On Two New R&B Albums, An Old Soul Sound That Glows
New York's Charles Bradley and London's James Hunter Six both mix inspiration and replication.
Music & Culture
Natalie Maines: A Country-Music Rebel Rocks On Her Own
On Mother, Maines' first solo record, the singer moves beyond the music that propelled her to fame as a member of the Dixie Chicks. It features an assortment of pop and rock covers, including a reworking of the Pink Floyd song that lends the album its title.
Burt Bacharach: 'Never Be Afraid Of Something That You Can Whistle'
The award-winning songwriter speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about the value of melody, and writing a song about rain for a movie scene that had none.
Pistol Annies: Plain Truths, Sharp Humor, Three-Part Harmony
The latest album from the trio of Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe unites three distinct perspectives from some of the strongest voices in country music.
Caitlin Rose: A Singer Grounded In The Details Of Yearning
Dubbed a country singer by virtue of her Nashville base, Rose sounds more like a pop vocalist on The Stand-In. Drawing inspiration from Roy Orbison, Carlene Carter and countless others, Rose knows it takes an assured performer to sell the notion of vulnerability over the long haul.
A Funky-Fresh Sound From Somalia, With A Political History
A dance band called Dur-Dur Band ruled the nightclub scene in 1980s Mogadishu, thanks to a unique sound made possible by access to Western culture and instruments.
At Jazz Fest, Photographers Have A Culture All Their Own
Some of the most iconic images of New Orleans musicians have come from its annual Jazz & Heritage festival — thanks to the scores of photographers who crowd the apron of the stage, vying for the best shots. Eve Troeh, of member station WWNO, tagged along with one of them this year.
Natalie Maines On Motherhood, Eddie Vedder And Leaving Country Music
A decade after the Dixie Chicks' frontwoman came out against the Iraq War — the response to which brought the band's career to a halt — Maines returns with her solo debut, Mother.
Mick Fleetwood On Fleetwood Mac: 'It Would Make A Great Play'
Stream the band's new EP, and hear the drummer and founding member's thoughts on longevity, epitaphs and iTunes.
Marc Ribot Isn't Trying To Comfort Anyone
Marc Ribot has spent nearly three decades as a guitarist on the margins. Critic Robert Christgau explains why Ribot's new hard-rock album with Ceramic Dog ranks among his most daring pieces of music.