in October and is currently in stores. Receiving great reviews after their fist two albums, Set Your Head on Fire and Silver Threats, BBR is making its way over seas and continuing to get rave reviews. Their bio starts with the following quote: "Scuzzy guitars, crashing drums, unabashed energy and depth of soul." If that sounds like your deal then you should probably give these guys a listen.
The video for their fist single off the new album, "High on a Wire":
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (11/22/2011)
Posted at 1:54 PM on November 18, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Sneak Peak Outro comes from the new album by the Dayton, Ohio group Guided by Voices. Titled Let's Go Eat the Factory, it's the first GBV album since their disbandment back in 2004. The album is 21 tracks long and breaks away a bit from their usual two-minute-or-so song format. The record is set to release on January 1st, 2012. The sneak peak is titled "The Unsinkable Fats Domino."
Check it out here:
Musicheads: Music Meeting (11/22/2011)
Posted at 12:45 PM on November 18, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on the Music Meeting, Bill is joined by weekend host David Campbell and afternoon host Mary Lucia. They're in to talk about the newest from former Oasis member Noel Gallagher. It's titled Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, and it is currently in stores. This album is much broader and more musically integrated than his work in Oasis. It really spotlights Noel's artistic vision in a way we didn't necessarily see in Oasis. This album allowed him to see his ideas come to fruition and it really works for him.
The first single, "The Death of You and Me":
Musicheads: Record Releases (11/22/2011)
Posted at 12:32 PM on November 18, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores for the week of 11/22:
Kate Bush - 50 Words for Snow
Chris Cornell - Songbook
Willie Nelson - Remember Me Vol. 1
The Loom - Teeth
Snow Patrol - Fallen Empires
Doom Tree - No Kings
The Duke Spirit - Bruiser
Various Artists - Muppets Movie Soundtrack
The featured record release this week is the new one from Snow Patrol. Now based out of Glasgow, this Irish alt-pop band formed back in 1994 at the University of Dundee in Northern Ireland. Titled Fallen Empires, this album marks Snow Patrol's sixth studio album. Lead singer Gary Lightfoot has commented, "It's the longest album we've ever made by far but also the best. We took our time and I also had some bouts of writer's block. [...] Since 2009 I've gone through three writer's blocks but I'm glad because the results are great afterwards. They probably made me write better songs." A world tour should be kicking off soon as well.
The featured single, "Called Out in the Dark":
Musicheads Essentials: Prince - Controversy
Posted at 11:09 AM on November 14, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill on the Essentials this week is morning host Barb Abney to share her pick, Prince's Controversy. Released in 1981, this album marked a new maturity in Prince's music that his previous albums did not capture. The album hit #3 on the R&B chearts back in '81. It's still considered his most political album, and with songs with titles like "Jack U Off" and "Do Me, Baby," it's no wonder the Reagan era would label it such a controversy...
"Controversy":
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Musicheads: Musicast (11/15/2011)
Posted at 10:49 AM on November 14, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
RIP Heavy D
Last Tuesday saw the passing of the hip-hop artist Heavy D of Heady D & the Boyz. He collapsed in the hall outside his apartment after a shopping trip. Paramedics took him to the hospital, where he died 90 minutes later. He reportedly went to the hospital the previous day with flu-like symptoms and his family mentioned that he may have been pneumonic at the time of his death. While the autopsy is complete, the cause of death will not be announced until the toxicology report is returned in six weeks or so.
I know you remember this one:
Sigur Ros' Floaty
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal Sigur Ros has announced that their new album, titled Floaty, will be released this upcoming spring. Recorded after singer Jonsi's solo tour, the group says that the album sounds "introverted, floaty, minimal, and ambient." Sigur Ros' live album and film titled INNI goes on sale next week as well.
From the last album:
EMI Sold Off
Last week CitiGroup announced the sale of EMI recording and publishing. They bought the label just nine months ago from private equity group Terra Firma, which sunk into debt due to their purchase of EMI. EMI Publishing Group is being sold to SONY, the recorded music division to Vivendi/UMG for nearly 2 billion dollars. The label carried artists such as David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Blur/Gorillaz, LCD Soundsystem, Queen, Roxy Music and the Beatles. EMI Publishing Group's catalog features Arcade Fire, Daft Punk, Amy Winehouse and Lou Reed.
Black Sabbath is Back
Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward—the four original members of Black Sabbath—are back in business. It was announced last week that Black Sabbath will be releasing a new album next fall, the first Sabbath album to feature Ozzy since 1978. Following the release of the album will be a supporting world tour, and they've already been scheduled to headline the 2012 Download Festival in Leicestershire, England.
Official announcement vid:
City of Music
Last week Pitchfork.tv launched a new program titled "City of Music". The show is focused on capturing unique and intimate performances all over the site's birthplace, Minneapolis! It's produced by MPLS.tv, "an independent network of videographers, writers, designers, and artists in Minneapolis, and director Dan Huiting, also based in Minneapolis." Huiting co-directed the music video for Bon Iver's "Calgary" and is working on a feature-length documentary on Bon Iver.
Video for "Calgary":
Musicheads: Music Meeting (11/15/2011)
Posted at 1:14 PM on November 11, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the Music Meeting this week evening host Mark Wheat and weekend host Jade Tittle join Bill to go over How Do You Do, the new album from the soul/R&B singer Mayer Hawthorne. Born into the tail-end of the Motown era, this Detroit singer/songwriter was clearly still highly influenced by music and style of the genre. The album was released on October 5th and is his third full-length album. It's more heavily produced than his last two albums, and the songwriting is evolving into a maturity the other two albums may have lacked.
"A Long Time" by Mayer Hawthorne:
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (11/15/2011)
Posted at 1:06 PM on November 11, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Sneak Peak Outro comes from the new album by The Roots. Titled undun, the album is set to come out on December 6th, 2011. The album is a concept album encompassing the life, journey, and death of Redford Stephens (1974-1999). Their website has this to say about it: "Utilizing a reverse narrative arc, the album begins as the listener finds Redford disoriented—postmortem—and attempting to make sense of his former life. As he moves through its pivotal moments he begins to deconstruct all that has led to his (and our own) coming undun." The selected single is titled "Make My" feat. Big K.R.I.T. & Dice Raw.
Check it out:
Musicheads: The Guest List (11/15/2011)
Posted at 12:51 PM on November 11, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on the Guest List is Matthew "Murph" Murphy of the Liverpool band The Wombats. Currently touring the US, the indie rock band has been getting more and more positive feedback over here in the states. Murph says he's been listening to Smashing Pumpkins with the band, kind of a nostalgic kick for the group. They've also been listening to their openers The Postelles and the New Jersey punk-pop band the Static Jacks.
"Girl Parts" by The Static Jacks:
Also check out the "Techno Fan" official video by The Wombats:
Musicheads: November 22, 2011
Posted at 12:14 PM on November 9, 2011
by The Current
Filed under: Musicheads, Programs
Listen
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (11/15/2011)
Posted at 10:50 AM on November 9, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on Musicheads, the Next Big Thing is a band from London called Bombay Bicycle Club. Their third album, A Different Kind of Fix, was released in August. Winning Virgin Mobil's "Road to V" competition back in 2006, the indie folk group beat out 14 other bands and were given the opportunity to open Virgin's V Festival that year, as well as booking several other gigs as an outcome of the competition. Since then, they've been gaining more and more attention both overseas and in the US.
"Light Out, Words Gone" from A Different Kind of Fix:
Musicheads: Record Releases (11/15/2011)
Posted at 10:44 AM on November 9, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores for the week of 11/15:
Childish Gambino - Camp
David Mead - Dudes
The Do - Both Ways Open Jaws
Gym Class Heroes - The Papercut Chronicles II
Los Campesinos! - Hello Saddness
Pert Near Sandstone - Paradise Hop
R.E.M. - Part Lies, Part Heart, part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982-2011
Carter Tanton - Freeclouds
Tegan & Sara - Get Along
This week's featured record release comes to you from Minneapolis bluegrass quintet Pert Near Sandstone. Paradise Hop is their fourth studio album and fifth full-length album. A favorite among local folk/country/bluegrass musicians, Pert Near Sandstone is not only locally but also nationally acclaimed for their music.
Pert Near Sandstone, "Solid Gone":
Musicheads: Musicast (11/8/2011)
Posted at 11:00 AM on November 7, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the music news for the week of 11/8:
The XX Making New Album
Last Thursday, London-based indie pop band the XX announced that they are currently working on a new album. Their self-titled debut album provided a breakthrough for the trio back in 2009, scoring them a Mercury Prize as well as rave reviews from all directions. The new album, still untitled, should be out in 2012.
Music video for "Islands":
Portlandia for the Win!
On this upcoming season of the IFC comedy Portlandia, Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen will be joined by a handful of characters. One of those characters happens to be former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. According to Vulture, he "will play a non-musical role that is a combination of his own identity and that of another character". Also appearing on the new season, starting in January, includes Kristen Wiig, Jack McBrayer, Tim Robbins, Andy Samberg, Amber Tamblyn, Kyle MacLachlan and Penny Marshall.
"Is it local?":
We Bought a Zoo
Sigur Ros front-man Jonsi has been responsible for the soundtrack to the new Cameron Crowe film titled We Bought a Zoo. The film is about a family who moves to a rural area to help revive a failing zoo. The soundtrack will consist mostly of material from his 2010 solo album and from the album Hoppipolla, as well as two original tracks for the movie. It will be in theaters December 23rd.
"Boy Lilikoi" which is on the soundtrack:
GWAR Guitarist Found Dead
Known as Flattus Maximus by fans, Cory Smoot, the guitarist of GWAR, was found dead by band-mates while preparing to cross into Canada last week. The band was devastated after losing such an integral part of their group and lives. The cause of death is still unknown. He was only 34.
Splits Ville
Death Cab For Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard and America's Sweetheart Zooey Daschanel announced last week that they will be splitting up after just two years of marriage. They met in 2008 after their manager introduced them, and the couple married in 2009 in Seattle. It's been reported that no third party was involved in the break-up.
Death Cab, "My Mirror Speaks":
Chuck D vs. Universal Music Group
Chuck D of Public Enemy is attempting to sue Universal in a class action lawsuit for a sum of $100 million, claiming that the company has been underpaying artists for royalties from digital downloads and ringtones. According to the numbers Universal artists are receiving less than 60% of the royalties they are entitled to for these two areas of their businesses. The estate of Rick James is filing a similar suit against UMG.
"Fight the Power", Public Enemy:
Radiohead Jumping the Pond
Radiohead announced the first ten cities in their upcoming 2012 US tour. General ticket sales will open up on November 12, W.A.S.T.E., with presale tickets on the 9th. Their first stop will be Miami on February 27th. Fans will be limited to four tickets per person.
Also, currently up for auction on eBay is the guitar used by Ed O'Brien on the albums Kid A and Amnesiac. It's a Fender Telecaster signed by all five Radioheads members and it was used up until the In Rainbows tour. The album will remain open for auction until November 12, the bid currently around £7,977.77. All proceeds will go to the Billie Butterfly Fund, a charity to raise funds for a four year old girl with a type of brain cancer with no known cure.
"The Daily Mail" on From the Basement:
Musicheads: Music Meeting (11/8/2011)
Posted at 1:36 PM on November 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on the music meeting, Teenage Kicks host Jacquie Fuller and one of the Current's interns Sophie Frank join Bill to discuss the new album from M83 titled Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. Based out of Antibes, France, M83 is a dream-pop/shoegaze group revolving around the musical ideas and leadership of Anthony Gonzalez. This is their sixth album in the ten years they've been around for. The album was released on October 18, 2011 and is currently in stores.
