The Current Music Blog

Guest DJ Set 5-16-08

2008-05-17T01:08:08Z

Robert Hood, one of the pioneers of Detroit Minimal Techhouse. Check out this review on a great site for more deets on DJ's. Tonight's set is an exclusive radio mix, a sample of the 32 tracks on the new compilation 'fabric 39'.

"My 3 Songs" for Friday

2008-05-16T21:30:24Z

Another summer-set today ... this time from Jon Bauer of Brooklyn Center. Jon says: "I find myself daydreaming more often about long summer days and their limitless idealism. These three songs are significant because they represent the anticipation of the coming summer (Lone Summer Dream), the wonderful realization that you'e in a beautiful summer moment (Summertime Thing), and the yearning for summers long gone by (One Summer Dream). Both sadly nostalgic and warmly optimistic, these songs represent the lifecycle of my favorite season." 1) The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, "Lone Summer Dream" 2) Chuck Prophet, "Summertime Thing" 3) Electric Light Orchestra, "One Summer Dream" Thanks Jon. Summer is coming, and spring will be in full force this weekend ... enjoy it!!!

Do The Shuffle

2008-05-16T18:20:00Z

Patrick Park - "Here We Are" One of my favorite artists delivers a nice summary of where are are as a country and as human beings, and gives a hopeful look forward. R.E.M. - "The Wrong Child" Mandolins and more mandolins. M.I.A. - "Jimmy" An urgent pop highlight from last year's album Kala. Based on "Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja", from the soundtrack of Disco Dancer, which was basically the Bollywood Saturday Night Fever. Traffic - "Many a Mile to Freedom" Steve Winwood probably gets the vocalist spot in my fantasy all-star band. The Police - "Hole in My Life" AKA, the song that appears after "Roxanne" that I always skip through to get to "Can't Stand Losing You".

Live Blogging 05/16/08

2008-05-16T14:26:19Z

Tunes On The Telly Tonight: Kathleen Edwards on Leno Kate Nash on Jimmy Kimmel 11:40 a.m. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin They're playing 7th Street Entry May 24th. More... 11:35 a.m. The Breeders They're playing First Avenue on May 30th. More... 11:20 a.m. Spiritualized Watch the video for "Soul On Fire." Songs In A&E will be released on the 27th. More... 11:15 a.m. Aimee Mann Her new release, Smilers will be in stores June 3rd. She's playing The Minnesota Zoo on June 12th. More... 10:50 a.m. Alejandro Escovedo His new album, Real Animal will be released on June 24th. More... 10:45 a.m. Andrew Bird He'll be playing the SOLD OUTRock The Garden along with Cloud Cult, The New Pornographers and Bon Iver. More... 10:35 a.m. EL-P He's playing Triple Rock with Dizzee Rascal tonight. He'll also be in for an in-studio interview/performance later today. More... Song Of The Day Info - Local Music - France Has The Bomb Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring France Has The Bomb with the tune "World Of Mirrors" from their 7". Hear from them again this Sunday night on The Local Show with Chris Roberts. Here's a recent City Pages feature. More.. 9:50 a.m. M83 They're playing The Triple Rock on May 28th. More... 9:30 a.m. Ladytron "Ghosts" is the first single from their forthcoming album Velocifero which will be released on June 3rd. Pre-order it here. More... 9:20 a.m. Local Music - Cloud Cult The Current is presenting dates on their West Coast Tour along with Kid Dakota They're playing the SOLD OUT Rock The Garden along with The New Pornographers, Andrew Bird and Bon Iver More... 9:05 a.m. Sun Kil Moon They're playing The Varsity on June 6th along with Retribution Gospel Choir. More... 9:00 a.m. Local Music - Dan Wilson He's released Be Free, a new download only EP. More...

