Music News: Minnesota Orchestra honors Prince at Vikings halftime
September 19, 2016
At the Minnesota Vikings home opener on Sunday, the Minnesota Orchestra took the field at halftime to pay tribute to Prince with a moving rendition of "Purple Rain." The New Power Generation’'s Tommy Barbarella arranged the song, which the orchestra performed with the Steeles. (YourClassical)
Will rare Hüsker Dü demos be released soon?
The archival record label Numero Group has posted a tweet teasing what looks like it could be a Hüsker Dü reissue or rarities issue. "It seems likely that the cassette contains the Bill Bruce demos," notes Dangerous Minds, "which Hüsker Dü recorded in May 1979. The demos consist of six songs, including 'Do the Bee' and 'MTC.'"
The ultimate overnight stay for music fans
The Rough Trade record store in Brooklyn is offering overnight stays via Airbnb. The store has installed a Sonos Listening Room, complete with bed. "The amenities," notes Pitchfork, "include access to a curated selection of records (either self selected or staff picks), a Sonos soundsystem to play all the records, an exclusive display of out-of-print New York music zines, a fully stocked mini fridge, and more. Once the overnight stay is complete, the occupants will be able to partake in a private shopping spree at the record store." You can't rent the room, though: you have to enter for a chance to win.
Mike Joyce vs. Percy Pig
Smiths drummer Mike Joyce has criticized British department store chain Marks & Spencer for their popular candy Percy Pig. Joyce's beef, so to speak: the candy contains pork gelatin. There's a vegetarian option, but Joyce thinks the distinction is not sufficiently clear to consumers. "I also see that you don't advertise the non veggie ones with, 'contains real pigs'!" Joyce wrote in a note to the chain. "I'm sure kids would rather eat a sweet called 'Percy Pig' that didn't contain bits of dead pig?" (a href="http://pitchfork.com/news/68395-smiths-drummer-mike-joyce-fights-british-supermarket-over-pig-candy/" target="_blank">Pitchfork)
Bon Iver add tour dates
Bon Iver have added a string of New York dates, in December, to their U.S. tour in support of their forthcoming album 22, A Million. (Pitchfork)
Margaritaville, MOA
Bloomington Parrotheads rejoice: a restaurant in Jimmy Buffet—s Margaritaville chain is opening Tuesday at the Mall of America. "We are ecstatic to bring the Margaritaville lifestyle to the North Star State," says a representative of the eatery. (Star Tribune)
New Lizzo vid
Lizzo has released a new video for "Phone," the first single from her forthcoming EP Coconut Oil.
Mrs. Potts has still got it
Appearing at a 25th anniversary screening of the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast, Broadway legend Angela Lansbury — who voiced Mrs. Potts in the film, and is now 90 years old — wowed the crowd with a beautiful rendition of the title song. (Billboard)