Category: News

Though it feels like a lifetime ago, it was December 2017 that Al Franken resigned from the U.S. Senate after multiple women came forward to accuse Franken of inappropriate touching and/or kissing. While he’s managed to stay mostly out of the spotlight since then, Franken hasn’t abandoned his passion for politics. In addition to a weekly podcast in which he discusses political matters, Franken is currently on tour in what he has dubbed “The Only Former U.S. Senator Currently on Tour Tour.” While he’s got more than enough to keep him busy, Franken hasn’t ruled out making another run for public office.

As The Wrap reports, Franken sat down with an interview for the Massachusetts-based The Republican newspaper. When asked about whether he would consider a return to politics, the former SNL star admitted that, “I’m keeping my options open.” While he said that the tour and his other obligations were keeping him pretty busy at the moment, he seemed to indicate that he’s got some unfinished business in D.C. and might like a better sense of closure.

While he denied some of the allegations made against him, Franken—unlike the Matt Gaetzes in today’s political realm—decided to put the people and his party first in stepping down as senator of Minnesota, declaring at the time:

“I of all people am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office, and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party. But this decision is not about me. It’s about the people of Minnesota, and it has become clear that I can’t both pursue the Ethics Committee process and at the same time remain an effective senator for them.”

In speaking to The Republican, Franken admitted that a big part of his decision was due to the dozens of his Democratic colleagues who were urging him to go away. “I wanted due process, but I had 36 colleagues and a majority leader who wouldn’t give it to me, so it was impossible,” Franken said. “It was a very weird, tough situation at that moment… I love the Senate. I love the work that I did.”

For now, Franken is looking forward to making a difference via his new stand-up tour, “Because I believe comedy and satire is a very valid way—and sometimes almost a more productive way—of affecting public opinion.”

(Via The Wrap)

Wheel of Fortune kicked off its 39th season on Monday, and right away, fans of the show were not feeling the show’s big changes. On top of unveiling a super bright-and-colorful set, the classic game show also debuted its new theme music, which did not go over well. Shortly after the season premiere, Wheel Watchers flocked to Twitter where they voiced their opinions. As you’ll see, most of the comments were centered around the new music, but a few were not feeling the new set design either.

Of course, the biggest question is how many of these changes were done at the behest of Mike Richards who was recently fired as the executive producer of both Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune following his disastrous attempt to install himself as Alex Trebek’s successor. While it’s not known how much input Richards had on the Wheel changes, some fans aren’t afraid to lay the bad music at his feet:

However, not all of the changes were rejected by fans. This season, Pat Sajak will no longer perform the Final Spin. Instead, whoever has control of the wheel will do the honors, which is a change Sajak has been wanting for a while.

“If you think about it, by doing the ‘final spin’ I, as host, had an impact on the outcome of the game, and that has always bothered me because it just didn’t feel right,” Sajak told Deadline earlier in the month. “With this change, only the contestants determine the outcome of the game and the host does not impose themself in any way.”

The Final Spin change elicited at least one positive response, which is more than can be said about the music:

(Via TVInsider)

The trial of R. Kelly continued yesterday with more testimony being given against the beleaguered singer who is accused of child sexual exploitation, child pornography production, kidnapping, forced labor, racketeering, and obstruction of justice. In yesterday’s testimony, a former backup dancer for Kelly, who only goes by “Angela” in official proceedings, revealed that she walked in on the singer engaging in a sex act with Aaliyah in 1993 — when Aaliyah would have been only 13 or 14 years old. Kelly would have been around 26.

According to the New York Times report of Angela’s account, the dancer was with R. Kelly on tour and went to visit the singer on his tour bus. Opening the door, she says she saw him and Aaliyah “in a sexual situation.” She said, “It appeared that he had his head in between her legs and was giving her oral sex.”

The relationship between R. Kelly and Aaliyah has been well-documented over the years; one of the crimes of which Kelly is accused includes bribing government officials to falsify documents allowing him to marry the then-underaged in 1994. It was revealed during the trial that associates believed Kelly thought Aaliyah might be pregnant with his child and married her to prevent her from testifying against him.

