Lissie's third release is a beautiful album. This is the sound of experience and sacrifice, the sound of growing up, and all the brilliance and brutality that that process entails. Lissie has never been more expert in her ability to convey emotion.

Damon Albarn has been named a “local king” in Mali, where he’s frequently visited to perform and collaborate with Malian musicians. When Albarn performed at the Festival Acoustik Bamako, he was given the honorary status of “local king” and an elementary classroom was named after him. “I’m not used to this sort of thing,” said the Blur…

It's $5 Friday at The Current's Member Drive and we want to hear songs that mention legal tender for today's 9:30 Coffee Break.

With legendary bandleader Peter Nelson — who some call a local “godfather of calypso” — Shangoya gave the Twin Cities countless nights of dancing and paved the way for many Minnesota calypso and reggae bands. “There were no calypso bands in Iowa, none in South Dakota, maybe a couple in Wisconsin. But to have steel…

Claire de Lune has experienced a considerable amount of heartbreak over the past year. Rather than floundering unproductively in her sorrow, the lead singer of tiny deaths instead turned that anguish into an inspired, emotional new EP, Night Flowers. De Lune has once again partnered with producer and electronic maestro Grant Cutler for a deeply…

Apollonia, who was recruited to star in Purple Rain after Vanity parted ways with Prince, says that Vanity was “a pioneer, a strong woman, she was a diva, the princess of funk.” Apollonia tells the Associated Press that Vanity, who died Monday at age 57, was “an inspiration to me, just like she was to all the ladies…

Today we are remembering Bob Stinson, who played alongside his brother Tommy in the Replacements. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from bands that have siblings?

Har Mar Superstar has announced a new album. Best Summer Ever will be produced by Julian Casablancas of the Strokes, to be released on April 8. A first single — “Youth Without Love” — was written by Casablancas and is now streaming on Pitchfork. The album will also feature an appearance by Karen O (Yeah Yeah…

Jack Torrey of the Cactus Blossoms plays a vintage guitar he was happy to tell us about. It turns out he found it through an online search, and when he first played it, he couldn't believe the treasure he'd unearthed. Read more about Torrey's vintage Silvertone guitar.

On Wednesday, Feb. 17, Sean McPherson sat down with one of the most revered hip-hop groups of all time, Naughty by Nature. Known for infectious hits as well as contemplative tunes, Naughty by Nature shared stories and insights that speak volumes to their longevity in the music business. Listen to Sean's complete interview with Naughty by Nature.