Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Famous parentsAnna Reed • May 24, 2018Rosanne Cash was born today in 1955, making her 63 today. She a Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, and is the eldest daughter of Johnny Cash and Vivian Liberto Cash Distin, Johnny Cash's first wife.
Local Current BlogBJ Burton, producer for Bon Iver, Low, Francis and the Lights, talks about setting up shop in MinneapolisAndrea Swensson • May 24, 2018BJ Burton likes to keep a low profile. He mentioned this several times while chatting over coffee on Wednesday, a sheepish grin creeping across his face as he squinted into the morning sun. That low profile is probably why, even after several years of co-writing, producing, engineering and mixing critically acclaimed albums by Bon Iver,…
Local Current BlogTina Halladay of Sheer Mag talks about independence, stage presence, and playing to metalheadsMaia Jacobson • May 24, 2018Tina Halladay and I crouched in a basement hallway at the Fine Line Music Café, talk-yelling over the throbbing riffs of the hardcore/metal crossover band Red Death, who were playing upstairs on a lineup with Halladay’s band Sheer Mag. The sound of Halladay’s Philadelphia band is hard to place, and yet familiar at the same…
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Synth rockAnna Reed • May 23, 2018Robert Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer, was born today in 1934. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs that feature the synthesizer would you like to hear?
Rock and Roll Book ClubRock and Roll Book Club: 'Gold Dust Woman'Jay Gabler • May 23, 2018As Stevie Nicks turns 70, her reputation as one of rock's true visionaries continues to rise. A recent biography provides a sympathetic, competent overview of her life and career.
DuluthBad Bad Hats announce new album ‘Lighting Round’ for Aug. 3, release first songHanna Bubser • May 23, 2018Minneapolis pop-rock band Bad Bad Hats have announced the release of their sophomore album Lightning Round, which will be available on Aug. 3. Their first album, Psychic Reader, put them on the map back in 2015, with songs like “Midway,” “Joseph,” and “Fight Song” getting stuck in listeners’ heads. Since this initial release, the band have toured with…
Local Current BlogMcDonald’s claims Big Mac ad isn’t about Prince, offended fans roll eyesJay Gabler • May 23, 2018“Girl, please,” says a man wearing a purple jacket and carrying a stylized guitar, “I Big Mac like a Prince.” Could this South African TV ad possibly be referencing any well-known musician? Not really, says McDonald’s…but an industry group begs to differ. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), an independent trade group in South Africa, received…
Local Current BlogIn town for Soundset? Here’s where you should goCecilia Johnson • May 23, 2018People from all around the world visit Minnesota every spring for Soundset, the largest hip-hop festival in the United States. But how many venture beyond the State Fairgrounds to discover where our local heroes grew up? Where they shop or eat? Here are a few hometown spots you can go to soak up the culture. Of…
Listen to LoochListen to Looch: binge-worthy musicMary Lucia • May 22, 2018With Memorial Day approaching, we've got Block-Rockin' Weekend coming up, which is like The Current's version of binge-watching. So this week, Mary Lucia asks: What music do you consider binge worthy? Let us know.
ReviewsAlbum of the Week: Arctic Monkeys, 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino'Jill Riley • May 22, 2018Arctic Monkeys are back with their sixth studio album, 'Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino' out now on Domino Records.