http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/podcasts/musicheads/ Music discussion with the staff of The Current en-us 2009 Minnesota Public Radio Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:49:31 CDT http://minnesota.publicradio.org/tools/podcasts/images/itunes_mh_75.jpg http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/podcasts/musicheads/ A lively, and highly subjective, review of new music from the staff of The Current. Bill DeVille leads a round-table featuring a rotating cast of fellow on-air hosts, who take a handful of recent releases for a test-drive each week. Music discussion Minnesota Public Radio Minnesota Public Radio mail@mpr.org No Mark Wheat started it on the Current's Music Blog, and this week the Musicheads get into the act of picking - and asking you to pick - some of the best music of 2009 so far. Weekend late-night host Jade joins Bill DeVille and The Current's Assistant Music Director David Safar to ponder the question, and the gang also reviews recent releases including Kasabian's "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum," Mos Def's "The Ecstatic," and Amazing Baby's "Rewild." Tue, 7 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/the_current/programs/2009/06/23/musicheads_20090707_128.mp3 22:31 The title of Wilco's latest, "Wilco (The Album)" suggests a playful, tongue-in-cheek effort. Is that what Jeff Tweedy and company have served up this time? Bill DeVille and the cast weigh in. The gang also reviews the latest from Eels, a concept album about werewolves called "Hombre Lobo," and the debut full-length from Passion Pit, "Manners." Finally, Bill poses the question, "If you could bring a great deceased artist back from the afterlife for one final gig, who would it be, and why?" Bill's guests are Barb Abney and Mac Wilson. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/the_current/programs/2009/06/23/musicheads_20090630_128.mp3 23:11 In this age of artists gladly and willingly letting their music be used in TV commercials, is the idea of "selling out" still an issue like it used to be? Or do artists just have to make money however they can in today's world? That's the question we want you to ponder online with us this week. For the CD discussion, we continue our short run of summer repeats with a conversation from last month. Mark Wheat, Mac Wilson, and I consider Bob Dylan's latest, "Together Through Life," in addition to Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band's recent "Outer South" and the new disc from White Rabbits, "It's Frightening" in thinking about this question. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/the_current/programs/2009/06/23/musicheads_20090623_128.mp3 24:22 Elvis Costello offers up the second country-tinged CD of his genre-spanning career with "Secret, Profane and Sugarcane," and Bill DeVille and the cast weigh in with their reviews on this week's show. David Safar and The Current's Music Director Melanie Walker also contribute their thoughts on the latest from Phoenix, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," and Grizzly Bear's "Veckatimest." Bill also poses the question, "who's a musical 'second-banana' who deserves more credit than he or she usually receives?" Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/06/mpr_20090616_musicheads_128.mp3 26:00 Is there an artist who almost lost you with a particular song or album - but who subsequently won you back again? That's the new online question we want you to weight in on this week, as we continue our brief run of summer encores with a show from last month. The Current's Program Director Jim McGuinn and Assistant Music Director David Safar join Bill DeVille to review recent releases including Silversun Pickups' "Swoon," Art Brut's "Art Brut Vs. Satan," and Camera Obscura's "My Maudlin Career." Tue, 9 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/06/mpr_20090609_musicheads_128.mp3 16:54 Who is an artist that you love, but whom you've never been able to get anybody else to like quite as much as you? That's the new question we're posing for you to answer online this week. For the CD discussion, we dip into the show's recent archives for reviews of Metric's "Fantasies," the new release from Bat For Lashes, "Two Suns," and "Welcome to Mali," the latest from Amadou & Mariam featuring a handful of tracks produced by Damon Albarn. Host Bill DeVille is joined by Mac Wilson and the Current's Music Director Melanie Walker. Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/the_current/programs/2009/06/02/musicheads_20090602_128.mp3 18:34 Former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker is back with his second solo outing, "Further Complications," and the Musicheads contemplate whether or not it's funny, sexy, offensive, or all of the above on this week's show. The gang also reviews the new solo CD from ex-Grandaddy leader Jason Lytle, "Yours Truly, The Commuter," and the second effort from experimental songstress St. Vincent, "Actor." And the question this week: Who's a bass player who doesn't get the respect he or she deserves? Host Bill DeVille is joined by Barb Abney and Radio Free Current/Local Show host Dave Campbell. Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/the_current/programs/2009/05/26/musicheads_20090526_128.mp3 23:40 Few artists can lay claim to making even 20 albums during their careers - but when you're on your 33rd effort, you've made it to an elite group. So how is Bob Dylan's muse holding up? Bill DeVille and the Musicheads consider Bob's latest, "Together Through Life," on this week's show, in addition to the new one from Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band ("Outer South") and the latest from White Rabbits, "It's Frightening." Finally, Bill asks the group, "Who's a lyricist that deserves more credit than he or she usually gets?" Bill's guests are Mark Wheat and Mac Wilson. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/the_current/programs/2009/05/19/musicheads_20090519_128.mp3 29:53 The Musicheads have taken the week off for The Current's Spring Member Drive. Become a member today and support great programming like this. http://thecurrent.org Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/05/mpr_20090512_musicheads_128.mp3 :27 A ton of 80s/90s alt rock albums have been getting the deluxe package treatment lately, from the likes of Radiohead, Beastie Boys, and others. What is an album you'd like to see re-issued and /or deluxe-ified soon? That was the question Bill DeVille posed to the cast this week. Guests David Safar and Jim McGuinn also joined Bill to review new releases including Silversun Pickups' "Swoon," Art Brut's "Art Brut Vs. Satan," and Camera Obscura's "My Maudlin Career." Tue, 5 May 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/05/mpr_20090505_musicheads_128.mp3 21:21 With springtime showers now pushing aside the snow for good, Bill DeVille and the cast ponder their favorite rainy-day songs this week. Barb Abney and Dave Campbell also join Bill to discuss new releases including Peter Bjorn and John's "Living Thing," Doves' "Kingdom of Rust," and Obits' "I Blame You." Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/04/mpr_20090428_musicheads_128.mp3 22:18 Who could say no to "a ten track album with ten singles"? That's how Mac Wilson describes the new one from Metric, "Fantasies," on this week's show. The Current's Music Director Melanie Walker also joins host Bill DeVille to discuss the latest from Bat For Lashes, "Two Suns," and "Welcome to Mali," the latest from Amadou & Mariam featuring a handful of tracks produced by Damon Albarn. Finally, Bill's question of the week: "Who's an artist who has reinvented their style during the course of their career, and ended up doing something just as interesting - or even more so?" Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/04/mpr_20090421_musicheads_128.mp3 23:11 Rebroadcast: Morrissey's "Years of Refusal," Ben Kweller's "Changing Horses," and Sam Roberts' "Love At the End Of the World" go under the critical microscope this week, and it's mostly positive reactions all around. Also, Bill DeVille poses the question, "What was one record that significantly changed your life?" The Current's new Program Director Jim McGuinn joins the round-table this week, as does mid-day host Barb Abney. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/04/mpr_20090414_musicheads_128.mp3 25:12 The third album from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "It's Blitz!" finds the band replacing the bulk of their guitars with synths - so does the sonic switcheroo work? The gang weighs in this week, and also discusses the latest from Justin Townes Earle, "Midnight At the Movies," and the "Mystery" EP from the unique South African band BLK JKS (prounounced "Black Jacks"). The question this week concerns artistic crossover: "What are some examples of musicians who have succesfully made the transition from their primary art to a secondary one, such as acting, writing, or visual art?" Bill is joined by David Safar and Radio Free Current host David Campbell. Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/04/mpr_20090407_musicheads_128.mp3 28:15 It's three heavy-hitters from the new music scene on this encore broadcast from mid-February, as Bill DeVille leads a discussion about recent releases from Lily Allen ("It's Not Me, It's You"), Dan Auerbach ("Keep It Hid"), and M. Ward ("Hold Time"). Also, Bill poses the question, "What are the qualities that make for a good front-man or front-woman, and who are some examples of great band leaders?" Bill's guests are late-nighter Jill Riley and The Current's Assitant Music Director David Safar. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/03/mpr_20090331_musicheads_128.mp3 26:11 It's time for the gang to weigh in on one of the most blogged, buzzed, talked and twittered-about releases of the season this week: the latest from The Decemberists, "The Hazards of Love." Does it live up to the pre-release anticipation? Bill DeVille is joined by Mark Wheat and Mac Wilson to give it a spin. Also reviewed: "Face Control" from Canadian duo Handsome Furs, and Elvis Perkins' latest, "Elvis Perkins In Dearland." And, Bill poses the question: "What's an example of an album where the sequencing -- the order of the songs -- is key to the listening experience?" Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/03/mpr_20090324_musicheads_128.mp3 26:08 Does the latest from Franz Ferdinand, "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand," continue the band's fresh take on gritty guitar-disco, or does it fall short? Mac Wilson and The Current's Music Director Melanie Walker join me to have their say this week. Also reviewed: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit's self-titled debut, and the new one from local favorite P.O.S., "Never Better." Finally, we revisit the question, "What is one of your favorite cover performances?" Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/03/mpr_20090317_musicheads_128.mp3 24:15 Morrissey's "Years of Refusal," Ben Kweller's "Changing Horses," and Sam Roberts' "Love At the End Of the World" go under the critical microscope this week, and it's mostly positive reactions all around. Also, Bill DeVille poses the question, "What was one record that significantly changed your life?" The Current's new Program Director Jim McGuinn joins the round-table this week, as does mid-day host Barb Abney. Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/03/mpr_20090310_musicheads_128.mp3 25:12 The show overflows with high-profile releases this week, opening with the biggest of big new CD's, U2's "No Line On the Horizon." Also reviewed: Neko Case's new effort, "Middle Cyclone," and the recent various-artists compilation benefitting the War Child foundation, "Heroes," including performances by Beck, The Hold Steady, Lily Allen and others. Finally, Bill DeVille poses the question, "Is there a band that's no longer together that you'd like to see reunite?" Bill's guests are Mark Wheat and David Campbell. Tue, 3 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/03/mpr_20090303_musicheads_128.mp3 28:53 In an encore broadcast from January, Bill DeVille and company weigh in on Glasvegas' self-titled debut, School of Seven Bells' "Alpinisms," and Wild Beasts' "Limbo/Panto." Also, Bill poses the question, "What upcoming releases are you especially looking forward to this year?" Bill's guests are weekender Mac Wilson and The Current's Music Director Melanie Walker. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/02/mpr_20090224_musicheads_128.mp3 23:08 It's three heavy-hitters from the new music scene this week, as Bill DeVille leads a discussion about new releases from Lily Allen ("It's Not Me, It's You"), Dan Auerbach ("Keep It Hid"), and M. Ward ("Hold Time"). Also, Bill poses the question, "What are the qualities that make for a good front-man or front-woman, and who are some examples of great band leaders?" Bill's guests are late-nighter Jill Riley and The Current's Assitant Music Director David Safar. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/02/mpr_20090217_musicheads_128.mp3 26:15 The 2009 Rock n' Roll Hall Of Fame inductees were just announced a couple weeks back -- including Jeff Beck, Metallica and Run DMC. Are there any musicians who have been overlooked for the honor during the Hall of Fame's history, in your opinion? That's the question posed to the guests, and you, on this week's episode. The cast and I also give our opinions on new releases including Gary Louris and Mark Olson's "Ready for the Flood," Deerhunter's "Microcastle," and A.C. Newman's "Get Guilty." My guests are Mac Wilson and The Current's Music Director Melanie Walker. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/02/mpr_20090210_musicheads_128.mp3 24:04 During this colder-than-usual winter, do you have any music you like to put on that compliments the weather and helps make the season a bit more enjoyable? That's the question posed to the Musicheads this week. Bill DeVille and the gang also checked out new releases by Bon Iver ("Blood Bank"), The BPA ("I Think We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat") and The Gaslight Anthem ("The '59 Sound"). Bill's guests were Mark Wheat and David Safar. Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/02/mpr_20090203a_musicheads_128.mp3 29:30 It's an "all animal" edition of Musicheads this week: Host Bill DeVille leads the cast in reviews of Andrew Bird's "Noble Beast," Animal Collective's "Merriweather Post Pavilion," and The Bird and The Bee's "Rayguns Are Not Just the Future." Plus we pose the question, "Do you have any music-related New Year's resolutions for 2009?" Bill's guests are nighttime host Jill Riley and Radio Free Current host David Campbell. Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/01/mpr_20090130a_musicheads_128.mp3 24:24 The Musicheads crew is back with their first new show of '09, and they've got a host of recent releases to catch up on. This week they check out Glasvegas' self-titled debut, School of Seven Bells' "Alpinisms," and Wild Beasts' "Limbo/Panto." Host Bill DeVille posed the question, "What upcoming releases are you especially looking forward to this year?" Bill's guests are weekender Mac Wilson and The Current's Music Director Melanie Walker. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CDT http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/minnesota/podcasts/musicheads/2009/01/mpr_20090130_musicheads_128.mp3 23:02