Music & Culture

Music & Culture

Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim Proves Himself A One-Man Movement On 'Ancient Africa'

3:33pm May 10, 2017

by Kevin Whitehead

The reissued album features the sound of the South African musician once known as Dollar Brand. Critic Kevin Whitehead says: "When Abdullah got a-rumbling, his piano was like a force of nature."

Queue Listen Now

Lori McKenna's latest album, The Bird & The Rifle, is available now.

Music & Culture

Hear The Nominees For This Year's Americana Awards On World Cafe

2:31pm May 10, 2017

by Ann Powers

Nominations for the 2017 Americana Honors & Awards were announced Tuesday. Hear interviews and performances from some of the nominees, including the Drive-By Truckers and Sturgill Simpson.

Music & Culture

A Mother's Day Mix: Songs That Remind You Of Mom

2:18pm May 10, 2017

This week we share the incredible stories listeners shared about the songs that remind them of their mothers, from Ella Fitzgerald to Shania Twain and The Mamas & The Papas.

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This Is The Kit's new album, Moonshine Freeze, comes out July 7.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: This Is The Kit, 'Moonshine Freeze'

11:09am May 10, 2017

by Laura Snapes

Inspired by its time at an experimental Berlin festival, this single offers a cool, cryptic introduction to the Bristol-Paris folk band's kaleidoscopic new phase.

A still from Mark McGuire's "Beginning Of Winter" video.

Music & Culture

Guitarist Mark McGuire's 'Beginning Of Winter' Is An Elegant, Looped Euphoria

11:00am May 10, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

"Beginning Of Winter" is built around delay guitar loop that feels like it's always been and always will be.

Music & Culture

Dance Yourself Ecstatic To Danish Post-Punks Lød's 'Folder'

10:25am May 10, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

The eight-minute "Folder" finds the nook between Joy Division and NEU!, Søren Gade howling over a frenetic, repetitive riff that can shake the bones out of your body.

Sheer Mag's debut album, Need To Feel Your Love, comes out July 14.

Music & Culture

Sheer Mag Share 'Just Can't Get Enough,' Finally Announces Debut Album

10:00am May 10, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

For a band built on short doses, the debut album Need To Feel Your Love is Sheer Mag's chance to spit a little polish on its boots, but just enough to keep the scuff.

Hear Altan's "Gweebarra Bridge" in this week's Thistle & Shamrock.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Bridges

9:57am May 10, 2017

Music commemorates the landmarks that span our landscapes — and is its own bridge across time and place.

Las Cafeteras' new video shares the band's vision for the U.S.'s future.

Music & Culture

Las Cafeteras' 'If I Was President' Offers A Vision Of Cross-Cultural Unity

8:34am May 10, 2017

by Catalina Maria Johnson

The Los Angeles-based Mexican roots band makes a statement with its latest video, daring viewers to imagine a future in which different cultures complement and enrich one another.

Nancy And Beth's self-titled album is out now.

Music & Culture

Nancy And Beth On World Cafe

8:00am May 10, 2017

by David Dye

That's the moniker for the punky vaudeville singing act fronted by actresses Stephanie Hunt and Megan Mullally. Hear an interview and live performance for World Cafe.