“Angela” is the tenth accuser to testify, according to Vulture, and says that she was 14 or 15 when she met Kelly and was a minor during several sexual encounters with him. She says she met Aaliyah in 1992 when she was introduced by Kelly on Aaliyah’s 13th birthday. Angela also testified to some of Kelly’s extreme measures during that tour, telling her and the other backup dancers they had to “pay dues” to re-enter a hotel after leaving to get food — which meant having sex with him. Angela says she stopped working for Kelly in the mid-90s and never confronted him about the incidents.

Yesterday was the 15th day of the trial. Previously, a male witness also accused Kelly of grooming him and attested to the singer’s penchant for sex with underage girls.

This weekend was a big one for the music world, as both the VMAs and the Met Gala took place back-to-back. Musicians like Rihanna, Lorde, Billie Eilish and Kacey Musgraves put on their most avant-garde looks at the celebrity ball, but one artist wasn’t in attendance for a good reason. Halsey, who gave birth to their first child just weeks ago, decided to stay home from the event, triggering a flood of critics labeling them privileged. But Nicki Minaj, another new mother, jumped to their defense.

It also started when one fan inquired why they didn’t see Halsey in an eye-catching gown at the Met Gala. In a few since-deleted tweets, he singer replied that they was still breastfeeding, and the idea of going to work right shortly after giving birth is a uniquely American expectation. “I’m still breastfeeding <3 I only had my baby 7 weeks ago. There’s nothing more ‘American fashion’ than moms having to go back to work after just giving birth lol.”

Halsey was simply pointing out the fact that America is the only industrialized country without guaranteed maturity leave, but apparently some Twitter critics thought Halsey’s privilege was showing. “I wouldn’t have had a way to pump my breasts which would have been insanely painful,” they explained. “I understand I’m incredibly privileged to afford time off but the demands are still prevalent and the biology does not excuse me.”

After seeing the discourse, Minaj was quick to chime in. Reposting the tweets to her Instagram Stories, Minaj told Halsey they “don’t have to explain” their decision to not attend the Met Gala. “What is wrong w/ y’all attacking new mothers on their decisions?” she wrote.

Last November, Jason Isbell promised that if Joe Biden won the presidential vote in Georgia, he would record a covers album featuring songs by artists from the state. Sure enough, Biden did end up getting the Georgia vote, and sure enough, Isbell is making good on his word: Today, Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit announced Georgia Blue, which is set for release on October 15.

The first release from the project is a rendition of R.E.M.’s “Driver 8” with John Paul White. Beyond that, there are appearances from Julien Baker, Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, and plenty of others, performing songs by James Brown, Cat Power, The Allman Brothers Band, and more.

Isbell says of the endeavor:

“Georgia Blue is a labor of love. On election day 2020, when I saw that there was a good chance the state of Georgia might go blue, I came up with an idea: to record an album of Georgia-related songs as a thank you to the state and donate the money to a Georgia-based non-profit organization. I will admit my motivations were a bit selfish. For years, I’ve been looking for an excuse to record these songs with my band and some friends. The songs on this album are some of my favorite Georgia-related songs…We have roots and blues and R&B, so we enlisted some brilliant artists to help us pull off songs by Precious Bryant, James Brown and Gladys Knight. My favorite part of the Georgia Blue recording process was having the opportunity to work with these very special artists, and I thank them: Amanda Shires, Brittney Spencer, Adia Victoria, Brandi Carlile, Julien Baker, Bèla Fleck, Chris Thile, Steve Gorman, Peter Levin and John Paul White. I hope you enjoy listening to these recordings as much as we enjoyed making them. Keep listening to good music and fighting the good fight.”

Proceeds from the project will benefit a trio of non-profit organizations: Black Voters Matter, Fair Fight, and Georgia STAND-UP.

Check out the Georgia Blue art and tracklist below.

