News and InterviewsJames Taylor talks and sings American standardsNed Wharton and Lulu Garcia-Navarro • Feb 9, 2020James Taylor has had a long and rich career, with hits including 'Fire and Rain' and 'You've Got a Friend.'; Now he's releasing an audio-only memoir and has a new album of standards coming Feb. 28.
News and InterviewsInterview: Michael StipeMac Wilson • Feb 7, 2020Michael Stipe gave himself a birthday present this year - a gift that was shared with legions of fans: two new solo songs, 'Drive to the Ocean' and 'Your Capricious Soul.' The Current's Mac Wilson connected with Michael Stipe to talk about the new music as well as a little bit about R.E.M. and about Michael's other projects.
News and InterviewsThe 2020 Oscars' Best Original Song nomineesStephen Thompson • Feb 7, 2020Let's pick a winner and some losers from among a crop that includes a Disney showstopper, an Elton John banger, Randy Newman's latest Pixar romp and two songs about standing.
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Please Feb 7, 2020Today in 1963, the first Beatles single "Please Please Me" was released in the U.S. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that say please?
Local Current BlogFriday Five: Early Eyes, Poliça, and more new Minnesota music videosEmma Manley • Feb 7, 2020To submit music videos for consideration — whether they’re your own, or just new Minnesota music videos you think are awesome — e-mail fridayfive@mpr.org. Early Eyes – “I’m Enough” Early Eyes started making waves in the Minneapolis music scene a few years ago, and they’ve carried that momentum all the way to signing with Epitaph…
News and InterviewsInside Dan Deacon's 'Mystic Familiar'Dave Blanchard • Feb 6, 2020The composer and electronic musician hit a wall while making his first solo album in five years. Finishing the record meant finding inspiration in everything from Brian Eno to a tree in his yard.
Listen to LoochListen to Looch: talking with Bill DeVille about intervMary Lucia • Feb 6, 2020This week, Mary Lucia welcomes Bill DeVille, and the two pull back the curtain a bit on what it's like to interview the artists you love.
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Songs for an adhesive commercialAnna Weggel • Feb 6, 2020Last night Jill glued her finger to a toy she was fixing and it got us thinking - what songs would work well in an adhesive commercial?
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Bands that are hard to googleAnna Weggel • Feb 5, 2020We're playing a new band called "FEET" and Jill had the great idea to feature bands that would be hard to google for today's 9:30 Coffee Break. What bands do you want to hear that would fit that bill?
Rock and Roll Book ClubRock and Roll Book Club: Peter Asher's Beatles bookJay Gabler • Feb 5, 2020There are few Beatles experts better-qualified than Peter Asher, a British Invasion peer who now hosts a radio show dedicated to the band.