The Stream 05/16/08

2008-05-16T14:09:38Z

Radiohead talks about a miserable concert experience. Courtney Love throws out album she's been working on for three years to start fresh. Bee Gees on Broadway? Today In Music History: 1946 - Robert Fripp (King Crimson) was born. 1951 - Jonathan Richman was born. 1965 - Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) was born. 1966 - The Beach Boys released Pet Sounds. 1966 - Janet Jackson was born. 1969 - Pete Townshend spent the night in jail for assaulting a man during a Who gig. 1973 - Will White (Propellerheads) was born. 1974 - Neil Young made an unannounced appearance in New York and played songs from his new album On The Beach. 1984 - Ozzy Osbourne was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee for being "staggering drunk" in public. 1986 - Elvis Costello married Caitlin O'Riordan.

"My 3 Songs" for Thursday

2008-05-15T18:08:02Z

Goin' to California ... Amy Wirkkala from Ramsey MN writes today, "My sister and I are moving out to California next week. We are leaving everything behind, including The Current, for a brand new start. I feel like these songs help to describe the feelings we both are having at this time. I also feel like this is the last time I have a chance of hearing these amazing artists on the radio. Hearing these songs will help us realize that we are following our California dreams." 1) Billy Bragg and Wilco, "California Stars" 2) Mason Jennings, "California (pt. II)" 3) Kings of Leon, "California Waiting" Travel well, Amy. I hope CA brings you all the things you're looking for. And don't forget the live stream...

Live Blogging 05/15/08

2008-05-15T14:10:34Z

Tunes On The Telly Tonight: MGMT on Conan Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin on Carson Daly 11:45 a.m. Ladytron "Ghosts" is the first single from their forthcoming album Velocifero which will be released on June 3rd. Pre-order it here. More... 11:40 a.m. Local Music - The Small Cities Look for them in City Pages next Wednesday and KARE 11's Showcase MN next Thursday. Their CD release show is next Friday at the Turf Club with Mighty Fairly & Fitzgerald. More... 11:25 a.m. Broken Social Scene Brendan Canning's solo debut, Something For All of Us will be in stores July 22nd. It's the second "Broken Social Scene Presents" release behind Kevin Drew's ...Spirit If. The band will be playing Lollapalooza and a few other dates this summer. More... 11:20 a.m. Local Music - Chris Koza He's playing the Sesquicentennial celebration this weekend. The Dark Delirious Morning is the new record. The CD release show is Saturday, June 7th at First Avenue with This World Fair, These Modern Socks, and The Parlour Suite. More... 11:15 a.m. Coldplay Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends will be released on June 17th. Pre-order it now to get some instant Coldplay gratification. They're playing Excel Energy Center on July 8th. I've got another chance for you to beat-the-box-office and win tickets tomorrow morning. More... 11:00 a.m. The New Pornographers They're playing the SOLD OUT Rock The Garden along with Cloud Cult, Bon Iver and Andrew Bird. More.. 10:45 a.m. Bittersweet Their new record, Drama was released earlier this week. More... 10:35 a.m. The Submarines Their latest effort is Honeysuckle Weeks. More... Song Of The Day Info - Does It Offend You, Yeah? Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring Does It Offend You, Yeah? with the tune "With A Heavy Heart" from their debut album You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into. They're lending support on some of the upcoming NIN dates. More... 9:55 a.m. The Last Shadow Puppets The Last Shadow Puppets are Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) and Miles Kane (The Rascals.) The Age Of The Understatement is our CD of The Week. More... 9:45 a.m. Local Music - Brother Ali He's playing Soundset '08. More... 9:35 a.m. The M's Their new record is RealCloseOnes. It will be released on June 3rd. They're playing 400 Bar on June 6th. More... 9:30 a.m. Aimee Mann Her new release, Smilers will be in stores June 3rd. She's playing The Minnesota Zoo on June 12th. More... 9:10 a.m. My Morning Jacket Evil Urges is due in stores on June 10th. They're playing The Orpheum on October 2nd. We've got another chance for you to beat-the-box-office and win tickets this afternoon with Mary. More... 9:00 a.m. Mark Olson The tune "Clifton Bridge" is named after a suspension bridge in Bristol, England. The Salvation Blues was inspired by the places that he visited while roaming the world in 2006. He's got a European tour starting next month More...