1. “Nightswimming” Feat. Béla Fleck and Chris Thile (R.E.M. cover)
2. “Honeysuckle Blue” Feat. Sadler Vaden (Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ cover)
3. “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” Feat. Brittney Spencer (James Brown cover)
4. “Cross Bones Style” Feat. Amanda Shires (Cat Power cover)
5. “The Truth” Feat. Adia Victoria (Precious Bryant cover)
6. “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” (Otis Redding cover)
7. “Sometimes Salvation” Feat. Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes cover)
8. “Kid Fears” Feat. Julien Baker and Brandi Carlile (Indigo Girls cover)
9. “Reverse” (Now It’s Overhead cover)
10. “Midnight Train To Georgia” Feat. Brittney Spencer and John Paul White (Gladys Knight & The Pips cover)
11. “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” Feat. Peter Levin (The Allman Brothers Band cover)
12. “I’m Through” (Vic Chesnutt cover)
13. “Driver 8” Feat. John Paul White (R.E.M. cover)

Georgia Blue is out 10/15 via Southeastern Records. Pre-order it here.

Indie music has grown to include so much. It’s not just music that is released on independent labels, but speaks to an aesthetic that deviates from the norm and follows its own weirdo heart. It can come in the form of rock music, pop, or folk. In a sense, it says as much about the people that are drawn to it as it does about the people that make it.

Every week, Uproxx is rounding up the best new indie music from the past seven days. This week we got the massive tribute album to Metallica’s self-titled LP, Ryan Pollie’s first new single in two years, and another taste of the forthcoming album from Illuminati Hotties. Check out the rest of the best new indie music below.

While we’re at it, sign up for our newsletter to get the best new indie music delivered directly to your inbox, every Monday.

Metallica – The Metallica Blacklist

2021 marks 30 years since the release of Metallica’s legendary self-titled fifth album, and the band is celebrating the occasion with an absolutely massive compilation of covers from some of the world’s biggest — as well as the most promising — artists. The Metallica Blacklist features 50+ renditions of classic cuts from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Mac DeMarco, Rina Sawayama, Weezer, Jason Isbell, St. Vincent, Pup, Corey Taylor, Cage The Elephant, J Balvin, Moses Sumney, The Neptunes, Portugal The Man, Phoebe Bridgers, My Morning Jacket, Darius Rucker, Chris Stapleton, Idles, and Kamasi Washington.

Sleigh Bells – Texis

Sleigh Bells have been quiet since the release of their 2017 Kid Kruschev EP, but now the veteran noise-pop duo is back with an all new collection of distorted cuts in the form of Texis. “We stopped worrying about whether or not we’re in or out of our comfort zone, or if we were being repetitive or formulaic,” producer/guitarist Derek Miller said in a statement. The resulting effort is something uniquely Sleigh Bells, and indicative of their raw power as a duo.

Park Hye Jin – Before I Die

On her debut album, Park Hye Jin dials into something almost intangible, alternating between Korean and English across its 15 tracks. Before I Die creates a unique sonic world rife with skittering beats and melodic vocals which demonstrates the DJ, singer, rapper, and producer’s incredible knack for musical world building.

Amyl & The Sniffers – Comfort To Me

There’s not a ton of tried-and-true snotty punk rock going around these days. Australian firebrands Amyl & The Sniffers caught my attention with their ferocious self-titled debut back in 2019, a collection of ferocious punk songs reminiscent of bands like The Germs (with better vocal performances). On their sophomore album, Comfort To Me, Amyl & The Sniffers throw a layer of polish onto their brash sound and dial into some impressive, yet still volatile, melodic hooks.

mxmtoon – True Colors

Earlier this year, indie-pop phenom mxmtoon announced that she would be serving as the singing voice for Alex Chen, in the latest entry of the critically-acclaimed video game series, Life Is Strange: True Colors. In conjunction with the game’s release, mxmtoon has shared four tracks that she sings within the game’s narrative, another exciting entry in the increasingly impressive resume of the songwriter.