Here's the official video for M83's "Midnight City":
Musicheads: The Guest List (11/8/2011)
Posted at 1:15 PM on November 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on the Guest List is Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Mangan. His latest album Oh Fortune, was released in September. Based out of Vancouver, BC, Mangan has been writing, recording and gigging since he attended UBC back in 2003. Hear what he's been into lately, including M. Ward, St. Vincent and the Daredevil Christopher Wright.
Official video for "Sold", off of Nice, Nice, Very Nice:
Musicheads Essentials: Fiona Apple - Tidal
Posted at 1:06 PM on November 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Today on the Essentials night and weekend host Jade Tittle brings in her pick, Tidal by Fiona Apple. Her first album, releasing in 1996 when she was just 18, this album brought Fiona to instant and unappreciated stardom. The album went triple platinum in the US and she received a Grammy for the single "Criminal". Since then Fiona has been working painstakingly on her albums which tend to take her at least three years to complete. Her next album is due out next year.
The video for "Sleep to Dream" by Fiona Apple:
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: Fiona Apple - Tidal"
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (11/8/2011)
Posted at 11:46 AM on November 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on the Next Big Thing, Melanie shares with us an artist from New Zealand named Kimbra. Her debut album Vows scored her the New Zealand's Critics Choice Award this year. She also has been nominated for the 2011 ARIA awards for Best Female Artist, as well as for Best Song for "Somebody That I Used to Know," which is off of the latest album from Gotye. Her album has yet to be released in the US. However, she has a world-wide distribution deal with Warner Bro's so it should get here eventually.
Here's the single "Good Intent":
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (11/8/2011)
Posted at 11:36 AM on November 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Sneak Peak Outro comes from surrealist director David Lynch. His album Crazy Clown Time, his first solo album, comes out this week. Lynch is featured on vocals and guitar on most of the album, which has the same creepy and surrealist vibe as his films. The selected single off the album is titled "Pinky's Dream," and it features Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on vocals.
Listen to it here:
Musicheads: Record Releases (11/8/2011)
Posted at 10:36 AM on November 2, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores this week:
Atlas Sound - Parallax
The Bees [Band of Bees] - Every Step's A Yes
Brian Eno - Panic of Looking EP
Cass McCombs - Humor Risk
David Lynch - Crazy Clown Time
Etta James - The Dreamer
Lateef the Truthspeaker - FireWire
Meshell Ndegeocello - Weather
Noel Gallagher - Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Sigur Ros - INNI (11/7/11)
Summer Camp - Welcome to Condale
This week's featured record release comes from Oakland, Calif. hip hop act Lateef the Truthspeaker, half of the hip hop group Latyrx. The album is titled FireWire and was produced by Chief Xcel, DJ Shadow, Dan the Automator, Somehow at Sea and Headnodic. Guests featured on the album include Lyrics Born (the other half of Latyrx), Del the Funky Homosapien,and The Grouch. The selected song, the first single off the record, is titled "Testimony."
Musicheads: November 1, 2011
Posted at 10:00 PM on November 1, 2011
by The Current
Filed under: Musicheads
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Musicheads: Musicast (11/1/2011)
Posted at 3:06 PM on October 28, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the music news for 11/1/11:
Bridge School Benefit Turns 25
For 25 years now Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit has been raising funds to help teach students with learning and communication disabilities. In a two-night concert last week at San Francisco's Shoreline Amphitheatre, Neil Young and his wife Pegi were joined by artists such as Arcade Fire, Eddie Vedder, Beck, Foo Fighters, Tony Bennett, Norah Jones, Mumford & Sons and Devendra Banhart to play to over 45,000 fans.
Trailer for the show:
Little Boi is On the Way
It has been reported that Big Boi is working on a follow-up to 2010's Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. In a Twitter post on Wednesday night he announced that his new album, appropriately titled Daddy Fat Saxxx: Soul Funk Crusader, will include at least two collaborations with the Swedish indie-pop group Little Dragon. He and Yukimi Nagano are currently working diligently at Stankonia Studios to ensure a timely release.
Little Dragon performing "Little Man" live:
Morrissey is Suing NME
British singer-songwriter and former Smiths frontman Morrissey has been given the go-ahead by England's High Court to sue NME for libel. Morrissey first made his threat of the suit back in 2007 after the magazine published an interview that he claims made him sound like a racist. He was quoted saying, "the gates of England are flooded [...] Although I don't have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England the more the British identity disappears." He says that his words were taken out of context. The lawsuit is hanging on the horizon for now.
The Smiths, "This Charming Man":
Amy Winehouse Died of Alcohol Poisoning
After several months of speculation and false reports, alcohol poisoning is officially the cause of Amy Winehouse's death. The coroners report that she had five times the legal driving limit in her body when she died; however drugs did not in any way contribute to her passing. The coroner has ruled the verdict "death by misadventure."
Also, Island Records has announced that Lioness: Hidden Treasures, Amy's third album, will be posthumously compiled and released on December 5th of this year. Her close friends Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi decided to pull the album together after listening to the incomplete cuts following her death. The two stated that the album is "a collection of songs that deserved to be heard, a collection of songs that were a fitting testament to Amy the artist and, as importantly, Amy their friend."
"Tears Dry on Their Own" by Amy Winehouse:
New Queen Album Under Way
Queen guitarist Brian May has announced that a new Queen LP is to be released in the future. He says that the album will include unreleased material recorded by Freddie Mercury before he passed away in 1991. On top of the new record, May says that he would like to use the material for a follow-up production to We Will Rock You, Queen's rock opera. He and drummer Roger Taylor are working to pull the album together.
"Don't Stop Me Now" official video:
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (11/1/2011)
Posted at 12:33 PM on October 28, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Sneak Peak Outro comes from UK psych-rock band The Bees, also known as A Band of Bees. The Bees have been touring with Fleet Foxes in the UK this year in order to promote their new album. They were nominated for a Mercury Prize back in 2002 for their first album, Sunshine Hit Me, which was surprisingly recorded in a garden shed. Their fourth studio album, Every Step's a Yes, will be released on November 8th.
The first single off the new album, "I Really Need Love":
Musicheads Essentials: Nina Simone - The Essential Nina Simone
Posted at 12:14 PM on October 28, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on the Essentials is the Current's Marketing Manager Ali Lozoff. Her Essential pick is a compilation album called The Essential Nina Simone Collection by singer-songwriter and civil rights activist Nina Simone. Simone passed away in 2003 of breast cancer. However, her incredible and enduring career yielded roughly 40 albums and compilations, which is about enough to ensure that she'll live forever. Not only was she a gifted interpreter of music and lyrics, but she was a fantastic piano player and performer.
Bob Dylan's "Just Like a Woman," covered by Nina Simone:
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: Nina Simone - The Essential Nina Simone"
Musicheads: The Guest List (11/1/2011)
Posted at 11:41 AM on October 26, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Jill Riley on the Guest List today is producer, musician, actor, record and publishing company owner and former Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins. He's been an active part of the music and media industries since the early '80s, fronting a number of bands and getting involved in many aspects of the entertainment business. Hear what he's been listening to lately, including Japanese experimental punk band Melt-Banana. Rollins also mentions Thee Oh Sees, a band that has come up quite a few times among our various guests. Must be something there, right?
Thee Oh Sees, "Meat Step Lively" official video:
Musicheads: The Music Meeting (11/1/2011)
Posted at 11:37 AM on October 26, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill this week on the Music Meeting are Program Director Jim McGuinn and morning host Barb Abney, in to discuss Bad As Me, the new album from Tom Waits. This album is the seventeenth studio album by Waits, and it was released last week and is in stores. Waits' first album of all new material since 2004's Real Gone, the album was preceeded by months of hype that became justified upon release. Bad As Me has been gaining more and more critical acclaim and is definitely worth checking out.
"Bad As Me," the first single off of the record:
Musicheads: Next Big Thing (11/1/2011)
Posted at 10:59 AM on October 26, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Next Big Thing is an electro-pop duo from New York called MNDR. Their EP, titled EPE, was released back in April of 2010 and garnered them a substantial online following thanks to their MySpace page. The group, made up of Amanda Warner and Peter Wade, works very closely with producer and artist Mark Ronson. Warner is featured on a few songs from Ronson's third album, Record Collection.
"Cut Me Out" by MNDR:
Musicheads: Record Releases (11/1/2011)
Posted at 10:43 AM on October 26, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores this week:
Beach Boys - Smile Sessions
Blouse - Blouse
Brite Futures - Dark Past
Decemberists - Long Live the King EP
Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials
Girl in a Coma - Exits & All the Rest
Carole King - A Holiday Carole
Lou Reed & Metallica - Lulu
Pyyramids (OK Go's Tim Norwind side project) - Human Beings EP
They Might be Giants - Album Raises New and Troubling Questions
Wale - Ambition
Zenith Myth - Zenith Myth
This week's featured record release comes from the Portland storytellers known as the Decemberists. Their six-song Long Live the King EP, the follow up to The King is Dead, is mostly acoustic tracks tied closely to the theme and genre of the last album, and it was mostly recorded around the same time as well. The featured single off the EP is titled "Foregone" and you can listen to it here.
Musicheads Essentials: Neil Young - Rust Never Sleeps
Posted at 9:44 PM on October 25, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Essential pick comes from MPR reporter Chris Roberts. His pick is Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young's Rust Never Sleeps. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website describes Young as "one of rock and roll's greatest songwriters and performers". Released in 1979, Rust Never Sleeps was mostly recorded live in San Francisco's Cow Palace. A combination of acoustic and electric tracks, the album starts and ends with different versions of the same song, "Hey Hey, My My".
The electric version of "Hey Hey, My My":
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Musicheads: October 25, 2011
Posted at 3:45 PM on October 22, 2011
by The Current
Filed under: Musicheads
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Muischeads: Musicast (10/25/2011)
Posted at 11:12 AM on October 24, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
A Farewell to Berry Feinstein
Famed rock photographer Berry Feinstein died of natural causes in upstate New York last Thursday. Feinstein is responsible for shooting some of the most iconic and legendary artists, events and photographs, including the covers of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin, George Harrison's All Things Must Pass and Janis Joplin's Pearl. Feinstein even photographed Bob Dylan's legendary 1966 electric tour, taking some of the most memorable images in Dylan's entire career.
Bob Dylan, "Boots of Spanish Leather":
Stone Roses Back Together
Madchester pioneers The Stone Roses broke up back in 1996. However, they have announced that they will reunite for a series of three gigs next summer. The Manchester shows sold out 220,000 tickets within an hour. Some tickets are being bid on for up to a million pounds on eBay. The shows will include all four original members, and there's an additional promise of a new album and world tour to come in the near future.
Part of the Stone Roses press conference:
A Gift that Keeps on Giving
One of John Lennon's teeth is being auctioned in England this November. Lennon supposedly gave the tooth to his housekeeper to give to her daughter as a souvenir back in the late 60's. While he was simply going to throw the tooth away, he figured he could make one little girl's dreams come true instead. The tooth is expected to sell for anywhere from $10,000-16,000.
Decemberists Keyboardist in Remission
Decemberists keyboardist Jenny Conlee has been fighting breast cancer for five months, missing the summer and fall legs of their tour to recuperate. Conlee has been in the Decemberists providing keyboard and accordion accompaniment from the start. Fortunately, she caught the disease in the early stages and has been staying optimistic about her treatment. Last Thursday, frontman Colin Meloy tweeted, "For those of you wondering, saw Jenny this week; our girl's officially in remission!" She'll be back on the tour as early as November.
"16 Military Wives" by the Decemberists:
Loretta Lynn Hospitalized for Pneumonia
Country singer Loretta Lynn was hospitalized over the weekend due to concerns over pneumonia. She's had to cancel shows in both Kentucky and North Carolina, though she says she will probably be back out there by November. While she has said that she is merely in the early stages of the illness, she is staying in the hospital until she can get back to her tour.
