David Dye's Top 10 Albums Of 2015
This year, the World Cafe host fell for an eclectic mix of albums, including gems by Courtney Barnett, Kamasi Washington and Tame Impala.
Music
Prince Drops A Surprise New Album
On Saturday, Prince released an album with no warning. Hit 'n' Run: Phase Two can be accessed via the streaming service Tidal.
First Listen: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, 'It's A Holiday Soul Party'
The soul singer's new collection of holiday songs may be destined to become a revisited classic.
A Prog-Jazz Suite About Architecture? Jacob Garchik Does It All
The composer and trombonist has covered a lot of territory, from jazz to Balkan brass bands to arranging for Kronos quartet. His latest album enlists three guitars and one very esoteric concept.
Tom Jones Unpacks A Suitcase Full Of Stories
Jones has been working double-time this year. He joins Linda Wertheimer to discuss a new memoir, tracing his life from a Welsh coal town to 20 years of superstardom — as well as a new album.
Candlelight Coda: Some Songs We Missed In Our Hanukkah Music Chat
There's more to Hanukkah music than Adam Sandler. In response to last week's interview with professor Josh Kun, listeners wrote in with comments — and more than a few new Hanukkah song suggestions.
Folk Alley's 10 Favorite Albums Of 2015
Jason Isbell was an obvious choice, as was Rhiannon Giddens. Can you guess who else made the cut?
'Wild Winter' Inverts The Holiday Album Formula
Scott Simon speaks with Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies of the British band Smoke Fairies, whose new album frames the holidays with chilly ambivalence.
'One More' For Sinatra, Who Took A Stand In Gary, Indiana
Frank Sinatra was born 100 years ago. NPR's Scott Simon remembers a moment when the singer tried to stop a strike by white students in Gary, Indiana who didn't want their high school to be integrated.
The Ladybugs Do Disney
Lead singers Martina DaSilva and Kate Davis immediately recall an era when intricate vocal harmonies were more common in jazz. Appropriately, they take on the music of classic Walt Disney films.