Music & Culture

'Sellout' explores how anti-establishment views in punk puts bands in a tough spot

6:23pm October 26, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

In his new book Sellout, Dan Ozzi explores the punk phenomenon where anti-establishment clout is currency and while it's hard to pay your bills on principles, selling out often led to buyer's remorse.

Music & Culture

Béla Fleck goes back to bluegrass, his first musical love

3:54pm October 26, 2021

For the first time in over two decades, Fleck has returned to the genre with My Bluegrass Heart, an ambitious double album.

Music & Culture

'Feel Flows' captures the Beach Boys at the peak of their artistry

1:29pm October 26, 2021

by Ken Tucker

A new 5-disc reissue of the 1970 and 1971 albums Sunflower and Surf's Up reveals the Beach Boys at a crossroads, having moved beyond surf-music pop hits, and shooting for more mainstream success.

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Ed Sheeran performs a Tiny Desk (home) concert.

Music & Culture

Ed Sheeran: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

12:29pm October 26, 2021

by Bobby Carter

Ed Sheeran performs a Tiny Desk (home) concert surrounded by bookshelves and a host of world-class musicians.

Prince performs in Paris at the Grand Palais on Oct. 11, 2009. The musician died in 2016.

Lawmakers may honor Prince with a Congressional Gold Medal

11:16am October 26, 2021

by Jaclyn Diaz

Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Ilhan Omar introduced the bill calling for Prince to posthumously receive the award. The Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded to only 163 people since 1776.

In their book, Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen envision a more unified U.S.

5:50am October 26, 2021

by Audie Cornish

Former President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen's new book Renegades is based on their podcast. The book delves into conversations about race, the American dream and their stories of growing up.

Bruce Springsteen, Michelle Obama and Barack Obama in the Blue Room before the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony on Nov. 22, 2016. It's one of many photos featured in the Renegades book.

In a new book, Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen envision a more unified America

4:59pm October 25, 2021

In an NPR interview, the former president and the iconic musician speak about spreading hope amid widespread division and about the "critical patriotism" of Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A."

Ed Sheeran, pictured in 2018 at the Berlin International Film Festival, says he has tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 just days ahead of the release of his fourth album.

Ed Sheeran tests positive for the coronavirus, which may mean he won't perform on SNL

4:52pm October 25, 2021

by Nell Clark

The singer said he'll do as many planned interviews and performances from home as possible, but it's unclear what that means for his just-announced gig as Saturday Night Live musical guest on Nov. 6.

Opera singers (left to right) Elīna Garanča, Helen Donath and Tamar Iveri perform in Mozart's opera Così fan tutte at the Salzburg Opera Festival.

Music & Culture

5 opera scenes to sweep you off your feet

4:52pm October 25, 2021

by Tom Huizenga

On World Opera Day, watch scenes that will make you fall in love with the art form — from a crazy day at Mozart's diner to a trippy trip to China with Richard Nixon.

Janis Ian on the cover of the "I'm Still Standing" single.

Music & Culture

Janis Ian, 'I'm Still Standing'

3:36pm October 25, 2021

by Ann Powers

Good-humored and unsparing, Janis Ian's "I'm Still Standing" answers "At Seventeen" from life's other side, celebrating every line and rough patch on an older woman's face.