Review and photos: Adrianne Lenker conjures the infinite at sold-out Cedar Cultural Center show February 22, 2019 Last night, Adrianne Lenker played a sold-out show at the Cedar Cultural Center with special guest Luke Temple. The crowd were seated throughout the night in front of the elevated stage, and I quickly understood why as I let the sounds wash over me without the constant distraction of moving around to get a better… Read More ›
Sir Elton John through Mark Wheat's eyes and ears February 22, 2019 Mark Wheat reviews Sir Elton's final tour. Read More ›
Prince, Bob Dylan, and more Minnesotan Oscar winners February 22, 2019 Minnesota may be a long way from Hollywood, but that doesn't mean Minnesotans have gotten the cold shoulder at the Oscars. Read More ›
Friday Five: Lizzo, David Huckfelt & Amelia Meath, and more new Minnesota music videos February 22, 2019 Lizzo – “Cuz I Love You” Another month leading up to the release of Lizzo‘s third album, another sensational music video. “Cuz I Love You” is the title track from said album, a song about falling in love accompanied by what The Fader calls a “holy weep-fest” on video. Lizzo plays a very sold-out show… Read More ›
Pitchfork names ‘Purple Rain’ second-best soundtrack ever February 21, 2019 With the Oscars coming up on Sunday, Pitchfork has just published its editors’ list of the 50 best movie soundtracks ever. Purple Rain is on the list, of course…at number two. “Purple Rain is Prince in his prime, at his peak, at his most audacious,” writes Jayson Greene. “It is Prince at his most sensual, his… Read More ›
Reflecting on Peter Tork's lasting imprint February 21, 2019 The Current's program director, Jim McGuinn, reflects on the passing of Peter Tork, and on the impact Tork made on McGuinn's own life. 'I'm remembering, giving thanks to an artist who maybe never got his full shot, but also managed to have the opportunity to capture the imagination of the world for a few years,' McGuinn writes. Read More ›
Music News: Peter Tork of the Monkees dies at 77 February 21, 2019 Monkees bassist Peter Tork has died at age 77. Also in the news today: the 1975 win big at the Brits, and actor/singer Jussie Smollett is arrested in Chicago. Plus, Jade and Jay spotlight new releases from Better Oblivion Community Center, Gary Clark Jr., Sleaford Mods, and Yola. Read More ›
Celebrate Black History Month with music January 31, 2019 The Current is honoring the music and contributions of Black musicians in February, and we're starting off by dedicating Friday, Feb. 1, exclusively to music made by Black musicians. Read More ›
Theft of the Dial: Paul Banks of Interpol February 21, 2019 Mark Wheat welcomes Interpol frontman Paul Banks into the studio to play songs that inspire him. Something that may not be readily evident to Interpol fans is Banks's deep love of hip hop, which is reflected in his playlist. Read More ›
'We continue to rise': artists discuss the intersection of Black history and music February 21, 2019 15 artists talk about the influence and intersection of Black history, music, and culture. Read More ›
Music News: Peter Tork of the Monkees dies at 77 February 21, 2019 Monkees bassist Peter Tork has died at age 77. Also in the news today: the 1975 win big at the Brits, and actor/singer Jussie Smollett is arrested in Chicago. Plus, Jade and Jay spotlight new releases from Better Oblivion Community Center, Gary Clark Jr., Sleaford Mods, and Yola. Read More ›
Download The Current app January 29, 2018 Download The Current's app to hear a crisp, high-fidelity stream of our station (and our additional streams) wherever you go! Read More ›
Listen to The Current via Smart Speakers July 23, 2018 Listen to The Current on Google Home and Amazon's Echo devices, and get enhanced functionality -- song names, requests, song of the day -- with our Alexa Skill. Read More ›
Dua Saleh performs in The Current studio February 19, 2019 Amid surging local and worldwide attention, Minnesota's Dua Saleh performs at The Current and shares conversation with Local Show host Andrea Swensson. Read More ›
The Cactus Blossoms play songs from their new album, 'Easy Way' February 17, 2019 Ahead of the March 1 release of their new album, 'Easy Way,' the Cactus Blossoms stopped at The Current to play songs from the forthcoming record and to talk with host Bill DeVille. Read More ›
Sunflower Bean perform in The Current studio February 15, 2019 Less than a year after the release of their most recent full-length album, New York band Sunflower Bean dropped an EP, 'King of the Dudes.' The new release exudes a sense of fun. 'We ended up really experimenting with a different side of ourselves,' explains Sunflower Bean's Julia Cummings when the band stopped in for a session hosted by Mac Wilson. Read More ›
Dorothy perform in The Current studio February 14, 2019 The band Dorothy's latest album, '28 Days in the Valley,' was produced by none other than Linda Perry, the extraordinary producer and songwriter (and former 4 Non Blondes frontperson) behind massive hits for artists like Pink and Christina Aguilera. Dorothy recently visited The Current for a session hosted by Jill Riley. Read More ›
Abby Jeanne performs in The Current studio January 29, 2019 A rising musician out of Milwaukee, Abby Jeanne recently released a new album, 'Music Box Dancer.' Although Jeanne is a multi-instrumentalist, she says her primary instrument is her voice -- and on hearing these soulful songs, that becomes abundantly clear. Before Abby Jeanne performs at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 30, she and her band stopped at The Current studio for a session hosted by Mark Wheat. Read More ›
Coffee Break: Bees! February 22, 2019 Jill, Eric and Anna are obsessed with a story over at MPR News about the world's largest bee - spotted in Indonesia and recorded at an inch and a half long, with a tongue that's almost an inch long. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what bee songs and bands do you want to hear? Read More ›
Today in Music History: David Bowie mimes before T. Rex February 22, 2019 Elvis Presley was at No. 1 with 'Rock-A- Hula Baby / Can't Help Falling In Love'; MTV dedicated a full 22 hours broadcast to The Monkees; Andy Warhol died; The Beatles recorded "I Want You (She's So Heavy)"; and David Bowie opened for T. Rex, Today in Music History. Read More ›
Coffee Break Suggestions and Archive November 08, 2016 Got an idea for a Coffee Break? Want to see what we did a while back? Read More ›