Music & Culture

Jeremy Messersmith's new album, 11 Obscenely Optimistic Songs For Ukulele: A Micro Folk Record For The 21st Century And Beyond, comes out April 14.

Music & Culture

Start Your Weekend With An 'Obscenely Optimistic' Ukulele Jam

2:31pm April 07, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

Hear "Everything Is Magical," the first song from Jeremy Messersmith's literally titled 11 Obscenely Optimistic Songs For Ukulele: A Micro Folk Record For The 21st Century And Beyond.

Josh Tillman, as Father John Misty, isn't always easy to love. Pure Comedy knows that.

Music & Culture

The Mad Genius Of Father John Misty

2:27pm April 07, 2017

by Robin Hilton

The singer takes aim at all of humanity on his sprawling new masterwork Pure Comedy.

Tash Sultana performs a Tiny Desk Concert on Feb. 17, 2017. (Claire Harbage/NPR)

Music & Culture

Tash Sultana: Tiny Desk Concert

1:15pm April 07, 2017

by Bob Boilen

It's astonishing to watch Sultana's fluidity on her instrument, like a natural extension of her body. She also plays bass, saxophone, trumpet, flute and more, but kept it "simple" for the Tiny Desk.

Skin On Skin: The Mongo Santamaria Anthology.

Music & Culture

For Mongo Santamaria's 100th Birthday, Hear 5 Of His Best

1:03pm April 07, 2017

by Felix Contreras

The great percussionist and bandleader's former student, Dario Rosendo, selects five standout tracks to celebrate Santamaria's centennial.

The Los Angeles synth-pop duo Night Things wants to turn your dreams into songs.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Night Things, 'Cost Of The Summer'

12:26pm April 07, 2017

by Megan Buerger

The Los Angeles synth-pop duo sounds like a sunny reboot of Duran Duran, and it wants to turn your dreams into songs.

Future Islands' new fifth album is titled The Far Field.

Music & Culture

Future Islands' New Album Stays Smooth, Even As Veins Bulge

11:51am April 07, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

The band's secret weapon is a kind of fearless sincerity — in its lyrics, in its propulsive urgency and in its frontman's willingness to throw himself into performances with guileless passion.

Dorothy Donegan, pictured here with the Camp Robert Smalls swing band, is featured on this episode of Piano Jazz.

Music & Culture

Dorothy Donegan On Piano Jazz

11:27am April 07, 2017

This week's episode remembers the flamboyant NEA Jazz Master with an early session from 1983.

Jack White just released a mostly instrumental riff dispenser titled "Battle Cry."

Music & Culture

Jack White Returns With A Song Actually Designed For The Stadium

10:59am April 07, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

Over the years, The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" has become a stadium anthem. Now, Jack White returns with a song designed, at least in part, to be played in ballparks.

La Santa Cecilia creates stunning music and visuals on its new album.

Music & Culture

La Santa Cecilia Shares 'Amar Y Vivir' From Forthcoming Visual Album

10:30am April 07, 2017

by Marisa Arbona-Ruiz

The Southern California band's interpretation of the timeless bolero comes from an upcoming project that documents its return-to-roots trip to Mexico.

Cameron Avery plays in the World Cafe performance studio.

Music & Culture

Cameron Avery On World Cafe

10:20am April 07, 2017

by Talia Schlanger

In this session, hear a different sound than you're used to from Tame Impala's touring bassist, whose debut solo record was championed by Jackson Browne.