Low – Hey, What

According to Steven Hyden in a recent issue of the Indie Mixtape newsletter, long-running Minnesota outfit Low “has effectively mined narrow sonic terrain for decades — they either make really pretty slow-paced guitar music, or relatively aggressive slow-paced music.” But the band’s 2018 LP Double Negative sent them on a whole new sonic adventure toward a more experimental sound, a trend that continues on their new album Hey What, which finds Low perfecting the balance between noise and ambiance for something truly beautiful.

King Krule – You Heat Me Up, You Cool Me Down

King Krule’s new live album was pieced together from the lone trio of shows that Archy Marshall was able to perform in 2020 before the pandemic forced him to cancel his extensive tour. Even so, You Heat Me Up, You Cool Me Down serves as a document of an artist ready to take the leap into stardom. The songs here are completely reimagined from their studio versions, a representation of the vitality and necessity of live music.

Gully Boys – Favorite Son EP

Just a few weeks after sharing the single “The Way,” Gully Boys have unleashed their new EP. At just five tracks, Favorite Son hearkens back to the ethos and excitement of Riot Grrrl, espousing the message of rage in the patriarchy, but never at the expense melody and driving instrumentation. As they head out on the road this fall, keep your eye on Gully Boys.

Ryan Pollie – “The Shore House”

Ryan Pollie’s first new song in two years kicks off like a ’70s pop ballad. Featuring a string quartet and a lonely harpist, as well as some conceptual foley work from a desk bell and a gym whistle, “The Shore House” is a track inspired by Pollie’s own father, telling the story of a man raising a family in the suburbs, all the while wishing that they would have the same freewheeling youth that he did as a kid on the shore.

Angel Du$t – “Big Bite”

Angel Du$t’s new music doesn’t really sound anything like their old music. What started as a hardcore band and pivoted to melodic acoustic rock has now morphed into a driving power pop outfit. “People get really married to the idea of making a record that sounds like the same band,” vocalist / guitarist Justice Tripp explained in a statement. “If one song to the next doesn’t sound like it’s coming from the same band, I’m ok with that.” “Big Bite” is the first preview of the band’s forthcoming LP AK: A Collection Of Truck Songs, which has the band setting their sights on something completely new.

Illuminati Hotties – “Threatening Each Other Re: Capitalism”

Illuminati Hotties’ anticipated new LP Let Me Do One More is still a few weeks away, but they haven’t been shy about sharing new music in its lead-up. “Threatening Each Other Re: Capitalism” is the latest offering from the album, which Rachel Brodsky calls for Uproxx a “mild-mannered” track that “plays out much more chill than its title suggests.”

Super American – “RIP Jeff”

Buffalo, New York alternative rockers Super American are prepping their new album Sup, and the new track “RIP Jeff” is essentially about ego death, identifying the parts of your psyche that hold you back and finding ways to push them away. It’s a relatively mellow track featuring clean guitars and melodic vocals, which enable the listener to really dig into the lyrics, which the band said in a statement are about “wanting so desperately to be a better and happier person while having innumerable thoughts crashing into each other simultaneously from every direction in your brain at all hours of the day and then looking around and realizing most people are probably not thinking about any single thing at all and wishing you could do the same.”

Save Face – “Bury Me (Tonight!)”

I think I played a show with New Jersey’s Save Face once in a past life. Once a local pop-punk band, Save Face is now signed to Epitaph, and “Bury Me (Tonight!),” the lead single from their forthcoming album Another Kill For The Highlight Reel, incorporates the operatic drama of the best My Chemical Romance songs with absolutely massive production from The Movielife’s Brett Romnes, anthemic guitars, and pummeling percussion.

