Frank Ocean Drops Gauzy New Work, 'Chanel'
Ocean unveils his first new music since the release of Blonde.
Music & Culture
Just What Is 'The Wild Heart Of Life'? Japandroids' Album Title, Explained
After hearing the phrase "near to the wild heart of life" years ago, the singer/guitarist discovered it had a literary origin that perfectly suited the spirit of Japandroids' music.
Italian Band Soviet Soviet Denied Entry To The U.S., Jailed And Then Deported
The Italian post-punk group, which had tried to enter the U.S. to play at member station KEXP and then at SXSW, says it was sent back to Italy by authorities after spending the night in jail.
Valerie June On World Cafe
The Tennessee singer begins this interview with a curious remark: "I really don't want to be in control anymore, of anything." Hear her play songs from her new album, The Order Of Time.
Charli XCX's Mixtape 'Number 1 Angel' Is A Fantastic Pop Diary
While we await the follow-up to 2014's Sucker, Charli XCX has released a mixtape that indulges in the margins of slinky R&B, syrupy hip-hop and bizzaro electro-pop.
Across the Blue Ridge #63- Grammy awards & listening sessions
This week we take a detour from the old dirt roads and head for the 2017 Grammy Awards. Listen to selections from the five bluegrass albums nominated for the award. The rest of the show
TGIRRD: Thank Goodness It's Record Release Day!
When music is distributed digitally — and available for advance streaming — what does record release day really mean? Plus, hear the latest additions to World Cafe's new-music playlist.
+1: Remembering Elliott Smith's Masterpiece, 'Either/Or,' 20 Years Later
Elliott Smith archivist and engineer Larry Crane discusses the challenges of making Smith's best album sound even better. Either/Or celebrates its 20th anniversary with a deluxe version.
Under Mary Ocher's Spell, A Spooky Village Comes 'To The Light'
Few records this year, so far, are as wondrous, pointed and odd as The West Against The People. Mary Ocher plays a spiritual guide in an occult-inspired video filmed in a rural German-Polish town.
A.B. Original Are The First Indigenous Artists To Win Annual Australian Music Prize
The hip-hop duo's independently released Reclaim Australia beat out Nick Cave and DD Dumbo, among others.