The Current

Great Music Lives Here
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
The Current Music News

Music News: Owl City's 'Fireflies' becomes internet meme

Owl City performs in Los Angeles in 2012
Owl City performs in Los Angeles in 2012Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel

by Jay Gabler

June 21, 2017

One of the biggest singles ever to come out of Minnesota is "Fireflies," the 2009 number one hit by Owatonna-born Owl City. Have you ever really thought about the lyrics, though? Comedian Brandon Wardell did, and his tweet about it sparked an internet meme. Can you believe your eyes?

One Twitter user even crunched some numbers. How many fireflies? Owl City's Adam Young himself got into the spirit and offered a detailed answer on Facebook. If people are laughing at "Fireflies," Young is laughing all the way to the bank. "Please don't hesitate to reach out with any further questions," Young wrote to conclude his post. "Stream 'Fireflies' on Apple Music and Spotify." (Spin)

U.K. musicians cover Simon & Garfunkel for charity

U.K. music stars including the Who, Brian May, and two former members of One Direction appear on an all-star cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," released Wednesday as a fundraiser to support victims of London's Grenfell Tower fire.

"The modernized version of Simon & Garfunkel’s signature hit also incorporates electronic programming and London rap trio WSTRN’s guest verse before crescendoing with a gospel-styled choir," notes Rolling Stone.

Twyla Tharp sets more dance to Dylan music

Legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp is returning to the music of Bob Dylan, which she first set dance to in the acclaimed 2006 musical The Times They Are A-Changin'. Tharp's new piece, Dylan Love Songs, will debut in September in New York. Tharp is known for collaborating with rock stars; her 1981 piece The Catherine Wheel featured original music by David Byrne. (New York Times)

Mr. Hewson goes to Washington

Bono, no stranger to the corridors of power, visited Capitol Hill on Wednesday to pay his respects to U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, who was injured in a gun attack last week. Bono signed a get-well card for Scalise and met with members of the Congressman's staff.

When asked about the U2 frontman's trip to Washington, a representative said that "Bono is highlighting the lives saved by America's investments in foreign assistance and underscoring testimony given by 16 retired generals and admirals last week about the critical importance of development to America's national security." (Billboard)

Zayn says he was profiled

Zayn Malik, the former One Direction member who's now one of the world's biggest rock stars, tells the Evening Standard that he's been profiled at U.S. airports.

"The first time I came to America, I had three security checks before I got on the plane; first they said that I'd been randomly selected, and then they said it was something to do with my name, it was flagging something on their system," said Malik, citing his name and Muslim heritage. "Then when I landed, it was like a movie. They kept me there for three hours, questioning me about all kinds of crazy stuff. I was 17, my first time in America, jet-lagged off the plane, confused. The same thing happened the next time too." (Billboard)

SZA meets Drew Barrymore

R&B simger SZA is a pretty big fan of actor Drew Barrymore. In fact, SZA's new single "Drew Barrymore" is named in honor of her "endless inspiration." Barrymore appreciates the tribute, it seems, because she agreed to appear in the song's video. (Rolling Stone)