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Recent stories from The Current
May 02, 2016

Musician and rapper Flavor Flav of the legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy gave Radio Free Current host Sean McPherson and his listeners a wonderful surprise on Saturday, April 30: Flavor Flav arrived in the studio for a live conversation in which he talked about his music and about his memories of Prince. 'Being onstage with Prince is so electrifying,' Flav says. Listen to Sean McPherson and Flavor Flav's complete conversation.

Flavor Flav chats with Sean McPherson on The Current

Flavor Flav chats with Sean McPherson on The Current

Sean McPherson • May 2, 2016

Musician and rapper Flavor Flav of the legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy gave Radio Free Current host Sean McPherson and his listeners a wonderful surprise on Saturday, April 30: Flavor Flav arrived in the studio for a live conversation in which he talked about his music and about his memories of Prince. 'Being onstage with Prince is so electrifying,' Flav says. Listen to Sean McPherson and Flavor Flav's complete conversation.

Music News: ‘Purple Rain’ and ‘When Doves Cry’ return to top ten

Music News: ‘Purple Rain’ and ‘When Doves Cry’ return to top ten

Staff • May 2, 2016

In 1984, the song “Purple Rain” hit number two on Billboard’s Hot 100, and “When Doves Cry” ruled the chart at number one for five weeks. In the wake of Prince’s death, both songs have returned to the top ten: on this week’s chart, “Purple Rain” hits number four and “When Doves Cry” is number eight.…

Coffee Break: Veiled references

Coffee Break: Veiled references

Anna Reed • May 2, 2016

The internet is abuzz with curiosity over a lyric off of Beyoncé's new visual album, Lemonade. Just who is "Becky with the good hair"? We may never know. But for today's Coffee Break, let's listen to songs with veiled references just like this.

First Avenue’s overnight dance parties epitomized the spirit of Prince

First Avenue’s overnight dance parties epitomized the spirit of Prince

Bobby Kahn • May 2, 2016

Like everyone else, I was completely devastated when I heard the news. Even though I had heard about the emergency plane landing a week earlier, it was still a complete shock. He still looked so young and healthy that I assumed we had a lot of time left with him. I knew right away I…

Photos: Mid West Music Fest roars through Winona

Photos: Mid West Music Fest roars through Winona

Jay Gabler • May 2, 2016

This weekend, The Current went to Winona — and Winona did not disappoint. The river city was rocking with the annual Mid West Music Fest, with musicians from near and far playing at bars, in coffee shops, and under the big tent. Despite an unseasonal chill in the air and the persistent threat of rain,…

Prince Remembered: A podcast about his music, life and legacy

Prince Remembered: A podcast about his music, life and legacy

May 2, 2016

There's a popular expression in Minnesota that "everyone has a story about Prince." On the Prince Remembered podcast, we're collecting stories about his music, life and legacy.

Today in Music History: Michael Jackson pulled some jewelry store hijinks

Today in Music History: Michael Jackson pulled some jewelry store hijinks

May 2, 2016

Keith Richards fell out of a coconut tree; The Who played without Keith Moon; Brian Wilson halted the production of Smile; and Michael Jackson pulled some jewelry store hijinks, Today in Music History.

Mark Wheat says goodbye – and thank you – to the Who

Mark Wheat says goodbye – and thank you – to the Who

Mark Wheat • May 2, 2016

Over the years when people have asked me one of the predictable musichead questions — “Beatles or the Stones?” — I have quickly replied “the Who.” Of course I acknowledge the first two bands as major groundbreakers and I like a ton of their tunes, but it was the Who that connected me with a part of myself…

Album of the Week: Weezer, 'Weezer (The White Album)'

Album of the Week: Weezer, 'Weezer (The White Album)'

David Safar • May 2, 2016

Weezer fans have longed for the combination of the band's grunge-pop debut with the emo masterpiece, 'Pinkerton.' That combination isn't present on the 'White Album' as Cuomo leans more towards rock cliches than the brashness of his youth.

Music News: Aretha Franklin sings ‘Purple Rain’ at the White House

Music News: Aretha Franklin sings ‘Purple Rain’ at the White House

Staff • May 1, 2016

On Saturday, President Barack Obama invited a host of music luminaries to the White House to celebrate International Jazz Day. Among the performers — along with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Sting — was Aretha Franklin, who paid tribute to Prince by singing a portion of “Purple Rain.” Watch the performance here. (Rolling Stone) At Jazz Fest in…

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