"Portland, Oregon" by Loretta Lynn feat. Jack White:
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (10/25/2011)
Posted at 11:37 AM on October 19, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Sneak Peak Outro comes from singer-songwriter, rapper, bassist and vocalist Me'Shell Ndegeocello. She has been said to have "sparked the neo-soul movement" and has been nominated for ten Grammy awards throughout her 20-year career. The single this week is titled "Chelsea Hotel," and it is a Leonard Cohen cover off of Ndegeocello's new album Weather, which will be out on November 8th.
Leonard Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel":
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (10/25/2011)
Posted at 11:13 AM on October 19, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week on the Next Big Thing is a dream-pop band from Long Island called Twin Sister. Their album In Heaven, released on September 27th, garnered them the #3 spot in Pitchfork Media's "Best Hope for 2011" section of the readers poll. You can read a review of the album by The Current's Associate Web Producer Peter Valelly here. This album is a lot tighter and more heavily produced than their previous two EPs, Color Your Life and Vampires with Dreaming Kids.
Here's the video for "Kimmi in a Rice Field":
Musicheads: Music Meeting (10/25/2011)
Posted at 11:05 AM on October 19, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the Music Meeting this week, morning hosts Steve Seel and Jill Riley join Bill to discuss the new album from Björk titled Biophilia. Biophilia is Björk's eighth full-length studio album, was released on October 10th and is in stores now. Interestingly, Björk designed an entire app that revolves around this album. Apple says it better than I could (kind of...):
"Biophilia is an extraordinary and innovative multimedia exploration of music, nature and technology by the musician Björk. Comprising a suite of original music and interactive, educational artworks and musical artifacts, Biophilia is released as ten in-app experiences that are accessed as you fly through a three-dimensional galaxy that accompanies the album's theme song 'Cosmogony.'"
Official video for "Moon":
Musicheads: The Guest List (10/25/2011)
Posted at 10:40 AM on October 19, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On the Guest List this week is Austin, Texas post-rock band Explosions in the Sky. Comprised of three electric guitarists and a drummer, Explosions has managed to garner a pretty decent following since they formed back in 1999. Their latest, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care, is their sixth full-length album. It was released last April and is available in stores and online.
"Your Hand in Mine" by Explosions in the Sky:
Musicheads: Record Releases (10/25/2011)
Posted at 10:25 AM on October 19, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores for the week of 10/25:
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
Deer Tick - Divine Providence
Thomas Dolby - A Map of the Floating City
Vince Gill - Guitar Slinger
The Good Natured - Skeleton
Gringo Star - Count Yer Lucky Stars
Idle Warship - Habits of the Heart
Justice - Audio, Disco, Video
She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas
Surfer Blood - Tarot Classics
Tom Waits - Bad As Me
Scott Weiland - The Most Wonderful Time of Year
This week's featured record release comes from Deer Tick, an alt-country band from Providence, R.I. Divine Providence is Deer Tick's fourth full-length studio album. The featured single off the record is titled "Miss K." Check it out below.
Musicheads: October 18, 2011
Posted at 10:29 PM on October 18, 2011
by The Current
Filed under: Musicheads
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Musicheads: The Musicast (10/18/2011)
Posted at 2:55 PM on October 14, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Google Music Store
Recently, Google announced that they will be opening their own online music store that will work in conjunction with their Music Beta service, which they launched back in May. The service will allow users to access their music libraries wirelessly from a variety of hand-held devices. With Apple working on their own cloud service, cleverly titled iCloud, the two companies are racing to release their respective services first — and it's looking like Apple is in the lead, with their launch date projected for the end on October.
Leonard Cohen Works With Son on New Album
In a BBC interview with Leonard Cohen's son, Adam Cohen, he revealed that he has been working with his father in a "consultant capacity" on a new project. While Adam has released his own LP, he says that his involvement in his father's music isn't necessary from a musical standpoint. The album will be Cohen's first since 2004's Dear Heather. While Cohen's label hasn't confirmed that the album will happen, his son has made it fairly clear that it should be expected.
"Everybody Knows" by Leonard Cohen:
Kim Gordon and Turston Moore Split
Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth have separated after 27 years of marriage. The couple has stated that they wish to protect their privacy regarding the matter and have not released any other information about their separation. However, Matador Records have said that Sonic Youth's South America tour will continue with both Gordon and Moore participating.
"Superstar" performed by Sonic Youth:
Gibson Guitars Under Fire
Gibson Guitars is currently under investigation by the US Government for violating the Lacey Act, an environmental law that limits companies to imported goods from countries or regions that comply with US environmental laws and standards. The investigation, their second in three years, is over their use of rosewood, an increasingly rare species of tree. Gibson imported from both Madigascar and India, countries who do not comply with the Lacey Act, and they've already had over $500,000 worth of rosewood confiscated upon arrival to the US. Gibson claims the whole thing to be a "misunderstanding over tariff coding."
The Black Keys: El Camino
The Black Keys released information last week regarding their new record, El Camino, due out December 6th. They made the announcement in the format of a phony car commercial starring former SNL cast member Bob Odenkirk, which you can check out on our blog. The record will contain 11 tracks, with the first single "Lonely Boy" coming out on October 26th. The album is co-produced by the Keys and Danger Mouse.
El Camino Ad:
Dan Treacy in Coma
Television Personalities front-man Daniel Treacy was induced into a coma last week after having brain surgery to remove a blood clot. While it is still unknown as to how the clot formed, a police investigation is currently under way. His fellow band mates have stated that "the band is very much concerned for [their] dear friend and Brother Daniel at this time, and [they] are all praying for a recovery."
MGMT, "Song For Dan Treacy":
Musicheads Essentials: Spoon - Gimme Fiction
Posted at 1:11 PM on October 14, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On this week's Essentials feature, afternoon host Mary Lucia brings in her pick, Spoon's Gimme Fiction. Starting back in '93, Spoon formed under the name The Alien Beats, but they soon after changed their name to honor the German avant-garde band Can. They released their first album, Nefarious, on vinyl in '94 and have made seven full-length albums since. Receiving plenty of critical acclaim, Gimme Fiction was ranked #1 on Billboard's Top Indie Albums of 2005, and Stephen King named "I Summon You" his favorite song for that year, so that's got to mean something.
Here it is, "I Summon You":
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: Spoon - Gimme Fiction"
Musicheads: Music Meeting (10/18/2011)
Posted at 11:55 AM on October 12, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill in the Music Meeting this week is overnight/weekend host Jade Tittle, as well as Program Coordinator Lindsay Kimball. They're in to discuss their thoughts on Metals, the latest from Canadian artist Feist. An eight-time Juno award winner and four-time Grammy nominee, Feist has been proving herself a force to be reckoned with over the past ten years or so. This record is the fifth studio album from the Nova Scotia native and it was released earlier in the month.
The first single off the album, "How Come You Never Go There":
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (10/18/2011)
Posted at 11:49 AM on October 12, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
For the Next Big Thing this week, Melanie brings in Belgian/Australian multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter Gotye. Real name Wouter "Wally" De Backer, he also plays in the Melbourne-based band The Basics, although Gotye is still his main focus. His new album, Making Mirrors, hits stores August 19th and has already gone platinum in Australia. The record features plenty of sampling and eclectic instrumentation and was influenced by artists such as Kate Bush and Depeche Mode.
Here's his single off of Making Mirrors, "Somebody That I Used to Know":
Musicheads: The Guest List (10/18/2011)
Posted at 11:23 AM on October 12, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill on the Guest List this week is keyboardist Phil Cook of the North Carolina folk band Megafaun. Formerly the backing band of DeYarmond Edison, an old project of Justin Vernon's of Bon Iver, Megafaun are originally from Eau Claire, Wisc. and are currently touring to promote their new, self-titled album. Cook shares what he's been listening to lately, which includes Megafaun touring mate Doug Paisley's album Constant Companion. Also, to ring in the fall, he tells about his go-to autumn album, Angel Band by Emmy Lou Harris.
Listen to Doug Paisley's "At the End of the Day" here:
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (10/18/2011)
Posted at 10:26 AM on October 12, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Sneak Peak Outro comes from the upcoming album by the British progressive art rock artist Kate Bush. Her new album, 50 Words For Snow, is her first album of original material in six years and is also her tenth studio album to date. It is her second to be released on her own label, Fish People. A concept album, it is meant to be set to a backdrop of falling snow, hence its November 21st release date. While it only contains seven songs, the album runs 65 and a half minutes with the shortest song being just under 7 minutes, so you'll definitely be getting your bang for your buck. Anyway, the selected sneak peak track is titled "Wild Man."
Here it is:
Musicheads: Record Releases (10/18/2011)
Posted at 10:15 AM on October 12, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In stores this week:
Chris Isaak - Beyond the Sun
Class Actress - Rapprocher
Judy Collins - Bohemian
I Break Horses - Heart
Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist
Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis - Smoking In Heaven
M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
My Brightest Diamond - All Things Will Unwind
Noah and the Megafauna - Songs for a Stateless Nation
Noel Gallagher - Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
The Original 7ven (Formerly The Time) - Condensate
Real Estate - Days
This week's featured Record Release comes from the Jersey psychedelic surf-pop band Real Estate. Their new album Days is their second studio album since forming in 2009. The single we chose for you fine folks is titled "It's Real."
Check it out here:
Musicheads: October 11, 2011
Posted at 10:00 PM on October 11, 2011
by The Current
Filed under: Musicheads
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Musicheads: The Musicast (10/11/2011)
Posted at 10:41 AM on October 10, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Steve Jobs Passes Away
You've probably already heard that after battling pancreatic cancer for seven years, Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs passed away last Wednesday at the age of 56. Having revolutionized the way we listen to, purchase, download, create,and discover music, he is a huge loss to the creative world and the music industry as a whole.
Goodbyes to Bert Jansch and Mikey Welsh
In other sad news, British folk guitarist Bert Jansch died last Wednesday of lung cancer at the age of 67. Jansch started out in the British folk community in England during the '60s with his group Pentangle and continued to make nearly two dozen solo albums beyond. His music influenced bands like Mumford & Sons, the Avett Brothers, Ted Leo and Frightened Rabbit. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page once described him as "the innovator of the time."
Pentangle, "Hunting Song":
Additionally, former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh died at the age of 40 in Chicago on Saturday. Welsh performed and recorded with Weezer from 1998 to 2001, playing on the self-titled "Green Album," but he quit after a nervous breakdown. It is suspected that he died of a drug overdose.
"Hash Pipe" official music video:
ASCAP Denied Appeal
After losing their case last year, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, known as ASCAP, were denied an appeal by the Supreme Court last week. The group was attempting to retain artists' rights with digitally downloaded music, however it was ruled by the court that "music is neither recited, rendered, nor played when a record (electronic or otherwise) is simply delivered to a potential listener."
RCA Shuts Down 3 Labels
RCA reported last week that they will be shutting down three of their fairly well known sub-labels in the near future. Arista, J and Jive Records are all seeing their days out, as RCA executives Peter Edge and Tom Corson announced that the back catalogues and current signed artists of the labels will now release through RCA directly. A few notable artists from the three labels include Iggy Pop and Lou Reed in the late '70s, as well as Prince, Outkast, the Notorious B.I.G., Aretha Franklin, A Tribe Called Quest, Aaliyah and even Britney Spears.
"Xplosion" by Outkast (FYI, explicit lyrics):
Fame & Fortune
Filmmaker John Scheinfeld has taken on the ultimate challenge by deciding to cast an unknown to play Elvis Presley. Titled Fame & Fortune, the film is from the perspective of the King's best friend, Sonny West, walking you through their 17 year relationship. Scheinfeld decided to look for an unknown who truly embodies the essence of Elvis, instead of casting a well-known actor who may detract from the level of reality he is hoping to instill. He figures it will require a world-wide Elvis search to accomplish the task.
