ReviewsAlbum of the Week: Elvis Costello and The ImpostersBill DeVille • Oct 22, 2018Costello is a guy who has done it all musically, from a T-Bone Burnett produced roots/country album to a collaboration with the hip-hop aces, The Roots.
Local Current BlogReview: Florence + the Machine rally spirits at the Target CenterCecilia Johnson • Oct 21, 2018I’ve never done a cartwheel in my life. As a chubby six-year-old, I watched my friends spin around the room — insisting it was easy — but I kept falling on my shoulders. That all changed last night. I mean, I may not have lugged my 175 pounds up and over each other. But I grasped the…
Local Current BlogReview and photos: Jain takes the Fine Line into orbitShannon Mae Leach • Oct 21, 2018Jain’s sold out concert last night at the Fine Line Music Cafe was a playful and energetic evening led by an artist who took us on a sonic journey. The French pop artist, on a North American tour behind her 2018 album Souldier, is known for mixing sounds from a multitude of sources — from Arabic…
Local Current BlogMike Elizondo finds ‘Live From Here’ musical director gig ‘exhilarating’Cecilia Johnson • Oct 20, 2018“I had a couple things. Right here –” A bass line sounds. “Exaggerate. Draw it out. And when we get to the bridge…” Mike Elizondo is standing behind Live From Here host Chris Thile and singer/songwriter Madison Cunningham on the Palace Theatre stage, an electric bass strapped around his torso and black T-shirt. He’s living…
News and InterviewsMusic News: Rihanna turned down Super Bowl halftime show in solidarity with KaepernickCecilia Johnson • Oct 19, 2018Given the NFL's treatment of Colin Kaepernick and other players who've taken a knee, Rihanna was not about to perform at the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show. Plus, new releases from Elle King, Greta Van Fleet, Empress Of, Khalid, and Brandi Carlile.
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Animated bandsAnna Weggel • Oct 19, 2018We are lucky enough to have a special guest coming by the show today - Ron Campbell, legendary animator, who did animations for Sesame Street, the Yellow Submarine feature film, and The Beatles TV series, among so many others. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from bands that have been at one point animated?
Local Current BlogFriday Five: Little Man, Lucid VanGuard, and more new Minnesota music videosCecilia Johnson • Oct 19, 2018Little Man – As One Little Man go full-on psychedelic for this video, which features original artwork by Phaedra Odelle. If you’re interested in seeing “As One” live, go see the trio at the Hook & Ladder on Nov. 10. Lucid VanGuard – Genetic Pool Lucid VanGuard set up shop in the recently renovated Parkway Theater…
Local Current BlogMinnesota fans surprise Troye Sivan with blue hearts at State TheatreCecilia Johnson • Oct 18, 2018“First of all, who did this?” Pop artist Troye Sivan stood on a raised platform, staring out into the crowd at the State Theatre. He’d just finished singing “Postcard” from his lovely new album Bloom. A few voices met his question with screams, and he giggled into the mic. Earlier in the evening, Sivan superfans Alicia Grafft and…
Local Current BlogFrom tweet to screen print: Local graphic artist designs concert poster for Foo FightersColleen Cowie • Oct 18, 2018Corey Sweeter has seen his favorite band, the Foo Fighters, perform in concert seven times. He is seeing them again tonight, although this time feels different, because Xcel Energy Center asked him to design a poster for the show. Sweeter is a freelance graphic artist from the Twin Cities, who has designed for a variety…
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Get up and driveAnna Weggel • Oct 18, 2018Today is the final day of the Fall Member Drive. If you want to become a member of Minnesota Public Radio before the drive ends (and before a bunch of thank you gifts like the MPR Sweatshirt, Live Current, or MPR hat disappear at 7 pm tonight), hop to it! For today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that have lyrics that include "drive" or "driving"?