The Current's Bill DeVille loves music and he loves the State Fair. He shares his thoughts about some of the music acts appearing on stages throughout the 2014 Minnesota State Fair.

In his final On the Ball blog post, Mark Wheat gives a preview of the Premier League season that begins this weekend, along with tips on how to watch and even an invitation to join a fantasy league. He also describes the fun he's had writing this and explains why he's decided to draw a line under it.

Just in case anyone doubted Program Director Jim McGuinn's creed -- er, cred -- he received a mysterious invitation via LinkedIn this week.

The Twin Cities got a taste of the Premier League when defending champs Manchester City visited the TCF Bank Stadium to take on Greek champions Olympiacos, just ahead of Minnesota United taking on Ottawa FC. Plus a music selection from someone who may support Liverpool (maybe?).

Ahead of her show Sunday night at First Avenue in Minneapolis, Jenny Lewis stopped by The Current's studio for a live interview with Mac Wilson. The two talked about Lewis's new album 'The Voyager' and her collaborations with Ryan Adams and Beck.

After attending a special preview screening this week, The Current's Bill DeVille shares his thoughts about the new James Brown biopic, starring Chadwick Boseman and directed by Tate Taylor. Read Bill's remarks and view a trailer for the film.

Mark Wheat sums up his thoughts on the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, then sets the stage for the Guinness International Champions Cup match this weekend between Manchester City and Olympiacos, followed by another match between Minnesota United and Ottawa Fury. Plus: A music pick that connects a local band with the Premier League champs.

In The Current's studio to do a session with the band Alpha Consumer, Jeremy Ylvisaker spoke to us about one of his guitars, a Squier Jazzmaster, that he bought in Minneapolis a couple years ago, just before heading out on tour with Andrew Bird.

His driving rhythm was key to the sound of the 1970s punk band that influenced a generation of musicians that followed.

Anticipating the release of Rural Alberta Advantage's 3rd studio album, Mended with Gold, frontman Nils Edenloff chatted with New Hot host David Safar this week to debut "Terrified," the first single off the new record.