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Recent stories from The Current
September 02, 2019

Common, the Chicago-hailing rapper, actor and activist, talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang about his latest album, 'Let Love,' and appreciating stillness in order to make it.

Common takes time to heal on 'Let Love'

Common takes time to heal on 'Let Love'

Ailsa Chang and Lauren Hodges • Sep 2, 2019

Common, the Chicago-hailing rapper, actor and activist, talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang about his latest album, 'Let Love,' and appreciating stillness in order to make it.

Music on TV this week: The Raconteurs; Pixies; Maren Morris; Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile; J.S. Ondara

Music on TV this week: The Raconteurs; Pixies; Maren Morris; Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile; J.S. Ondara

Luke Taylor and Kayla Song • Sep 2, 2019

Artists heard on The Current are frequently featured on TV programs, and we've gathered the listings in one convenient place for you. See the complete listings and find performance videos as the week progresses. You can also subscribe to receive the week's schedule in your inbox to plan your TV viewing around music.

Today in Music History: The Stones record a blues standard

Today in Music History: The Stones record a blues standard

Sep 2, 2019

The Doors recorded their first demos; Bjork slept through a house break-in; Kanye surprised Mike Myers on live national television; and the Rolling Stones recorded their cover of a Willie Dixon song, Today in Music History.

Album of the Week: Lana Del Rey, 'Norman F--ing Rockwell!'

Album of the Week: Lana Del Rey, 'Norman F--ing Rockwell!'

Jay Gabler • Sep 2, 2019

It's the highly-anticipated sixth studio album from the postmodern chanteuse, and although the folk-flavored arrangements don't break Del Rey's well-established melancholy mold, it's an inviting and often witty effort: on the album cover, she's extending a hand to welcome you on board.

Review and photos: Brandi Carlile lights up the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Review and photos: Brandi Carlile lights up the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Lydia Liza • Sep 1, 2019

Before last night I was a Brandi fan, but I was no fanatic. I have come to the light. I spent most of the time before the show surveying the landscape, assessing what kind of “crowd” we’d be dealing with tonight. I was slightly taken by surprise because it was a mix of…well…everybody. That made…

AARP Minnesota asks State Fair goers to vote for their favorite local musician

AARP Minnesota asks State Fair goers to vote for their favorite local musician

Luke Taylor • Aug 30, 2019

For the third year in a row, AARP Minnesota is showcasing four local musicians and asking fairgoers to vote for their favorites. This year's winner will be announced on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and will receive a $3,000 prize.

Lana Del Rey on her journey from 'Born to Die' to 'Norman F---ing Rockwell!'

Lana Del Rey on her journey from 'Born to Die' to 'Norman F---ing Rockwell!'

Jay Gabler • Aug 30, 2019

From 'Born to Die' (2012) to her new album 'Norman F---ing Rockwell!,' Lana Del Rey has gone through an epic stylistic evolution. The constant, she says, is her own voice telling her own story.

Coffee Break: Blank and the Band Name

Coffee Break: Blank and the Band Name

Aug 30, 2019

Today in 1975, KC and the Sunshine Band went to No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Get Down Tonight." And tonight, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will play a sold out show at Surly Brewing Festival Field. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from a band that is named Blank and the Band Name?

Today in Music History: KC and the Sunshine Band went No. 1 with 'Get Down Tonight'

Today in Music History: KC and the Sunshine Band went No. 1 with 'Get Down Tonight'

Aug 30, 2019

James Taylor covers Marvin Gaye; The Rolling Stones released 'Tattoo You' and KC and the Sunshine Band "get down", and Kate Bush had eight albums on the UK charts, Today in Music History.

Friday Five: King Pari, Lydia Liza, and more new Minnesota music videos

Friday Five: King Pari, Lydia Liza, and more new Minnesota music videos

Cecilia Johnson • Aug 30, 2019

It’s MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair, so after posting this video round-up, I’m headed to Falcon Heights for broadcasts and cookies. Host Sean McPherson will host trivia at our booth (the corner of Judson and Nelson) at 12:30 p.m., and Local Show host Andrea Swensson will introduce a Shredders set at Dan Patch…

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