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Today’s Music News: Bob Dylan buys new Christmas lights

by Staff

December 14, 2015

The Christmas lights on the hedge surrounding Bob Dylan's house in Malibu have been documented since 2008 — and analyzed, in increasingly absurd detail — by his neighbor, writer Merrill Markoe. This year, Markoe reports that after several years of using the same "weather-worn" lights, Dylan has celebrated this year's holiday season with a brand-new set of Christmas lights. (Vice)

After announcing a massive North American tour, Adele wowed the world on Monday night with an NBC concert special. Watch the special at Pitchfork.

On Sunday night at New York's Terminal 5, Sleater-Kinney were joined by Carrie Brownstein's Portlandia costar Fred Armisen (on cowbell!) for a cover of the B-52s' "Rock Lobster." (Pitchfork)

David Bowie has shared a snippet of his next single. "Lazarus" will appear on his forthcoming album , and is reportedly the only song from that album to be featured in Bowie's theatrical production that shares its name. The full single will be released Thursday. (Billboard)

On Sunday night, Paul Simonon of the Clash celebrated his 60th birthday by forming a one-night-only supergroup that included Damon AlbarnChrissie Hynde, and Noel Gallagher. The nine-song set included versions of Gorillaz' "Clint Eastwood" and "Dare," as well as the Clash's "Brand New Cadillac" as well as "I Fought the Law," a song written by Sonny Curtis (the Crickets) and later popularized by first the Bobby Fuller Four and then the Clash. (Rolling Stone)

Thomas Fekete, a guitarist in Surfer Blood, has been undergoing treatment for a rare form of cancer. He's just released Burner, a solo cassette he recorded in his bedroom between treatments. 100% of proceeds from sales will go to defray Fekete's medical costs. (Pitchfork)

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Taylor Bennett, the younger brother of Chance the Rapper, has released a debut album called Broad Shoulders. The album includes appearances by Chance, Donnie Trumpet, and more. (Pitchfork)

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Purity Ring indulge their fascination with hanging strings of lights in a new video for "Submergence." (Pitchfork)

Ariel Pink brought out a 65-voice choir for his performance last month at the Week-end Festival in Cologne, Germany. Professional video of two songs, "Baby" and "Jell-O," has just been released. (Stereogum)

At Rolling Stone, you can watch Joanna Newsom teaching Larry King to play the harp. If you want to.

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.