In 2014, Pop Followed Beyonce's Lead
Beyonce's 2013 self-titled album explicitly connected feminism to sexual confidence; it cast a long shadow over the female-led pop singles that dominated Top 40 this year.
Music
'Voices Within The Music': A Brief History Of Guitar Effects
Be it an effects pedal or a hole stabbed in an amp, distortion and sound manipulation have long been part of rock 'n' roll's DNA.
Anatomy Of A Hit: Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone'
What makes one song sound like another? Sometimes it's coincidence; sometimes it's plagiarism. And sometimes, it's the byproduct of deliberate craftsmanship.
Finland's HIM Releases Early Work In 'Lashes to Ashes'
It's cold and dark in Finland, but the Finnish band HIM has been heating things up. HIM is currently touring the U.S.; two band members join NPR's Scott Simon to talk about their music.
Cornell To Digitize A Rich Hip-Hop Archive
The founding publicity director of Def Jam Records, Bill Adler, amassed a highly valuable collection of music, writing and images.
All Possibilities: The 'Purple Rain' Story
Though revered now, Prince's iconic 1984 film and album succeeded against daunting odds. Music critic and journalist Alan Light provides the details in his new book, Let's Go Crazy.
Before Dylan, Dave Ray's Blues Rocked Minneapolis
When Bob Dylan moved to Minneapolis in 1959, he was overshadowed by a singer and guitar player named Dave Ray of the blues trio Koerner, Ray and Glover. A new box set traces the singer's evolution.
In The Italian Alps, Stradivari's Trees Live On
The master luthier's violins and cellos include spruce from the Fiemme Valley. The forest still thrives, and its trees are still made into fine instruments.
Horace Tapscott's Giant Re-Awakened In A Reissue
Horace Tapscott led a big band in 1969, but his debut was for a quintet drawn from its ranks. Fresh Air jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a reissue of The Giant is Awakened.
With Downloads In Decline, Can iTunes Adapt?
Digital downloads of iTunes fell sharply in 2014, as consumers abandoned Apple's music store in favor of cheap, easy-to-use subscription services.