ReviewsAlbum Review: Various Artists, 'Songs for Slim'Jim McGuinn • Nov 25, 2013Songs for Slim works on so many levels: It helps out Slim Dunlap while at the same time making the case for the beauty and quality of his work. Respect and love permeates the album.
Local Current BlogFirst Avenue employee and former 400 Bar manager Billy Sverkerson passes awayAndrea Swensson • Nov 24, 2013William Joseph “Billy” Sverkerson, a longtime behind-the-scenes fixture of the Twin Cities music scene who got his start managing the 400 Bar and recently worked backstage at First Avenue, passed away early Sunday morning. He was 60 years old. Billy came from a large family—he was the fifth of 10 children in the Sverkerson clan—and…
Local Current BlogThe 10 best answers from Prince and 3rdEyeGirl’s Twitter Q&AAndrea Swensson • Nov 23, 2013If 2013 has taught us anything about Prince, it’s that there’s no way to predict what he might do next. He could release a new song without warning; invite fans to Paisley Park for a last-minute pajama party, complete with pancakes; Livestream a rehearsal at Paisley for the world to see; or simply show up…
Coffee BreakJFK, gone away: 50 years of rock references Nov 22, 2013For today's 9:30 Coffee Break we are honoring the memory of John F. Kennedy with a set of songs about, or making reference to the former President. What songs would you like to hear today?
DuluthFriday Five: Haley Bonar, Red Mountain, and more new Minnesota music videosAndrea Swensson • Nov 22, 2013It’s Friday! What better excuse is there to bug off of work for a little while and catch up on some of the best new Minnesota music videos? We have a lot of great ones on deck this week, starting with a fiery (literally) new video from Haley Bonar… Haley Bonar We already knew Haley…
News and InterviewsInterview with MobySteve Seel • Nov 22, 2013Following the release of his 11th studio album, Innocents, Moby chats with The Current's Steve Seel. During the conversation, Moby talks about what it's like to make music in 2013, how he came to collaborate with Wayne Coyne and why he decided to move from New York to Los Angeles.
DuluthFathom Lane and batteryboy talk vinyl, nostalgia, and songwriting ahead of their dual release showAndrea Swensson • Nov 22, 2013By now we’ve all heard plenty about the vinyl resurgence, and how the sale of vinyl albums have skyrocketed past CD sales in recent years despite the challenges plaguing the music industry. And we’ve seen this play out on the local level as well, with vinyl manufacturer Noiseland Industries continuing to press more and more LPs.…
Local Current BlogNorthrop Auditorium to re-open in April, trading quantity for qualityJay Gabler • Nov 22, 2013Northrop Auditorium, the University of Minnesota venue that’s hosted innumerable performances in all genres—including, most notably in recent years, the 2008 election-night show at which Bob Dylan said something not entirely decipherable but unmistakably positive about the forthcoming presidency of Barack Obama—will reopen on April 4 after over three years of construction that are radically…
Local Current BlogMinnesota Beatle Project Vol. 5 track listing unveiledAndrea Swensson • Nov 22, 2013Mark Gehring and musician Martin Dosh stopped by the Current’s Morning Show today to share the details for the fifth volume of Minnesota Beatle Project, an annual covers compilation that raises money for music education in Minnesota schools. Gehring, who launched the project back in 2009 with his nonprofit Vega Productions, says that they’ve managed…
DuluthLocal Gig List: November 21-24Andrea Swensson • Nov 21, 2013Thursday, November 21 Dave Boquist and Friends Turf Club, St. Paul 8 p.m., $5, 21+ A founding member of alt-country group Son Volt, Dave Boquist is a master of the lap steel, banjo, fiddle, guitar, and dobro, and has recorded with big-name roots artists like Joe Henry and Peter Bruntnell. It’s anyone’s guess which of…