The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
The Current Music News

Music News: Bill Withers releases first new solo recording in 32 years

Bill Withers in 2016, at a ceremony honoring music executive Clarence Avant with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Bill Withers in 2016, at a ceremony honoring music executive Clarence Avant with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

by Jay Gabler

September 06, 2017

How long has it been since soul legend Bill Withers released a new solo recording? Put it this way: Lady Gaga has lived her entire life without seeing it happen...until now. Very quietly, Withers participated in a new tribute album honoring country singer Little Jimmy Dickens. Withers covers "(You've Been Quite a Doll) Raggedy Ann" on The Rhinestone Hillbilly, which is out now on Bandcamp. (Rolling Stone)

Charles Bradley cancels tour to focus on cancer battle

Charles Bradley has been forced to cancel his upcoming tour dates — including a Sept. 28 date at the Fitzgerald Theater — after discovering liver cancer that spread from an earlier case of stomach cancer.

"I love all of you out there that made my dreams come true," said Bradley. "When I come back, I'll come back strong, with God's love. With God's will, I'll be back soon."

St. Vincent announces new album

St. Vincent has announced her fifth solo studio album (and sixth overall, if counting the 2012 David Byrne collaboration Love This Giant). MASSEDUCTION comes out Oct. 13, featuring guest appearances by Kamasi Washington, Jenny Lewis, and Doveman. She made the announcement with a mock press conference, and released a new track called "Los Ageless" to accompany the previously released "New York." (Pitchfork)

Martin Shkreli to sell Wu-Tang album

Disgraced pharmaceutical czar Martin Shkreli is selling his copy of the Wu-Tang Clan album Once Upon a Time In Shaolin, he says. Despite the fact that his copy is the only copy, Shkreli stands to lose quite a bit of money on the deal: he paid a reported $2 million for the album in 2015, and as of Wednesday afternoon, the highest bid on eBay was just over $200,000. (Pitchfork)

Justin Timberlake is "biggest star" guest on Foo Fighters album

Justin Timberlake is the biggest star in the world — according to the Foo Fighters, who referred to him as such when teasing his appearance on their upcoming album Concrete and Gold. Rumors had swirled around names including Taylor Swift and Adele, but in fact it's the former NSYNC member who sings on the album. Specifically, he contributed "some 'la la la's." (Billboard)

Mariah Carey releases Christmas movie trailer

There's a new trailer for All I Want for Christmas Is You, a new animated movie inspired by the iconic Mariah Carey song. The film will be released straight to home video on Nov. 14. (Billboard)