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Music News: David Bowie box set to include unreleased album

by Staff

July 24, 2016

The next installment in a career-spanning series of David Bowie box sets will include The Gouster — an unreleased LP that was Bowie's first version of the album that ultimately became Young Americans. The box set Who Can I Be Now? will comprise 12 CDs or 13 LPs, and covers Bowie's career from 1974 to 1976. (Rolling Stone)

Arcade Fire and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band teamed up again on Friday night at the Panorama Festival in New York. The bands led a line tribute to Bowie, as they did in New Orleans shortly after the icon's death. (Rolling Stone)

Today's political news

Artists including the Rolling StonesQueenFree, and Earth, Wind & Fire have spoken out against the use of their music at the Republican National Convention — but none were more forceful than the estate of George Harrison, who condemned the Republicans' use of "Here Comes the Sun." (Rolling Stone)

Father John Misty spent much of his Friday night set in Camden, N.J. talking about the "really f---ing profoundly sad" state of the world, specifically making reference to the RNC. He later explained his feelings in a pair of Instagram posts. (Pitchfork)

Wikileaks shared a group of e-mails exchanged among members of the Democratic National Committee. Most of the headlines surrounding the leak involved the senders' seeming dismissal of the presidential prospects of Bernie Sanders, but music fans noticed another story. It seems Ariana Grande was being considered for a White House concert, but the prospect was nixed after party leaders discussed the incident at which the singer "maliciously" licked a doughnut at a pastry shop. (Billboard)

Is this 22 seconds of new Bon Iver?

Justin Vernon shared a mysterious video in a post tagged #22days — seemingly a reference to the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival, where Vernon has promised Bon Iver will play new music. (Billboard)

Duran Duran honor Prince

At the Xcel Energy Center this weekend, Duran Duran dedicated their performance of "Save a Prayer" to Prince.

Clapton donates guitar to pay friend's medical bills

Eric Clapton has donated a guitar that was auctioned for $45,000 — twice what was expected — with the proceeds going to defray the medical bills incurred in the treatment of the late wife of a member of Asleep at the WheelJohnny Nicholas’s wife recently died of leukemia. (Billboard)

Joe Perry returns to Hollywood Vampires

After missing several Hollywood Vampires shows due to health issues, Joe Perry rejoined the band on Friday night in Rohnert Park, Calif. When that band's current tour ends, Perry is expected to join Aerosmith for an tour through Mexico and South America. (Billboard)

Music vs. Pokémon Go

When you see someone take their phone out at a concert today, as likely as not they're catching Pokémon. Some musicians and music fans are irritated with this new mobile distraction — including Rihanna, who told an audience "I don't want to see you catching any Pokémons" during her show; and a Beyoncé fan who freaked out over a fellow concertgoer who was playing Pokémon Go while the star sang just feet away.

Steve Harvey explains country's appeal

On a recent episode of his talk show, TV personality Steve Harvey was asked to explain why white people love country music so much. Harvey's answer? As an African-American, he's a fan of country music himself. He can relate to the lyrics, says Harvey — coming from West Virginia, and having at least on ex who lives in Texas. (Rolling Stone)

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