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Coffee Break

9:30 Coffee Break: Diacritical marks and graphic symbols

A collage of diacritical marks and special characters.
A collage of diacritical marks and special characters.MPR graphic

by Jade and Sean McPherson

March 02, 2016

Local band Poliça's much-anticipated new album, United Crushers, will be released this Friday, March 4.

When we look at the spelling and pronunciation of Poliça, there is a cedilla on the C, which gives the C the S sound, like in the word "façade." And it turns out Poliça are one of many bands who use diacritical marks in their names. For example, many bands have used the umlaut (for example, ü) or even the Swedish-style slashed Ø in the stylized typography of their names.

Beyond typography, there are other artists and bands who have created a graphic symbol for themselves; these symbols often become a visual shorthand for the artists' actual names, particularly when the symbols are embraced by fans.

So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear by artists who use diacritical marks or graphic symbols in their names? Send us your requests.

Songs Played


Blue Öyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper
Janelle Monáe - Cold War
Tony! Toni! Toné! - If I had Not Loot
BØRNS - Electric Love
Björk - Army of Me
? and the Mysterians - 96 Tears
Mötley Crüe - Dr. Feelgood

Do you deserve a Coffee Break? We at The Current's Morning Show think you do, and we want to bring coffee and treats from Peace Coffee and Glam Doll Donuts to your workplace. Let us know why you'd like a Coffee Break — or request your own idea for a future Coffee Break topic.