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Universal Music Group Donates Master Recordings To Library Of Congress

Universal Music Group Donates Master Recordings To Library Of Congress (photo)

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Nobody likes Congress these days, but don’t let ill feelings for your elected representatives get in the way of digging the Library of Congress, whose purpose is “to further the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people.” A great part of that is preserving our recorded audio heritage for all time. This is why Universal is donating 200,000 master recordings, which THR reports is the largest ever donation of recorded sound to this very fine cultural institution.

The donation consists primarily of “metal and lacquer discs and master mono tapes” from the 1920s through the late 1940s — original masters from the likes of Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

“A surprisingly high percentage of America’s recording heritage since the early part of the 20th century has been lost due to neglect and deterioration,” Librarian of Congress James H. Billington lamented. “The donation of the UMG archive to the Library of Congress is a major gift to the nation.”

A 1947 version of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is in the collection along with Louis Armstrong’s “Ain’t Misbehavin,’ Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald’s “Frim Fram Sauce,” and Les Paul’s “Guitar Boogie.” Other master recordings in the donation include material by Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo, and Judy Garland.

UMG president Zach Horowitz explained the donation, “Music is a distinctive feature of any historical period, and this particular collection of masters provides true insight into popular music’s humble beginnings and who we are as a culture today.” All the thousands of recordings will be preserved via digitization at the Library’s “Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpeper, Va.” The Library of Congress plans to stream the recordings for the public on a website launching in Spring.

IFC_Portlandia-S8_best-of-skits_subaru-blog

The Best Of The Last

Portlandia Goes Out With A Bang

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The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Catch up on Portlandia’s final episodes on demand and at IFC.com

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Your Portlandia Personality Test

The New Portlandia Webseries Is Going Your Way

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Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Uncle-Buck

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Hits from the '80s are on repeat all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC.

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GIFs via Giphy, Photos via The Everett Collection

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.



Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…

Always on

Slightly off