Ann Powers' Top 10 Underheard Albums Of 2017
Here's a list of 10 albums that deserve more year-end love than they're generally getting, a counter to an age where music has taken on an introspective function.
Music & Culture
Nate Chinen's Top 10 (Actually 21) Albums Of 2017
The best albums of 2017 delivered both comfort and challenge — both salve and spur. (That also applies to the honorable mentions listed, any of which could easily have come off the bench.)
Bob Boilen's Top 10 Albums Of 2017
Five out of these 10 records are debuts — a statistic that fits perfectly in the spirit of finding new music to fall in love with this year.
Recess For Adults: The Spirited Case For Dinner Parties
Brunch is the absolute worst. At least it is according to the hosts of The Dinner Party Download.
Alvvays, 'Dreams Tonite' (Live)
Watch the Toronto indie-pop band perform a romantic track from its sophomore album, Antisocialites, live at the KCRW studio.
The North Mississippi Allstars On 'Mountain Stage'
The modern day torchbearers of Mississippi blues make their third appearance on Mountain Stage and play songs from their latest release, Prayer For Peace.
For The Oklahoma City Zoo, Hippos Are A Christmas Tradition
NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Gayla Peevey, who sang the original version of "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas" in 1953. That song helped the Oklahoma City Zoo get its first hippo — and this past week, Peevey welcomed the zoo's newest hippo addition.
Rag'n'Bone Man On World Cafe
When Rory Graham was 19 or 20 years old, he sang in public for the first time. And he didn't really think there was anything special about his voice. Turns out the world disagrees.
The 100 Best Songs Of 2017
The songs of the year reflected deep needs — for safety, respect, money, self-definition, revolution — and often delivered their own form of satisfaction.