Music & Culture

Taylor Swift, performing in Shanghai, China on November 10, 2019. The pop star has been embroiled in a public dispute with the head of her former label and the company he sold it to over the right to perform her songs publicly.

Songs Against The Suits

by Ann Powers

In light of the ongoing acrimony between Taylor Swift, the boss of her former label and the mega-manager who purchased that label, a list of songs of artists railing against the powers that be.
A year ago, doctors told Joe Henry he had less than a year to live. The Gospel According to Water, his most poignant album ever, is another second chance in a career full of them.

Joe Henry's Next Second Chance

by Grayson Haver Currin

A year ago, doctors told the Grammy winner he had less than a year to live. The new The Gospel According to Water, his most poignant album ever, is another second chance in a career full of them.
Kokoko! performs during a Tiny Desk concert, on Oct. 1, 2019. (Mhari Shaw/NPR)

KOKOKO!: Tiny Desk Concert

by Bob Boilen

KOKOKO! are sonic warriors. They seized control of the Tiny Desk, shouting their arrival through a megaphone, while electronic sirens begin to blare.