Music

Music & Culture

Viking's Choice: The Year In Cathartic Screams And Meditative Drones

8:34am December 26, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

When so much of 2017 felt broken, it felt good to scream along to punk and metal records. But more often than not, restoration for NPR Music's Lars Gotrich came from quiet music and a good cup of tea.

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Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Tshegue, 'Muanapoto'

8:06am December 26, 2017

by Sidney Madden

"Muanapoto" is exhilarating as it is unexpected — you're not sure where the beat will take you next, but you already know you want to be along for the ride.

Father John Misty inside the World Cafe performance studio.

Music & Culture

Encore Week: Celebrating 2017's Studio Sessions

8:00am December 26, 2017

Listen back to some of the best World Cafe interviews and performances of the past year, including Robert Plant, John Mayer, Hurray For The Riff Raff and many more.

Music & Culture

Robert Siegel On Why He Still Loves Beethoven's Symphony No. 7

4:36pm December 25, 2017

by Robert Siegel

The second movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 is a powerful and haunting piece of classical music. It's also a favorite of NPR's Robert Siegel. He explains why, and explores other recordings inspired by the allegretto.

Music & Culture

The Story Behind 'The Christmas Song'

12:23pm December 25, 2017

Mel Tormé famously co-wrote one of the most well-known carols of all time in 1945. His son, James, tells the story of how the song came to be.

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Music & Culture

'The Lonely, The Lonesome And The Gone' Is an Ode To The Underdogs

8:24am December 24, 2017

Lee Ann Womack's new album is packed full of classic country music characters. Womack tells NPR's Lauren Frayer that she recorded it in Houston because going back home fills her with hope