Music

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and celebrated critic Virgil Thomson, photographed in 1972. The Library of America has brought out a second volume of his writings on music.

Music & Culture

Critical Condition: Revisiting Composer Virgil Thomson's Masterful Prose

11:46am September 15, 2016

by Tom Huizenga

A remarkable American composer was also one of the country's finest critics. Another leading critic reflects on both his predecessor's work and music journalism today.

BANKS' second album, The Altar, comes out Sept. 30.

Music & Culture

'I Feel More Comfortable Being Confrontational': BANKS Comes Into Her Own

9:04am September 15, 2016

As she prepares to release her second album, The Altar, the singer talks about overcoming stage fright, embracing the power of her femininity and the importance of her grandmother's house.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Suzanne Ciani in the Sunergy documentary.

Music & Culture

Modular Synths Mimic Life In Suzanne Ciani & Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith's 'Sunergy'

9:00am September 15, 2016

by Lars Gotrich

The duo's music evokes the motion of ocean waves and sea life, as synths echo the natural world. Watch a filmed 25-minute companion piece to the pair's new album.

Ryuichi Sakamoto's score for the film Nagasaki: Memories Of My Son comes out Sept. 23.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Ryuichi Sakamoto, 'Nagasaki: Memories Of My Son'

8:11am September 15, 2016

by Marc Masters

The veteran composer crafts a masterfully emotional and poignant score to Yoji Yamada's heartbreaking new film. The 28 tracks here are so patient, they can make the world seem to move in slow motion.

When The Beatles embarked on tour in the U.S. in 1964, reporter Larry Kane was along for the ride.

Music & Culture

The Reporter Who Almost Said No To Touring With The Beatles

7:16am September 15, 2016

by NPR Staff

Larry Kane was 21 years old when he was invited to join the Fab Four on their 1964 U.S. tour. (He eventually agreed.) Kane appears in Eight Days A Week: The Touring Years, a new film about the band.

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Flock Of Dimes' new album, If You See Me, Say Yes, comes out Sept. 23.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Flock Of Dimes, 'If You See Me, Say Yes'

7:00am September 15, 2016

by Stephen Thompson

The newest project by Wye Oak's Jenn Wasner is a reflective, slyly infectious set of synth-pop songs. Throughout the album, the singer demonstrates her gift for patient, atmospheric slow burns.

Dwight Yoakam's new album, Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars..., comes out Sept. 23.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Dwight Yoakam, 'Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars...'

7:00am September 15, 2016

by Jewly Hight

On the 30th anniversary of his debut, the country star releases his first-ever bluegrass album — though this isn't quite the simple, back-to-roots affair the concept suggests.

Beach Slang's new album, A Loud Bash Of Teenage Feelings, comes out Sept. 23.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Beach Slang, 'A Loud Bash Of Teenage Feelings'

7:00am September 15, 2016

by Stephen Thompson

On its new album, the Philly rock band rattles the rafters with grace, power and concision. These are songs by and for the alienated, out-of-place, searching and otherwise disconnected.

Realizing Tupac Wasn't Cool, 20 Years Later

8:02pm September 14, 2016

by Leah Donnella

I was probably 9 years old at the height of my obsession with Tupac's "Hail Mary." I didn't know what I was capable of then, but I was not to be trifled with.

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On the Recycled Orchestra's recent visit to New York, we brought members of the ensemble to play on a midtown Manhattan rooftop.

Music & Culture

From Trash To Triumph: The Recycled Orchestra

7:49pm September 14, 2016

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

Young musicians from a Paraguayan slum have toured the world with instruments made of garbage. They've played with Stevie Wonder and for the Pope. Now they're in a documentary.

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