The Stream 05/15/08

2008-05-15T14:00:48Z

Bob Dylan, The Raconteurs and others to play Anthony Keidis (RHCP) curated New American Music Festival taking place in Pittsburgh in August. Classic My Bloody Valentine albums to be remastered and re-released next month. Jose Gonzalez to release megamixes featuring Feist, Jarvis Cocker and more. Today In Music History: 1918 - Eddy Arnold was born. 1945 - The first American album chart was introduced. 1948 - Brian Eno was born. 1959 - Andrew Eldritch (Sisters Of Mercy) was born. 1966 - Pete Wiggs (Saint Etienne) was born. 1977 - Procol Harum made their final live appearance in New York. 1982 - Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney were at #1 with "Ebony And Ivory." 1997 - Courtney Love sold the Seattle home she once shared with Kurt Cobain. 2003 - June Carter Cash died.

"My 3 Songs" for Wednesday

2008-05-14T22:25:49Z

Benjamin Barnes writes today, "I am currently thoroughly enjoying these songs ... and they have 'Current' written all over them!" 1) The Dodos, "Walking" 2) Bon Iver, "Skinny Love" 3) Vampire Weekend, "Campus" Thanks Benjamin!

Live Blogging 05/14/08

2008-05-14T14:04:02Z

Tunes On The Telly Tonight: Kate Nash on Leno Black Keys on Conan Joe Jackson on Jimmy Kimmel 11:50 a.m. Sun Kil Moon They're playing The Varsity on June 6th along with Retribution Gospel Choir. More... 11:40 a.m. Silver Jews They're playing an upcoming 4-day musical conference in Liverpool. 11:15 a.m. M83 They're playing The Triple Rock on May 28th. More... 10:50 a.m. We Are Scientists Brain Thrust Mastery hit the shelves yesterday. More... 10:45 a.m. Nine Inch Nails They're playing Target Center on August 2nd. Grab the latest record Slip, for free. More... 10:20 a.m. Justin Townes Earle The son of Steve Earle recently released his debut, The Good Life. He was recently featured on Morning Edition. More... Song Of The Day Info - The Last Shadow Puppets Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring The Last Shadow Puppets (Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys and Miles Kane of The Rascals) with the title track of their debut album The Age Of The Understatement. The album is our CD of The Week. More... 9:40 a.m. The Watson Twins Their new album Fire Songs will be in stores on June 24th. More... 9:20 a.m. Alejandro Escovedo His new album, Real Animal will be released on June 24th. More... 9:15 a.m. Local Music - Cloud Cult The Current is presenting dates on their West Coast Tour along with Kid Dakota They're playing the SOLD OUT Rock The Garden along with The New Pornographers, Andrew Bird and Bon Iver More...

The Stream 05/14/08

2008-05-14T14:00:05Z

Weezer's new album will be released 3 weeks earlier than scheduled. Amy Winehouse to model for Julien Macdonald during London's Fashion Week. Robert Smith talks about the new Cure single. Today In Music History: 1936 - Bobby Darin was born. 1952 - David Byrne (Talking Heads) was born. 1957 - Elvis Presley was rushed to a hospital after he swallowed a porcelain cap from one of his front teeth. 1962 - Ian Astbury (The Cult) was born. 1976 - Keith Relf (The Yardbirds) died after he electrocuted himself while playing his guitar. 1988 - Led Zeppelin featuring Jason Bonham on drums, reunited for the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary party in New York. 1998 - Frank Sinatra died of a heart attack.

