The latest smartphone obsession is Meitu, an app that turns faces into airbrushed anime caricatures. Brooklyn Vegan gave the Meitu treatment to the covers of classic albums by artists including David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and Adele.

The xx outsell The Weeknd — but don't outstream him

The Weeknd continues to reign atop the Billboard 200, on the strength of high streaming volume for his new album Starboy. The week's top seller — by a wide margin — was I See You by the xx (our album of the week), which lands at number two. (Billboard)

Sprint buys into Tidal

Sprint has purchased 33% of Tidal, giving 24 million of their customers access to Jay Z’s streaming service. "Sprint shares our view of revolutionizing the creative industry to allow artists to connect directly with their fans and reach their fullest, shared potential," said Jay Z in a statement. (Pitchfork)

Remembering Jaki Liebezeit

Drummer Jaki Liebezeit has died of pneumonia at age 78. Liebezeit was a founding member of Can, a pioneering krautrock group, and had been scheduled to perform at a 50th anniversary show for the group in April. (Rolling Stone)

Stevie Wonder gives "Superstition" cover an assist

Denver musician Grayson Erhard was performing in an Anaheim hotel lobby as part of a music convention, and he had an awkward moment when covering Stevie Wonder’s "Superstition": Erhard forgot the lyrics to the second verse. Never fear, Wonder himself was on hand to help out. Wonder sat down next to Erhard and traded lyrics, whispering into Erhard's ear to help him out. (Rolling Stone)

Today's political news

It wouldn't be a day in 2017 without some politics-related music news. First up: people have been combing the past tweets of White House press secretary Sean Spicer, and they've discovered that back in 2014, he had some thoughts about Daft Punk (or "Daft Funk," as he called them). "Come on helmets?" he tweeted during the Grammys, noting that he was an "early and still" fan of the dance-music duo. "T[h]ey need to grow up." (Consequence of Sound)

In a post on Wilco’s Facebook page, Jeff Tweedy addresses commenters who have attacked the band for protesting President Donald Trump. "Maybe you're serious about all the hurtful things you've been saying," wrote Tweedy. "If you ARE serious, I would like to welcome you back to our little corner of the web to spit and foam anytime you like. I can take it. I'm not afraid of you." (Pitchfork)

Father John Misty has shared a new song. "Pure Comedy" comes with a politically-charged video, no surprise from the "Bored in the U.S.A." singer. (Pitchfork)