Music

Music & Culture

New Box Set Shows Off The Twisted Rhythms Of Jazz Pianist James P. Johnson

2:39pm February 09, 2016

by Kevin Whitehead

Johnson was one of the greatest pianists of his time. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the Classic James P. Johnson Sessions (1921-1943) "paints a portrait of a working virtuoso."

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Music & Culture

Beyonce's 'Formation' Is A Visual Anthem

2:03pm February 09, 2016

Filmmaker and writer dream hampton says that Beyonce's provocative new video is "about a black future [where] we are imagining ourselves having power and magic."

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Music & Culture

Viking's Choice: Cobalt, 'Beast Whip'

1:59pm February 09, 2016

by Lars Gotrich

Cobalt is a pillar of American extreme metal. Seven years after Gin, the duo returns with a double album, a new vocalist and the colossal "Beast Whip."

A young woman snaps a selfie in a new video from the band Liima, for the song "Amerika."

Music & Culture

First Watch: Liima, 'Amerika'

12:52pm February 09, 2016

by Robin Hilton

America, in a new video from the Danish electro-pop band Liima, is anything but the promised land.

Rihanna in October 2015, in front of the cover art for her album, Anti.

Music & Culture

Anti-Everything: The Culture Of Resistance Behind Rihanna's Latest Album

12:00pm February 09, 2016

by Erin MacLeod

The Barbadian pop star's album Anti includes so many musical styles that it's been tagged "adrift" or "confusing." But there's method — and plenty of Caribbean history — behind the madness.

Balloon drop at the All Songs Considered sweet 16 party

Music & Culture

Watch Every Performance From The All Songs Considered Sweet 16 Party

3:06pm February 08, 2016

by Robin Hilton

Glen Hansard, Dan Deacon, Sharon Van Etten and Kishi Bashi were just some of the artists who performed live at the sold-out party.

Music & Culture

World Cafe Next: Aubrie Sellers

2:35pm February 08, 2016

The garage-rock-loving Nashville country singer has music in her blood. Hear and download two songs from her new album.

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Tiny Desk Concert with Car Seat Headrest.

Music & Culture

Car Seat Headrest: Tiny Desk Concert

2:24pm February 08, 2016

by Bob Boilen

Will Toledo is a wordsmith with a vision, wrapping his faults and frailties in a DIY sound that's still finely crafted. Watch him perform three songs in the NPR Music offices.

Music & Culture

Remembering Folk Singer/Songwriter Dan Hicks

1:40pm February 08, 2016

by Ed Ward

Hicks, who died on Saturday, began performing with his band Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks in the late '60s. Rock historian Ed Ward has an appreciation. Originally broadcast Jan 10, 2002.

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This week's episode of Metropolis features a new song by Moderat.

Music & Culture

Metropolis: 2/6/16

1:25pm February 08, 2016

KCRW's Jason Bentley spins music by Flume, Massive Attack, Jamie xx and more in a two-hour EDM mix.