Elvis Presley singing "Love Me Tender":
Musicheads Essentials: Brian Eno - Here Come the Warm Jets
Posted at 11:58 AM on October 7, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Essentials pick comes from morning host Steve Seel. He's in to talk about glam rock producer Brian Eno's Here Come the Warm Jets. Originally released in 1974, the album has been rereleased a few times since and only continues to receive positive feedback and praise for its creativity and progressive sound. Here Come the Warm Jets is an art rock album, and with nearly 20 different musicians collaborating on the album, it turned out an eclectic masterpiece. It heavily demonstrates its avant garde influences, as well as elements of theatre and straight-up Brian Eno eccentricity.
"Needle In The Camel's Eye":
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Musicheads: The Guest List (10/11/2011)
Posted at 10:46 AM on October 5, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill this week on the Guest List is Janet Weiss, drummer and backing vocalist of Wild Flag. You may have heard them in the Music Meeting on last week's episode of Musicheads. Wild Flag is a supergroup featuring two of the members of Sleater-Kinney and members of Helium and The Minders. Janet talks about who she's been into lately, which includes San Francisco band Thee Oh Sees, as well as the Philly-based band the War on Drugs.
"Baby Missiles" by the War on Drugs:
Musicheads: 10/04/2011
Posted at 10:30 PM on October 4, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
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Musicheads: The Music Meeting (10/11/2011)
Posted at 10:23 AM on October 5, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill in the Music Meeting this week are Sr. Web Producer Brett Baldwin and MPR News Director Steve Nelson to talk about The Whole Love, the latest from Wilco. Released on September 27th, The Whole Love is the first of Wilco's albums to be released through their personal record label, dBpm, and was produced by lead singer and songwriter Jeff Tweedy himself.
First single off the new album, "I Might":
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (10/11/2011)
Posted at 10:06 AM on October 5, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On the Next Big Thing this week, Music Director Melanie Walker brings us the Alabama Shakes. Based out of Athens, Ala., the Alabama Shakes (formerly The Shakes) have been together since May of 2009. The Alabama Shakes EP is currently available for sale on their Band Camp site for $4. This soul and rock 'n roll revival group is sure to get your toe-a-tappin', especially if you're into ballsy lady singers.
Listen to the whole EP here:
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (10/11/2011)
Posted at 11:11 AM on October 10, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Sneak Peak Outro comes from Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox's side project, Atlas Sound. The track is titled "Te Amo" and is off the album Parallax, in stores November 8th. This is Cox's third album as Atlas Sound. If you're into Animal Collective and Radiohead, this one's for you.
"Te Amo":
Musicheads: Record Releases (10/11/2011)
Posted at 11:02 AM on October 10, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores for the week of 10/11:
Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
Ben Lee - Deeper Into Dreams
Bjork - Biophilia
Crooked Fingers - Breaks in the Armor
Cymbals Eat Guitars - Lenses Alien
Electric Six - Heartbeats and Brainwaves
Erasure - Tomorrow's World
Himalayan Bear - Hard Times
Joe Henry - Reverie
Julian Lennon - Everything Changes
Marketa Irglova - Anar
Mayer Hawthorne - How Do You Do
Rachel Yamagata - Chesapeake
William Shatner - Seeking Major Tom
Nous Non Plus - Freudian Slip
This week's featured record release is Ashes & Fire by singer-songwriter and former Cardinals frontman Ryan Adams. This album is his 13th studio album and features Norah Jones on several tracks. The single off of the album is titled "Lucky Now."
Listen to it here:
Musicheads: Musicast (10/4/2011)
Posted at 2:08 AM on October 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the news this week:
Sylvia Robinson Passed Away at 75
Last Thursday saw the unfortunate passing of Sylvia Robinson. She was deemed the "Mother of Hip-Hop" and was the founder/CEO of Sugar Hill Records, the first ever hip-hop label. Before pioneering a genre, she was a successful R&B singer herself in the '50s duo Mickey & Sylvia. She died of congestive heart failure at the age of 75.
Sylvia's 1956 hit "Love is Strange":
Emo's Closing in December
The beloved Austin, TX venue Emo's is reportedly going out of business in the coming months. While the final show at the venue will be taking place on December 24th, Emo's will still be around. They recently opened a second venue in Austin called Emo's East, and plan to open a new venue within walking distance of the original Emo's as well.
Foster the People performing "Houdini" live at Emo's:
You've Gotta Love Her
The infamous Courtney Love is set to release her memoir in the fall of 2012. While not a lot of information has been posted yet, it has been noted that the book will shed light upon her childhood and "set the record straight" as far as the many rumors about her.
"Celebrity Skin" by Hole:
Not Quite a Party These Days
Bloc Party has been in the news recently about the possibility of them getting a new lead singer. Members have been quoted saying that they would like to continue playing regardless of the fact that original lead singer Kele Okereke may be too busy to be involved. Despite all the rumors, Bloc Party has reported that Kele isn't being kicked out, though the whole thing remains fairly nebulous.
Bloc Party, "Banquet":
BlakRoc 2 was Never Going to Happen
In an interview with Patrick Carney, the drummer of the Black Keys, the record was set straight that BlakRoc 2 was never happening all along. He claimed that the trailer, which you may have found on our Musicheads blog, was actually pieced together about two years ago by an unauthorized source. Sorry about the misleading information. Although this news about BlakRoc 2 may be a bit of a let down, Carney also said that the Black Keys' new album, featuring production by Danger Mouse, is right on track.
The official video for "Next Girl" off of the album Brothers:
Musicheads Essentials: The Fall - Hex Enduction Hour
Posted at 2:22 AM on October 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill in the Essentials this week is evening host Mark Wheat, who stops by to talk about his essential pick, Hex Enduction Hour by The Fall. Released in 1982, the album was partially recorded in Iceland and features two drummers, Karl Burns and Paul Hanley.
Check out Mark's top song pick, "Hip Priest":
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: The Fall - Hex Enduction Hour"
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (10/4/2011)
Posted at 2:28 AM on October 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Next Big Thing is Miles Kane, the former frontman of The Rascals and The Last Shadow Puppets. This indie-rocker/Britpop-er released his debut album back in May. With a fair amount of success over in the UK, the album, titled Colour of the Trap, is just gaining speed over here. The album features backing vocals from Noel Gallagher as well as a duet with French actress Clemence Poesy (Fleur Dalacour from the Harry Potter movies). If you're into the Arctic Monkeys you should probably check him out.
"Come Closer," the second single off of the album:
Musicheads: The Guest List (10/4/2011)
Posted at 2:36 AM on October 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The week, evening host Mark Wheat fills in for Bill on the Guest List. This week's guest is '80s synth pop/new wave band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). Currently in the midst of a comeback, OMD first became popular during the early '80s with such classics like "If You Leave" from the John Hughes film Pretty in Pink, as well as the track "Enola Gay."
Amazing video for "If You Leave":
The Essentials - Nirvana Nevermind
Posted at 3:13 PM on August 3, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
Barb Abney brought in one of her favorites for the Essentials by Nirvana! Nevermind turns 20 this year.
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Musicheads: Music Meeting (10/4/2011)
Posted at 2:40 AM on October 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill in the Music Meeting this week are afternoon host Mary Lucia and Local Show host David Campbell to talk about Wild Flag's self titled album. The four chicks in this band, which include former Sleater-Kinney, Helium, and Minders members, have been rocking around for a while now before coming together to do Wild Flag. Their sound is something of a mash-up of several genres such as surf rock, 50's rock 'n roll and a tinge of punk, among other styles.
"Short Version" live in-studio
Musicheads Record Releases (10/4/2011)
Posted at 2:45 AM on October 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores for the week of 10/4/11:
George Benson - Guitar Man
Death in Vegas - Trans-Love Energies
Dreamers of the Ghetto - Enemy/Lover
Feist - Metals
Indigo Girls - Beauty Queen Sister
Merle Haggard - Working In Tennessee
Ronan Keating & Burt Bacharach - When Ronan Met Burt
Julian Lennon - Everything Changes
Loney Dear - Hall Music
Paul McCartney - Paul McCartney's Ocean's Kingdom
Mute Math - Odd Soul
S.C.U.M. - Again Into Eyes
Various - The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams
Zola Jesus - Conatus
This week's featured record release comes all the way from the Bundesrepublik auf Deutschland. This German electronic/techno/breakbeat duo (but don't tell them I said that, they don't like labels) goes by the name of Modeselektor and their fifth studio album, Monkeytown, comes out this week. The featured single is titled "Shipwreck" and features Thom Yorke of Radiohead.
Here it is, have a listen:
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (10/4/2011)
Posted at 2:50 AM on October 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Sneak Peak Outro this week is called "By Your Hand" by the Wales-based-yet-non-Welsh indie-rock band Los Campesinos. Their fourth studio album is titled Hello Sadness and will be hitting stores November 15th.
Check out the video for "By Your Hand" here:
Musicheads: September 27, 2011
Posted at 10:00 PM on September 27, 2011
by The Current
Filed under: Musicheads
Listen
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Musicheads: Musicast (9/27/2011)
Posted at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
R.E.M. Announces Their Break Up
In a statement posted on their website, R.E.M. declared last week that it was time to part ways. Fortunately, it seems to be the consensus of the group that it is simply time to move on. Michael Stipe wrote on their website, "A wise man once said -- 'the skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave.' We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it."
R.E.M. will be releasing their greatest hits album on November 15th. The compilation will be titled Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982-2011.
Video for "Shiny Happy People":
A Tribute to Bob Mould
Legendary St. Paul punk band Hüsker Dü's frontman Bob Mould will honored this November in the concert "See a Little Light: A Celebration of the Music and Legacy of Bob Mould." Artists who will perform include No Age, Best Coast, Dave Grohl, Ben Gibbard, Ryan Adams, Craig Finn and Tad Kubler of the Hold Steady and Lifter Puller, Margaret Cho and Grant-Lee Phillips, as well as Mould himself.
Bob Mould with Foo Fighters on Conan:
Face-ify is Here
At last week's f8 Developer Conference, Mark Zuckerberg, along with Spotify CEO David Ek, announced that the two companies will be teaming up in the very near future. While several websites are suggesting that this will change the music industry forever, we'll just have to wait and see what happens.
Watch Andy Sandberg rag on Zuckerberg for 7 1/2 minutes:
Absolutely Kosher Calls it Quits
After 13 years of pumping out artists like the Mountain Goats, The Jim Yoshii Pile-Up, The Wrens and dozens of others, California label Absolutely Kosher announced last week that they will be going out of business for the foreseeable future. Owner Cory Brown stated that financial troubles are to blame for the label's closing and that "the only thing on [his] plate right now is to eliminate [their] debts and rejuvenate [his] spirits."
"New Zion" by The Mountain Goats:
I Found a Star on the Ground
The latest project from Oklahoma experimental rockers The Flaming Lips is a six-hour song entitled "I Found a Star on the Ground," and it is only available for purchase through Jackpot. In an inventive way to show gratitude, every person who donated at least $100 to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society or the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma actually gets their name read off by Sean Lennon during the song. Click here to hear it on SoundCloud.
Pink Floyd Week
Coinciding with the launch of a massive reissue campaign of Pink Floyd's fourteen studio albums and more, this week is officially Pink Floyd week. Every night this week you can see Floyd covers by bands including The Shins, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and even Pink Floyd themselves on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." The shows air at 11:35 p.m. central time on NBC.
"Breathe" covered by The Flaming Lips:
Musicheads Essentials: The Flying Burrito Brothers - The Gilded Palace of Sin
Posted at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Essential album is a pick from morning host Jill Riley. Her pick is The Gilded Palace of Sin, the 1969 album from The Flying Burrito Brothers. The album fuses country and folk with other mainstream music genres like folk, gospel, R&B and rock. The album was the first from The Flying Burrito Brothers and is considered to be a great influence on modern country-rock. The album continues to bear influence on artists such as Wilco, Elvis Costello, The Jayhawks and Lucinda Williams, as well as many others.
