A new study by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow finds that dogs love reggae — and soft rock. "Researchers played a variety of music to dogs at a rehoming centre in Dumbarton and assessed physiological and behavioural changes," reports the BBC. While dogs, like humans, proved to have varying individual tastes — and while all types of music tested had a soothing effect — overall the canine subjects responded most positively to reggae and soft rock. (BBC)

Today's political news

Presidential politics have seemingly caused a rift within the band Slayer. Singer Tom Araya posted a photo of the band Photoshopped to include Donald Trump, immediately sparking criticism — not just for the photo, but for his use of the term "snowflakes" (a common far-right epithet for liberals) and for a comment that seemed to be homophobic. "As was verified by Tom," the band said in a statement to Billboard, "this was his post, is not something the band would have posted if asked, and does not belong on a Slayer social page."

Cyndi Lauper said she's glad that fellow '80s icon Madonna came out to participate in the Women's March, but Lauper said that Madonna's strident and controversial remarks weren't constructive. "I don't think it served our purpose," said Lauper, "because anger is not better than clarity and humanity." (Billboard)

Will Car Seat Headrest collaborate with Smash Mouth?

There are no firm plans for a split EP where Car Seat Headrest and Smash Mouth cover each other's songs, despite the fact that both bands have said they're "game" for such a collaboration. In an interview for Australian radio, Car Seat Headrest's Will Toledo said he definitely thinks Smash Mouth's hits "really hold up as pop songs" and that he'll probably cover "a few of their songs," but he said there aren't any concrete plans for a release. (Pitchfork)

Elton John to compose Devil Wears Prada musical

Elton John is writing the music for an upcoming Broadway musical based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel The Devil Wears Prada. Writer Paul Rudnick will collaborate with John on the musical, with a premiere date yet to be set. "I'm a huge fan of both the book and the feature film, and a huge aficionado of the fashion world," said John. "I can't wait to sink my musical teeth into this hunk of popular culture." (Billboard)

Remembering Tom Edwards

Guitarist Tom Edwards has died of suspected heart failure at age 41. Edwards was the music director for Adam Ant, who postponed a New York show in the wake of the death. "Tom shared his musical gifts with the world," wrote Ant in a statement, "and his spirit will live on forever." (Billboard)

Solange inspires syllabus

Solange’s hit album A Seat at the Table will be the basis of a syllabus that can be used for courses or self-instruction. "Solange Knowles's A Seat at the Table has been one of the most reflective and popular albums produced by a young black woman that speaks to issues of race, womanhood and equality," write the directors of an online project collecting submissions for the syllabus. "If we are to have a democracy in which all of us have a seat at the table, we know that these experiences should be central to the development of America's practices and policies." (Rolling Stone)