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Loudon Wainwright III goes back to the basics on 'Lifetime Achievement'

1:17pm August 19, 2022

by Ken Tucker

The singer-songwriter is known for his intensely autobiographical writing. When Wainwright turned 75 recently, he decided to make an album about trying — and mostly failing — to age gracefully.

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Music & Culture

ADG7: Tiny Desk Concert

10:00am August 19, 2022

by Bob Boilen

The nine-piece band filled the room with joy and a sound that's unique in Tiny Desk history, mixing shamanistic ritual sounds with Korean folk songs.

Traumazine raffirms Megan Thee Stalllion's skills as one of rap's bar-for-bar heavyweights.

Music & Culture

Megan Thee Stallion resets her terms with 'Traumazine'

9:32am August 19, 2022

by Shamira Ibrahim

The rapper's second studio album reaches for a confessional mode, making space for ruminations and grief — while reaffirming her skills as one of rap's bar-for-bar heavyweights.

Music & Culture

Demi Lovato on taking the power back through a heavy new album, 'HOLY F***'

7:25am August 19, 2022

"We'll just bleep this interview to death," says Morning Edition host Leila Fadel ahead of her conversation with Demi Lovato about a harder-edged new album, HOLY F***.

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Black Thought and producer Danger Mouse define a new lane for the rapper on the collaborative album Cheat Codes.

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'Cheat Codes' is the solo album Black Thought couldn't have made until now

8:12pm August 18, 2022

by Sheldon Pearce

A proper standalone LP from the voice of The Roots was rumored for two decades at least. Finally here, Cheat Codes isn't just excellent: It's a product of all the years it went unmade.

Emmet Cohen (left) and Houston Person (right) at Dizzy's Club.

Music & Culture

Pianist Emmet Cohen hosts a Harlem rent party for the modern day

1:31pm August 18, 2022

by Sarah Geledi

Pianist Emmet Cohen revives a Jazz Age tradition: the rent party, with "Emmet's Place." We bring you a swinging performance of the Emmet Cohen Trio with veteran saxophonist Houston Person.

Andrew Combs' new album, Sundays, is focused on hopefulness in the wake of hardship.

Music & Culture

On 'Sundays,' Andrew Combs seeks a roadmap to redemption

12:01pm August 18, 2022

by Brittney McKenna

In the aftermath of an early-pandemic breakdown, Combs sought solace in a regular songwriting routine. The result is a beautiful, intimate album that grapples with personal and existential questions.

Opera star Plácido Domingo, performing at a concert in Marbella, Spain on July 11.

Plácido Domingo linked to criminal ring in Argentina, prosecutors say

7:53pm August 17, 2022

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

Media in Argentina have broadcast audio recordings of police wiretaps that prosecutors say includes the voice of the famed singer making plans for a sexual encounter arranged by the crime ring.

Music & Culture

Theoxenia, 'Continental Breeze'

3:53pm August 17, 2022

by Daniel A. Brown

"Continental Breeze" blends classical antiquity and 21st-century sonic experimentation.

Music & Culture

Quevedo & BZRP, 'Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52'

2:39pm August 17, 2022

by Vita Dadoo

In BZRP's 52nd Music Session, The Club is alive and still swelling with possibility — one beat drop after another.