"Dark End of the Street" from The Gilded Palace of Sin:
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: The Flying Burrito Brothers - The Gilded Palace of Sin"
Muciheads: The Music Meeting (9/27/2011)
Posted at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill in this week's Music Meeting are Teenage Kicks host Jacquie Fuller and evening host Mark Wheat to talk about Strange Mercy, the new album by Annie Clark, better known as St. Vincent. Formerly part of the backing band for Sufjan Stevens and a member of The Polyphonic Spree, St. Vincent has, since her 2007 debut album Marry Me, been coming into her own as the dark and talented musician she is today. Not only is she a captivating singer and highly talented guitarist, she is an amazing performer and only continues to grow as an artist. St. Vincent will be coming to Minneapolis on October 2nd to play the McGuire Theatre at the Walker Art Center. For more tour info click here.
Here's the video for the single "Cruel":
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (9/27/2011)
Posted at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Called the "Savior of Blues," 27-year-old Gary Clark Jr. is an up-and-coming soul machine and this week's Next Big Thing. His third studio recording, The Bright Lights EP, was released in early August and has been getting a good deal of acclaim since. Considered by some as one of the leaders of the current Austin, TX rock scene, Gary Clark Jr. is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with. Definitely check him out if you're into The Black Keys, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hendrix, Muddy Waters or any other B.A. bluesmen you can think of.
Musicheads: The Guest List (9/27/2011)
Posted at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's guest is Peter Wolf Crier's Peter Pisano, in to talk with Bill about which artists he's been diggin' on these days. Peter Wolf Crier is an alt/indie duo made up of Pisano and Brian Moen. They're based out of the Twin Cities and have been touring ever since their first album, Inter-Be, released last year. Peter talks about Blake Mills, a young and highly talented guitarist who's been all over the map over the past few years. He also speaks about his love for hip-hop and about his friend Michael Larsen of Eyedea and Abilities, who tragically passed away nearly a year ago.
"Burn Fetish" by Eyedea and Abilities:
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (9/27/2011)
Posted at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Sneak Peak Outro this week comes from the highly anticipated new album from British alt-rock band Florence + the Machine. Their second release, titled Ceremonials, is due in stores sometime in the next few months, though a US release date has yet to be set. The featured sneak peak is titled "Shake it Out." Hear it below.
Musicheads: Record Releases (9/27/2011)
Posted at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores for the week of the 27th:
Apparat - The Devil's Walk
Blink-182 - Neighborhoods
DJ Shadow - The Less You Know, The Better
Dum Dum Girls - Only In Dreams
Gloria Estefan - Miss Little Havana
Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist
LeAnne Rimes - Lady & Gentleman
Plaid - Scintilli
Tom Vek - Leisure Seizure
Twin Sister - In Heaven
VHS or Beta - Diamonds & Death
Wilco - The Whole Love
This week's featured record release is DJ Shadow, a pioneer in the development of instrumental hip-hop. His fourth studio album, The Less You Know, The Better comes out today, the 27th. The album contains 17 original tracks and features several guest artists, including British electronic artist Tom Vek on the album's first single.
Check it out, it's called "Warning Call (ft. Tom Vek)":
Musicheads: September 20, 2011
Posted at 10:00 PM on September 20, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
Listen
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Musicheads: The Guest List (9/20/2011)
Posted at 2:25 PM on September 19, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill this week on The Guest List is Tapes 'n Tapes bassist Erik Applewick. Proving to be an indie staple of the Twin Cities, Tapes 'n Tapes have been doing their thing around town and across the country since 2003 and have cut three studio albums. Applewick talks about his latest favorites, the self titled album from Broken Social Scene, as well as "Wholesale Love", a Buddy Miles Track. Tapes 'n Tapes will be wrapping up their tour here in St Paul on October 16th at the Turf Club. Admission is $13 and the show will be exculsively 21+, sorry kids.
Musicheads: Musicast (9/20/2011)
Posted at 2:25 PM on September 19, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Radiohead to be Featured on The Colbert Report
An hour-long special episode of The Colbert Report will air next Monday, September 26th with Radiohead as special guests. The episode will feature a four-song set from the band (which will include the unreleased song "The Daily Mail"), plus an interview. In related news, Thom Yorke released a new solo track called "The Twist" last week during a set on XFM.
"The Twist":
Interscope Records Caught Up in Drug Trafficking Ring
Interscope Records, the former label of artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Beck, 2Pac Shakur and Elliott Smith (and the current label of MIA and Lady Gaga) is facing some serious trouble regarding its involvement in a cocaine trafficking scandal. While Interscope claims to be ignorant of the ordeal, James Rosemond, a close affiliate of the label and owner of Czar Entertainment, was arrested three months ago for drug trafficking. Rosemond denies his involvement and Interscope has yet to comment on the ordeal.
M.I.A. "Paper Planes"
M83 Sets Up Open Casting Call Via YouTube
Anthony Gonzales of M83 announced an open casting call for his backing band last week. About to embark on his world tour, he still needs a musician proficient on guitar, bass, and keys and is taking on the format of reviewing YouTube submissions to find his new bandmate. Click here to see the details on M83's website.
Never Before Seen Nirvana Concert Airs Friday
The 20th anniversary of Nevermind has caused a good deal of buzz, and VH1 is celebrating the occasion by airing a never-before-seen concert from Halloween of 1991. Titled Nirvana: Live at the Paramount, it will air this Friday, September 23rd, at 11 p.m. E.T. / 10 p.m. C.T. on VH1, VH1 Classic, and Palladia.
"Breed" Live at the Paramount:
The Legend of Fillmore Slim
The Legend of Fillmore Slim, a biopic about the blues guitarist and singer, has chosen its leading man to be none other than Snoop Dogg. Following the bluesman through the sixties and seventies, the film touches on Slim's music career, as well as his time spent as a pimp and in prison before finding redemption.
"Murder Was the Case" music video:
Ceremonials Details Released
Ceremonials, the much anticipated new album from Florence and the Machine, is finally set to come out October 31st in the UK on Island Records. The full track listing has recently become available via iTunes. The album still does not have a US release date.
"What the Water Gave Me":
Musicheads Essentials: Willie Nelson - Stardust
Posted at 2:25 PM on September 16, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's essentials pick is from New Hot host David Safar. His pick is Willie Nelson's 1978 album Stardust. Produced by Booker T. Jones and comprised of pop standards, the album was released at a time when Willie faced much scrutiny for his decision to stray from his typical country music stylings. Nevertheless, no amount of criticism could keep this album from going Platinum 7x in Australia, 5x in the US, 4x in New Zealand, and 2x in Canada alone.
Willie's rendition of "Unchained Melody:"
P.S. Sick hat, Willie.
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: Willie Nelson - Stardust"
Musicheads: The Music Meeting (9/20/2011)
Posted at 2:25 PM on September 20, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the Music Meeting this week is the Current's Program Director, Jim McGuinn, as well as Marketing Manager Ali Lozoff, and they'll be chatting about the latest from Twin Cities' alt-country favorite The Jayhawks. Titled Mockingbird Time, the album comes out today, the 20th. This album welcomes back Mark Olson, the band's original frontman, after a sixteen-year hiatus. It's also their first album since 2003's Rainy Day Music, aside from their 2009 Jayhawks Anthology. To check out last week's Jayhawks show at the Fitzgerald Theater, click here.
First album single "She Walks in so Many Ways":
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (9/20/2011)
Posted at 2:25 PM on September 20, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Next Big Thing this week is British folk-rocker Laura Marling. Though she's the former ladyfriend of Marcus Mumford and her sound has that distinct Mumford & Sons tinge to it, she's truly come into her own over the past year or so. Voted the Best Female Solo Artist at the 2011 Brit Awards, Laura Marling is making her way across the pond, what with her huge critical success in England. Her poetic lyricism and beautiful melodies scored her the title of Best Solo Artist by NME in 2011 as well. She's current on tour to promote her third studio album, A Creature I Don't Know, and it was released on September 13th in North America and is in stores now.
The video for her first single off the album, "Sophia":
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (9/20/2011)
Posted at 2:25 PM on September 20, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Sneak Peak Outro comes to you from the San Francisco duo Girls. The track is titled "Honey Bunny" and it's off of their latest album, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. Similar to something like 80's infused surfer rock, their sound is very upbeat, catchy, and simple poppy goodness. With their new album in stores last Tuesday, September 13th, you can go get yourself a copy if you dig the track.
Here's the official video for "Honey Bunny":
Musicheads: September 13, 2011
Posted at 10:00 PM on September 13, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
Continue reading "Musicheads: September 13, 2011"
Musicheads: Record Releases (9/20/2011)
Posted at 2:25 PM on September 20, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Record Releases 9/20/11
New In Stores This Week:
Tori Amos - Night of Hunters
Tony Bennett - Duets II
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Hysterical
Boots Electric (Eagles of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes) - Honkey Kong
The Jayhawks - Mockingbird Time
Megafaun - Megafaun
SuperHeavy (Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, A.R. Rahman and Damian Marley) - SuperHeavy
Ivy - All Hours
Death In Vegas - Trans-Love Energies
The featured record release this week is the self-titled album from localoid "freak folk" band Megafaun. Formerly the backing band of DeYarmond Edison, an old project of Justin Vernon's of Bon Iver, the boys from Wisconsin are doing quite well for themselves on their own these days. Now based out of Durham, N.C., Megafaun is releasing their fourth studio album to much enthusiasm from fans.
Check out "The Fade", live in studio here at the Current:
Musicheads: Musicast (9/13/2011)
Posted at 9:51 AM on September 13, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
PJ Harvey Wins UK Mercury Prize for the Second Time
For her new album, Let England Shake, PJ Harvey became the first artist to win the coveted Mercury Prize for the second time. She won her first prize back in 2001 for her record Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea and this year managed to beat out pop megastar Adele, James Blake, former Mercury winner Eels, as well as several others.
Live on Later...With Jools Holland:
Black Keys Revive Hip-Hop Project BlakRoc
As a follow-up to their 2009 project, Dan Auerback and Patrick Carney of the Black Keys are working on a BlakRoc 2 album. The album will feature artists such as Talib Kweli, Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa, the Cool Kids, Jim Jones, and many others. To check out more info and keep yourself up to speed on the album click here.
BlakRoc Trailer:
Record Store Day Co-Founder to Close Record Store
As the 20th anniversary of Atlanta's Criminal Records is upon us, the occasion isn't exactly a celebration for founder and owner Eric Levin. Due to financial turmoil Levin says that in order to keep the store going some serious fund raising must occur, otherwise he'll be forced to close. The iconic store hosted shows from a handfull artists over the years, including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Gossip, Janelle Monae, Deerhunter, and many more.
Janelle Monae live at Criminal Records:
Kate Bush Announces New Album
After her May release of Director's Cut, an album made up of her back catalogue reworked, Kate Bush has announced that on November 21st she will be releasing 50 Words for Snow. The new album will consist of seven new tracks at 65 minutes length. The album is releasing from her own label, Fish People.
Video for "Deeper Understanding":
Peter Hook Upset New Order Reunited Without Him
For two charity shows next month New Order has announced that they will be reuniting without their bassist, Peter Hook. In a statement made on his website Hook said, "I do not agree with the methods they have used and feel it would have been courteous and professional to have spoken to [him] in advance of the announcements. It is very sad."
