First Listen: Exploded View, 'Exploded View'
A breathy voice floats over insistent beats in a mesmerizng collection of first takes. Singer Anika asks, "Can't you let me fly far and wide / Up to where I can reach the sky?"
Music
First Listen: Lydia Loveless, 'Real'
The country-punk singer-songwriter explores complex emotions with a newfound refinement. "If self-control is what you want," she sings, "I'd have to break all of my fingers off."
First Listen: Lisa Hannigan, 'At Swim'
With a quiet assist from The National's Aaron Dessner, At Swim is a triumph of understated versatility led by Hannigan's lushly swooning voice.
First Listen: Tobacco, 'Sweatbox Dynasty'
In his latest solo project, the frontman of Pittsburgh psychedelic band Black Moth Super Rainbow revels in all things synthetic.
Beats Bubble Up In The Latest Volume Of 'Hip Hop Family Tree'
Ed Piskor is back with another volume of his popular Hip Hop Family Tree series, this time chronicling the acts — from the Beastie Boys to one-hit wonders — that rose to the top in 1984 and 1985.
Killing Me Sharply With Her Song: The Improbable Story Of Florence Foster Jenkins
A Manhattan socialite, who sold out Carnegie Hall in 1944 despite having a very dodgy voice, inspired a new movie starring Meryl Streep — and aided generations of actual singers.
Luther Dickinson On World Cafe
The North Mississippi Allstar shares stripped-down songs from his newest album, which documents a lifetime of music.
The Thistle & Shamrock: Combos
Revel in the joyous sounds of unconventional multi-instrument lineups.
Hear Belle And Sebastian's New Olympic Anthem
The cheerful, buoyant instrumental track, titled "Olympic Village, 6AM," is tailor-made for a heroic sports montage.
Songs We Love: Aaron Lee Tasjan, 'Little Movies'
Invoking the figure of the cosmic cowboy, the East Nashville singer-songwriter taps into dreamy pop psychedelia. In the video, Tasjan is a mournful angel in a disco-ball suit.