David Byrne Wants You to "Play the Building"

2008-05-13T22:06:15Z

This seems like a natural extension of what Dave's pal Brian Eno was doing several years ago, when Eno turned empty buildings into works of slowly mutating visual art. Starting May 31, Byrne is taking over New York's Battery Maritime Building and turning the whole structure into a giant musical instrument. Why is this kind of thing so cool? I think it has to do with something Eno himself suggested years ago, as part of the motivation behind his Ambient Music recordings. Essentially, he said that most of his art was about "making special places," arising from the same subconcious place that inspires a child to build a fort out of a blanket draped over the dinner table. I see his act of co-opting of the structures that were designed for other purposes and turning them into "art" (i.e. "play") as the same thing; Byrne's musical building merely takes this to its logical extreme, and lets you bang on the hood of Dad's Ford LTD with Mom's cooking spatulas. Still, as for "turning your location into music," this classic piece by New York percussionist David van Tieghem is pretty hard to beat (the sloppy video editing hasn't aged well, but it's still fun).

"My 3 Songs" for Tuesday

2008-05-13T20:23:31Z

Brian Thompson of Plymouth MN writes today, "When I miss someone, I really miss them -- and listening to songs that affirm just how normal it is to feel like this helps me to feel better. While they're not exactly happy songs, sometimes bit of melancholia is good for the soul." 1) The Honeydogs, "I Miss You" 2) Dar Williams, "I'll Miss You 'Til I Meet You" 3) Fountains of Wayne, "Someone to Love" Lyrically, you're right about the melancholia, Brian -- but I wouldn't necessarily call those Honeydogs or FOW songs morose musically. But they make a great set and that's the point here! Nicely done. I was reminded recently of the tune that many feel offers up the last word on missing someone. If it's not the ultimate, it sure is a pretty strong contender.

Live Blogging 05/13/08

2008-05-13T14:01:01Z

Tunes On The Telly Tonight: Death Cab for Cutie on Letterman 11:45 a.m. Catherine Wheel New Rob Dickinson download. 11:35 a.m. The Submarines Their latest effort is Honeysuckle Weeks. They have upcoming gigs with Headlights. More... 11:20 a.m. The Raconteurs Here's an interesting interview with The Guardian. 11:15 a.m. Death Cab For Cutie Narrow Stairs hit the shelves today. They're playing The Orpheum on June 2nd. More... 11:00 a.m. Iron & Wine They're playing First Avenue on June 11th. More... 10:45 a.m. M.I.A. She's playing The Myth tonight. Check out tix prices/details for her upcoming MOMA show. More... 10:25 a.m. Ladytron "Ghosts" is the first single from their forthcoming album Velocifero which will be released on June 3rd. Pre-order it here. More... 10:20 a.m. Local Music - OME Mark Edwards is taking time off from the OME project to work more on The Arrest. More... Song Of The Day Info - No Age Today on our Song Of The Day Podcast we're featuring No Age with the tune "Cappo" from their album Nouns. They're playing The Triple Rock Social Club on Jul 21st. More... 9:50 a.m. Stereolab They're playing First Avenue on October 12th. More... 9:40 a.m. Local Music - Chris Koza The Dark Delirious Morning is the new record. The CD release show is Saturday, June 7th at First Avenue with This World Fair, These Modern Socks, and The Parlour Suite. More... 9:35 a.m. The Breeders They're playing First Avenue on May 30th. More... 9:10 a.m. Coldplay Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends will be released on June 17th. Pre-order it now to get some instant Coldplay gratification. They're playing Excel Energy Center on July 8th. More... 9:00 a.m. Billy Bragg He's playing The Cedar Cultural Center on June 13th. More...

The Stream 05/13/08

2008-05-13T14:00:00Z

Common will be in the new Terminator movie. What's your favorite Bowie tune? Green Day to tour as Foxboro Hot Tubs. Today In Music History: 1943 - Mary Wells (first artist to record on the Motown label) was born. 1950 - Stevie Wonder was born. 1966 - Alison Goldfrapp was born. 1971 - Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) was hospitalized after she crashed her Mercedes in San Francisco. 1978 - Yvonne Elliman's "If I Can't Have You" was #1. 1985 - Bruce Springsteen married Julianne Phillips. 1988 - Chet Baker died. 2003 - The Darkness signed to East West Records.