"Bizarre Love Triangle" Live:
Musicheads: Musicast (09/13/2011)
Posted at 8:30 PM on September 10, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
Musicheads Essentials: The Stone Roses - S/T
Posted at 1:58 PM on September 7, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the Studio host Jade joins Bill in The Essentials this week to talk about her pick, the self titled debut album from The Stone Roses. Released in 1989, The Stone Roses is a Madchester necessity, virtually pioneering the genre itself. Even though they only released two albums over a 5 year period The Stone Roses have managed to stay relevant through their timeless, everlasting sound and style.
"I Wanna Be Adored" by The Stone Roses:
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: The Stone Roses - S/T"
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (9/13/2011)
Posted at 1:38 PM on September 7, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's next big thing is Swedish artist Niki and the Dove. A combination of electro-pop, 80's synth pop, and psychadelia, Niki and the Dove has only been around since last year but their first release, 2 songs put out by Moshi Moshi, were declared "the two greatest alt-pop songs of 2010," according to The Sunday Times. Niki and The Dove is a "band who you felt could knock off a chart-pop stunner with ease if only they could be bothered. Luckily for us, they clearly can't."
The video for "DJ, Ease My Mind", one of the two original singles:
Continue reading "Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (9/13/2011)"
Musicheads: The Music Meeting (9/13/2011)
Posted at 1:18 PM on September 7, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Meeting with Bill this week is morning host Jill Riley and program coordinator and overnight host Lindsey Kimball. American Goldwing is this week's topic. It's the latest from the Portland indie-folk rock band Blitzen Trapper. Their Furr album was ranked 13th on Rolling Stone's Best Albums of 2008 with the title track regarded as the fourth best single of 2008 as well. Blitzen Trapper is co-headlining a tour with fellow Current fave Dawes.
The tour will be making its way to First Avenue on November 4, 2011.
Click here for more tour info.
Video for "Black River Killer":
Continue reading "Musicheads: The Music Meeting (9/13/2011)"
Musicheads: The Guest List (9/13/2011)
Posted at 12:37 PM on September 7, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On the Guest List this week is Tunde Adebimpe, the lead singer of the Brooklyn indie-rock band TV on the Radio. Bill and Tunde discuss two Seattle bands, Shabazz Palaces and Arrington de Dionyso's Malaikat dan Singa and their albums Black Up (read review) and Suara Naga respectively.
Music video for "Wolf Like Me" by TV on the Radio:
Continue reading "Musicheads: The Guest List (9/13/2011)"
Musicheads: September 6, 2011
Posted at 10:31 PM on September 6, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
Listen
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Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (9/13/2011)
Posted at 1:33 PM on September 11, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
"I Wanna Meet Dave Grohl" is the Sneak Peak track for the week. The first single off of their New Album Life Sux, Wavves released the song pre-VMA's, the album releasing September 20th. While it's still not been said whether or not Wavves has actually met Dave Grohl yet, at the very least their manager did.
Check it out:
Continue reading "Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (9/13/2011)"
Muscheads: Record Releases (9/13/2011)
Posted at 1:19 PM on September 11, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores for the week on September 13th:
Blitzen Trapper - American Goldwing
Dream Theater - A Dramatic Turn of Events
East Bay Ray and the Killer Smiles (Guitarist and vocalist from the Dead Kennedys) - East Bay Ray and the Killer Smiles
Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost
Grouplove - Never Trust A Happy Song
Mason Jennings - Minnesota
The Kooks - Junk of the Heart
Ladytron - Gravity the Seducer
Mates of State - Mountaintops
Pajama Club (new Neil Finn band) - Pajama Club
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
Umphrey's McGee - Death By Stereo
Wild Flag - Wild Flag
Ladytron is the featured record release for the week of the 13th. This synth/electropop band made its debut out of Liverpool back in 1999 and is currently touring to promote the new album Gravity the Secucer. Ladytron will be coming to The Fine Line in Minneapolis on October 3rd, 2011.
The official video for the single "White Elephant":
Continue reading "Muscheads: Record Releases (9/13/2011)"
Musicheads: Musicast (9/6/2011)
Posted at 8:04 PM on September 6, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Damon Albarn's Congo Album
English producer and Gorillaz lead singer Damon Albarn recently spent time in the Democratic Republic of Congo where he and several others recorded an album titled Kinshasa One Two. In collaboration with local musicians,l the profits from the album will be given in aid of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Oxfam, an organization dedicated to finding lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. The album will be released digitally on October 4th and hard copies hit stores on November 8th.
Trailer for Kinshasa One Two:
Jack White Collabs With Clowns
After a chance meeting in an airport, Jack White unexpectedly collaborated with JEFF the Brotherhood, one of the members of the Detroit duo Insane Clown Posse. Releasing as a limited single on White's Third Man Records and originally a Mozart tune, "Leck Mich Am Arsch" is the title of the song produced by White.
Metal-Lou-ca Sets a Release Date
Rock legends Lou Reed and Metallica have joined forces to create an album that they've titled Lulu, after the German playwright Frank Wedekind's "Lulu Plays". The album will be released on November 1st in North America and the super group will be performing in the flesh on this upcoming season of the BBC Two show, Later...With Jools Holland.
Metallica and Lou Reed performing "Sweet Jane" at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
Iggy and The Stooges Postpose US Tour
After breaking two bones in his foot during a show in Romania, Iggy and the Stooges US tour dates have unfortunately been postponed in order to give Iggy time to heal (pun!).
"Search and Destroy":
Happy Birthday Mr. Mercury
Monday found former Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor celebrating the 65th birthday of their beloved friend and Queen front-man, Freddy Mercury. A charity was held in London with an auction for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, an organization in Freddy's honor dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDs.
"Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy" live:
Musicheads: Record Releases (9/6/2011)
Posted at 3:03 PM on August 31, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New In Stores This Week:
Gary Numan - Dead Sun Rising
Peter Wolf Crier - Garden of Arms
The Horrible Crowes (The Gaslight Anthem side project) - Elsie
Grace Jones (w/ Brian Eno) - Hurricane
Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk
The Rapture - In The Grace Of Your Love
Tom Russell (feat. Lucinda Williams and Calexico) - Mesabi
Stepdad - Ordinaire EP
Suzi Quatro - In The Spotlight
Sleeping In The Aviary - You and Me, Ghost
The featured record release this week comes from the New York based "electro-punk" band The Rapture. Their new release, In The Grace Of Your Love, comes out today, September 6th. The featured single is called "How Deep Is Your Love". The Rapture will be coming to the Varsity Theatre on September 29th, 2011.
"How Deep Is Your Love":
Musicheads: The Guest List (9/6/2011)
Posted at 2:30 PM on September 3, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On the Guest List this week with morning host Jill Riley is the Denver band DeVotchKa. Originally the backing band for a burlesque show, DeVotchKa broke into their own, amassing a rather large underground following over several years of self-promoting national tours. Each member plays at least three instruments and their unique and eclectic sound is something to be admired. The band went on to be commissioned for the Little Miss Sunshine score. Their new album 100 Lovers released in March of 2011 and is in stores now.
"100 Other Lovers" off of 100 Lovers:
Musicheads: The Music Meeting (9/6/2011)
Posted at 2:12 PM on August 31, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Afternoon host Barb Abney joins Bill in the Music Meeting this week to discuss local duo Peter Wolf Crier's new album. Titled Garden Of Arms, the album comes out September 6, 2011. They're soon to embark on a pretty hefty two month US tour with Milagres, Birds + Batteries, and Sondre Lerche. They will be kicking off the tour here in Minneapolis.
Upcoming Show:
9/23 at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, MN
For more tour info click here
Peter Wolf Crier live on the Local Show:
Musicheads Essentials: David Bowie - Low
Posted at 1:05 PM on August 31, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill on the Essentials is Transmission DJ Jake Rudh to talk about David Bowie's 1977 album, Low. Along with the albums Heroes and Lodger, the three albums make up what Mr. Bowie calls the Berlin Trilogy. The three albums pertain to his time spent in Deutschland and the mood instilled by the occupation of East Berlin at the time. Collaborations with Brian Eno appear on the album, naturally, and it was produced by Tony Visconti.
A video for "Be My Wife":
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: David Bowie - Low"
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (9/6/2011)
Posted at 12:48 PM on August 31, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
British songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tom Vek is back with a new album titled Leisure Seizure, in stores September 13, 2011. You may remember singles such as "I Ain't Sayin' My Goodbyes" and "Nothing But Green Lights" from Vek's 2005 album, We Have Sound. His single "Aroused" is the Sneak Peak Outro for the week of the 6th.
The music video for "Aroused":
Musicheads for August 30, 2011
Posted at 9:11 PM on August 30, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
Listen
Continue reading "Musicheads for August 30, 2011"
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (8/30/2011)
Posted at 10:48 AM on August 29, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
British rock band The Jim Jones Revue is the next big thing this week. Jim Jones, the former singer of 90's garage rock band Thee Hypnotics, formed the band in 2008. They cut their first album in 48 hours and have been playing ever since. A little bit of Little Richard, a little bit of MC5, they play loud and hard and their latest album is in stores now. Titled Burning Your House Down, the record was released Tuesday, August 16th.
Music video for "High Horse":
Musicheads: Musicast (8/30/2011)
Posted at 1:15 PM on August 26, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Hurricane Irene Threatens New York City's Music Scene
Hitting the Bahamas on Thursday and then making its way up the coast, Hurricane Irene put New York City in a state of emergency according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg. While the hurricane is bad news for citizens and officials alike, it's even more inconvenient for musicians, causing the indefinite postponement of performances from a handfull of artists including Gogol Bordello, The Roots, and Dave Matthews Band, who were scheduled to play at the Dave Matthews Band Caravan festival on Governors Island, New York, as well as many others.
Esther Gordy Edwards Dies at 91
Esther Gordy Edwards, sister to Berry Gordy, Jr., died last Wednesday due to natural causes at the age of 91. Esther remained an integral part of the company by creating the Motown museum in Detroit, one of Michigan's top tourist attractions.
The True Colors Residence
LGBT activist and 80's pop star Cyndi Lauper is opening a housing facility to homeless gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual youths called the True Colors Residence in Harlem. The facility will consist of 30 apartments with rent specific to personal income, as well as job placement and a safe place to stay.
Charlotte Gainsbourg Is Back With Double Album
Titled Stage Whisper, Charlotte Gainsbourg is releasing a double album consisting of live performances and unreleased tracks from her 2009 album IRM. Out on Nevember 7th, Stage Whisper will follow the release of an EP, Terrible Angels, which was partially written and produced by Beck and will be released on September 5th, 2011.
CMJ Begins Announcing Line-Up
The CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival has begun announcing their 2011 music line-up. Some of the noteworthy bands already announced include Wild Flag, Eleanor Friedberger, Neon Indian, CSS, Handsome Furs, Portugal. The Man, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
Karen O's "Psycho-Opera"
Stop The Virgens is the title of Yeah Yeah Yeahs front-woman Karen O's "psycho opera", a production she co-created with KK Barrett, the show's design director. O had this to say about the opera: "This piece isn't aiming to be all about spectacle or abstraction, though there is a good helping of both in the production [...] I'm hoping to create an original live experience. It should feel like a psychedelic ride laced with catharsis."
Musicheads: The Music Meeting (8/30/2011)
Posted at 10:44 AM on August 26, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In The Music Meeting this week is New Hot host David Safar, as well as the Local Show's Dave Campbell. They chat with Bill on their thoughts and feeling about the latest from The Horrors, the album Skying, which is in stores currently. Not to be confused with The Horrors...The Horrors are an indefinable British band sprawling from genres such as 80's synth pop, pop-punk/post-punk, reggae, dub, and psychedelia. Constantly experimenting with their sound and reinventing their image, it's hard to tell what they're really about but check them out and give 'em a listen to figure it out for yourself.
