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Music News: Bruce Springsteen played secret White House concert

US President Barack Obama looks on after presenting Bruce Springsteen with the Presidential Medal of Freedom
US President Barack Obama looks on after presenting Bruce Springsteen with the Presidential Medal of FreedomSAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

by Jay Gabler

January 19, 2017

Outgoing president Barack Obama thanked his staff with a private two-hour acoustic concert by Bruce Springsteen on Jan. 12, it's been revealed. "The set list for the unique performance leaned towards the singer's more political works," reports Rolling Stone, "and Springsteen frequently discussed politics and Obama's impact between each song."

Both Arcade Fire and Gorillaz have released songs with pointed political messages as Donald Trump’s inauguration nears. Mavis Staples joins with Arcade Fire on "I Give You Power" ("...I can take it away," the lyrics continue).

The new Gorillaz track is called "Hallelujah Money," and it's the first song to be released from the act's forthcoming album. The track features Benjamin Clementine, winner of 2015's Mercury Prize. (Pitchfork)

Then there's the new Ryan Adams single, which is called "Doomsday" — although the song's message is (probably) romantic, not political. It's from his forthcoming album Prisoner, out Feb. 17. (Pitchfork)

As inaugural festivities got underway on Thursday, Sam Moore performed "America the Beautiful." When it was reported that Trump's first dance as president could be to the song "My Way" — a signature song of the late Frank Sinatra — the singer's daughter Nancy Sinatra pointed out that the song's opening line is, "And now, the end is near." (NME)

Chance supports brother

Taylor Bennett, the younger brother of Chance the Rapper, revealed on Wednesday that he's bisexual. Chance tweeted his support for his brother: "He's got God and me behind him." (Billboard)

Wayne's World returning to theaters

The cult classic Wayne's World about a couple of musicheads who have a totally awesome cable access show, will return to theaters on Feb. 7 and 8 in honor of the film's 25th anniversary. "In addition to the screenings," Pitchfork notes, "Paramount Home Media Distribution is putting out a Wayne's World double feature on DVD and Digital HD. It's out February 14 (the 25th anniversary). New digital extras (including director's commentary and a making-of feature) will be available with the iTunes edition of the movie."

Alanis Morissette had millions embezzled from her

Jonathan Todd Schwartz, a former business manager of Alanis Morissette, has admitted to embezzling over $4.8 million from the Jagged Little Pill hitmaker — as well as over a million dollars from other clients. He's now in court, facing a prison sentence of up to 23 years. Morissette has not commented on the case. (New York Times)

Smoke this record

Slightly Stoopid have manufactured what Billboard calls "the first known record pressed from hash." Only two copies of the record have been made, requiring $6,000 worth of highly resinous hash each. The audio quality remains "questionable," though, so the band are planning to give it a third try later this year. The song on the records: the instrumental jam "Dabbington."