Thursday Music News

05/05/2016

Janice Headley

It's hard to believe it's been four years since Adam Yauch, aka MCA of the Beastie Boys, passed away from cancer. SoCal punks FIDLAR posted a tribute today online, a loving rendition of the single "Sabotage" from the 1994 Beasties album Ill Communication. Listen below. FIDLAR have long cited the groundbreaking trio as an influence, writing on Tumblr last year: "Oh hey Beastie Boys, you guys are the reason we do this." We miss you, MCA. [Consequence of Sound]

Speaking of musical geniuses gone too soon, Prince is clearly still on everyone's minds right now. Yesterday, we shared Prince covers from Mac DeMarco and Beck, and today, we have a surprising take on "Let's Go Crazy" by the fairly-sedate Paul McCartney. The veteran Beatle performed the Purple Rain single last night from the Minneapolis Target Center, adding, "Loved that guy. Thank you, Prince, for writing so many beautiful songs, so much music. And he’s your guy." (And don't forget: KEXP's DJ Kevin Cole will be paying tribute to Prince tomorrow from 2:00 to 6:00 PM with Nothing Compares 2 U.) [Spin]

Okay, this is starting to seriously bum me out, but one more ode to a fallen star: this fall, American Laundromat Records are releasing Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith. Some of the artists paying tribute to the beloved Portland/L.A. singer/songwriter include Lou Barlow, J Mascis, Adam Franklin of Swervedriver, Tanya Donelly, Juliana Hatfield, and UK band Yuck. Stream their cover of Elliott Smith's "Bled White" below. Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith hits stores on October 15th. [Under the Radar]

Canadian wunderkind Grimes stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night for a exuberant performance of the track "Flesh Without Blood" off her latest Art Angels. There are back-up dancers, an extravagant light show, trippy visuals, and more fun. Watch below, and keep track of all the late night TV musical highlights with KEXP's TV Eye. [Pitchfork]

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The Prince cover tributes keep coming; the latest is a surprisingly poignant performance of "It’s Gonna Be Lonely" from Mac DeMarco. DeMarco wrote on Instagram, "We lost a true hero of mine the other day. Although it's sad, I'm sure he's ripping a hot solo right now in the next dimension. RIP." Ev…