The official video for the single "Still Life":
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (9/6/2011)
Posted at 2:15 PM on September 4, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Next Big Thing this week is Los Angeles artist Mayer Hawthorne. His third studio album, How Do You Do, comes out October 11, 2011. Having grown up in Ann Arbor, MI, Mayer Hawthorne grew up immersed in Motown soul and jazz. The Motown feel is definitely present and alive in all of his music. If you're into funky white boys from the midwest you should definitely check him out.
Here's his single "A Long Time" off of the upcoming record How Do You Do:
Musicheads: The Guest List (8/30/2011)
Posted at 1:49 PM on August 24, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining morning host Steve Seel on The Guest List this week is producer, DJ, and Death Cab For Cutie guitarist, Chris Walla. Recruited by Ben Gibbard in the mid-90s to record and produce what is now You Can Play These Songs With Chords, Walla subsequently joined Death Cab in 1997 and has been playing and touring with them since. Chris has also produced several other artists including Ra Ra Riot, Tegan and Sarah, Mates of State, The Decemberists, The Postal Service, Hot Hot Heat, and several others.
"Geometry &C" from Chris Walla's solo album, Field Manual (2008):
Musicheads for August 23, 2011
Posted at 10:38 PM on August 23, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
Listen
Continue reading "Musicheads for August 23, 2011"
Musicheads Essentials: Wilco - Summerteeth
Posted at 1:45 PM on August 29, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On The Essentials this week is Teenage Kicks host, Jacquie Fuller. Her Essential pick of the week is Summerteeth, the third studio album by the Chicago alt-rock band Wilco. More heavily produced than Wilco's first two albums, this was the first album on which they used ProTools. While it was less critically acclaimed and commercially successful than their previous albums, it was still Pitchfork Magazine's 31st best album of the nineties.
The song "Summer Teeth" from the album Summerteeth:
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: Wilco - Summerteeth"
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (8/30/2011)
Posted at 1:30 PM on August 29, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Sneak Peak Outro this week is "Midnight City" by French electro/dream-pop group M83. Their sixth album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming will be in stores October 18, 2011.
M83 will be playing the Varsity Theatre on November 16, 2011. For more tour info click here.
"Midnight City":
Musicheads: Record Releases (8/30/2011)
Posted at 12:21 PM on August 29, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New in stores the week of August 30, 2011:
The Bandana Splits - Mr. Sam Presents The Bandana Splits
Beirut - The Rip Tide
Butch Walker & The Black Widows - The Spade
Glen Campbell - Ghost On A Canvas
John Doe - Keeper
Mike Doughty - Yes And Also Yes
Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman - World Wide Rebel Songs
Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
The Static Jacks - If You're Young
Ume - Phantoms
This week's featured record release is World Wide Rebel Songs from the Nighwatchman, an alter-ego of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello. Started in 2003 as a vehicle to make political music post-Rage, Morello describes The Nightwatchman as "a reaction against illicit wars, a reaction against first strikes, torture, secret prisons, spying illegally on American citizens. It's a reaction against war crimes, and it's a reaction against a few corporations that grow rich [off] this illicit war while people beg for food in the city streets." Give it a listen if you're feeling like sticking it to the man.
First single "Black Spartacus Heart Attack Machine":
Musicheads: Musicast (8/23/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 23, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Pukkelpop Festival Cancelled After Latest Stage Collapse
On Thursday, another stage collapse killed 5 and injured 75 people at the Pukkelpop festival in Belgium. Caused by a massive storm, the rigging of the stage was struck by fallen trees, which caused the collapse. The Smith Westerns played the first song in their set before they fled the stage and the chaos that ensued. Organizers of the festival decided to cancel and evacuate the grounds the day after the incident.
Footage of the storm, the stage, and the wreckage:
Patti Smith Working On Screenplay
"Godmother of Punk" Patti Smith's memoir Just Kids will be brought to the big screen with the help of Tony Award-winning screenwriter John Logan. Winner of the National Book Award for non-fiction in 2010, the memoir tells of Smith's friendship with famed photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
James Blake and Bon Iver: Fall Creek Boys Choir
A tweet sent out by British musician James Blake reads simply, "24th August 2011 - James Blake & Bon Iver 'Fall Creek Boys Choir.'" A collaboration is to be assumed.
Posted August 24, 2011, "Fall Creek Boys Choir":
James Blake, "Limit To Your Love":
Nevermind Will Be Performed In Full By Krist Novoselic
Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic will perform Nevermind in its entirety at the Experience Music Project in Seattle. The show will be held in the Sky Church at the museum on September 20th. Former drummer Dave Grohl is not likely to attend due to a Foo Fighters show in Cleveland on the same night.
Sigur Ros Live Album and Documentary
The Icelandic band Sigur Ros plans to release a 75-minute documentary and double live album titled Inni documenting their final two shows in London before going on their indefinite hiatus in 2008. Inni is due out sometime in November.
Tom Waits Releasing First Album In 7 Years
Posted on his website: "There have been rumblings and rumors. New music from Tom Waits, you say? Come to Tomwaits.com on Tuesday August 23rd, and Mr. Waits himself will set the record straight."
Posted on Waits' website August 23rd:
Musicheads: Record Releases (8/23/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 23, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New In Stores This Week:
Active Child - You Are All I See
CSS - La Liberacion
Game - The R.E.D.
Moreland & Arbuckle - Just A Dream
Nero - Welcome Reality
Stephen Malkmus and the Jinks - Mirror Traffic
Various Artists - The Muppets: The Green Album
We Are Augustines - Rise Ye Sunken Ships
Zee Avi - Ghostbird
This week's featured record release is La Liberacion by Brazillian rock band CSS. The album was recorded on the road while touring, and with songs recorded in both English and Portuguese, they've surely been busy. The song pick off the album is called "Hits Me Like A Rock" and features Primal Scream singer and onetime Jesus and Mary Chain drummer Bobby Gillespie.
Also, CSS stands for Cansei de Ser Sexy, translating into "got tired of being sexy" in Portuguese, if you were wondering.
"Hits Me Like A Rock" ft. Bobby Gillespie:
Musicheads: The Music Meeting (8/23/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 23, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
In the Music Meeting is evening host Mark Wheat and local music assistant Jon Schober to talk about Unknown Mortal Orchestra and their self-titled LP, which was released June 21, 2011. You can listen to some tracks from the album on Soundcloud. UMO is made up of members Alan Palomo, William Beven, and Ruban Nielson of Neon Indian, Burial, and The Mint Chicks respectively.
"How Can U Luv Me" from the debut album:
Musicheads: The Guest List (8/23/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 23, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Joining Bill on The Guest List is Dead Man Winter's lead singer, Dave Simonette. They discuss Rhode Island folk-rock band The Low Anthem, as well as Dead Man Winter guitarist and avid local musician Erik Koskinen, whose album Keep It To Yourself came out July 27, 2010 and is highly recommended by Simonette. Dead Man Winter's album Bight Lights is currently in stores and their tour will be making its way back to Minnesota with 3 shows in September:
9/15/2011 - Dead Man Winter at Pizza Luce in Duluth, MN
9/16/2011 - Dead Man Winter at First Ave in Minneapolis, MN (18+)
9/23/2011 - Dead Man Winter at the Boat and Bluegrass Festival in Winona, MN
For more info on Dead Man Winter's tour dates click here.
Musicheads Essentials: The Buzzcocks - Singles Going Steady
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 23, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On this week's show, Bill DeVille sits down with afternoon and weekend host Mac Wilson to talk about his Essentials pick: Singles Going Steady, a compilation of singles from UK punk-pop pioneers the Buzzcocks. The album chronicles the band's UK hits, along with their corresponding B-sides, in chronological order. Released in September of 1979, the album was re-released in 1992 with 8 additional tracks worth checking out.
Mac's top pick off the album, "What Do I Get?":
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: The Buzzcocks - Singles Going Steady"
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (8/23/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 23, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
Local artist John Maus, based out of Austin, MN, is The Next Big Thing for the week of the 23rd. You may have heard about his somewhat ill-recieved opinions toward the Motherland (MN), however you should just put all that behind you if electro-pop is your thing. Not only is he releasing new music and touring the US and abroad, Maus is ambitiously working toward his PhD in Political Science as well. We Must Become the Pitiless Censors Of Ourselves, the latest from John Maus, is in stores now.
Watch the video for "Head For The Country" here:
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (8/23/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 23, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Sneak Peak Outro this week comes from British Columbian folk-rock singer-songwriter, Dan Mangan. You may have heard his single "Road Regrets" from his last album, Nice, Nice, Very Nice, here on The Current. With his new album, Oh Fortune, due out September 27, 2011, it only seemed fitting to give you a little taste of what's to come with a sneak peak of the single "Post War Blues".
Here is the video for "Road Regrets" from Nice, Nice, Very Nice:
Musicheads for August 16, 2011
Posted at 9:51 AM on August 16, 2011
by Brett Baldwin
Filed under: Musicheads
Listen
Continue reading "Musicheads for August 16, 2011"
Musicheads: Sneak Peak Outro (8/16/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 16, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Sneak Peak Outro this week comes from American singer-songwriter John Doe. Founder and still active member of the LA punk band X, Doe recorded his new album Keeper over a six-month period with guest performances by Patty Griffin, Don Was, Steve Berlin and several others. The featured track in the Sneak Peak Outro is called "Giant Step Backwards."
Musicheads Essentials: Al Green - I'm Still In Love With You
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 16, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Essentials pick comes from The Current's Production Manager, Derrick Stevens. Al Green's 1972 album I'm Still In Love With You is an essential pick for any music lover. Ranked 285 out of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Records," this album includes songs such as "Simply Beautiful," "Love and Happiness" (which has been declared number 98 on Rolling Stone's "500 Best Songs" list) and the title track "I'm Still In Love With You."
Continue reading "Musicheads Essentials: Al Green - I'm Still In Love With You"
Musicheads: Music Meeting (8/16/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 16, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
The Black Lips
This week's guest DJs are afternoon and weekend DJ Mac Wilson and In The Studio host Jade.
Based out of Atlanta, Georgia, The Black Lips are a self-proclaimed "Flower Punk" band. Their new album, Arabia Mountain, released June 7, 2011, was mostly produced by British musician, DJ, producer and Allido Records co-founder Mark Ronson. His involvement gives this album a more polished feel than Black Lips albums have had in the past.
Here is the video for "Modern Art":
Musicheads: The Guest List (8/16/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 16, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On the Guest List this week is Matthew Sweet. Gaining commercial success with his breakthrough album Girlfriend in 1991, Sweet is known for his quintessential power-pop sound. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Matthew Sweet was part of the budding Athens, Georgia music scene in the mid-'80s. He has recorded 17 studio albums, with his newest release, Modern Art, coming to us September 20, 2011.
Musicheads: Record Releases (8/16/2011)
Posted at 9:00 PM on August 16, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
New In Stores This Week:
Bottle Rockets - Not So Loud
Jeff Bridges - Jeff Bridges
Cool Kids - When Fish Ride Bicycles
Cut Off Your Hands - Hollow
Her Space Holiday - Her Space Holiday
Sly Stone - I'm Back
Tame Impala - Innerspeaker (Domestic)
Maria Taylor - Overlook
War On Drugs - Slave Ambient
Various Artists - Cowboys and Aliens Soundtrack
Various Artists - We Remember Gregory Isaacs
This week's Record Release pick is New York-based house band Hercules and Love Affair. Their second studio album, Blue Songs, comes out August 16, 2011. The album features an appearance from Bloc Party's Kele Okereke on the song "Step Up," as well as several other guests. Check out the video for the featured track "My House":
Musicheads: The Next Big Thing (8/16/2011)
Posted at 3:45 PM on August 12, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
This week's Next Big Thing is the Brooklyn, indie pop band The Drums. Their new album, Portamento on Island Records, hits stores September 12, 2011.
