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Music News: Tim Kaine could become first Replacements fan to serve as Vice President

by Staff

July 25, 2016

As the Democratic National Convention begins in Philadelphia, music fans are taking note of the fact that Virginia senator Tim Kaine has said his two favorite music artists are the Replacements and Bob Dylan. (Kaine was born in St. Paul, though his family moved out of Minnesota when he was very young.) Kaine is Hillary Clinton’s running mate, meaning that if Clinton wins the presidency, Kaine will become the first outspoken 'Mats fan to serve as Vice President of the United States according to Replacements biographer Bob Mehr. (Joe Biden, if we're wrong about this, please speak up.) (Bring Me the News)

There's no word on how the 'Mats might feel about one of their songs being used at the DNC, but in general, musicians are sick of politicians using their music without permission. Cyndi LauperHeartUsher, and others have even joined up with TV host John Oliver to record a new song about their frustration. (Pitchfork)

Jack White to play first vinyl record in space

Third Man Records have announced the previously mysterious details of a stunt they're launching — literally. They'll launch a "space-proof" turntable into the high atmosphere using a specially-designed balloon; once there, it will play a gold-plated vinyl record of the Carl Sagan/Stephen Hawking track "A Glorious Dawn." The "mission" will take place some time this week, and will be celebrated with parties in Nashville and Detroit this Saturday. (Consequence of Sound)

Remembering Marni Nixon

Singer Marni Nixon has died of breast cancer at age 86. Nixon had a long career, but is best remembered as the dubbed singing voice of various film stars in musical movies of the 1950s and '60s. Among her little-known roles were turns as the singing voice of Audrey Hepburn (My Fair Lady), Natalie Wood (West Side Story), and Deborah Kerr (The King and I). (New York Times)

Boy George pays tribute to Prince

At Myth on Sunday night, Culture Club covered "Purple Rain" in honor of Prince, with frontman Boy George saying, "Keep Prince in your heart. Living without Prince is like living without music." (Star Tribune)

Today's documentary news

Spotify has shared a short documentary film about Day of the Dead, the National-led Grateful Dead tribute set. Members of Mumford & Sons and Real Estate, along with members of The National, appear in the doc. Watch it at Pitchfork.

Filmmaker Richard Lowenstein, who made several music videos (including "What You Need") with INXS, is making a new feature-length authorized documentary about the band's late frontman Michael Hutchence. The documentary is expected to be released in 2017. (Rolling Stone)

Lazarus heading to London

Lazarus, the stage musical that was among David Bowie’s final projects, has announced an upcoming London run — its first since a packed New York debut run. The musical will run Oct. 25 through Jan. 22, with Michael C. Hall reprising his leading role. (Billboard)

ICP v FBI

The FBI is turning its attention toward Russian hackers, but Insane Clown Posse say the bureau has some unfinished business: to wit, taking Juggalos off the list of potentially threatening gangs. The hip-hop duo have announced a protest march in Washington, D.C. on the weekend of Sept. 17. "There could be 25 people," said the band's Violent J in what seems like a modest assessment. (Rolling Stone)

Chance announces festival

Chance the Rapper has announced a "Magnificent Coloring Day Festival" that will be the first-ever music festival at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. On Sept. 24, the field will welcome performers including Chance, SkrillexJohn LegendLil WayneTyler the Creator, and many more. (Billboard)

Margo sings "Bobby" with Kris

Margo Price joined Kris Kristofferson on stage at the Newport Folk Festival for a performance of "Me and Bobby McGee," the Kristofferson song made famous by Janis Joplin. Price fans first heard her version at her Turf Club Micro Show earlier this summer. (Rolling Stone)

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