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The Chart Show: #1 at MicroShow!

Sharon Van Etten
Sharon Van EttenRyan Pfluger

by Mark Wheat

February 07, 2019

Our next MicroShow will be at a cozy venue in South Minneapolis at an unusual time for rockin' - Sunday February 17 at 10 AM! It's the night after #1 artist Sharon Van Etten plays at First Avenue. As usual, you can only get into this show by winning tickets on-air or by registering for a chance.

Up to Number Three already after only two weeks on the chart Gary Clark Jr. will celebrate his 35th Birthday next Friday by being on Saturday Night Live! He just released another song from "This Land" the album which comes out February 22.

Just after enjoying a sold out residency at the venue last month, The Cactus Blossoms bounce back up to #5 this week as they prepare to play one more show at The Turf Club this coming Saturday. It might be the last chance you get to see them before they head out on a national tour in April.

The highest new entry at six is Vampire Weekend with the first track released from their forthcoming Father of the Bride album. The tickets for their nationwide tour go on sale this weekend including June 9 at The Armory.

Inducted into the Chart Hall of Fame for the very first time is Soccer Mommy, ending her stint at #11. She'll be joining up next week as support for Kacey Musgraves, who just played a sold out show at The Palace Theatre.

Minnesota has a soft spot in its heart for Brandi Carlile, down to twelve, so how wonderfully appropriate is our Music On A Stick show announcement this week? The Current pre-sale is Thursday for the August 31 show at The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand!

Our Album of the Week is reviewed by Mac Wilson, who calls Maggie Roger's Heard It In A Past Life "...a terrific body of work." One of the early singles that's included on the album comes in at #13.

NPR asked me to be involved in their monthly column Heavy Rotation where I extolled the virtues of Jack White getting back together with his old buddies The Raconteurs, who promptly slip down 10 places!

Live From Here with Chris Thile last weekend (Sunday nights on The Current at 10pm) featured a version of the new entry at Number Nineteen this week from Jenny Lewis, whose new album will be out March 22.

Kurt Vile is one of your favorites, as he's back in the basement this week, but who does he like to listen to? According to a newly posted Spotify list - his old buddy Courtney Barnett, Nick Cave and Cass McCombs among others.

Submit your Chart Show ballot this week for a chance to win The Current's Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival giveaway at the State Fair MidWay in Falcon Heights, MN on February 23, 2019!