Music

Cuban singer Cimafunk performs with Tank and the Bangas (winners of NPR's 2017 Tiny Desk Contest), The Soul Rebels and the Queen of the Guardians of the Flame during a concert at La Tropical in Havana.

Music & Culture

Photographing A Musical Exchange Between New Orleans And Havana

6:07pm January 30, 2020

An indomitable musical culture survived the tragedy of the international slave trade. Alt.Latino captured a weeklong celebration featuring artists Trombone Shorty, Tank and the Bangas and Cimafunk.

This week, Bad Bunny released a tribute to his hero, the late Kobe Bryant.

Music & Culture

Alt.Latino Playlist: A Tribute, A Hip-Hop Remake Of A Cuban Classic And More

11:29am January 30, 2020

Bad Bunny's tribute to Kobe Bryant, the Cuban hip-hop pioneers Orishas' uncleared remix and proud Latina joy from Angelica Garcia highlight the playlist this week.

The Milk Carton Kids has already become a standard bearer for a new generation of folk artists and harmony duos.

Music & Culture

The Milk Carton Kids Answers Its Own Question: 'What Even Is Americana?'

9:30am January 30, 2020

The duo poked fun at the genre when hosting the 2018 Americana Music Awards, but they hold a deep respect for its musical traditions. Their latest album, The Only Ones, continues to build on them.

Music & Culture

Peter Case On Mountain Stage

9:00am January 30, 2020

by Dave Lavender

American songwriting luminary and Mountain Stage veteran Peter Case returns to the show with more of his original stories and songs packed with wry humor and searing details.

Music & Culture

Andy Shauf Takes Risks On A Refreshing New Concept Album, 'Neon Skyline'

2:11pm January 29, 2020

by Ken Tucker

The Canadian singer-songwriter wrote, produced and performed all 11 songs on his new album, presenting himself as a lonely first-person narrator pining over an ex-girlfriend.

Queue Listen Now

This week's episode features music by Scottish singer and songwriter Eddi Reader.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Songs Of The Bard

2:00pm January 29, 2020

Hear the decades-old songs of Scotland's National Bard, enlivened by the fresh voices of today's singers.

Leif Vollebekk performing live for World Cafe

Music & Culture

Leif Vollebekk Sees His Song 'Hot Tears' As Yellow

1:29pm January 29, 2020

The Canadian songwriter explains what it's like being a musician with synesthesia, meaning he can see sounds.

Jimmy Eat World performs during a Tiny Desk concert, on Dec. 6, 2019. (Catie Dull/NPR)

Music & Culture

Jimmy Eat World: Tiny Desk Concert

9:59am January 29, 2020

by Lars Gotrich

Jimmy Eat World showed up to the NPR Music office all smiles and no guitars. They borrowed a couple acoustics, a gong and a tambourine for a heartfelt set that included "The Middle."

From left to right, Mick Jones, Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon of The Clash, circa 1980. The band's classic album London Calling was released in the United States 40 years ago this month.

Music & Culture

'London Calling' At 40: Greil Marcus Revisits His Original Review

6:15pm January 28, 2020

by Art Silverman

"Rough. Funny. Expansive." That's how critic Greil Marcus described The Clash's album on our program in 1980. We brought him back to ask if he stands by his original review.

Queue Listen Now

Frances Quinlan's Likewise comes out Jan. 31 via Saddle Creek.

Music & Culture

Frances Quinlan Follows Her First Spark Of Creation

2:31pm January 28, 2020

by Marissa Lorusso

While members of Hop Along appear on her solo debut, Likewise is decidedly Frances Quinlan's vision. Her voice and unique, meandering melodies sit at the forefront of an inquisitive record.