Blush Cameron – “Julietta”

Blush Cameron is one of my favorite up-start projects. It’s the endeavor of songwriter Geoff Webb, a solo writer/producer who creates everything in his bedroom, but the DIY limitations don’t apply to the songwriting here, with massive hooks that will remain stuck in your head for days if not weeks. “Julietta” is the latest self-released single, a lo-fi power-pop masterpiece.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Stephen Colbert and The Late Show crew couldn’t help but have a little fun with Kim Jong-Un’s weight loss on Monday night. The North Korean dictator has been noticeably looking less plump as of late, so The Late Show decided to jump to the inevitable next step in Kim’s weight loss journey: Shilling his own workout video.

In a parody video for “Uns of Steel,” Kim promises his subjects that they can achieve the same head-turning results as their Dear Leader if they order today:

Greetings glorious people, it is me, Kim Jong-Un. You may not recognize me because I am now the hottie with the body. And now you too can achieve the same glorious results with my new workout video: Uns of Steel.

When one catches a glimpse of your glorious melon, they will say “Pyeong-Dang.” So order Uns of Steel today and get a one year supply of my Nutri-Shake: Kim-Fast.

While the “Uns of Steel” gag is great, nothing can top the beginning of the clip where Colbert aired actual footage of Fox News host Rachel Campos literally gushing about Kim Jong-Un’s new look. The anchor even went so far to say that the North Korean dictator “looks better than our president,” which is an objectively weird thing to say.

One, Campos is praising a fascist dictator who routinely threatens to nuke the U.S. Two, Biden is decades years older than Kim Jong-Un. Looking better than an almost octogenarian is kind of a low bar, don’t you think?

The Met Gala is a glamorous affair with impossibly attractive people in fancy clothes paying $30,000 to attend — and eat food that’s reminding people of the Fyre Festival. You never, in any circumstance, want to remind people of the Fyre Festival.

Keke Palmer hosted the red carpet live stream for this year’s event (the theme: “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion,” whatever that means), and when the Hustlers actress wasn’t comparing herself to Will Ferrell characters (“I’m like Ron Burgundy, just put it in the prompter and I’m good”), she was taking photos of the grub.

“Give us all the teaaaa! What’s on the menu? Who sniffing a lil under the table?” a Twitter follower requested of Palmer when she was inside the event. She did not disappoint. “The menu chile,” she tweeted, along with a photo of a meager pile of vegetables on a large plate. The caption on the photo: “This why they don’t show y’all the food. I’m just playinnnn.” That was followed by the eyes emoji.

Leading up to the annual fashion extravaganza carefully curated by Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the fashion magazine published a piece noting that, for the first time in Met Gala history, the food dished out to attendees would be totally plant-based with a focus on sustainability.

I’m sure the food tasted better than it looks in Palmer’s photo, and the plant-based concept is an environmentally-friendly concept from many talented chefs. But at the same time, maybe add one hot dog to the menu next year. For Teyana Taylor’s sake.

(Via Insider)

This week in pop music saw new music from some of today’s biggest pop artists. Ed Sheeran offered a new tune, Kacey Musgraves dropped her highly anticipated album, and SZA shared an affecting track for a movie soundtrack.

Each week, Uproxx rounds up the best new pop releases. Listen up.

Ed Sheeran — “Shivers”

Ed Sheeran is one of the most successful pop stars of the last decade, and his new single “Shivers” displays his talent for writing catchy, chart-climbing hits. The track is a wonderfully buoyant anthem about a new crush and marks the third song Sheeran has shared ahead of his upcoming album =, which is slated for a late-October release.

Kacey Musgraves — “Simple Times”

With her new album Star-Crossed, Kacey Musgraves is back and better than ever. Her LP, which fans have been calling her “divorce album,” includes the track “Simple Times,” a subdued reflection on the relatable feeling of nostalgia for the youthful days of lipgloss and mall visits with friends.

SZA — “The Anonymous Ones”

Fans have been patiently waiting any news about a new album from SZA. While the singer is still keeping her fans at bay for a full-length release, SZA did share an emotional tune for the upcoming Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack. “Anonymous Ones” sees the singer attempting to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight as she sings of putting her burdens behind her.