Check out the video to the single "Money":
Musicheads: Musicast (8/16/2011)
Posted at 11:18 AM on August 16, 2011
by Alex Wright
Filed under: Musicheads
On Saturday, August 13, at the Indiana State Fair a massive stage structure collapsed due to rough weather conditions. Fans were trapped beneath the stage, killing at least 4 and injuring a dozen or so more. The country group Sugarland was to perform but had not yet taken the stage.
On Tuesday, August 9, in the third consecutive day of riots in London a 200,000 square-foot warehouse owned by Sony DADC was burned down, resulting in the loss of about 1.5 million CDs. The warehouse housed the entire inventory and was the main distribution center of PIAS Group, which works with over 200 labels, many of which are U.S. and U.K. indies like XL, 4AD, Fact, Drag City, Warp, Rough Trade, Domino, Sub Pop, Ninja Tune, Vice, FatCat, and Matador. Three teenagers have been arrested for the arson. CD release schedules may be disrupted in both the UK and abroad.
Academy Award winners Atticus Ross and Trent Roznor team up yet again to write the score for the American film version of Swedish writer, Stieg Larsson's, wildly successful series The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. An excerpt of the score has been added to Soundcloud.
Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's performs vocals on a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" for the film:
Surrealist director and 21st century Renaissance Man David Lynch is releasing his debut album this November 8. Titled Crazy Clown Time, the album features vocals from Karen O on the track "Pinky's Dream". The track list is available on Pitchfork.
Also, check out the single "Good Day Today":
Jani Lane, lead singer of 80's hair band Warrant, died August 11, 2011. He was 47. His body was discovered in a hotel room in Woodland Hills, a district of LA. Toxicology reports will take place within the next 2 months but as of the present, cause of death is still unknown.
Chicago native and whistling virtuoso Andrew Bird is to star in a documentary chronicling his busiest year in touring. Directed by Xan Aranda, the film is titled Fever Year and features collaborators and friends like Martin Dosh and St. Vincent's Annie Clark.The film will debut at the Vancouver International Film Festival, September 29-October 14.
North Carolina native and former Cardinals front-man Ryan Adams is releasing his 13th studio album, Ashes & Fire. It's due in stores this October 10. Backing vocals are performed by Norah Jones, who has collaborated with Adams in the past on The Cardinals' album Jacksonville City Nights. Also contributing to the album is Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' keyboardist, Benmont Tench, as well as Glyn Jones, collaborator of both The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Adams plans to tour the West Coast in the fall.
Musicheads August 9, 2011
Posted at 9:45 PM on August 9, 2011
by Bill DeVille
Filed under: Musicheads
The Musicast
This time on Musicheads...we talked about about Big Boi's recent drug bust in the Musicast. Here he is in better days...Bob Dylan, Jack White sing unreleased Hank Williams song on upcoming album.
The Horrors' new album is out today!
The Next Big Thing
Melanie talked about Little Dragon in the Next Big Thing!
The Guest List
Mount Moriah discussed a few of their favorites for the Guest List!The Music Meeting
in the Music Meeting it the new album from The Vaccines!The Essentials
Jim McGuinn and I and a very special guest chat about Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend album in the Essential's!
The New Jam
And we featured a brand new track from the band Beirut's upcoming album. Here is the track "East Harlem." This week only, you can stream the entire album at our first listen page.
Continue reading "Musicheads August 9, 2011"
Nu Musicheads! (August 2, 2011)
Posted at 4:54 PM on August 2, 2011
by Bill DeVille
Filed under: Musicheads
The all new Musicheads hits the airwaves again tonight at 10 p.m. in its "music magazine" format!
Musicast
In the Musicast segment, Jill and I talked about MTV bringing back 120 minutes with Matt Pinfield, as MTV just turned 30....remember the 1st video played?Kings of Leon have cancelled their tour...here they are in better days with a grammy winner
Damon Albarn is a busy guy! He now is busy working on a new Congo project. Here is the Stereogum story
The Next Big Thing
Melanie Walker talked about Cults!The Guest List
Rhett Miller of Old 97's talked about some of his favorite music. One of his recent faves is Those Darlins'!
The Music Meeting
We discuss the new album from Marissa Nadler in this weeks Music Meeting
David Safar took a couple pics from Nadler's set at Saint Paul's Turf Club a couple weeks ago.
The Essentials
Barb Abney brought in one of her favorites for the Essentials by this band called Nirvana! Nevermind is turning 20 this year.
The New Jam
We closed the show with a Sneak Peak of a new track from St. Vincent from her upcoming album. here is several teaser videos and the song, "Surgeon"
Continue reading "Nu Musicheads! (August 2, 2011)"
The New Musicheads episode 3! (July 26, 2011)
Posted at 4:11 PM on July 26, 2011
by Bill DeVille
Filed under: Musicheads
Join me tonight at 10 for another edition of the new Musicheads in it's new "music magazine" format.
Musicast
In the Musicast segment, the big story is the death of Amy Winehouse.
Here are a couple of clips from the upcoming Feist album:
Kanye West and Jay Z are teaming up!
Here is the Spinner story on Prince, who is going to curate a music festivial.
Colin Melloy, from the Decemberists, has a children's book on the way!
We also checked out a track from the Swedish band, Little Dragon, whose album is out today!
The Charts
For the Chart Breakouts we sampled a new one from Jill Scott, featuiring Anthony Hamilton
The Next Big Thing
Melanie talked about the new album from Washed Out in The Next Big Thing.
The Guest List
Thurston Moore chatted with me in The Guest List! He digs Bardo Pond! (Our in-studio session with Thurston airs Thursday at 5 p.m.)
The Music Meeting
In the Music Meeting, Teenage Kicks host Jacquie Fuller and Web guy Brett Baldwin and I discuss the new album from Battles!
The Essentials
For The Essentials, Program Coordinator Lindsay Kimball dropped by to chat about one of her favorites, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill!
The New Jam
...and we closed the show with a new one from the supergroup of sorts, Wild Flag!
Wild Flag - Romance by MergeRecords
Continue reading "The New Musicheads episode 3! (July 26, 2011)"
Musicheads Volume 2! (07/19/2011)
Posted at 10:00 PM on July 19, 2011
by Bill DeVille
Filed under: Musicheads
Time flies! Here we are with the 2nd installment of the new Musicheads. Version 2.0 of the music magazine-inspired show.
Listen:
Musicast
Jill Riley dropped in for the Musicast. We talked about long awaited album from The Shins! They are playing in San Francisco in August!
Headlines
Rilo Kiley splits up, Weezer set sail...literally! and They Might Be Giants are back with a new album! Their 15th album is called Join Us!
The Muppets are back in action with the Green Album, featuring a ton of artists you've heard on The Current.
Here's a classic video from TMBG!
The Charts
Mark Wheat and I ran the numbers on the Chart Breakouts segment.
Top Albums Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Week Ending: 07/10/2011)
1 ADELE - 21
2 BEYONCE - 4
3 BAD MEETS EVIL - HELL: THE SEQUEL
4 JASON ALDEAN - MY KINDA PARTY
5 SELENA GOMEZ & THE SCENE - WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
6 BON IVER - BON IVER
7 JACKIE EVANCHO - DREAM WITH ME
8 LADY GAGA - BORN THIS WAY
9 MUMFORD & SONS - SIGH NO MORE
10 KATY PERRY- TEENAGE DREAM
The Next Big Thing
Melanie Walker drops by for the The Next Big Thing feature to talk about Theophilus London.
The Guest List
New Yorker, Sharon Van Etten paid us a visit a while ago to talk about some of her faves: Lower Dens & Little Scream
The Music Meeting
In the Music Meeting, I'm joined by Local Show host David Campbell and Co-Music Director, David Safar. We take the new album from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. for a spin!
check out this Beach Boys cover!
The Essentials
In The Essentialsportion. MPR News Program Director, Steve Nelson discusses his favorite R.E.M album, Document.
The New Jam
Red Hot Chili Peppers wrap up the show with a Sneak Peak of a track from the upcoming I'm With You album!
These gents are evidently fans and quick studies...
Continue reading "Musicheads Volume 2! (07/19/2011)"
The "revamped" Musicheads (07/12/2011)
Posted at 9:45 PM on July 12, 2011
by Bill DeVille
(19 Comments)
Filed under: Musicheads
Tonight is the night! It's the debut of the newly revamped Musicheads. It has taken on more of a "music magazine" format. Let us know what you think?? The show will feature several different segments with several of my colleagues contributing to the show.
Listen
Musicast
In our Musicast segment, Jill Riley and I talked about the Pitchfork Music Festival, which is happening this weekend in Chicago. Our own David Safar will be attending. He'll be checking in from the festival this weekend on 89.3 The Current.We also talk about Noel Gallagher's upcoming solo album, and his ongoing feud with brother Liam
We also chat about Pixies tour and possible album
and Blondie has a new album, Debra Harry is now 66 and still rockin! check out this Daily Mirror story.
The Charts
Mark Wheat and I talk the charts!
Top Albums Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
1 BEYONCE - 4
2 ADELE - 21
3 SELENA GOMEZ & THE SCENE - WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
4 BON IVER - BON IVER
5 BIG SEAN - FINALLY FAMOUS: THE ALBUM
6 DAVID COOK - THIS LOUD MORNING
7 JASON ALDEAN - MY KINDA PARTY
8 BAD MEETS EVIL HELL:THE SEQUEL
9 JACKIE EVANCHO - DREAM WITH ME
10 LADY GAGA BORN - THIS WAY
It was a good week for the Seattle artist, Grieves, who has a new album on the local Rhymesayers label.
Bon Iver also had a good week!
We featured this track which sits at number 2 on the single chart from Pitbull and friends
The Next Big Thing
In the Next Big Thing featurette, Melanie Walker talks about Odd Future
Below, is Odd Future collaborator, Frank Ocean
The Guest List
Erik Applewick of Tapes 'N Tapes drops by for the Guest List portion of Musicheads, to discuss some of his faves
He digs Broken Social Scene
and Buddy Miles!
The Music Meeting
in the Music Meeting, I'm joined by Steve Seel and Jade to discuss the interesting new album from tUnEyArDs
The Essentials
For The Essentials, Mary Lucia talks about one of her all-time favorites -- an album from T.Rex!
and, last but not least we check out a new track from Icelandic superstar, Bjork, from her upcoming album!
The Current's New 10 O'Clock Line-Up
Posted at 5:21 PM on July 6, 2011
by The Current
(10 Comments)
Filed under: Musicheads, New Hot, Passport Approved, Transmission
Starting next Monday, July 11, the Current will introduce a new line-up of weeknight programming. At 10 p.m. each night from Monday to Thursday, tune in to hear one of our new shows. Check out the full details below!
New Hot
Mondays, 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Once a week, The Current's Co-Music Director David Safar guides you through one hour of musical discoveries, new artists and recent releases. New Hot will be a mix of new artists, new songs from some of your current favorites and opportunities to explore what's coming up next in new music. Don't miss it!
Musicheads
Tuesdays, 10 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Current fans, please welcome the new Musicheads! We've revamped Bill Deville's show into an audio magazine of music news for music lovers. Join us to hear about new releases, learn what's going on on the charts, discover emerging artists and get the latest news about all of your favorite bands.
Passport Approved
Wednesdays, 10 p.m. - midnight
British-born and Los Angeles-based DJ Sat Bisla hosts this amazing, nationally syndicated that we are so proud to bring to The Current! Sat works with radio stations from across the world to bring you an eclectic mix of new music from across the world. Read more at the official Passport Approved websiteTransmission
Thursdays, 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.
DJ Jake Rudh hosts the weekly Minneapolis-based post-punk, new wave and indie dance night Transmission every Wednesday night at Club Jäger, and now, he'll bring the party to The Current on Thursday nights!
So that's the new 10-o'clock line-up. Hear it starting Monday, July 11 on 89.3 The Current.
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Master Archive
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