Random Music News for Saturday, March 18, 2017

American Express was founded on this day 1850. Which reminds me: I’ve got a bill to pay. And now, the music news.

1. Back in the grunge era, guitar solos were completely uncool. Here’s why.
2. Only Apple can fix some parts in iPhones thanks to this machine.
3. Amazon’s Alexa AI is now available on the iPhone (only if you’re in the US, though.)
4. What’s everyone talking about at SXSW this year? Border issues.
5. Speaking of which, here are some SXSW bands that suffered as a result.
6. Back in the days of the Cold War, the US and USSR fought using radio.
7. Why might end up seeing an avalanche of Britpop books. Here’s why.
8. It’s tough enough to be a pop star without suffering from sleep paralysis.
9. Elvis’ Graceland has turned 60!
10. If Donald Trump goes ahead and cancels the National Endowment for the Arts, here’s what could happen.
11. The Black Eyed Peas are now in the graphic novel business.
12. Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow have finally sold their NYC penthouse.
13. There’s now a musical based on pharma douche Martin Shkreli.
14. Pharrell Williams wants dudes to buy a $3,600 USD man bag.
15. Coachella is suing Urban Outfitters over trademark infringement.
16. Ed Sheeran already has the biggest-selling album of the year. And it took just one week.