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Music News: Bob Dylan stonewalls Swedish Academy, sparking resentment

Bob Dylan
Bob DylanPress photo

October 23, 2016

Most people consider it a pretty big deal to win a Nobel Prize of any description, but most people aren't Bob Dylan — who's refused to say whether he plans to travel to Sweden to accept his Nobel Prize in Literature. He hasn't even publicly acknowledged the award, outside of a short-lived mention on his website. At least one member of the Swedish Academy is getting frustrated: in an interview, Per Wastberg called Dylan's silence "impolite and arrogant."

The Academy later issued a statement clarifying that "this is Mr. Wastberg's private opinion and is not to be taken as the official standpoint of the Swedish Academy." (New York Times)

Jack White to receive special Recording Academy honor

Jack White will receive a special honor from the Recording Academy's Producers and Engineers Wing. The award, which will be presented at a ceremony prior to the 2017 Grammys, recognizes White's "significant contributions 'behind the glass.'" (Billboard)

Today's political news

On the campaign trail, Minnesota-born vice-presidential candidate Tim Kaine continues to enthuse about his favorite bands. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Kaine listed his five favorite musical artists: the Replacements ("Paul Westerberg writes really, really good lyrics"), the Carter Family, the Dave Matthews Band, Cornershop, and Charlie Parker.

"Weird Al" Yankovic has released a new track that features AutoTuned remixes of quotes from the third presidential debate. (Billboard)

Eric B. and Rakim to reunite

Eric B. and Rakim, one of the most venerated groups in hip-hop history, plan to reunite for a 2017 tour as they reissue all four of their albums. The duo broke up in 1993 and spent a portion of the intervening years not on speaking terms. They plan to film new videos for some of their classic tracks, but currently have no plans to record new music. (Rolling Stone)

Bridge School Benefit highlights

This weekend, Neil Young held his annual Bridge School Benefit at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. Among the highlights: Young playing the Buffalo Springfield nugget "Mr. Soul" with Metallica, and Young joining Roger Waters and My Morning Jacket for a rendition of Bob Dylan’s "Forever Young."

Leo to play Sam

Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly set to both produce and star in a new biopic of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips. Mick Jagger is reported to be co-producing the film, which will be based on Peter Guralnick’s recent biography. (Deadline.com) Read David Safar's review of Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock 'n' Roll.

Solange tapped for SNL

Saturday Night Live has announced that its Nov. 5 episode will be hosted by Benedict Cumberbatch with musical guest Solange. A Seat at the Table, Solange's new album, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 — edging out Bon Iver’s 22, A Million. (Pitchfork)

Bring a little Lionel into your home

The renaissance of Lionel Richie continues with...not a new album, but a line of home goods. The Lionel Richie Home Collection includes Endless Love Candles, Love Bowls, and Black Onyx shot glasses. (Billboard)