I have a confession to make: Not unlike some KCMU DJs circa 1986, I am woefully ignorant of the career and voluminous musical output of Wanda Jackson, also known as the Queen of Rockabilly - or just the Queen of Rock. (Obviously I haven't been reading the KEXP blog enough, or this DJ El Toro review…
Bowie. What more can I say? I certainly don't have anything to add to the conversation that hasn't been shared much more eloquently a thousand times already. (Including, I'm sure, a thousand or more versions of the preceding sentence.) A huge loss has occurred, but it's been inspiring to see the ou…
It's been twelve long years, but there's finally a new album from UK pop giants Blur out today! KEXP Music Director Don Yates describes their eighth album as "a strong return-to-form incorporating everything from classic-sounding, crunchy Brit-pop to excursions into spacy electro-pop, brooding, dub…
From epic soundscapes to future R&B to classic power pop, DJ Kevin Cole brings the best to you on his latest Music That Matters mix. 1. Haley Bonar – Called You Queen 2. Petite League – French New York 3. Yeesh – Limbo District 4. Hockey Dad – So Tired 5. Field Mouse – The Order of Things 6.…
Last night in Chicago, Ty Segall surprised audiences with a tribute to David Bowie featuring covers of “Ziggy Stardust,” “Suffragette City,” and “Queen Bitch.” Watch fan shot video of his ode to the Thin White Duke below. [Consequence of Sound]
Ten Commandos, a Seattle punk supergroup, have released their debut single "Staring Down the Dust." Members of the band include Pearl Jam's Matt Cameron, Queens of the Stone Age collaborator Allain Johannes, and Ben Shepherd of Soundgarden. The song features guest vocals from Screaming Tree's Mark…
One of the most prominent Romani language singers of all time, Esma Redžepova's half century-plus career has seen the Skopje, Macedonia singer preserve and promote Roma culture to a global audience with her music and humanitarian efforts. Backed by the colorful rhythms of Folk Masters, "The Q…
In recent years, the Gorge has hosted some incredible singalongs: "Skinny Love", "Seven Nation Army", "Where It's At", and "Wake Up" have all been shouted by 15,000+ people in unison to make a you-had-to-be-there festival moment. As great as all of those are, there's something special about listeni…
"You're born naked and the rest is drag." That's one of several RuPaul quotes that Héloïse Letissier has written on her wall, and it encapsulates, in such fitting form, the spirit of her musical identity as Christine and the Queens. A stage identity apart from herself, Christine is a reflection of …
Each year, Noise for the Needy raises money for Seattle charities – which in the past included Teen Feed, Urban Rest Stop, Roots Youth Shelter and Music for America – through a series of concerts and events. The 2013 festival takes over Ballard this week and benefits Ballard Food Bank, which for th…
Even though the clouds are moving in, it's always beautiful blue skies with all the great music on KEXP! 1. Cloud Cult - No Hell 2. Mercury Rev - The Queen of Swans 3. Natasha Kmeto - Grind (Feat. Tunde Adebimpe) 4. John Grant - Down Here 5. Low - No Comprende 6. Ought - Beautiful Blue Sky 7. Ma…
Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole lays down fifteen of his current faves including new music from The Heavenly States, EZTV, The Space Merchants, Ezra Furman, and OCnotes. Perfect soundtrack for driving the backstreets or interstellar escapades. 1. The Cairo Gang - Be What You Are 2. EZTV - Bury Yo…
One voice that has definitely not been heard in the open letter to Miley Cyrus ballgame is Sufjan Stevens -- but don't worry, because he has finally voiced an opinion. His main advice: embrace grammar! Finding delicacy and delight in the present perfect continuous tense, Sufjan encourages the music…
Cheryl Waters shares the promise of the new year by starting off 2016 with a mix of great new music 1. Elephant Stone - The Devil's Shelter (feat. Alex Maas) 2. Wray - Hypatia 3. Hibou - When the Season Ends 4. Martin Courtney - Northern Highway 5. Wild Nothing - TV Queen 6. The Cave Singers - Tha…
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Morn…
Day one from our Upstream Music Fest & Summit coverage closed off with an intimate, gorgeous performance from Jeremy Enigk (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft), who is no stranger to the KEXP airwaves. Performing mostly tracks off his 1996 debut record, Return of the Frog Queen, Enigk was jo…
Fansite Morrissey-solo.com has unearthed some rare demos from The Smiths' early days. One recording is a no-frills version of "Never Had No One Ever" which seems to be from a 1986 recording session for The Queen is Dead. There's also alternate versions of Morrissey's "Bengali in Platforms" and "He…
I have a confession to make: I am just now listening to Mark Lanegan's solo debut, The Winding Sheet, for the first time. I know, I should probably turn in my Seattle Rock Card (where did I put that damn thing, anyway?). I'm 38, I've lived here for 13 years; I have no excuse. Of course I've heard a…
