Music & Culture
No Hits, No Problem: Captain Beefheart's Major Label Run
In 1970, Warner Bros. Records had an unusual philosophy: they'd sign artists and, instead of wanting a hit single immediately, they'd develop them over several albums. Hence, Captain Beefheart.
Review: Courtney Barnett, 'Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit'
NPR music critic Will Hermes reviews an album that contains the best storytelling he's heard in a long time. It's the debut album from Courtney Barnett.
Art Pepper's Startling Intensity Captured On Live Recordings
Fresh Air jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that Art Pepper played like he was making up for lost time.
Using Computers To Connect With Classical Music
Yale computer scientist David Gelernter talks with NPR's Arun Rath about using computers and the Internet to teach young people to appreciate the beauty of what he calls "serious music."
Influential Guitarist John Renbourn, Co-Founder Of Pentagle, Dies
Renbourn co-founded the popular folk/jazz group Pentangle and was one of the most respected and influential acoustic guitarists in the world. He died this week at his home in Scotland; he was 70.
The Tale Of Mingering Mike, Who Painted Himself A Music Career
A self-taught visual artist who longed to make soul records, Mingering Mike ended up realizing his dreams on paper rather than vinyl. Decades later, his work is paying off.
LISTEN: A Cuban Protest Singer On The State Of U.S.-Cuba Relations
For decades, Carlos Varela has doled out incisive criticism of the Cuban government. On our recent visit to Havana, he sang a song he says reflects the mood of the country at this historic moment.
Courtney Barnett Makes Ennui Vivid On Debut Album
Barnett just released her first full album called Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit. Critic Ken Tucker says she somehow manages to infuse with a freshness rare in any songwriter.
Egyptian Singer, Meet Burundi Bassist. Play Among Yourselves!
The musicians who live in countries along the Nile rarely got to meet — until the Nile Project came along. Now they learn from each other, make records together and are currently touring the U.S.