News and InterviewsDolly Parton on her new album, inspiring young peopleLulu Garcia-Navarro and Sarah Handel • Dec 9, 2018The country legend talks about creating the soundtrack to Dumplin', the new Netflix film starring Jennifer Aniston that's inspired by her music.
Local Current BlogCurtiss A on Cactus Blossoms’ musical tribute: ‘They seem to enjoy my raw approach’Colleen Cowie • Dec 7, 2018The Cactus Blossoms recently released the first single from their upcoming sophomore album, Easy Way. “Please Don’t Call Me Crazy” has a retro vibe to it — and not just because of the tremolo-soaked guitars. The song is a tribute to one of the Twin Cities’ veteran rock stars, Curtiss A. Curtiss A, born Curt Almsted, began…
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: U.K. punk rockAnna Weggel • Dec 7, 2018Pete Shelley, lead singer of the Buzzcocks, passed away yesterday. On Twitter, the band said he was "one of the U.K.'s most influential and prolific songwriters". So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what U.K. punk rock do you want to hear?
Local Current BlogReview and Photos: Thom Yorke captivates with intimate set at NorthropClaire Philpott • Dec 7, 2018I feel I should probably admit right off the bat that I have not been a massive fan of Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes. It’s not bad by any means, but it’s overall not quite melodic or singable enough and, Lord knows, Thom Yorke can write a beautiful melody. I’m more of a fan of, The Eraser or…
DuluthFriday Five: Static Panic, Emily Haavik & the 35s, and more new Minnesota music videosCecilia Johnson • Dec 7, 2018Static Panic – The Crazy Thing Static Panic‘s first music video is an animated project by Wisconsiner Jake Huffcut. For more on this “discolicious” band: The Current selected their EP Chrome as one of 10 Notable Albums of 2018, and they’ll perform at First Avenue’s Best New Bands show on Jan. 4. Emily Haavik & the 35s…
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Soundtrack workAnna Weggel • Dec 6, 2018Thom Yorke is in town tonight playing the Northrop Memorial Auditorium and at 8:30 am you can hear his Suspiria session where he plays and talks about his songs from the 2018 Luca Guadagnino horror film 'Suspiria'. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from artists who contributed significantly to the score or soundtrack of a film?
Local Current BlogNo ‘right way’ to love music: On Rookie Magazine and finding confidence in my own tasteLydia Moran • Dec 6, 2018On Nov. 30 Rookie Magazine, an online publication, book series, and podcast headed by Tavi Gevinson, declared that it would shutter for good after a seven-year run. Due to financial difficulty, and ultimately Gevinson’s decision to abstain from implementing a pay wall or selling the site to new owners, the site has ceased to post…
Local Current BlogTwin Cities advertising agencies will battle at First Avenue and fight for diversity in their industryColleen Cowie • Dec 6, 2018On Thursday night, local advertising and communications professionals will step out of the office and onto First Avenue’s stage. Five advertising agencies will be competing in the Battle, a battle of the bands to raise scholarship money for students from diverse backgrounds studying advertising and communications. Five bands are battling it out — but really…
Duluth10 Notable Minnesota Albums of 2018Staff • Dec 6, 2018This month, musicheads far and wide are sitting down to their notebooks or computers, tapering their 2018 listening into one shining top 10 list. We took on a similar task with local albums: not a top 10 list, per se, but a collection of music we found especially memorable this year. These albums roped us…
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Warm up the VanAnna Weggel • Dec 5, 2018Thanks to Bug for today's awesome theme idea. What songs do you want to hear for today's 9:30 Coffee Break from artists or bands with "Van" in their name?