Lana Del Rey — “Arcadia”

Lana Del Rey has finally set a solid release date for her LP Blue Banisters, which she confirmed with the swooning single “Arcadia.” The track sees the singer returning to her “Video Game” days, delivering a quiet piano ballad featuring veiled lyrics that detail her rise to fame through her journey moving to LA. “I’ve never felt the need to promote myself or tell my story, but if you’re interested this album does tell it- and does pretty much nothing more,” Del Rey said about the upcoming album alongside “Arcadia.”

Chlöe — “Have Mercy”

After much teasing, Chloe x Halle singer Chlöe officially kicks off her solo career with the sultry single “Have Mercy.” A strong solo debut, the song proves Chlöe is a force to be reckoned. The empowering anthem showcases Chlöe’s confidence through her boastful lyrics and honeyed vocals, making fans excited to see what’s next from the singer.

Troye Sivan — “Angel Baby”

For his first new track of 2021, Troye Sivan goes full ’90s love ballad. His new track “Angel Baby” is a synth-heavy crush song that daydreams about the perfect romantic partner. “‘Angel Baby’ is my crack at an adoring, doting, love struck, mega pop, gay, power ballad. I thought we needed a few more of those,” Sivan said about his new release.

Sabrina Carpenter — “Skinny Dipping”

Offering up her second song of the year, Sabrina Carpenter puts her past behind her with her poetic single “Skinny Dipping.” The song showcases Carpenter’s cathartic songwriting, detailing a hopeful story of reigniting a past flame over a wistful guitar. “One day we’ll be older and see our past experiences with such fresh eyes that maybe the bad things won’t feel so bad, and trust that life will lead us exactly where we’re meant to be,” Carpenter said about the song in a statement.

Remi Wolf — “Sexy Villain”

Whether its self-sabotage or at the expense of another, we can all be sexy villains at one point or another. Remi Wolf knows this all too well, so she transformed her personal woes into an addictive pop tune. Showcasing her whimsical songwriting, the new track further previews her upcoming debut album Juno, proving that her listeners are in store for a playful and catchy LP.

Lisa — “Lalisa”

K-pop star Lisa is the latest Blackpink member to pivot to a solo career this week with her debut single “Lalisa.” With thumping bass and playful lyrics, it’s no surprise Lisa’s fanbase jumped on board with the track and made the video rack up over 50 million views in just 12 hours on YouTube.

R3hab, Jonas Blue — “Sad Boy” Feat. Ava Max, Kylie Cantrall

R3hab, Jonas Blue, Ava Max, and Kylie Cantrall joined forces this week for the radio-ready hit “Sad Boy.” The electric earworm is everything you’d want in a pop collaboration: A fluttering beat drop, empowering lyrics, and Max and Cantrall sugarcoated vocals. “This song is all about having a crush on that dark, mysterious person people may not expect,” Max said about the new track.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

UK DIY upstart PinkPantheress has shared a new video for her bouncy single “Just For Me.” The brief clip, which is co-directed by the singer, shows PinkPantheress hosting a subdued live show. Against a stark white background, a small audience watches, and some members embrace. There’s also lots of ancient technology present, including CDs and flip phones. Just enough to make an elder millennial start digging their own grave. Just kidding — the video is just as much fun as the rapid-fire pop track, which PinkPantheress has described as “a song based around unhealthy obsession and is almost a part two to pain.”

PinkPantheress remains a largely anonymous pop breakout; according to a few interviews she’s done, the songs she’s released were written in her college dorm in London (“I have my uni work to do, and I didn’t have the luxury of a recording studio or ‘creative me-time,’” she’s said). Aesthetically, PinkPantheress draws significant influence from Lily Allen, ’90s and ’00s pop and punk acts, and K-pop. “A lot of my melody choices are from pop-punk bands like Blink-182 and Good Charlotte,” she told Dazed. “Some of the more complex melodies derive from early Panic! At The Disco, the beat choices are inspired by a lot of K-pop, Linkin Park, Frou Frou, and British dance music.”

Watch the “Just For Me” video above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.