Music Biz Headlines, Dec. 13, 2017
In today's wrap, Sheryl Crow takes aim at country artists afraid to favour gun control, and Janelle Monae unveils her first art exhibit. Also featured are Stevie Wonder, The National, Kesha and Macklemore, R. Harlan Smith, Christmas songs, Neil Young and David Bowie.
By Kerry Doole
Stevie Wonder opens up 'Talking Book' and 'Innervisions' at holiday benefit concert
The singer had some altruistic reasons for performing his albums “Talking Book” and “Innervisions” from beginning to end at Staples Center – Mikael Wood, LA Times
Tracy Bonham: My five favourite Nineties songs
The US singer-songwriter looks back at classics by the Pixies, Liz Phair and more – Rolling Stone
Sheryl Crow criticizes country stars for not 'taking a stand' on gun control
Crow, who is releasing a song dedicated to Newtown victims, says country musicians are afraid of speaking about gun laws and losing their audience – Lois Beckett, The Guardian
The enduring high note of Handel’s Messiah returning in dual Toronto productions
The instant-classic composition — getting its usual seasonal productions from both the TSO and Tafelmusik – offers a grand story of how the world makes sense — John Terauds, Toronto Star
Janelle Monae tackles surveillance and conformity in first art exhibit
The singer, songwriter and actress said she wanted to explore the "weaponization of technology" in her Refinery29 piece – Sandy Cohen, AP
The National might sound dark and political, but their Sony Centre show was full of joy
The US band's singer Matt Berninger dedicated a song to the newly crowned MLS Cup champions Toronto FC – Max Mertens, NOW
Indies feel pushed out of vinyl boom as 'dad rock' sells in record numbers
Small labels report lengthy production delays as big stars monopolise Europe’s two main pressing plants – Zoe Wood, The Guardian
My Ten Best Albums of 2017
The year was mostly about figuring out how to balance a fear of the future with continued existence in the present. These albums provided a soundtrack for that process – Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker
Kesha and Macklemore announce joint tour for summer 2018
The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore kicks off June 6 in Phoenix and includes Canadian dates – Billboard
Country star trades his guitar for a pen to write autobiography
A legion of musicians he has inspired over decades will come together for an open-mike jam session on Thursday at the Yellowhead Chateau Nova Hotel when R. Harlan Smith's book about his life, Hitch Your Wagon to a Star, will be released – Nick Lees, Edmonton Journal
Christmas songs that sleigh me
As we're deep into the holiday season, you can't help but hear the jingle-jangle Christmas music that is played endlessly at every store and mall in America from Thanksgiving to New Year’s – Easy Ed, No Depression
How TV music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas makes unknown artists mainstream on TV shows
Before Patsavas, music supervisor for The O.C., featured the Killers on the show, they were just another up-and-coming band – q- CBC
Music Reviews: Kevin Breit, Diablo Swing Orchestra, and Redi Hasa and Maria Mazzotta
A look at some left of centre new releases worthy of your attention – Stuart Derdeyn, Vancouver Sun
Neil Young and David Bowie: two men, two docs, same resilient authenticity
Neil Young: Home Town and David Bowie: The Last Five Years show us two artists who stayed true to themselves – Johanna Schneller, Toronto Star
Mike BilcoxJordan Letkemann (London, Ontario)
Not By Choice in Japan.Daisuke Ihorihara (Hiroshima, Japan)