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Live From The Current Studio

Kurt Vile performs a solo acoustic set at The Current

Kurt Vile performs a solo acoustic set in The Current studio.
Kurt Vile performs a solo acoustic set in The Current studio.Nate Ryan | MPR
  Play Now [18:51]

by Mary Lucia

December 19, 2018

Kurt Vile - Loading Zones (Live at The Current)
by MPR
Kurt Vile - Bassackwards (Live at The Current)
by MPR
Kurt Vile - Baby's Arms (Live at The Current)
by MPR

Bottle It In, released on Oct. 12, 2018, is Kurt Vile's eighth studio album. "I can't listen to that one right now, although I am proud of it," Vile says. "I listened to it a million times and I turned it in, and I was pretty burned out.

"I love playing the record live and I know it's a good record," Vile adds with a laugh, "but at the moment I've heard it too many times recently!"

Kurt Vile and the Violators are playing a show at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Dec. 19, but before the show, Vile stopped at The Current to play a solo acoustic set and to talk with host Mary Lucia.

Eight records doesn't quite put Kurt Vile at Robert Pollard levels of prolific output, but he's certainly making is way in that direction. "Every record is my best record," Vile says, "and [Bottle It In] is my best record in ways, but it's also a pretty weird record, but they all are in their own ways.

"I've put out so many records, but this one is pretty epic," Vile continues. "It's one of those records I didn't edit down, because that was the kind of record I was trying to make. It's funny — we still play certain songs pretty long live, but it's almost like we play them shorter than they are on the record. It's often the other way!"

Vile also talked about growing up in what must have been a very musical neighborhood, and how a kind neighbor helped him make the switch from playing banjo to playing guitar as a youngster. Listen to the complete studio session using the audio player above.

Songs Performed


"Loading Zones"
"Bassackwards"
"Baby's Arms"
Songs 1 and 2 are from Kurt Vile's 2018 album, Bottle It In, and song 3 is from Vile's 2011 release, Smoke Ring for My Halo. Both are available on Matador Records.

Hosted by Mary Lucia
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Corey Schreppel
Visuals by Nate Ryan and Minju Kim
Web feature by Luke Taylor

Kurt Vile - official site