Jim McGuinn

Ahead of the release of the Black Keys' new album, 'Let's Rock,' The Current's program director, Jim McGuinn, had the opportunity to spend the day at Easy Eye Studios in Nashville, home base of the Black Keys - aka Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. 'It was one of those rare days when you begin the morning as acquaintances but end the afternoon like friends,' McGuinn writes.

You hear all the trademarks of The Black Keys on "Let's Rock" - the fuzzed out guitar tones, crushing drums, and the melodic rock songs that take in bits of influence from 70s AM radio choruses, and scuzzy garage rock.

For the past two years, The Current has enjoyed sharing the experience of the Iceland Airwaves music festival. From May 2 to 5, The Current and Iceland Naturally collaborated to bring a the culture of Iceland to the Twin Cities. See photos and video from this first-of-its-kind cultural exchange.

The Current's program director, Jim McGuinn, reflects on the passing of Peter Tork, and on the impact Tork made on McGuinn's own life. 'I'm remembering, giving thanks to an artist who maybe never got his full shot, but also managed to have the opportunity to capture the imagination of the world for a few years,' McGuinn writes.

Joe Jackson has been turning out music for more than 40 years, and has just released a new album, 'Fool.' The Current's Jim McGuinn recently connected with Jackson to talk about his career then and now. 'The best work that I've done is always the latest,' Jackson says. 'It's always what I'm most excited about.' Check out the complete interview.

Last fall, Peter Hook came into the studio for a wide-ranging conversation about Joy Division, his book, New Order and his relentless tour schedule with Peter Hook and the Light.

The Current is honoring the music and contributions of Black musicians in February, and we're starting off by dedicating Friday, Feb. 1, exclusively to music made by Black musicians.

Hosts Sean McPherson and Jim McGuinn share their favorite Purple Current songs of 2018.

Program director Jim McGuinn shares his favorite songs of 2018.

On October 27, 1982, Prince released '1999,' the first album to playfully credit The Revolution, so we asked Bobby Z all about it.

With 'Dirty Mind,' released on October 8, 1980, Prince jumped to the head of the class, laying the sonic blueprint that would help define the music of the '80s and beyond.

Mumford & Sons return today with the song "Guiding Light," their first new music since 2016.

In 1983 he was on the precipice of his greatest success, but he's still our Prince, singing and playing in his home studio in Chanhassen, into a cassette, for himself. And now, for all of us.

Paul Weller's new album, 'True Meanings,' releases Friday, Sept. 14. Not too long ago, The Current's Jim McGuinn sat down for a conversation with Weller, who shared thoughts about his career now and about how his earlier career -- as part of such seminal bands as the Jam and the Style Council -- has shaped where he is today.

Brandi Carlile's new album 'By the Way, I Forgive You' is an emotionally powerful dive into her worldview, impacted by events of 2016, but also about becoming a parent, watching your parents get older, and dealing with love and loss and self-reflection.

The Current's program director, Jim McGuinn, has lived in both Philadelphia and Minnesota. As we approach a big NFL showdown featuring the teams from those places, Jim weighs in with a perspective on both. 'People have been asking me who I'm rooting for this weekend, and if I still love the Eagles (the team, not the band),' Jim writes. 'And the truth is, it's complicated.'

Jim McGuinn has his ballot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2018 inductees. Which five artists would you vote for? Share your thoughts!

After a 24-year hiatus, the Dream Syndicate reunited in 2012 and realized they sounded like a new band. 'We were enjoying it and we figured, well, rather than keep playing the oldies circuit, let's make a new record,' says front man Steve Wynn. The resulting record is 'How Did I Find Myself Here?', and the Dream Syndicate recently found themselves in The Current studio for a session hosted by Jim McGuinn.

Given how difficult it is to maintain freshness as an artist 37 continuous years into a career, 'Songs of Experience' teaches us this is a thing to be celebrated.

Program Director Jim McGuinn shares his favorite songs, local songs, and albums of 2017.